Category Archives: plant protection

Study of the Distribution of Phytophthora Species on Strawberry and Evaluation their Damages in Tartous Governorate, Syria

Abd Alrahman Khafta*(1)

(1). Plant Protection Department, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abd Alrahman Khafta. E-Mail: dr.khafateh54@yahoo.com).

Received: 18/10/2018                                Accepted: 10/11/2018

Abstract

This study showed an increase in the damages of two fungus species of Phytophthora spp. on the sensitive genotypes of strawberry plant, at two locations (Arzona and Sefsafe) in Tartous governorate, during 2016 and 2017, which were grown in vivo. p. Cactorum which caused crown and leather rot was isolated and p. fragariae which was the causal agent of red stele root rot also was isolated on the selective medium CMA (corn meal agar) and (PARPNHB) compounds. The rate of the infection % and the severity % of red stele root rot were 16% and 5.8% in Arzona and reached 15% and 5.6 % respectively in Sefsafe. Regarding crown rot, the infection% was 13% and severity was 3.6% in Arzona, while the values reached 14% and 4.2% respectively in Sefsafe. In terms of leather rot, the infection % was 9% and severity was 3.2 % in Arzona, but the percentages accounted 8% and 3.1% respectively in Sefsafe.

Key words: Phytophthora strawberry, Crown rot, Red stele root rot, Leather rot.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Effect of Host-Plant on Life Table Parameters of Potato Tuber Moth Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller)

Gassan Youssef*(1)

(1). General Organization of Seed production, Homs, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Gassan Youssef. E-Mail:ghassanyoussef@hotmail.com).

Received: 14/04/2018                                Accepted: 03/10/2018

Abstract

Life table studies for potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) were carried out on three host plants namely; potato tubers, Solanum tuberosum L. (Potato), eggplant fruits, Solanum melongena L. (Aubergine) and green tomatoes, Solanum esculentum Mill (Tomato), to evaluate the preferred host plant for feeding Ph. operculella larvae. The calculated biological parameters were: Net reproductive rate of increase (R0), generation time (Gt), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), finite rate of increase (λ) and population doubling time (Dt). Obtained results indicated that potato tubers proved to be the quite favorable for achieving the highest developmental and multiplication rates of Ph. operculella, followed by eggplant meanwhile tomato was the least favorable. The natural mortality figures; Apparent Mortality (AM), Real Mortality (RM) and Indispensable Mortality (IM) for larvae reared on potato tubers were 20.73, 17.00 and 13.34%, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest mortality rates were 32.58, 29.00 and 18.36% when larvae were fed on eggplant fruits. It is quite worth to mention out here that potato tubers are considered as the most attractive for feeding and rearing Ph. operculella for research purposes followed by egg-plant. Tomato seem to be the least acceptable host plant.

Key words: Host plants, Life tables, Potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella.

Full paper in English: PDF

A Survey of Barley Spot Diseases in North East of Syria and Evaluation the Sensitivity of Some Barley Varieties to Tan Spot Disease

Alan Ramo*(1)

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

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Alan Ramo. E-mail: alanremo123@hotmail.com).

Received: 29/03/2018                                Accepted: 05/10/2018

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct field survey of spot diseases of barley grown in zone1 and zone2 in the north eastern part of Syria in 2016 and 2017. Ten local varieties of barley were tested against tan spot (Helminthosporium tritici-repentis) disease under laboratory conditions. The plants were infested in two stages, the first was in tillering and booting stages, while the second was only in booting stage. Results of field survey showed that barley was infected with spot diseases caused by Helminthosporium tritici-repentis, Helminthosporium sativum, Alternaria alternate and Rhynchosporium secalis, the first species (H.tritici-repentis) was the most commonly distributed with rates reached  64.17% and 63.63% in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The distribution of the second species (H.sativum) were  25.37% and 24.54% respectively. The third species (A.alternata) distribution were 5.97% and 4.54% respectively, while the fourth species (R. secalis) distribution rates were 4.47% and 7.27% in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Results also showed that “Arabi Aswad” variety was the most sensitive cultivar, while the varieties “Furat 2”, “Furat 3” and “Furat 6” were the most resistant at tillering stage, whereas at booting stage “Furat 7” was the most sensitive cultivar, and “Furat 2” and “Furat 6” were the most resistant cultivars. Values of ratio and severity of infection were less when the plants infected in booting stage comparing to its values at the same stage when the plants were infected in both tillering and booting stages.

Keywords: Field survey, Tan spot, Fungal spots, Helminthosporium tritici-repentis.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

The Effect of Biological Control of Two Spotted Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae Koch by Using the Predatory Mite Phytoseiulus Persimilis Athias-Henroit on Growth and Productivity of Some Climbing Beans Cultivars

Riad Tofik Zidan(1) Mohammad Ahmad  Ahmad(2) and Alisar Nadim Shaabow*(1)

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

(2). Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author:  Eng. Alisar Shaabow. E-Mail: alisar.nadeem@yahoo.com).

Received: 19/11/2018                                Accepted: 19/12/2018

Abstract

The study was carried out at a greenhouse in latakia center for rearing natural enemies during 2017 and 2018, in order to study the effect of  the biological control of the two spotted spider mites Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)  by using the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henroit (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on growth and productivity of five cultivars of climbing beans: Kentucky wonder white, Blue lake, Fatima, Purple Queen, and Zilioni Gigant. The results showed that releasing the predatory mite increased leaf area to 10294 cm2 compared with the prey treatment 5983 cm2, the net assimilation rate increased from 0.15 to 0.36 mg/cm2/day, and the productivity increased from 0.27 kg/m2 to 1.25 kg/m2, for both prey and predator treatments respectively. The results also showed that Kentucky Wonder White cultivar had the highest leaf area (9499 cm2) and productivity (1.18 kg/m2) with the existence of the predator.

Key words: Climbing bean, growth, Biological control, Tetranychus urticae Koc, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henroit.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Preliminary Study of Decay and Death Phenomenon in Kiwi Trees in the Syrian Coast

Abd Alrahman Khafta*(1)

(1). Plant Protection Department, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abd Alrahman Khafta. E-Mail: dr.khafateh54@yahoo.com).

Received: 02/10/2018                                Accepted: 02/11/2018

Abstract

Several years ago, in the Syrian coastal orchards, the phenomenon of the decline and death of kiwi trees was observed. This problem was addressed by several visits during the year 2017 to three Kiwi orchards in Harisoun, Qardaha and Burj Islam, in order to identify the problem and identify the cause/causes of the decline and death of kiwi trees. The results indicated that the incidence of the deterioration and death of kiwi trees reached 7% in the orchard in Harisoun. Several of pests associated with the phenomenon were isolated and identified as three genera of nematodes i.e. Meloidogyne sp., Tylenchus sp. and Pratylenchus sp. The fungi Fusarium solani, Verticillium albo- atrum, Fomitiporia mediterranea and the bacteria cancer Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae were isolated too.

Keyword: Kiwi trees, Meloidogyne sp., Tylenchus sp., Pratylenchus sp., Fusarium solani, Verticillium albo- atrum, Fomitiporia mediterranea, Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

The First Record of the Parasite Zombie fly (Apocephalus borealis Brues) on Honey Bee Apis mellifera in Syria

Menos Assad*(1)

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

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Menos Assad. E-Mail: menos.asaad@hotmail.com).

Received: 01/06/2018                                Accepted: 01/07/2018

Abstract

Honey bee colonies are infected by numerous pests like pathogens and parasites, which cause Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) phenomenon, where the infected foragers left their hives at night and dying shortly thereafter. Zombie fly (Apocephalus borealis), is considered one of the parasites that attacks honey bees in many countries in the world. Samples of adult honey bees were collected from two locations in latakia. This study confirmed the first record of Apocephallus borealis in honey bees in Syria.

Key words: Honey bee, Zombie fly, Apocephalus borealis, Syria.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

The First Record of crossopriza maculipes (Araneae, Pholcidae) in Iraq

Shurooq Abdullah Najim*(1)  and Azhar Mohammed Al-Khazali(2)

(1). Natural History Museum, Universty of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq.

(2). Department of Science, Branch Biology, College of Basic Education, University of Sumer, Thi Qar. Iraq.

(*Corresponding auther: Dr. Shurooq Abdullah Najim. E-Mail: shurooqarachnida@gmail.com).

Received: 12/04/2019                                Accepted: 18/05/2019

Abstract

The species Crossopriza maculipes (Spassky, 1934) was recorded in Iraq for the first time. The specimens were collected from six locations of Basrah province, which located south of Iraq (Al-mdaina, Al-hwair, Shatalarab, Abulkhaseeb, Safwan and Alzubair), during the period 1 December 2017-1 December 2018.

Key words: First record Crossopriza maculipes, Iraq, Pholcidae.

Full Paper in English: PDF

Allelopathic Effects of Sodom Apple (Calotropis  procera L.) on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Some Poaceous Crops

Awadallah Belal Dafaalla* (1) and Salwa Gadkareem Osman(1)

(1). Crop Protection Department, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Sudan.

(*Corresponding author. Dr. Awadallah Belal Dafaallah. E-mail: awadna@hotmail.com; awadna@uofg.edu.sd)

Received: 22/01/2019                                Accepted: 24/03/2019

Abstract

Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Sudan in 2014/15 season to study the allelopathic effect of aqueous extract and powder of sodom apple (Calotropis procera L.) leaves on seed germination and seedling growth of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench), millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.), maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum vulgare L.). Treatments were arranged in completely randomized design with four replicates. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (P £ 0.05) and means were separated using LSD test. The results showed that the leaves aqueous extract of sodom apple significantly reduced seed germination and there was direct relationship between concentration and reduction in germination. Also, the results showed that incorporating the leaves powder into the soil at the rate of 1 – 5%, significantly, reduced plant height, number of leaves, and root length of crop seedlings as well as plant fresh and dry weight. In addition, the reduction in seedling growth was increased as the leaves powder increased in the soil. This study confirmed that the sodom apple had allelopathic effects on seed germination and seedling growth of the poaceous crops. Therefore, isolation and identification of allelochemical compounds from this plant could provide means to minimize their negative effects over the cultivated plants and potentially could provide structural models for the development of bio-herbicides.

Keywords: Allelopathic; Calotropis; Sorghum; Millet; Maize; Wheat.

Full paper in English: PDF

Effect of Three Species of Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in of Stimulating Systemic Resistance Against Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) of Tomato Plants

Ramez M. Al Shami*(1) Imad D. Ismail(1) and Yaser Hammad(2)

(1). Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(2). Soil and Water Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Ramez M. Al Shami. E-Mail: ramezalshami924@gemail.com).

Received: 30/06/2017                              Accepted: 03/10/2017

Abstract

This experiment aimed to study the effect of three species of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (Frateuria aurantia, Bacillus megaterium and Azotobacter chroococcum) by inoculated seeds or seedlings of tomato plants on suppressed the effect of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in greenhouse in Tartus. Total phenols and photosynthesis pigments (chlorophyll A, B and carotenoids) were observed in fresh leaves of tomato plant after 30 Days of infection. Results showed, that treatment with single bacteria Frateuria aurantiawas was significantly higher in total phenol compared  with Bacillus megateriumor, Azotobacter chroococcum, compared with the control healthy or infected. However, the bacteria Azotobacter chroococcum gave a significant increase in photosynthesis pigments compared with Bacillus megaterium or Frateuria aurantia. On the other hand, the mixed treatment of ABF+CMV (seeds and seedlings) showed highest increase in total phenol (37.75 and 47.09 mg/100g) consequently, photosynthesis pigments (chlorophyll A 0.973 and 1.065 mg/g), (chlorophyll B 0.872 and 0.903mg/g) and (carotenoids 0.972 and 0.995 mg/g) respectively. The increase in total phenols and photosynthesis pigments leads to the ability ofrhizobacterto stimulate systemic resistance and reduce the effect of the virus on tomato plants.

Keywords: CMV, PGPR, Tomato, Total phenols, Photosynthesis pigments.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Determination of the Optimum Laboratory Conditions for the Production of Crystal Protein by Bacillus thuringiensis KS3 Isolated from Iraqi Soils

Khlood Abid-Alelah Alkhafaji*(1) Samera Oda Khleoy(2) Safaa Abid Alrahem Mahmoud(1) Shaemaa Rajab Farhan(1) Sabreen Abid Alhadi Saleh(2) and Mohamed Abid al- Rahem Abiallah(1)

(1). Applied Microbiology Department, Center of Biotechnology, Directorate of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Science and Technology. Iraq.

(2). Biology Control Department, Pest Integrating Management Center, Directorate of Agricultural Research. Ministry of Science and Technology. Iraq.

(*Corresponding author: Khlood Abid-Alelah Alkhafaji. E-Mail: khloodalkhafaji@yahoo.com).

Received: 15/03/2018                                Accepted: 25/09/2018

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the optimum conditions for the production of crystal protein produced by a local Iraqi isolate of Bacillus thuringiensis KS3. This research was conducted at the laboratories of Directorate of Agricultural Research during the period from 2016 to 2017. Growth factors such as sugar, nitrogen sources and minerals were evaluated, also pH was determined. Environmental factors such as temperature, aeration and time of production were studied separately; Laurea Bertani broth (LB) was modified for optimal production of crystal protein. Sucrose gave the best concentration of protein which reached up to 4.49 mg/ml, while peptone could be used as a substitute of a tryptone as best nitrogen source. No significant differences among tryptone, soytone, beef extract and casein. The best C:N ratio was that of 2% peptone and 1.5% sucrose which gave 5.252 mg/ml. Magnesium sulfate increased the crystal protein concentration which reached to 7.92. No significant difference was observed between magnesium sulfate and manganese chloride. Medium equilibrated to pH 7.5 was used for highest crystal protein production compared with pHs 6.5, 7, and 8. Culture of Bacillus thuringiensis KS3 incubated for 72 h at 30 ₀C with 120 rpm/min in a shaker incubator gave the best protein concentration.

Key words: Bacillus thuringiensis, delta toxin, sucrose, peptone, pH.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF