First Record of Abudefduf vaigiensis (Quoy and Gaimard, ‎‎1825) (Teleostei‎‏:‏‎ Pomacentridae) in the Syrian Coasts (Eastern ‎Mediterranean)‎

Adib Saad*(1) Ahmad Soliama(1) and Hasan Alkusairy(1)

(1). Marine Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(2). Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(3). General Organization of Fishery Wealth, Jableh, Latakia, Syria.

(⃰Corresponding author: Dr.Adib Saad.  adibsaad52@gmail.com).

Received: 12/04/2020                               Accepted: 18/07/2020

Abstract

The first record of one fish species from the Mediterranean coasts of Syria is reported: the pomacentrid species Abudefduf vaigiensis. The specimen was caught on the 1st October 2019, using a fishing spear of sport fisherman at depth of 4 m from the coasts of south east of Arwad Island, south of Tartous City . The captured specimen was an adult individual of 118 mm in standard length (SL) , 159 mm in total length (TL) and 87.9 gr in body weight (BW). Two  previously described morphological characters were used  to separate the two congener species, Abudefduf vaigiensis and A. saxatilis. Several factors may explain the presence of this species in the Syrian marine waters.

Keywords: Lessepsian migration, Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Syria, Sergeant fish.

Full paper in English: PDF

‎“Short communication”‎ A New Record of Blastodacna libanotica Diakonoff, 1939 ‎‎(Lepidoptera, Agonoxenidae) on Pear Trees in Latakia ‎Governorate, Syria

Mahran Zeity*(1) Bayan Muzher(2) Ola Al-Halabi(2) Saher Al-Halabi(2) Raafat Albahlool(1) and Majeda Mofleh(3)

(1). Agriculture Research Center in Lattakia, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(2). Agriculture Research Center in Sweida, (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(3). (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(* Corresponding author: Dr. Mahran Zeity. E-Mail: mzma2009@gmail.com).

Received: 23/07/2020                               Accepted: 18/08/2020

Abstract

One year old pear shoots showing galls symptoms had been collected during December 2019, Kasab, Latakia, Syria Collected material was kept under lab. conditions till the emerging of the adult insect from each gall at the end of April. Adult insect species that belong to microlepidoptera was identified to be Blastodacna libanotica Diakonoff. This is a new record of this species from Syria. 

Keywords: Gall, microlepidoptera, Pear, Kasab. 

Full paper in English: PDF

The Effect of Seaweed Extracts Spray on Some Productivity ‎and Quality Traits of Fodder Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) ‎

Entessar Mohammad AL Jbawi*(1) Hiba ShamsAlDeen(2) and Samir Shamsham(3)

(1). Sugar Beet Department, Crops Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(2). Homs Agricultural Research Center, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(3). Soil and Land Department, Faculty of Agriculture. Al Baath University, Homs, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Entessar Al Jbawi. E-Mail: dr.entessara@gmail.com, dr.entessara@gcsar.gov.sy).

Received: 01/05/2020                               Accepted: 05/08/2020

Abstract

The production of forage crops is very important for livestock production in Syria, which contributes largely to the national income. The study was conducted on summer date (1st of September), during 2016/2017 season, to study the effect of seaweed extracts on the productivity and quality traits (Root weight/plant (g), shoot weight/plant (g), dry matter content (%), and crude protein content (%) of shoot and root) of fodder beet, assigned in randomized completely block design (RCBD), with three replicates. The results showed that seaweed extracts surpassed the control significantly for all the studied traits, and this reflects the importance of new source of (seaweeds), which are increasingly used in crop production. Sea weeds are environmentally benign and safe for the health of animals and humans. Also, seaweed extracts includes many components such as macro- and microelement nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, cytokinins, auxins, and abscisic acid (ABA)-like growth substances affect cellular metabolism in treated plants leading to enhanced growth and crop yield.

Key words: Fodder beet, Seaweed, Summer sowing, Syria.

Full paper in English: PDF

Effect of Pre-Harvest Application of Maleic Hydrazide on ‎Growth, Yield and Bolting of Radish (Raphanus sativus cv. ‎Tokinashi) During Late Winter Season under Terai Condition ‎of Rupandehi, Nepal

Janjit Adhikari*(1) Purushottam Dhodary(2) Manoj Joshi(3) Ram Dhan Tharu(3) Ashok Mandal(4) Rukmagat Pathak(3) and Puspa Raj Poudel(3)

(1). Department of Horticulture, Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal.

(2). Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Kathmandu, Nepal.

(3). Department of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa Campus, Rupandehi, Nepal.

