Category Archives: vol4-no1

Determining Some Stability Adaptation Parameters for Sugar Beet Commercial Varieties in Summer Sowing

Entessar Al Jbawi*(1) Thamer Al Huniesh(1) Zuhair AL Jasem(2) Nahla Al Mahmoud(1) and Hussien Al Zubi(1)

(1). General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.                                                                                                                                      (2). Der Ezzor Agricultural Research Center, GCSAR, Der Ezzor, Syria.                     (*Corresponding author: Dr. Entesssar AL Jbawi: dr.entessara@gmail.com).

Received: 22/04/2016                           Accepted: 15/05/2016

Abstract

The research was carried out to study the adaptation of 14 commercial monogerm cultivars of sugar beet in three successive years 2009-2011 at major sugar beet producing location in summer sowing time, Deir Ezzor, in Syria, and assess genotype by environment interaction, and to estimate the stability of the varieties performance according to the yield stability statistics (Ysi) for the studied traits of these varieties. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used. Data collected  from  each  experiment  were  subjected  to  simple  analysis  of  variance  and  after homogenization of error variance, combined analysis for four traits including Sucrose content% (SC), Purity % (P ), Root yield (RY ), and Sugar yield (SY ) were carried out. Combined analysis of variance over years, exhibited a significant differences (P≤0.05) between the varieties, indicating genetic differences. Results of yield stability statistics (Ysi) revealed that three of the monogerm sugar beet varieties (Rafal, Agora,  and Sherif) were judged as stable for all of the studied traits, during the last three seasons, which is recommended to be planted in summer time in Deir Ezzor region.

Key words: Genotype-Environment Interaction (GEI), Stability analysis, Sugar beet.

Full paper in English: Determining Some Stability Adaptation Parameters for Sugar Beet Commercial Varieties in Summer Sowing

The Role of Zero Tillage in Economic Return of Rain-fed Lentils in Al-Qamishli and Al-Malikiyah (Al-Hasakah Governorate)

Alaa Hamo*(1) Shabab Nasser(1) and Khaled Sultan(1)

(1). Economic Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University. Damascus. Syria.                                                                                                                   (*Corresponding author: Eng.  Alaa hamo. E-Mail: alaasuliman@outlook.com).

Received: 29/02/2016                           Accepted: 06/04/2016

Abstract


This study aims to define the role of zero tillage (ZT) in economic return for the lentils in the regions of Al-Qamishli and Al-Malikiyah (Al-Hasakah governorate). All farmers who followed ZT system in these regions has been selected. Sample size amounted to 200 randomly selected farmers, of which 100 follow ZT system, and the other 100 follow traditional cultivation. The economic analysis depended on estimating the average production costs, and economic returns for growing seasons 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. The results showed that the production cost in ZT is less than the TC by 12%, estimated to 56024, 63982 SYP/ha respectively. The net profit of ZT was about 391986 SYP/ha on average, with 7958 SYP/ha greater than TC.  Moreover the average cost ZT compared to ZT has been reduced by 19.8%, estimated to 30 and 37 SYP/kg, respectively. The analysis showed that the ZT reduce the amount of fuel consumption, working hours, seeding rate and total cost by 67%, 56 %, 44%, 32%, respectively. While the yield has increased by 9%.  This study revealed that ZT achieved an economic return higher than TC by 12 %.

Keywords: Zero tillage (ZT), Traditional cultivation (TC), Production costs, Economic return, Rain-fed lentils.

Full paper in English: The Role of Zero Tillage in Economic Return of Rain-fed Lentils in Al-Qamishli and Al-Malikiyah (Al-Hasakah Governorate)

Efficiency Evaluation of Some Nematophagous Fungi Against Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita on Cotton Plants in Syria

AL- Masri, M. (1), S. Alarabi (1), R. Albaka (1), M. Abed Al kader (2) and K. Al-Assas (2)

(1). Scientific Agricultural Research Center in Hama, General commission for scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus,  Syria.                                                             (2). Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.                                                                                                        (*Correspoding author: Dr. Maymounah Al-Masri. E-Mail: dr.maymonh-almasri@hotmail.com).

Received: 04/01/2016                           Accepted: 28/03/2016

Abstract

The efficiency of 7 nematofagous fungi (Trichoderma harzianum, Monacrosporium eudermatum Strain 2024 (recently Arthrobotrys eudermatum), Arthrobotrys conoides Strain 2022, A. candida Strain 2012, Paecilomyces lilacinus Strain 14052 (recently Purpureocillium lilacinum), P. variotii Strain I and P. variotii Strain II) were evaluated against root-knot nematode M. incognita (race 3) on cotton plants (variety Aleppo 33) in pots under field conditions during 2012 at Hama Scientific Agricultural Research Center, GCSAR/Syria. The use of tested fungi reduced the number of egg masses on cotton roots, number of larvae in the soil, nematode reproduction rate, and improved cotton plants growth indicators comparing with the control plants (P≤0.05). The fungus A. conoides was the most efficient one in reducing the number of root gall (57%), while Paecilomyces fungi reduced significantly the egg hatching rates which ranged 13.2-18.2% comparing with the control that inoculated only with the nematode (63.5%), with no significant differences among them. Also, results showed significant differences with the relative efficiency rates for the two fungi (P.lilacinus and P. variotii Strain I), and nematicide Mocap (Ethoprop) in the reducing egg mass rates (52.3, 62.1, and 93.1, respectively). The effect of the fungus M. eudermatumwas was not only in the parasitism on the vermiform stages, but also it reduced the eggs average inside egg masses (455.8 egg\egg mass), similarly to the effect of nematicide Mocap (Ethoprop) treatment alone (203.7 egg\egg mass).

Key words: Cotton, Nematofagous Fungi, Meloidogyne incognita.

Full paper in Arabic: Efficiency Evaluation of Some Nematophagous Fungi Against Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita on Cotton Plants in Syria

Efficiency of Some Biotical-Fungi against Parasitic Nematode on Peanut Rhizosphere

Sobhya Al-Arabi*(1) Maymouna Al masri(1) Rabieaa Al baka(1) Faysal Al  Farawati(1) and Mazen Albasaleh(1)

(1). Plant Protection Research Administration, General Commission for Agricultural Scientific Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.                                                 (*Corresponding author: Eng. Sobhya Al-Arabi. E-Mail: sobhia_alarabi@hotmail.com).

Received: 15/11/ 2015                           Accepted: 01/01/ 2016

Abstract

Efficiency of some biotical-fungi (Fusarium moniliform, Trichoderma harzianum, Pacilomyces lilacinus, Gliocladium virens and nematicide Fenamiphos EC 40% (0.7 ml/l) were evaluated to reduce the density of parasitic nematode of peanut plants rhizosphere in Hama (Dimo) and Latakia (Eidiya) governorates, Syria, during 2011. Results showed that all tested biotical-fungi were efficient to control the parasitic nematode; they contributed in the growth of peanut plants and increased their productivity by 55% in comparison with control plants. An obvious effect of the application time of these fungi was recorded; the treatment at planting time was superior significantly with 97 to 100% compared with the treatment in the midseason after 70 days of planting of 52.7 to 74%. Meanwhile, no significant differences were recorded when these fungi were applied in two different regions (central and coastal) to decrease population of the parasitic nematode of peanut.

Keywords: Biotical-fungi, Fenamiphos, Fusarium moniliform, Pacilomyces lilacinus, Trichoderma harzianum, Gliocladium virens, peanut, Syria.

Full paper in Arabi: Efficiency of Some Biotical-Fungi against Parasitic Nematode on Peanut Rhizosphere

Survey of Pastoral and Natural Plants and Factors Affected it’s Development in Dhamar Governorate (Central Highlands) in Yemen

Mohammed M.Y. Dows*(1) Ahmed A. Dows(1) Amin Al-kirshi(1) Saleh Mouthana(2) and Karemah Rajeh(3)

(1). Central Highlands Agricultural Research Station, Yemen.                                           (2). Renewable Natural Resource Center, Yemen.                                                             (3). Agricultural Extension Office. Yemen.                                                           (*Corresponding author: Dr. Mohammed M.Y. Dows. E-Mail: mmydows1975@yahoo.com).

Received: 29/10/ 2016                           Accepted: 31/01/ 2017

Abstract

The study was carried out on the territory of natural pastures of Al-Manar Directorate in Dhamar province/Yemen, in summer season of 2013 and 2014, to determine the prevalent pastoral cover, and causes of its deterioration, also to identify the most widespread pastoral plant species, especially the promising ones, and to study the factors that affecting its development. The study relied on a descriptive and analytical approach to describe the phenomenon and to identify its causes. The interviews, direct observation, and visits were used, in addition to the topographic maps and satellite images, besides the climate because of its significant impact on the vegetation cover, were used. The prevailing vegetation community was identified with the help of box method, depending on the relative importance of the pastoral plants. Results indicated that the most important plant communities were of grass plant (Cynodonsche nanthus), Juniper plant (Artemisia campestris), Acacia plants (Acacia Spp), and Seder plant (Zizaphus Spp). The results of the quantitative study showed that the overall average of plant cover was 59.03%, this means that 40.97% of the surveyed sites, free of vegetation, which indicates that the region is suffering from the deterioration in the natural vegetation cover, probably due to two fundamental factors, first was the environmental issue such as the lack of rain, and the second was due to increase of human population, unjust logging and grazing, scarcity of  legislation, and low level of awareness of the importance of vegetation cover and pastures, this leads to the absence of most pastoral plants. The study examined the promising pastoral plants, which consider the most important pillars of the program and plans for the repair of degraded rangelands. The study concluded the need to promote and develop the pastoral land, and to replant the appropriate pastoral vegetation cover of the region, also increase its productivity, and management with the help of the proper methods.

Keywords: Natural plants, Pastoral cover, promising plants, Yemen.

Full paper in Arabic: Survey of Pastoral and Natural Plants and Factors Affected it’s Development in Dhamar Governorate (Central Highlands) in Yemen

Effect of Apple Bagging During Growth Period on Some Quality Parameters at Harvest

Waiel Haddad(1) Muhammad M. Al Zoubi*(1) and Wissam Massa(1)

(1). Natural Resources Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Dr. Muhammad M. Al Zoubi. E-Mail: manhalzo@yahoo.com).

Received: 25/01/ 2016                                     Accepted: 23/03/ 2016

Abstract

The effect of bagging apples fruit, which it is still on trees in paper bags made in Japan that has specific characteristics, was studied to determine the quality traits of apples ah harvest, this study conducted at Brshin Research Station, Hama governorate/Syria, during the season 2015. Two apple varieties were used, Starking Delicious, and Stark Rimson. The results showed a significant increase in the bagging fruits firmness compared with those without bagging, and a significant decrease in the total soluble solids of bagging fruits compared with those without bagging for both varieties, besides there was no significant difference in average of weight and diameter of fruits for both varieties.

Key words: Apple fruit bagging, Total soluble solids, Fruit firmness, Fruit size.

Full paper in Arabic: Effect of Apple Bagging During Growth Period on Some Quality Parameters at Harvest

Econometric Analysis of the Cost Functions of Spring Potatoes in Hama Government-Alghab Region

Moammar Dayoub*(1) Ibrahim Abdullah(2) Ramez Hamada(2) and Bassam Ali(3)

(1). Salamieh Agricultural Rresearch Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(2). Alghab Agricultural Research Center, (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(3). Administration of Economic and Social Studies, (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Dr. Moammar Dayoub. E-Mail: m-dayoub@hotmail.com).

Received: 07/09/ 2015                                     Accepted: 01/01/ 2016

Abstract

The research was conducted in Hama governorate-Alghab region, and it based on a random sample of 135 spring potatoes farmers. Data was collected using special questionnaire designed for this purpose. The research aimed to estimate the cost functions in order to reach economic sizes of production and farm. The results showed that the optimum size, which minimize the cost was 40464.6 kg/ha, for the first category (less than 1 hectare), while the average actual production was 19031.25 kg/ha, but the optimum size for the third category (more than 3 hectares) was 43855.9 kg/ha, and the actual production was 26675 kg/ha. The study revealed also that the optimum size of the farm is 4.85 hectares, and the average farm size of the sample was 1.64. Level of profitability stood at 145.69% for the first category and reached 194.59% for the third one. The average cost also declined from 12.46 S.P. /Kg for the first category to 11.05 S.P. /Kg for the third one. The study emphasized the need to aggregate holdings in order to reduce production costs and to achieve better returns to scale.

Keywords: Spring potatoes, Economic scale, Cost function.

Full paper in Arabic: Econometric Analysis of the Cost Functions of Spring Potatoes in Hama Government-Alghab Region

Designing of a HACCP Plan of Lokum Line Production With Pistachio

Saleem Bani Almrjeh*(1) Fuaad Obboush(1) and Maytham Galiss(1)

(1). Food Technology Department, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Eng. Saleem Bani Almrjeh. E-Mail: salem232008@windowslive.com).

Received: 20/09/ 2015                                     Accepted: 18/02/ 2016

Abstract

In this research, a HACCP plan (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point “HACCP”) was designed for a production line of lokum with pistachio in a Syrian food establishment for lokum production, which located in Damascus countryside in 2011. First, an evaluation of the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Health Practices (GHP) in the establishment was done. It has been found a medium personal cleanliness practices considering the workers. Besides, there wasn′t a training program for the workers about GMP and GHP. According to the hazard analysis during the production process of lokum with pistachio, five critical control points (ccp) were determined: The first and the second were detected during the reception of pistachio (the hazard of shell sand aphlatoxins), and the third was detected during heating process (survival of dangerous bacteria) and the fourth and fifth were during storing (dangerous bacteria or mold multiplication, and contamination by aphlatoxins). According to that the HACCP plan was defined, and the critical limits of each (ccp) were determined, and the monitoring system and corrective actions that should be followed were defined, to avoid deviation from the critical limits.

Key words: HACCP plan, Lokum, Hazard analysis, Critical control point, Pistachio.

Full paper in Arabic: pdf

Study Some Rheological Properties of Syrian Durum Wheat Triticum durum Desf. Varieties

Abboud Al Saleh(1) Ebraheem Al-Jouri*(2) and Wisal Al-hommada(1)

(1). Food Science Department, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Al-Furat University, DeirEz-Zor. Syria.
(2). Insects Research Department, Plant Protection Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.(*Corresponding author: Dr. Ebraheem Al-Jouri. E-Mail: jouri@myway.com).

Received: 23/02/2016                                      Accepted: 30/03/2016

Abstract

This research aims to investigate some rheological properties of three Syrian durum wheat varieties: Sham7, Buhouth9, and Duma1, using the Alveograph to determine some standards such as: resistance, elasticity, inflation factor, and work energy. All tests were carried out in the laboratory of grain technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Alfurat University/Syria, during 2010 and 2011. Results showed significant differences among the averages of dough inflation resistance for the three varieties. Duma1 was superior with resistance average of 61 mm in comparison with the other two varieties Buhouth9 and Sham7, which reached 46, and 39 mm, respectively. The three varieties were significantly varied in their dough elasticity, which reached 94, 59, and 40 mm for Sham7, Buhouth9, and Duma1, respectively. There was a negative correlation between elasticity and resistance in the three studied varieties, with the possibility of directing the variety Buhouth9 for baking and Sham7 for confectionary.

Keywords: Syrian durum wheat, Rheological properties, Alviograph.

Full paper in Arabic: Study Some Rheological Properties of Syrian Durum Wheat Triticum durum Desf.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters of Some Productive Traits in Black Boni Sheep

Abed M. Al-Bial*(1) Ahmed Al-Dous(1)   Sharf Al-Azazy(1 ) and Abdulah Salah(1)

(1). The Regional Research Station in the Central Highlands, Agriculture Research & Extension Authority, Yemen
(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abed M. Al-Bial.  Email: aalbial@yahoo.com)

Received: 24/10/2016                                      Accepted: 09/01/2017

Abstract

In this study, the pedigree data, and production performance of 1074 records of Black Boni sheep were used. The sheep were kept at the Regional Research Station in the Central Highlands of Yemen, during the period 1992 to 2015, to estimate heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations of some productive traits. The results showed that the general averages of birth weight, weaning weight, and daily gain from birth to weaning were 2.18 ± 0.011 kg, 10.64 ± 0.23 kg, and 93.71 ± 8.22 g/lamb, respectively. Estimated heritability values for birth weight, weaning weight, and daily gain were 0.38 ± 0.05, 0.30 ± 0.03 and 0.26 ± 0.1, respectively. Phenotypic and genetic correlations among studied traits were highly significant (P<0.01), and they ranged between 0.46 – 0.83 and 0.32 – 0.77, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of genetic selection to improve any of the studied traits, will lead to an improvement in the other correlated traits.

Key words: Black Boni sheep, Genetic parameters, Heritability, Phenotypic and genetic correlations.

Full paper in Arabic: Estimation of Genetic Parameters of Some Productive Traits in Black Boni Sheep