Biology of the Citrus Wax Scale Insect, Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock on Citrus Trees, and the Relationship Between the Dimensions of the Developmental Stages of the Insect with its Hosts in Syria
Hassan1*, N. Abo Kaf1and E. Mohamed2
(1) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria; (2) Directorate of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, Latakia, Syria.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 18/1/2023; Accepted: 16/10/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001266
Abstract
This study was carried out during the 2018-2019 period in citrus orchards in Latakia Governorate, Syria. The biology of the citrus wax scale, Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock (Homoptera: Coccidae), was investigated and the effect of the plant host on the insect stages dimensions was determined. It has been shown that the insect had two generations per year, and the adult female laid an average of 350-500 eggs under a wax cover. The dimensions of the insect’s stages reached their highest value on the laurel plant, followed by loquat, and the least was on citrus.
Keywords:
Citrus wax scale, Ceroplastes floridensis, Syria.
Toxicological, Biochemical and Histological Studies on the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda Treated with Five Insecticides
H.A. Saleh, S.F. Abd El-Rahman*, M.A. Batt and H.R.K. Ali
Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 7/2/2023; Accepted: 7/12/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001280
Abstract
Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) is one of the most important, invasive, and destructive pests. It was reported for the first time on maize plants in 2019 in upper Egypt. A bioassay was conducted to evaluate the toxicity of 5 insecticides (Protecto 9.4% WP, Pesover 90% SP, Punkron 20% EC, Uphold 36% SC and Full 48% EC) against 2nd and 4th instar larvae of this pest under laboratory conditions. All tested insecticides were more efficient against the 2nd instar larvae than the 4th instars. Punkron was the most efficient pesticide against the 2nd instar larvae, with LC50=0.0039 g/L, whereas Uphold showed higher toxicity than the other insecticides against the 4th instar larvae (LC50=0.0524 g/L) 5 days after treatment. The effect of the tested insecticides on the activities of acetylcholine esterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CE), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and Alpha & beta esterase enzymes was determined. All tested insecticides induced the activity of AChE and CE in the 4th instar larvae. On the other hand, the insecticides decreased GST activity, while increased the activity of Alpha & beta esterase enzymes in the same instar larvae, except for the insecticide Full (Chlorpyrifos). All insecticides induced histological alterations (e.g., structure of the muscle layers, disorganization in the epithelial cells, and cell fragmentation) in the midgut, damaging the digestive cells and peritrophic matrix, affecting digestion and nutrient absorption. The tested insecticides in this study may play a prominent role in the integrated management program of the fall armyworm.
Keywords:
Spodoptera frugiperda, insecticides, bioassay, biochemical activity, histology.
The Distribution of Agromyza Species in Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Infestation Rate of Host Plants
N.M. Grigoryan1* and V.S. Hovhannisyan2
(1) Artsakh Scientific Center, Yerevan, Armenia; (2) Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, National Academy of Sciences, Republic of Armenia.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 21/2/2023; Accepted: 29/11/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001278
Abstract
In a survey carried out during the period 2019-2022, two species of Agromyza (Diptera: Agromyzidae) were identified for the first time in Nagorno-Karabakh Republic: A. parca and A. varifrons. This study focused on these species’ description, distribution, infestation of host plants and determination of some morphometric measurements. High infestation rate (65-70%) was noted on Alopecurus pratensis. Morphometric measurements confirmed the presence of sexual dimorphism in both identified species, especially the male wing length of A. parca in Nagorno-Karabakh was shorter by 0.7-0.9 mm, and in females 0.3-0.6 mm, whereas the wing length of A. varifrons was shorter by 0.5-0.8 mm.
Keywords:
Leaf miners, host-plants, morphometric measurements.
Report of Earias biplaga as a New Insect Species in Cotton Fields in Syria
Aleisa1,2* and M.N. Al-Salti2
(1) General Authority of Agricultural Scientific Research, Cotton Research Division, Aleppo, Syria; (2) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 6/7/2022; Accepted: 12/12/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001282
Abstract
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is considered a strategic crop in Syria, and it is attacked by many pests, including bollworms which are the most important. Recently, cotton spiny bollworm is reported to be the most dominant pest, which caused economic losses especially when infestation occurs during the earlier phenological stages. Because of the changes in the timing of infestation of spiny bollworm infestation and because of its dominance in cotton fields, studies to investigate the causes of such change were initiated. The larvae of spiny bollworm were collected in the fall of the 2020 and 2021 seasons from cotton fields in the governorates of Aleppo and Hama. Investigations showed that 3-10% of the collected larvae and emerged adults were different from Earias insulana which is endemic. Based on taxonomic references and morphological characters of the studied samples, it was evident that we have a new type of the species E. biplaga Walker, 1866, and that might explain the observed change in infestation timing of the pest and the economic losses in cotton fields associated with it.
Keywords:
Cotton, E. biplaga, new taxa, climate change.
The Effect of the Extract from the Different Growth Stages of the Fungus Ganoderma lucidium on the Infection of Three Watermelon Varieties with Watermelon mosaic virus
Y.B. Sultan* and M.A. El-Fahd
Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tikrit University, Salaheddine Governorate, Iraq.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 18/7/2022; Accepted: 4/11/2022
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001273
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ganoderma lucidium extract on Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) infection of watermelon plants. Virus diagnosis was based on the symptoms produced on indicator plants, in addition to using the immunostrip assay. The treatment with the extract of G. lucidium mixture (mycelium + fruiting body) reduced WMV infection rate on all three watermelon cultivars, and was superior to all other treatments. The G. lucidium mixture extract was also superior in reducing the severity of WMV infection. The same treatment gave a significant increase in chlorophyll content, leaf area and specific activity of the enzyme polyphenol oxidase, in addition to the increase in crop yield.
Keywords:
Watermelon mosaic virus, diagnosis, control, fungal extract.
Effect of Recent Herbicides on Growth and Yield of Two Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties and Associated Weeds
M.A. Abdulateef*, A.M.A. Almashhadany, S.I. Alobaidi and N.J. Mohammad
Department of Field Crops, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 15/5/2023; Accepted: 16/10/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001268
Abstract
The field study was carried out to evaluate the effect of herbicides on the weeds associated with the soft wheat crop (bread wheat) and wheat yield. Experiments were conducted in two sites, a farmer field in the Bashiqa area, northeast of Mosul, and the second in the field of the research station of the Field Crops Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosel. The herbicides tested were Lancelot 450, Clodia 300 EC and Aciad 6 E and compared with an untreated control. In addition, two bread wheat varieties were investigated, Behoth 22 and Jehan. Experiments were conducted based on randomized complete block design, and results were statistically analyzed by the SAS program. The significance of means was determined by the Duncan’s multiple range test at P=0.05. The results obtained showed that there are significant differences between the varieties in most of the investigated traits (number of narrow weeds, the weight of narrow weeds, the number of wheat spikes, the weight of 1,000 seeds and total yield) in both study sites. The herbicides Clodia 300 EC and Lancelot 450 were significantly better than Aciad 6 E with a higher grain yield of 267.99 and 263.14 g/m2, respectively, at the second site. As for the interaction between varieties and herbicides, the combined treatment of the Behoth 22 variety and the herbicide Lancelot 450 was the most effective in weed control, and gave the highest grain yield at both sites.
Keywords:
Herbicide, bread wheat, weeds, Triticum aestivum.
Preliminary Review of the Insect Fauna in Yemen
I.A. Muharram1* and A.M.A. Sallam2
(1) Agricultural Research and Extension Authority (AREA), Yemen; (2) Nasser Faculty of Agriculture, Aden University, Yemen.
*Email of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 19/6/2023; Accepted: 10/10/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001265
Abstract
This review aimed to compile the lists of insects collected, in an effort toward developing a unified list of insect fauna in Yemen. The Yemeni environment is rich in biodiversity, including insects, and there are many insect species that carry “Yemen” in their name. Many of those insects are considered endemic and unique in the world. Despite the political instability in Yemen for the past few decades, much has been achieved in the field of collecting, identifying, and classifying insects, mostly through technical assistance projects supported by international organizations. So far, 5218 species of insects have been identified in Yemen, not including the Socotra archipelago, all of which belong to 25 insect orders, with five orders being the most common in Yemen. The order Coleoptera ranked first 25.11%, followed by Diptera 15.5%. Lepidoptera 14.62%, Hymenoptera 12.3%, and Hemiptera 11.1%.
Keywords:
Insects, insect fauna, Yemen.
Biological Control of Water Hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes Using Associated Fungi
A.N. El-Shandah1*, A.A. Hasan2 and S.Z. Bakr2
(1) General authority for operating and maintaining Tigris river basin, Ministry of Water Resources in Salaheddine, Iraq; (2) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tikrit University, Iraq.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 26/6/2023; Accepted: 9/10/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001264
Abstract
The fungi associated with water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes were isolated and identified from different regions on the Tigris river, including; Samarra, Al Dhuluiya, Al Mutasim and Al Shirqat within Salaheddine province. The pathogenic fungal isolates of water hyacinth were molecularly identified, using nucleotide sequence analysis of 5.8S rRNA gene as: Umbelopsis isabellina strain Has.AA-30, Umbelopsis isabellina strain Has.AA-31, Alternaria alternata strain Has.AA-32, Alternaria eichhorniae strain Has.AA-33 and Alternaria tenuissima strain Has.AA-34. The highly pathogenic five fungal isolates were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers OP251452.1, OP251368.1, OP251367.1, OP251453.1 and OP251365.1, respectively. The results obtained showed the presence of 11 fungal isolates with pathogenic effect on the Nile flower weed, with a significant superiority of the spore suspension and filtrate of the isolate Has.AA-33 that showed highest infection severity of 80.7%, followed by the isolates Has.AA-30, Has.AA-31, Has.AA-31, Has.AA-32 and Has.AA-34, whereas no infection was recorded in the control treatment.
Keywords:
Water hyacinth, Tigris river, Eichhornia crassipes, pathogenic fungi, biological control, molecular identification.
Influence of Different Citrus Cropping Systems on Insect Diversity in the Northern West of Algeria
Ali-Arous1*, Z.E. Labdaoui2 and K. Djelouah3
(1) Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Hassiba Ben Bouali, Ouled Fares (Chlef), Algeria; (2) Higher School of Agronomy Mostaganem, Laboratoire de Biotechnologie Appliquée à l’Agriculture et à la Préservation de l’Environnement, Algeria; (3) International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 19/7/2023; Accepted: 3/10/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001263
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the Algerian citrus industry has benefited from significant public subsidies for renewing old plantations. As a result, some growers have switched from the conventional extensive cropping system to new intensive production systems. Management systems have a relevant impact on insect diversity and abundance, as they affect ecological stability and biodiversity. In this context, a comparative study was carried out in two managed citrus orchards in Chlef Valley aimed to assess the insect diversity and abundance in these two areas. Overall, 717 insects belonging to 62 species were identified in the extensive unweeded orchard with a Shannon diversity index of 2.94, whereas only 394 insects belonging to 32 species were recorded in the intensive weeded orchard. Concerning the flora, 10 plant species were identified in the extensively managed orchard, permitting the establishment of diverse insect species compared to the intensively managed orchard. Non-parametric tests analysis of the recorded data showed a significant correlation between cropping systems and arthropod species abundance and richness. Likewise, similarity indices showed clear differences between the studied agroecosystems. However, general linear model tests showed no correlation between weeding methods related to some diversity estimators. Nevertheless, the main diversity parameters indicated that the extensive approach maintained better insect diversity and allowed different insect functional groups to live and interact, enhanced by naturally occurring plants present within and surrounding the studied orchards. Diversity potential in the extensive management of citrus crop highlighted during this survey gave a concrete insight that conversion from an extensive to an organic production system will be smooth, safe, and promising.
Keywords:
Citrus, cropping system, conversion, insect diversity, Algeria.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Parasitoid Cotesia glomerata L. on Larval Stages of Cabbage Butterfly, Pieris brassica L. Under Laboratory Condition in Latakia, Syria
Z.S. Badr1*, A.M. Ramadan2 and I. Mohammed3
(1) Plant Protection Division, Directorate of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, Latakia, Syria; (2) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria; (3) Directorate of Plant Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, Damascus, Syria.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 31/7/2023; Accepted: 13/11/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001274
Abstract
The effect of larval instars of the cabbage butterfly, Pieris brassica L. on biological characteristics of the endoparasitoid, Cotesia glomerata during the 2021 season under laboratory conditions (25±2°C, RH 60±5%, photo period of 16 hr light: 8 hr dark) was investigated. The results obtained showed that the larval instars of P. brassica had a significant impact on the fitness of the parasitoid C. glomerata. Fecundity varied depending on the host larval stage. The highest fecundity rate of 78.11 % was obtained when the parasitoid fed on the 1st larval stage, whereas it reached 72.2 and 72.43 % when fed on the 2nd and 3rd stage larvae, respectively. The duration of the parasitoid life cycle from oviposition to adult emergence reached 23.41, 25.31 and 26.62 days when fed on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd larval instars, respectively. Parasitism rate reached 88.67, 81.34 and 72.64 % when fed on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd instars, respectively. The other biological parameters such as sex ratio, longevity and fitness changed according to the larval instar fed on. The results obtained from this study suggest that 2nd and 3rd instars of P. brassica would be the best host stages for mass production of C. glomerata in the laboratory and the best host stages to target for effective control of P. brassica in the field.
Keywords:
Pieris brassicae, parasitoid, Cotesia glomerata, biological parameters, larval stage.
Investigating the Impact of Abamectin on Dust Mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus Density and Anatomical Features of Date Fruits cv. Halawi
Aldosary1*, Y.N. Kalaf1, A.S.A. Abdullah1, A.H. Radhi2 and M.A. Al-Darwish1
(1) Date Palm Research Center, University of Basrah, Basra, Iraq; (2) Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, Basra, Iraq.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 3/8/2023; Accepted: 24/10/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001269
Abstract
The high nutritional value and economic importance of date fruits are compromised by severe damage caused by pests such as the dust mite Oligonychus afrasiaticus. To control this pest, chemicals such as Abamectin are commonly used, although this may cause changes in the anatomical characteristics of date fruits. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Abamectin on the density of dust mites and the anatomical features of cv. Halawi dates. Date fruits were sprayed with Abamectin (1.8% EC) in five concentrations (0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 ml/L) during the Hababuk stage, and dust mite density and several anatomical characteristics of the fruits were evaluated. The results obtained showed a decrease in dust mite population density with increasing Abamectin concentration and a significant impact on certain anatomical features of date fruits. The highest thickness of the exocarp, cuticle, epidermis, hypodermis, stoncells, outer mesocarp, and inner mesocarp, as well as the number of pith cells were observed at the concentration of 1.0 ml/L. However, a reduction in the tannin layer was detected at higher concentrations. Positive correlations were found between Abamectin concentration and the thickness of certain fruit components, as well as the number of pith cells, whereas a negative correlation was found with dust mite population density. The study concluded that Abamectin application directly reduces dust mite density and improves the anatomical characteristics of date fruits.
Keywords:
Abamectin, date palm, dust mite, pest density, anatomical characteristics.
First Record of the Striped Mealybug, Ferrisia virgata and the Wax Scale Ceroplastes sp. on Coffee Plants in Saudi Arabia
K.A. Alhudaib1,2*, W. Elmenofy1,3 and A.S. Ghazwani4
(1) Department of Arid Land Agriculture, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (2) Pests and Plant Diseases Unit, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (3) Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 19612, Giza, Egypt; (4) Agricultural Experiments Station, Jazan Mountains Development Authority Jazan. Saudi Arabia.
*Email address of corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 3/8/2023; Accepted: 24/10/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001270
Abstract
Coffee is one of the most important and promising agricultural commodities in Saudi Arabia and all over the world. This is the first report of the occurrence of Ferrisia virgata and Ceroplastes sp. associated with coffee in urban landscapes in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia during the 2022 fall season. Both insects were identified according to the morphological characteristics and amplification of 800 bp amplicon of 28s rRNA of the mealybug and the wax scale. The phylogenetic analysis of the amplified 28s sequences with sequences already available in GenBank confirmed the occurrence of such pests in Saudi Arabia on coffee cultivars, and it represents a potential threat to coffee production in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries. Thus, quick management action is highly needed to prevent the expected spread of these insect pests.
Keywords:
Ferrisia virgata, Ceroplastes sp., mealybug, wax scale, phylogenetic analysis.
Biological and Chemical Control of Melon Root Rot Disease: A Review
E.A. Slebi* and H.H. Al-Juboory
Department of Plant Protection, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Iraq.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 24/8/2023; Accepted: 27/10/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001271
Abstract
Melon is an important crop grown in different regions of the world, and similar to many other crops, it is exposed to many diseases, including root rot, which is caused by a number of pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis (Fom), which causes Fusarium wilt and Monosporascus spp. which causes Monosporascus root rot and vine decline. To reduce the use of chemical pesticides because of their negative impact on health and the environment, biological control factors and some safe chemical agents are being increasingly used to control this disease. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus subtilis, and vermicompost in reducing the disease by inhibiting the fungal growth of these pathogens present in the soil and inducing resistance in the melon plant against the disease. In addition, the use of algae was found to be efficient in the control of the disease. The use of some chemical agents, such as potassium salt (K2HPO4) and tannic acid, had a role in inhibiting some pathogens in the soil. This article summarizes research conducted to test the role of biological factors (vermicompost, microorganisms, and algae) as well as some chemical agents (tannic acid and K2HPO4) in controlling melon root rot disease.
Keywords:
Melon root rot, biological control, K2HPO4, vermicompost, algae.
Estimating the Damage of Birds to Wheat, Gurma Melon and Cowpea Crops During the Ripening Period at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
M.A. Salama1*, M.I. Aamir1, A.A.G. Farag1, M.A. Issa2 and M.A. Hendawy1
(1) Plant Protection Department, Agriculture faculty, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt; (2) Harmful Animal Department, Plant Protection Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 30/8/2023; Accepted: 6/12/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001281
Abstract
The damage caused by birds to wheat crop is increasing during the ripening stage. The house sparrow, Passer domesticus niloticus is the main bird pest that attacks wheat spikes during the ripening stage (milk, dough, and mature levels) during 2020 and 2021 seasons. The 6th week of the ripening period suffered the highest damage in all samples compared with other weeks. The samples collected from the field edge showed the highest damage, with 13.05 and 6.75% yield loss during 2020 and 2021, respectively. The samples collected at 6 m from borders didn’t show any damage. The statistical analysis indicated that there were significant differences between the tested distances in all weeks of the repining stage during 2020 and 2021 seasons. The gurma melon fruits were attacked by hooded crow, Corvus corone during the ripening stage and the mean proportion of damaged fruits reached 9.47% at the 6th week of fruit development. The special features of the gurma melon plants made it easy for hooded crows to land and take off, thus the birds attacked the crop at any point in the field, thus there was no significant difference between the fruit damage level and distance from the field border. Cowpea was an attractive crop for many bird species such as pigeons and house sparrows. Birds did attack the cowpea pods during the ripening stage, with 6.97% damage during this stage.
Keywords:
Damage, birds, house sparrow, hooded crow, wheat, gurma melon, cowpea.
Multi-Season Yield Enhancement Following Citrus Nematode Management in the Egyptian Citrus Orchard
M.M.A. Hammam1, M.M.M. Mohamed1, L.W. Duncan2, F. Elborai3 and M.M.M. Abd-Elgawad1*
(1) Plant Pathology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki 12622, Giza, Egypt; (2) Citrus Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, Florida 33850, USA; (3) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Wimauma, Florida 33598, USA.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 8/9/2023; Accepted: 2/11/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001272
Abstract
Chemical and biological nematicides were evaluated for the management of the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans in an Egyptian lemon orchard. The experiment included 7 treatments as follows: native Heterorhabditis indica applied to the soil surface in aqueous suspension, H. indica infected cadavers applied beneath the soil surface, Abamectin®, Micronema® a product containing Serratia sp., Pseudomonas sp., Azotobacter sp., Bacillus circulans and Bacillus thuringiensis, chemical treatments cadusafos and two rates of the chemical oxamyl. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with 10 blocks, and treatments were applied between October 2018 and February 2019. All treatments reduced (P ≤ 0.05) population densities of female citrus nematodes in roots between 32 and 77% for three months period following the final treatment. Average lemon yield in the summer of 2019 was 18-38% higher in treated compared to untreated plots, but only the Micronema and cadusafos treatments were significantly higher. The average yields in treated plots were 15-42% higher than that in control plots in 2020, but the increase was not statistically significant. Despite few treatment differences in either year, the mean 2019 and 2020 combined yield for each treatment, except for the H. indica treatment, was 18-33% higher (P ≤ 0.05) than that of the untreated plots. The lemon yield during both years was inversely correlated (P ≤ 0.001) with the mean nematode females/g of roots following the treatments. In August and September 2021, all the previous treatments except H. indica applied in aqueous suspension and Micronema continued to suppress female citrus nematodes in roots, on average of 21–69%.
Keywords:
Biocontrol, citrus, crop loss assessment, nematicides, nematode management, Tylenchulus semipenetrans.
Effect of Anise and Cumin Plant Extracts in Inhibiting Growth of Rot Causing Fungi
H.A. Mohamed
Field Crops Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.
Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 13/12/2022; Accepted: 16/10/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001267
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the ability to use essential oils extracted from anise and cumin as safe alternatives to inhibit the growth of fungi that cause fruit rots. An experiment was conducted in the Plant Protection Laboratory of Tishreen University, Syria, to study the effect of the essential oil extracted from cumin and anise in inhibiting the growth of fruit rots caused by Aspergillus niger and Penicillium digitatum. Several concentrations of the two types of essential oils (0, 25, 50. 75, 100 and 125 µl/100 ml) were used. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications for each treatment. The results obtained showed that there were significant differences between the concentrations used and the control, and the two concentrations 100 and 125 µl/ml caused 100% inhibition and were significantly higher than the other concentrations tested of the two essential oils.
Keywords:
Cumin, anise, biological activity, bioinhibitors, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium digitatum.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Two Isolates of Leveillula taurica Causing Powdery Mildew on Protected Tomatoes in Tartous Coastal Region, Syria
Alio1*, S. Al-Maghribi1 and N. Mualla2
(1) Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria; (2) Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 11/9/2023; Accepted: 13/11/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001275
Abstract
Two isolates were characterized as Leveillula taurica based on morphological features and sequencing of ITS regions. The typical symptoms appeared on Mandalon cultivar as bright yellow spots on the upper side of the leaves, and whitish powdery sporulation on the corresponding lower surface, with no cleistothecia formation. Light and electron microscopy showed a lanceolate primary and cylindrical secondary conidia on pseudoidium conidiphores, and other morphological features were similar to those of L. taurica. The ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence confirmed the morphological characterization. The results of sequence homology for the two isolates using BLAST showed similarity to L. taurica species, with a query coverage reached 100% and more than 99% identity with many isolates registered in the GenBank which infect tomato and other hosts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular characterization of L. taurica on protected tomato in the Syrian coast.
Keywords:
Tomato, powdery mildew, Leveillula taurica, ITS.
Isolation and Identification of Mycorhizal Fungi Associated with Roots and Soils of Different Plant Hosts in Syria
Sh.A. Al-Kharoof
Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Furat University, Deir Azzor, Syria; General Authority of Biotechnology, Damascus, Syria.
Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 11/9/2023; Accepted: 29/11/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001277
Abstract
Thirty-six samples of plant roots with the surrounding soil were collected during the period 2021-2022, which included 5 sites in Al-Hasakeh Governorate, 3 sites in Deir Ezzor Governorate, 2 sites in Al-Raqqa Governorate, 3 sites in Latakia Governorate, 2 sites in Tartous Governorate, one site in Homs Governorate, 3 sites in Hama Governorate and one site in Damascus Governorate. Samples were collected during three months, namely February, March, and April. The types of mycorrhizae were identified by classifying them to the genus level based on internationally approved classification keys. Mycorhization level in host plants was also determined. Five genera of mycorrhizal fungi were identified to be associated with the roots of the studied plants in the studied areas, namely: the genus Acoulospora, with general mycorhization rate of 56%, isolated from the vicinity of plants of the leguminous family (faba bean), whereas mycorhization rate in the Qamishli site was 20%, the genus Paraglomus was isolated from plants of the Apiaceae family with mycorhization rate of 20.8%, the genus Glomus was the most frequent genus in most regions surveyed, with a mycorhization rate of 80%, the genus Gigaspora with mycorhization rate of 62%, the genus Septoglomus with mycorhization rate of 20%, the genus Entrophospora with mycorhization rate of 11.9%. The survey showed that mycorrhizae appeared in all soil types, and they played a role in enhancing plant growth and production.
Keywords:
Mycorrhiza, locations, host plant species, Syria.
Foliar Applications of Potassium to Control Green Bean Pests and Improve Yield and Quality Under Greenhouse Conditions
Saaid1, K.F. Abdelgawad2, M.M. Ahmed3, R.F. Ali3,4 and S.S. Ahmed1*
(1) Department of Economic Entomology and Pesticides, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; (2) Department of Vegetables Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; (3) Department of Zoology and Agricultural Nematology, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; (4) Faculty of Organic Agriculture, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, Cairo, Egypt.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 20/9/2023; Accepted: 29/11/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001279
Abstract
Green bean is attacked by a variety of insect pests such as whiteflies, aphids, leaf miners, and two spotted red mite, which can reduce plant growth and yield up to 100%. Potassium plays an important role in plant growth and resistance to biotic stress. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different sources of potassium foliar application on infestation of green bean pests and their effect on productivity and quality of green beans. Two field experiments were conducted during 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 growing seasons to assess the response of aphids, whiteflies, leaf miner, and two spotted red mite as well as plant growth, and yield of green bean to three potassium sources (silicate 30%, citrate 35% and sulfate 50%) application under greenhouse conditions. The plants were sprayed 15 days after sowing with 6 ml/L, 8 ml/L and 1.5 g/L of potassium silicate, citrate and sulfate, respectively. The foliar application was repeated three times. The number of the examined pests (insects and mites) was calculated in the tested and control treatments. The results obtained showed that, in both seasons, the lowest population of whiteflies was recorded in response to potassium silicate treatment (15.4 and 16.7 insects/plant), followed by potassium citrate (19.3 and 19.4 insects/plant) compared to the potassium sulfate treatment (control) (21.8 and 20.5 insects/plant), respectively. The lowest aphid population in the first season was reached following silicate treatment (1.46 insects/plant) compared to citrate and control treatments (2.38 and 2.85 insects/plant), respectively, with no significant difference between them. During the second season, the lowest aphid population (1.08 insect/ plant) was reached after silicate treatment, followed by citrate treatment (2.38 insects/plant), and control treatment (5.38 insects/plant). Silicate treatment significantly reduced the population of two spotted mites compared to the other treatments, in both seasons. Silicate treatment produced the lowest leaf miner population in both seasons, compared to other treatments. All the growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, relative chlorophyll content, plant fresh and dry weight, and dry matter) were improved by potassium silicate treatment compared to potassium citrate and sulfate treatments. The increase in total yield under foliar application ranged from 15.2 to 40.8 % compared to control treatment. The highest plant phenol, tannins, total carbohydrate, and peroxidase concentration were produced following potassium silicate treatment. It was concluded that potassium silicate can enhance plant growth and resistance to insect pests.
Keywords:
Foliar spray, green bean, potassium fertilizers, pests.
The Role of Compost in Biological Control of Tomato Crown and Root Rot Disease Caused by the Fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici Under Protected Cultivation Conditions
Mahmoud1, M.A. Shaar2* and Q. El-Rahyeh1
(1) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Aleppo, Syria; (2) General Authority of Scientific Agricultural Research, Latakia Center, Syria.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 16/10/2023; Accepted: 26/11/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001276
Abstract
A study was conducted to investigate the role of two compost types: citrus pruning residues compost (C) and olive pruning residues compost (O), in the biological control of tomato crown and root rot disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL) under artificial infection conditions. Results obtained showed that both compost types differed in chemical and biological properties, which led 50 days after infection to a variation in their effect in influencing disease severity. The olive compost reduced the severity of the disease to 33.3% and was significantly superior to citrus compost 50.0%, compared to the untreated control, which reached 58.3%. Compost treatment was associated with an increase in the enzymatic activity of both peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes in tomato plants as compared to the untreated control. These results confirm the role of compost in inducing resistance to disease in tomato plants.
Keywords:
Compost, tomato crown and root rot disease, induced resistance, peroxidase, phenol oxidase.