Use of Castor and Garlic Oils to Control the Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castanium
A.H.A. Al Hamdani*, L.A. Atshan and M.K. Ibraheem
Plant Protection Department, College of Agriculture, University of Al-Muthanna, Iraq. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 14/2/2023; Accepted: 8/4/2023
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001316
Abstract
This study investigated the repellency effect and killing efficiency of castor and garlic oils to control adults and larvae of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castanium. The results obtained showed a significant repellency effect of plant oils on the insect adults with a higher repelling effect of garlic oil, which reached 100%, 20 minutes after treatment with 30% concentration, as compared to 100% for castor oil, 30 minutes after treatment at the same concentration. The results obtained also indicated the superiority of garlic oil’s effect on larval mortality (first, second, and last instars), which reached 86.6, 90.0 and 73.3%, 5 days after treatment with 30% concentration, for the different larval stages, respectively. Furthermore, the highest mortality rate of insect adults (76.7%) was also reached when garlic oil was used at a concentration of 30%, 5 days after treatment, followed by castor oil (66.7%) at the same concentration and period after treatment.
Keywords: Red flour beetle, T. castaneum, stored grains, plant oils.
Seasonal Fluctuation of Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorous ferruginous in Wadi Hadramout, Yemen
J.S. Basahih*, Y.R. Basyoud and M.A. El-Zubayri
Plant Protection Department, Seiyun Agricultural Research Station, Yemen. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 28/11/2022; Accepted: 3/4/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001315
Abstract
The use of the pheromone traps to collect the red palm weevil showed the presence of all different stages of the insect throughout the year, suggesting that it has more than one generation per year. The peak of the insect’s activity in the four districts was in mid-March, where the total insects caught were 2351 insects (males and females). The insect population then decreased with an increase in temperature until it reached its minimum in mid-July. The sex ratio (females: males) was 2:1. Infestation severity with the red palm weevil increased as we moved west. In addition, it was found that infestation with the date palm borer was associated with the weevil activity in Wadi Hadramout.
Keywords: Red palm weevil, Rhynchophorous ferruginous, date palm, Wadi Hadramout, Yemen.
The Effect of Early Control of Weeds Associated with the Maize Crop Using Herbicides
A.A.A.K. El-Abassy
Diyala Education Directorate, Iraq. Email address of corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 6/11/2023; Accepted: 28/3/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001314
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted at the Field Crops Research Station in AL-Ghalbiea, Diyala Governorate, Iraq, during the 2022 fall season, in clay soil. This study aimed to determine the best pesticide and the most appropriate concentration to control weeds associated with the maize crop in the field. The results obtained showed that the herbicides atrazine and guradian were suitable control products. When the herbicide atrazine was used at the concentration of 4 L/ha, the number of grains/ear and total yield reached 532.83/ear and 9.90 ton/ha, respectively. Whereas at the concentration of 2 L/ha, the 1000 grains weight reached 260.41 g. The use of guradian herbicide significantly increased the ear length and reached 21.41cm. Best results were obtained when both herbicides were combined in one treatment.
Keywords: Maize, guradian, atrazine, herbicides.
Genetic Diversity and Mating Type Distribution of Ascochyta rabiei Populations Affecting Chickpea
B. Attar1*, S. Aahmed2, M. Kayim3, A. Hamwieh4, E. Choueiri5, H.A. Ghannam6 and A. Alabdullah7
(1) School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom; (2) International Center for Agricultural Research in The Dry Areas (ICARDA), Rabat, Morocco; (3) Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkey; (4) ICARDA, Cairo, Egypt; (5) Department of Plant Protection, Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute, Tal Amara, Lebanon; (6) Department of Plant Food Legumes Research, Agricultural Research Center, Cairo, Egypt; (7) The John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 14/12/2023; Accepted: 18/3/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001313
Abstract
Chickpea Ascochyta blight, Ascochyta rabiei is the most important disease of chickpea in many countries. Understanding the genetic diversity of the pathogen is very important to identify resistance sources to virulent populations in national and international chickpea breeding programs. Moreover, knowledge on the existence of mating types can help to fine tune Ascochyta blight management practices. Eight simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers were used to estimate the genetic diversity of 96 isolates collected from four countries (Uzbekistan, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey). A total of 29 bands were recorded of which 26 were polymorphic. The study showed that the isolates were genetically diverse and isolates from Uzbekistan showed the highest diversity. Following phylogenetic analysis, the isolates were clustered into four groups and isolates from Uzbekistan were distributed in all groups. The two mating types were found in the four countries and no significant deviation from 1:1 ratio for Turkey and Uzbekistan isolates.
Keywords: Ascochyta rabiei, SSR markers, diversity, mating type.
Demographic Parameters of Chrysoperla carnea on the Sublethal Concentration of Endosulfan: Two-Sex Life Table
A. Alsendi1, S. Al-Zurfi2, S.K.H. Bandyan3, A.A. Mohammed4, A.A. Kareem2* and M. Shahid2
(1) Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran; (2) Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Kerbala University, Iraq; (3) Department of Plant Protection, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University, Iraq; (4) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kufa, Iraq. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 4/10/2023; Accepted: 18/3/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001312
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the sublethal effects (LC30) of endosulfan on Chrysoperla carnea adults as an efficient natural enemy against the flour moth Ephestia kuehniella Zell (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under laboratory conditions: (25±2°C temperature, relative humidity of 60±5% relative humidity, and 16:8 hours (light: dark) photoperiod), in a growth chamber. The results obtained showed a significant decrease in the LC30 concentration of Endosulfan during the biological life span of both sexes (male and female) of C. carnea compared to the control. The highest fecundity rate obtained for endosulfan treatment was 203.28 offspring/female compared to 316.31 offspring/female for the control treatment. The net reproduction rate (R0) of females treated with endosulfan was 140.18 offspring/individual/generation and was significantly lower than that of the control-treated females (253.04 offspring/individual/generation). The mean time of one generation (T) varied from 43.12 days in the control treatment to 38.70 days in the LC30 endosulfan treatment. Results obtained showed that the use of a sub-lethal concentration of endosulfan affects some biological parameters of the green lacewing predator C. carnea, which is useful information to consider when designing IPM programs for the flour moth.
Keywords: Dynamic parameters, Chrysopidae, life history, sublethal concentration.
Effect of Adding Selenium to the Malt-Yeast-Agar Medium on the Mycelium Growth of the Mother Culture of Agaricus bisporus
R. Zidan1, J. Motawaj2, H. Mando3 and S. Ibrahim1*
(1) Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria; (2) General Authority of Seed Increase, Latakia, Syria; (3) General Biotechnology Authority, Damascus, Syria. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 7/12/2023; Accepted: 13/3/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001311
Abstract
This study was carried out at Set-markho facility, Latakia, Syria, for the production of agricultural mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) during the period 2022-2023, in order to study the effect of adding selenium to the growth medium on the mycelium growth of the mother culture (G0). The experiment included five treatments as follows: control, adding selenium at four concentrations of 1, 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mg/L to the malt-yeast-agar medium. Results obtained showed that all selenium treatments were superior to the control at the beginning of mycelium growth, whereas two selenium concentrations (0.001 and 0.01 mg/L) treatments were significantly superior to the control and the rest of selenium treatments, in terms of the average fungal colony diameter, which reached 75.2 and 62.2 mm, respectively, and the time required to complete mycelium growth on the culture medium was 23 days for each treatment, and the average growth rate recorded was 3.27 and 2.7 mm/day, respectively. In addition, the average growth coefficient was 22.88 and 18.93 mm2/day, respectively. Accordingly, the agricultural mushroom Agaricus bisporus was classified as a slow-growing fungus.
Keywords: Agaricus bisporus, selenium, mother culture, growth.
In vivo Production of Palpita vitrealis Nucleopolyhedrovirus
Y.T. Elkady*, E.A. Agamy and S. El Salamouny
Department of Economic Entomology and Pesticides, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, 12613- Giza, Egypt. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 23/10/2023; Accepted: 13/3/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001310
Abstract
A Preliminary bioassay was conducted to determine the suitable larval instar of the olive leaf moth, Palpita vitrealis (Rossi) and the needed concentration of its homologous baculovirus Palpita viteralis nucleopolyhedrovirus (PaviNPV) for in vivo production. The calculated lethal concentrations for killing 90% of the tested larvae (LC90) were 8.3×104, 15×104, 9.1×104 and 1.7×104 PIBs/ml for the tested 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th instars, respectively. In production tests, leaf-bud dipping bioassays were used for larvae infection. Virus yield of PaviNPV progeny polyhedral inclusion bodies (PIBs) was calculated in relation to the inoculum used for larval infection. The mortality rates of the tested PaviNPV concentrations (104-107 PIB’s/ml) against the tested fourth and fifth larval instars showed ascending mortality-concentration dependence. The productivity rate (folds) of PaviNPV in the case of the fourth instar larvae were 137000, 35540, 1471, and 134.8 folds for the tested inoculum concentrations of 104, 105, 106 and 107 PIBs/ml, respectively. The addition of fluorescent brightener 28 (Tinopal UNPA-GX) enhanced the mortality rate and the obtained PaviNPV progeny by 188800, 43600, 1333.2 and 177.66 folds for the same inoculum concentrations, respectively. The study suggests using the fourth instar Palpita vitrealis larvae with a PaviNPV concentration of 104 PIB’s/ml for in vivo production.
Keywords: Palpita, olive leaf moth, production, alphabaculovirus.
Role of Parasitoids, Entomopathogens and Chemical Compounds in Managing Liriomyza congesta Populations in Faba bean Fields
H.I. Abdel-Aliem1*, M.R. Abo Elela2 and A.B. Abou-Elkassem2
(1) Department of Biological Control Research, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt; (2) Department of Vegetables Crop Pests Research, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 14/12/2023; Accepted: 11/3/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001309
Abstract
Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important source of dietary protein in Egypt, consumed as green vegetable, dried and canned seed. This highly nutritious crop is attacked by several insect pests, including the leafminer, Liriomyza congesta (Becker) (Diptera: Agromyzidae), which negatively affects the yield. The present investigation was conducted at the experimental farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, Egypt during two growing seasons, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, to monitor population dynamics of L. congesta and its larval and pupal parasitoids. In addition, the efficiency of an entomopathogen and some compounds against L. congesta larvae were investigated. The population density of L. congesta larvae was the highest in March, moderate in January and February, and lowest in December and April. Three hymenopterous parasitoids were recorded; Diglyphus isaea (Walker) (Eulophidae) which attacked L. congesta larvae with an average of 5.18 and 6.05% parasitism in the two seasons. L. congesta larvae exhibited highest rates of parasitism on January 29th (12.40%) and on March 12th (17.31%) during the first season and on February 26th (17.20%) and March 12th (20.90%) during the second season. The pupal parasitoid, Opius sp. (Braconidae) was observed with an average of 16.76 and 18.41% parasitism, in the two seasons. The highest parasitism level of Opius sp. reached 21.78 and 34.95% on February12th and March 19th, respectively, in the first season and 22.78 and 33.95%, on February 26th and March 12th, respectively, during the second season, whereas the parasitoid Chrysocharis sp. (Eulophidae) was observed at an average of 15.96 and 16.99% in the two seasons, respectively. The conventional insecticide, abamectin reduced the larval population of L. congesta by 89.85% and was superior over the entomopathogenic fungicides BioMeta (Metarhizium anisopliae) and Biossiana (Beauveria bassiana), as they produced 50.68 and 42.91% larval population reduction, respectively. The present research emphasized the effectiveness of parasitoids, entomopathogens and plant–derived materials against L. congesta as an important safe pest control agents, and their use help to reduce conventional chemical insecticide applications.
Keywords: Faba bean, Liriomyza congesta, parasitoids, entomopathogens, conventional insecticides.
In vitro Anti-acetylcholinesterase Evaluation and Molecular Docking Modeling of Some α‑amino Phosphonate Derivatives
M. Abbod1,2*, N. Safaie2, K. Gholivand3 and M. Mehrabadi4
(1) Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Baath University, Homs, Syria; (2) Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; (3) Department of Chemistry, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; (4) Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 6/11/2023; Accepted: 29/2/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001305
Abstract
The overuse of organophosphorus insecticides has resulted in the rise of pest resistance to these chemicals, thus making it necessary to develop new insecticides for global agriculture. In this investigation, we examined the anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of certain α-amino phosphonate derivatives via both in vitro experiments and molecular docking modeling. The tested compounds demonstrated notable efficacy against the Drosophila melanogaster AChE enzyme. The compound Diethyl(2,4‑dichlorophenyl) (2,4‑dichlorophenylamino) methylphosphonate (M2), which contained two Cl- substituents on each ring, exhibited a significant concentration-dependent inhibition of the enzyme with an LC50 of 220 µg/ml. Additionally, at concentrations of 500 and 1000 µg/ml, Diethyl (2,4‑dichloropheny l) (2‑hydroxyophenylamino) methylphosphonate (M4) reduced the enzyme activity by 45.7 and 84.6%, respectively. Moreover, the four molecules displayed in silico affinity towards Dm-AChE as observed in the experimental assay. Notably, M2 demonstrated the highest affinity towards the enzyme, with two oxygen atoms in the molecule forming hydrogen bonds with SER-238 and HIS-480. The estimated free binding energy and inhibition constant for M2 were determined to be –10.04 kcal/mol and Ki = 43.83 nM, respectively. In addition, M4 exhibited an affinity of –9.36 kcal/mol and Ki = 137.7 nM. Further studies on the formulation and efficacy of these α-amino phosphonate derivatives are needed to serve as novel high-performance pesticides.
Keywords: α‑amino phosphonate, AChE, in silico, molecular docking.
First Record of Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) on Onions and Determining its Complete Sequence Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Technology in Iraq
A.S. Mohsen1* and M.A. Al-Fahd2
(1) Division of seed testing and certification, Ministry of Agriculture, Iraq; (2) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tikrit University, Iraq. *Email address of corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 4/1/2024; Accepted: 29/2/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001306
Abstract
This study was conducted at the Research Station of the College of Agriculture, Tikrit University, and aimed to isolate and diagnose a strain of Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) on onion plants, describe its pathological symptoms, determine the complete genomic sequence of the Iraqi isolates, and draw its phylogenetic tree using next generation sequencing (NGS) technology and bioinformatics programs. The observed symptoms of infection included twisting and wrinkling of the leaves, stiffening of the top of the leaf, sharp leaf bending, and reduced growth, in addition to causing a change in the natural tubular leaf structure and variation in size. 98,945,112 accurate reads were obtained representing the total RNA sequences in infected onion plant samples. These reads were mapped to the complete viroid reference sequence, with 49,175 accurate reads and a length of 395 base pairs. This viroid strain which infects onion was the first record in Iraq and was given the name Citrus exocortis viroid isolate Aan-Saladin (CEVd Aan-saladin) and deposited in the gene library of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under the accession number OR589765.1, based on the complete genomic sequence. The phylogenetic analysis revealed close relation between the diagnosed isolate CEVd Aan-Saladin and the Najaf OR024670.1, Tikrit OR993891.1 and Baghdad OR343512.1 isolates, with significant divergence from the viroids outside the group.
Keywords: Citrus exocortis viroid, onion disease, next generation sequence, complete genome, Phylogenetic tree.
Some Physiochemical and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Honeybee from Colonies Fed with Sugar Syrup and Inverted Sugar
A.M.M. Ghania¹, H.M. Mahfouz², T.E. Abd El-Wahab³* and A.E. Abd Alla⁴
(1) Plant Protection Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt; (2) Plant Production Department, Faculty of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences, Arish University, Egypt; (3) Department of Pests and Plant Protection, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt; (4) Department of Economic Entomology and Pesticides, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 14/2/2023; Accepted: 4/3/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001307
Abstract
The present study was performed to determine the impact of feeding honeybee colonies with sugar syrup and inverted sugar on pollen, physiochemical and antimicrobial properties. Raw honeys and bee-processed syrups (sucrose solution or inverted sugar syrup) samples were collected from bee colonies under field conditions in different regions of Egypt. Biological activities were compared between colonies which fed with sugar syrup and inverted sugar. The results obtained clearly showed that the chemical analysis of tested samples indicated that concentration of monosaccharide (fructose and glucose) was the highest in samples from natural honey. In contrast, disaccharide (sucrose) concentration was lowest compared to the samples collected from colonies fed with inverted sugar and sugar syrup. The antibacterial activity of natural honey from the Assiut region was highest against Staphylococcus aureus compared to honey obtained from bee colonies fed on sucrose solution and inverted sugar syrup. Only honey samples of colonies which feed with inverted sugar (Qualiubia region), sugar syrup (Arish region) at 100% concentration caused antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. However, the effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed only with honey sample (100%) harvested from colonies fed with sugar syrup at Arish region. A wide range with highest value of H₂O₂ (201.30 and 139.72 mg/kg) was observed in natural honey samples and honey obtained from colonies fed on inverted sugar from Arish region. The water contents of honey collected from colonies fed with sugar syrup in Qualiubia and Arish regions, or fed on inverted sugar in Arish reached the highest value. The results obtained also showed that the pollen grains content, H₂O₂ and antimicrobial activity were reduced in the harvested honey samples of honeybee colonies fed with inverted sugar and sugar syrup in most regions. In contrast, these diets increased the water content and improved biological activity in colonies fed with inverted sugar, compared to that fed on sugar syrup.
Keywords: Honeybee inverted sugar, sugar syrup, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus.
First Record of Mogrus sahariensis in Egypt
N.M.S. El-Helbawy1*, G.M.E. Sallam1, M.F. Hassan2 and M.S. Nawar2
(1) Department of Fruit Tree Mites, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt; (2) Department of Zoology and Agriculture Nematology, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 19/4/2023; Accepted: 4/3/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001308
Abstract
Mogrus sahariensis Berland & Millot, 1941 (Araneae: Salticidae) was identified to be present in Egypt in the Al Mansoureyah region, Giza governorate, in the litter under mango trees (Mangifera indica), grape vines (Vitis spp.) and mandarin orange trees (Citrus reticulate) during the period October 2018 to September 2019. Seven specimens, four females and three juveniles, were collected and identified. Descriptions, habitat, and collection data were recorded. This is the first report of Mogrus sahariensis in Egypt.
Keywords: Araneae, Salticidae, Mogrus sahariensis, new record, Egypt.
The Effect of the Host Species on the Parasitism of the Aphid Parasitod Aphidius matricariae
F.M. Al Hadi* and M.S. Mansor
Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Tikrit University, Iraq. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 27/9/2023; Accepted: 27/2/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001303
Abstract
Samples for this study were collected from some fields infested with the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae and the black aphid, Aphis fabae in the Shirqat region, Saladin Governorate, Iraq, during the period 10/1/2022-1/8/2023. The study aimed to test the effect of the insect host species on the efficiency of the aphid parasitoid Aphidius matricariae (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) rearing. Three aphid species hosts for the parasitoid were tested: the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, the watermelon aphid, Aphis gossypii, and the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae. The study was carried out under laboratory conditions, and the parasite was obtained from cultivated fields in the Shirqat region, Saladin Governorate, Iraq. The identification of aphids was based on the taxonomic keys provided by the Natural History Museum, University of Baghdad. The insect host preference and the vitality and efficiency of the parasite A. matricariae was assessed. Laboratory results showed that the highest rate of parasitism were on the green peach aphid, which gave the highest percentage of mummies (47.00%), and the highest rate of adult emergence, three weeks after the beginning of parasitism, was 53.33%, which qualifies the green peach aphid to be the selected host for mass rearing of the parasitoid and subsequent release in the farmers’ fields.
Keywords: Aphidius matricariae, host species, Myzus persicae, Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Cytochrome P450s in Ustilago Species: Annotation and Evolutionary Relationships
W.P. Dauda1*, I.J. Ifeanyi2, P. Abraham3, C.O. Adetunji4, E. Glen5, I.O. Ogra6, G.W. Peter7, S.E. Abraham8, C. Chukwu3 and M.P. Abraham3
(1) Department of Agronomy, Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria; (2) Department of Crop Science, University of Uyo, Uyo P.M.B. 1071, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; (3)Department of Horticultural Technology, Federal College of Horticulture, PMB 108, Dadin Kowa, Gombe, Nigeria; (4) Applied Microbiology, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Edo University Iyamho, PMB 04, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria; (5) Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Lokoja, Lokoja P.M.B. 1154, Kogi State, Nigeria; (6) UNESCO International Centre of Biotechnology Nsukka, Nigeria; (7) Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 800001, Kaduna State, Nigeria; (8) Department of Agronomy, Bayero University Kano, Kano P.M.B. 3011, Kano State, Nigeria. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 17/9/2023; Accepted: 27/2/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001304
Abstract
Cytochrome P450s (Cyp) belong to the superfamily of hemeprotein monooxygenases that metabolize some essential compounds that could support the life of most organisms. Among fungi, Ustilago species are of significant economic importance, evidently because they are known to cause substantial agricultural losses globally. The study was conducted to establish the profile, diversity, evolutionary relationship, and family and clan classification of Cyp genes of four Ustilago species (U. bullata, U. maydis, U. hordei and U. virens). A total of 77 Cyp protein genes from the mentioned Ustilago species were used in this study. The Cyp genes were clustered into five monophyletic clades. A total of 26 Cyp clans and 35 Cyp families were observed. The distribution of families across Ustilago species were: U. virens (20) Cyp families, U. maydis 521 v2.0 (13) Cyp families, U. hordei Uh4857_4 (10) CYP families and U. bullata UB2112 (12) Cyp families. The Cyp families across Ustilago species were predicted to be associated with primary, secondary and xenobiotic metabolism. Analysis of the subcellular localisations of the cytochrome P450 genes in Ustilago species indicated that 88 % of the proteins were confined within the endoplasmic reticulum. The study showed that only 49 Cyp 450 genes from Ustilago species are connected with five secondary metabolism-related gene clusters (DMAT, NRPS, NRPS-like, PKS, and PKS-Like), which could valuably be harnessed for the downstream applications and management of these important pathogens. This study could provide relevant background knowledge required in the characterization and the description of the organism’s physiology, as well as provide an in-depth insight into the functions of CYPs and diversity research of Ustilago species, which could valuably be harnessed for the downstream applications and management of these important pathogens.
Keywords: CYP450, diversity, phylogenetic relatedness, protein genes, Ustilago
Nematicidial Activity of Five Cruciferous Seed Extracts in Controlling the Root-Knot Nematode Infecting Cucumber Plants
S.M. Saadoon1*, S.B. Gad2, M.A. Osman3 and M.I. Sergany4
(1) Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Qadisiyah University, Iraq; (2) Nematology Research Unit, Agriculture Zoology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; (3) Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, 31441 Saudi Arabia; (4) Pesticides Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Egypt. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 30/4/2023; Accepted: 16/4/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001317
Abstract
A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of five plant aqueous extracts of watercress, radish, turnip, cauliflower, and cabbage, either as seed extract or geminated seed extract, compared with oxamyl nematicide to protect cucumber plants from infection with the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. In general, all the tested aqueous plant extracts and the chemical nematicide led to a significant decrease in the number of nematode root galls, egg masses, and eggs per gram of root as well as the number of larvae per 250 g of soil compared to the untreated inoculated control. The aqueous extracts of the germinated cauliflower seed and watercress seed had the highest nematicidal effect against root gall formation, egg-masses, and the number of eggs per gram of root. The cauliflower seed extract had the maximum nematicidal effect against nematode juveniles in soil, whereas the radish seed extract has turned the least effective. The tested aqueous plant extracts significantly increased the shoot’s fresh weight compared to the untreated inoculated control. Soil drenching with the germinated cruciferous seed extracts exhibited similar activity against M. incognita in terms of a significant increase in ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, and phenol content.
Keywords: Plant extracts, nematicidal activity, Meloidogyne incognita, cucumber.
Efficiency of Compost Supplemented with Beneficial Microorganisms in the Biological Control of Tomato Crown and Root Rot in Protected Agriculture
M. Abou Shaar1*, Q. El-Rhaya2 and N. Mahmoud1
(1) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria; (2) General Authority of Scientific Agricultural Research, Latakia, Syria. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 6/11/2023; Accepted: 21/4/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001318
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the role of compost supplemented with beneficial microorganisms and biological agents to reduce infection with the pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis–lycopersici (FORL), which causes Fusarium crown and root rot disease of tomatoes. Antibiotic agents were added individually and in combination to compost treatments. The results obtained showed that adding to the olive compost the isolate T-zh-9 of Trichoderma viride alone led to significant disease control compared to other treatments. The fresh shoot weight reached 33.2 g/plant and the plant height 75.8 cm, in addition to high level of peroxidase enzyme activity of 1.57 and 1.04 μmol/mg, 15 and 30 days after infection with the pathogenic fungus, respectively. Adding the isolate FZB27 of Bacillus subtilis alone to the compost led to a reduction in the severity of infection with the pathogenic fungus FORL in plants treated with olive compost, reaching 13.9% compared to the control treatment (soil contaminated with pathogenic fungi (58.3%). Adding the two antibiotic isolates together to olive compost achieved the best results in reducing the severity of infection with the pathogenic fungus FORL and increasing the level of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity.
Keywords: compost, tomato crown and root rot disease, biocontrol agents, and defense enzymes.
The Spread of Dead-Arm Disease on Grapevine Caused by Phomopsis viticola in Southern Syria and its Correlation with the Prevailing Climatic Conditions
S. El-Halabi1, W. Naffaa2* and B. Mozhir1
(1) Sweida Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Syria; (2) Second Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University (Swieda Branch) Sweida, Syria. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 17/8/2023; Accepted: 21/4/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001319
Abstract
This study was conducted in the vineyards of southern Syria (Sweida Governorate), with the objective to estimate the spread of the dead-arm disease on the grapevine, its incidence and its relationship to the prevailing climatic conditions. 130 samples were collected during three seasons (2020, 2021 and 2022) from vines that showed visible symptoms of infection, in various grapevine growth stages, to be examined in the laboratory, and to isolate the pathogen. The results obtained showed the presence of the fungus Phomopsis viticola, which causes dead-arm disease on grapevine in 70% of the examined samples. The disease prevalence in the vineyards was in the range of 2 – 30 %, depending on the different sites surveyed, whereas the disease incidence in the studied vineyards ranged between 10 and 70%. Disease severity ranged between 1 and 3 based on a 0-3 scale. There was a positive correlation between the altitude above sea level and rainfall on one hand, and disease incidence and severity on the other hand, especially at the beginning of the spring season during bud-growth and after flowering. A negative correlation was obtained between temperature and disease incidence and severity, as the disease was not observed in areas with an altitude of less than 1200 m. Accordingly, the disease incidence varied among the three seasons, as the highest incidence was recorded during the 2020 season, with an average rainfall exceeding 600 mm during the spring season, and an average temperature of 18.1 °C. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of dead-arm disease on grapevine in Syria.
Keywords: Grapevine, dead-arm, Phomopsis viticola, climatic conditions, first record.
A Study on the Biology of the Globular Mealybug, Pollinia pollini Costa on olive trees, Olea europaea L. and its geographical distribution in the western region of Libya
H. El-Hady Abukraa1*, S. El-Tayeb Sharlala2, A.O. Al-Shammam3, S.K. Al-Saghir2 and M.M. Al-zantouti2.
(1) Plant Protection Department, Libyan Center for Olive Research, Tarhouna, Libya; (2) Plant Protection Unit, Agriculture and Animal Research Center, Tripoli, Libya; (3) Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tripoli, Libya. *Email address the of corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 14/12/2023; Accepted: 25/4/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001320
Abstract
This study was carried out during 2022 in an olive field at the Agricultural Research Center Research Station, Tripoli, Libya, to investigate the biology and ecology of the globular mealybug Pollinia pollini (Costa) (Hemiptera: Asterolecanidae), an economic insect pest of olive trees in Libya. Samples were collected from 20 trees every two weeks. In addition, this study aimed to investigate the geographical distribution of the insect in olive growing areas in the western region of Libya, and monitor the population dynamics of P. pollini nymphs and adults during the year, and the number of generations/year. The study showed that the insect is widespread in the regions of Tripoli, Raqdalin, Zaltan, Zuwara, Sorman, Al-Zawiya, Al-Qarbouli, Souq, Al-Ahad, Tarhuna, Masalata, Al-Khoms, Gharyan and Al-Asabaa, while it was not recorded in the regions of Al-Qalaa, Dhaher Al-Jabal, Yafran, Al-Rayina, Al-Rojban and Jadu. The highest density of nymphs was recorded in September, with 960 nymphs/20 samples, whereas the lowest density was recorded in January, with 186 nymphs/20 samples. The highest density of the adult insect was recorded in February with 933 insects/20 samples, whereas the lowest density was in May with 164 adults/20 samples. The study showed that the insect has two generations during 2022, and it was most active in the spring and summer. The results obtained showed that temperature and relative humidity had an effect on insect activity, and the correlation was positive for nymphs and negative for adults, reaching values of 0.544 and -0.762, respectively.
Keywords: Libya, globular mealybug, Pollinia pollini, olive, generations.
The Role of Calcium in Enhancing of Bread Wheat, Triticum aestivum L. Tolerance to Salinity Stress and its Effect on Improving Growth Indicators and Seedling Growth
W.M. Shakir1, N.S. Ibrahim1* and A.A. Ghlaim2
(1) Biology Department, College of Education for Pure Science, University of Diyala, Iraq; (2) Second Rasafa Education Directorate, Baghdad, Iraq. *Email of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 22/1/2024; Accepted: 25/4/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001321
Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the role of calcium in increasing wheat tolerance to salt stress. Wheat seeds were soaked in calcium chloride solution at concentrations of 0, 50 and 100 mg/L. Following this treatment, seeds were exposed to sodium chloride solution at concentrations of 0, 50 and 100 mg/L. The study examined several growth parameters, including seedling vigor, seed vigor, plumule length, radicle length, and the fresh and dry weight of plumules and radicles. Results obtained indicated a decline in seedling vigor, seed vigor, plumule length, radicle length, and the fresh and dry weights of plumule and radicle when wheat seeds were treated with sodium chloride at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/L. Conversely, treating wheat seeds with calcium at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/L led to a significant increase in plumule and radicle length. However, calcium treatment at these concentrations resulted in a significant decrease in seedling vigor index, as well as the fresh and dry weights of the radicle. Furthermore, the study showed variation in all studied characteristics except for the germination rate, primarily due to the interaction between sodium and calcium at the specified concentrations.
Keywords: Salinity stress, calcium, plumule, radical, germination, wheat, physiological diseases.
Efficiency of Cold Plasma and Microwave Power on Different Stages of Callosobruchus maculatus
R.A. Zinhoum* and M.E.H. Nasr
Stored Grain Pests Department, Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Agricultural Research Centre, Doki, Giza, Egypt. *Email of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 4/3/2024; Accepted: 28/4/2024
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2025
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001322
Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of cold plasma (CP) technology and microwave (MW) treatments on various stages of Callosobruchus maculatus. Beetle stages were exposed to three voltage levels of CP (150, 200 and 250V) for seven different exposure periods (1-20 minutes) and MW at two power levels (100 and 180W) for seven exposure periods (0.5-10 minutes). The results obtained showed that the effects of CP and MW on the beetle stages were independent of voltage, power level, and exposure time. For CP, mortality rates of C. maculatus stages were 51.2, 55.0, 56.9 and 50.5% after 5 minutes of exposure at 150V for adults, eggs, larvae, and pupae, respectively. Complete kill of all stages was achieved after 5 minutes of exposure at 250V. For MW, at 100W power level and 1 minute of exposure, mortality rates were 71.0, 67.7, 75.5 and 56.7% for the above-mentioned stages, respectively. Complete kill of all stages was achieved after 6 minutes of exposure at 180W. The larval stage was the most sensitive to both CP and MW, while the pupal stage was the most tolerant. Additionally, exposure to CP voltages enhanced cowpea seed germination, whereas microwave treatment decreased germination by 24%. CP voltages also reduced the cooking time of cowpea seeds.
Keywords: Cold plasma, microwave, Callosobruchus maculatus, germination.