2nd Season Research Articles

Effect of Potassium Silicate and Irrigation on Grain Nutrient Uptake and Water Use Efficiency of Wheat Under Calcareous Soils

In calcareous soil, two field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of two potassium silicate treatments (with and without) and three irrigation levels (100, 80 and 60%, of crop evapotranspiration, abbreviated as IW100, IW80 and IW60, respectively) on wheat yield and nutrient uptake and water use efficiency (WUE). The experimental design was a strip plots design in randomized complete block arrangement with three replicates. Findings reveal that potassium silicate improved grain weight spike−1 by about 1.06 times whether with IW80 or IW60. Also, seed index increased by 1.03, 1.06 and 1.04 times owing to potassium silicate in the 1st season under IW100, IW80 and IW60 treatments, respectively. Application of potassium silicate surpassed the control treatment by about 1.05, 1.4 and 1.07 times for biological straw and grain yields under IW80. The interaction of IW80 × potassium silicate significantly equaled IW100 × potassium silicate for P, S Mg and Mn uptake in both seasons as well as N, K and Zn uptake in the 1st season and Fe uptake in the 2nd season. IW80 or IW60 with potassium silicate application were the efficient combinations for improving WUE in both growing seasons.

Different wheat intercropping systems with tomato to alleviate chilling stress, increase yield and profitability

Chilling temperature stress is the largest factor affecting tomato performance. Under these conditions, tomato cultivations require protection from cold and frost waves. A field study was conducted to investigate the effect of three wheat sowing dates (November 1st; November 15th and December 1st), and three wheat seeding rates of 25, 37.5, and 50 % of the normal seeding rate (142.8 kg seeds/ha) on the following aspects: yield and yield components of both crops, land equivalent ratio (LER), area time equivalent ratio (ATER), and economic return. The results revealed that intercropping wheat with tomato in mid-November, coupled with a 50 % seeding rate, produced the highest values of fruit setting (%), yield components, and total fruit yield/ha of tomato during both seasons. The climatic conditions prevailing on November 15th favored the increase of grain, straw yield/ha, and yield components compared to the other sowing dates. The density of the wheat seeding rate at 50 % produced the highest grain and straw yield/ha. In addition, intercropping wheat with tomato at a 50 % seeding rate on November 15th led to the highest values of LER (1.77 and 1.80) and ATER (1.35 and 1.36) and increased the net return by 106.6 and 112.0 % compared to the sole tomato cultivation in 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. These results indicate that intercropping wheat with tomato on November 15th at a 50 % seeding rate can better protect tomato plants from chilling and frost waves.

Integrated use of soil humic acid rates, foliar zinc oxide and nanoparticles zinc oxide concentrations on vegetative growth and potential fruits productivity of a new tomato hybrid <em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> L.

Two fields experiments were achieved during the Nili season of 2017 and 2018 at Experimental Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, Fayoum Gornorate to investigate the effect of soil humic acid rates (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg fed-1 ), foliar zinc oxide and nanoparticles zinc oxide concentrations (50 and 100 ppm) on tomato hybrid growth and productivity. The interaction between soil humic acid at 50 kg/fad. and foliar spray with zinc oxide at 100 ppm increased leaf area / plant and canopy dry weight / plant in the 2nd season. The interaction between soil humic acid at 50 kg/fad. and foliar spray with nanoparticles zinc oxide at 100 ppm increased fruit yield / pant, whereas the interaction between soil humic acid at 50 kg/fad. and foliar spray with zinc oxide or nanoparticles zinc oxide at 50 ppm of each increased early fruit yield and total fruit yield / fad. of tomato hybrid SV8320.

Efficacy of chemical and bio-pesticides on cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora, and their residues on the productivity of fennel plants (Foeniculum vulgare)

The residual of pesticides after applications and their effects on plant parameters are very important to be estimated. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy of six insecticides (acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, azadirachtin, thiocyclam, and sulfoxaflor) against Aphis craccivora adults and their residue in fennel plants (Foeniculum vulgare) in two successive seasons. The physiological and phytochemical responses of fennel plants after exposure to these insecticides were studied. The tested insecticides were able to keep the reduction percentage of A. craccivora adults above 90% except of azadirachtin, which reached 52% only. Thiocyclam and sulfoxaflor were more effective in decreasing the number of A. craccivora adults than other treatments until 7th day after application. Significant effects were observed among different treatments compared to control for all the vegetative parameters of fennel plants. In the first season, the highest plant height (151.83 cm) and number of umbel/plant (77.63) were obtained in plants treated with thiocyclam with the values from fruit yield (2504 kg/fed) followed by azadirachtin (2281 kg/fed). The same trend for these parameters was obtained in the 2nd season. Azadirachtin demonstrated the best value of oil yield (2.99 and 3.77 ml/plant) for 2017 and 2018 seasons, respectively). The main chemical compound of fennel seed essential oils was estragole (methyl chavicol) and ranged from 68.10 (with Azadirachtin) to 79.90% (with control), the undesirable component, with increasing the amount of anethole (10.06%). It can be concluded that, thiocyclam, sulfoxaflor with neonicotinoid group could be included as a useful agent in a comprehensive aphid management programs in Egypt.

Maximizing land utilization efficiency and competitive indices of roselle and cluster bean plants by intercropping pattern and foliar spray with lithovit

To maximize the land utilization efficiency of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle) and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, Taub (cluster bean), this experiment was executed successfully at Experimental Farm, Fac. Agric., Zagazig Univ., Egypt during 2018 and 2019 at summer season. Intercropping pattern treatments as main plots (sole planting of each component as control, 1: 2, 1: 3 and 2: 3 of roselle: cluster bean as row ratio, respectively), lithovit as sub-plots (CO2 nano-material) at various rates (0.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 g/l) as well as their interaction effects were estimated. In addition, from calculating competitive indices, it was clear that, the highest land equivalent ratio (abbreviated as LER), area time equivalent ratio (abbreviated as ATER), land utilization efficiency percentage (abbreviated as LUE%) and relative crowding coefficient (abbreviated as RCC) values 1.24 and 1.12, 1.16 and 1.03, 120.57% and 108.06% as well as 0.82 and 0.41 were achieved by the treatment of intercropping pattern of 1 row of roselle alternating with 3 rows of cluster bean during the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. The highest values in this concern were achieved with 1: 3 planting pattern combined with 0.0 lithovit rate in the first seasonas well as 1: 2 planting pattern combined with 6.0 g/l lithovit rate in the second one. Also, the highest values of competitive ratio for roselle (Crr) were achieved by combination between 4.0 g/l lithovit rate under 1: 3 pattern, in contrary, the highest values of competitive ratio for cluster bean (Crc) were recorded by combination between 1: 2 pattern with 2.0 g/l lithovit rate in first season. Regardless of the planting patterns combined with different lithovit rates, aggressivity, based on the results, therewas a positive sign for roselle and a negative sign for the intercropped cluster bean, indicating that roselle was dominant, while, cluster bean was dominated.

Biological Performance of Certain Bio-Agents, Fluopyram and Fosthiazate against Meloidogyne spp. on Guava Trees (Psidium guajava L.)

In this study, the potential of some bio-agents, fluopyram and fosthiazate were investigated against root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) on guava trees under field conditions for two successive seasons (2020 & 2021). The examined bio-agents were; Bio-Nematon® (Paecilomyces lilacinus), Bio Cure-F® (Trichoderma viridi), Bio Cure-B® (Pseudomonas fluorescens) and BIOTECT® (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki). The infection parameters of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) were recorded at 35 and 70 days after treatment. Results indicated that all the applied treatments suppressed the soil population density (J2/250g soil) at range of 68.75 to 88.85% during the 1st season, and from 57.72 to 92.92% during the 2nd season. Besides, the numbers of root galls were decreased at range of 60.22 to 77.11% and from 57.90 to 70.90% during 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. Also, the number of isolated eggs from roots was decreased at range of 67.13 to 94.61% and from 51.37 to 88.45% during 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. However, the content of total N, P and K (%) in leaves of guava trees was fluctuated during both seasons.

Analysis of water availability of the Singkoyo River for the irrigation needs in the Banggai Regency, Indonesian

Indonesia relies on its food security by expanding the area and productivity of agricultural land. This condition requires water to irrigate existing rice fields, such as in the Singkoyo area. This study aims to determine the study area’s surface water availability (Q80), irrigation needs, and water balance. Some methods are applied, such as Penman-Monteith for the evapotranspiration calculation, and the FJ Mock method for the dependable flow and water need based on the annual cropping plan. The result shows that the Singkoyo River, with a catchment area of 408.55 km2, has an average flow rate for Q80 is 6.24 m3sec-1, whereas the most significant discharge occurs in July 15.48 m3sec-1 and the smallest occurs in November at 2.86 m3sec-1. On the other hand, applying the worst scenario with three times of planting per year with rice, the need for three irrigation areas vary according to the NFR during the plantation phase from 7.20 m3sec-1 at the 3rd planting season in October, and the lowest is 2.0 m3sec-1 at the 2nd planting season in February. The water balance is mostly surplus from December to August, but then deficit during September to November by -1.34 m3 sec-1 on average.

IMPROVEMENT, PRODUCTIVITY, FRUIT QUALITY AND STORABILITY OF CHERRY TOMATO VIA FOLIAR APPLICATION WITH DIFFERENT CALCIUM SOURCES AND SOME MICRONUTRIENTS

Two plastic house and Handling Lab. experiments were concluded in 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons at the Experimental Farm of El-Kassasein, Res. Station, Hort, Res. Inst., Agric. Center, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, it aims to study the effect of different sources of calcium, some micronutrients (boron and molybdenum) and their interaction as foliar spray on growth, yield, fruit quality and storability of tomato cherry under sandy soil conditions using drip irrigation system. The obtained result show that, the interaction between spraying plants with calcium citrate ( Ca-Cit) at 2 % and boron (B) at 25 ppm recorded the highest value of dry weight of shoots / plant , average fruit weight , yield / plant and total yield / m2 , lycopen and vitamin C content in fruits at harvest time in both seasons, where foliar application by the interaction between calcium chloride ( CaCl2) at 2% and B at 25 ppm had significantly increased number of fruits / plant, DM%, fruit firmness, TSS, Ca and B contents in fruits. The highest value of Mo concentration in fruits were recorded with the interaction between Ca-citrate and Mo at 5 ppm. The increases in total yield / m2 were about 2.033 and 2.642 kg for the interaction between spraying with Ca-Cit at 2 % and B at 25 ppm, 1.639 and 1.474 kg for the interaction between calcium chloride at 2% and B at 25 ppm and 1.434 and 1.436 kg for the interaction between calcium tartrate at 2% and B at 25 ppm over the unsprayed plants in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. As for storability of fruits which stored in carton box at 8°C and 90-95 % RH, fresh weight loss (%) and TSS in fruits increased, whereas fruit firmness, titratable acidity and vitamin C in fruits decreased with prolonging cold storage periods for all treatments. Storage of fruits produced from plants which sprayed with Ca Cl2 at 2 % and B at 25 ppm pre harvested gave the highest values of TSS, fruit firmness and gave lowest values of titratable acidity, whereas the interaction between Ca-Cit at 2 % and B at 25 ppm gave the highest value of vitamin C and lowest value of weight loss percentage in fruit during storage period. The interaction between foliar application of the calcium citrate or calcium chloride 2 % and boron 25 ppm is recommended for high yield, best fruit quality and prolonged storability of cherry tomato.

Ecological and control studies of the cotton aphids, Aphis gossypii (Glover.) on eggplant, Solanum melongena L.

The present study was conducted to estimate the distribution of apterous and alates cotton aphids within and between plants. Also, population dynamic of cotton aphid and its predators, and the effects of foliar spray with elicitors viz, salicylic acids (SA), jasmonic acids (JA) and β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) on the population density of A. gossypii were estimated. The experiments were carried out in an eggplant field at Nobaria district, El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt. The results of spatial distribution of apterous A. gossypii by using the diffusion coefficient (S2/ m) was >1, by using David-Moore index (IDM) was positive value for negative binomial, by using patch index (m*/m) was >1 and with using Cassie index (Ca)was>0 and positive values. All these indices are indicative of aggregation (the individuals tend to occur in clumps) distribution model for the apterous A. gossypii in all the sampling dates throughout the two successive seasons 2019 and 2020. On contrary, all of these indices refer to a uniform spatial distribution for the alates A. gossypii., there were proportionally greater numbers of the alates individuals on the middle part of eggplants. The results also showed that the seasonal mean population of cotton aphids was higher during 1st season than during the 2nd season The apterous aphid populations were significantly higher within the upper level than other levels of the plant. The foliar spray of JA, SA and BABA resulted in decreasing the cotton aphid population density in eggplant crop. SA proved to be less efficacious than JA and BABA.

Interfaces between biodegradable organic matrices coating and MAP fertilizer for improve use efficiency

Improving phosphorus (P) use efficiency is a challenge to promote a circular economy and greening the phosphorus cycle towards planetary sustainability. The disruptive innovation for phosphate fertilizers may help to reduce some unwelcome reactions that occur to P in soils. Monoammonium phosphate (MAP) coating with biodegradable organic polymers and the addition of magnesium (Mg) - a nutrient with a synergistic effect on the uptake of P, zinc (Zn), and boron (B) - emerge as a smart strategy to applying these micronutrients uniformly in soils. The objectives of this study were: to characterize the coated-MAP with biodegradable organic polymers, quantify the diffusion and availability of P in the soil, and evaluate the corn crop nutrition and yield during two crop seasons. The treatments were: MAP, MAP coated with biodegradable organic polymer (BOP), MAP + BOP + 1.3% of Zn + 0.33% of B, and MAP + BOP + 1.76% of Mg. The laboratory tests showed that the diffusion of MAP-based fertilizers was: MOMg (7.86 mm) = MO (8.82 mm) = MAP (8.84 mm) = MOM (8.51 mm) after 432 h. Coatings did not cause delays in the P-release in water at 25 °C since more than 95% of P was released within 24 h. In the field trials, the application of Mg, Zn, and B in the MAP coating did not increase nutrient leaf concentration. In the summer crop season, grain yield increased up to the P-rates of 85 kg of P2O5 ha−1, reaching the value of 6731 kg ha−1. Physical and chemical characteristics of MAP-fertilizers tend to improve with the coatings. The addition of biodegradable organic polymers, Mg, B, and Zn, as MAP-coatings did not enhance P diffusion, release, and availability in the soil and the crop nutrition. Coated-MAP improved corn yield only in the 2nd crop season.

An Attempt to Reduce the Use of Potassium Fertilization in Jerusalem Artichoke Plants in Clay Soil

A field experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm of El-Gemmeiza, Agric. Res. Station, El-Gharbeya Governorate, Egypt , during 2019 and 2020 summer seasons,to study the effects of different rates of potassium treatments at 48, 72 and 96 kg/fad. K2O as soil application and K2O concentration treatments at 0,0.5 and 1.0% as foliar application and their interactions on growth, yield and tuber quality of Jerusalem artichoke Fuseau cultivarunder clay soil.The interaction treatments of fertilizing Jerusalem artichoke with K2O at 72 kg /fad. as soil application (SA) and spraying plants with K2O at 1 % four times at 75, 90,105 and 120 days after planting had significantly increased on plant height , number of branches /plant,both fresh and dry weight of shoots/plant, N,P and K contents in shoots and its uptake, average tuber weight , yield / plant and total yield/faddan .While,the interaction treatment between K2O at 96 kg /fad. as soil application and spraying plants with K2O at 1% reflected a significant effect and increased total carbohydrates , inulin,K and dry matter percentages in tuber at harvest time compared with plants received K2O at 48 kg /fad. as SA only in both seasons. Finally, under the same conditions, fertilizing Jerusalem artichoke with K2O at72 kg/fad. as soil application and spraying plants with K2O at 1% reduced the using of potassium fertilizer by 25% and increases in total yield about 9.89 and 6.91 % over fertilizing with 96 kg /fad. K2O only in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively.

Influence of Hydrogen Peroxide and Nanofertilizer on Rusts Development and Wheat Productivity

AN EXPERIMENT was conducted to study the effect of some foliar spray treatments on yellow rust and leaf rust severities, productivity, and grain quality of wheat cultivar “Gemmiza-7”. The treatments: hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 30% (1mM), nano CaCO3 0.5% (5.0g/L), combination of H2O2 30% (1.0mM), and nano CaCO3 0.5% (5.0g/L), KCl (5.0g/L) and fungicide Tilt 25% EC (Propiconazole) at 25mL/100 liter- were applied with the control treatment (spraying with water). Results indicated that, all treatments had a significant effect on all the studied parameters, hence reduced rust disease infection and increased 1000 kernel weight, grain, straw, and biological yield of wheat, mineral uptake by wheat plants and total protein in grains compared with the untreated control. Spraying with the fungicide recorded the most effective treatment in reducing the yellow and leaf rusts severity in both seasons, followed by spraying with H2O2 30% which gave a disease control of (55.00 and 54.54%) for yellow rust and (74.08 and 70.57%) for leaf rust in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. Spraying plants with H2O2 30% + nano CaCO3 0.5% after 70 and 100 days from sowing recorded the tallest plants and maximum values of shoot dry weight/plant, root dry weight/plant and flag leaf area. Significant increase in the concentrations of chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll in leaf tissues was observed. Increase in mineral contents and uptake by wheat plants without significant differences with nano CaCO3 at 0.5% and KCl at 0.5% was also recorded.

Response of Quinoa Yield and Seed Chemical Composition to Planting Dates and Densities under the Climatic Conditions of Aswan Governorate.

A field experiment was carried out at the experimental farm, faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources,Aswan University during2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons to identify the suitable planting date and the optimum plant density on growth, yield and its quality of quinoa cv.Regalona under sandy soil using drip irrigation system.The experiment was carried out in(RCBD)using split-plot plot design with three replications, where planting dates (P1: 10thOctober, P2: 25thOctober and P3: 10thNovember)were occupied main plots and plant density (D1:56.000, D2:70.000 and D3:84.000 plant fed-1)were arranged sub-plots. Results revealed that planting quinoa on 10th October resulted in maximum plant height, number of inflorescence plant-1, 1000-seed weight, seed yield fed-1and chemical compositions in both seasons.The delay of sowing led to increased carbohydrate concentration in seeds. The impact of plant density was significant for all studied traits in both seasons. Seed yield increased by(39.83 and 50.38%)with increase of plant density from 56.000 to 84.000 plant fed-1 in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. The increase of plant density significantly decreased both weight of 1000-seed and protein percentage in both seasons. Interaction between sowing date and plant density(D×P)showed that the highest seed yield fed-1obtained in the 1st date(10-October)with density84.000 plant fed-1(753.60 and 767.93 kg fed-1)in both seasons. The highest seed protein content resulted from sowing at 10-October with density56.000plant fed-1.Ultimately, it can be concluded that planting quinoa(cv. Regalona)on 10thOctober with sowing density 84 thousand plant fed-1 could be recommend to maximize quinoa productivity and its quality of seeds under the climatic condition prevailing of Aswan Governorate

Effects of indoor and outdoor temperatures on blood pressure and central hemodynamics in a wintertime panel of peri-urban Chinese adults

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Excess wintertime cardiovascular mortality has been observed in populations globally and is partly attributed to cold-induced elevated blood pressure (BP). An inverse relationship between outdoor temperature and BP is well documented. The influence of indoor environmental conditions (e.g., heating, insulation) and indoor temperature on BP is less clear. We examined the effects of indoor and outdoor temperature on wintertime BP and central hemodynamics among older adults in peri-urban Beijing, China. METHODS: We enrolled 1,285 older adults into a panel study conducted in two winter seasons (2018-19 and 2019-2020). Staff traveled to participant homes to administer a questionnaire and measure their brachial and central systolic and diastolic BPs, pulse pressures, and pulse pressure amplification. Indoor temperature was measured within the 5-minutes prior to BP measurements for all participants and 12-month indoor temperature measurements were obtained in a 37% (1st season) and 32% (2nd season) random subsample. Village-level outdoor temperature was estimated from regional meteorological stations. Multivariable mixed-effects regression models were used to estimate the within- and between-individual effects of indoor and outdoor temperature on BP, allowing for effect measure modification. RESULTS:Indoor and outdoor winter temperatures ranged from 0.0 to 28.0˚C and -14.3 to 6.4˚C, respectively. Those in colder homes had a lower wealth score and less home insulation. We observed an inverse linear relationship between indoor temperature and BP (mmHg per 1˚C increase in temperature: −0.4 to −0.5 systolic, −0.3 diastolic, and −0.2 pulse pressure). We found little evidence of any effect of outdoor temperature with BP, or that outdoor temperature modified the effect of indoor temperature. CONCLUSIONS:We found an inverse association between indoor temperature and BP, but no relationship of BP with outdoor temperature. This suggests a stronger effect on BP of indoor compared to outdoor temperature. Improving insulation and household heating may help lower BP and prevent excess winter mortality. KEYWORDS: Cardiovascular diseases, Epidemiology, Socio-economic factors, Temperature

Effect of intercropping systems on yield and its component in onion / faba bean crops .

The current investigation was conducted during 2016/2017, 2017/2018 and 2019/2020 seasons to study the effect of intercropping faba bean (main crop) –onion (secondary crop) on the yield and yield components and nutrient uptake. The experiment design was a randomized complete blocks with three replicates. The experiment included 11 treatments of cropping system (sole faba bean, sole onion, 1faba bean:1 onion, 1faba bean:2onion , 1faba bean:3onion, 2faba bean:1onion, 2faba bean:2onion, 2faba bean:3onion, 3faba bean:1onion, 3faba bean:2onion and 3faba bean:3onion). Results reported that 1faba bean :3onion was not significantly different as compred with sole onion and recorded the highest value of vegetative parameters; plant height (cm), leaf number, bulb diameter (cm) and plant fresh weight (g). Same trend was observed for yield and yield components, and nutrient uptake compared to other intercropping systems. However, regarding to faba bean vegetative characters, 3faba bean :1onion gave the greatest value with no significant difference comparing with sole faba bean and other intercropping systems treatments. Similar trend turned into discovered for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake. Among all intercropping and sole faba bean treatments, 3faba bean:1onion recorded significant increase in total yield of faba bean with an increase percentage 13.51%, 16.55% and 13.84% during 1st, 2nd, and 3rd seasons ,respectively. the intercropping system of 3faba bean:1onion or 1faba bean : 3onion could be againful model to obtain the greatest use efficiency of land and irrigation water.

Studies on Population Dynamic, Biology of The Cotton Mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and Its Natural Enemies as A New Insect on Okra Plant, (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) at Qena Governorate, Egypt

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley is one of the most important insect pests that infested many important economic crops all over the world. The insect was recorded for the first time on the okra plants at the inception of March during the season of 2019 on the farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University, Qena. Results of both seasons showed that the highest weekly population count of P. solenopsis was found during the first week of June. The highest percentages of the total monthly mean count were found to be 37.87and 39.56%, in June during the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. In addition, it has three generations per season under field conditions. The impact of some biotic and abiotic factors influencing the enumeration of P. solenopsis was studied. One species of wasp, Aenasius arizonensis (Girault) has been recorded as a parasitoid on P. solenopsis. The parasitism rate reached 12.31% during the first season. The predation rate reached 4.55% and it was attributed to the Nephus includens (Kirsch). Under laboratory conditions, the biology studies of P. solenopsis (Tinsley) were carried out on the sprouted potato plants. The results of the various biological factors recorded that the female fertility rate ranged between (310 to 650 eggs/female), which increases the survival rate. The female longevity reached (27.23±2.35 days) and the total life cycle ranged from 39-55 days. Accordingly, the information obtained from this study leads to the selection of appropriate means of management during the active reproductive period of P. solenopsis.

EFFECT OF RATES AND SOURCES OFPOTASSIUM FERTILIZATION ON DRYWEIGHT, MINERAL UPTAKE, POTASSIUM USE EFFICIENCYAND PRODUCTIVITYOF EGGPLANT

:Two field experiments were carried out during the two successive summerseasons of 2019 and 2020 in the private Farm at Keshek Village, Abou- Hamad district, Shahrkia Governorate, to study the effect ofpotassiumrates(45, 60, 75 and 90 kg K2O/fad.) assoil applicationsand differentsources ofpotassium, i.e.potassium citrate (K₃C₆H₅O₇) at 1 ml/l,potassium humate (C9H8K2O4) at 3 g/l,potassium thiosulfate (K2S2O3) at1ml/l andpotassium silicate (K₂SiO₃)at 3 ml/l, besidesprayed with water (control treatment)asfoliar application on dry weight, mineral uptake andyieldand its componentsofeggplant (cv. long black).The interaction between K2O at 90 kg/fad. and foliar spray with K₃C₆H₅O₇at 1 ml/lsignificantly increaseddry weight ofbranches, leaves and shoots/plant, N, P and K uptakeby shoots, average fruit weight, yield/plant,andtotal yieldwith no significant differences with K2O at 75 kg /fad., and spraying with K₃C₆H₅O₇at 1 ml/l, followed by theinteraction between90 kg K2O/fad., and spraying withpotassiumhumateat 3g/linboth seasons.In the same time, total yield /fad. (14.649 and 14.768 ton/fad.)produced from75 kgK2O and spraying with K₃C₆H₅O₇at 1 ml/l treatmentwere more than total yield/fad. (12.320 and 12.290 ton/fad.)produced from90 kg K2O and unsprayed (spraying with water)in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively.As forpotassium use efficiency(KUE), the highest values of KUE wererecorded withthe interaction between 45 kg K2O/fad. and K₃C₆H₅O₇at 1 ml/lfoliar spray (245.3 and 247.2 kgfruit/kgK2O) in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively

Response of Two Yellow Maize Hybrids to Amino Acids, Mineral Npk and Nano-Fertilizers under Toshka District Conditions

This study was carried out during 2018 and 2019 seasons at the Experimental Farm of the Water Studies and Research Complex (WSRC) Station, National Water Research Center, Toshka Region, Egypt (22°32′16″N, 31°30′40″E), to study the effect of two amino cat fertilizer concentrations (AA1: 100 cm3 fed-1 and AA2: 200 cm3 fed-1), six different combinations of mineral NPK and nano-fertilizers (F1= 0.0 fertilizers-control treatment, F2= 100% mineral NPK (120:30:24 kg fed-1), F3= 100% Nano NPK )10 kg fed-1), F4=75% mineral NPK +25% Nano NPK, F5=75% Nano NPK +25% mineral and F6= 50% mineral NPK +50% Nano NPK( on grain production and its attributes as well as net economic return on two yellow maize hybrids (M1: T.W.C. 353 and M2: T.W.C. 360). The experiment was laid out in a strip split-plot design with three replications, where amino cat fertilizer allocated in vertical-plots, fertilization treatments were arranged in horizontal-plots and maize hybrids were occupied the sub-plots. Studied traits were number of days to 50% tasseling, number of green leaves plant-1, ear leaf area, plant height, ear length, number of ears plant-1 and grain yield fed-1. Obtained results showed that maize hybrids, amino cat fertilizer, fertilization treatments, and their interactions significantly influenced most studied traits in both seasons. TWC 353 hybrid gave the maximum mean values of all studied traits in both seasons. Foliar spraying with 200 cm3 amino cat fertilizer was significantly associated with corresponding increases in all studied traits especially grain yield (3.02 and 3.06 ton fed-1) in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively.Maximum average values of studied traits were obtained using 50% mineral fertilization + 50% nano- NPK fertilization in both growing seasons. Foliar appliction of TWC 353 hybrid with 200 cm3 amino-fertilizer, beside fertilization by 50% mineral NPK+50% NPK nano-fertilizers (M1AA2F6), recorded the highest values for net farm incom (12926 L.E fed-1), net farm return (6360 L.E fed-1), BCR (1.97) and economic efficiency (net return/total costs=0.97). This result is due to the highest grain yield prodictivity under this treatment (3.77 ton fed-1) as an average of the two seasons compared with other treatments. Generally, it could be concluded that foliar spraying of maize hybrid TWC 353 with 200 cm3 fed-1 amino cat fertilizer plus 50% mineral fertilization + 50% nano-NPK fertilization resulted in highest growth, production and net farm return under the environmental conditions of Toshka region.

Influence of Fertilization and Plant Density on Population of some Maize Insect Pests and Yield

Maize considered one of most important cereals in Egypt that used in consumed directly by humans. It is attacking by different insect pests and most important of these insects, aphids, thrips and corn borer that was influence yield size and quality. Field experiments were planted in early June 2019-2020 seasons at Assiut Governorate. Current study, effects of three fertilizers systems (synthetic, organic and mixture between synthetic and organic fertilizers) and three planting densities (5, 10 and 15 plant/Linear meter) on the population of insects and yield were investigated. Results indicated that mixture fertilizers had lowest mean number and infestation percentage of three tested insects at two seasons. Infestation% was higher in 1st than 2nd season. Mean numbers of thrips at mixture fertilizers were a highly significant than both synthetic and organic fertilizers. Addition that, highest yield of maize was recorded in mixture fertilizer at the two seasons (3783 and 3948 kg/feddan, respectively). Results showed that, mean numbers ofthree insect pests were increased with increasing plant density/Linear meter at the two seasons. Thrips population and aphids were significantly differences in threeplant densities (5, 10 and 15 plants/Linear meter) at the two seasons. The highest yield of maize in medium plant density (10 plant/Linear meter) recorded 3655 and 3768 kg/fed., at 2019-2020 season respectively. It is concluded that mixture fertilizer and plant density was 10 plants/Linear meter recorded lowest population of three tested insects and high yield of maize at the two successive seasons.

Impact of Preceding Crop, Sowing Methods and Nano-Fertilizer (Amino mineral) on Bread Wheat Production and Quality in Toshka Region, Egypt

THE CURRENT study was carried out at the Experimental Farm of the Water Studies and Research Complex (WSRC) Station, National Water Research Center, in Abu Simbel, Toshka Region (laying out in the part of the south valley of Egypt, about 1300 and 280km. south from Cairo and Aswan, respectively) during 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons to study the effect of preceding crop (PC1: fallow, PC2: soybean and PC3: sunflower), sowing methods (SM1: drilling and SM2: broadcasting) and nano-fertilizer (NF1: 0.0 Nano (control), NF2: 125, NF3: 250 and NF4: 500mL fed-1) on the growth, yield and its quality of bread wheat cv. Giza 171 in sandy-loam soil. The experiment was carried out in (RCBD) using strip-split plot design with three replications. Results showed that plant height, number of spike plant-1, number of leaves plant-1, flag leaf area, spike length, number of grains spike-1, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, protein content, hectoliter weight, wet and dry gluten traits were significantly affected by preceding crops, sowing methods and nano-fertilizer in both seasons. Wheat preceded by soybean shows an increase in all studied wheat traits than those preceded by sunflower crop and fallow. The drilling method showed remarkably superior performance for all studied traits, except the plant height and hectoliter weight which was recorded the highest mean values with the broadcasting method. Increasing nano-fertilizer concentration from 125 to 500mL fed-1 resulted in an increased significance in all previous traits, except for hectoliter weight trait which was decreased by increasing nano-fertilizer concentration in both seasons. Also, all interactions involved in this respect had significant influences on the majority of the traits, and the highest mean value of grain yield was (3.480 and 3.553 ton fed-1) in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively which were resulted from planting wheat after soybean (PC2) with drilling method (SM1) and spraying with 500 ml fed-1 nano-fertilizer (NF4) at three times.