1st Season Research Articles

SOME MAIZE LEAF GROWTH TRAITS AS INFLUENCED BY SOME INTEGRATED FERTILIZATION REGIMES

A field experiment was conducted at the summer season of 2017, and then repeated at the summer season of 2018 in Agricultural Research Station. Faculty of Agric., Zigzag Univ., Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The study investigated the impact of eleven nitrogen and five phosphorus fertilization regimes on some leaf traits 70 days after sowing (DAS) of maize cultivar single hybrid 168. Results showed that, 120kg N/fad., from different sources i.e., chemical fertilizer, compost and biofertilizers were effectless on number of leaves/plant at 70 days after sowing (DAS) of both seasons and their combined analysis. Number of leaves either under or above the ear of mono eared maize plant were not affected due to applying different nitrogen fertilization regimes studied. Leaf area/maize plant was significantly affected in the first season only. The largest leaf erea/plant (4254.22 cm2/plant) was obtained in the first season, with the appliance of the integrated N fertilization regime (90 kg N from chemical fertilizer +30 kg N from compost). Area of leaves under ear resulted from the integrated fertilization regime (cerealine + 60 kg chemical N+ 60 kg N from compost) was larger than that in the control treatment by 30.94% based on combined results. Regarding to the area of leaves above the ear, results of the 1st season displayed that area of leaves above the ear were at par in treatments N2, N3, N4, N5 and N6. Application of either 120kg chemical fertilizer (N2) or 90 kg chemical N +30 kg N from compost (N3) was conjucated with larger values of leaf area index comparably with other regimes. According to combined analysis, ear leaf area ranged from 481.87 cm2 in control treatment to 625.89 cm2 in the integrated nitrogen fertilization regimes comprised of cerealine + 60 kg chemical N/fad. + 60 kgN from compost. From the results of combined analysis, it could be noted that tassel leaf area ranged between 150.99 to 217.87 cm2 under biofertilization (N11) and the integrated fertilization regimes (N8)in the same order. Insignificant phosphorus fertilization effect under study on maize leaf traits studied at 70DAS, was recorded in both seasons and the combined analysis.

Effectiveness of Azolla Extract In Reducing Use of Mineral Fertilizers (NPK) and Increasing Productivity of Wheat under New Reclaimed Soils

A field experiment was carried out in Al-Mijar Al-Kabeer District, 25 km South of Misan Governorate, Iraq, during 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons to study effect of spraying with Azolla extract‎ at 0, 20, 40 and 60% and NPK-fertilizers levels (60, 80 and 100% of the recommended doses RD) on Egyptian wheat Sids 1cultivar productivity under new reclaimed soils. The experiment was applied according to split-plot design with three ‎replicates.‎The results showed that increasing concentration of the Azolla extract‎ resulted in an increase in most studied characters in both seasons. The increasing rate in grain yield was 57.37 and 51.71 % and in biological yield was 37.66 and 21.57 % for foliar spraying ‎with Azolla extract at 60 % compared with control treatment in the first and second seasons, respectively. Most studied characters gradually increased due to increasing NPK-fertilizers levels from 60 to 80 and 100% of RD and without significant differences between 80 and 100% in both seasons. As for the interaction between spraying ‎with Azolla extract levels and NPK-fertilizers levels, it was significant on spike length in 1st season only, number of spikes/m2, weight of 1000 grains and biological yield in both seasons. It can be stated that foliar spraying Egyptian bread wheat Sids 1cultivar with Azolla extract at 60 % alongside mineral fertilizing with 152.0 kg N + 42.8 kg P2O5 + 45.6 K2O ha-1 (80% of RD) to preserve high productivity simultaneously reduce production costs and environmental pollution under the environmental conditions of Misan, Iraq.

Effect of Nitrogen Levels and Foliar Application of Potassium Sulfate and Micronutrients on Growth and Yield of Maize Preceded By Wheat or Clover

Intensive crop rotation and imbalance fertilizer use have resulted in a wide range of nutrients deficiency in fields. For intensive cropping systems, the current recommended fertilizers rates need revision upwards with in balance ratio of vital micronutrients specific to crop to enhance stagnant yields. Two field experiments were carried out at the Agric. Exp. Sta., Fac. Agric., Cairo University, Egypt during 2014/2015 and 2016/2017 seasons to study the effect of preceding winter crops (Wheat or Egyptian clover), nitrogen levels (90, 120 and 150 kg N/fed.) and foliar minerals application (Control, potassiumsulphateand micronutrient compound of high zinc as well as their interaction) on growth and yield of Zea mays L. cv. single cross 131. The experimental design was split- split plot design with three replications. Results showed that maize planted after Egyptian clover provided the highest grain yield per plant (201.1 and 250.4 g), grain yield per fed. (3.474and3.487 ton) as well as harvest index (0.35 and 0.25 %) as compared to maize sown after wheat for both seasons, respectively. Increasing N rates from 90 to 120 kg/fed.and from 120 to 150 kg/fed.increased grain yield/plant by about 5.2% and 1.9% in the 1st season, corresponding to 2.9 % and 1.9% in the 2nd season, respectively. Increasing N rates from 90 to 120 kg/fed.and from 120 to 150 kg/fed increased grain yield/fed by about 24.6% and 12.8 % in the 1st season, corresponding to 25.9 % and 12.1 % in the 2nd season, respectively. Maize plants grown after Egyptian clover and receiving 150 kg N/fed.with the applied micronutrients and k foliarspray gave the highest grain yield/fed. (4.083 and 4.139 ton)in both seasons. The lowest value of grain yield/fed.was shown when maize was grown after wheat and receiving 90 kg N/fed.with foliar application of micronutrients and k sulfate in both seasons.Maize grown after Egyptian clover and receiving 120 kg N/fed.andfoliar application of micronutrients and k sulfate is recommended for maize production. On the other hand, maize grown after wheat withapplication of150 kg N/fed and foliar applicationof micronutrients and k sulfate is recommended for maize production.Regression analysis reveal the relation between the two variables, i. e., preceding crops (x) and Grain yield/fed (y) there was a linear relation, and, highly significant (P≤0.01) correlation coefficient (r=1) during the first and second seasons. Linear regression equation for N rates suggested that increase in one unit (30 kg/fed.) led to increase grain yield/fed.by 0.35 ton/fed.during the first and second seasons.

Do indigenous forecasts and scientific forecasts influence arable farmers’ and agro-pastoralists’ estimation of onset and cessation of rains? Empirical evidence from Rwenzori region, Western Uganda

This study investigated the influence of indigenous forecasts (IF) and scientific forecasts (SF) on arable farmers’ and pastoralists’ estimation of onset and cessation of rains in the Rwenzori region of Western Uganda. Daily rainfall data (1970–2010) from 3 weather stations in different agro-ecological zones was used to determine mean onset and cessation dates using the Sivakaumar method. After obtaining the household survey of number of farmers and pastoralists whose estimation of onset and cessation dates were in agreement with the stations’ dates, the relationship between forecast type used and estimation of the dates was investigated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The results indicate that onset dates for the 1st season were on 11th, 17th, 19th March while cessation was 8th, 11th, 21st June for lowlands, mountainous and forested areas, respectively. For the 2nd season, forested and mountainous areas had their onsets on 3rd and 20th August, respectively but the lowland area their onset on 3rd September. The cessation date for 2nd season for forested areas was on 8th December, while dates for lowland and mountainous areas were 17th and 24th November, respectively. The results suggest that there is positive relationship between using both IF and SF and estimation of onset and cessation dates but negative relationship with IF had for arable farmers. There was strong negative relationship between using both IF and SF and estimation of onset dates for the 2nd season for arable farmers in forested areas, but strong positive relationship with those using IF only season. The coefficients of variation for the rain onsets were high implying climate variability. The adopted Sivakaumar method is easy to operationalize by farmers and pastoralists with primary level of education, and access to daily rainfall data from established institutions like schools, local clinics and facilities provided by agricultural extension workers.

Rotary tillage effects on some selected physical properties of fine textured soil in wetland rice cultivation in Malaysia

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term repeated passes tillage operations on bulk density, soil penetration resistance, soil porosity and the moisture of a clay loam soil of Malaysia. A field experiment for three seasons was conducted at Sungai Burong Tanjung Karang Kuala Selangor, Malaysia to study treatments consisting of (I) no-tillage NT (II) first tillage FT (III) second tillage (ST), (IV) third tillage (TT) operations. The soil bulk density, soil penetrometer resistance, pore distribution, and moisture content characteristics were determined before and after for each of the three tillage. The penetration resistance was determined at the depths of 0–80 cm while the soil moisture was determined on the surface (0–20 cm). These properties were determined directly before and after tillage operations. All the tillage operations were significantly different in their effects on soil bulk density and soil penetration resistance. The soil bulk density decreased with the degree of soil manipulation after first and third tillage and increased after second tillage, with NT having the highest mean bulk density 1.04, 0.95 and 1.03 g/cm3 while TT having the least 0.84, 0.83 and 0.72 g/cm3 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd season respectively. The soil penetration resistance decreased due to tillage operation, with NT also having the highest resistance of 1.69 MPa and 1.44 Mpa in hardpan during 1st and 2nd season and the lowest PR was 0.09, 0.17 and 0.21 Mpa at TT in 1st, 2nd and 3rd season. Highest mean porosity was 0.68 in 2nd season at TT and the lowest mean porosity was 0.36 in 3rd season at NT. The lowest volumetric moisture content was at ST 0.26 and 0.27 in 1st and 2nd season at ST, and the highest was at TT 0.56, 0.57 and 0.68 at TT in 1st, 2nd and 3rd season respectively. The soil particle density was increased after three tillage operation. The highest increase (23.73%) was noted in FT 2nd season and the minimum was in TT in 1 st season (6.04%) while it decreased in ST during the three seasons.

SUGGESTED MODEL TO ESTIMATE IRRIGATION WATER REQUIREMENT FOR SOME CROPS IN SANDY SOIL - WADI EL NATRUN - EGYPT

An experiment was performed during two winter successive seasons of (2016/2017-2017/2018), at a private farm in Wadi El-Natrun area, El-Behera Governorate, Egypt, to study the effect of applied irrigation water (IR) methods: fuzzy Logic controller (FLC) and manual irrigation water addition (Manual) based on ETc100% at different humic acid rates “HA” (10, 15 and 20 kg ha-1) under surface and sub-surface drip irrigation systems on marketable yield, crop quality parameters, actual evapotranspiration (ETa), water use efficacy (WUE) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) for sugar beet roots and spinach leaves crops under surface (SDI) and sub- surface drip (SSDI). The results showed that, the marketable yield and studied quality parameters of sugar beet roots and spinach leaves gave the highest values under FLC and SSDI treatment for both seasons. While, the seasonal ETa of sugar beet and spinach crops gave the lowest values: 436.24and 141.82 mm; 429.16 and 139.93 mm for both seasons respectively, under FLC and SSDI treatment. The results recorded that, the marketable yield and studied quality parameters of sugar beet and spinach crops gave the highest values under FLC, HA =20 kg ha-1 and SSDI treatment for both seasons. While, the IR and ETa of both crops gave the lowest values under FLC, HA =15 kg ha-1 and SSDI treatment. Finally, the WUE and IWUE of both crops gave thehighest values under FLC, HA =15 kg ha-1 and SSDI treatment. This study concluded that the cultivation of sugar beet and spinach crops under FLC, HA =15 kg ha-1 and SSDI treatment can possibly save of the applied irrigation water about 35 and 45% for the 1st season while, were 41 and 47% for the 2nd season respectively, moreover, increased marketable yield 35 and 45% for the 1st season while, were 41 and 47% for the 2nd season respectively, compared with that under the control treatment (Manual, HA =20 kg ha-1 and SDI treatment).

Marker-assisted foreground selection for identification of aromatic rice genotype to develop a modern aromatic line

Marker-assisted backcrossing is one of the feasible methods to develop a new kataribhog type rice cultivar with semi dwarf and modern type plant character to cope with the challenge. The study was focused on the introgression of Badh2 QTL from kataribhog into some elite promising line-an early, agronomically suitable and susceptible variety. Backcrossing was done during T.Aman season; where G52, GOR509, G27, G49 and IR 93358:4-B-21-4-3-1RGA-2RGA-1-B were the recurrent parent and kataribhog was the donor parent. At 1st season 160 true F1 and then in the next season 134 BC1F1 Plant were developed, which were subjected to foreground selection; the first level of selection of marker assisted backcrossing program. The aim of foreground selection was to identify the introgressed lines. 141 BC1F1 populations were evaluated with tightly linked BADEX7-5 marker. A total of 134 heterozygous BC1F1 Plant were selected finally, which have alleles of both of the parents. Those introgressed lines could be efficiently used in further development of a stable modern type aromatic rice variety

An Analysis of Non-Conventionally Indirect Request in Haikyuu!! (1st Season) Anime

<em>This research is aimed to find and to explain the implicit meaning in non-conventionally indirect request in Haikyuu!! (1<sup>st</sup> Season) anime and the reason the speaker request in non-conventionally indirect way which found in Haikyuu!! (1<sup>st</sup> Season) anime. This research is in descriptive qualitative research. The data were taken from Haikyuu!! (1<sup>st</sup> Season) anime, specifically, the dialogue from the Haikyuu!! (1<sup>st</sup> Season) anime that contains non-conventionally indirect request. The subject of the research is Haikyuu!! (1<sup>st</sup> Season) anime and the object is non-conventionally indirect request. In collecting the data, the researcher uses teknik catat or noting technique. In analyzing data, the researcher uses metode padan specifically in metode padan pragmatics. The analysis of the research shows that Haikyuu!! (1<sup>st</sup> Season) anime, from 25 episodes, has four forms of non-conventionally indirect request in Haikyuu!! (1<sup>st</sup> Season) anime, they are: imperatives, interrogatives, negative interrogatives, and declaratives.</em>

RESPONSE OF TWO MAIZE CULTIVARS (Zea mays L.) TO ORGANIC MANUR AND MINERAL NANO NITROGEN FERTILIZER UNDER SIWA OASIS CONDITIONS

Two trials were carried out at the Experimental Station farm of Desert Research Center, Teggzerty from Siwa Oasis, Matroh Governorate during the two summer seasons, 2015 and 2016. Trials were performed to study response of two maize hybrids.(Single hybrid 131 and Triple hybrid 329) to organic manure (OM) levels (15 and 30 m3/fed.) and five combinations between mineral and nano nitrogen (N) fertilizers: 1)100% mineral N from the recommended dose (120 kg N/fed.), 2)75% mineral + 25% nano N fertilizers, 3)50% mineral + 50% nano N fertilizers, 4)25% mineral + 75% nano N fertilizers, 5)100% nano N as the recommended rate (500 ppm as foliar application). Mineral N rates were added in three equal doses, with foliar application by nano N rates, after 30, 45 and 60 days from sowing. Treatments, included twenty treatments, was laid out in a splilt-split plot design, with three replicates, OM levels were arranged in the main plots, maize cvs. were allocated in the sub plots, and mineral nano N fertilizer treatments were assigned in the sub-sub plots. At harvest the following characters were recorded, plant height (cm), number of rows/ear, ear length (cm), ear diameter (cm), number of grains/row, 100-grain weight (g), ear weight (ton/fed), grain, straw and biological yields (ton/ fed), shelling (%) and harvest index(%). Results indicated that increasing OM levels significantly increased ear length harvest index and protein content (%), in the 2nd season only, triple hybrid gave the maximum values of all pa rameters, except no. of rows/ear and harvest index, in the 1st season, and 100-grain weight and carbohydrate (%), in both seasons, which had no significant difference with single hybrid in the most cases. Concerning with the effect of mineral and nano N, all parameters, except carbohydrate (%), were increased with increasing mineral N (%) and/or with decreasing nano N (%). Fertilized maize crop by mineral N at 100% or 75% plus 25% nano N fertilizer gave the maximum values of plant ht., no. of rows/ear, ear length and diameter, no. of grains/row, 100-grain wt.,ear weight, grain, straw and biological yields, shelling (%), protein (%), protein yield and harvest index in both seasons. However, fertilized maize crop by nano N at 100% produced the highest value of carbohydrate content (%) in two seasons. Results suggested that selected triple maize hybrid cv. (329), at 30 m3 OM, with 100% mineral N (120 kg N/fed.) or with 75% mineral N (90 kg N/fed.) plus 25% nano N (125 ppm as foliar application) fertilizers could be utilized for attaining the maximal improvement in farmer income by increasing the maize yield under saline conditions at Siwa Oasis, Egypt.

Effect of Sulfur and Potassium Application under Salinity Stress on Productivity and Fruit Quality of Swelling Peach Cultivar

This study was conducted during two successive seasons (2016 and 2017) at El-Sheikh Zwayed, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of three anti-salt stress materials (Nile fertile, elemental sulfur and potassium sulfate) on Swelling peach cultivar under irrigation water saline stress. In this experiment Nile fertile was applied at (0, 500 and 1000 gm/ tree), elemental sulfur (95% S) as soil application at three levels (0, 500 and 750 g / tree) and potassium sulphate as foliar application on three concentrations (0, 2, and 4 g/l.) and combination of them. The obtained results revealed that all anti-salt stress substances have a positive effect on vegetative growth parameters, fruit set, and yield/tree. The highest significant value of the final fruit set, yield/tree was obtained with Nile fertile treatment followed by elemental sulfur and potassium sulphate in both seasons of this study. On the other hand, there was no significant differences between the three materials on fruit length, fruit diameter, flesh and pit fruit weight, total soluble solids, total acidity and leaf content of N%, P% and k% during both seasons of the study and leaf content of Fe (ppm) in the 1st season. While the interaction effect between the three investigated factors shows clearly significant effects in improving vegetative growth, final fruit set no. of fruits /tree, fruit weight, crop yield, fruit physical and chemical parameters. Thus, the combination between Nile fertile 1000g/tree + elemental sulfur 750g/tree + potassium sulphate at (4g/L) gave the best results on shoot length, leaf area, initial, final fruit set %, fruit length and diameter, flesh weight (g), pit weight (g), maximum yield/tree, TSS, lowest acidity%. In addition to N, P, K, Fe, Zn and Mn in leaves in both seasons. On the other hand, untreated trees recorded the lowest values in previous studied parameters in this respect.

Effect of Exogenous Abscisic Acid (ABA), Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Cluster Thinning on Yield of some Grape Cultivars

Experiment was carried out throughout two successive seasons of 2016 and 2017 on Flame Seedless, Ruby Seedless and Thompson Seedless grapevines grown at the Experimental Orchard of Assiut University, Faculty of Agriculture. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of abscisic acid (ABA), cluster thinning and their combinations with GA3 on yield weight of three important grape cultivars grown under hot region. Data revealed that, the application of abscisic acid (ABA) increased yield weight (kg/vine), while cluster thinning decreased it. During the 1st season of study (2016), all individual ABA treatments and ABA at 400 ppm combined with GA3 at 10 ppm significantly increased yield weight (kg/vine) comparing with the control treatment. As a result of ABA treatments at 200, 400 and 600 ppm and ABA at 400 ppm plus GA3 at 10 ppm, the yield was increased by 15.5%, 10.5%, 9.8% and 9.2%, respectively. During the 2nd season of study (2017), only ABA at 600 ppm treatment significantly surpassed the control treatment with an increment percentage of 20.5%. The rest of treatments either had no effect or reduced the yield weight comparing with the control. On the other side, cluster thinning by removing 30% of the total clusters that the vine bearing significantly reduced the yield weight (kg/vine) during the two studied seasons. As a result of such treatment, the yield was reduced by 37.2% and 39.2% in 2016 and 2017 seasons, respectively.

Effect of Varieties, Phosphorus and Boron Fertilization on Sugar Beet Yield and its Quality

The present study was conducted at a private Farm, Kalabsho, Belqas Center, Dakahlia Governorate during the two successive seasons of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. This investigation was layout to find the effect of Cultivars (Gloria and Diamond), phosphorus (0, 12, 24, 36, 48 kg P2O5 fed -1 as a mono-super phosphate) and boron (0 , 0.750 and 1.125 kg Borax fed-1 ) and their interaction on yield, yield components and sucrose of sugar beet plants (Beta vulgaris, L.). A split-split-plot design with four replicates was done. Experimental unit (sub-sub plot) was10.5 m2 (1/400/fed) 3x3.5 m including 5 ridges each of 60 cm apart and 3.5 long. The importance findings can be summarized as follows:The highest values of top yield could be obtained from diamond in the 1st season and Gloria Cultivar in the 2nd one. The optimum phosphorus fertilizer treatments were 48 kg P2O5fed-1, thereby it caused a significant increase and the greatest values of top yield. Moreover, the response of sugar beet top yield to the interaction varietal effects X boron fertilizer levels was significant in the two seasons. Phosphorus at a rate of 48 kg P2O5 was the best treatment among other phosphorus treatments, which resulted in the maximum root yield in the 1st and 2nd seasons. Furthermore, control treatment (without addition) recorded the lowest mean in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. With expecting the impact of boron fertilizer effects on root yield, increasing its levels from 0 to 1.125 kg H3PO4 fed-1 tended to increase root yield in the two growing seasons. Generally, the highest total yield achieved from Gloria cultivar with mean 30.72 Mg fed -1 while, Diamond cultivars recorded 28.44 Mg fed-1 in the first season. Meanwhile, in the second season the same trend were observed for cultivars Gloria which surpassed cultivars Diamond.cultivars of beets, Phosphorus showed a significant increase in sucrose % and increasing boron fertilizer levels from 0 to 0.750 and 1.125 kg Borax/fed tended to increase sucrose % from 16.82 to 16.89 and 16.98 in the first season and 20.17, 20.23 and 20.30% in the second season, respectively. It could be concluded that all used treatments significantly affected on suger beet yield and its component. The interaction between Gloria cultivars, phosphorus fertilizer at the rate of 48 kg P2O5 fed-1, boron at the rate of 1.125 kg fed-1 recorded the best in all used treatments.

Role of Free and Bound Phenols with Certain Field Factors in the Population Density of Aphid Species and Onion Thrips Attacking Bread Wheat Cultivars under Drought Conditions

The experiment of five of bread wheat cultivars (Sahel 1, Seds 4, Gemaza 9, Giza 168, and Misr 2) were investigated during (2015- 2016 and 2016- 2017) at the farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. The considered field factors were represented in the climatic factors of daily maximum and minimum temperatures (°C), soil temperatures at 5 cm depth (°C), and the prevailed natural enemies with an estimation of phenolic contents (free and bound phenols) in the selected wheat cultivars. To investigate the efficiency of all considered factors together and each factor separately on the population fluctuation of onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman and aphid species (Mayzus persicae Sulz., Brivecoryne brassicae Linnaeus, and Rhopalosiphum padi Linnaeus) on the selected wheat cultivars under drought and field conditions in relation to the yields of cultivars. The mean numbers of thrips were higher than aphid species on most of the selected cultivars during the two studies seasons. The individuals of both insect pests were observed in the 15th of February, 2015 for the 1st season, while in the second season the infestations started in the 15th of January, 2016 on all of cultivars. The 1st season peaks by aphids were showed from the 15th of March to the 30th of April, 2016 on all cultivars, while two peaks of thrips population were observed on Sahel 1 and Seds 4, and three outbreaks on the rest of cultivars. The number of the peaks during the 2nd season by aphids and thrips were reached to two peaks for each pest during the 28th of April and the 15th of March, 2016. The efficiency (R2 x100) of all experimental considered factors were (72.98, 64.07, and 80.03%; respectively for aphids, thrips, and pests total grand). The considered factors were regulated the populations of pests during the studied seasons according to their efficiency in the following order for aphids: the natural enemies, the min. temperatures, the soil minimum temperatures were mainly participated with (20.847, 15.003, and 11.265 out of 72.98%; respectively for on all the cultivars), while The bound phenols were the least efficient factor (0.994 out of 72.98%). For thrips and the pests grand totals, the soil minimum temperature, the maximum temperature, and the minimum temperature were affected the population density by (22.099, 27.757; 12.914, 20.473; and 9.053, 11.377 out of 64.07 and 77.76%; respectively for thrips and the grand totals of pests) and the least efficient factor for thrips was free phenol contents (0.655 out of 77.76%, r= -1.082), and for the grand totals of pests were the natural enemies (0.169 out of 77.76%, r= 0.633). In both seasons, the greatest yield were obtained from from Giza 186 (178.33 and162.39 GY/10 plants; respectively in the 1st and the 2nd season). Meanwhile, the lowest one was recorded from Gemaza 9 (81.66 and 95.13 GY/10 plants; respectively in the 1st and the 2nd season).

Enhancing spearmint productivity and water use efficiency under alternative planting practices

Egypt faces water scarcity to meet the increasing demand. Therefore, better management of irrigation water for crops assumes high priority among which spearmint is a high water demanding plant. Hence, the current study was undertaken at the medicinal and aromatic research department experimental farm, El-Kanater El- Khairiya, Egypt. It is intended to investigate the effect of different planting practices “raised bed, furrows and convention” on yield productivity and water saving, under three irrigation treatments “120%, 100% and 80% of ETo”. The results of two seasons 2016 and 2017 showed that the best vegetative growth and fresh herb yield were obtained using raised bed followed by furrows then conventional planting method under 100% ETo. Essential oil was increased up to 0.7% at 100% ETo under raised bed. It was observed that when compared to planting using conventional methods at 120% ETo, under 80% ETo spearmint yield was increased by about 8.76% and 26.14% for furrows and raised bed in the first season, second season showed same trend. In addition, raised bed under 80% of irrigation applied water produced the maximum amount of water saved when compared to conventional at 120% ETo being 36.14 and 48.38% for 1st and 2nd season, respectively.

RESPONSE OF WHEAT CULTIVARS (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) TO FOLIAR APPLICATION WITH AMINO ACIDS

Field experiment was conducted at the agricultural experimental farm of agronomy department – Collage of Agriculture – University Of Anbar, during the two winter seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017, to study the effect of amino acids with different concentrations on the yield and yield components of three wheat varieties. The experiment was performed in split - split plot using RCBD in three replicates, where amino acids plots (Tryptophane, Arginine and Tyrosine) were assigned to the main plots, subplots were occupied by acid’s concentrations (0, 100, and 200 ml L-1 each), while the varieties (Alrashed, Tamoz2 and Abu Ghraib3) occupied the sub-subplots. The Obtained results showed that the amino acids significantly affected the studied traits, where applying Tryptophan increased spike length in the 1st season and increased the weight of 1000 grain in 2nd season. Spraying Tyrosine gave the highest average of spikes number per m-2 in the 1st season, grains number per spike 47.33 and 49.94 grain per spike for the both seasons and therefore increased the grain yield 5.92 and 6.83 t.ha-1. Whereas amino acids didn’t show any significant effect on the harvest index. Amino acids concentrations had a significant impact on traits such as spike length, grains per spike, weight of 1000 grain and grain yield. Concentration of 200 mg L-1 gave highest grain yield value reached 6.27 and 7.16 t ha-1 for both seasons respectively, while had no significant effect on the harvest index. Used varieties differed significantly for studied traits in both seasons, Alrashed variety was superior in traits like spike length, number of grain per spike (47.86 and 49.19), 1000 grain weight 34.12 and 35.49 gm, grain yield 6.32 and 7.09 t ha-1 and the harvest index for both seasons respectively. However Abu Ghraib3 variety was superior for spikes per square meter 507.0 and 523.9 spike.m-2.

Evaluation growth and essential oil content of catmint and lemon catnip plants as new cultivated medicinal plants in Egypt

A pot experiment was carried out during two successive seasons to report the variation of growth characters and essential oil composition of Nepeta cataria (catmint) and Nepeta cataria var. citriodora (lemon catnip) plants. There are no significant differences between growth and yield characters of both plants. The results indicated that essential oil obtained from catmint and lemon catnip showed significant variability in their content and chemical composition. Percentage of essential oil content of catmint 1st and 2nd cuts during 1st season were 0.107% and 0.253% whereas recorded for the 2nd season 0.117% and 0.247%, respectively. Moreover, lemon catnip plants gave 0.237% and 0.363 in the 1st season against 0.243% and 0.350% in the 2nd one during the first and second cuts, respectively. The main essential oil constituents of catmint were 4a-α, 7-α, 7a-α-nepetalactone, 4a-α,7-β,7a-α-nepetalactone, geraniol and α-pinene while nerol, citronellal, neral and caryophyllene oxide were the main constituents of lemon catnip.

Seasonal Variations of pH and Heavy Metals Content in Soil of Selected Housing Estates in Ogun State, Nigeria

There is a necessity to assess soil properties with the view to determining soil qualities relative to pollution and sustainability of ecosystem functions and plant productivity regardless of the scale. Soil samples (six points per site at 0-15 cm depth) from six selected housing estates across Ogun State were assessed for soil pH and heavy metals pollution in two dry and rainy seasons. The soil samples were digested using standard methods and analysed for seven selected metals: Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb and Cd using AAS. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Concentrations (mg/ kg) of the analysed metals were observed to vary from the lowest in the 2nd rainy season to the highest in 1st dry season respectively as Pb: 3.57 ± 0.02 to 39.87±0.47, Cd: 0.32±0.03 to 2.65±1.02, Mg: 11.94 ± 0.76 to 204.50 ± 15.02, Fe: 22.79 ± 0.45 to 303.50±16.52, Cu: 0.95±0.21 to 6.02±1.12, Zn: 0.12 ± 0.04 to 12.75±0.68, and Ni: 2.38 ± 0.33 to 33.89±0.37. There were indications that the soil samples were comparatively less polluted in the rainy seasons.Key words: soil qualities, ecosystem function, dry and rainy seasons, Nigeria

Population Fluctuations and Infestation Rates of the Peach and Mediterranean Fruit Flies on Fig Fruits in Relation to the Prevailing Weather Factors in Fayoum Governorate

The Egyptian fruits are attacked by two of the most harmful tephritid pests, the peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders), and the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedmann) causing considerable damage. In Fayoum governorate, fig trees are cultivated in condensed plantations to produce their fruits in two overlapped crops per year from July till December. This paper was contributed to saving more information about the occurrence of B. zonata and C. capitata flies in a fig cultivated areas in Fayoum governorate in relation to the effect of various weather factors on their activity and estimating the mentioned fruit flies infestation rates. During the 1st season (2016), the highest peaks of B. zonata and C. capitata population were observed during the 2nd week of October and 1st week of November with respective mean values of captured flies per trap per day (FTD) of 0.48 and 0.74 fly/trap/day. While during the 2nd season (2017), the highest peak of B. zonata and C. capitata males were observed during the 1st week of September and 2nd week of November with a mean FTD values of 1.31 and 0.62 flies/trap/day, respectively. Concerning infestation rates, during the 1st season, the highest mean percentage of fruit infestation was observed during the 1st week of October with a mean of 4.32% occurring by B. zonata females indicating by the emerged flies of B. zonata flies from sampled infested fruits. The fig fruits infestation by B. zonata females continued until the 1st week of November, while, C. capitata females started to attack fig fruits during the 4th week of October and continued until the 3rd week of November. Concerning the 2nd season(2017), the highest mean percentage of fig fruits was recorded during the 1st week of September with a mean of 5.42% occurring by B. zonata females, while, C. capitata infestation on fig fruits was observed firstly during the 2nd week of October and continued until the 2nd week of December coinciding with end of fig fruits harvesting. Throughout the two studied seasons, the trapped males of B. zonata were negatively and insignificantly correlated with both of maximum and minimum temperatures, while, the relative humidity % affected positively insignificantly and positively significantly on B. zonata males activity during 2016 and 2017, respectively. On the other side, C. capitata trapped males were significantly and negatively correlated with maximum and minimum temperatures, while, relative humidity reflected a significant positive correlation with the population of the fruit fly.

Biofuel-water-land nexus in the last agricultural frontier region of the Brazilian Cerrado

The sustainability of biofuels depends on considering the environmental consequences of using water and land resources for bioenergy production. The objective of this study was to assess the potential for biofuel crop expansion by combining water footprint, water availability, and land availability in the last agricultural frontier region of Brazil using the Corrente Basin as a case study. Results show that the water footprint (ratio of water consumption to biomass or energy production) of sugarcane is low (114–190 m3 Mg−1) reflecting high water consumption (∼9000 m3 ha−1) divided by high crop yield (∼50–80 Mg ha−1), including millable stalks. However, water consumption for sugarcane grown in this area (9370 m3 ha−1) exceeds water availability in much of the basin (90th percentile of streamflow), which limits sugarcane expansion. In contrast, the water footprint of soybeans (900–2600 m3 Mg−1) is 8–14 times higher than that of sugarcane, reflecting much lower water consumption (∼1500–3800 m3 Mg−1) and even lower crop yield (0.7–4.3 Mg ha−1), limited to grains, relative to sugarcane. The low water consumption of soybeans allows expansion under rainfed agriculture during the wet 1st harvest season over 22% of the region and under irrigation during the dry 2nd harvest season over 13% of the region, without the need for deforestation of the Cerrado biome. This soybean expansion represents ∼20 × 106 GJ of energy supply per year, ∼4 times current production. Surface water availability for irrigation extends into the dry season because of substantial groundwater discharge to streams during the dry season. Irrigation increases biofuel crop yield of sugarcane and soybeans, reducing land area required to produce an equivalent amount of biomass by 2 to 4 times relative to rainfed management. Therefore, water can be traded for land by expanding irrigated biofuel production, conserving more native Cerrado vegetation. Considering water and land requirements relative to availability for bioenergy crops provides data on potential increases in bioenergy production while minimizing clearing of native vegetation in the Brazilian agricultural frontier.

Using Different Types of Fertilization for Increasing Sugar Beet Growth under Sandy Soil Conditions.

Four nitrogen forms and four biofertilizer were application as well as their interactions on growth analysis of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L). The important results could be summarized as follow. Urea treatment achieved maximum increase in Leaf Area Index were 69.71, 81.32 and 166.54 at 120, 140 and 160 day in the 1st season, respectively, The highest one was 160.6 in the 2nd also was ammonium nitrate application at 160 days. Urea treatment inclusion in seeds with ntrobin application resulted the highest values of leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR) and leaf area duration (LAD) and in the 1st season. A slight increase was 0.03 g/week in this case was found due to urea treatments as compared with the others treatment at the period from Relative growth rate (RGR3) in the 1st season. Ammonium nitrate treatment achieved the maximum values from Crop Growth Rate was 39.16 g/day in (CGR1), 93.24 and 13.5 g/day in (CGR2) and (CGR3) from urea treatment at the 1st season. The highest net assimilation rate was 0.66 g/dm.week achieved by ntrobin as compared the others treatment whereas, the lowest one 0.11 g.dm /week with the phosphorine application. Ammonium sulphate treatment with (phosphorin + ntrobin) obtained the highest net assimilation rate (NAR) in the 1st season. The highest values from leaf area duration were 0.11, 0.19 and 0.15 dm2/week achieved with urea and ntrobin in the 1st season at (LAD2), (LAD3) and (LAD4). Ammonium nitrate treatment with phosphorin obtained the highest leaf area duration (LAD) in the 2nd season. Generally, it could be recommended that fertilizing sugar beet plants variety Ymer with nitrogen forms inoculated with biofertilizer (ntrobin 600gm/fed) increased the growth of sugar beet plants under sandy soil conditions.