Kasem Alfaraj^(1)*, Sami Sheikhmous Othman⁽²⁾, and Mohammad Naif Al-Khalaf⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Soil Sciences, University of Al-Furat, Deir Ezzor, Syria.

(2). Field Crops Department, Scientific Agricultural Research Center, Qamishli, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Mohammad Naif Al-Khalaf, mohmadkalaf092@gmail.com , mob.: 0983252779)

Received: 30/12/2024                                 Accepted: 21/7/20225

Abstract: 

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types of vermicompost (sheep, cattle, and horse manure) and application rates (300, 600, 900, and 1200 kg/donum) on soil properties and cumin crop productivity in Al-Hasakah Governorate. Results demonstrated that horse-derived vermicompost was most effective in improving soil physical properties, significantly reducing bulk density while increasing porosity, thereby enhancing soil quality and facilitating water and air movement. Regarding chemical properties, sheep-derived vermicompost showed the greatest impact, improving pH and salinity levels while increasing essential nutrients (N, P, K), consequently boosting soil fertility and nutrient uptake. The 300 kg/donum application rate of sheep vermicompost achieved optimal economic returns, showing the most pronounced improvement in soil properties and cumin yield compared to other tested rates. Cattle vermicompost exhibited moderate improvements in both physical and chemical soil properties, though it proved less economically advantageous than sheep vermicompost.

Keywords: Cumin, Al-Hasakah soil, productivity, soil properties, vermicompost.

 Full paper in English: PDF

Maya Al-Abdala^{* (1)}, Safwan Aboassaf ⁽¹⁾, and Afraa Sallowm⁽²⁾

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

(2). Faculty of agriculture, department of agricultural economics, Damascus University, Syria

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Maya al-abdala: mayaabdala6@gmail.com)

Received: 6/ 12/ 2023                     Accepted: 9/ 3 /2024

Abstract

The research aims to determine the optimum-cropping pattern that maximizes the net unit return in the case of increasing the cultivated area, which is represented by agricultural lands that are not invested by farmers and are arable in Swaida governorate/Syria by using Linear Mathematical Programming. Through a questionnaire targeting 106 farmers during the 2020 agricultural season. The results after solution of the proposed linear programming model showed: An increase in the actual cultivated area by 21.14% an area estimated at 1715.7 Dunums. As a result, the total net return of the proposed alternative increased by 111.75% over the net return of the actual cropping, as the total achieved revenue amounted to about 611.46 million SP, compared to 288.76 million SP net return actual cropping. The study recommends the need to use the linear programming technique, as one of the quantitative research methods in management, which achieves the case for the optimal use of economic resources.

Keywords: Linear Programming. Optimal Cropping. Maximization. Net Return. Constraints.

 Full paper in English: PDF

Ali Issa Salloum*⁽¹⁾, Mohsen Salim Jahjaah⁽¹⁾, and  Ali Ahmed Ali ⁽²⁾

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

(2). Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author:  Ali Issa Salloum, email: alisalloum992040@gmail.com)               

Received: 19/11/2023                                 Accepted: 1/4/2024

Abstract: 

The research aimed to know the role of vegetables and fruit sorting and packaging facilities in dealing with citrus growers and brokers, and the returns they achieve for them, in addition to distributing production from the citrus crop in the Qurdaha region during the period extending from 1/8/2021 to 1/8/2022. The study sample included 5 comprehensive fruit and vegetables sorting and packaging facilities operating in the Qurdaha area, in addition to a number of farmers and middlemen (guarantors) distributed in the study area. The results showed that the studied facilities limited their work to citrus fruits during the year studied, as they dealt with (382) citrus farmers distributed within the study area, representing (7,38%) of the total numbers of citrus farmers in this area. These facilities were also able to achieve a profit for various categories of customers (farmers and brokers) from whom they buy citrus fruits for one kilogram, especially those dealing with the Balancia variety. Noting the decrease in profit achieved by farmers whose production is purchased by facilities with a guarantee that precedes the citrus season by several months compared to other categories of customers, it decreased to 125 SYP/Kg for dealers in the Balancia variety, and 25SYP/Kg for dealers in other citrus varieties. The results also showed the studies facilities attracted (8,608) tons of citrus fruits from fields distributed within the study area, representing (15,5 %) of the total citrus production in the studied area, which amounted to (55,430) tons during the year studied.

Key words: sorting and packaging, citrus, Balancia, farmers, brokers, Citrus marketing, Qurdaha area.

 Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Alaa Suhiel Ibrahim^(1)*, Najwa Ali⁽¹⁾, Aminah Issa⁽¹⁾, Abeer Habib⁽¹⁾ and Ghadah Ballol⁽¹⁾

(1). Ciano station, Scientific Agricultural Researches center of Lattakiah

(^*Corresponding author: Alaa Suhiel Ibrahim, alaasoeb@gmail.com , 0933313947)

Received:  9/2/2024                      Accepted:10/3/2024

Abstract: 

This investigation was conducted during 2019. The present study was carried out in a field at the citrus experimental station in Ciano, the General Corps of Scientific Agricultural Researches. The fruit maturity development of orange trees (Washington Navel 141) budded on seven citrus rootstocks (Sour orange, Citrumelo 4475, Citrumelo 1452, Troyer Citrange, Carrizo Citrange, Macrophylla and Cleopatra Mandarin) and farmed in 1989 have been studied. The results showed a significant increase in fruit fresh weight in trees grafted on Citrumelo 1452 by (107.93%) compared to the increase in fruit fresh weight in trees grafted on Sour orange by (58.65%). Fruit peel thickness significantly increased by (6.68%) in trees grafted on Troyer Citrange compared to those grafted on Sour orange, Citrumelo 4475 and Macrophylla whose fruit peel thickness decreased by (22.65, 13.55 and 11.46%, respectively). The largest significant increase in total soluble solids (%) was in trees grafted on Macrophylla by (57.29%), while total acids (%) significantly decreased by (74.25%) in trees grafted on Cleopatra Mandarin.

Keywords: Navel, Maturity, Fruit, Cleopatra, Citrumelo.

 Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Raneem Ali Msalam* ⁽¹⁾ Ibrahim Hamdan Saqr ⁽¹⁾ and Ali Suleiman Ahmed ⁽²⁾

(1). Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(2). Department of Economics and Planning, Faculty of Economics, Tishreen University, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Raneem Ali Msalam, email: raneem.msalam.93@gmail.com , mob.: /0934737643/)

 Received :10 /7/2024                Accepted: 5/2/2025

Abstract: 

The research aimed to evaluate the performance efficiency of micro-agricultural projects in Latakia Governorate, in terms of the economic dimension, the learning and growth dimension, and the internal operations dimension, and to identify the most prominent difficulties facing agricultural producers. The research was conducted in Latakia Governorate – Syria during the period 2022-2023, where the total size of the studied community reached 2861 projects A questionnaire form was designed and distributed to a random sample of projects consisting of 303 micro-agricultural projects (plant production, animal production, food industries) in the areas of Latakia Governorate (Jableh, Al-Haffa, Qardaha, Latakia), and efficiency was evaluated using a three-point Likert scale. In addition to applying some financial standards. The results showed a statistically significant relationship at a significance level of 0.05 Between the economic dimension and the learning and growth dimension, and the internal operations dimension of the project and the efficiency of its performance, and as the results of the evaluation of the studied projects showed the presence of good economic efficiency, where the general average reached 2.47 and a relative importance (82.24%), and good learning and growth with an average of 2.47 and a relative importance (82.35%) ), and internal operations with an average of 1.85 and relative importance (61.66%) In light of the significant increase in the prices of production inputs, establishment expenses, and the lack of necessary resources, the research recommended the necessity of providing financing institutions specialized in providing loans to small and micro agricultural projects, and issuing supportive legislation and policies to promote small and micro agricultural entrepreneurship.

Keywords: agricultural, micro-enterprises, performance efficiency, financial standards, economic dimension, learning and growth dimension.

 Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Adnan Alkazah^(1)*,  Abdulwahab Meri⁽²⁾ and Bassam Aloklah⁽³⁾

(1). Laboratory of the directorate of internal trade and consumer protection in the Damascus countryside

(2). Food Science Department-Faculty of Agriculture-Damascus University-Damascus-Syria

(3). National Commission for Biotechnology-Damascus-Syria

(*Corresponding author: Adnan Alkazah: adnankaza@hotmail.com, Mobile 0938291015)

Received: 30/5/2025                                   Accepted: 3/8/2025

Abstract: 

Lactic acid is considered one of the most important organic acids due to its uses in food and industrial fields. The current research aimed to isolate lactic acid producing bacteria from different foodstuffs such as pickles (turnip, cucumber and capsicum), cheeses (Okawi and shelal), yoghurt, eyran, milk (bovine and sheep milk), Labaneh, Shanklish and keshek, and to choose the better isolate for using in lactic acid production on a medium based on cheese whey. The primary tests are performed on isolates, which include Gram stain and catalase test to ensure whether the isolated bacteria are Gram-positive (either they were cocci or bacilli) and catalase negative, so they are belonging to lactic acid bacteria group. The total number of samples was 79 and the total number of lactic acid bacteria was 60, the bacilli were 18 isolates and the cocci were 42 isolates. Whey samples were collected from Damascus, and they were tested for the percent of dry matter, fat, lactose, total ash, total acidity and pH value. The whey sample was prepared by protein precipitation for screening experiments, which performed on lactic acid bacteria that obtained from food samples, and aimed to identify the most effective isolate in producing lactic acid bacteria from cheese whey. The isolate Y7 produced the largest amount of lactic acid (28.12 g/L). The biochemical tests were performed for identifying this isolate by means of API 50 CHL strip, and this isolate found to be belonging to Lactobacillus paracasei. The identifying of the former isolate was confirmed by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique, using specific primers designed based on the National Bank for Bioinformatics (NCBI), and this technique ensured the accuracy of the identification using API 50 CHL strip, and that the superior isolate Y7 is belonging to Lactobacillus paracasei.

Keywords: API 50 CHL strip, cheese whey, lactic acid, Lactobacillus paracasei, RT-PCR technique.

 Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Rema Al-Wadaa^1*, Darem Tabbaa²and Abdalnaser Al-Omar³

(1). Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Hama (PhD Student).

(2). Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Hama.

(3). Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Hama Research manager).

(*Correspounding Author, Rema Al-Wadaa, E-mail: rema.vet@gmail.com)

Received: 4/2/2024             Accepted: 1/4/2024

Abstract: 

The research was carried out at the Hama Research Center of the General Authority for Agricultural Scientific Research for the year 2022 with the aim of studying the improvement of the L-Carnitine compound against the toxicity of the liver and kidneys resulting from the use of Formaldehyde in the male rabbits. 24 male rabbits were divided evenly into four groups as follows: The witness group is only provided by food and water. The L-Carnitine compound was given to the second group at a rate of 250 mg/kg of body weight. The third group was digested by the L-Carnitine and Formaldehyde together with milk on a daily basis by mouth with the same ratios mentioned in the second and fourth group, where the fourth group was digested with the Formaldehyde with milk at a rate of 0.1 mg/kg of animal weight per day by mouth. The experiment lasted for 90 days, during which blood was drawn from experimental animals periodically every (15) days, and liver enzymes (ALT, alanine aminotransferase, AST, aspartate aminotransferase) and kidney indicators (creatinine, CREA, urea, BUN) were measured. The results obtained showed that giving the Formaldehyde led to a high morale at the level of (5%) in the liver and kidneys indicators in the blood of rabbits male compared to the witness, while when the animals are given the L- Carnitine compound and the Formaldehyde together lowering the L- Carnitine the values of liver and kidney indicators compared to the resulting values in the form of the Formaldehyde and has become closer to the normal rate, It is concluded that the use of L-carnitine on a daily basis for male experimental rabbits plays an important role against liver and kidney toxicity resulting from formaldehyde, as it was able, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, to clearly reduce it, and this in turn leads to improving liver functions by lowering the level of its enzymes and reducing From the harmful effect on kidney tissue.

Keywords: Milk, Formaldehyde, L_ Carnitine, liver, kidney, Rabbit.

 Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Raneem Ali Msalam* ⁽¹⁾, Ibrahim Hamdan Saqr ⁽¹⁾, and Ali Suleiman Ahmed ⁽²⁾

(1). Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(2). Department of Economics and Planning, Faculty of Economics, Tishreen University, Syria.

(*Correspondent author: Raneem Ali Msalam, raneem.msalam.93@gmail.com , Mob.: 0934737643)

 Received :28 /1/2024                 Accepted: 27/3/2024

Abstract: 

The research aimed to analyze and evaluate the performance of micro-agricultural projects specialized in livestock production in Latakia Province, economically and environmentally, and to identify the most prominent obstacles that hinder the growth and development of these projects. To achieve the research objectives, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to a random sample of 133 agricultural producers in the regions. Of the Lattakia Governorate (Jableh, Al-Haffa, Qardaha, Latakia) and constitutes (10%) of the total studied community 1332 animal production projects, and the performance was evaluated using a three-point Likert scale, in addition to applying many financial and production standards that express the economic efficiency of the studied projects, The results showed that there are many obstacles facing animal production projects, such as the high costs of production requirements, especially feed materials, medicines, and vaccines. The results of the research also showed that there is good economic efficiency for micro-animal production projects, as the productivity of the invested capital reached 1.81 SYP, and the coefficient Profitability (81.02%), and rentier coefficient (45%). The research recommends the need to educate farmers about the importance of self-reliance in providing fodder through cultivation in smallholdings, in addition to the need to invest family capital in micro-farm projects.

Keywords: agricultural, livestock, micro-projects, performance, economic analysis and evaluation.

 Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Rana youness Hamdan*⁽¹⁾,  Anton Sammaan Youssef⁽²⁾,  Ahmad Sammour Al-Ibrahim⁽³⁾

(1). Phd student, Chargé d’affaires, Department of food engineering, faculty of chimecal and petroleum engineering, Al-Baath university

(2). Professor, Department of food engineering, faculty of chimecal and petroleum engineering, Al-Baath university.

(3). Assistant Professor, Department of food engineering, faculty of chimecal and petroleum engineering, Al-Baath university.

(*Corresponding author: R. Hamdan: basimaal508@gmail.com, tel: 0934591083).

Received: 30/9/2024                       Accepted: 19/1/2025

Abstract: 

The effect of using some lemon sterilization solutions, are studied in this research, packaging them in aseptic conditions and storing them refrigerated, on the percentage of microbiological spoilage of the fruits and on the change in their chemical composition. For sterilization, hot water was used at temperatures (40,50,60 °C), sodium bicarbonate at concentrations (1,2,3 %) at temperatures (20,55,60 °C) and hydrogen peroxide was used at concentrations (0.5,1,2 %). For aseptic packaging, a locally manufactured device was used to carry out this work, and polyethylene bags were used to pack the fruits simultaneously with sterilization it. The results showed that using hot water did not give the desired result as it affected the strength of the fruits (their texture), while using sodium bicarbonate at a concentration of 3% and at a temperature of 55 ºC gave positive results in terms of the possibility of using it for long-term storage of lemons. When using hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 1%, the fruits maintained their microbiological safety for a long period exceeding seven months while maintaining good physical and chemical properties. The experiments showed that the best treatment for lemon fruits was using immersion in hydrogen peroxide (concentration 1% for 2 min), where the physiological damage rate was 3% and no fungal growth appeared on the stored lemon fruits.

Key words: Lemon, Aseptic Ambience, polyethelyne, hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate.

 Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Basima Barhom^*(1) and Khayam Mohrez ⁽¹⁾

(1). General Commission for Agricultural Scientific Research, Lattakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Basima Barhom. Email: d.basimabarhom@gmail.com ).

Received: 22/10/2023                                 Accepted: 9/5/2024

Abstract: 

This experiment is carried out during the 2022-2023 season in an open field in the Hinadi nursery, which is affiliated with the Latakia Agriculture Directorate (Latakia Governorate) to test the effect of both the fungus Trichoderma harzianum and Olive Mill Wastewaters on the germination of seeds and the lengths of Pinus pinea L. plants grown in pots. The results of the experiment showed that the biological treatment with T. harzianum led to a clear increase in the wet weight of the entire plant, reaching 11.16 g compared to 9.61 g in the untreated control, and also led to an increase in the wet weight of the roots, reaching 3.7 g compared to 2.66 g in the untreated control. On the other hand, the concentration of 50% Olive Mill Wastewaters did not have a clear effect on the length of the plant, but led to the inhibition of the wet weight of the entire plant compared to the control, and no toxic effects of Olive Mill Wastewaters were observed on the treated plants.

Keywords: Trichoderma – Pinus pinea – Olive Mill Wastewater- Growth indicators.

  Full paper in Arabic: PDF