Enaam Ahmad  Al Saty^*(1)

(1). Ph.D. in Food Engineering, working at the College of pharmacy, Tartous University, Syria.(*Email: enaam83@hotmail.com)

Received: 8/10/2024                    Accepted: 9/2/2025

Abstract: 

the growth hormone ethylene is considered the main cause of spoilage of vegetables and fruits during storage. therefore, controlling the level of this hormone in vegetable and fruit stores is of great importance in reducing their deterioration during storage. the use of zeolite to get rid of ethylene is considered an important method in delaying the spoilage of fruits, especially climactic fruits such as apples. combining zeolite with some materials such as permanganate, palladium, and some cations such as berries, copper, and silver has also given effective results in increasing the efficiency of ethylene adsorption. the main goal of this research is to study the treatment of zeolite with silver ion to improve its ability to adsorb ethylene. to this end, we passed a mixture of ethylene gas inside a cylindrical filter containing zeolite saturated with agno3 placed on a layer of glass wool, and measured the ethylene concentration at the inlet of the filter cylinder and at the outlet after closing the system at the outlet, after closing the system to allow the ethylene to come into contact with the treated layer, measurements were made after 15, 30, and 45 minutes using a gas chromatograph (GC-FID), and the reduction efficiency was compared with the results of another study conducted under the same conditions and using zeolite not treated with agno3. the results showed that the most effective treatment in reducing the ethylene concentration was using zeolite saturated with agno3, which removed 91.71% of the total ethylene concentration after 45 minutes of contact, while the removal percentage using untreated zeolite was about 61.93%. we also applied this treatment to apple fruits, as one of the climacteric fruits, and stored them for 15 days. the results showed that after 10 days of storage, the reduction in ethylene concentration was approximately 47.433% for fruits stored with the presence of zeolite treated with agno3, while it did not exceed 4.347% after 15 days of storage. storage requires renewal of the zeolite layer treated with agno3 at that time.

Keywords: Ethylene, Zeolite, Climacteric Fruits, Adsorption, GC-FID.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Samer Al-Hassan Al-Amer ⁽¹⁾

(1). Syrian Grain. Deir Ezzor. Syria

(*Corresponding author:   Samer Al-Hassan Al-amer, Email:  sa10.8.1978am@gmail.com. Phone: 0999384290)

Accepted:  26/2/2024         received: 3/12/2023                 

Abstract: 

A field study of the Humera insect was conducted in the AL-Jalaa palm Oasis in the Al-Bukamal area in Deir –Ezzor Governorate during the years 2021 and 2022 AD. It was found through the field study that Majhool variety was the most sensitive palm variety to the infection with the Humera insect, as the percentage of fruit infection reached 88.9 % and 78 % in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, respectively. While the Barhi variety was the least variety infected with the mite insect, as the percentage of Fruits infected was 47.5 % and 51% in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, respectively. The average severity of the infestation of bunches of date trees with the Humera insect was different among the four studied varieties, and the highest infestation bunches was in Majhool variety , where the percentage reached 70.5 % While the Barhi variety was the least infested by the bug , where the percentage reached 16.6 % in the 2021-2022 seasons. The anthracite stage was the most sensitive phonological stage of the Fruit to infection by the sommelier insect in the studied palm varieties .The percentage of loss in the date palm crop in 2022 decreased  compared to the date crop in 2021 for all date palm varieties studied.

Key words:  palm tree, Humera insect, incidence rate, severity of injury. Studied palm varieties,

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Yara Mahmoud*⁽¹⁾ , Wael Ali⁽¹⁾ and Bassima Al-shiak⁽¹⁾

(1). Ecology and Forestry Department, Faculty of Agriculture Engineering, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Yara Mahmoud.  E.Mail: yara.talalmahmoud@gmail.com)

Recevied:7/11/2023                                     Accepted:29/01/2024

Abstract: 

