East Mediterranean Region Of Turkey Research Articles

Skin diseases in Turkish soldiers

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of skin diseases among soldiers who were assigned duties in Kahramanmaras, a province of east Mediterranean region of Turkey. One hundred eighty-eight soldiers were assessed for skin diseases by a complete dermatological examination and the findings were recorded to a form. Apart from the low number of older ones, the soldiers were of 20–22 years. The diagnosis of superficial fungal infections was made by the use of potassium hydroxide preparations in addition to clinical appearance. On completion of the study period, the data were evaluated, and patients were grouped. Pitted keratolysis was the primary dermatologic disease in 34.5% of the soldiers, 29.2% were diagnosed with oral candidiasis, and 25.5% suffered from tinea pedis. Among the soldiers suffering from a cutaneous disease, dyshidrotic eczema (18.6%), intertrigo (excluding candidal intertrigo) (17%), acne (17%), seborrheic dermatitis (14.9%), plantar hyperkeratosis (14.3%), contact dermatitis (13.8%), and folliculitis (12.2%) were the other most frequent dermatoses. Other less frequent dermatoses were asteatotic eczema, callus, onychomycosis, traumatic onychodystrophy, and so on. We conclude that the prevalence of skin diseases in soldiers is very high and is one of the major public health problems that have a significant burden on our nation.

An Evaluation of Eco-Friendly Naturally Coloured Cottons Regarding Seed Cotton Yield, Yield Components and Major Lint Quality Traits under Conditions of East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

In the study carried out in 2002-2003 in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey (in Kahramanmaras Province), four different naturally coloured cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (dark brown, light brown, cream and green) lines from Azerbaijan and two white linted cotton varieties (Maras-92 and Sayar-314 (G. hirsutum L.)) of the region were used as material. The aim of this study was to determine seed cotton yield and yield components and major lint quality traits of investigated coloured cotton lines comprising white linted local standard cotton varieties. Field trials were established in randomized block design with four blocks. According to two year's results, it was determined that naturally coloured cottons were found similar to both white linted standard cotton varieties for sympodia number and seed cotton yield. For boll number per plant, except green cotton line all coloured cotton lines were similar to standard varieties or even some of them were better than standards. For ginning outturn, dark brown, cream and green cotton lines were found statistically similar to standard Maras-92. But all naturally coloured cotton lines had lower seed cotton weight per boll and generally lower fiber quality than white linted standard varieties. For fiber length and fiber strength cream cotton line was the best coloured cotton. And for fiber fineness only green cotton line was better than both standards. It can be said that naturally coloured cotton lines need to be improved especially for fiber quality characters in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey.

Natural radionuclide content and radiological hazard associated with usage of quartzite sand samples from Ovacik-Silifke-Mersin open pit as building material in Turkey

Activity concentrations of (238)U, (232)Th, (226)Ra and (40)K in quartzite sand samples collected from the Ovacik-Silifke-Mersin open pit located in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey were determined by using a gamma-ray spectrometry technique. The mean activity concentrations of the (238)U, (232)Th, (226)Ra and (40)K in quartzite sand samples were found as 81.7 +/- 22.9 Bq kg(-1), 6.3 +/- 2.8 Bq kg(-1), 77.5 +/- 24.3 Bq kg(-1)and 140.0 +/- 124.1 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The gamma index (I(gamma)), the internal exposure index (I(alpha)), the indoor absorbed dose rate (D(in)) and the corresponding annual effective dose (H(in)) were evaluated for the public exposure to radiological hazard arising due to the use of quartzite sand samples as building material. The values of I(gamma), I(alpha), D(in) and H(in) ranged from 0.20 to 0.75, with a mean of 0.34 +/- 0.11, 0.23 to 0.77 with a mean of 0.39 +/- 0.12, 58.27 to 201.51 nGy h(-1) with a mean of 93.33 +/- 27.63 nGy h(-1) and 0.29 to 0.99 mSv with a mean of 0.46 +/- 0.14 mSv, respectively.

Effects of seed size and in-row spacing on growth and yield of early potato in a mediterranean-type environment in Turkey.

Optimizing plant density and seed size are the most important subjects of early potato production systems in mediterranean-type environments due to their effects on seed cost, plant development, yield and quality of the crop. The effects of different in-row spacing (20, 25, 30 and 35 cm) and seed size (small, medium and large) treatments on yield components and tuber yield of early potato were studied in Adana, where is situated in the east mediterranean region of Turkey, during 2006 and 2007 growing seasons. It was determined that closer spacing reduced tuber number per hill, average tuber weight, tuber yield per hill and percentages of large and medium size tubers. Total yields increased as increasing planting density up to 20 cm spacing. Planting larger seeds positively affected all growth and yield components in both years. Tuber yield per hectare was increased up to certain stem density and then started to decline at all seed sizes. However, the optimum stem density for the maximum tuber yield per hectare markedly differed depending on size of seed tubers. The optimum stem density increased with increasing seed size. Our findings indicated that size of seed tuber has further importance for growth of potato plant as well as competition aspect in early potato production in the mediterranean-type environments. Hence it was concluded that using larger tubers had an advantage for vigorous early growth and for obtain high tuber yield in early potato production in the mediterranean-type environments. Seed size should be considered during recommendation for planting density in potato production. Key words: Seed size, in-row spacing, early potato, competition.

Effect of different irrigation water level on cotton yield and yield components

Effects of different water level on yield and yield components of the drip irrigated cotton were evaluated in Amik Plain in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Four levels of irrigation water were tested in 2003 and 2004. Treatments were 25 (I25), 50 (I50), 75% (I75) of the full irrigation treatment (I100) which received 100% class-A pan evaporation. Numbers of irrigation events were 5 and 8 in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Under I25, I50 and I75 treatment conditions, evapotranspiration, total cotton seed yield, boll weight, lint percentage, number of sympodial branches and leaf area index decreased while some boll parameters such as boll weights and opened boll numbers increased. Increase of boll number per plant under water stress condition showed that cotton had high ability for adapting water stress conditions. The highest yield was obtained in the I100 treatment. A second degree polynomial relation could adequately describe the cotton seed yield response to the irrigation water amount. The highest irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) was obtained with the I50 treatment.

Parasitization Rate of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Eggs After Field Releases of Trichogramma evanescens Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in Cotton in Cukurova Region of Turkey

The control of the noctuid Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) with Trichogramma evanescens Westwood (Hymenoptera:Trichogrammatidae) on a cotton (Malvaceae) farm in Turkey is reviewed. Helicoverpa armigera has five generations in a year, but only three attack cotton in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey. Releases of T. evanescens are made twice against each of the first three generations of H. armigera in the years of 2004–2005. In each release, 120,000 parasitoids ha−1 were released, resulting in 62.9% and 71.6% parasitism and the numbers of larvae of H. armigera were reduced by 76.8% and 80.6%, respectively. In fields where insecticides were applied, the numbers of larvae of H. armigera were reduced by 57.1% and 77.1%, respectively. Furthermore, it was observed that population of natural enemies was increased in released parasitoid plots, with an average of 33 to 39 Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.) (Neuroptera:Chrysopidae) were encountered in 25 plants. Pollen-generating plants (maize, okra, weeds, etc.) probably increased the density of the predator. The cultivation of okra as a trap plant can be recommended especially in cotton fields where parasitoid release was conducted. The results of biological control of the noctuid H. armigera by T. evanescens appear promising.

The natural radioactivity levels and radiation hazard of pumice from the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

The concentrations of natural radionuclides in 20 pumice samples from the Toprakkale-Osmaniye area were studied using γ-ray spectrometry in order to assess the radioactivity levels and health hazard. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the pumice samples ranged from 9.44 to 27.31, 12.24 to 25.43 and 289.48 to 673.18 Bq kg−1, respectively. The radionuclide concentrations in pumice samples were matched with typical world values and the radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external (Hex) and internal (Hin) hazard index and representative level index (Iγr) determined. All the calculated values were below the internationally accepted limits and indicate that the Toprakkale-Osmaniye pumice can safely be used in construction.

Physico-chemical changes during growth of persimmon fruits in the East Mediterranean climate region

Physico-chemical changes were monitored during growth of pollination variant non-astringent ‘Harbiye’ persimmon fruits ( Diospyros kaki L.) grown at low or high altitude of the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey for two growing seasons (2001–2002 and 2002–2003). Fruit growth in diameter followed a typical double sigmoid curve, consisting of two rapid growth stages, stage I and stage III, separated by a period of slow growth (stage II) at both altitudes. The durations of stages I, II and III were 105–119, 21–35 and 21–42 days, respectively, at low and high altitude. ‘Harbiye’ persimmons showed significant decreases in soluble tannin concentration and total carotenoid content during stage I. At the end of stage I, ‘Harbiye’ persimmons became non-astringent. Stage II was characterized with slow growth, the beginning of acid degradation and a significant increase in total sugars, especially in the sucrose component. At end of stage II, the fruit began to turn yellow-orange, indicating the occurrence of colour break. The greatest increase in total soluble solids (TSS) content occurred in the final month before harvest during stage III when pronounced changes in skin colour and softening of fruits were observed. The 175 and 168 days after full bloom (DAFB) at low and high altitudes, respectively, are appropriate timing for harvest of the ‘Harbiye’ persimmon fruits in the East Mediterranean region. At these stages, ‘Harbiye’ persimmon fruits reached the best quality for consumers.

INCIDENCE AND GENETIC DIVERSITY OF PEACH LATENT MOSAIC VIROID ISOLATES IN TURKEY

SUMMARY In 2004 and 2005, 51 peach and 5 nectarine trees from different peach growing areas of the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey were analyzed by RT-PCR for the presence of Peach latent mosaic viroid (PLMVd). Most of the samples were from germplasm collections and did not show specific symptoms. PLMVd was detected in three nectarine and eight peach trees. The nucleotide sequence of the eleven PLMVd isolates was determined. Like previously studied PLMVd isolates, Turkish isolates varied in length from 336 to 340 nucleotides. Multiple alignments and phylogenic analyses showed that 31 clones of 11 isolates clustered in PLMVd Group III. Three clones of isolate 99 showed the greatest variability among the isolates characterized in this work and 12 previously characterized isolates. mFold analysis of secondary structures of the three clones of isolate 99 showed that most of the variations are located in a stem involved in the pseudoknot structure, in loop 10 and in the hammerhead arm region. PLMVd isolate 99 showed a high identity with isolate 162.4 from peach cv. Early May Crest.

Twin or narrow-row planting patterns versus conventional planting in forage maize production in the Eastern Mediterranean

Producing forage maize (Zea mays L.) in twin-row planting pattern has been attempted in past years. This research was performed to determine effects of planting patterns and densities on yields of forage maize hybrids. We also examined other plant characteristics associated with forage yield under second crop conditions in Hatay, East Mediterranean region of Turkey, during 2003 and 2004. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in a split-split-plot arrangement with three replications. The planting patterns of twin row (55:20 cm), conventional row (75 cm) and narrow row (50 cm) were main plots, the plant densities (80,000, 100,000 and 120,000 plants ha −1) were split-plots, and the hybrids (PR-1550, MAVERIK and DK-585) were split-split plots. Forage and dry matter yields were significantly affected by planting patterns, plant densities and maize hybrids. Our results revealed the advantage of twin-row planting pattern over conventional and narrow row plantings at all plant densities. Twin row planting out-yielded conventional row (16% more forage and 10.2% more dry matter yield) and narrow-row (7.9% more forage and 5.9% more dry matter yield) plantings. Twin-row planting pattern may be a profitable production technique for forage maize producers.

AFLP analysis of genetic diversity in low chill requiring walnut (Juglans regia L.) genotypes from Hatay, Turkey

In this study, the genetic relatedness of 22 low chill requiring walnut genotypes adapted to the south east Mediterranean region of Turkey was analysed by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Relatively low level of genetic variation was detected among the genotypes examined by five AFLP primer combinations, suggesting that these walnut genotypes selected predominantly for their low chill requirement have relatively narrow genetic base. In addition, the geographical proximity of the genotypes analysed was not correlated with their level of genetic relatedness. These results have implications for walnut breeding and conservation.

Harmonization ratio of post- to pre-anthesis durations by thermal times for durum wheat cultivars in a Mediterranean environment

The aims of this article were to calculate harmonization ratios (HR) of post- to pre-anthesis durations for 16 durum wheat cultivars by thermal times, to determine durum wheat cultivars having balanced vegetative period (VP) and grain filling period (GFP) for higher GY capacity and its possibility to be used as an adaptation and selection criteria for cultivars and to investigate relationships between HR and grain yield, phenological periods by the thermal times in a Mediterranean environment. Experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design with four replications, for three successive years between 2000 and 2003 years, under the conditions of Kahramanmaras province, located in East-Mediterranean region of Turkey. In the research, phenological periods such as VP, GFP, days to maturity (DM) by the thermal times, GY were measured. HR values over thermal times were also calculated by the formula HR tt = GFP tt/VP tt.. According to the results, cultivars were significantly different for VP tt, GFP tt, DM tt by the thermal times and GY. Cultivars were also significantly different for HR. Harmonization ratio was determined as 0.512 for Fuatbey-2000 cv. which supplied the highest GY. On the other hand, the lowest HR tt was obtained from Altar-84 STN cv. with 0.458 and its GY was also the lowest. Harmonization ratio was significantly and positively correlated with GY over the average results of 3 years. Significant correlations determined between GY and HR tt showed that this HR tt value might be considered as useful character on determination of wheat cultivars having balanced VP tt and GFP tt for higher GY. Thus, the varieties with the lowest HR tt may be excluded from the nurseries, in the early generations of breeding works.

Characterization of Goat Production in East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Characterization of Goat Production in East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Different irrigation methods and water stress effects on potato yield and yield components

This research was conducted during the spring seasons of 2000 and 2002 in Hatay province located in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey. The research investigated the effects of two drip irrigation methods and four different water stress levels on potato yield and yield components. The surface drip (SD) and subsurface drip (SSD) irrigation methods were used. The levels were full irrigation ( I 100), 66% of full irrigation ( I 66), 33% of full irrigation ( I 33) and un-irrigated ( I 0) treatments. Five and three irrigation were applied in 2000 and 2002 early potato growing seasons, respectively. Total irrigation amount changed from 102 to 302 mm and from 88 to 268 mm in 2000 and 2002, respectively. Seasonal evapotranspiration changed between 226 and 473 mm and 166 and 391 mm in 2000 and 2002, respectively. SD and SSD irrigation methods did not result in a significant difference on yield. However, SD method has more advantages than SSD method, which has difficulties in replacement and higher system cost. Irrigation levels resulted in significant difference in both years on yield and its components. Water stress significantly affected the yield and yield parameters of early potato production. Water deficiency more than 33% of the irrigation requirement could not be suggested. Water use efficiency (WUE) of SD irrigation methods had generally higher values than SSD irrigation methods. Treatment I 33 gave maximum irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) for both years. SSD irrigation method did not provide significant advantage on yield and WUE, compared to SD irrigation in early potato production under experimental conditions. Therefore, the SD irrigation method would be recommended in early potato production under Mediterranean conditions.

Performance Evaluation of Some Earlier Yielding Mutant Cotton (Gossypium spp.) Varieties in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Performance Evaluation of Some Earlier Yielding Mutant Cotton (Gossypium spp.) Varieties in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Wind energy potential in Antakya and İskenderun regions, Turkey

The aim of this study is to establish the potential and the feasibility basis for the wind energy resources in some locations of East Mediterranean region of Turkey and provide suitable data for evaluating the potential wind power. For this purpose, hourly wind data, which were observed between the years 1997 and 2001 at the meteorological stations of Antakya and İskenderun regions, were used. The dominant wind directions, the mean values, wind speeds, wind potential and the frequency distributions were determined. The results were classified according to the height above the ground level. Finally, the wind atlas of these regions in the form of contours of constant wind speed and wind potential was produced.

Apolipoprotein B gene polymorphisms in people in the East Mediterranean area of Turkey

Point mutations in the receptor binding domain of low density lipoprotein may increase cholesterol levels in blood. Three mutations of Apo B-100 protein result in defective binding (Arg 3500 ----> [corrected] Gln, Arg 3500 ----> [corrected] Trp and Arg 3531 ----> [corrected] Cys). We estimated the frequency of Apo B point mutations (codon 3500) C9774T (Arg 3500 ----> [corrected] Trp) and G9775A (Arg 3500 ----> [corrected] Gln) in 179 atherosclerotic, 145 hyperlipidaemic individuals and 272 healthy individuals in the east Mediterranean region of Turkey. Lipid and lipoprotein levels were measured with routine biochemical analyser and Apo B mutation was detected using real-time PCR. Neither mutation was found. In this region, Apo B-100 protein mutations are rare and causes of hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis may therefore be unrelated to them.

The Effect of Different Sowing Dates on Growing Periods, Yield and Yield Components of Some Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars Grown in the East-Mediterranean Region of Turkey

The Effect of Different Sowing Dates on Growing Periods, Yield and Yield Components of Some Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars Grown in the East-Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Collection, Identification and Conservation of Wheat Landraces in Kahramanmaras Province in East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Wheat germplasms represent a broad resource of genetic diversity that can be used for future wheat breeding efforts. In order to obtain an overview of genetic diversity and relationships of wheat landraces, we collected diverse genetic materials from Kahramanmaras, located in the East-Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Landraces, collected from the region, were classified into species by using morphological, physiological and agronomic characteristics. In addition, differences among gliadin proteins of landraces were identified by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. We identified fourteen accessions, six genotypes of T. aestivum which were T. aestivum L. ssp. vulgare Vill.; T. aestivum L. ssp. vulgare Vill. v. graecum Korn.; T. aestivum L. ssp. vulgare Vill. v. erythroleucon Korn; T. aestivum L. ssp. compactum v. splendes; T. aestivum L. ssp. compactum v. pseudo-rupriceps Flaksb.; T. aestivum L. ssp. compactum v. humboldtii; and six genotypes of durum, which were T. durum Desf. v. leucurum Al.; T. durum Desf. v. hordeiforme Korn.; T. durum Desf.; T. durum Desf. ssp. duro-compactum Flaksb. v. recognitum Perc; T. durum Desf. ssp. duro-compactum Flaksb. v. pseudo-hordeiforme Flaksb; T. durum Desf. ssp. duro-compactum Flaksb; one accession of T. vavilovii Sears and one accession of T. turanicum Jakubz. (T. orientale Pers.). Landraces had a large genetic diversity for agronomic traits, such as 1000-grain weight, grain number and weight per head, while they had narrow diversity for the other traits.

Studies on Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) (Homoptera, Aleyrodidae) and its parasitoid, Cales noacki Howard (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae) in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Survey studies of Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) (Homoptera, Aleyrodidae) and its parasitoid Cales noacki Howard (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae) were made in 4 provinces; namely Adana, Mersin, Hatay and Osmaniye, which are the main citrus growing areas of the East Mediterranean region of Turkey. Inoculative parasitoid releases were made in regions where no or low natural parasitism occurred after obtaining preliminary results on presence of the parasitoid. The population dynamics of A. floccosus and C. noacki were examined in Silifke (Mersin), Dortyol (Hatay) and Yuregir (Adana), where the A. floccosus population was remarkably high at the beginning of the study in 1999. However, after parasitoid release, the pest population declined in all the sites and did not attain the same high levels again. Five predators, three parasitoids and one entomopathogen species were determined as natural enemies of A. floccosus. In addition, seven plant species, six of them belong to Rutaceae, were found as host plants for A. floccosus.