Evaluation of heterosis for yield and some related traits in protected tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Ali Izzo¹*, A.M. Murie² Ali Hmdan², and Wafaa Zahde¹

¹Scientific Agricultural Research Center of Tartous, Tartous, Syria.

²General commission for scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Ali Izzo; E-Mail: izzo198899@gmail.com).

Received: 17/ 02/ 2025 Accepted: 8/ 05/ 2025

Abstract

The research was conducted at Al-Jammasah station – Agricultural Research Center in Tartous- Syria, during (2021-2022) seasons in order to estimate relative, superior and standard heterosis for yield and some other traits of tomato in twenty-eight hybrids produced by half-diallel crossing method of eight lines. Randomized complete block design with three replications were used. Most hybrids were characterized by high significant heterosis values for all studied traits compared to mid parents, better parents and standard hybrid for all studied traits. Heterosis reached (39.39, 39.39, 33.33) % for plant yield, (57.15, 39.89, 75.04) % for the number of flowers per cluster, (88.64, 62.75, 93.02) % for the number of fruits per cluster, (6.62, -, 13.47) % for fruit length, (28.00, 25.00, 43.33) % for number of locules per fruit, (16.13, -, -) % for pericarp thickness, and (27.13, 25.76, 15.70) % for firmness, compared to mid parents, better parent and standard hybrid, respectively. Based on the results of the study, the hybrids (Na10×Na25 – Na12×Na24 – Na6×Na25) could be considered as promising hybrids for yield and fruit quality traits to continue working on.

Keywords: Tomato, Heterosis, yield.

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An Econometric Study of the Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Production in Syria 1990–2020

Alaa Hamo ¹^* and Naji Al-Faraj²

¹Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Damascus, Damascus, Syria.

²Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering in Al-Hasakah, Al-Furat University, Al-Hasakah, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Alaa Hamo, Email: alaasuliman@outlook.com, Phone: +963951850626)

Received: 27/ 06/ 2025 Accepted: 3/ 08/ 2025

Abstract

The agricultural sector in Syria is a vital part of the economy, yet it faces growing challenges due to climate change. This study aimed to analyze the impact of climate change on agricultural production in Syria from 1990 to 2020 using a Cobb-Douglas production function. The study relied on annual data from the FAO and World Bank databases. The results showed a steady rise in temperatures, peaking in 2010 with an average increase of 1.5°C. In contrast, precipitation rates exhibited sharp fluctuations, ranging from the highest recorded level in 1988 (450 mm) to the lowest in 2008 (150 mm). The findings also revealed significant seasonal variations in the impact of climatic factors. Winter and autumn rainfall contributed to a 0.15% increase in production per 1% rise in precipitation, while increased rainfall in spring and summer led to a decline in output (−0.054% and −0.0208%, respectively). Regarding temperature effects, the production function indicated that higher temperatures in spring and summer had a positive correlation with agricultural output (T2, T3), while winter temperatures also positively influenced production (T1). However, rising spring temperatures were associated with reduced agricultural productivity (elasticity of −0.069%). Additionally, the results demonstrated that both cultivated area and labor had a significant positive impact on agricultural production. In contrast, fertilizer and pesticide use showed an inverse relationship with output, suggesting either excessive or inefficient application of these inputs. Furthermore, the De Martonne aridity index highlighted worsening drought conditions, with the dry season extending from May to October and peaking in July and August. The study recommends integrating climate change into agricultural planning to ensure sector sustainability, promoting rainfed agriculture to optimize natural water resources, and developing early drought warning systems to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability. Finally, farmers should receive financial and technical support to effectively implement these adaptive measures

Keywords: Climate change, agricultural production, Cobb-Douglas function, Syria, food security.

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Evaluation of edible coatings made of gelatin and gum arabic and their role in enhancing the quality of strawberries and extending their shelf life

Alaa Habeb*¹, Hanan Qarbi¹ and Bassam Aloqla²

¹Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

² General commission for Biotechnology, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Alaa Habeb, E-Mail: alaasdohhabeb@gmail.com).

