El-Fayoum Governorate Research Articles

Effects of Benzoic acid and Thiourea on Growth and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Plants

A possible strategy for increasing the crop productivity is to use some bioregulators, therefore two field experiments were carried out in sandy soil at El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, during two successive winter seasons of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. This study aimed to investigate the response of vegetative growth, yield, and some metabolic constituents of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Sakha 93 to exogenously applied of two bioregulators i.e. Benzoic acid (BA; 100, 200 and 400 mg L-1) and Thiourea (TU; 250, 500, and 1000 mg L-1), either alone or in combination. Foliar application of BA and TU alone or in combination significant increased the tiller number and spikes/m2, total plant dry weight/m2, flag leaf area, blades area/plant and yield criteria (spike length, number of grains/spike, number of spike/m2, grain index, grain yield/fed, straw yield per feddan) and these effects were greater with application of BA and/or TU up to 200 and 1000 mg L-1, respectively. Spraying wheat plants by BA and TU, alone or combined significantly improved the nutritional value and quality of wheat grains by increasing oil percent, crude protein, total soluble sugars and total free amino acids contents. In conclusion, the yield-contributing characters and quality of wheat could be improved by application of BA and/or TU up to 200 and 1000 mg L-1, respectively.

REEVALUATION OF MALARIA PARASITES IN EL-FAYOUM GOVERNORATE, EGYPT USING RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TESTS (RDTS).

Malaria as a disease has been identified in Egypt since ancient times. Malaria was endemic in almost all parts of the country but prevalence showed a steady decrease by 1990, and regressed in most of the Governorates. Then by the end of 1998 till now Egypt become free from local transmission of malaria. All reported cases were imported mainly from Sudan. However, the outbreak of falciparum (1 case) and vivax (23 cases) that occurred (May 2014) in Aswan Governorate strongly indicated that malaria is reemerging in the country. El-Fayoum should be take special attention, rather than being the last residual focus. The efficient malaria vector A. sergenti, the proven vector A. pharoensis and the suspected vector A. multicolor were encountered. This work reevaluated malaria status by using RDTs in survey and Giemsa stained thick films to confirm positive cases and estimation of parasite rate, formula, densities and species, also to study the ecological and entomological efficacy factors. The result showed that out of 2044 examined persons, 14 (0.68%) were passive cases, i.e., attending themselves to El-Fayoum Malaria Units after their return from Sudan. Microscopic examination of their stained thick films obtained from MOH&P shows that 9 (64.2%) out of passive cases were positive 3 of them are P. falciparum (33.3%) and the rest P. vivax 6 (66.7%) The species formulas of P. falciparum and P. vivax were 33.3% and 66.7% respectively. Concerning the density class, only one vivax case was of low density class while the other cases were of high density class. All positive cases were males, imported from Sudan and most of them were merchants having trade activities in Sudan. All examined persons during active case detection ACD (1551) and neighborhood of detected cases NOD (479) were malaria negative by rapid diagnostic tests. The areas recording the highest number of imported cases were Abu Shanap, Aboxa (Ballona) and Kafr Aboud (Abshaway Center) but no Anopheline spp larvae were detected. While in Al Nazla A. sergeni and A. multicolor larvae were detected where there was no any imported case or even traveler to Sudan. If the situation is reversed, i.e., an imported case inhabit Al Nazla, reemergence of local malaria may start. The situation of Kafr Fazara is greatly changed by using fine sand instead of clay in manufacturing red brick after prevention excavation of land. No imported cases or Anopheline spp larvae were recorded.

Influence of Calcium, Potassium and Salicylic Acid Application on Nutrient Ratios and Yield of Turnip and Chard Grown in Saline Soil

Soil salinity stress is a major problem for enhancing crop production and agricultural sustainability in arid and semiarid regions. In Egypt the area of irrigated land that is salt-affected is 33%. Field experiments was conducted at farmer's field, Koom Oshim, El–Fayoum governorate, Egypt during two successive seasons based on factorial completely randomized block design with three replicate. The research work aimed to study the effect of various levels of calcium (0 and 40kg fed -1 ), potassium (0, 40 and 80kg fed -1 ) combined with the foliar application of salicylic acid (0 and 0.05mM) on growth, yield, chlorophyll and nutrient content of Turnip and Chard grown in saline soil. The highest growth and yield parameter represented by root and shoot of Turnip and Chard was obtained with 40kg fed -1 applied calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) combined with 0.05mM salicylic acid (SA) as compared with same levels of Ca and K without SA and control treatment. At 40 days of sowing, Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b and carotene of Turnip and Chard significantly increased by Ca and K combined with SA application. Sodium (Na) accumulation in root and shoot of both Turnip and Chard decreased due to Ca and K application. K + , Na + , Ca ++ , ratios and selectivity increased in plant shoot due to decrease the Na accumulation in shoot as affected by Ca, K and SA

Determinants of unintended pregnancy and its impact on the health of women in some governorates of Upper Egypt

Background/aim Worldwide, more than half of all unintended pregnancies end in abortion, indicating the preference for increasingly smaller families. The present work aimed to assess the determinants of unintended pregnancy and its impact on women's health in El Fayoum and Benisuef governorates. Participants and methods A community-based cross-sectional household survey was conducted among 827 married women of reproductive age. The study was conducted in two governorates, El Fayoum and Benisuef, for a period of 6 months. Results The current study revealed that 15.9% of women who participated in the study had an unmet need for family planning, with subsequent unintended pregnancy. Higher age of women and her age at the time of marriage, illiteracy, short interpregnancy spacing, exceeding the desired number of children, negative attitude of husbands toward the use of family planning methods, and absence of discussion between partners on the use of means to postpone pregnancy increased the number of unintended pregnancies. Also, women with unintended pregnancy were at a higher risk of experiencing health problems during her pregnancy. Conclusion Despite the efforts taken by family planners, the problem of unintended pregnancy continues to increase in Egypt, with its adverse effect on pregnancy and maternal outcomes. Therefore, the strategy for maternal mortality reduction in Egypt should focus on addressing the unmet needs of high-parity, uneducated, nonworking women.

Virological and immunological studies on foot and mouth disease virus type SAT2 naturally infected and vaccinated buffalo cows and their calves

Aim: Due to inadequate data on the dynamics of foot and mouth disease (FMD) infection in buffalo, the present work was aimed at investigating some virological and immunological aspects of FMD virus (FMDV) SAT2 infection in naturally exposed and vaccinated buffalo cows and their calves. Materials and Methods: The study employed clinical observation and examination, virus isolation in mice brain and cell culture, in addition to virus detection using complement fixation test; indirect sandwitch enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and demonstration of RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for confirmation the results. Results: FMD type SAT2 antibodies was detected in a protective level by the 1 st week post infection and 3 rd week post vaccination and peak titers were recorded by the 3 rd week, 12 th week in infected and vaccinated buffaloes, respectively. These titers began to decline to reach their lowest protective levels by the 36 th week, 12 nd week in infected and vaccinated buffaloes respectively. The SAT2 antibodies in calves born to vaccinated and infected buffalo cows were detected on the 1 st day post parturation through the suckling of their Dam’s colostrums. The highest maternal antibody titers were recorded in sera by the 2 nd day post parturation. These antibodies declined gradually to reach their lowest protective levels on14 th week, 16 th week post parturition in calves rom vaccinated and infected buffaloes, respectively. High antibody titers in the colostrums and milk of vaccinated and naturally infected buffalo cows were recorded at parturition, and they began to decrease gradually recording their lowest protective titers by 10 th and 12 nd week post parturition respectively. Conclusion: FMDV serotype SAT2 was confirmed as a causative agent of the suspected FMD signs in pregnant buffalo at El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, during 2012. Vaccinated and naturally infected buffalo cows were able to provide their calves with high levels of maternal derived antibodies through their colostrums, which could protect new born calves for not less than 14 week post parturation.

Digenetic larvae in Schistosome snails from El Fayoum, Egypt with detection of Schistosoma mansoni in the snail by PCR.

The present study aims to detect the digenetic larvae infections in Bulinus truncatus and Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and also PCR detection of Schistosoma mansoni infection. The snails were collected from different branches of Yousef canal and their derivatives in El Fayoum Governorate. The snails were investigated for infection through induction of cercarial shedding by exposure to light and crushing of the snails. The shed cercariae were S. mansoni, Pharyngeate longifurcate type I and Pharyngeate longifurcate type II from B. alexandrina, while that found in B. truncatus were Schitosoma haematobium and Xiphidiocercaria species cercariae. The seasonal prevalence of infection was discussed. Polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of S. mansoni in the DNA from field collected infected and non infected snails. The results of PCR showed that the pool of B. alexandrina snails which shed S. mansoni cercariae in the laboratory, gave positive reaction in the samples. Pooled samples of field collected B. alexandrina that showed negative microscopic shedding of cercariae gave negative and positive PCR in a consecutive manner. Accordingly, a latent infection in the snail (negative microscopic) could be detected by using PCR.

Effect of Thyme, Clove and Cinnamon Essential Oils on <i>Candida Albicans</i> and Moulds Isolated from Different Sources

In this study, mycological examination were conducted on different samples from human, animals and poultry in El-Fayoum and Beni-Suef governorates, Egypt in the period from January to June 2013. The antifungal activities of thyme, clove and cinnamon oils against the recovered fungal isolates were tested using agar dilution method. A total of 209 samples were collected (including vaginal swabs from 18 women, 82 cows and 9 buffaloes beside 100 swabs from broiler chickens; 20 crops and 80 proventriculus). Eighty nine fungal isolates were recovered (40 mold and 49 yeast isolates). Eleven (61.1%) fungal isolates were recovered from women; of which 1 isolate was A. flavus and 10 were Candida species while 39 (42.9%) fungal isolates were recovered from animals; of which 36 were molds and 3 were C. albicans. In broiler chickens, 39 (39%) fungal isolates were recovered; of which 36 were yeast; 34 Candida species and 2 Cryptococcus species and 3 were molds; 2 A. niger and 1 A. flavus. PCR assay using oligonucleotide primer that amplifying 172bp fragment in SAP3 gene of C. albicans confirmed morphological, biochemical and biological identification of C. albicans. The antifungal activities of the tested essential oils against the recovered fungi revealed that thyme oil completely inhibited the growth of different fungal isolates at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5 and 1%. Clove and cinnamon oils completely inhibited the growth of different fungal isolates at a concentration of 6%.

Efficacy of five acaricides against the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch and their side effects on some natural enemies

Five acaricides, Challenger, Ortus, Vertimec, Delmite and Bioca were investigated for controlling phytophagous mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch and their side effects on the predatory insects, mites and spiders at the El-Fayoum Governorate of cotton seedlings during the late season of 2007 and 2008. At the early seedling time, the application of the five tested compounds induced an average of 81.55%, 80.62%, 75.94%, 65.35% and 54.57% reduction in the population of spider mite during the 2007 season, and then changed to 79.72%, 77.92%, 72.54%, 60.05% and 47.97% reduction during the 2008 season. However, at the late season (fruiting time), the application of these compounds induced 83.24%, 84.11%, 76.34%, 56.29% and 59.57% reduction during the 2007 season changed to 84.78%, 84.94%, 77.31%, 55.58% and 58.68% reduction during 2008, respectively. As to the natural enemies, the highest reduction in the population after using the tested compounds was noticed for effect of Delmite during 2007 (33.79%), while the lowest ratio recorded when Ortus was used in the second season 2008 (18.53%). The side effect of the most important tested compounds (Challenger) was investigated in the laboratory against the predatory phytoseiid mite, Euseius scutalis.

Evaluation of five sugar beet varieties for root-knot nematode and root-rot fungal infection

Survey results during 2010–2011 season revealed that the Meloidogyne spp., Helico–tylenchus spp. and Tylenchorhynchus spp. were the common plant parasitic nematodes in the rhizospheres of sugar beet in El-Behera, El-Fayoum and Beni Sueif Governorates. Aspergillus spp., Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium citrinum, Rhizoctonia spp., Rhizopus nigricans, Trichoderma spp. and others were also the common fungi in the same rhizospheres. The rhizosphere of El-Behera Governorate was highly infected with Meloidogyne spp., Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia spp., compared to the rhizospheres of El-Fayoum and Beni Sueif, respectively. Evaluation of five of sugar beet cultivars, viz. Chems, Dema-Poly, DS 9001, Manila and Ras-Poly to infection, with Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode), Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani (root rot disease) was carried out under naturally field infection condition in the Nubariya region, Behera Governorate during 2011–2012 season. Host susceptibility rating revealed that the varieties of Ras-Poly, DS 9001 and Manila can be considered as susceptible, while the varieties of Dema-Poly and Chems can be considered as highly susceptible. Pathological results showed that the varieties of Dema-Poly and Ras-Poly were highly infected with F. solani, while not infected with R. solani. The varieties of DS 9001, Manila and Chems were moderately infected with the two pathogens.

A GIS-based approach to breakdown the TeleDensity indicator and estimate the occupied fixed lines at different administrative levels: A case study in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt

TeleDensity is a very important tool to show the trend of economic development at the country level. There is a big gap in the value of TeleDensity between the Least Developed Countries and developed countries. In general, TeleDensity is usually measured at the National level. The calculated TeleDensity value of Egypt in 2010 is more than the world average value and less than the average value of Europe.This study aims at introducing a new approach to breakdown TeleDensity from the National to Sector level, and estimates the occupied fixed lines (OFL) at both Sector and Shiyakha levels.Alexandria Governorate that is located at the northern coast of Egypt was selected as a case study in this research. Detailed analysis was applied at the Shiyakha level inside the El-Montazah sector. The proposed GIS-based approach is used to project the Exchanges and their spatial coverage extent at the Shiyakha level. TeleDensity was calculated at the Governorate and Sector levels. The resultant TeleDensity was used to estimate the OFL at the Sector and Shiyakha levels.The results indicated that the TeleDensity of Alexandria Governorate (24.1%) is considered among the highest values, whereas El-Fayoum Governorate is considered as having the lowest TeleDensity value in Egypt. In general, the lowest TeleDensity values were observed at the Governorates of Upper Egypt. It is noticed that the highest OFL values were concentrated on the northern sectors of the Alexandria Governorate study area. It is concluded that the GIS plays an important role in visualizing and analyzing the telecom infrastructure.

Effect of administration of ultra-corn with bivalent Foot and Mouth disease oil vaccine in calves

Aim: The present work was established in order to investigate the effect of ultra-corn administration on the immune response of vaccinated calves with FMD bivalent oil vaccine. Material and Methods: Forty calves; at a private farm in EL-Fayoum Governorate (Locality A); were divided into 4 groups where the first group was vaccinated with the locally produced FMD bivalent oil vaccine alone while the 2nd, 3rd and 4th group were vaccinated with the same vaccine simultaneously with the inoculation of 1, 1.5 and 2mL/100kg body weight of ultra-corn respectively to estimate the antibody titer, the suitable dose and effect of ultra-corn as immunostimulant using SNT and ELISA. Also after that used the effective and lowest dose of ultra-corn simultaneously with the vaccine in comparison with the vaccine alone by using 26 calves (Locality B) to study the efficacy of ultra-corn simultaneously with vaccine and the vaccine alone via challenge test using the virulent FMDV serotype A,O. Results: Tested serum samples obtained on week intervals post vaccination of all calve groups were subjected for estimation of induced FMD antibodies type A and O using serum neutralization test (SNT) and enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Both tests indicate that 1.5mL, 2mL of ultra-corn enhanced the immune response of vaccinated calves exhibiting higher and longer immunity than those received the vaccine alone. In addition 26 calves housed under restrict hygienic measures at Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute, were divided into 4 groups where group-1 of 10 calves were vaccinated with the bivalent FMD vaccine alone and group-2 was vaccinated with the same vaccine simultaneously with 1.5mL of ultra-corn while group 3 and 4 were kept as control for the challenge test. On the 4th week post vaccination group 1, 2 of these animals was subdivided into 2 subgroups where the challenge test was carried out against type A in a subgroup and O in other subgroup. SNT and ELISA showed similar results obtained from the vaccinated farm animals and challenge test via inoculation of virulent virus of FMD serotype A, O indicated that animals received ultra-corn showed 100% protection against both types of FMD virus while those did not receive ultra-corn showed 80% protection (vaccine alone). Conclusion: So it could be concluded that ultra-corn has a potentiate effect on the immunogenicity of bivalent oil FMD vaccine providing high immune levels of long duration.

Real time RT-PCR assay for detection of different serotypes of FMDV in Egypt

Aim: The present study indicated that rRT-PCR could be provided for the detection of FMDV in infected, contact and carrier cattle and also provide a rapid sensitive tool aiming to aid in rapid disease detection and control. Foot and Mouth disease virus serotypes O and A still existing in Egypt. In January 2012, sever outbreaks struck the animal population in most Egyptian 1 governorates. The causative virus was identified as FMDV SAT2. Material and Methods: Five samples of tongue epithelium (ET) and five oesophageal-pharyngeal (OP) fluid samples were collected from FMD suspected cattle in infected farm at El-Fayoum and 20 OP samples from in-contact cattle at the same farm in addition to 30 OP samples from apparently healthy cattle at three different localities in El-Fayoum governorate (12 from Fayoum; 9 from Sinoras and 9 from Edsa) in order to detect carrier cattle. All of these samples were collected during November and December 2011 and January 2012. Results: All the ET and OP samples were inoculated on BHK cell culture and baby mice. The obtained results were identified using complement fixation test in addition to real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). In the infected farm at El-Fayoum FMDV type SAT2 was detected in cattle which are considered as the first introduction of this type while FMDV type O and SAT2 were detected in the in-contact cattle in the same farm. The sensitivity of rRT-PCR was cleared in the in-contact cattle as 13 out of 20 OP samples were positive to FMDV by rRT-PCR while 11 out of 20 OP samples were positive to FMDV by CFT. The OP samples collected from apparently healthy cattle from Fayoum, Sinoras and Edsa localities in Fayoum governorate demonstrate the circulation of the FMDV type A, O and the recent SAT2 in carrier cattle which threaten cattle population in Fayoum governorate. Also the sensitivity of real time RT-PCR over the CFT in detection of FMDV carrier cattle was clearly noticed in these localities as 19 out of 30 OP samples were positive by rRT-PCR while in contrast there were only 16 out of 30 samples positive by CFT. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that real-time RT-PCR currently used at the WRL for FMD provides an extremely sensitive and rapid additional procedure for improved laboratory diagnosis of FMD especially in-contact and carrier cases. The rRT-PCR generated results in less than one day from test commencement, in contrast to up to four days to define some positive and all negative samples by combined use of CFT and virus isolation. This is an important feature when definitive diagnostic results are required in a short timescale during emergencies. Also this study demonstrates the current situation of FMDV circulating in EL-Fayoum governorate and the introduction of new SAT2 serotype beside type A and O.

Impact of Different Pesticides on Spider Species of Four Families

Fifteen species in 12 genera belong to four families were collected from tomato fields in El-Fayoum governorate in 2006 and 2007 (July-Nov.). Collecting spiders started two weeks after the first acaricidal application and continued for ten weeks. Three different methods were used for collect-ing spiders i.e., sweeping net, direct count and pitfall traps. Challenger® 36% SC (Chlorofenapyr), LambdacR' 5% SP (Pyrethroid), Selecron® 72% EC (Organophosphate) and successive applications of ten pesticides recommended for use against tomato pests caused highly significant reduction in spider populations. ln 2006 season Lambda® treatment caused the highest significant reduction in the spider population 64 % while, Selecron® enhanced the lowest reduction, 51%. On the other hand in 2007 Challenger® treatment caused the highest reduction 65 %while, Selecron® was the lowest one 57%.

EFFECT OF GRAIN BIOINOCULATION ON WHEAT YIELD AND ITS COMPONENTS UNDER APPLYING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION

A field experiment was conducted at El-Wanysa village, Itsadistrict, El-Fayoum Governorate, during the two successive winterseasons of 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 to investigate the influence ofapplied different mineral nitrogen levels and grain bio-inoculationwith, Azotobacter and /or Azospirillum and their interactions on wheatgrowth, yield and its attributes as well as N-uptake of either wheatgrain or straw and grain protein content. A split plot design with threereplicates was used. The obtained results could be summarized asfollows:The results showed significant increases in plant dry weight,plant height, spike length, 1000-grain weight, grain or straw yield/fed.N-uptake by straw or grain and of grain protein content either byincreasing the rate of mineral nitrogen or with grain inoculation by thetested N2-fixers. In addition, the dual grain inoculation withAzotobacter and Azospirillum performed significantly greater followedby single inoculation with either Azospirillum or Azotobacter. At anylevel of N-fertilizer, the inoculated treatments gave much higher strawand grain yields than the uninoculated one.From the economical point of view, it could be concluded that,the amount of mineral N-fertilizer could be reduced by using grain bioinoculation, which in turn increases soil fertility as well as, minimizesthe production cost and environmental pollution, which can occur bythe excess use of chemical fertilizers.

Pilot study of population density and biodiversity index of Mantodea fauna in El-Fayoum governorate- Egypt

Thepresent work was carried out to make a pilot study of mantis population usingmark release recapture technique in El-Fayoum governorate through the year of2008 to estimate the population density and the biodiversity of some mantis fauna.This study form a nucleus of more extensive studies on mantis ecology which isstill not clear and shed the light on the nature of mantis population and someproblems facing this beautiful insect in Egypt.

Comparative Study Between Serological and Molecular Methods for Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Women and Small Ruminants in Egypt

Routine serological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis provides high sensitivity, but specificity varies depending on the test used; false-positive results (IgM) have been reported. Blood samples were collected from 88 women (59 pregnant and 29 nonpregnant) and 86 contact animals (62 sheep and 24 goats) at El Fayoum Governorate during the period from October 2005 to December 2006. All collected samples were tested for Toxoplasma gondii infection by serological tests (ELISA IgM & IgG and Sabin-Feldman dye test) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results revealed specific IgG in 45.8% and 41.4%, IgM in 30.5% and 24.2%, and positive Sabin-Feldman dye test in 23.7% and 17.2% in pregnant and nonpregnant women, respectively. Positive PCR products were detected in 32.2% and 27.6% in pregnant and nonpregnant women, respectively. Regarding animals, positive ELISA IgG and PCR were detected in 98.4% and 67.7% of sheep and 41.7% and 25.0% of goats, respectively. It was concluded that serological tests can detect higher rate of toxoplasmosis than PCR, so ELISA combined with the PCR technique is a recommended tool for accurate diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.

EVALUATION OF SOME SUGAR BEET VARIETIES UNDER THREE HARVESTING DATES

Two field experiments were carried out at Tamiya, El-Fayoum Governorate during 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 seasons to evaluate yield, yield components and quality of six sugar beet varieties namely LP 11, Demapoly, LP 13 , Pleno , Kawemira and LP 12 under three harvesting dates (180, 195 and 210 days after sowing). Results revealed the superiority of Demaploy in root weight, root yield, sugar yield, sucrose % and purity % when it was harvested after 210 days from sowing in the two growing seasons. Harvesting dates and varieties had significant effects on all studied traits except root diameter. Interaction between harvest dates x varieties had insignificant effect on all studied traits in both seasons except for sucrose % and purity % in the 1st season only. Under the conditions of this study, Demapoly is the proper variety for El-Fayoum Governorate environmental. In addition, use the characteristics of yield component which affected yields (root length, root diameter and root fresh weight/plant) as a morphological characteristics which affected root yield, besides high sucrose % and low reducing sugar % as tools can be used to evaluate and select sugar beet varieties for highly sugar production.

EFFECT OF VAPOR GARD AND CALCIUM CHLORIDE TREATMENTS ON KEEPING QUALITY OF NAVEL ORANGES AT DIFFERENT STORAGE TEMPERATURES

The experiments were conducted in two suc-cessive seasons (2004 - 2005) on Washington Na-vel orange fruits to study the effect of cold storage conditions on reducing postharvest losses and im-proving keeping quality for the export mar-ket.Fruit samples were obtained from El–Fayoum governorate, Egypt and treated with vapor gard (VG) 2%, calcium chloride (CaCl2) 4% or vapor gard 2% + calcium chloride 4%. Fruits were stored at 2 or 8 oC for 60 days and the last group was stored at 2 oC for 30 days and transferred to be stored at 8oC for another 30 days at R.H. 85-90%.The results revealed that during storage fruits treated with Vapor gard (2%) alone or with calci-um chloride (4%) + Vapor gard (2%) had been in good quality as well as it caused a pronounced increase in peel color and fruit firmness, while fruit weight loss and juice percentage were de-creased. In addition, it caused a significant in-crease in ascorbic acid, total sugar and calcium concentration, but there is no significant effect in T.S.S. / acid ratio. While, free amino acid, total soluble phenols and free proline concentrations were decreased. Furthermore, the fruits storaged at 2o + 8oC caused a pronounced increase in fruit firmness, while fruit weight losses, juice percent-age and peel color were decreased. Also, it caused a pronounced decrease in T.S.S. / acid ratio, total sugar, total free amino acid, total soluble phenols and free proline concentrations, but there is no significant effect on calcium concentration. In addition, there is an increase in ascorbic acid con-centration. Generally, the results revealed that Vapor gard either alone or combired with calcium chloride dipping treatments and stored at 2o + 8oC had better results in improving fruit quality and decreasing total fruit losses compared with control or calcium chloride treatment alone at other stor-age temperatures and this was also accompanied by changes in various metabolic and physiological processes of orange fruits.

Bioaccumulation and effects of organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticides residues on Oreockromis niloticus and Mugil cephaliis from some fish farms at El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt

Bioaccumulation and effects of organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticides residues on Oreockromis niloticus and Mugil cephaliis from some fish farms at El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt

RESPONSE OF A NEWLY RECLAIMED CALCAREOUS SOIL AT THE EASTERN RIM OF EL FAYOUM DEPRESSION TO AGROCHEMICAL AMENDMENT FOR SUSTAINING ITS AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION

Agricultural utilization of desert marginal soils at El FayoumGovernorate edges is of importance to support the local farmer incomes,particularly under the best and suitable management practices of land andavailable water resources. The choice a newly reclaimed soil encompassingby Eocene limestone at the eastern edge of Tamia district was a matter ofconcern in this work. It is a sandy clay loam in texture, slightly saline, nonsodic, and calcareous in nature with a subsurface diagnostic horizon ofcalcigypsic one, and classified as Typic Calcigypsids, fine loamy, mixed,heperthermic, moderately deep. According to a parametric system, it couldbe evaluated as moderately suitable (S2ws