(4). Department of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, North Dakota State University, USA.

(*Corresponding author:Janjit Adhikari, E-mail: adk.janjit@gmail.com).

Received: 19/07/2020                               Accepted: 11/08/2020

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at Rupandehi, Nepal from January to March, 2018 with an objective of investigating the effects of different concentrations viz. 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.5 % of Maleic Hydrazide (MH), foliar sprayed at the rate of 2 litres per 2.4 m2, 49 days after sowing (DAS)on growth, yield and bolting of radish. Field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 replications. The MH concentration affected % change in plant height and no. of leaves per plant. Maximum root yield was obtained at 0.25% concentration (44.8 t ha-1) and minimum at 0.025% MH concentration (26.07 t ha-1). Bolting was significantly delayed (p<0.05) by increasing MH concentration. 0.25% MH concentration was found superior with respect to inhibitive effect on growth parameters, delayed bolting, highest root yield and B:C ration. The result must be replicated several times for proper validation of the results obtained.

Key words: Late winter, Maleic hydrazide, Growth retardation, Bolting delay.

Full paper in English: PDF

Estimation of wooden Stock and Total Above-Ground ‎Biomass of Calabrian Pine (Pinus brutia) at the Eastern ‎Foothill of the Coastal Mountains in Syria ‎

Ali Thabeet*(1)

(1). Department of Renewable Natural Resources and Ecology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Ali Thabeet. E. Mail: alithabt@yahoo.fr).

Received: 28/07/2019                               Accepted: 20/08/2019

Abstract

The aim of this research was to estimate the total wooden stock and above-ground biomass of Calabrian pine at Al-Kanaais site in the eastern foothill of the coastal mountains in Syria. Field measurements were done in summer 2018. Five circular samples were taken, the area of each plot was 400 m2. The following parameters were taken for each plot: trees number, diameter at breast height and total trees height. Fifteen trees were chosen covering diameter classes of the studied site, to estimate form factor and tree biomass. Total wooden stock, above-ground biomass and mean annual increment of Calabrian pine trees were calculated.  A power equation with diameter at breast height was used to estimate total above-ground biomass of all trees, this equation had a high R-squared (R2 = 0.91). The results showed that the mean value of the form factor of Calabrian pine was 0.39, and the wooden stock value reached to 232.84 m3/ha with average age of 73 years and tree density of 775 trees/ha. The average annual increment was 3.18 m3/ha/year. The results of this study revealed that study area had good total above-ground biomass value about 430.43 ton/ha. The results of this research could be an important basis for future studies, which will help in the development and management of the Calabrian pine sites at the eastern foothill of the coastal mountains in Syria.

Key words: Pinus brutia, Wooden stock, Total above-ground biomass, Syria.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Impact of Certain Insecticides Against Pink Bollworm ‎Pectinophora gossypiella, Sucking Pests, and Their Associated ‎Predators in Cotton Fields

Mohammed E. M. A. Hegab*(1) Ahmad A. T. Zaki(1) Ali A.A. El-Sayed(1) and Adel A. Amer(1)

(1). Plant Protection Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Mohammed E. M. A. Hegab. E-Mail: drmhegab@yahoo.com). 

Received: 15/03/2020                                              Accepted: 12/05/2020

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted at ALZagazig  Al-Sharkia  Governorate during 2017 cotton season to tested some chemical insecticides on the larvae of  Pectinophora gossypiella cotton bolls. Three insecticides of Chlorpyrifos+Chlorfluazeron then Lambda-Cypermethrin and then Chlorpyrifos) on P. gossypiella, certain sucking pests, (Aphis gossypii, Bemecia tabaci, Empoasca spp., Nezara veridula and Tetranychus spp.) and their associated predators, (Coccinella spp., Chrysoperla spp., Peaderus alferii, Scymnus spp., Orius spp. and true spiders). The resultes showed that 1st spray was moderately effective on P. gossypiella larvae and recorded 67.33 % reduction after 2nd week while, the highest reduction was 85.71% after 2nd week of 2nd spray. The seasonal mean of reduction was 73.89% after the three sprays. In case of studying the effect of pesticides used to control pink bollworm and its effect on sucking piercing pests. Also, data revealed that the 1st spray was the preferable spray on Tetranychus. spp. and Aphid gossypii attained (100 and 87.79 %), respectively. while in the case of the 2nd spray the effect were noticed on A. gossypii, Tetranychus. spp. and Empoasca spp., which attained (100, 53.40 and 56.20 % ). While the 3rd spray recorded the high mean of reduction percentages on N. veredula and A. gossypii attained (92.15 and 84.16 %). The seasonal mean of reduction percentages after the three sprays can be arranged as follows: (90.65, 79.82, 71.52, 58.56 and 36.49 %) of A. gossypii, N. veredula ,Tetranychus. spp., B. tabaci and Empoasca spp., respectively. On the other hand, the effect of the tested compounds on  Chrysoperla spp. were 53.72, 8.23 and 9.39 % reduction recorded after the three sprays, respectively. The obtained results cleared that the tested predators affected on all sucking pests population numbers and recorded the lowest seasonal mean 23.78 % which recorded on Chrysoperla spp. On the other side there was found a relationship ranged between positive & negative and insignificant between Coccinella spp. and the sucking pests, and the relationship was positive and significant with Empoasca spp. In the case of the Chrysoperla spp., the relationship was, and significant with Empoasca  spp., N. veridula and Tetranychus spp. numbers. Whereas in the case of Scymnus spp., the relationship was positive or negative and significant in the case of B. tabaci, N. veridula and truespider mites. At the same time, the relationship between Orius spp. beetles and sucking piercing pests ranged between positive & negative, significant and insignificant, and that relationship was significant and negative true spiders and insignificant & positive with other insect piercing insects. Generally, multiple regressions between the sucking pests and predators were 65.19, 72.24, 55.75, 71.45 and 41.56 for (Coccinella spp., Chrysoperla spp., Peaderus alferii, Scymnus spp., Orius spp. and true spiders), respectively.  It could be concluded that the treatment of pink bollo worm using the following pesticide program (Chlorperifos + Chlorfloiseron and then Lambadacyhalothrin alone and then Chlorperifos alone) led to a significant reduction in the number of pink bolloworm, pests associated with this effect were low on insect predators associated with perforating sucking insects in cotton fields..

Key words: Pectinophora gossypiella, Insecticides, Sucking pests, Predators.

Full paper in English: PDF

The Contribution of Plant Improvement to the Color Change of Flowering Ornamental Plants Throughout History

Fatema Abdrahman*(1) and Mohammed Hisham AlNasan(1)

(1). Department of Applied Science History, Institute of Arab Scientific Heritage, Aleppo University

(*Corresponding author: Fatema Abdrahman. E-Mail: fa573507@gmail.com).

Received: 13/11/2018                                Accepted: 01/01/2019

Abstract

The research aimed to highlight the important aspect of agricultural science in the books of Arab agriculture in the period studied, namely, changing the color of flowers and obtaining new colors using simple, easy and inexpensive methods that can be applied. These methods were: Saffron and Nile or change the PH value of the soil by adding acid or by hybridization and obtain a new color different from the color of the parents. It was noticed that there were only five scholars of agriculture interested in this subject viz. Ibn al- Awam al- Andalusi and his book is: Alfilaha Alandalusia, Anonymous author and his book is: Miftah Alrraha Li Ahl Alfalaha, Radi Aldiyn Alghazi and his book is: Jamie Fawayid Almilaha Fi Jawamie Fawayid Alfalaha, Abdul Ghani Al Nabulsi and his book: Elim Almilaha Fi Elim Alfilaha and Alhusayni and his book: Misbah Alfalah Fi Altib Walziraea. It was found that Ibn- al- Awam was a forerunner in this field compared to the other of the agricultural scientists aforementioned, and as he was the only one who was unique in the method of hybridization, and Arab agricultural scientists had preceded the modern science in changing the color of flower, and developed the principles of the science of improvement and hybridization, and they built the foundation on which genetics was based.

Key words: Flower color, Plant improvement, Arabic farming books plant, Botanic heritage.

Full Paper in Arabic: Word

Constants Estimation of Milk Curve in Shami Goats under the Effect of Some Factors

Hadeel Obaid*(1) Hassan Emmad Al-Masri(2) Kamel Fattal(3) and Abdel Nasser Al-Omar(1)

(1). Hama Agricultural Scientific Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(2). Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

(3). Aleppo Agricultural Scientific Research Center, (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Hadeel Obaid. E-Mail: hadilobaid2017HYPERLINK “mailto:*للمراسلةkamel1960@gmail.com”@gmail.com). 