This study was carried out at the site of Al-Munaizilah –Jableh –Syria in 2022. The aim of this study was to estimate the biodiversity (taxonomy-based) in fragmented forest patches within the landscape and makes some promising suggestions to preserve this diversity. We have selected 3 forest patches, within we identify 12 samples with a dimension of 20*20m. in addition, we have used the Braun-Blanquet method to perform botanical surveys. We have recorded 107 plant species which belong to 91 genera and 45 plant families. The Fabaceae family was predominant, represented by 16 species, followed by Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae  represented by 10 species each. And the Orchidaceae species with a good presence of 5 species. Our results show that the values of biodiversity Index (species richness and Shannon index) varied between the patches. The first patch excelled significantly with average values of (37.6 -3.03) respectively. Moreover, this patch shows to be  the largest in terms of area and shape index closest to the circular. The values of the coefficient of similarity also indicate that the composition of per-fragmentation species is still relatively preserved , which means that these patches still retain an important number of forest species including Viola odorata, Primula vulgaris, Paeonia sp, Bellis sylvistris, and 5 species of Orchidaceae. Our study we confirm that the species in the three patches are sensitive to the disturbance to varying degrees, and requires the preservation of all  patches in order for these species to continue. We recommend further studies on forest habitat fragmentation and its impact on biodiversity, in addition, the impact of fragmentation on species rather than communities.

Keywords: Biodiversity, plant diversity, Habitat fragmentation, forest patches, Landscape.

 Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Mohammad Al-Sheikh ⁽¹⁾* and Omar  Abdulrazzaq ⁽¹⁾, and Taha  Al-Khalifa ⁽²⁾

(1). Department of Soil and Land Reclamation. College of Agriculture. Al-Furat University. Deir Ezzor. Syrian.

(2). Department of Field Crops. College of Agriculture. Al-Furat University. Deir Ezzor. Syrian.

(*Corresponding author: Mohammad Al-Sheikh. E-Mail: mohammadalsheikh13190@gmail.com).

Received: 21/12/2023                                       Accepted:12/02/2024

Abstract: 

The research was carried out on a private farm in Deir Ezzor Governorate during the summer season of 2022 to study the effect of adding potassium and organic fertilizer and their interaction on some soil indicators (bulk density, porosity, pH) and the growth and productivity of yellow corn, Ghouta 82 variety. The experiment included two factors: the first is potassium fertilizer (sulphate Potassium) at four levels (0, 100, 150, 200) kg/ha, and the second is organic fertilizer (sheep waste) at four levels (0, 15, 20, 25) tons/ha. The results showed: a decrease in bulk density and soil pH at the level The fourth level of potassium fertilizer (200 kg/ha) and an increase in porosity at the same level. The addition of organic fertilizer also caused a decrease in bulk density and soil pH at the fourth level (25 tons/ha) and an increase in porosity. As for the studied plant characteristics (plant height, grain yield) We note that the fourth level of potassium and organic fertilizers, individually, outperformed the rest of the levels and the control. The interaction of the two fertilizers also had a positive effect on all soil indicators studied, as the interaction of the fourth level of potassium fertilizer with the fourth level of organic fertilizer achieved significant superiority over the rest of the interaction treatments and The unnamed witness. As for plant characteristics, interfering the third levels (150 kg/ha) and fourth levels (200 kg/ha) of potassium fertilizer with the fourth level (25 tons/ha) of organic fertilizer achieved the best results.

Keywords: potassium fertilizer, organic fertilizer, yellow corn, grain yield.

 Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Kamel Khalil ⁽¹⁾*, Nizar Moualla ⁽²⁾and Affra Alahmad ⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Environmental Prevention, Higher Institute for Environmental Researches, Tishreen University, Lattika, Syria.

 (2). Department of Field Crops- Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattika, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Kamel Khalil. E-mail: d.kamelkhalil@tishreen.edu.sy).

Received: 25/11/2023              Accepted: 10/01/2024

Abstract: 

This study aimed to determine the concentration of heavy metals: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in the leaves of evergreen cypress trees and beaked eucalyptus trees grown in the city of Baniyas. Leaf samples were collected from four sites within the city (St2, St3, St4, St5), varying according to traffic density and the control site (St1) in the Dreikiya site (15 km from the city of Baniyas). The concentration of elements was estimated using an atomic absorption device at the Higher Institute for Environmental Research. The results showed that the order of metal concentrations (general average) expressed in ppm in the leaves of cypress trees was as follows: [Zn (23.96) > Ni (9.38) > Pb (1.12) > Cd (0.13)] and in the leaves of eucalyptus trees: [Zn (35.20) > Ni (12.48) > Pb (1.40) > Cd (0.15)]. The results also showed that the values of metals were within normal limits, except for nickel. The results also showed that the values of the metal accumulation index (MAI) in cypress trees were (4.56) and in the leaves of eucalyptus trees were (6.49). This supports the proposal of the eucalyptus tree as an effective bioaccumulator for estimating pollution resulting from heavy metals in the city of Baniyas.