Received: 15/ 05/ 2025 Accepted: 21/ 07/ 2025

Abstract:

This study conducted at the laboratories of the General Authority for Biotechnology in 2024. The aim was to study the effect of post-harvest treatment with gelatin and arabic gum on extending the shelf life and the quality of strawberries during storage. It also aimed to evaluate the ability of these natural substances to reduce weight loss and vitamin C content, and to control microbial contamination of strawberries stored under refrigeration conditions (2±1°C) and room temperature for up to three weeks. The study involved preparing solutions of gelatin and arabic gum at different concentrations (5-10-15%), immersing strawberries in these solutions, and then drying them. The results were compared with a control group treated with distilled water. Weight loss was assessed at weekly intervals, and vitamin C content was estimated using the titration method. Changes in total bacterial, yeast, and fungal counts were also evaluated. The results showed that treatment with gelatin and arabic gum generally reduced weight loss compared to untreated fruit, with this effect being particularly noticeable at higher concentrations (10% and 15%) of both substances. The treatment also contributed to preserving the strawberry’s vitamin C content during storage, with gelatin having a slight advantage in this regard. Gelatin and arabic gum coatings were shown to reduce the total counts of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi on the fruit surface, indicating a protective effect against microbial spoilage and the potential use of gelatin and arabic gum as edible coatings as an effective strategy to extend the shelf life of strawberries and preserve their microbial quality and nutritional value.

Keywords: strawberries, gelatin, gum arabic, weight loss, vitamin C, microbial population, edible coatings.

Full paper in Arabic: pdf

Awareness of Cattle farmers of the importance of converting agricultural residues into unconventional feed in Latakia Governorate

Safaa Dakhil^1*, Ibrahim Saqr¹ and Rabab Absi²

¹Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Lattakia, Lattakia, Syria.

² Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Animal Production Department, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Safaa Dakhil, E-Mail: safaadakhil5@gmail.com).

Received: 19/ 07/ 2025 Accepted: 3/ 09/ 2025

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess the level of awareness among cattle farmers in Latakia Governorate regarding the importance of converting agricultural residues into unconventional feed, as well as to analyze the personal and professional factors influencing such awareness.The study was conducted in 2024 using a structured field questionnaire distributed to a random sample representing 5% of the total cattle farmers in the governorate. The final sample consisted of 385 farmers, distributed across four main districts: Central Latakia, Jableh, Qardaha, and Al-Haffa.Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS and Excel software, employing descriptive methods (means, frequencies, and Likert scale), One-Way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to test the research hypotheses. The internal consistency of the instrument was verified using Cronbach’s Alpha, which .The results revealed that the overall level of awareness among farmers was moderate, with a tendency toward the lower end, particularly in practical aspects, despite a relatively better theoretical understanding of the concept. Statistically significant correlations were found between awareness level and several factors, including educational attainment, number of cattle owned, and access to agricultural information sources. However, no significant relationship was found with age or landholding size.The study recommends strengthening agricultural extension services and implementing hands-on training programs to enhance farmers’ awareness and technical capacity in utilizing agricultural waste for low-cost feed production.

Keywords: Cattle Farmers, Agricultural Residues, Unconventional Feed.

Full paper in Arabic: pdf

Calculating the averages of certain root traits and Yield characteristics and the correlation between them for varieties and single-cross hybrids of barely under dough stress

Saleh Saleh*^1, M. Shafik Hakim¹, and Abdullah Al-Yousef²

1Dept. of Field Crops, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Aleppo, Aleppo,Syria.
2 Aleppo Center of Scientific Agriculture Research, Aleppo, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Saleh Saleh,Email: salehalsaleh989@gmail.com,Mob. 0938386194.)

Received: 2/ 06/ 2025 Accepted: 5/ 07/ 2025

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Hmeimeh Research Station, affiliated with the Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Aleppo, over two growing seasons (2019/2020 and 2020/2021). Four barley single-cross hybrids and their parental lines were sown in three rows each on December 11, 2019, with the aim of producing seeds of the parental genotypes and obtaining F2 generation seeds. Backcrosses were also performed between F1 plants and their parents (BC1 with the first parent and BC2 with the second parent). Each row was 3 meters long, with a spacing of 30 cm between rows. In the second season, the parental lines and the plant populations (F1, F2, BC1, and BC2) of each of the four single-cross hybrids were sown on December 9, 2020, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to estimate correlation coefficients, path coefficients, and the relative importance of traits contributing to yield in the populations of the following four barley hybrids: (Arabi Aswad × Furat 3), (Arizona × Alanda-01), (Arabi Abyad × Avit), and(Rihan-03×Alanda-01). Grain yield showed a positive and significant phenotypic correlation with the number of productive tillers per plant(r=0.27), grain weight per spike(r =0.72), and number of grains per spike(r=0.81). Genotypic ally, it was positively and significantly correlated with the number of grains per spike(r=1) and grain weight per spike (r =1). Among the studied traits, the number of grains per spike (9.6380 had the highest direct positive contribution to yield, followed by the number of productive tillers per plant (4.452), which contributed indirectly through grain weight per spike (8.255) and thousand grain weight (1.543) in the four studied hybrids.

Keywords: Barley, Correlation Coefficient, Path Analysis, Dry Conditions, Relative Importance.

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Testing the effect of several liquid formulations of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum on the shelf life of biological control preparation

Shady Soliman *¹ , Moussa AlSamara¹ , Mohamed Ahmed ² and Nawal Ali ³

¹Department of Environmental Protection, Higher Institute for Environmental Research, Latakia University, Latakia, Syria.

² Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Latakia University, Latakia, Syria.

³ Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Latakia University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Shady Soliman. E-Mail shady-sm@outlook.com).

Received: 16/ 03/ 2025 Accepted: 23/ 11/ 2025

Abstract

Trichoderma harzianum is one of the most important biological control agents. It has a high parasitic capacity against economically important soil-borne fungal pathogens. It is also characterized by its high adaptability and ability to reproduce in diverse environmental conditions. The aim of this research was to study the effects of temperature, moisture, pH, and photoperiod on conidia production and biomass of Trichoderma harzianum. The results of the morphological and microscopic characterization of the isolate studied showed that its morphological description matched that of Trichoderma harzianum. The studied isolate gave the highest number of conidia 15.02±0.18 *109 spores/g at 30°C, and the average linear growth rate reached its highest levels 22.53±0.27 mm/day at the same temperature, while the studied isolate gave the highest dry weight of biomass 32±1.15 mg/g at 25°C. When testing the optimum pH, a significant increase was observed in the growth rate, average spore number, and percentage of inhibition with increasing pH up to 5.5, where it reached its peak of 24.4 ± 0.06 mm/day, 21.7 ± 0.88 * 109 spores/g, 57.1 ± 0.92%, respectively. These indicators decreased again with increasing pH. The 16:8 photoperiod treatment significantly outperformed the other treatments with an average spore number of 10.33 ± 0.17 * 109 spores/g. The average spore number at 25% moisture content was 2 ± 0.0 * 109 spores/g compared to 94.67 ± 2.2 * 109 spores/g at 55% moisture content, i.e., about 47 times.

Keywords:Trichoderma harzianum, conidial spores, growth rate, moisture content.

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The Effect of altitude on plant species biodiversity in Latakia Governorate

Somar Mariam *¹, Zuheir Shater ¹and Talal Amin¹

1 Department of Forestry and Ecology, Faculty of Agriculture Engineering, University of Latakia, Latakia, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Somar Mariam, E.mail:mariamsomar80@yahoo.com).

Received: 5/ 04/ 2025 Accepted: 29/ 09/ 2025

Abstract

This research aimed to assess the taxonomic and functional diversity of plant species in Latakia Governorate, and to contribute to understanding the effect of altitude on this diversity.The study was conducted during 2022 and 2023 in 67 samples area of 400 m2 each, distributed over four elevation zones (0-299, 300-599, 600-899, >900 m). In each sample, site data were collected and plant surveys were conducted using Braun-Planquet method. Taxonomic diversity indicators (Species Richness, Shannon index) were calculated in samples, and Sorenson index of similarity was used to calculate the percentage of vegetation similarity between the altitudinal belts. Functional diversity was studied through five elements, directly or indirectly related to ecosystem functions (sexual system, pollination pattern, life form, dispersion pattern and chorotype). Averages of species distribution ratios by functional characteristics were compared using Mann-Whitney test at 0.05 level, and Spearman coefficient was used to measure the correlation between biodiversity characteristics and altitude using the statistical software SPSS. The results showed a significant correlation between altitude and species richness (rSpearman = 0.28, p=0.02), also, many functional features were significantly associated with altitude. In addition, there was a clear difference in vegetation composition, between altitudinal zoness, through decreasing of Sorenson index values with altitude. The highest similarity was between the first and second zoness (39%), and the lowest similarity was between the first and fourth zones (31%), while the correlation between altitude and Shannon index was not significant (p>0.05). On the other hand, comparison of taxonomic diversity values between the altitudinal zones showed non-significant differences (p>0.05), while most of the significant differences in the ratios of functional traits between the zones, were between the first and fourth zones, such as differences in the proportion of dioecious species, hydrogams species, geophytes, and autochores. The study also showed a great diversity in geographic affiliation, as 26 different Chorotypes were recorded, and the distribution of these patterns was strongly associated with altitude, as European, Eurasian, Orophyte, Holarctic, Circumboreal and Oriental Mediterranean species prevailed at higher altitudes, while the rest of the Mediterranean species (Mediterranean, Central and Occidental Mediterranean), Irano-Turanian, Tropical and subtropical species prevailed at lower altitudes.

Keywords: taxonomic diversity, functional diversity, altitude, Chorotype.

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The Effect of Na cl Stress and Treatment with Silver Nanoparticle on proline acid content in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Raneem Melhem*¹ , Lina Al-Naddaf ² and Ali Ziak ³

¹General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Homs Research Center, Syria

² University of Homs, Homs, Syria.

³ General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Hama Research Center, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Raneem Melhem. E-Mial: Raneem.melhem.9933@gmail.com).

Received: 22/ 07/ 2025 Accepted: 29/ 09/ 2025

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Homs Research Center. General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, and the Biotechnology Center at the University of Homs, to study the response of some physiological traits of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) to irrigation with solutions prepared from two concentrations of sodium chloride (4 and 6 mmos/cm), in addition to a control irrigated with fresh water. The seeds were also soaked in four concentrations of bio-prepared silver nanoparticles by adding aqueous leaf extract (1 and 3 cm³) to silver nitrate (10 and 20 cm³) alternately to obtain concentrations (1:10, 1:20, 3:10, and 3:20). Fenugreek seeds were soaked in these concentrations for a 15 minutes and planted in pots. The experiment was conducted according to a completely randomized design with three replicates. The results showed a significant effect of increasing salinity concentrations on decreasing the relative water content and dry weight of the plant compared to the control irrigated with fresh water. Treatment with silver nanoparticles improved the values of these two indicators, and the 3:10 concentration (nanosilver:olive leaf extract) achieving the best values. Meanwhile, proline values increased with increasing saline concentration, and the 6 mmos/cm concentration recording the highest proline content in the leaves. Proline concentration also increased when the olive leaf aqueous extract concentration increased from 1 to 3 cm³, while proline content decreased when the silver nitrate concentration increased from 10 to 20 cm³for all treatments. The study concluded that when fenugreek is grown in saline conditions or when irrigation water sources are saline, the technique of soaking bio-prepared silver nanoparticles in olive leaf extract at a concentration of 3:10 for a 15 minutes before planting can be applied.

