USE OF MAGNETIZED WATER AND COMPOST TEA TO IMPROVE PEACH PRODUCTIVITY UNDER SALINITY STRESS OF NORTH SINAI CONDITIONS, EGYPT
Sheren
Abd El-Hamied
Department of Plant Production, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
author
Wael
Ghieth
Department of Plant Production, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
author
text
article
2017
eng
This study was conducted during two successive seasons (2015 and 2016) at El-Sheikh Zuwayid, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of electromagnetic device and compost tea with or without some natural growth stimulants on growth and productivity of Sweet Sheikh Zuwayid peach cultivar (Prunus persica L.) under salinity stress. In this experiment, there was two irrigation water types (i.e., magnetized water (MW), and non-magnetized water (NMW)). Besides spraying with compost tea (as a natural growth stimulants), as follows: T1: spraying with water + molasses as a control treatment, T2: compost tea + molasses, T3: compost tea + licorice extract + molasses, T4: compost tea + moringa extract + molasses, and T5: compost tea + algae extract + molasses. Investigated trees sprayed with 1.5 L four times along each season (at full bloom, fruit set, after one month later from fruit set and after two months later from fruit set).The obtained results revealed that all treatments were very effective in stimulating growth parameters, mineral contents, yield, physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits, water properties and soil properties. Generally, magnetized water (MW) was better than non-magnetized water (NMW) in all parameters. In addition, T3 under MW increased shoot length, number of leaves/shoot, leaf area, leaf mineral contents (N, P, K, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mg), fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit volume, fruit weight, flesh weight, fruit flesh ratio, yield, total soluble solids and total sugar content, and decreased total acidity content. Furthermore, there was a slight change in water-soluble salts, pH, micronutrients and salts composition when irrigation water conducted to magnetic field. Generally, it clearly appears that EC, pH, Ca, Mg, K and Na in the soil decreased, when irrigated with magnetized water, while Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in the soil increased.
Egyptian Journal of Desert Research
Desert Research Center
1687-8043
67
v.
2
no.
2017
231
254
https://ejdr.journals.ekb.eg/article_7135_dcdf20e848207b9f6cae7e43e41e4f56.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejdr.2017.7135
EFFECT OF SEED SOAKING AND FOLIAR SPRAYING WITH SELENIUM ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF LETTUCE UNDER SALINE STRESS
Osama
Shalaby
Department of Plant Production, Desert Research Center, El-Matareya, Cairo, Egypt
author
Mansour
Ramadan
Department of Plant Production, Desert Research Center, El-Matareya, Cairo, Egypt
author
text
article
2017
eng
The implementation of proper agricultural practices is important for reducing the effect of salt stress in plants. Therefore, this experiment was conducted in 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 seasons at Ras Sudr station of Desert Research Center, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt, to determine the most effective selenium (Se) dose and application method on lettuce plants Bruma cultivar under salt stress conditions. Six different Se treatments; Se0 (without application as a control), Se1 (seed soaking in 30 µmol l-1 for 12 h), Se2 (seed soaking in 50 µmol l-1 for 12 h), Se3 (foliar application of 10 µmol l-1), Se4 (foliar application of 20 µmol l-1) and Se5 (foliar application of 30 µmol l-1) were applied. The results showed that Se provision through both of the tested methods improved the plant leaf number, chlorophyll content, as well as N, P, K and Ca concentrations in the leaves, when compared with the control treatment. Moreover, Na content decreased in the leaves, which were treated than those of the control treatment. The plants grown under the Se treatments had larger heads and higher yields than the untreated plants. Foliar spraying was the most effective method of Se application of the lettuce plants, and the best results were obtained with the foliar spraying treatment at 20 µmol l-1 sodium selenate. These results suggest that applying the appropriate dose of Se via foliar spraying has the potential for use as an efficient and practical method of improving plant growth and enhancing salt-stress resistance in lettuce plants.
Egyptian Journal of Desert Research
Desert Research Center
1687-8043
67
v.
2
no.
2017
255
267
https://ejdr.journals.ekb.eg/article_7137_d8ee2ab2b9476bd7ea9a64ac7fa69259.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejdr.2017.7137
INTEGRATING AGRO-ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS INTO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND ADVISORY SERVICES IN MARGINAL ENVIRONMENTS OF EGYPT: THE CASE OF SAHL EL-TINA, SINAI PENINSULA
Mostafa
Badr
Department of Extension, Socio-economic Division, Desert Research
Center, El-Matareya, Cairo, Egypt
author
text
article
2017
eng
The agro-ecosystem includes not only the environmental setting, but also, the agricultural technology system, as well as, the social setting, which draw people's behavior towards natural resources. An intervention project named “Adaptation to Climate Change in Marginal Environments in the West Asia and North Africa through the Sustainable Diversity Crops and Livestock", which has been implemented in Sinai Peninsula (2010-2015). The project conducted four Farmer Field Schools (FFSs) in Sahl El-Tina region (village 4, 6 and 7). FFS activitiesincluded Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) to provide local smallholders with better understanding of the change drivers in the entire ecosystem. This is a descriptive study aimed to identify the awareness of the project participants with regard to 1) the ecosystem services; 2) the main drivers within Sahl El-Tina agro-ecosystem interms of its impact and strength on the ecosystem services; 3) knowledge and practices that were participatory developed and gained; and finally 4) develop model for integrating AESA into agriculture extension and advisory system. Three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted per each FFS totaling to 12FGDs. Results of this study revealed that irrigation water is the most important ecosystem services as perceived by farmers. Regarding drivers, lack of subsurface drainage has severe negative impact onthe ecosystem sustainability. The studied farmers were able to recognize 8 ecosystem services and 13 drivers. Similarly, they could recognize 45 of friendly agro-ecosystem practices in Sahl El-Tina as saline affected areas. These practices can be divided into five themes as follows: 1) soil salinity (10), 2) climate change (4), 3) animal production (10), 4) biological control (6), and 5) crop production (15). The previous findings may be regarded as a benchmark for future impact assessment study. Finally, this study proposed model form of the extension strategies to integrate AESA into extension programs at village level. To conclude, respecting AESA in extension programs in marginal areas increases farmers understanding of the dynamic relationship between controlling on change drivers and the ecosystem health and stability. Which may motivate them to adopt sustainable farm management practices in the future.
Egyptian Journal of Desert Research
Desert Research Center
1687-8043
67
v.
2
no.
2017
269
289
https://ejdr.journals.ekb.eg/article_21124_bbca5b58480b590ed91effdd9c928767.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejdr.2017.21124
EFFECT OF POLYMERS AND SUBSURFACE IRRIGATION ON MAIZE PRODUCTIVITY (ZEA MAYS, L.) UNDER SANDY SOIL CONDITIONS IN BALOZA REGION, EGYPT
Hosam El-Din
Shoman
Plant Production Department, Ecology and Dry Land Agriculture Division,Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
author
text
article
2017
eng
The field work was carried out at the Experimental Station of the Desert Research Center, Balosa region, North Sinai Governorate, during two summer seasons of 2015 and 2016. To study the effect of subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) at depths of 10, 20 and 30 cm below soil surface and polymers at the rates of 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg polyacrylamide (PAM) per feddan (0.42 hectar) on productivity of maize under sandy soil conditions.Results indicated that all studied parameters [plant height (cm), number of ears/plant, ear length (cm), ear diameter (cm), grains weight/ear, 1000-grain weight (g), harvest index (%), shelling (%), water use efficiency grain yield (kg/feddan), total biomass (kg/feddan), as well as, protein and oil (%) in grains] were significantly affected by subsurface drip irrigation in both seasons. The highest values of these parameters were recorded when subsurface irrigation was used at a depth of 30 cm below the soil surface, followed by 20 cm, while the minimum values were recorded for subsurface irrigation at a depth of 10 cm below the soil surface in 2015 and 2016 growing seasons. Increasing PAM rates from 0 to 150 kg/feddan caused a significant increase in all studied parameters of maize plants in the both seasons. The highest values of these parameters were obtained at 100 kg PAM/feddan compared with control treatment (without PAM). This has occurred in bothseasons and in all parameters, except plant height, ear diameter, water use efficiency, protein % and oil %, which were higher when using 150 kg PAM/feddan, but the differences between the two levels were insignificant in both seasons. Available data revealed that all studied parameters of maize were affected significantly bythe interaction between subsurface drip irrigation and polymers in both seasons, except no. of ears/ plant, ear diameter and ear length, which did not reach a significant level in the two seasons. Maximum values of the interaction between subsurface drip irrigation and polymers were obtained when subsurface irrigation was used at a depth of 30 cm below the soil surface with the rate of polyacrylamide (100 kg/feddan) in two seasons under sandy soil conditions.
Egyptian Journal of Desert Research
Desert Research Center
1687-8043
67
v.
2
no.
2017
291
304
https://ejdr.journals.ekb.eg/article_21127_49c83118f36d16bc2a7508064dab7bc7.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejdr.2017.21127
EFFECT OF PHOSPHORUS AND SULPHUR ON PRODUCTIVITY OF CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) UNDER NEW VALLEY CONDITIONS
Hosam
Shoman
Agronomy Unit, Department of Plant Production, Desert Research
Center, El-Matareya, Cairo, Egypt
author
text
article
2017
eng
Field experiments were conducted for two years at the Desert Research Center (DRC), Agricultural Experimental Station at El-Kharga Oasis, New Valley Governorate, South Western, Egypt, during two winter growing seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/ 2017. This work aimed to study the effect of phosphoric acid foliar application levels of 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 L/feddan (0.42 hectar) and sulphur fertilizer at rates of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg S/feddan on the yield and quality of chickpea in alkaline soils. Experimental results revealed that yield and quality of chickpea were significantly influenced by phosphorus foliar application, except seed K and S%, which were not significantly affected in both seasons. The maximum values of these parameterswere produced by 1 L/feddan. Phosphorus (P) foliar in both seasons as compared with nil P (control), 1.5 and 2 L/feddan, except P% in seeds was increased with the increase of spraying level of P from 0 to 2 L/feddan in both seasons. The results showed that increasing sulphur fertilization rates from 0 to 200 kg S/feddan caused a significant increase in all yield components and seed chemical composition of chickpea plants under this study in the both seasons. The highest values were obtained at 200 kg S/feddan compared with control treatment (without sulphur fertilizer), this is fairly true in both seasons. Yield and quality of chickpea were significantly affected by the interaction between phosphorus foliar application and sulphur fertilizer. While, percentages of phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in seeds have not been affected significantly by the interaction in both seasons.
Egyptian Journal of Desert Research
Desert Research Center
1687-8043
67
v.
2
no.
2017
305
318
https://ejdr.journals.ekb.eg/article_21129_37b593e188dadbaba0b3fcc9c471f587.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejdr.2017.21129
IN VITRO PLANT REGENERATION FROM ALGINATE ENCAPSULATED SHOOT TIPS OF CASIMAIROA EDULIS L.
Mohamed Reda
Abd Alhady
Tissue Culture Unit, Department of Genetic Resources, Desert Research Center, El-Matareya, Cairo, Egypt
author
text
article
2017
eng
The present study aimed at developing a method for plant regeneration from alginate-encapsulated shoot tips of Casimairoa edulis. Shoot tips excised from in vitro proliferated shoots were encapsulated in calcium alginate beads. The best composition was achieved using 3% sodium alginate and 100 mM calcium chloride (CaCl2. 2H2O). The survival and regrowth percentages of encapsulation shoot tips decreased gradually with increasing storage duration at 4oC. Encapsulated shoot tip could be stored at low temperature (4oC) up to 12 weeks with a survival and regrowth frequency of 46.67 and 40.00%, respectively. Supplementing the alginate matrix with three concentrations of salicylic acid (25, 50 and 75 µM) was found to have pronounced effect on the survival and regrowth percentages. The survival and regrowth percentage of encapsulated shoot tips with salicylic acid at concentrations of 25, 50 and 75 µM increased to 65, 80 and 60%, respectively after 12 weeks. The best salicylic acid effect was achieved using the concentration of 50 µM. The represented synthetic seed technique could be useful in large-scale propagation as well as short-term conservation, germplasm distribution and exchange of C. edulis. Keywords:
Egyptian Journal of Desert Research
Desert Research Center
1687-8043
67
v.
2
no.
2017
319
329
https://ejdr.journals.ekb.eg/article_21131_521d5d5bf2d5c388c71d6bbc59f09255.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejdr.2017.21131
OSMOREGULATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF TWO EGYPTIAN TRUE XEROPHYTES; LAUNAEA SPINOSA (FORSSK.) AND LEPTADENIA PYROTECHNICA (FORSSK.)
Zeinab
Khidr
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Cairo, Egypt
author
Fawzia
Ebad
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Cairo, Egypt
author
Hend
El-Khawaga
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Cairo, Egypt
author
text
article
2017
eng
In the present work, some of the adaptive responses against dehydrative factors were evaluated in two true xerophytic plants, for their medicinal importance; [Launaea spinosa (Forssk.) Sch. and Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne.] growing naturally (wild plants) at Wadi Hagul, Eastern Desert of Egypt during both wet and dry seasons. The results reveled that Launaea spinosa achieved the highest significant ash concentration during the dry season and this was mainly due to accumulation of Na+, K+, Cl- and SO42-, meanwhile the opposite was found in Leptadenia pyrotechnica, which accumulated Ca2+, Mg2+ and P3+ during the wet season. The highest significant concentrations of total carbohydrates, insoluble sugars as well as phytohormones were recorded during the wet season, while organic acids, free thiols, total fibers, and soluble sugars were accumulated, in both species, during the dry season. From the results it is clear that, ethyl acetate extracts for both species possessed the highest antimicrobial activity against all tested fungal and bacterial strains. The obtained results showed that the studied species have different mechanisms to adapt and tolerate the various environmental conditions.
Egyptian Journal of Desert Research
Desert Research Center
1687-8043
67
v.
2
no.
2017
331
349
https://ejdr.journals.ekb.eg/article_21132_3bf2bcce17f66dca7e267afd141c0584.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejdr.2017.21132
ROLE OF CERTAIN BEAUVERIA BASSIANA ISOLATE AS BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT AGAINST WHITEFLY, BEMISIA TABACI (GENN.) AND ITS EFFECT ON THE PREDATOR CHRYSOPELA CARNEA (STEPHENS)
Iman
Imam
Economic Entomology Unit, Plant Protection Department, Desert Research Center.
author
text
article
2017
eng
The lethal effect of Beauveriabassiana isolateon whitefly Bemisia tabaci revealed that the least percentage of adult mortality was 11%, which was recorded with the lowest tested concentration (1X103 spores/ml), while the highest percentage of adult mortality (56%) was achieved at 1X107 spores/ml, compared with 5% in natural mortality. In a similar trial to evaluate the effect ofB. bassiana against the aphid lion Chrysopela carnea (Stephens), exposure of the2ndlarval instar of aphid lion to B. bassianaisolate,either through direct or indirect exposure, resulted in adverse effects on the total percent of larval mortality, which was concentration dependent. Whereas the total larval death recorded 3% in control trials, data in case of direct exposure revealed 9 to 41% of larval death at 1X103and 1X107 spores/ml, respectively. Comparable trend was recorded with larvae indirectly exposed. Increase in larval mortality was recorded by 5 to 15%. Therefore, care is needed when using these fungal isolates in the case of using larval predator aphid lion in the programs of integrated control.
Egyptian Journal of Desert Research
Desert Research Center
1687-8043
67
v.
2
no.
2017
351
359
https://ejdr.journals.ekb.eg/article_78730_7faa40ea1a7233ccf0a3f385dfbeed1a.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejdr.2017.78730
IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF SEARSIA TRIPARTITA (UCRIA) MOFFETT AS AN ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANT
Heba
Ghareb
Department of Genetic Resources, Desert Research Center, El-Matareya, Cairo, Egypt
author
Mahdia
Gabr
Department of Genetic Resources, Desert Research Center, El-Matareya, Cairo, Egypt,
author
text
article
2017
eng
An effective protocol for micropropagation of the endangered Searsia tripartitaplant (Anacardiaceae) was developed. Shoot tips and stem node sections from the mature plant and diverse explants from seedlings were used as explants. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.1 mg L-1naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 1.5 mg L-1benzyl adenine (BA) induced the highest mean length of shoots 5.8, 6.6 and 5.3 cm for shoot tips from mature plants, shoot tips and stem node sections from seedlings, respectively. This medium also provided the highest percentage of growth induction with these three explants. The medium supplemented with 0.1 mg L-1 NAA and BA at 1.0 mg L-1induced the maximum mean length of shoots (3.4 cm) with the stem sections from mature plants. A length of the shoot of 4.7 cm was gained from the hypocotyl explant with MS medium free from plant growth regulators (PGRs). MS medium supplemented with several concentrations of either BA or kinetin (Kin) were used to determine their influence on shoot multiplication. The highest rooting percentage recorded 70% on MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg L-1 IBA with 100 mg L-1phloroglucinol (PG) and 1 g L-1activated charcoal (AC(. An average of 50–60% of the in vitroderived transplants were survived after transferring into greenhouse conditions. Five phenolic compoundswith numerous health benefits were detected by HPLC in a comparative study between mother plant, in vitromultiplied plants and acclimatized plants to determine which of them contains high amount of phenolic compounds.
Egyptian Journal of Desert Research
Desert Research Center
1687-8043
67
v.
2
no.
2017
361
377
https://ejdr.journals.ekb.eg/article_80825_024c64bb62d5cf147e768ae451b61200.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejdr.2017.80825