Keywords: Cupressus sempervirens, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, bioaccumulators, heavy metals, metal accumulation index (MAI), Baniyas (Syria).

 Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Feras Alghamaz^{(1) (2)*}, Mohammad Dikkeh ^(1), and Younes Idriss ⁽³⁾

(1). Dept. of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tishreen, Lattika, Syria.

(2). General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Damascus, Syria.

(3). General Organization of Remote Sensing, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Feras Alghamaz, E-mail: fghammaz@gmail.com ).

Received: 4/12/2023           Accepted: 28/01/2024

Abstract: 

Water erosion is one of the biggest problems facing lands on slopes, especially when annual rainfall increases in the Al-Bayer and Al-Basit area in Latakia Governorate. The segments of the following factors were intersected using GIS after weighting to determine degraded lands and the degree of deterioration, which are segments of frequent high rainfall, soil texture, percentage of organic matter, land uses, and slope. Thus, the resulting map indicates the hotspots of land degradation or the lands most vulnerable to degradation and erosion by surface runoff from intense rainfall, which when intersected with a slice of the physiographic units results in a slice of areas representing each type of degradation (mild, moderate, severe…etc.) depending on the difference in the units. Physiography of the study area and soil type, where soil samples were taken for the selected areas to study soil properties. A soil loss map was produced by cross-sectioning rainfall profiles, slope degrees, land use and human activity, soil texture, and the NDVI vegetation index. It is noted from the soil loss map that the areas in which the erosion rating was low are the areas that are flat, meaning that the slope factor is low and the areas where vegetation is widespread. We conclude from this that the factors (slope and vegetation) are the two factors that control the erosion process in a study area. As for the vegetation cover factor, it affects the movement of surface water runoff, and thus reduces soil erosion processes.

Keywords: water erosion, soil loss map, degraded lands, surface runoff, The drifting ability of a raindrop, slope factor.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Ammar Abbas.^(1)*

(1). Research Center of Latakia, General commission for scientific agriculture research, Syria.

 (*Corresponding author: Dr. Ammar Abbas, E-mail. ammarabbas1984@hotmail.com).

Received:25/08/2023          Accepted: 31/12/2023

Abstract: 

The research was carried out based on the daily climatic data of Al-Basil Airport station in Lattakia Governorate during the period 2000-2016 and it included both maximum and minimum temperatures, average relative humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation in order to estimate the values of evapotranspiration (ET0) during the different phonological stages of wheat crop ( Germination, tillering, stem elongation, flowering, seed formation, maturity) using the ET0 Calculator model, which is based on the Benman-Monteith equation modified according to the publications of (FAO n₅₆). Due to the large number of parameters required for the accuracy of the model, which may not be available in some cases, the values  calculated  by the model have been compared  with the values resulting from experimental equations that need less number of  inputs, the two experimental equations (Hargreaves and Evanov) were adopted. The correlation coefficient was determined between the values of the model and the values of the equations for each phonological stage of wheat crop. The results indicated the accuracy of the ET0 Calculator model, and the values of the correlation coefficient between the model and Evanov equation values were the highest in different growth stages compared to the Hargreaves equation

Keywords: evapotranspiration, model, correlation coefficient, ET0 Calculator, Evanov equation

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Salwa Sadeia ⁽¹⁾, Faisal Bakkour ⁽¹⁾, and Nabila Kridi (2)

(1). Failed crops Department, Faculty of Agriculture, AL-bath University, Homs, Syria.

(2). General Commission for Scientific and Agricultural Research, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Salwa Sadeia, E.mail : salwa.sadeia@gmail.com).

Received: 21/11/2023                           Accepted:13/04/2024

Abstract: 

The research aimed to study the effect of applying two types of vermicompost (sheep, sludge) on the leaf area and relative water content of two genotypes of soybeans (Glycine max)(Sb44, (Sb239). The research was carried out at the Homs Research Center of the Scientific Agricultural Research Commission, for two agricultural seasons. (2021, 2022), vermicompost was added at rates of (3-6-9) tons/ha. Some physiological indicators were studied (leaf area cm², relative water content%). These genotypes were planted using a split-plot design in three replicates. 14 treatments were studied, distributed as follows: a mineral control for each genotype, three sheep vermicompost treatments according to three concentrations for each genotype, as well as three sludge vermicompost treatments according to three concentrations for each genotype. The results showed that there were significant differences between the two genotypes studied for the two traits studied, as the genotype (239Sb) was superior in terms of leaf area to the genotype (44Sb),  In comparison between the treatments studied for the two genotype, the vermicompost from sludge treatment with a concentration of 9 tons/h outperformed the rest of the treatments. A study of the relative water content in the leaves showed that the genotype (239Sb) was superior to the genotype (44Sb), which indicates the ability of the genotype (239Sb) to withstand drought stress to a greater extent than the genotype (44Sb). The same was true for the sheep vermicompost treatment at a concentration of 3 tons/ha The greatest effect on increasing the relative water content in the leaves was for the genotype (44Sb), while the vermicompost treatment resulting from sludge at a concentration of 3 tons/ha was superior to the genotype (239Sb).

Keywords: vermicompost, sludge, soybeans, physiological characteristics, relative water content.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Ranim Youssef * ⁽¹⁾ , Yasser Kerahili ⁽¹⁾ and Ghayath Abbas⁽¹⁾

(1). Faculty of Technical Engineering, Tartous University, Tartous, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Ranim Yousef, Email: ranimyousef236@gmail.com).

Received: 22/11/2023                           Accepted:3/01/2024

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of fortified bread against common diseases such as Corona. This research was based on the fact that vitamin and mineral deficiencies are mainly the causes of many diseases.  However, malnutrition can be combated by fortifying daily eaten foods. One of the basic criteria of food fortification is the selection of appropriate food ingredients. The chosen ingredients must be from the food commonly eaten by the targeted group of people (Corona patients aged between (20 -70) years old). Moreover, these ingredients must be economically afforded and available throughout the year. Flour and bread made from it are the best food items for fortification because they fulfill these requirements. The importance of this research comes from that it proposes a process of food fortification and enrichment it where it was conducted in two stages First step is fortifying bread by adding iron and zinc due to the loss of these two elements during the milling process. The second step is obtaining flour and enriching it with vitamin (C) due to the lack of this vitamin in the composition of flour. A remarkable improvement was reached after eating the fortified bread. Positive indicators were obtained revealing improvement of patients’ conditions and occurrence of recovery. These indicators include decrease in the percentage of neutrophils which was high during infection before eating the proposed fortified bread. The range of this value was (74-48)% before eating the proposed fortified bread. Moreover, the percentage of lymphocytes increased and became in the range (20-48%)

Key words: Iron , Zinc, Corona (covid -19), Neutrophils, Lymphocytes-NLR.

Full paper in English: PDF

Abeer Moussa*⁽¹⁾ and  Zuheir Shater⁽²⁾

(1). Department of Agricultural Mechanization, Faculty of Technical Engineering. Tartous University, Tartous, Syria.

(2). Department of Forestry and Ecology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Abeer Moussa. E-Mail: Abeerceta@gmail.com).

Received: 11/12/2023           Accepted: 19/02/2024

Abstract: 

This research aimed to understand the edge effects resulting from forest fragmentation on plant species diversity in Tartous Governorate. The study was conducted in three forest sites during the year 2018 : Al-Juba Forest (Tartous), Seristan Forest (Safita), and Marah Al-Shellah (Sheikh Badr). Plant surveys were conducted using the Intercept Line Method, first at the edge of the forest and then at a distance of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 m from it, in the four directions (North, East, South, West). Compositional and functional diversity were assessed using several indices (Specific Richness, Shannon, Jaccard). The average specific richness of the total studied sites was high in the northern side and low in the southern side, especially in the lines close to the edge, but this specific richness gradually decreased in the furthest lines and in the four sides of the studied sites, converging clearly after 50 meters from the edge in general. The average specific richness according to the distance from the edge, for all the forests and lines studied together, showed an almost typical trend, as the specific richness gradually decreased when we moved away from the edge, and the standard deviation values were large, reflecting the large variation in the specific richness values in the studied sites and lines. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the first and last lines in general, as the specific richness increased significantly in lines L0 and L1 than in lines L50 and line L100. The study of life forms showed that the hemi-cryptophytes dominated in the lines near the edge, while Phanerophytes dominated in the last lines. The study of the dispersal models showed that the number of species for most types was high near the edge and then decreased away from it, except for Myrmechores, which were recorded at the edge only, and Dyzoochores, which maintained their number in almost all lines.

Keywords: edge effect, life forms, dispersal model, compositional diversity, functional diversity.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF