2nd Season Research Articles

UTLIZATION OF UNIFORMITY TRIALS TO ESTIMATE THE OPTIMUM PLOT SIZE AND SHAPE AND THE NUMBER OF REPLICATIONS IN WHEAT YIELD TRIALS

In the present work, two uniformity trials were carried out during thefirst and the second winter seasons of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 in theExperimental farm Demo, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University. Themain objectives were to estimate the optimum plot size, plot shape andnumber of replicates for wheat yield traits using the variety Sakha 93 as plantmaterial. The cultivated area of each field trial was divided into 12 strips;each of which consisted of 100 rows, 0.2 m width and 3.0 m long. Twostatistical methods including soil variability index and maximum curvaturewere used to estimate the optimum plot size and shape using the yield data of1200 basic units (each of 0.6 m2). The data were subjected to two proceduresof statistical analysis to estimate the optimum plot size, when the cost ofconducting the experiment is not taken into consideration and to evaluate theeffect of changing the plot shape on the variability. The first statistical methodwas that of maximum curvature which is based on the exponentialrelationship between plot size and the coefficient of variability. The secondmethod was that developed by smith’s method (1938). Bartlett's test forhomogeneity of variances, as outlined by Steel and Torrie (1980), was usedto study the effect of changing plot shape. The obtained results could besummarized as follows: Increasing the plot size decreased the variance perbasic unit and the coefficient of variability. However, the reduction was not inproportion with the increase in plot size. The index of soil variability rangedfrom 0.6433 to 0.6018 as an average for the 1st and the 2nd seasons,respectively. The relationship between the coefficient of variability (C.V.)and plot size (X) were mathematically expressed by the following equationC.V. = 19.21 X-0.2595 for the 1st season and C.V. = 19.60 X – 0.2725 for the 2ndone. Accordingly, using the soil variability index, the optimum plot size was2 basic units (1/3500 fed.) for the two seasons, while it was 4 basic units(1/1750 fed.) in both seasons when the maximum curvature method wasapplied. The required number of replications for the optimum plot size usingSmith method detecting a 15% difference among treatment means varied 13and 14 in the 1st and the 2nd seasons, respectively. But, for detecting a 20%difference among treatment means, 7 replications in the 1st season and 8replications in the 2nd one were found necessary. Optimum plot size estimatedusing the maximum curvature method detecting a 15% difference amongtreatment means varied 7 and 8 in the 1st and the 2nd seasons, respectively. But, for detecting a 20% difference among treatment means, 4 replications inthe 1st and 2nd season's one were found necessary. Generally, the plot shapedid not affect on the precision of wheat yield trial in most cases in the twogrowing seasons.

IMPROVING WHEAT PRODUCTION IN NEW SOILS UNDER AMMONIA FERTILIZER RATES AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Field experiment was carried out at Demo farm of Faculty ofAgriculture, Fayoum University, Egypt during 2012/2013 and 2013/2014seasons to study the effect of ammonia gas rates, i.e., F1: 80 and F2: 100 kgN fed-1 (1 kg ammonia gas contain 82.4 % N) and irrigation regime i.e., I1:irrigation at 40%, I2: 60% and I3: 80% from available soil moisturedepletion (ASMD), at sandy and calcareous soils, on yield, yieldcomponents and some water relations of wheat crop (Giza 168). A split plotdesign with four replications was used in both seasons. The obtained resultsshowed that using 100 kg N fed-1 at 40% ASMD gave the highest averagesof plant height, spike number m-2, 1000-garin weight, spike weight m-2,straw yield fed-1 (2011.4 and 2334.1 kg fed-1) in sandy soils (Site 1), and(2539.5 and 2716.7 kg N fed-1) in calcareous soils (Site 2), and grain yieldfed-1 (1888.4 and 2077.4 kg fed-1) in Site 1 and (2209.4 and 2468 kg fed-1)in Site 2, in the two successive seasons, respectively. The lowest averages ofyield and its components were obtained from applying 80 kg N fed-1andirrigation at 80 % ASMD, at the two sites in both seasons. Seasonalconsumptive use (ETC) averages were 44.47 and 43.95 cm in 1st season and45.53 and 45.17 cm in 2nd season, in both sites, respectively. The highestETC values were recorded with the interaction (F2I1), whereas, the lowestvalues resulted from the interaction (F1I3) in all sites and seasons. Daily ETCrates were low during November and December, then increased duringJanuary and February, to reach its maximum values during March and thendeclined again at April till harvesting. The values of daily ETC decreaseddue to decreasing ammonia gas rate in the two growing season's months.The crop coefficient (KC) values (averages of the two seasons) were 0.47,0.54, 0.66, 0.70, 0.87, 0.67 and 0.47 in the Site 1 and 0.47, 0.55, 0.63, 0.67,0.86, 0.67 and 0.49 in the Site 2, for, Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr. andMay, respectively. The highest water use efficiency, i.e., 0.96 and 1.04 kggrains m-3 water consumed at the Site 1, and 1.14 and 1.24 kg grains m-3water consumed at the Site 2, were obtained from (F2I1) treatments in firstand second seasons, respectively.

Comparative Efficacy of Plant Extracts with Synthetic against Insect Pests of Okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> L. Monech)

A field study was carried out during the two cropping seasons of okra to investigate the efficacy of plant extracts and synthetic insecticides applied singly and synergistic effect of botanicals with the synthetic insecticide on some insect pests of okra. Plots were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with three replications. Three insect pests of okra (Podagrica uniformis, Podagrica sjostedti and Zenocerous variegatus) were observed on the field. Cypermethrin applied singly and Cypermethrin combined with plant extracts effectively controlled observed insect pests, followed by lone application of plant extracts (L camara, T. vogelii and Z. officinales plant extracts at 1st and 2nd season. Okra yield revealed that both plant extract and Cypermethrin combined with plant extract were not significantly different from one another at first season and at second season Cypermethrin combined with plant extracts performed better than Cypermethrin applied singly. This study indicates that the studied plant extracts can be good synergist for Cypermethrin in controlling field pest of okra.

A statistical analysis of GPS positioning using experimental design

In dam, bridge, railway, sewerage and pipeline projects and the measurement of crustal movements, point positioning must be determined. GPS is the most popular three-dimensional absolute positioning system on all world surfaces; however, the accuracy of GPS measurements is dependent on particular measurements or environmental factors. The main aim of this study is to characterize statistically the effects of selected factors on the individual GPS horizontal and vertical positioning. The factors were the measurement seasons and time of day for the environment aspect and the satellite system for the measurement aspect. A \(2^{3}\) factorial design was utilized to analyze the role of the selected factors in the GPS horizontal and vertical point positioning. The results indicated that the level (2nd season of the year) of measurement season gave the optimum conditions on the accuracy of the horizontal and vertical positioning, this situation could not be obtained for the same level of measurement time and satellite system. Therefore, the measurements factors of horizontal and vertical positioning must be selected and analyzed carefully according to aim of study.

Cost-effective baby corn (Zea mays) cultivation under drip fertigation

Field experiment was conducted during 2010-2011 at the research farm of Water Technology Centre, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India to study the economic viability of baby corn (Zea mays L.) cultivation round the year (October-February, April-July and August-November) under fertigation system. The present study consisted of nine treatments which includes three fertigation frequencies (biweekly, weekly and fortnightly) and three dripper 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kg/cm2 system operating pressures. Yield attributes of baby corn were significantly (P<0.05) affected by fertigation frequencies. Highest yield of cob, corn and fodder were recorded in biweekly fertigation schedule with dripper discharge at system operating pressure of 1.0 kg/cm2 (132.5, 22.5, 633.3 q/ha) during 2nd season however, lowest yields of cob, corn and fodder (65.8, 11.2 and 454.6 q/ha) were recorded under fortnightly fertigation schedule with dripper discharge at system operating pressure of 1.5 kg/cm2 during 3rd season. High values of benefit cost ratio (3.63) under biweekly fertigation during 2nd season and low values of benefit cost ratio (1.47) were found under fortnightly fertigation during 3rd season.

SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CERTAIN WHEAT VARIETIES TO INFESTATION WITH THE WHEAT SHOOT FLY, ATHERIGONA BEDFORDI EMDEN

Wheat, (Triticum aestivum L.), is a major cereal crop in Egypt. Five commercial wheat varieties: Giza 168, Sakha 93, Beni–Sweif 1, Gemmeiza 7 and Gemmiza 9 were tested at Giza region for susceptibility to the infestation with Atherigona bedfordi during 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 wheat growing seasons. In both seasons, Giza 168 was relatively the most susceptible followed by the other varieties. In the1st season, the infestation means were 19.36, 14.91, 12.73, 10.45 and 9.36% on Giza 168, Sakha 93, Gemmeiza 9, Gemmeiza 7 and Beni-Swif 1, respectively. In the 2nd season, the infestation, except Beni-Swif 1, had a similar trend and the corresponding respective infestation means were 11.17, 8.75, 7.75, 3.58 and 5.08%.

Amelioration of soil chemical constraints for revegetation on gold oxide processing residues

Gold oxide processing residues are highly alkaline, sodic and saline and initially require amelioration for plant establishment. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of soil covers and residue ameliorants in alleviating chemical constraints for revegetation. The effects of residue covers (10cm topsoil plus 0, 15 or 30cm gravelly sub-soil referred to as gravel), combined with gypsum (30 and 60tha−1), and compost (0 and 50m3ha−1) on chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), exchangeable Na percentage (ESP), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total N, extractable N, P, K, S, cations and micronutrients) of gold oxide processing residue were studied in a large-scale field trial at Boddington, Western Australia in a Mediterranean climate. After the first season's rainfall, the EC1:5 decreased substantially (from 4.5–5.0 to about 1.0dSm−1) across all treatments in the 0–10cm residue layer (RES1), while topsoil and gravel materials which had low initial salinity (0.04–0.07dSm−1) increased their EC1:5 to 0.40–0.45dSm−1 in the 10cm above the residue interface in the 2nd hot-dry summer season. pH of both RES1 and the 10–20cm layer of residue (RES2) dropped from 9.0 to 8.0 over the trial period but topsoil pH remained at 5.2–5.5, regardless of treatments. Exchangeable Na percentage in RES1 and RES2 decreased, but increased from 17 to 70% in topsoil placed directly on the residue surface, compared with no increase in topsoil where there was a gravel layer separating topsoil from residue. Fertiliser added to topsoil raised extractable nutrients to levels adequate for plant growth. Nutrient elements did not differ with gypsum rate and compost amendment except for S, on account of the gypsum applied, and extractable P and Mn, which were elevated by compost. These findings indicate the efficacy of gravel plus fertilised topsoil cover on residue treated with surface broadcast gypsum to alleviate the adverse properties of alkaline, saline, sodic gold oxide processing residue as a medium for plant establishment and early growth.

Ecological Studies on California Red Scale Insect, Aonidiella aurantii (Mask.) on Some Orange Varieties in Relation to Biotic and Abiotic Factors

Aims: Orange trees infested with different scale insects, among them the California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii [Mask.]), is the most serious pest of orange. This study was conducted to demonstrate the number of generations of this pest on each variety and the effect of parasitic and meteorological factors on its population. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in a private orchard in Kafr Shokr, Qaliobiya Governorate (30.543646,31.263705) on three varieties of orange (Balady, Navel, Succari) during two years from February 2010 to January 2012. Results: The dynamics of development of generation of red scale was influenced by host varieties as follows:  On Balady orange three generations in the 1st season in (Feb. – August), (May – October) and (August – Dec.) and in (Feb. – July), (July – Nov.) and (Sept. – Jan.) during the 2nd season.  On Navel orange three generations in (Feb. – July), (May – October) and (August – Jan.) during 1st season and (Feb. – June), (April – October) and (October – Jan.) in the 2nd season.  On Succari orange 1st season generations in (Feb. – June), (April – August) and (August – Dec.) while 2nd season generations in (March – June), (May – October) and (October – Jan.) Parasitism gave a very positive significant relation in the 1st season and insignificant Conference Proceeding Full Paper Selim; IJPSS, Article no. IJPSS.2014.6.010 660 negative in the 2nd season, Temp. gave positive significant relation in the 1st season and very significant in the 2nd season, while relative humidity relations was negative in 1st season and positive in the 2nd season but insignificant in both. The effect of all measures was very significant in the 1 season and insignificant in the 2 season as the total effect was 89.71% and 61.51% during the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively.

INFLUENCE OF WATER REGIMES AND SOIL CONDITIONERS ON YIELD, YIELD COMPONENTS AND WATER UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY OF EG YPTIAN CLOVER (VARIETY FAHL)

Two field experiments were carried out at Giza Agriculture Research Station during the two growing seasons of 2010/2011 and 2011/2012. This investigation was aired to study the effect of different levels of irrigation i.e. irrigation at 100, 80 and 60% ETO with the soil conditioner such as compost and humic acid on Egyptian clover variety (Fahl) yield, yield components and crop - water relations. The experimental treatments were arranged in a split plot design with three replicates. The main plots represented three irrigation regimes, whereas the sub-main plots represented the test soil conditioners i.e. compost at a rate of 6 ton/fad and humic acid sprayed as 2% v/v solution three times in 15- day interval starting at sowing. The main results could be summarized as follows:- Irrigation regimes had a significant effect on growth traits, yield and yield components of clover crop and maximum values were obtained with irrigation at 100% ET0 (wet regime). On the contrary, minimum values for the corresponding respective characters were recorded with irrigation at 60% ET0 (dry regime). It could be stated that all growth, yield and yield components traits were significantly increased due to applying the assessed soil conditioners, compared with the control. - Seasonal applied water increased as irrigation rate increased, where the values were 1010, 808 and 606 m3fad-1 in 1st season and 1069, 855 and 641 m3fad-1 in 2nd season, respectively, with 100, 80 and 60% ET0 irrigation regimes. In addition, applied water was slightly increased due to the tested soil conditioners. - Water Utilization Efficiency was enhanced under irrigation at 60% ET0 (dry regime) and both compost and similar trend was exhibited with humic acid application . Results showed that application of the tested soil conditioners increased total NPK content of mono -cut Egyptian clover plants and the soil after harvest as well, comparing with the control.

Studies on soil water and salt balances and scenarios simulation using SaltMod in a coastal reclaimed farming area of eastern China

The need for understanding water and salt balances of the soil and predicting the impacts of hydrological changes is getting increasingly important because of growing concern about the productivity of salt-affected soils. This study was undertaken to simulate the impact of various drainage scenarios on soil salinity and to develop appropriate management strategies to accelerate soil desalination based on long-term simulation results. The study was conducted in rainfed coastal salt-affected farmland in north Jiangsu Province, China, using the SaltMod model. Data such as drain discharge, soil salinity, water table depth, and soil properties were periodically collected to calibrate SaltMod and investigate the effects of varying drainage and irrigation practices on root zone salinity and water table depth. A leaching efficiency of 0.5 in the root zone and a natural drainage of 0.03m/year gave model results best matching the observed data. Under the rainfed condition and the present drainage system, the soil water salinity in root zone decreases after 10 years from the initial 29.2dS/m to 15.0 (in the 1st season) and 14.0dS/m (in the 2nd season). Different drain depths and spacings had considerable impact on root zone salinity and water table depth. Simulation results of the irrigation scenario showed that the direct irrigation with saline river water is not recommendable. The study suggests that SaltMod can be used with success to predict the effect of varying irrigation and drainage practices on root zone salinity.

EVALUATION OF THREE SUGARCANE VARIETIES GROWN UNDER DIFFERENT NUMBER OF IRRIGATIONS

The present study was carried out at El-Mattana Agricultural Research Station, (latitude of 25.17o N and longitude 32.33o E), Luxor Governorate, Upper Egypt in 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 growing seasons to evaluate the performance of three sugarcane varieties F. 160, Phil. 8013 and the commercial variety G.T.54-9) grown under different number of irrigations to obtain maximum cane and sugar yields/Fed. A split-plot experimental design with four replications was used in this work, where the main plots were assigned for number of irrigations, while sugarcane varieties were distributed in the sub-plots. The results showed that increasing the number of irrigations from 14 to 18 and 22 increased considerably stalk height, number of millable canes/m2, reducing sugars, cane and sugar yields/Fed. Meanwhile, sucrose, purity and sugar recovery percentages were insignificantly influenced by irrigation number. The tested sugarcane varieties differed significantly in stalk height, number of millable canes/m2, reducing sugars, juice purity %, cane and sugar yields. Commercial variety G.T. 54-9 recorded the highest values of stalk height and number of millable canes/m2 (in both seasons) as well as purity %, cane and sugar yields (in the 2nd season). Sugarcane Phil. 8013 variety attained the highest cane and sugar yields, in the 1st season. Sugarcane F. 160 variety had the shortest stalks, the lowest number of millable canes/m2, juice purity%, cane and sugar yields, but it recorded the highest reducing sugars %, compared with the other two varieties. It could be concluded that under the conditions of the present work, growing either G.T.54-9 or Phil.8013 with the application of 22 irrigations can be recommended to obtain the highest cane and sugar yields/fed.

Grain yield response index of bread wheat cultivars as influenced by nitrogen levels

Two field experiments were conducted at Giza Agric. Res. Station, Agric. Res. Centre during the two seasons of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. The study aimed to investigate the productivity of four bread wheat cultivars, namely Giza-168, Sakha-94, Gemmeiza-10, and Sids-12 under different nitrogen levels i.e. 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125kgN/fad. The strip-plot design in three replicates was used. The obtained results showed significant differences among the tested wheat cultivars in the two seasons for number of spikes/m2, spike length, kernels number/spike, kernels weight/spike, weight of 1000 kernels, and grain and straw yields/fad. Gemmeiza-10 along with Sids-12 produced the highest weight of 1000 kernels surpassing the other cultivars in the second season only. Gemmeiaza-10 was the superior cultivar for producing higher grain yield, but statistically leveled with Sakha-94 in the 1st season and with Sids-12 in the 2nd one. Moreover, straw yield of Giza-168 was higher than each of other cultivars in the 1st season, while Gemmeiza-10 along with Sids-12 gave the maximum straw yield in the 2nd season. Increasing N up to 75kg/fad increased yield and its attributes of wheat in both growing seasons. All yield attributes significantly influenced by the interaction between wheat cultivars and N levels in both growing seasons, except kernels number/spike in the 1st season and spike length in the 2nd one. The maximum agronomic efficiency (AE) was recorded with Gemmeiza-10 and with application of 50kgN/fad. Grain yield response index showed that each of Giza-168 in 2009/2010 and Sids-12 in 2010/2011 was belonging to efficient-responsive group.

INFLUENCE OF DRIP IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT ON SUGAR BEET YIELD AND SOME WATER RELATIONS AT NORTH NILE DELTA

Two field experiments have been conducted at the experimental farm of Agriculture Faculty, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate (31° 05’ N latitude and 30° 56’ E longitude) during the two successive growing seasons of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 to study the overall effect of drip irrigation management on sugar beet productivity, its components and some water relations in clay soil in North Nile Delta. The treatments were arranged in a split plot design with four replicates. The main plots were assigned to three types emitters of drip irrigation system namely: built-in, simple orifice and long-path. Three irrigation regimes i.e. 10 minutes daily, 20 minutes every two days and 30 minutes every three days were allocated in the sub plots. The main results in this study can be summarized in the following points: 1-The drip irrigation with long-path emitters (Turbo) had been achieved the highest average values of root length (34.54 and 34.20 cm), root diameter (14.43 and 14.29 cm), sucrose percentage (20.77 and 20.71%), root yield (25.93 and 26.26 ton fed.-1), sugar yield (5.39 and 5.44 ton fed.-1), water productivity (18.74 and 18.84 kg root m-3 water consumptive use) and irrigation of water productivity (15.33 and 15.32 kg root m-3 applied water) during 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 growing seasons, respectively. 2-The highest average values of root yield (26.16 and 26.51 ton fed.-1), sugar yield (5.0 and 5.05 ton fed.-1), water productivity (17.56 and 17.64 kg root m-3 water consumptive use) and irrigation of water productivity (14.82 and 14.87 kg root m-3 applied water) had been obtained at irrigation sugar beet 20 minutes every two days in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. 3-The highest average values of root yield (27.76 and 28.0 ton fed.-1) and sugar yield (5.81 and 5.85 ton fed.-1) were obtained with interaction between irrigation 20 minutes every two days and the Turbo emitter (long–path) in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively, while, the lowest average values of root yield (20.79 and 21.08 ton fed.-1) and sugar yield (3.70 and 3.73 ton fed.-1) had been obtained with irrigation 30 minutes every three days using the Metalic emitter (simple-orifice) in the same growing seasons, respectively.

ENUMERATION OF RHIZOBACTERIA COUNT AND GROWTH CRITERIA OF SUGAR BEET PLANT AS AFFECTED BY BIO FERTILIZATION

Two field experiments were carried out at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafer El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt during the two successive winter seasons of 2006/2007 and 2007/2008.Obtained results showed that increasing the applied level of nitrogen significantly increased root length, diameter, leaves and root fresh weight/plant. Using three N-fixing bacterial strains namely Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus polymyxa and Azospirillum brasilense recorded the highest values of root length, root diameter, leaves and root fresh weight/plant. Most of mineral nitrogen and N-fixing bacteria insignificantly affected juice impurities. The values of Log number of the tested bacteria at zero time were 3.65, 4.59, 3.7, 2.32 and 3.26, 3.32 for the 1st and 2nd seasons, for Azotobacter spp, Bacillus spp Azospirillum spp, and total bacteria counts, respectively. Results showed that in the first season inoculation with mixed bacteria was the superior treatment in increasing the log numbers of the tested bacteria which presented 6.23, 5.78, 5.45 and 5.63, 5.52, 5.75 after 120 and 180days for Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus polymyxa and Azospirillum brasilense, respectively.

DATE PALM FRUITS AS A POTENTIAL HOST OF THE PEACH AND MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLIES IN FAYOUM GOVERNORATE

The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) and the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedmann) are two of the most destructive fruit flies that attack commercial fruits causing significant damages. This study was contributed for monitoring the relative abundance and infestation percentage of B. zonata and C. capitata during two successive seasons, 2010 and 2011 in Fayoum governorate. The experimental locations included various types of date palm cultivation including, firstly, the mixed fruit orchards that containing mango and citrus beside date palm trees, secondly, the orchards containing field crop and vegetables bedside fruit and date palm trees, thirdly, an aggregated date palm orchards only. During The 1st season, the means of CTD (captured flies per trap per day) of B. zonata were 7.68 , 4.55,and 1.65 flies, for the forementioned types, respectively, while during the 2nd season, the means of CTD were 15.31, 6.55 and 0.47 flies for the same cultivations, respectively. The highest CTD values of B. zonata were 11.95 and 26.71 flies / trap/ day observing on 3rd week of October and 3rd week of September during the two seasons, 2010 and 2011, respectively, recorded on the mixed orchard cultivations. Population of C. capitata was low in mixed-cultivation orchards, whereas the means of CTD were 0.16 and 0.48 fly during the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively, while, there weren't captured flies of C. capitata on the other two types of mentioned date palm cultivations.The samples of fallen date fruit were free of infestation by either of B. zonata or C. capitata in the mature stage for the four tested varieties (Siwi, Amhat, Zaghloul and Balady) of date palm. Percentages of infestation of B. zonata in the fallen palm fruits for the half-ripe and ripe stages during the 1st season in Siwi, Amhat, Zaghloul and Balady varieties were 18.29, 6.31, 6.36, 4.37, 16.29, 5.50 and 20.51, 5.66%, respectively, and during the 2nd season, the percentages of infestation were 34.40, 17.00, 9.42, 3.10, 25.00, 11.76 and 28.96, 6.15%. The obtained data suggests that the earlier control of the fly on the former crop, removal of the infested date fruits that are shelter of immature stages of B. zonata and C. capitata, also, the early harvesting of some date varieties that could be marketing on mature stage results in reducing the population and percentages of infestation of the two flies. Also, avoidance of mixed fruit host cultivation and removing the secondary hosts support such procedures.

EFFECT OF ORGANIC FERTILIZATION, IRRIGATION INTERVALS AND SOME ANTITRANSPIRANTS ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF EGGPLANT (Solanum melongina L.)

Two field experiments were carried out at the Horticulture experimental station of Ministry of Agricultural at El-Baramon experimental farm, Dakahlia Government, Egypt., during the two successive summer seasons of 2011 and 2012 to investigate the effect of irrigation intervals, foliar application of different antitranspirants under compost rates as well as their interactions on growth and productivity of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Twenty four treatments were arranged in split-split plots design, which were the simple possible combination between three rates of organic manure (0, 50 and 100% from recommended doses), two treatments of irrigation intervals (10 and 20 days) and four treatments of foliar application from antitranspirants (control, kaoline, CaCO3 and dyroton). Each treatment was replicated three times. The most important findings could be summarized as follows: Increasing compost from 0 to 4 ton/fed. significantly increased vegetative growth of eggplant, yield and its components, fruit quality and its chemical composition N, P, K%, Fe ppm, TSS% and VC(mg/100g) . Short irrigation intervals (10days) significantly increased all parameters under investigation. The spraying with dyroton at 3% led to significant increase in growth characters traits, N,P,K%, Fe ppm, TSS%, VC, firmness, fruit quality and yield as well as its components. The interaction between organic manure and irrigation intervals significantly affected growth parameters, yield, fruit quality and its chemical composition except stem diameter in the 2nd season, N%, TSS% in the 1st season, K% and average fruit weight during both seasons. Interaction effect of organic manure and antitranspirants significantly affected growth parameters, yield, fruit quality and its chemical composition except K% and stem diameter in the 2nd season; VC and average fruit weight during both seasons. Interaction effect between irrigation intervals and antitranspirants characters under investigation had significant effect on all studied treats except TSS% in the 1st season, stem diameter in 2nd K, VC and average fruit weight during both seasons. The interaction effect between organic manure, irrigation intervals and antitranspirants significantly affected to growth parameters, yield, fruit quality and its chemical composition except average fruit weight during both seasons.

YIELD AND QUALITY OF SUGAR BEET AS AFFECTED BY ZINC FOLIAR APPLICATION UNDER DIFFERENT NITROGEN FERTILIZATION LEVELS

Two field experiments were conducted in Sakha Research Station Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate during 2010 /2011 and 2011/2012 seasons to study the effect of the combination between three nitrogen levels ( 60 , 90 and 120 kg / fed ) and four foliar zinc levels ( 0 , 0.5 , 1 and 1.5 g/ l as Zn-EDTA ) on some physiological properties , yield and quality of sugar beet. The obtained results proved that : The increase of N level up to 120 kg/ fed significantly increased root length and diameter as well as fresh weight/plant , leaf area , leaves zinc uptake , juice impurities content (K, Na and α-amino N) and yields of top and root (ton / fed) whereas , sucrose % , extractable sugar % , purity % and sugar yield were decreased in both seasons. The middle dose of nitrogen (90 kg N /fed) was the superior as compared with the highest dose (120 kg N/fed) on sucrose % , extractable sugar % , purity % and sugar yield as well as gave the lowest juice impurities content and sugar losses to molasses in both seasons . The increase of zinc level up to (1.5g/l) significantly increased all studied traits in both seasons except for N leaves content in the 1st season only as well as gave the lowest juice impurities content and sugar losses to molasses. Fertilization beet plant at the rate of 90 kg N/fed + 1.5 g Zn/l was enough to achieve the highest sugar yield (4.22 and 4.57 ton/fed) ,whereas the increase of N fertilization at the rate of 120 kg N / fed + 1.5 g Zn/l was necessary to attain the highest yields of top (10.01 and 10.78 ton/fed), and root (28.77 and 32.60 ton/fed ) in the 1st and 2nd seasons respectively . Therefore, it could be recommended that fertilization beet plant at the rate of 90 kg N/fed + 1.5 g Zn/l foliar application maximized sugar yield and technological parameters .

EFFECT OF WATER QUALITIY ON PRODUCTIVITY OF SOME ONION (Allium cepa L.) CULTIVARS, SOIL PROPERTIES AND THEIR CONTENTS OF HEAVY METALS

Two Lyzimeter experiments were conducted at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate Egypt, for two seasons, 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 Lyzimeters (100 x 70 x 90 cm) were filled with clayey soil and irrigated with for three water treatments twenty five years The present study aimed to investigate the effect of irrigation water quality for long-term on productivity of three onion cultivars Behairy Red (CV1), Giza 20 (CV2) and Giza Red (CV3). Three irrigation water qualities; Nile water (W1), agriculture drainage water (W3) and mixed water; W2 ( 50% W1 + 50% W3) used for irrigation to study its effects on onion contents from four heavy metals Ni, Cd, Pb and Cu and some soil characteristics. A split–plot design with four replicates was used where, water treatments and cultivars were allocated to main and sub-plots, respectively. The obtained results showed that: Using poor water quality for irrigation increased ECe, SAR, soluble cations and anions in soil paste extract and DTPA extractable heavy metals in soils (Cu, Ni, Cd and Pb) than that of mixed or good water quality. The maximum values of marketable yield and total bulbs yield/fed. As well as bulb quality (bulb diameter and average bulb weight) were obtained by irrigated with Nile water, while the lowest values were obtained by agriculture drainage water in 1st and 2nd seasons. Behairy Red cultivar produced the highly significant marketable yield and total yield, and significantly decreased culls yield as well as bulb quality (bulb diameter and average bulb weight). On the other hand, Giza 20 produced the highly significant total soluble solids (TSS%) in both seasons. The highest values concerning the previous characters were obtained with Behairy Red cultivar under Nile water irrigation, whereas the lowest values were obtained by Giza Red in soil irrigated with agriculture drainage water in both seasons. Content of the studied heavy metals were greater in bulb than in leaves. The results showed that Behairy Red cultivar (cv1) was more tolerant cultivar to agriculture drainage and mixed water and its contents of Ni, Pb and Cu. No significant differences were found between Cd content at all studied onion cultivars used for. The heavy metals content of onion cultivars from can be arranged as follows: With Pb: CV1<C V3 < CV2 With Cu: CV1 < CV2 < CV3 With Ni: CV2 < CV1 < CV3

THE ADVERSE EFFECT OF CERTAIN PESTICIDE ON GST ACTIVITY AND GROWTH OF WHEAT PLANT IN PRESENCE OF SOME NATURAL ADDITIVE MATERIALS

A greenhouse experiment was carried out 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 growing seasons to study the effect of some natural additive materials, sugarcane bagasse, rice straw and gypsum on tribenuron methyl herbicide and cadusafos nematicide side effects on Glutathione S-transferase activity (GST) activity of wheat plant and growth. The results showed that rice straw significantly increased GST during the 1st and 2nd growing seasons compared with the untreated plant. Also, sugarcane bagasse and rice straw showed its peak at the rate of 160 kg/fed., at the 1st season (109.86 and 146.32 IU/mg protein) and 2nd season (158.13 and 305.67 IU/mg protein) growing season, respectively. In the contrary, gypsum treatment effect was decreased gradually with increasing dose, reaching its peak at the rate 40 kg/fed. Results of fresh weight showed that all additive materials treatments affected the fresh and dry weight of wheat plant during the two growing seasons significantly. From the above mentioned results it could be concluded that rice straw reduce the side effects of TBM and cadusafos pesticides and significantly increased GST activity and showed the highest increasing effect on fresh weight and dry weight.

EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF IRRIGATION NUMBER ON GROWTH, YIELD, STORABILITY AND WATER PRODUCTIVITY OF SOME ONION VARIETIES

Field experiments were conducted during 2008/2009, 2009/2010and 2010/2011 seasons at Sids Agric. Res. Station, Bani-SwiefGovernorate, Egypt. These trials aimed at investigate the effect ofirrigation number, i.e. I1: transplanting irrigation (TPI), I1: TPI + Liveirrigation (LI), I3: TPI + LI + 2nd irrigations and I4: TPI+ LT+ 2nd +3rd+ 4th irrigations on vegetative growth, bulb yield, storability and waterproductivity of three onion varieties namely V1: Giza 6 Mohassan, V2:Giza 20 and V3: Giza Red. A split-plot design with four replicates wasused. The most important results could be summarized as follows:-1- Plant height, leaves number /plant and bulb diameter weresignificantly increased with increasing irrigation to I4 treatments inthe three seasons. Giza Red variety significantly surpassed Giza 6Mohassan and Giza 20 in these growth characters in all seasons.Growth attributes were significantly affected by the interactionbetween irrigation and varieties except for plant height in the 1stand 3rd seasons and bulb diameter in the 2nd season.2- Irrigation treatments and varieties significantly affected bulb weight,dry matter presentage, days to maturity, marketable yield, culb andtotal yield in the three season. The higher values of marketableyield, i.e. 12.60, 13.06 and 13.45 t/fed., as well as total yield, i.e.15.74, 15.37 and 16.10 t/fed. In 2008/2009, 2009/2010 and2010/2011 seasons, respectively were detected from I4 irrigationtreatment and Giza Red variety. However, the dry matter (%)decreased with increasing irrigation number in all seasons.3- Water consumptive use values over irrigation treatments andvarieties were 766.88, 798.7 and 792.1 m3/fed. in 2008/2009,2009/2010 and 2010/2011 seasons, respectively, including thetransplanting irrigation. Irrigation Giza 20 variety at 5 irrigation(I4) gave the highest consumptive use values, i.e. 1310.0, 1331.3and 1316.3 m3/fed in the three successive seasons.4- Increasing irrigation number applied resulted in lower waterproductivity for all varieties. Giza red variety irrigated oneirrigation (I1) was the more efficient variety in water utilizationthan Giza 6 Mohassan and Giza 20 varieties. These results werefound to be true for water productivity. The highest water useefficiency, i.e. 16.88, 25.20 and 16.12 kg/m3 water consumed inirrigated according to irrigation treatment (I4), exhibited highestwater consumptive use values as compared in 2008/2009, 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 seasons, respectively were observedfrom irrigating Giza red variety one irrigation only.5- In the three seasons, lower values of bulb weight losses (%) wereobtained under the irrigation treatments, I3 after two and fourmonths storage periods, whereas after six months, I4 irrigationtreatment exhibited the lowest value. Also, lower values of bulbweight losses (%) were recorded by Giza 6 mohassan as comparedwith Giza 20 or Giza Red varieties.