Received: 04/12/2019                                Accepted: 03/06/2019

Abstract

The research was carried out at Hama Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR) within 2013 and 2017, with the aim of defining milk production curve for goats and studying some of the factors affecting it. The analysis of variance was used to determine the effect of different factors, and Duncan test for comparison of averages, using SAS program (1996), and the incomplete linear gamma function was used to estimate the parameters of equation (a, b, c). The parameters of the milk production curve in Shami goats were about: 1.44 ± 0.07 kg for function a (average initial production), 0.41 ± 0.01 kg for b (increase to peak), and 0.12 ± 0.01 kg for c (drop after climax). The peak milk production (PY) and peak week TPY, Persistency, R2, Average Mean Square Error (MSE), Square Deviation (PSB) 1.58 Kg, 3.42, 85%, 0.98, 0.14 and 0.15 respectively. The genetic equivalent of coefficients a, b, c, py and Persistency were 0.18, 0.12, 0.1, 0.11 and 0.12 respectively. The coefficients for a, b, c, py and Persistency were 0.3, 0.23, 0.24, 0.12 and 0.22, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that the incomplete gamma function was sufficient to describe the milk curve of the Shami goat.

Keywords: Milk curve, Milk production peak, Shami goats.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Comparison of Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Laurus nobilis L. Leaves Essential Oil Collected from Different Locations

Sandy Douba*(1) Ahmed Shams ElDien Shaaban(2) Nawras AlAbras(3) and Yahya Kamari(4)

(1).  Department. of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technological Engineering, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria.

(2). Department. of Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Technological Engineering, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria.

(3). National Commission of Biotechnology NCBT, Damascus, Syria.

(4). Aleppo Agricultural Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Sandy Douba. E-Mail: sandy_d14@hotmail.com).

Received: 28/10/2018                                Accepted: 31/12/2018

Abstract

This study was carried out between March 2017 and May 2018. The leaves of Laurus nobilis L. were collected from Aleppo and Al-Nabk cities during flowering and fruiting stages. The essential oil was extracted using Clevenger and analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was reported that the major compound in both oils was 1.8-cineole. Other predominant compounds of both oils were: Sabinene, α-Pinene, β-Pinene, Delta Careen. Antibacterial activity of the essential oil was tested against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and three species of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klepsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) using microdilution method. The concentrations of oil ranged from 1 to 100 μl/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The oils extracted during flowering stage showed higher antibacterial activity than fruiting stage against most species of tested bacteria except Pseudomonas aeruginosa that was resistant to the higher concentrations that were used. The antibacterial activity of Aleppo oil was higher than Al-Nabk oil.

Keywords: Essential oil, Water extraction, Gram-positive bacteria, Chemical composition, Antibacterial activity, Bay laurel.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Study of Changes in Fatty Acids Content (ω3 and ω6) When Freezing the Fish (Liza aurata, Risso, 1810)

Rana Mostfa Mohamad*(1) Adib Ali Saad(2) and  Moufid Yassin(3)

(1). Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(2). Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(3). Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Rana Mohamad.  E-Mail: rana-mohamad@outlook.sa).

Received: 04/09/2019                                Accepted: 02/10/2019

Abstract

This study was carried out at the laboratories of the Faculty of Technical Engineering, University of Tartus, during 6/2017, to determine the changes in fatty acid content in flesh of (Liza aurata, Risso, 1810), which is one of the Syrian commercial marine fish species, and that during frozen storage at (-18 °C) at consecutive time intervals (0, 60,  120, and180) day. Fish samples were randomly collected from sites landing along the beach of Tartus governorate, and approximately (40) individuals were taken for the analysis with three replicates, and an individual for each replication, then kept it at (0-4) °C directly waiting to be transferred to the laboratory within less than an hour. There the gonads, internal organs, head, bones, skin and blood vessels were removed, then frozen and stored at (-18°C). The edible muscles of fresh and frozen samples were analyzed only during the studied periods of freezing. According to the results of the study, L. aurata was classified as a medium-fat content fish. The content of Mono Un Saturated Fatty Acids was higher than the Saturated Fatty Acids, followed by Poly Un Saturated Fatty Acids (MUFA ˃ SFA ˃PUFA) for fresh samples, but frozen samples content was (SFA ˃ MUFA ˃PUFA) at the end of the freezing period. The fresh samples content of  L. aurata of omega 3 and omega 6) were (15 and 4%) respectively, while it attained in the frozen samples (11 and 3.7%) during (0, 180) days of freezing time respectively, due to lipid oxidation, so it is possible to freeze L. aurata at (-18°C) for (5) months while its nutritional value retaining within the limits which are suitable for human consumption. Fatty acids have significant differences during storage duration at a significant level of (0.05).

Key words: Liza aurata, Tartus, Omega3, Omega6.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF