Category Archives: vol2-no1

Population Changes of Pear Psylla Cacopsylla pyricola (F.) (Psyllidae:Hemiptera), and Monitoring of Natural Enemies in Homs, Syria

Bassam Oudeh*(1) Wajeeh Kassis(2) and Randa Abu-Tara(3)

(1). General commission for Agricultural Research (GCSAR). Scientific Agriculture Research Centre of Homs. Al-Mukhtaryeh Research Station, Homs, Syria
(2). Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
(3). Faculty of Science, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Bassam Oudeh: Scientific Agriculture Research Centre of Homs. Al-Mukhtaryeh Research Station, Homs, Syria. E-mail: B_oudeh@hotmail.com).

Received: 13/07/ 2014                                     Accepted: 27/11/ 2014

Abstract

The parasitoids and predators species associated with pear psylla Cacopsylla pyricolla (F.) were monitored in Mokhtaria Research Station, Homs, Syria, during seasons 2011 and 2012. The results showed presence of eleven predators and two parasitoids species. The predatory species belong to five orders: Heteroptera[Anthocoris nemoralis (F.), Orius horvanthi (Reuter) (Anthocoridae)], Neuroptera [Chrysoperla carnea (S.) (Chrysopidae)], Coleoptera [Coccinella septempunctata (L.), Oenopia conglobata (L.), Coccinella undecimpunctata (L.), Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), Adalia bipunctata (L.) (Coccinellidae) and Rhagonycha fulva (Scop.) (Cantharidae), R. fulva is a new record on C. pyricola in Syria], Diptera [Eupeodes corollae (F.), Dermaptera [Forficula auricularia (L.) (Forficulidae), while the parasitoids belong to family Encyrtidae order Hymenoptera [Trechnites psyllae (R.) and Psyllaephagus euphyllurae (M.)]. The predator A. nemoralis was the most abundant with C. pyricolaranged from 45 to 49% comparison with other predator species trapped by beating tray. As well the parasitoid species T. psyllae was the most abundant with the pest ranged from 46 to 87% compared with other parasitoids attracted to the sticky traps. Both A.nemoralis and T. psyllae were the most coexisted ones with the pest, while the other predators and parasitoid species occurred in certain periods during the growing season, and most of parasitoids and predatorsabove responded directly to increase of prey population dynamic. The correlation was positive, and simple correlation coefficient of total parasitoids and predatorsabove in season 2011 was insignificant and positive with eggs and nymphs of the pest 0.23 and highly significant and positive with adults 0.41, while in season 2012 it was insignificant and positive with eggs 0.16 and highly significant and positive with nymphs 0.38 and adults 0.88 at probability level 5%. Therefore, the results showed that there are many parasitoids and predators that we can use to decrease pest populations.

Key words: Pears psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola F., Predators, Parasitoids, Survey, Population studies.

Full paper in Arabic :  تغيرات مجتمع حشرة بسيلا الأجاص وحصر أعدائها الحيوية في محافظة حمص، سورية

Effect of Ethyl Acetate on the Number of Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus  ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Ahmad Hussen AL-Saoud(1)

(1). Albustan Agricultural Establishment. P.O.Box: 16760, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates. E-mail: alsaoudahmad@hotmail.com.

Abstract

Aggregation pheromone traps, is the main element in the control program of the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, in most of its distribution sites in the world.  A field trial was conducted in randomized complete block design at Al Rahba farms (UAE) during May 2009 to May 2010 to study the effect of ethyl acetate (EA) on the number of weevils captured in dark red and yellow pheromone traps. Results showed that, the red palm weevil was found all over the year, and the peak adult population trapped was during March–May. The highest catches (35.96±1.96 weevils/trap/month) were in the red traps that contains ethyl acetate, with significantly higher number of red palm weevil than yellow. The capture rates were 27.32 and 18.32 weevils/trap/month for red and yellow traps, respectively. The capture rates were 30.77 and 15.40 weevils/trap/month for traps with and without ethyl acetate, respectively. The sex ratio (male: female) was 1:2.11.

Key words: Aggregation pheromone, Ethyl Acetate, Trap color, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.

Full paper :    Effect of Ethyl Acetate on the Number of Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus  ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Cached in Dark Red and Yellow Aggregation Pheromone Traps

The Effects of N and P Fertilization Rates on Wheat Yield and some Soil Properties under Conservative Agriculture System in the First Establishment Zone

Rami Kaba*(2) Awhadis Arsaln(1)MohamadKher Saadon(2)Nabeel Mohamad(2)Mohamad Hamo(2) & Sherzad Yosef(2)

(1). General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR). Damascus, Syria.
(2). General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Al-Qamishli Agricultural Research Center, Al-Qamishli, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Dr. Rami Kaba, Al-Qamishli, Syria. E-mail:kaba.rami@gmail.com).

Received: 14/07/ 2014                                    Accepted: 12/2/ 2015

Abstract

This research was conducted at the General commission for Scientific and Agricultural Research (GCSAR), AL Qamishli Scientific Agricultural Research Center, AL Qamishli , Syria. in the first establishment zone, according to the split plot design, where agricultural system (zero tillage, and traditional tillage) represented the main treatments and fertilizations the split treatments, with three replications. Four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (N0 , N1 100 kg/ha , N2 150 kg/ha , and N3 200 kg/ha) as Urea 46%, and three levels of phosphoric fertilizers (P0 , P1 100 kg/ha, and P2 150 kg/ha) were used. Results of the three seasons 2008- 2011 showed that zero tillage treatments significantly over yielded traditional ones by 8-20 % , that can be attributed to different fertilization levels of N and P in addition to rain. Results also clarified that increasing of N fertilization at (P0), has given significant increase in production on direct proportion with the increase of nitrogen fertilizing level (N1, N2, N3) and reached in comparison with the control (110, 178, 217 kg/ha) in the traditional tillage, but in zero tillage the productivity at the tow levels (N1, N2) increased by (118-147 kg/ha) respectively. The increase has reduced at the level N3 to(113 kg/ha), but at (P1) fertilizing level of zero tillage the yield increase of (N1) reached (336) kg/ha, which significantly over yielded the (N1,N2) by (313, 247 kg/ha). While under traditional tillage the highest increase reached (313 kg/ha) under N2 and the yield decreased 147 kg/ha under N3.  At (P2) level and (N0) level the increase in yield under zero tillage was(147 kg/ha),to become at N1 level up to (216 kg/ha) and to reach at (N2) to (376 kg/ha). Consequently, zero tillage significantly over yielded the traditional tillage. We recommend using zero tillage with (N2, P2) fertilization levels.

Keywords: Zero tillage ZT, Traditional tillage TT, Nitrogen fertilization N, Phosphor fertilization P, Wheat, Soil properties .

Full paper in Arabic : تأثير معدلات التسميد الآزوتي والفوسفوري في إنتاجية القمح وفي عدد من خصائص التربة تحت نظام الزراعة الحافظة في منطقة الاستقرار الأولى

The Effect of Salinity Irrigation Water on Improving Qualitative Characteristics of Tomato Fruits Under Different Potassium Fertilizer Levels

Ayman Mustafa*(1) and Riad Baladia(2)

(1). Rural Damascus Scientific Agricultural Research Centre, General Commission of Scientific Agriculture Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(2). Rural Engineering Department, Faculty of Agriculture. Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Ayman Mustafa. Rural Damascus Scientific Agricultural Research Centre, General Commission of Scientific Agriculture Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria. E-mail: aymanmustafa1983@gmail.com).

Received: 22 / 01 / 2015                                 Accepted: 11/ 2 / 2015

Abstract:

A field experiment was conducted in Al-Nashabiya Research Station in split plot design aimed to study the effect of salinity irrigation water and potassium fertilization on qualitative characteristics of tomato fruits for two seasons 2008-2009. Salinity irrigation water levels were (I =1.06, II =1.95 and III =2.83 dS/m). potassium fertilization levels were (K0=0, K1=150 and K2=300 kg potassium oxide/ha). Results showed that the increasing of salinity irrigation water increased tomato fruit dry matter weight, total soluble solids and sugars, and decreased pH value, compared with fresh water irrigated treatments. Furthermore, the application of supplemental potassium fertilizer led to higher percentages of tomato fruit dry matter weight, total soluble solids and sugars, and lower pH value, compared with those unfertilized with potassium. The highest percentages of fruit dry matter weight, total soluble solids and sugars, and the lowest value of fruit pH, were gained by the treatment III K2. Therefore, qualitative characteristics of tomato fruits can be improved by application of supplemental potassium fertilizer in saline irrigation conditions.

Key words: Tomato, Salinity water, Potassium fertilization, Qualitative characteristics.

Full paper in Arabic :تأثير ملوحة مياه الري في تحسين المواصفات النوعية لثمار البندورة عند استخدام مستويات مختلفة من السماد البوتاسي

Regression Between Number of Productive and Quality Components of some Primitive Wheat Genotypes under Rainfed Condition

Maysoun Saleh(1) Yousef Wjhani*(1) and Mokhles Shaherli(2)

(1) Genetic Resources Department, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR). Damascus, Syria.
(2) Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University. Damascus, Syria.(*corresponding author: Dr. Yousef Wjhani, Genetic Resource Department, (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria. E-mail: yowj2015@hotmail.com).

Received: 17/07/2014                         Accepted: 11/02/2015

Abstract

The study was conducted at Izraa Research Station and Cereal Technology Lab of The General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR) in Syria, during two growing seasons 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. Fifteen local and entries genotypes and three local cultivated varieties were planted in Randomized Complete Block Design RCBD in three replications, Correlations and Regressions between number and weight of grains per spike with quality components contents in grains were studied after harvest. Results showed that number of grains per spike had a negative and significant correlation with each of protein content and wet gluten content and sedimentation rate, while it was positive with starch content in grains. Weight of grains per spike had a negative and significant correlation with each of protein content and wet gluten content. Results showed that all regression relations were negative and significant, thereby breeding programs for increasing number of grains per spike will cause a reduction in each of protein content and wet gluten content and sedimentation rate about (36, 17, 17%) respectively, while breeding program for increasing grain weight per spike will negatively affect protein and wet gluten content in grains about (28, 14%), respectively.

Key Words: Productivity components, Quality components, Correlation, Regression, Genotypes, Primitive Wheat.

 Full paper in Arabic : علاقات الانحدار بين عدد من المكونات الإنتاجية والنوعيّة لطرز من القمح المبدئي ضمن ظروف الزراعة المطرية

Estimation of Some Genetic Parameters and Heritability for Earliness and Seed Yield Traits in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

 Ghrood Al-Aswd *(1) Mahmud Sabbouh(2)Waleed Alek(3) and Samir AL-Ahmad (4)

(1). General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Crops Research Administration, Damascus, Syria.
(2). Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
(3). (GCSAR), Crops Research Administration, Damascus, Syria.
(4). (GCSAR), Tartos Agricultural Research Center, Tartos , Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Ghrood Al-Aswd: General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Crops Research Administration, Damascus, Syria. E-mail: ghroodaswd@yahoo.com).

Received: 14/07/ 2014                                    Accepted: 19/2/ 2015 

Abstract

The present study was undertaken at May First Station in (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria, during 2011 and 2012 seasons, to estimate the gene action, heritability, genotypic and phenotypic coefficient variation of five population seeds of two single crosses (Sb181 × Sb235, Sb235 × Sb298). The crosses were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replications to evaluate the number of days to flowering, number of days to initiation of first pod, number of days to physiological maturity, number of days to full maturity and seed yield traits. The mean square analysis showed significant differences between the five populations for all studied traits in all crosses. The cross Sb235 × Sb298 achieved the highest heritability in broad and narrow senses (92% and 46%) respectively, for number of days to physiological maturity, while the highest value of phenotypic and genotypic variations (15.29 and12.80) respectively, were achieved for seed yield in the cross Sb181 × Sb235, but the highest value of genetic advance for that cross was 10.08%. The epistasis or dominance gene action controlled the inheritance of the most traits, this leads to the importance of selection in late generations to improve those traits, because of the high value of heritability, and low to moderate genetic advance in the two crosses.

Keywords: Soybean, Gene action, Phenotypic and genotypic variations, Heritability, Genetic advance

Full paper in Arabic :  تقدير بعض المؤشرات الوراثية ودرجة التوريث لصفات التبكير وغلة البذور في فول الصويا

Effect of Seeding Rates on The Productivity of Durum Wheat in Climatic Zone B in Hama Governorate

Ola Moustafa*(1) FadiaGuniem(1) Abdu Al-Latif Al-Shami(2) Osama Al-Houmsi(2) AdilMshoulbeh(2) Adnan Al-Naser(2) and KawtherAlhamed(3)

(1). General Commission of Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Crops Research Administration, Technology Packages Department, Damascus, Syria.
(2). Hama Scientific Agricultural Research Center, (GCSAR), Hama, Syria.
(3). General Commission of Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Crops Research Administration, Cereal Technology Lap.

(*Corresponding author: Dr.  Ola Moustafa: (GCSAR), Crops Research Administration, Technology Packages Department, Damascus, Syria. email: o-moustafa@hotmail.com).

 Received: 17/07/ 2014                                     Accepted: 11/2/ 2015

Abstract:

The research was conducted in Hama Scientific Agricultural Research Center, Hama, Syria, during three growing seasons (2010/2011, 2011/2012 and 2012/2013), and in farmer’s field during the growing season (2010/2011), with the aim to identify the best seeding rate of durum wheat variety Cham3 in climatic zone B in Hama. The experiment was designed using randomized complete block design with three replications. Data analyses were done, and least significant difference (LSD) test at 5% was applied for comparison of means.  The results of three seasons showed no significant differences among the three seeding rates (150, 200 and 250 kg/ha), the best grain and biological yields were obtained by using 150 kg/ha. The combined analysis of the two sites clarified that the seeding rate of 150 kg/ha surpassed 250 kg/ha seeding rate in biological yield. As the seeding rate of 150 kg/ha for Cham3 was the best to be applied in climatic zone B in Hama Governorate, so no need to increase the seeding rate at farmer’s field over recommended seeding rate.

Keywords: Durum wheat; Seeding rates, Grain yield, Biological yield.

Full paper in Arabic :أثر معدلات البذار في إنتاجية القمح القاسي في منطقة الاستقرار الثانية في محافظة حماه

Effect of Planting Method in Some Productivity and Quality Traits of Tow Sugar Beet Varieties Grown in Summer Season in Syria

Entessar Al-Jbawi*(1) Thamer Al Huniesh(1) Zuhair Al Jasem(2)Nahla Al Mahmoud(2)Ziad Al Ibrahim(2)  and Ahmad Al Abdallah(2)

(1). Crops Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(2). Der Al Zur Agricultural Research Center, (GCSAR), Der Al Zur,  Syria

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Entessar Al Jbawi, Damascus, Syria. E-mail: dr.entessara@gmail.com , Mobile: 0988699884)

Received: 01/02/ 2015                                    Accepted: 18/03/ 2015

Abstract

The field experiment was carried out at the Scientific Agricultural Research Center, Der Al Zur, Syria, during the growing seasons 2009/2010 and 2010/2011, to determine the effect of planting method on some productivity and quality traits of two sugar beet varieties, one was monogerm i.e. Dita, while the other was multigerm i.e. Reda. The experiment was sown in three methods i.e. ridges (50 cm), ridges (100 cm), and rows, each planting method with plant distance (20 cm between plants). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design, with four replications. The combined analysis exhibited significant effect of the planting method (M) and non significant effect of the varieties (V) for most of the studied traits. The results showed that planting in ridges were more important compared with sown in rows  however, planting  in ridges with width 100 cm caused  an increase in root and sugar yields, and sucrose% (65.9 ton/ha, 10.1 ton/ha and 17.5 %, respectively). ).  We can consider planting in ridges the best planting method in summer season in Der Al Zur governorate in Syria.

Keywords: Planting method, Productivity and quality traits, Sugar beet varieties.

Full paper in Arabic : تأثير طريقة الزراعة في بعض الصفات الإنتاجية والتكنولوجية لصنفين من الشوندر السكري في العروة الصيفية في سورية

The Impact of Some Social and Economic Factors on the Farmers Adoption of Fodder, Feeding, and Breeding Technologies in the Middle Area of Syria

Mohammad Mardini*(1) Mohammad Al-Abdalla(2) and Toni Talab(1)

(1). Technology Transfer Department, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(2). Economic Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng: Mohammad Mardini, Technology Transfer Department, (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria, E-mail: mardiny1981@gmail.com ).

Received: 17/11/ 2014                                       Accepted: 9/03/ 2015

Abstract

The study was carried out in Al-Salamya and Al-Mesherfa areas of Hama and Homs governorates, Syria, during 2009, using a randomized sample of 120 farmers, to investigate the farmers’ knowledge and adoption of some fodder, feeding, and breeding technologies. The results showed that the rate of adoption of growing fodder crops was 76.7%, and 69% of the farmers had weak knowledge with fodder technologies, 10% was the adoption rate of haymaking, and 6.7% for the straws treated with urea. The results also exhibited that 61.7% of the farmers raise livestock and about 56.7% of them have low knowledge in using feeding and breeding technologies, 37.8% was the adoption rate of ram’s isolation, and 6.8% was for adopting the artificial insemination, while 44.6% was for early weaning adopting, and 8.1% for having the improved rams. The statistical analysis clarified a positive, significant correlation between the educational level, average yield of barley, availability of agriculture machinery, the level of extension communication, the average of family income, and the degree of farmer’s knowledge about the usage of fodder technologies. The results also showed a negative significant correlation between this knowledge and the planting of fruit trees, the period of feeding on the crops residues. The statistical analysis also showed a positive significant correlation between the average yield of barley, availability of agricultue machinery, the level of extension communication, the average of family income, and adoption of farmers for the usage of fodder technologies. The most important problems that face farmers were lack of water, high costs of fuel, transportation, and production inputs, lack of machinery to invest the agricultural wastes, and the poor knowledge in fodder technologies.

Key words: Fodder technologies, Feeding and breeding technologies, Farmers’ adoption, Economic and social factors.

 Full paper in Arabic : أثر بعض العوامل الاقتصادية والاجتماعية في تبنّي المزارعين لتقانات الأعلاف والتغذية والتربية في المنطقة الوسطى من سورية

 

Genetic Studies of Some Local Syrian Bread Wheat Using RAPD

Nedal Jerodieh(1) Yousef Wjhani*(1) Fakhri Al mousa(2) Wafaa Reda(4) and Ossama Mouhra(1)

  1. Genetic Resource Department, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
  2. Field Crops Research Administration, (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(*corresponding author: Dr. Yousef Wjhani, Genetic Resource Department, (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria. E-mail: yowj2015@hotmail.com).

Received: 10/07/ 2014                                     Accepted: 29/03/ 2015

Abstract:

The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Genetic Resource Department in the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria. The aim of the study was to investigate the genetic diversity between 9 local bread wheat cultivars (T. aestivum)  i.e. Baladieh Hamraa, Florance Aurore, Salamoni, Maxibak, Kandahari Abiad, Kandahari Ahmar, Sweid, Briji, and Hreideh), and Cham 4 as control. The DNA was isolated, and the genetic diversity was studied by RAPD technique using 9 primers with a GC percentage between 60 to 70%. Results showed that the highest percentage of similarity was 56% between Maxibak and Salamoni and, between Briji and Sweid. The lowest percentage of similarity was 24% between Sweid and Baladieh Hamraa. The 9 primers generated 259 bands in averaging 28.8 band for each primer. 243 bands were polymorphic with a variation rate ranged between 58.6 and 100%. Whereas all studied cultivars were characterized by 89 positive unique bands from all primers, only three cultivars (Baladieh Hamraa, Cham 4 and Briji) were characterized by 5 negative unique bands from /5/ primers. The cultivar Baladieh Hamraa had the highest positive unique bands (18 bands) followed by Florance Aurore (15 bands) and Cham 4 had the highest negative unique bands (3 bands). In addition, VBC2-15 was the most characterizing primer, followed by VBC 3-9. The cluster analysis revealed that the cultivars under study were distributed into two branches, sub branches and groups separated by their environmental requirements. For instance, Salamoni (drought tolerant cultivar), which can grow under rainfed conditions was placed in a branch whereas the cultivars Baladieh Hamraa and Sweid that need irrigated conditions were placed under another branch.

Key words: Bread wheat, Local Syrian cultivars, Genetic Diversity, RAPD.

 Full paper in Arabic : دراسة جزيئية لبعض الأصناف السورية المحلية من القمح الطري باستخدام تقنية RAPD