The Contribution of Plant Improvement to the Color Change of Flowering Ornamental Plants Throughout History

Fatema Abdrahman^*(1) and Mohammed Hisham AlNasan⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Applied Science History, Institute of Arab Scientific Heritage, Aleppo University

(*Corresponding author: Fatema Abdrahman. E-Mail: fa573507@gmail.com).

Received: 13/11/2018 Accepted: 01/01/2019

Abstract

The research aimed to highlight the important aspect of agricultural science in the books of Arab agriculture in the period studied, namely, changing the color of flowers and obtaining new colors using simple, easy and inexpensive methods that can be applied. These methods were: Saffron and Nile or change the PH value of the soil by adding acid or by hybridization and obtain a new color different from the color of the parents. It was noticed that there were only five scholars of agriculture interested in this subject viz. Ibn al- Awam al- Andalusi and his book is: Alfilaha Alandalusia, Anonymous author and his book is: Miftah Alrraha Li Ahl Alfalaha, Radi Aldiyn Alghazi and his book is: Jamie Fawayid Almilaha Fi Jawamie Fawayid Alfalaha, Abdul Ghani Al Nabulsi and his book: Elim Almilaha Fi Elim Alfilaha and Alhusayni and his book: Misbah Alfalah Fi Altib Walziraea. It was found that Ibn- al- Awam was a forerunner in this field compared to the other of the agricultural scientists aforementioned, and as he was the only one who was unique in the method of hybridization, and Arab agricultural scientists had preceded the modern science in changing the color of flower, and developed the principles of the science of improvement and hybridization, and they built the foundation on which genetics was based.

Key words: Flower color, Plant improvement, Arabic farming books plant, Botanic heritage.

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Influence of Cultivar and Harvest Date on the Productivity and Qualitative Characters of Apple Molasses

Bayan Mohammad Muzher^*(1) Ola Tawfeek Al-Halabi⁽¹⁾ and Anton Salim Anton⁽²⁾

(1). Pome and Grapevine Research Division, Horticultural Department, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(2). Fruits Physiology Lab, Horticultural Department, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Bayan Muzher. E. mail: bmuzher@hotmail.com).

Received: 05/11/2018 Accepted: 16/12/2018

Abstract

The present research was carried out at Pome and Grapevine Division and Horticultural Department in General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR) during 2011 and 2012 seasons to study the effect of cultivar and harvest date on the productivity and qualitative characters of apple molasses. Apple fruits were collected from Golden delicious, Starking delicious and Stark rimson cultivars in two harvest dates 5/10 and 5/11. Apple molasses was manufactured and stored in normal room temperature for one year. Results showed that the second harvest date significantly produced more quantity of molasses than the first one in all studied cultivars, and Golden delicious cultuvar revealed highest productivity (7.4 Kg apple fruits/1 Kg molasses), while Starking delicious cultivar revealed the highest productivity than the two studied cultivars in the first date (11.1 Kg apple fruits /1 Kg molasses). Chemical analysis of molasses showed that the second harvest date showed the highest content of TSS, TS, and titratable acidity in all cultivars compared with the first one, and Starking delicious molasses revealed the highest content of TSS and TS (74.75% and 64.37%, respectively) in comparison with the two other cultivars. The results indicated that after one year of storage, there were no significant differences in the color, flavor and chemical components of molasses. Consequently, apple molasses as a new product characterized by good qualitative characters.

Key words: Apple, Molasses, Total soluble solids, Total sugars.

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Effect of Some Plant Growth Hormones on Buds Formation and Callus Induction of Nasturtium Officinale R.Br. in vitro

Daniel Al-Awad⁽¹⁾ Maysaa Yazigi⁽¹⁾ and Reem Ebraheem^*(1)

(1). Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Tishreen university, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Reem Ebraheem, E-mail: ribraheem66@yahoo.com).

Received: 02/04/2018 Accepted: 19/06/2018

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of some plant growth hormones on the shoots formation and callus induction of Nasturtium officinale R.Br, in vitro. All experiments were carried out at the laboratory of Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, Tishreen University during 2016 and 2017. Seedlings were grown on MS medium, then 0.5-1 cm of stem nodes were planted on the MS nutrient medium with 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/l of the cytokinin Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP). Stem nodes, leaves and petioles of leaves were planted on MS medium with various concentrations (1, 2) mg/l of the auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) in combination with various concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1) mg/l of BAP. The cultures were maintained in growth incubator at temperature 25±2 °C with a photoperiod of 16 hours light (2500-3000 lux) and 8 hours dark. The results showed that MS medium with 0.1 mg/l or 0.5 mg/l BAP was the best to propagate buds, where the average number of shoots ranged between 14-15, and some shoots formed roots. The MS medium supplement with 1mg/l of 2,4-D in combination with 0.5 mg/l BAP was the best medium for callus induction from all parts of the plant, and the stem nodes were the best plant parts used to form callus on MS medium in most of hormone concentrations; stem nodes recorded best rates of callus formation 83.75% then the petioles of leaves was 75% and the leaves was 66.75%, on the best medium.

Keywords: Nasturtium officinal R.Br, Tissue culture, Auxin, Cytokinin, Callus.

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Effect of Humic Acid Spray on Morphological and Yield Traits **of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L.) Var. Babylon Under Al-Hasaka Conditions**

Abboud Hamoud Aljasim^*(1)

(1). Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Furat University.

(*Corresponding author: E-Mail: abboudaljasim@gmail.com).

Received: 12/04/2018 Accepted: 06/07/2018

Abstract

The research was conducted at Faculty of Agriculture in Al-Hassaka governorate during 2016 and 2017 seasons. RCBD design with three replications was used. The aim was to study the effect of spray with humic acid on morphological traits and yield of Babylon cucumber variety in different growth stages in an average of three sprays at the fourth real leaf stage, then after 10 days for each spray. Three concentrations of humic acid were used i.e. 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm. The results showed that humic acid improved morphological traits of leaves, where the leaf length reached (18.33) cm, the width was (20) cm when humic acid was sprayed with 1500 ppm, while leaf length and width were 17.67 and 19 cm when sprayed with 500 ppm. The fruit length was (13.72 and 12.78) cm when humic acid sprayed with 1500 and 1000 ppm respectively. There was a significant increase most productivity traits when the concentrations 1000 and 1500 ppm were used compared to other treatments, where the fruit weight was (98 and 94 g) respectively, and the productivity was (4133 and 3498) kg/d respectively.

Key words: Humic acid, Cucumber, Morphological traits, Productivity.

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**The Effect of Growth Regulators, Time Collecting and Type of Cutting on Rooting of Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis( Male Trees Cuttings**

Imad Bilal^*(1)

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

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Imad Bilal. E-Mail: imad-b@arabscientist.org).

Received: 06/06/2018 Accepted: 07/09/2018

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out at Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Latakia, during (2011-2013) to study the propagation of male kiwi trees by wooden cuttings. Two dates for collecting cuttings (January and February) from kiwi trees were selected. On every date, the cuttings were divided into three groups according to cutting location on the shoot (basal, middle and apical). The NAA and IBA regulators were applied at two concentrations (5000, 6000 ppm). In addition, there were four treatments of the mixture of both growth regulators. The cuttings were planted within the glasshouse for 60 days under sprinkle irrigation conditions. Then, the effect of cutting collection date, cutting location on shoot and the concentration of growth regulators on; number of rooted cuttings, total number of roots, average root weight and volume, and average shoot weight and volume. The results showed that the first date (end of January) is more significant than end of February according to weight and volume of both root and shoot, also in number of rooted cuttings, where the rooting ratio was 64.9%, 54.3% respectively. According to cutting location on the shoot, the middle and basal cuttings were significantly increased in term of root weight (20.31 g, 19.81g), while the apical cutting was 15.55 g. According root volume, the result was 20.55cm³– 20.06 cm³ and 15.57 cm³ for apical cuttings. The NAA and IBA growth regulators showed different effect; where NAA was significantly superior to IBA, and the mixture treatments in terms of the average number of roots/cuttings. While IBA and the mixture treatments were significantly superior over NAA in terms of shoot weight and volume. The treatment with the mixture (IBA3000 + NAA3000 ppm) was significantly superior to the other treatments in terms of the average weight and volume of the roots. The treatment with the mixture (IBA1500 + NAA1500 ppm) was significantly superior to the other treatments in terms of the number of rooted cuttings by rooting (75%) compering to the control (28%).

Keywords: Kiwi (actinidia chinensis ), Collecting cutting dates, Wooden cuttings, Rooting, Male trees, Plant growth regulators.

