Firas Assad ^1*, Ziad Chikh-Khamis² and Mazen Bufaur³

1 General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Hama Research Center, Syria.
2 Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Homs University, Syria.
3 General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Swedaa Research Center, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Firas Assad, Email: firasassad52@gmail.com, Mob.: 0988210995).

Received: 9/ 7/ 2025      Accepted: 23/ 11/ 2025

Abstract

The coccinellid Hyperaspis trifurcata (Schaeffer) is natural enemy (predator) associated with Opuntia cochineal scale insect Dactylopius opuntiae which damage Cactus in Syria. This research was carried out to study the potential of inoculative releases of H. trifurcata in Qatana region in rif-Dimashq-Syria. In 2021 season H. trifurcata was released in cactus field 1 in three points at 100 adults/point, when the infestation ratio in the two cactus fields 1 and 2 were in average; 32.4 and 35.4% respectively. The observation of Pedator population and infestation ratio in both fields were continued per three next seasons. The results showed that H. trifurcata had established in both cactus fields during 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons, it consumed different stages of D. opuntiae and reduced infestation ratio gradually. In field 1 the infestation ratio was in 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons in average; 34.78, 24.69 and 9.56% respectively. However, it was; 35.06, 25.87 and 14.51% those of field 2. The average number of H. trifurcata in 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons in field 1 was; 4.51, 3.35 and 1.6 adult/cladode respectively. However, it was; 2.97, 3.87 and 2.56 those of field 2, with positive correlation between predator population and infestation ratio. Based on these results, it was concluded that H. trifurcata had a potential in biological control of D. opuntiae under Syrian local environment.

Keywords: Hyperaspis trifurcate, Opuntia cochineal scale, Dactylopius opuntiae, cactus, biological control.

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Sultan E. Sheikhmous ^1*, faiza f. Al Dabel and Abeer Alabdallah

1 General Commission of Scientific Agricultural Researches. Qamishli Research Center, Syria.
2 Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Al-Furat University, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Sultan E. Sheikhmous, Email: sultan.sheikhmous@gmail.com ).

Received: 30/ 7/ 2025        Accepted: 23/ 11/ 2025

Abstract

The research was conducted in the insect Laboratory of the Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Qamishli during the 2020/2021 cotton growing season, with the aim of studying the predatory efficiency and biological characteristics of the predator, the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea, when reared on the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii in the laboratory. The results showed the presence of the predator from the beginning of the cotton growing season until its end, with fluctuations in population numbers. When the predator fed on aphids, the average developmental period for each of the first three larval instars was found to be: 3.2±0.45, 4.4±0.55, and 5.2±0.45 days, respectively. The average duration of the larval stage was 1.45±12.8 days, the average duration of the pupal stage was 7.77±0.55 days, and the average adult emergence rate was 80%. Results also showed that predatory efficiency increased proportionally with larval development, due to the increased food consumption required for growth. The average consumption of cotton aphids by the larvae in the three larval stages was: 75.40±11.57, 153±10.33, 249±51.16/cotton aphid, respectively, with an average consumption of 476.40±73.03. These results indicate the efficiency of the predator C. carnea as a biological control agent in the laboratory for managing cotton aphid populations.

Keywords: Chrysoperla carnea, larval stage, predatory efficiency, Aphis gossypii, cotton.

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Fadi Abbas^1*, Ghroud Al-Asoud², Thamer Al-Henish² and Mona Jumaa²

1 Homs Research Center, General Commission for Agricultural Scientific Research, Syria.
2 Field Crops Research Administration, General Commission for Agricultural Scientific Research, Damascus, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Fadi Abbas, Email: fadiab77@gmail.com ).

Received: 3/ 12/ 2025    Accepted: 15/ 1/ 2026

Abstract

This experiment was conducted at the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Homs Research Center, during 2025. Polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) was used to induce several osmotic potentials (0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8 MPa) in the germination medium of ten peanut genotypes to study the germination rate, germination speed, root and shoot length, then to classified the genotypes based on the previous indicators and the relative drought tolerance index into tolerant and sensitive to osmotic potential stress during the germination stage. The experiment was designed according to a completely randomized design (CRD), with three replicates. The results showed genetic variation among the studied genotypes in their response to changes in PEG6000 concentration in the growth medium. Germination percentage decreased with the decrease in the solubility potential of the germination medium (0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8 MPa) at rates of (91.11, 66.67, 60.37, 52.78, 15.93%, respectively). Germination speed also decreased with values (1.95, 1.40, 1.26, 1.07, 0.31, respectively). Both the radicle and plumule lengths of all genotypes decreased with the decrease in the solubility potential of the medium, and the rate of decline in plumule length was higher. The OP -0.6 MPa was considered the most suitable for screening genotypes, as the seedling length decreased by about 50%, the decline then increased sharply at -0.8 MPa. The responses of the studied genotypes to osmotic potential varied, based on relative drought tolerance indices and the Z-distribution plot, the genotypes Sori-2, Florispan, Batem 2025, and NC-7 were considered the most stress-tolerant, and therefore preferable for cultivation in environments more prone to water shortages compared to the other genotypes. Meanwhile, the genotypes Gazipaza, Gom-4, Sori-1, and Sahel were found to be the most sensitive.

Keywords: Osmotic potential, Polyethylene glycol (PEG6000), germination stage, seedling, peanut.

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Hasan Asad^1*, Hassan Khojah ² and Ghaitha Hasan¹

1 General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Tartous Research Center, Syria
2. Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Lattakia University, Syria

(*Corresponding author: Hasan Asad, Email: ashsn132@gmail.com , Tel: 0994137992).

Received: 27/ 5/ 2025       Accepted: 8/ 10/ 2025

Abstract

This research was carried out at Tartous Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Al-Jamasa Research Station, during two seasons (2020, 2021) and (2021 2022), under protected cultivation. By using randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. Six genetic types of eggplant used as parents (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6). The objective was to determine the effect of heterosis in first filial generation F1 of some fruit quality parameters (Yield/pl, total sugar%, soluble solids material%, acid percentage%, dry material%, and degree hardness kg/cm2 of fruit). Hybridization was conducted by half-diallel crossing scheme to obtain (15) hybrids for all crosses. The results showed highly significant differences between the parental types for all the studied traits. The hybrid (T3× T5) had the highest significant value of heterosis (24.998**) for yield/pl. The fourth hybrid (T1× T5) gave significantly the highest value of heterosis for total sugar percentage (%23.655**). The third hybrid (T1× T4) showed the highest value for soluble solids material percentage (9.414**%), also the second hybrid (T1× T3) for acid percentage (%- 9.942**). The hybrid (T3× T5) for dry material (%15.237**), and hybrid (T5× T6) showed the highest significant value of heterosis for degree hardness of fruit (22.258**) kg/cm².

Keywords: Eggplant, Half-diallel crosses, Heterosis, Protected cultivation.

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Ammar Mahmoud Mostafa ^1*

1 Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Lattakia University, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Ammar Mostafa, Email: ammarmostafa110@gmail.com).

Received: 7/ 9/ 2025               Accepted: 25/ 11/ 2025

Abstract

The poultry industry is considered one of the most advanced livestock sectors, relying on precise feeding and management systems aimed at achieving the highest production efficiency and meat quality. In the context of efforts to enhance the physiological and immune status of birds through the use of safe natural components, increasing attention has been directed toward plant-based additives with bioactive properties. Moringa oleifera is a plant rich in proteins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a promising option in poultry nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating different levels of moringa leaf powder into the diet of broiler chickens on selected hematological parameters and carcass traits. A total of 72 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were used in the experiment and distributed into four treatments, with three replicates per treatment (6 birds/replicate). The first group (T1) received a basal diet without supplementation, while groups T2, T3, and T4 were fed diets supplemented with moringa leaf powder at levels of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.6%, respectively, for a period of 42 days. The results revealed a significant improvement (P ≤ 0.01) in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume, along with a significant increase in white blood cell count and a reduction in the H/L ratio. Moreover, a significant improvement (P ≤ 0.05) was observed in dressing percentage and the weights of major cuts (breast and thighs), accompanied by a marked reduction in abdominal fat. These findings indicate that the inclusion of moringa leaf powder up to a level of 0.6% can improve hematological indices and carcass traits, highlighting its potential as a promising natural additive in broiler diets.

Keywords: Broiler chickens; Moringa oleifera leaf powder; hematological parameters; carcass traits.

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Ammar Ammar^1*, Mohammed Kheir Al–Othman¹ and Saleh Al-Moustafa²

1 Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Alfurat University. Dier-Ezzor, Syria
2 General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Dier-Ezzor Research Center, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Ammar Abbas, Email: ammarabbas1984@hotmail.com , Tel: 0991978115).

Received: 31/ 8/ 2025      Accepted: 4/ 1/ 2026

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted at the Research Stations of Salo in Dier-Ezzor Agricultural Research Center, during the season of 2023 to study the effect different of plant densities and mineral, biological fertilizer on some morphological and productivity traits for cotton (Dier Ezzor 22). The design of the experiments was Randomized Completely Block Design with the arrangement of split plot design with three replications. Plant densities occupied main plots (included 20, 30 and 40 cm between plants in the same row) with a fixed space 70 cm between rows, while the mineral, biological fertilizer (0% control, 100% mineral (NP) fertilizer, 75% mineral (NP) + bio-fertilizers, 50% mineral (NP) + bio-fertilizers, 25% mineral (NP) + bio-fertilizers and 100% bio-fertilizer) occupied sub plots. Plant densities had significant effect on all traits, increasing plant densities by changing in distance within the plants from 40 to 20 cm, increasing the values of plant height (92.47 cm) and seed cotton yield (4852.3 kg/ha) while decreasing in number of fruiting branches/plant (10.83) and number of open bolls/plant (15.77(. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the 100 % mineral fertilizer (NP) and 75% mineral (NP) + bio-fertilizer treatments in plant height (93.44 and 92.29 cm), number of fruiting branches per plant (13.56 and 13.18), number of open bolls per plant (20.93 and 19.89) and seed cotton yield (4860.2 and 4736.1 kg/ha, Respectively). It can be concluded the spraying cotton of EM1 with mineral fertilizer (NP) had a positive impact on studied traits.

Keywords: cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, mineral and bio-fertilizers, plant densities.

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Ammar Abbas^1*, Fadi Kazngi¹, Lama Kafa¹, Mohammad Nizam¹ and Alaa Hafi¹

1 General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Lattakia Research Center, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Ammar Abbas, Email: ammarabbas1984@hotmail.com , Tel: 0991978115).

Received: 3/ 9/ 2025     Accepted: 9/ 12/ 2025

This research aims to explain the importance of using the ET0 calculator model in estimating the evapotranspiration values for sunflower crop cultivar vulgaris which is adopted for coastal region. ET0calculator is characterized by the accuracy of evapotranspiration values, according to Bennman Monteith modified equation depending on (FAO n56) publication which is also based on a number of climatic factors include: maximum, minimum and average temperatures, relative humidity, wind speed and sunshine. The most affecting climatic factors were identified (maximum, minimum and average temperatures, relative humidity, wind speed and sunshine) by studying the simple correlation between the climatic factors and ET0 values, then the multiple correlation was studied. The evapotranspiration values varied according to the phonological phase, and the vegetative growth phase had the highest values. In general, the simple correlation showed low to moderate values through the phonological stages whereas the values of multiple connection were medium to high in general. The highest of multiple connection values were between evapotranspiration with relative humidity, temperature and sun shine (R 0.96) and the lowest values between evapotranspiration with both relative humidity and wind speed (0.43).

Keywords: Et0 Calculator ,sunflower , phenology, correlation.

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Issam AL Khoury¹, Fadi Abbas^2* and Imad Al-Deen AlJbeily ¹

1 Department of lands, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Homs University, Syria.
2 General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Homs Research Center, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Fadi Abbas, Email: fadiab77@gmail.com).

Received: 3/ 12/ 2025      Accepted: 9/ 2/ 2026

Abstract

This research was conducted Al-Duwayr region  north of Homs city, during the summer season of 2024, to study the effect of using different rates of vermicompost (2, 4, and 6 tons/ha), different rates of nitrogen fertilizer (75%, 50%, and 25% of the recommended nitrogen fertilizer amount), and spraying with 10% vermicompost tea, and their interactions, compared to the recommended 100% mineral fertilizer application, on some fertility characteristics of the soil planted by corn (Ghouta-82). The experiment designed according to a completely randomized block design and split plot arrangement with three replications. The results showed an increase in organic matter values, electrical conductivity, and available forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil with increasing vermicompost fertilization levels from 2 to 6 tons/ha. These levels had no effect on soil pH, while the interaction treatment (75% nitrogen and 6 tons/ha of vermicompost) achieved the highest soil organic matter content (2.41%), and the highest mineral nitrogen content (48.36 ppm), available phosphorus (16.65 ppm), and available potassium (240.5 ppm). Furthermore, the 50% nitrogen fertilization treatments with 2, 4, and 6 tons/ha of vermicompost increased the content of available forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil compared to the mineral control treatment. Therefore, the research concluded that it is possible to reduce the amount of nitrogen mineral fertilizers by 50% when adding 2-6 tons/ha of vermicompost, thereby enhancing soil fertility

Keywords: Vermicompost, nitrogen, soil fertility, maize.

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Ali Sabha*¹ and Lama Hamdan²

¹Researcher Doctor, General Authority for Biotechnology. Damascus, Syria.

²Dept. of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Latakia University, Latakia, Syria

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Ali Sabha, E-Mail: asabha46@gmail.com)

Received: 25/ 9/ 2025                   Accepted: 9/ 2/ 2026

Abstract: 

The research was conducted at the Biotechnology Center in the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering at Latakia University during the years 2024-2025, with the aim of studying Morphological characterization of Myrtus communis L. phenotypes and finding the genetic variability between them based on morphological characteristics in three villages has been identified belonging  is Dibash, Yarte, Mzyraa, The results showed the presence of Four phenotypes distinguished on the base of fruit morphology were used in this study. these plants exist in the form of groups of shrubs, carrying differences in many morphological characteristics. First phenotype has a bluish black fruits, the second phenotype with theatrophic green fruits, third phenotype with spherical and white fruits , fourth phenotype with white fruits witch has long form this phenotype is superior to the other of the phenotypes dimensions of the fruit and the weight of a hundred seeds , wet weight , and thick leaf, this phenotype is in the Yarte and Mzyraa mainly villages, there are not significant differences between the four phenotypes in the leaf dimensions, The average number of main branches is (7,8,9), there are not significant differences between the four phenotypes in the flower dimensions and the number of stamens in the flower ,the number of stamens is (143). The date of the beginning of the flowering of the phenotypes which is between (7-10) June and the beginning of the transformation to the fruits between (1- 3) July, Maximum flowering date of the models which is between (20-23) June Maximum transformation date to the fruits between (14- 19) July. Dendrogram of genetic relationships, based on the fruit morphology, showed a variability between all studied types. The four types were regrouped into two separated groups, the first includes types 1 and 2, and the second includes types 3 and 4 with a coefficient of genetic dissimilarity equal to 0.7.

Keywords: Myrtus communis L., morphological characteristics, wild types, genetic Relationship, Lattakia.

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Afraa Mutie Haidar*¹, Mohammad Zakaria Tawil¹ and Essam Allaf¹

1 Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Lattakia University, Lattakia, Syria.
(*Corresponding author Afraa Mutie Haidar, Email: Afraaafraa485@gmail.com).

Received: 19/ 12/ 2025          Accepted: 4/ 3/ 2026

Abstract

A semi-field experiment was conducted over two consecutive tomato growing seasons in 2024-2025 to study the effect of salicylic acid and the fungicide hymexazole on inducing resistance in the hybrid tomato variety *Pistona* against the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicislycopersici, which causes root and crown rot. Both compounds showed effectiveness in reducing the percentage and severity of infection to 61.1% and 27.8% respectively in infected plants treated with salicylic acid, while the percentage and severity of infection reached 72.2% and 19.4% respectively in infected plants treated with the pesticide, compared to the infected control, which had a percentage and severity of infection of 100% and 65.3% respectively.The stimulatory effect of both the pesticide and salicylic acid on tomato plants was demonstrated by increasing the concentration of methyl jasmonic hormone to more than 170 times and more than 350 times, respectively, compared to the infected control. Treatment of the infected plants with the pesticide and salicylic acid also resulted in the activation of the peroxidase enzyme to (214.2, 238.8) × 10⁻⁵ µmol/mg, respectively in contrast to the infected control, which had an activity of 151.3 × 10⁻⁵ µmol/mg, the total phenolic content increased to 17.5 and 16.5 µmol/g wet weight in infected plants treated with the pesticide or salicylic acid, respectively, compared to the infectious control, which had a total phenolic content of 13.9 µmol/g wet weight.

Keywords: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicislycopersici (FORL), root and crown rot disease, resistance inducer, salicylic acid, fungicide hymexazole.

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