Keywords: Salt stress, silver nanoparticles, physiological characteristics Fenugreek.

Full paper in Arabic: pdf

The impact of climate change on declining rainfall effectiveness and increasing severity and frequency of drought in Qamishli during the period 1958-2018

Michel Skaff¹, Rana Saker ^1*, Laila Abboud ¹and Eileen Mahfoud¹

¹Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Latakia University, Latakia , Syria

(*Corresponding author: Rana Saker, E-mail:rana.saker@tishreen.edu.sy ,0993294699).

Received: 19/ 05/ 2025 Accepted: 21/ 07/ 2025

Abstract:

Monthly meteorological data for temperature and precipitation for the period 1958-2018 were used to study changes in temperature and precipitation and their impact on the precipitation effectiveness and drought characteristics in Qamishli. The Thornthwaite index was used to calculate precipitation effectiveness. The Standardized Precipitation Indicex (SPI) and Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) were used to estimate drought severity and frequency during the study period. Box plots and descriptive statistical analysis were used to study temperature and precipitation characteristics.Trends were used to estimate the direction and value of change in elements and indicators.The significance of change was verified using the Mann-Kendall test.The point change analysis was also used to determine the periods of change.To compare and detect changes between the periods 1958-1988 and 1988-2018, the T-test with probability and the difference in the percentage of drought recurrence were used. The results showed a sharp and significant trend towards declining rainfall efficiency due to rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation. The results also indicated an increase in the severity and frequency of droughts in the last decades.

Keywords: Climate change, Precipitation effectiveness, drought. Syria.

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Impact of Humic Acid and Seaweed Extract Treatment on Productivity of Pepper (Antakli cultivar)

Raghad Essa1 *, Ghaithaa Wanas 1, Aziza Ajour2, and Marwan Alabi 1

1 Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.
2Dept. of Soil Section, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

(*Corresponding author: Raghad Essa, Email: raghadessa648@gmail.com).

Received: 19/ 05/ 2025 Accepted: 21/ 07/ 2025

Abstract:

The research was conducted in Ain Al-Kroum village, Al-Ghab region, Hama Governorate, during the 2024 agricultural season to study the effect of two concentrations of humic acid (2, 4 g/L) and seaweed extract (1, 2 mL/L) on vegetative growth indicators and productivity per unit area of pepper (Capsicum annuum L., Antakli variety). The experiment included 9 treatments, including the control (0 g/L humic acid + 0 mL/L seaweed extract), with three replicates and 20 plants per treatment, following a split-plot design. The main plots were assigned to humic acid fertilization, while the subplots were assigned to foliar spraying with seaweed extract. The results showed significant improvements in plant growth and productivity when using humic acid, seaweed extract, or their combination. The H2A2 treatment (4 g/L humic acid + 2 mL/L seaweed extract) outperformed all other treatments, recording the highest values for vegetative growth indicators: average plant height of 60.93 cm, number of lateral branches of 8.26 branches/plant, number of leaves of 250.9 leaves/plant, and the highest productivity per unit area of 5.47 kg/m². In contrast, the control (H0A0) recorded the lowest values: 41.31 cm for plant height, 4.06 branches/plant, 195.9 leaves/plant, and 2.68 kg/m² for productivity. The H2 treatment (4 g/L humic acid) achieved the highest individual averages for vegetative growth (57.17 cm, 7.24 branches/plant, 241.1 leaves/plant) and productivity (4.85 kg/m²), while the A2 treatment (2 mL/L seaweed extract) recorded averages of 54.19 cm, 7.24 branches/plant, 232.5 leaves/plant, and 4.73 kg/m². These improvements are attributed to the combined effect of both factors, where humic acid enhances nutrient uptake, and seaweed extract promotes vegetative growth and fruit production through plant hormones and nutrients.

Keywords: Humic Acid, Pepper, Productivity, Seaweed Extract,Vegetative Growth.

Full paper in Arabic: pdf