Category Archives: crops

General and Specific Combining Ability for Some Fodder Components Yield Traits of Pearl Millet Single Crosses [Pennisetum glaucum )L.( R. Br.]

Ghassan AL Lahham*(1) Elias Aweel(1) Saoud Shehab(1)  Majeda  AL Rwely(1) Razan AL Najjar(1) Reem AL Mansour(1) Ali  Wannous(1)  Thamer AL Hniesh(1)  

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

(*Corresponding author: E-Mail: gh_lahham@hotmail.com).

Received: 02/05/2019                                Accepted: 01/10/2019

Abstract

Half diallel set of crosses between six inbred lines of pearl millet were executed at First of May Research station, Syria, during 2011 and 2012 seasons to study  the heterosis, and general and specific combining ability components for silking date (day), plant  height(cm), number of leaves, number of tillers per plant and green and dry fodder yield (ton/ha), to be compared with the average. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replications. The results showed that the variation of inbred lines and crosses was highly significant in the inheritance of all studied traits, and the general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities mean squares of the inbred lines, and crosses were significant for all traits, this showed the contribution of additive and non-additive gene action in those traits. The ratio of σ2GCA/σ2SCA showed the dominance of additive gene action in inheritance of these traits. Heterosis of hybrids (P1 × P4, P1 × P6, P2 × P3, P3 × P6, P4 × P6 and P5 × P6) was significant compared with mid and better parents for most studied traits in particular green and dry fodder yield. The lines (P6, P5, P4) also showed a positive and significant general ability for yield of green and dry forage. while the hybrids (P1 × P2, P1 × P3, P2 × P6 and P4 × P6) had the highest significant good SCA for green fodder yield (14.22**, 16.37**, 17.92** and 31.92**) respectively. This confirms the need to include them in the selection and breeding programs of this crop.

Key words: Pearl millet, Half diallel cross, GCA, SCA, Heterosis.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Estimation of Some Genetic Indicators of Sunflower Helianthus annus L. Varieties Growth and Production Characteristics under Different Plant Densities

Mohamed Nael Khattab*(1) Waseem Adla(2) and Erwa Suleiman(1)

(1). Crops Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(2). Al-Ghab Agricultural Scientific Research Center. General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Mohamed Nael Khattab. E-Mail: aboalabd876@gmail.com).

Received: 03/01/2019                                Accepted: 20/02/2019

Abstract

The research was carried out with the aim of estimating some genetic indicators of growth and productivity characteristics to determine the important trait or traits in the selection to be used in breeding programs, for five varieties of sunflower Helianthus annus L. (variety 90, variety 19, variety 9, local variety, and variety 54), which were received from the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), and were planted in three densities (44000, 55000, and 74000 plants/ha), according to randomized completely block design arranged in split-plot with three replicates. The varieties were distributed in the main plots, while the plant densities were allocated in the secondary plots in AL-Gab region (Hama) during season 2018. The results revealed that there were genotypic and phenotypic homogeneity, according to the lowest genetic variance coefficient (GCV) and phenotypic variance coefficient (PCV) for most of the studied traits. Genetic variability was the largest percentage of phenotypic variation. The broad sense heritability values ranged from 83% to 96%, especially at the density of 74000 plants/ha of some traits and reflected on genetic progress which was high and ranged between 14-30%. The results also showed that the best variety that can be evaluated for several years and in more than one geographic location was (variety 9), if planted in a density of 44000 plants/ha to get high productivity components. The characteristics of number of days until flowering, maturity, plant length and productivity kg/ha are better on density of 74000 plants/ha. It is concluded that number of seeds per head and seeds weight can be used as selection indices.

Keywords: Sunflower, Densities, Genetic indicators.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Yield and its Components in Some Maize Zea maiz L. Genotypes Using Factorial Mating System

Ahmed H. A. Anees*(1) and  Watheq H. M. Thiaib Al-Gaisi(1)

 (1). Faculty of Agriculture, Tikrit University, Iraq.

(*Corresponding author: Ahmed H. A. Anees . E-Mail: Ahmed75hawas@yahoo.com).  

Received: 28/12/2019                                Accepted: 24/02/2020

Abstract

A factorial mating was carried out between male parents (OH(1), ZP-31(2), UN440(3), INbread12(4) and ZP-607(5)) and female parents (SH(6), IK-58(7), IK-8(8) and R-153(9)). It had been done during spring 2014 at a farm in Baiji district. Parents and their hybrids had been evaluated at Shwan Research Station, Directorate of Agriculture in Kirkuk in autumn 2015 to figure out parents general combining ability (GCA), hybrids specific combining ability (SCA) and dominant gene action for number of days till male and female flowering, plant height, leaf area, number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, 100 grain weight and single plant yield. Results showed a significant genetic difference among the genotypes in most of the characteristics except number of rows per ear for male parents. The male parents (INbread12(4) and ZP-607(7))weresignificantly combined positively for plant height and leaf area in INbread12(4) and 100 grain and yield for ZP-607(7). The same positive direction was obtained in female parents (IK-8(8) and R-153(9)) for number of days till female flowering, number of rows per ear and yield for IK-8(8), and leaf area, number of rows per ear, number of grains per row and yield for R-153(9). Hybridssignificantly combined in a desired direction as well. For example, (OH X R-153), (INbread12 R-153X) and (ZP-607 X IK-58) combined in growth and yield characteristics. The components ratio of (GCA) to (SCA) was less than one, and the dominance variance was more than the additive variance. This was reflected on the broad sense heritability which was high, and on the narrow sense heritability which was low. Finally, it is possible to prognosticate that studied characteristics were controlled by the dominant gene action, and can be selected as promising hybrids and avoiding the selection in the early generations.

Kew words: Maize, Factorial mating system, Genetic parameters.

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Genetic Analysis of Some Productivity Traits and Earliness in Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Rawaa El-Shiekh Attiea*(1)

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

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Rawaa El-Shiekh Attiea. E-Mail: dr. rawaa3@gmail.com).

Received: 12/11/2019                                Accepted: 31/12/2019

Abstract

Genetic potential, combining ability, heterosis effects and heritability were studied in F1 genotypes of Gossypium hirsutum L., at Cotton Research Station in Deir Ezzor, Syria. Four parental genotypes (Aleppo 33/1 (P1), Deir Ezzor 22 (P2), Line 106 (P3) and Line G73 (P4)) and their six F1 half diallel progenies were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2011 season to study seed cotton yield (S.C.Y.kg/don.); lint percentage (L.P.%) and earliness percentage (E.P.%). Results showed significant (p≤0.01) differences among the genotypes, parents and crosses for seed cotton yield and lint percentage. Significant (p≤0.05) differences were observed for parent vs. crosses indication to average heterosis over all hybrids for the above two traits. For earliness, insignificant differences were showed among genotypes, crosses and parent vs. crosses, but significant (p≤0.05) differences were showed among parents. Results indicated that best genotypes which performed highest mean and general combining ability were: lines 106 and G73 for seed cotton yield; Deir Ezzor 22 for lint percentage and Aleppo 33-1 for earliness percentage. Thus, it could be suggested that these parental varieties could be utilized in a breeding program for improving these traits to pass favorable genes for improving hybrid and subsequently producing improved genotypes through the selection in segregating generations. Best crosses based on mean performance and/or heterosis and/or specific combining ability were Aleppo 33-1*G73 followed by Aleppo 33-1*line 106 for seed cotton yield; Aleppo 33-1*G73 for lint percentage and Line 106*G73 for earliness percentage. Suggesting that these crosses could be used in breeding program to improve such traits. On the other hand, results showed high value of H2b % and low value of H2n%for seed cotton yield,  ascertained that dominance effects had great role in the existence of the variability of this trait, which insure that the expected gain from recurrent back crossing for seed cotton yield would be high in the breeding program. However, estimates of H2b % and H2n% for both of lint percentage and earliness percentage were high. Theses convergence of narrow and broad heritability values revealed that both additive and non-additive gene actions played important roles in the inheritance of these two above traits, so breeding program should contain selection and hybridization for improving these traits.

Kay words: Cotton, Combining ability, Heterosis, Heritability.

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Improve Irrigation Water Productivity by Applying Partial Root-Zone Drying Under Condition of Supplemental Irrigation in Yemen

Hazem Al-Ashwal*(1) Mohamad Moslih Alsanabani(2) Abdulrahman Haidar(3) and Abdulrahman Salah(2)

(1). Soil and Water Department, Regional Station of Agricultural Research in Northern Heights, Sanaa, Yemen

(2). Soil, Water and Environment Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Sanaa University, Yemen.

(3). Renewable Natural Resources Center, General Organization of Agricultural and Extension, Thamar, Yemen.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Hazem Al-Ashwal. E-Mail: hazemalashwal@yahoo.com).

Received: 02/05/2018                                Accepted: 01/10/2018

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in Northern Highlands Agricultural Research Regional Station- Sana’a- Yemen, in 2015 season to study the effect of alternative furrow irrigation technique on some growth and yield components, and water use efficiency (WUE) of corn crop variety Taiz-2, compared with conventional furrow irrigation at different levels of irrigation; also, to study patterns of soil moisture distribution, and soil water balance. Six treatments were applied, namely: EFI1, EFI2, EFI3, AFI1, AFI2, and AFI3; where EFI mean conventional or full furrow irrigation, and AFI alternative furrow irrigation, and the numbers 1,2,3 related to levels of irrigation 100%, 75%, 50% respectively, and the treatment EFI1 is the farmer practice. The experiment layout was RCBD design, with three replicates; the means compared by Duncan at 0.05 level of probability. Results showed that the most of growth and yield components, and WUE improved significantly under AFI treatments at all water irrigation levels; and decreased with the decrease in water irrigation level, but it was noticed slightly in AFI compared with EFI. The treatment AFI2 had the highest WUE with conservation in irrigation water by 18%, and without significant effects on yield compared with EFI1. The study concluded that the AFI technique would be useful in arid areas to maintain yield, where the water irrigation less than crop requirements compared with EFI.

Key words: Zea mays; Partial root-zone drying, Alternative furrow irrigation, Water use efficiency.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Determination of the Optimal Sowing Date of Quinoa [Chenopodium quinoa Willd] in Some Syrian Areas

Saud Shehab*(1) Thamer Alhenish(1) Attalla Algareeb(1) Weal Melly(2) Ahmed Ez Aldeen(2) Ahmed Al Ali(2) Abd AL Nasser Alomar(2) Ryad Baleesh(1) and Mohamed Ali(1)

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

(2). Agricultural Research Center of Hama, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Saud Shehab. E-Mail: saudshehab@gmail.com).

Received: 22/07/2018                                Accepted: 14/11/2018

Abstract

Experiments were carried out at Qarahta Research Station and Hama Research Center during the growing seasons 2016 and 2017. Four varieties were studied and three sowing dates, in order to identify the optimal planting date (1st February, 15th February and 15th March) and the best variety (NSL-106398, AMS-13923, AMS-13761 and Zeer) in terms of yield. The Results of compound analysis of flowering days showed significant differences (P≤0.05) between locations, planting dates and varieties. The earliest was Qarahta location, third sowing date and Zeer variety (75, 59, 72 days) respectively, the same differences obtained for physiological maturity on third sowing date (114 days) and Zeer variety (120 days). The plant height had significant differences between locations and varieties where the highest values were for Hama location (157 cm), second sowing date (149 cm) and AMS-137161variety (168 cm). The heads number per plant showed significant differences for location, sowing dates and varieties and the highest values were for Qarahta location, first sowing date and AMS-13923 variety (8, 9, 9 heads) respectively. The grain yield showed significant differences, the highest grain yield was in Hama (3.510 t/ha), first sowing date (2.980 t/ha) and Zeer variety (3.620 t/ha). Zeer and NSL-106398 varieties and early sowing dates from 1st to15th February are recommended to plant in Syria.

Key words: Quinoa, Sowing dates, Morphological characteristics, Quinoa yield.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Study of Genetic Diversity and Correlation of some Important Traits of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.( Genotypes Using Diversity Array Technology Markers (DArT)

Abdullatef Ahmad Al-Assaf*(1) Mohammad Shafik Hakim(1) Mohammad Fadi Basmaji(2) and Stefania Grando(3)

(1). Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

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

(3). International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Abdullatef Ahmad Al-Assaf. E-Mail: a.alassaf74@gmail.com).

Received: 13/11/2018                                Accepted: 02/12/2018

Abstract

The research was conducted in corporation between Faculty of Agriculture, Aleppo University and General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR) and International Center for Agricultural Researches in Dry Area ICARDA at three locations: Tal Hadya, Homeimeh and Breda during two seasons 2008/2009 and 2099/2010. RCBD was used with three replications. The study aimed to estimate the genetic diversity in barley using 43 collected genotypes from seven different geographical regions in the world to be used in the breeding programs. In addition, to study the association between markers with grain yield and plant height and some root traits in barley seedlings under controlling conditions to determine assisted markers for selection this trait in dry areas. 70 DArT markers (Diversity Array Technology) were used in the DNA analysis, and 139 alleles were detected in the whole collection. The number of alleles detected per locus varied from zero to 2, with an average of 1.99 alleles per locus. The genetic diversity GD values ranged between zero and 0.5, with an average of 0.366, while the Polymorphism Information Content PIC values ranged between zero and 0.488 with average of 0.358. The high level of genetic diversity and the absence of genetic similarity among genotypes indicated high genetic variability levels within barley collection. The results indicated that the collection regions had high genetic diversity of barley genotypes. Moreover, there is a positive association between molecular markers and barley traits, as 27 markers were associated with the traits in whole barley genome.

Key words: Barley, Genetic diversity, Molecular markers, DArT, Association analysis.

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The Role of Drip Irrigation and Mulch on Changing Soil Moisture and Salinity and its Effect on Cotton Yield

Galia Abdel Majeed(1) Abdel Naser Aldarir(2) Ahmad Shams Aldien Shaaban(3) and Abdallah AL Yosef*(4)

(1). Research Center of AL-Haskeh, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(2). Department of Rural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

(3). Department of Biotechnologies Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

(4). Research Center of Aleppo, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(* Corresponding author: Dr. Addullah Al-Youssef, Email: dr.abdalyoussef@gmail.com).

Received: 12/11/2018                                Accepted: 16/12/2018

Abstract

Drip irrigation and mulch is the best methods for increasing in cotton yield. A field experiment was implemented at the Research Station of AL-Hasaka governorate through 2011/2012, using randomized complete block design containing three levels of irrigation: the first treatment (A) was to irrigate 100% of water requirement, when the soil moisture went down to 80% of field capacity, with  sufficient quantity of water to raise the soil moisture to field capacity, and the second  treatment  (B) was irrigated at the same time of (A) treatment, but with 75% of the quantity of A, and the third treatment (C) was also at the same irrigation time, but with half the quantity of (A). Four methods of covering was adopted; drip irrigation without mulching, drip irrigation with white, black plastic film and straw cover as Mulch, with three replicates. The goal of the research was studying the effect of mulch on soil moisture and salinity of the soil profile of cotton, the distance was 35 cm, 17.5 cm, under the drop pipe and its effects on production. The results showed that in mulch condition the soil moisture did not differ all over the pipe, contrary to drip irrigation without mulching treatment in which the soil moisture was higher under drop pipe particularly, while the soil moisture decreased whenever the distance went away from the pipe. Salinity of soil rised whenever soil moisture decreased. Concentration of soil salinity increased in upper section (0-30 cm) in low irrigation treatment (C) and drip irrigation without mulching treatment compared with mulching treatment. So, the production varied between 1019-7081 kg/ha for straw mulch under 50% moisture and white mulch with 100% moisture respectively.

Keywords: Drip irrigation, Salinity, Plastic mulch, Deficit irrigation, Soil moisture, Cotton.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Effect of Herbicides on Some Characteristic of Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Ammar J. Al-Khaz’ali *(1) Reasan K. Shati (2) Maha N. Kadom (1) and Khudeir A. Salman(1)

(1). Projects and Stations Management Department, Office of Agriculture Research, MOA, Baghdad, Iraq.

(2). Faculty of Agriculture University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Ammar J. Al-Khaz’ali. E-Mail: a_ammarjassim@yahoo.co.uk).

Received: 24/07/2019                                Accepted: 06/11/2019

Abstract

A field trial was conducted of Abu-Ghraib Research Station, Agriculture Research Office Research during the spring and fall times of 2016, to study the effect of new herbicides (60gm.h-1 Arrow, 600 cm3.h-1 Crew, 2000 cm3.h-1 Guradian and 2000 cm3.h-1 Proponit) on the performance of seven maize cultivars (Fajer 1, Baghdad 3, 5018, Al-Maha, Talar, Sara and Buhuth 106). The experiment was accomplished using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a split plot arrangement. The Guradian treatment gave the highest value of Leaf Area Index (LAI) 2.18 and 2.35 at both seasons respectively, while the weedy treatment gave the lowest values (1.49 and 1.58) respectively. Crew treatment gave superior value of Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) 6.96 gm.m-2.day-1 at spring season, while Proponit treatment gave superior value at fall season 6.88 gm. m-2.day-1. The weed -free treatment gave superior value of grain yield and biological yield at both seasons 3.840, 4.866 and 17.99, 20.57 ton.ha-1, while Arrow treatment gave high value of harvesting index at both seasons 22.28% and 22.24 % respectively. The treatment weed-free with Buhuth106 gave superior value of grain 4.179 and 5.817 ton.ha-1 at both seasons respectively. While weedy treatment with Talar gave lowest value of grain yield in spring season was 1.449 and with Al-Maha in fall season 1.921 ton.ha-1. It can be concluded from this study that using good cultivars of highly competitive with the absence or reduction of weeds competition by using herbicides, it could lead to improve some growth index for maize and thus increase yield.

Key words:  Weeds, Zea mays, Cultivars, Herbicides.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Determination of Some Selection Indices in Wild Chickpea

Ghada Ahmad*(1) Maysoun Saleh(1) and Yousef Wjhani(1)

(1). Genetic Resources Department, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Ghada Ahmad. E-Mail:  ghadaahmad245@gmail.com).

Received: 01/10/2018                                Accepted: 21/11/2018

Abstract

16 genotypes belong to eight wild annual genotypes of chickpea which represented the common species in west Asia and north Africa were planted in Dara’a Research Centre (Ezra Station), General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Researche (GCSAR) in addition to local chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) during 2011/2012 season in Randomized Complete Block Design RCBD with three replications, in order to study the correlation between studied traits and to determine selection indices for chickpea grain yield via path analysis to figure out direct and indirect effects and to define their contribution% in grain yield. The studied traits were (days to maturity, flower peduncle height, plant height, pod number per plant, first pod height, grain number per plant, hundred grain weight and grain yield per plant). Results showed that grain yield had a positive significant correlation with each of pod number and grain number per plant and hundred grain weight (0.615**, 0.633**, 0.606**) respectively, and with flower peduncle height (0.514*), and had negative correlation with days to maturity (-0.412*). Results of path coefficient analysis showed that all studied traits contributed  in grain yield in a rate of 65.2%, and the direct effect for each of pod number per plant and hundred grain weight on grain yield were high and positive (0.8066, 0.5122) respectively, while high but negative for each of days to maturity and grain number per plant and medium and negative for the first pod height and low and negative for flower peduncle height (-0.1709). Results showed also that pod number per plant had  the highest contribution in grain yield as a direct effect 65.07)) %, followed by the indirect and cooperate effect of number pod per plant and hundred grain weight (39.38) % then the direct effect of hundred grain weight (26.23) %, so they could be considered as selection indices for grain yield in chickpea.

Key words: Contribution%, Correlation, Path coefficient, Grain yield, Wild chickpea.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF