Ismailia Governorate Research Articles

HYDRAULIC ASSESSMENT OF MEDIA FILTERS UTILIZING TREATED WASTEWATER FOR COTTON IRRIGATION

Key Words: Media filter, Treated wastewater, Drip irrigation, Cotton Growth and Yield.INTRODUCTIONAccording to Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWIR), Egypt (2014) Agriculture expends a large amount of the obtainable water in Egypt, with its share exceeding 85% of the total demand for water. Utilizing treated wastewater represents a viable option. The study were carried out at Sarapium Forest, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation in “Sarapium”, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, during 2018 and 2019 seasons to investigate the effect of media depth on the performance of different types of emitters for irrgating cotton (verity Giza 94) using treated wastewater. Also this study estimates the effect of using treated wastewater on the cotton growth, quantity and quality. The first experiment design for filtration performance was a split-plot with four replications. The main plots involved two media filtration depths (50 cm and 70 cm) and the sub-plots involved the time of operation (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100h). While the second experiment design for planting cotton was a split-plot with three replications. The main plots involved two plant distribution (Mutual and Opposite) and the sub-plots involved the three types of emitters namely: online 4 l/h compensative, online 4 l/h non-compensative and built- in 4 l/h-30cm non-compensative the distance between emitters were (30 cm).The results indicated that: Increasing media filtration depth from 50 to 70 cm has led to decrease the filtration flowrate with increasing pressure losses, biological oxygen demand (BOD5) and total suspended solids (TSS). The filtration flowrate decreased by increasing operation time from 0 to 100 but pressure losses, BOD5 and TSS was increased. Emitters performance of online compensative and built-in non-compensative were generally better than the online non-compensative under using wastewater quality and emitters performance decrease by increasing operation time from zero to 100 hours. Plants distribution significantly effect on growth and yield components of cotton. Planting cotton by mutual method gave the highest values of number of opened bolls per plant, seed cotton yield (Ken./fed.)

Biochar and Compost Increase N- Use Efficiency and Yield for Sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor Var. Sudanese) Grown on a Sandy Soil

In 2017 and 2018 summer seasons, two field experiments were conducted at, EL-Qantara East, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt to study the addition effect of biochar and compost in increasing N-fertilizer efficiency for Sorghum bicolor grown on a sandy loam. Four N-fertilization rates of 0, 60, 120, 180 kg N ha-1 (i.e. N0, N60, N120 and N180 respectively) and three organic sources 2 biochars and compost (i.e. BA, BB and Co, respectively) each applied at 24 Mg ha-1.Highest yield was by BB+ N180. Highest chlorophyll, protein and protein yield contents (41.3 mg g-1 fw., 118 g kg-1 and 2053 kg ha-1, respectively were obtained due to CoN180. Available N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn increased due to added treatments and highest was by CoN180. Soil pH decreased due to organic amendments while EC slightly increased owing to biochar addition. Maximum N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn content and uptake by plants were by CoN180. Highest Nitrogen Use Efficiency, was by CoN120. The CoN180 had superior effect on improving soil properties and increasing sorghum traits.

BIO- AND CHEMICAL CONTROL OF RUST DISEASE AND ITS EFFECT ON SPEARMINT YIELD UNDER SANDY SOIL CONDITIONS

A field experiment was carried out at Ismailia Agricultural Research Station, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, during the two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018 to study the impact of beneficial microorganisms Trichoderma harzianum (fungi), Streptomyces griseus (bacteria) and two common chemical fungicides (copper sulphate and difenoconazole) to controlling spearmint rust disease. The vegetative growth, chemical constituents, essential oil production and its components in spearmint (Mentha viridis L.) plants were evaluated. The obtained results concluded that the use of copper sulfate as a chemical fungicide and the two bioagents [Streptomyces griseus and Trichoderma harzianum] reduced the incidence and percentage of rust disease severity in compared to untreated plants (control). Similarly, the level of vegetative growth, essential oil percentage and yield and the percentage of minerals and total carbohydrates in herb as well as carvone content in essential oil were noticeably more in compared to the chemical fungicide (difenoconazole) and untreated plants (control). Thus, reduce theusing of chemical fungicides means reducing environmental risks.

Salt tolerance enhancement Of wheat (Triticum Asativium L) genotypes by selected plant growth promoting bacteria.

The study was conducted at green house and laboratories of Agriculture Botany Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismailia governorate, Egypt during 2018/2019 to test rhizosphere growth promoting bacteria as known strategy to increase salinity tolerance of six genotypes of wheat namely; Line 404, Line 356, Line 420, Line432, Sakha 93 and Line 380 were grown under 3000 ppm and 5000 ppm of salinity. Four bacterial strains were used namely; Pseudomonas fluorescens NBRC 14160, Serratia liquefaciens ATCC 27592, Bacillus subtilis SBMP4 and Bacillus megaterium NBRC 15308. All the strains could be able to tolerate salinity levels up to 3% NaCl and produced indole acetic acid (IAA). The both strains Pseudomonas fluorescens NBRC 14160 and Bacillus megaterium NBRC 15308 were grow on NA media supplemented with 6% NaCl, and showed 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity and Pseudomonas fluorescens NBRC 14160 strain also fixed nitrogen. PCR results confirmed the previous results for both strains. Pseudomonas fluorescens NBRC 14160 and Bacillus megaterium NBRC 15308 were selected to study their reflection in vivo on wheat plants growth at different levels of salinity. The selected strains were able to improve plants growth under salinity stress conditions when compared with non-inoculated plants for all wheat genotypes especially sakha93 showed the highest mean values over rest genotypes under saline and non-saline conditions. Results of genetic parameters for studied traits showed that values of PCV were higher than GCV values for most studied traits. Germination percentage, shoot length and potassium content had high values of heritability and genetic advance, so these traits might use in selection of plant breeding programs for salinity tolerance.

First report of PCR-based detection of Helicobacter species DNA in Camelus dromedarius in Egypt.

Background and Aim:Helicobacter species infections have epidemiological and zoonotic impacts, and different species of Helicobacter have been implicated in infecting humans and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate Helicobacter species infections in Camelus dromedarius.Materials and Methods:Fecal samples were collected from 32 camels from 9 camel farms located at Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. The collected samples were investigated by bacteriological isolation and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene.Results:Although Helicobacter species could not be isolated from all the examined samples, Helicobacter DNA was detected in 2 (22.22%) of the 9 camel farms. Of the 32 camel fecal samples examined, 4 (12.5%) were positive for Helicobacter species as analyzed by the PCR assay.Conclusion:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of PCR-based detection of Helicobacter species infections in C. dromedarius. Further epidemiological studies are required to clarify Helicobacter species infections in camels.

EFFECT OF INTERCROPPING AND FOLIAR FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH, PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE PLANTS UNDER SANDY SOIL CONDITIONS

The present study investigated the impact of Helianthus tuberosus + Helianthus annuus and Helianthus tuberosus + Zea mays L. everta intercropping patterrns in comparison of Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke) sole crops on Jerusalem artichoke growth, yield components and tuber chemical constituents under different NPK fertilization rates. The NPK fertilization treatments were four N-P-K rates (0-0-0, 20-20-20, 12-28-0 and 5-5-40 ratio) as foliar spray three times/season. This experiment was conducted as a 5×4 split - plot arrangement in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. It was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Horticulture at El-Kassasein station Research. Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, during two consecutive summer seasons of 2017 and 2018. Results revealed that intercropping Jerusalem artichoke with sunflower or popcorn crops mostly gave the lowest values of growth parameters; yield per plant and per feddan as well as chemical constituents of Jerusalem artichoke compared to sole crop in the two seasons. Also, 20-20-20 of NPK rate recorded significant increase in these parameters compared to the other rates under study and control. In most cases, sole Jerusalem artichoke recorded the highest values in tuber yield per plant and per feddan compared to intercropping systems under all NPK fertilization rates. From competitive indices determination, i.e., land equivalent ratio (LER), area time equivalent ratio (ATER) and land utilization efficiency (LUE%) revealed that, applied Jerusalem artichoke + popcorn intercropping pattern was more efficient than sole cropping system and the other one under study when combined with NPK fertilization at 5-5-40 and 20-20-20 without significant differences between both rates. Aggressivity (A) estimation indicated that Jerusalem artichoke was dominant while sunflower or popcorn components were dominated. The interaction treatment between Jerusalem artichoke+m sunflower intercropping pattern and foliar application with N P K at 20- 20 -20 gave the highest values for net economic return as compared to other treatments in both seasons under Ismailia Governorate conditions.

Screening Program for Hepatitis C Virus and Its’ Risk Factors in Ismailia Governorate Egypt

Screening Program for Hepatitis C Virus and Its’ Risk Factors in Ismailia Governorate Egypt

Diseases Resulting from Trematode Infestations in Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus in Ismailia Governorate

The present study was carried out on 360 of two species of freshwater fishes (200 Oreochromis niloticus and 160 Clarias gariepinus, which were collected randomly and seasonally from different localities in Ismailia governorate from December 2017 to November 2018. Naturally infested fishes revealed no phathognomonic clinical signs except dark coloration and ulcers on skin in O. niloticus and Cl. gariepinus. Postmortem examination showed hemorrhages, abrasions in the skin, presence of yellow cysts embedded in musculature and enlargement of liver with yellowish discoloration in both O. niloticus and Cl. gariepinus. The total infestation rate was 70%; in O. niloticus (62%) and in Cl. gariepinus (80%). The isolated monogenetic trematode was Cichlidogyrus tilapiae from gills of O. niloticus. The isolated digenetic trematodes were Orientocradium batrachoides, Astiorema reniferum and Afromacroderoides lazera from the intestine of Cl. gariepinus. Eumesenia aegypticus was isolated from the intestinal lumen of O. niloticus, while encysted metacercariae (EMC) were isolated from different organs of infested O. niloticus. Confirmation of trematode infestation was done by using molecular diagnosis (PCR). Seasonal distribution and histopathological examinations were also recorded and discussed.

Garlic Pink Rot Disease and Crop Yield as Affected by Salinity and Irrigation Water Deficit

Greenhouse experiments were conducted in Ismailia governorate (El-Kassassine county), Egypt, during 2017/2018 growing seasons to determine the effect of both water salinity or water deficit at different treatments consisted of four levels of salinity (10, 15, 20 and 25 mM NaCl/L) and 3 rates of water stress (80, 60 and 40% W.H.C.) on pink root incidence and yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.) cv. (Sids-40), as well as the garlic plant responses. Irrigation with saline water increased pink root incidence in garlic inoculated with Pyrenochaeta terrestris, and yield was decreased. Irrigation of garlic until 20 mM NaCl/L did not affect cloves germination, plant height, leaves dry weight, cell sap concentration and proline concentration, but partial effect was observed at 25 mM NaCl/L of garlic grown in soil uninfested with the tested pathogen. Garlic plants exposed to 80% rate of W.H.C. weren’t significantly affected, disease incidence, cloves germination, plant height, leaves dry weight, cell sap concentration and proline concentration and yield produced from infested or uninfested soils showed insignificant variation in comparison with 100 % W.H.C. At 60 and 40 % rates of W.H.C., noticeable increases in pink root incidence were found on plants inoculated with P. terrestris, and their yield was decreased. Cloves germination, plant height and leaves dry weight values were significantly reduced, whereas cell sap concentration and proline concentration values were significantly increased under water deficit of plants grown in uninfested soil comparing to the check. In this respect, 40% of W.H.C. highly affected the disease incidence and crop yield compared to the other tested rates.

The role of art festivals in improving the tourist mental images ( applying to the ismailia folk art international festival

The research aims to study the role of the International Festival of Ismailia Folklore Art in promoting and improving the tourist mental image of Egypt. The results of the survey study showed that Ismailia governorate has elements tourism attraction and services. But it lacks some services to promote the festival. The study recommends publishing a lot of information about the festival on the internet, increasing its publicity inside and outside Egypt, and announcing the festival in early enough time before its opening to attract more teams to participate and improve the tourist mental image.

The occurrence of the multidrug resistance (MDR) and the prevalence of virulence genes and QACs resistance genes in E. coli isolated from environmental and avian sources

Colibacillosis is a major disease affecting poultry leads to high morbidity and mortality which causing tremendous economic losses worldwide. These economic disparities are amplified among low and middle-income where sanitation and hygiene are challenged by the increasing demand for quality sources of animal protein. With a view to investigating the prevalence of virulence genes and QACs resistance genes as well as monitoring the antibiogram of E. coli strains, a total of 368 specimens were collected from diseased broiler chickens (n = 226) and environmental sources (n = 142) at large-scale poultry farms in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. The bacteriological examination proved that E. coli prevalence was 26.76% and 50.44% in the farm environment and diseased broilers, respectively. In tandem, the isolated E. coli strains were serogrouped, determining the most common serotypes were O78, O1:H7, O91:H21 and O126. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility against 12 antibiotics, screened for 4 virulence genes (iss, papC, eaeA, and cfaI), and screened for 3 QACs resistance genes (qacEΔ1, qacA/B, and qacC/D). All the tested strains were positive for iss and papC genes, only 20.3% of the tested strains were positive for eaeA gene, moreover, the examined strains were negative to CFAI gene. Furthermore, all the tested strains were positive for qacEΔ1, qacA/B, and qacC/D genes. In conclusion; virulence genes (iss, papC) as well as QACs resistance genes are common in avian Pathogenic E. coli and environmental strains and are mainly associated with multi-drug resistance phenomena.

INFLUENCE OF SOME NATURAL SOIL CONDITIONERS UNDER DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MINERAL NITROGEN ON SANDY SOIL PROPERTIES AND MAIZE PRODUCTIVITY

A field experiment was carried out on a sandy soil of the Experimental Station of Agric. Rese. Center (ARC), Ismailia Governorate, Egypt to study the effects of using some crop residues as a natural soil conditioners on some physical properties i.e., bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, field capacity, wilting point and available water and chemical properties (pH, EC and the content of O.M) and available N, P and K as well as the productivity of (Zea mays L. c.v., Triple hybrid 324).The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The three sources of soil conditioners were: sawdust (S), rice straw (RS) and maize stalks (MS) at rate of 2.5 g O.C/ kg soil. Also of two rates of nitrogen mineral 5 % and 10% over the N Recommended dose (300 kg/fed which added as ammonium sulfate (21% N). Obtained results can be summarized as follows:

RESPONSE OF CANOLA (Brassica napus cv. Global.) TO FOLIAR SPRAYING WITH ASCORBIC AND CITRIC ACIDS

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of spraying ascorbic and citric acids on canola grown on a sandy soil in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, the design was a randomized complete block, factorial. Factor 1: ascorbic acid spray at 4 rates. Factor 2 : Citric acid spray at 4 rates . Rates in each were 0, 144, 192 and 240 g acid ha-1 of spray. Thus there were 16 different combinations. Foliar spray was applied three times: 40, 60 and 80 days from sowing, each of 1000 L ha-1.Yields of seeds, pods, shells, oil and oil percentage were increased with increasing the rate of acid addition. Seed yield, No. seeds pod-1, pod yield and pod shelling were increased with addition rates of 240 g solution ascorbic ha-1 without citric acid. Shell yield and 1000 seed weight were increased with spraying 240 g ha-1 from both of ascorbic and citric acid.

IMPACT OF PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA AS BIO-CONTROL AGENTS ON CITRUS NEMATODE, TYLENCHULUS SEMIPENETRANS INFECTING BALADY ORANGE (CITRUS SINENSIS L.) AND IMPROVING ITS PRODUCTIVITY

Three bacterial species of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) namely Paenibacillus polymyxa, Methylobacterium mesophilicum and Methylobacterium radiotolerans were tested alone or combined with humic acid as bio-control agents against the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans under laboratory and field conditions. Results cleared that; all tested PGPR species produced IAA, HCN, ammonia, chitinase and protease enzymes and also solubilized phosphate in laboratory. P. polymyxa emphasized the superiority among other species in all PGPR properties except for phosphate solubilization, whereas M. radiotolerans showed highest amount of phosphorus solubilized in culture media. On the other hand, the results of the nematode survey conducted on orange, Citrus sinensis L. cv Balady grown in different localities of Ismailia and Sharkia Governorates during season 2019, revealed the presence of seven genera and species of plant-parasitic nematodes. Among which, T. semipenetrans occurred in all examined samples (100% frequency of occurrence) with a relatively high population density of 2330 and 2640 infected juveniles (J2) /250 g soil in Ismailia and Sharkia Governorates, respectively. Field experiments were conducted in two different locations, at Ismailia and Sharkia Governorates to assess the effectiveness of PGPR strains alone or combined to reduce the numbers of T. semipenetrans during season 2019. It was found that, all treatments caused significant (P≤0.05) reduction in T. semipenetrans population, compared to control treatment. The nematicide, Nemathorin® 10% G followed by P. polymyxa (20 L.fed-1 ) + foliarspraying of M. mesophilicm (5 L.fed-1 ) gave the highest efficacy in controlling the citrus nematode. Percentage reduction in numbers of J2/250g soil and adult females/1g roots for these treatments in Ismailia Governorate were 91% (85.7%) and 91.4% (89.5%), respectively. While the parallel values in Sharkia Governorate were 90% (87%) and 94% (90%), respectively. The combination of P. polymyxa and humic acid (20 L.fed-1 ) with foliar spraying of M. mesophilicm (5 L.fed-1 ) gained the third position. All treatments increased the fruit yield compared to control treatment. The highest percentages of increase were determined with Nemathorin (160% and 206%) followed by P. polymyxa + Humic acid (20 L.fed-1 ) + foliar spraying of M. mesophilicum (155.7% and 193%) and M. radiotolerans + P. polymyxa + foliar spraying of M. mesophilicum (153% and182%) in Ismailia, and Sharkia Governorates respectively.

EFFECT OF WATER QUANTITY AND FOLIAR SPRAY WITH SOME SAFELY SUBSTANCES ON GROWTH, YIELD QUALITY AND STORABILITY OF GARLIC 1- GROWTH, YIELD, WATER RELATIONS AND LEAF PIGMENTS

Two field experiments were carried out during two successive winter seasons of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 at the Experimental Farm, El Kassasein Horticultural Research Station, Ismailia Governorate, to clarify the effects of different rates of irrigation water; i.e., 1300, 1950 and 2600 m3/ fed. and foliar spray with some safely substances; i.e., potassium chloride, algae extract, potassium humate and calcium carbonate in addition to control treatment on growth, bulb quality, yield, water relations as well as leaf pigments and proline amino acid content of garlic plants (Allium sativum L.) cv. Chinese, grown under sandy soil conditions using drip irrigation system. Irrigation water quantity at 2600 or 1950 m3/ fed. were the superior treatments which significantly increased vegetative growth characters, bulb physical characters, total water, free water, water utilization and total yield without significant differences between them in most cases. Meanwhile, chlorophylls, bound water, water economy and proline amino acid content were at their maximum values under water stress (1300 m3/ fed.). Aqueous solution of calcium carbonate at 6% and/ or potassium humate at 0.2% as foliar spray had significant effect, in most cases, on plant growth, bulb physical characters, free water, water economy and total yield without significant differences between them. The interaction between calcium carbonate at 6% and/ or potassium humate at 0.2% and irrigation water quantity at 1950 m3/ fed. enhanced plant growth, bulb physical characters, total water, free water, water economy and total yield.

The Influence of Applying some Stimulating Agents and Humic Acid on Productivity and Quality of Cassava Plants under Loamy Sandy Soil

The effect of using some foliar spray stimulating agents (amino acids, potassium humate, micro-nutrients), as a spray application with humic acid and mineral fertilizers on yield and quality of Cassava plants (Indonesian, cv.) was studied. Moreover, the need for installation of drainage system was also investigated to maintain both soil salinity and water table in safe limits for plants. A field experiment was carried out at Al-Kassaseen Research Station – Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. The experiment was conducted during the two summer seasons 2017 and 2018. Mineral fertilizer was used as a recommended dose with or without humic acid and with or without foliar spray stimulating agents (amino acids, potassium humate, micro-nutrients).The experiment included eight treatments. The obtained results indicated that the maximum productivity of Cassava tubers was observed with mineral fertilizer with humic acid and stimulating agents compared to control. Total yield of tuber fresh weights and dry matter % of Cassava had the following decreasing order:MHP > MHA> MHN >MP >MH> MN > MA > M. Moreover, a pronounced increase in tubers quality with (dry matter, starch, total sugar, crud protein and vitamin C) and nutrient contents (N, K, P, Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu) of Cassava tubers was noticed with the application of foliar stimulating agents under mineral fertilizer with humic acid compared to control.The results showed also a decrease in soil salinity compared with the control (M) for different treatments of the study after harvesting Cassava according to the following order :MH > MHA or MHP > MHN >MP >MA >MN. The recommended calculated drain spacing in this area according to measured field data is 100 m spacing between drains and the recommended drain depth is 1.2 m.

Reciprocal Teaching Based Augmented Reality for Enhancing English Novel Reading Skills among Secondary Students

This research aimed to enhance secondary students’ reading comprehension and critical reading skills within the narrative text of the assigned novel. The research design was two group pre and post-test experimental design. The participants were 72 1st year secondary school students from an Egyptian public governmental school in Ismailia governorate. They were divided into two groups: Experimental group of 36 students and Control group of 36 students. Chapters five and six in Charles Dickens’ novel (Oliver Twist) assigned for the 1st grade of the secondary stage, were introduced in the second term to the experimental group via reciprocal teaching based augmented reality in order to determine how far it had a positive impact on enhancing the novel reading skills of the experimental group. A novel reading test that was designed by the researcher and validated as a paper-and-pencil test for assessing the 1st year secondary students’ novel reading comprehension and critical reading skills. It was divided into two parts: part one for reading comprehension skills and part two for critical reading skills. The findings revealed that reciprocal teaching based augmented reality had a significant positive effect on the 1st year secondary school students’ target novel reading skills. Consequently, reciprocal teaching based augmented reality was proved to be successful when teaching reading within a narrative context.

EFFECT OF WATER QUANTITY AND FOLIAR SPRAY WITH SOME SAFELY SUBSTANCES ON GROWTH, YIELD QUALITY AND STORABILITY OF GARLIC 2- STORABILITY AND VOLATILE OIL PERCENTAGE

Two field experiments were carried out during two successive winter seasons of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 at the Experimental Farm, El Kassasein Horticultural Research Station, Ismailia Governorate, to clarify the effects of different rates of irrigation water ,i.e.( 1300, 1950 and 2600 m3/ fed.) and foliar spray with some safely substances ,i.e.( Potassium chloride at 1% ,Algae extract at 0.3%, Potassium humate at 0.2%, Calcium carbonate at 6% and control treatment) on volatile oil percentage and oil yield per plant of garlic plants (Allium sativum L.) cv. Chinese, grown under sandy soil conditions using drip irrigation system. This work aimed also to study the effect of the abovementioned treatments on garlic plants during storage at different periods; i.e., 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 up to 320 days. Irrigation water quantity at 2600 or 1950 m3/ fed. were the superior treatments which significantly increased volatile oil percentage and oil yield per plant. Aqueous solution of calcium carbonate at 6% and/ or potassium humate at 0.2% as foliar spray had a promotive effect, on volatile oil percentage and oil yield per plant. The interaction between calcium carbonate at 6% and/ or potassium humate at 0.2% and irrigation water quantity at 2600 or 1950 m3/ fed. enhanced volatile oil percentage and oil yield per plant. Regarding storage experiment, the obtained results showed that there were a considerable and a continuous increase in weight loss and sprouting % as the storage period was extended, while TSS% was increased by increasing storage period. Increasing irrigation water up to 2600 m3/fed. significantly increased weight loss and sprouting %, while TSS% was decreased. Foliar application with calcium carbonate at 6% and/ or potassium humate at 0.2% were the superior treatments for increasing TSS% and decreasing weight loss and sprouting percentage. As for the triple interaction treatments, the beast values of weight loss, sprouting and TSS% at the end of storage period were noticed by irrigation with1300 m3/fed. and foliar spray with CaCo3 and/or potassium humate followed by irrigation with 1950 m3/fed. with the same foliar application solutions

Effects of some Insecticide Mixtures on Toxicity and Some Biochemical Parameters of Cotton Leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.)

This study was evaluated the toxicity of three insecticides contains two effective substances, chlorpyrifos & lufenuron (Tempo XL), lufenuron & emamectin benzoate (Heater) and thiamethoxam & chlorantraniliprole (Folliam Felixi) against the 2nd and 4th larval instars of S. littoralis under semi-field condition in tomato field Ismailia Governorate during 2018 & 2019 seasons and assessing their biochemical effect against treated larvae. In laboratory results indicated that Heater had the highest efficacy against 2nd and 4th larval instars, with LC50 of 0.041 and 0.135 ppm for 2nd and 4th larval instars, respectively, followed by Folliam Felixi with LC50 of 0.076 and 0.233 ppm and finally Tempo XL with LC50 of 0.097 and 0.411 ppm for 2nd and 4th larval instars, respectively. Under the semi-field condition observed that the initial effect during 2018 & 2019 seasons, Heater proved to be the most effective and had the highest corrected larval mortality, while the general mean of residual activity was more than 90% in all treatments. In biochemical studies, alpha and beta esterases were the highest activities in S. littoralis larvae treated with tested compounds compared to untreated. The highest enzyme activity of acetyl- cholinesterase, acid and alkaline phosphatase was observed in Tempo XL, while in the case of Heater and Folliam Felixi there was no significant difference between them. The results also showed that with all treatments there was a significant decrease in the total protein.

IMPROVEMENTS OF YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF ZAGHLOOL DATE PALM BY USING THE DIFFERENT THINNING TREATMENTS

Different hand thinning treatments were conducted on Zaghloul date palm cultivar to study their effects on bunch yield and fruit quality. Seven thinning treatments; (1) control (no thinning), (2) Thinning by removing 25% the bunches number/ palm in Hababouk stage, (3) Thinning by removing 25% the strands number/ palm in Hababouk stage (4) Thinning by removing 25% of strands length per bunch in Hababouk stage, (5) Thinning by removing 25% the bunches number/ palm in Kemri stage, (6) Thinning by removing 25 the strands number/ palm in kemri stage, (7) Thinning by removing 25% of strands length per bunch in kemri stage, at a private farm under the conditions of the Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. Fruit thinning significantly decreased yield per palm. Fruit thinning by treatments (2,5) significantly increased the bunch/weight, however the other thinning treatments decreased the bunch weight. Fruit thinning significantly increased the average fruit weight, fruit size, flesh weight, flesh thick, fruit dimensions, seed weight and color index as compared to the control in both seasons. Fruit thinning had significant effect on the total soluble solids, fruit acidity, vitamin C, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, total sugars and total soluble tannins in both seasons. Thinning by removing 25% of strands length bunch in Hababouk stage significantly improved fruit quality compared with the other treatments. Conclusively, it is concerning mentioned that the thinning treatments occurred in Hababouk stage gave good results than in kemri stage.