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The Influence of IBA Auxin on Stem Cuttings Rooting of Some Prunus cerasia Blanche Shrubs

Mohammad Nizam^*(1)Haitham Ismael⁽²⁾ and Hafez Mahfoud⁽¹⁾

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

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Mohammad Nizam. E-Mail: mohammad.nizam85@hotmail.com).

Received: 09/07/2018 Accepted: 16/09/2018

Abstract

The research was carried out in 2017 on twenty-four shrubs of Prunus cerasia Blanche naturally prevailing in 12 sites in the Syrian coast to determine the ability of their stem cuttings to rooting after treatment with different concentrations of IBA (Indole-3 Butyric Acid): 1000, 2000 and 4000 ppm and the control. The findings showed that treatment (2000) ppm was the most significant and giving the highest rooting percentage, number of roots and root length for both wood and semi-wood cuttings. The shrubs LK1 and LK2 from Kassab location gave the best results for rooting of wood and semi-wood cuttings. LK1 shrub gave the highest rooting percentage, number of roots and root length for wood cuttings at concentration of 2000 ppm (26.66%, 4.33 root/cutting, 4.85 cm respectively). As for semi-wood cutting, the highest rooting percentage was for LK1 and LK2 shrubs at concentrations of (2000 and 4000) ppm (33.33)%, while the highest number of roots was for LK2 cuttings at concentration of (2000) ppm (6.19) root/cutting, and the highest root length was for LK1 cuttings at concentration of (2000) ppm (6.63) cm.

Key words: Wild plum, Stem cuttings, Prunus, IBA.

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Quantitative Flow of Water, Sugars and Organic Acids in Individual Grape Fruits During Maturity

Rezk Shahood^*(1) and Charles Romieu⁽²⁾

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

(2). INRA, Montpellier, France.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Rezk Shahood. E-Mail: rezk.sh@hotmail.com).

Received: 10/05/2019 Accepted: 04/06/2019

Abstract

The study was conducted in order to compare the development of the individual grape fruit with those samples represented by the average number of asynchronous fruits in their development, so the flows of water, sugars and malic acid were determined in the individual fruits and their timing of development. The varieties of Pinot meunier and Syrah were used in the experimental SubAgro field, and the dwarf variety ML1 was used under laboratory-controlled conditions in Montpellier, France, during 2014/2015 season. The study was conducted using a single non-synchronized fruit (the ripening date not determined), and single fruits with defined ripening dates. The results showed non synchronicity at the beginning of sucrose storage, which is the main reason of fruits differentiation. Sugars import activity through the phloem started from softening and lasted for 26 days only. Sugar imports stopped at a concentration of 0.9 M, then sugar concentration is determined by shriveling in volume as a result of transpiration and evaporation. Growth enhanced during the first six days after ripening, then resumed. Malic acid became the major respiratory element during early ripening, where its contribution decreased rapidly and stopped in two weeks only.

Key words: Grapes, Fruits development, Metabolic flux, Sugars, Malic acid.

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Study the Effect of Hybridization of Some Olive (Oleaeuropaea L.) Varieties on the Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics of Fruits and Seeds

Tala Al Fozo^*(1)

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

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Tala Al Fozo. E-Mail: talalfo544@gmail.com).

Received: 07/02/2018 Accepted: 04/04/2018

Abstract

The study was conducted on some local olive varieties i.e. Al Beareny (♀) and Al Gellet (♀), and on some foreign olive varieties i.e. Al Zorzalina (♂), Al – Frantoio (♂) and Picholine (♂), where grown in the genetic complex in Homs Agricultural Research Center, during 2016/2017, to study the effect of hybridization of the studied olive varieties on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of fruits and seeds, and to determine the best pollinator of the studied varieties, besides to study the incompatibility of each olive variety. According to the cross-pollination between olive varieties i.e. Al Beareny(♀), AlKaissi(♂), Al Zorzalina (♂), and Al – Frantoio (♂), the results showed that there were some changes in qualitative traits (fruits and seed shape), besides some quantitative changes (fruit and seed weight). It was noticed that self-compatibility of Al Beareny variety was partial. AlKaissi, Al Zorzalina and Al – Frantoio varieties cannot be used as good pollinators for Al Beareny. The results also exhibited the effect of hybridization Al Gellet (♀) variety with Picholine (♂) and AlDan (♂) on the quantitative traits of fruits and seed compared to the qualitative traits which did not influenced. Moreover, the self-compatibility of Al Gellet also was partial, and Picholineis is considered a good pollinator of AlGellet variety, while AlDan cannot be used as a good pollinator for Al Gellet.

Key words: Olea europaea L. Cross-pollination, Pollinator, Self-compatibility.

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The Effect of Organic Farming System on Some Soil Characteristics and Productivity Indicators of Olive Variety Doebli

Ghada Kattmah*⁽¹⁾ Georges Makhoul⁽²⁾Soheel Makhool⁽¹⁾Mohamad Al Naddaf⁽²⁾ Mohamad Ahmad⁽²⁾ Nizar Hamoud⁽¹⁾Wisam Massa⁽³⁾and Mahmoud Dawood⁽⁴⁾

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

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

(3). Barshen Research Station, Hamah Research Center, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(4). Beit Kamouna Research Station, Tartous Research Center, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Ghada Kattmah. E-Mail: ghada978@gmail.com).

Received: 18/03/2018 Accepted: 04/08/2018

Abstract

This research was conducted during the period (2015-2017) as a part of project included in the Cooperation Agreement between the Ministry of High Education and the General Commission of Agricultural Scientific Research (GCSAR) and was funded equally by two participating sides, in order to study the impact of the organic production system on soil properties and productivity indicators of olive variety “Doebli” in two sites: Moseif and Safita, the orchard in each site was divided into two plots with an area of 1 dunum. The first one is managed under the organic system according to Syrian Organic Law (sheep manure fertilizer: 2 tone/dunum, green manure grass pea: barley 9:1 in rate of 15 kg/dunum, excessive pruning in the year of heavy production and 3 tillages per year), while the second part was managed under the conventional practices used by farmer (chemical fertilizer NPK, Urea 46%: 500g/tree in two patches in March and April, potassium sulfate 50%: 300g/tree in March, superphosphate 45%: 300g/tree in November, balanced pruning, 5 tillages per year), and the two plots were separated by two lines of trees. The soil analysis was carried out before and after the organic and conventional treatments, as well as some indicators of productivity (the length of recent vegetative shoots, sex ratio and fruit set ratio). The results of soil analysis at the two sites showed that the organic treatment was significantly higher than its conventional counterparts in terms of organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. The effect of the experimental treatments appeared increasingly at the end of the second season, these elements were gradually released as a result of the fermentation of manure and green manure, and the release of organic acids in the soil. It was observed that the organic treatments were superior to the conventional ones in term of the length of recent vegetative growths (7.32, 3.39 cm, respectively), and the number of flowers per inflorescence which was 14.73 in the organic treatment compared to 12.53 in the conventional one, so the difference between the two treatments was significant, the superior revealed also in the sex ratio (2.74 and 2.11, respectively) and fruit set ratio (4.71 and 3.8%, respectively). This study confirmed the positive effect of the organic production system in improving the olive farm environment and the soil, in order to achieve more yield and production sustainability in farm by using safe and healthy environmental methods.

Key words: Olive, Organic treatment, Conventional treatment, Soil character, Productivity.

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Studying Seeds Germination Physiology and Pollen Grains Palynology of Some Prunus cerasia Blanche Shrubs Prevailing in the Syrian Coast

Haitham Ismael⁽¹⁾ Hafez Mahfoud⁽²⁾ and Mohammad Nizam^*(1)

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

(2). Department of Biotechnology, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. mohammad.nizam85@hotmail.com).

Received: 20/02/2018 Accepted: 29/03/2018

Abstract

The research was carried during 2016 and 2017 to evaluate the physiological behavior of seed germination and micromorphological characterization of pollen grains using a light microscope as a comparative indicator for 24 shrubs of Prunus cerasia Blanche naturally prevailing on 12 sites of the Syrian coast. The results showed physiological similarity of the seeds within the same site and difference in different sites. So, the shrubs LK1 and LK2 in Kassab showed the highest and fastest germination percentage, followed by LD1 and LD2 in Al-Daliya site. However, the lowest and slowest germination percentage were for LRsh1 and LRsh2 in Ras al-Shamra site. Investigated pollen grains were similar: spherical, medium size and tri-apertures, but they were different in the average lengths of polar and equator axes. LRsh1 and LRsh2 in Ras al-Shamra site were significant than other shrubs. The investigated shrubs were also variant in the dimensions of anthers and number of pollen grains within the anther. A direct relation was noticed between the anther dimensions and number of pollen grains in the anther for all studied shrubs.

Keywords: Wild plum, Prunus cerasia, Pollen grains.

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