Tishreen University Journal -Biological Sciences Series

Study of Type VIII collagen in two species of marine sponges from Latakia coast

2024-07-09T05:45:20+00:00

Collagen Type VIII was analyzed in two species of Demosponges: Spongia officinalis and Hippospongia communis. Sponge samples were collected by free diving from depths of 5-10 metres, from the site of the Fanar Ibn Hani Marine protect area, next to the Higher Institute for Marine Research, during the years 2020 and 2021.

Noticeable concentrations of this collagen were observed in marine sponges, where the average concentration is 10.625 mg/g in Spongia officinalis and 7.902 mg/g in Hippospongia communis, and the concentrations seemed close to each other. The technology of visible light spectroscopy was used in the analysis, which showed an easy and good way to study collagen in marine life.

Study the distribution and importance of Edible wild plants used in rural life In AL-Qardaha area - Latakia.

2024-06-10T04:14:01+00:00

The study was conducted in AL-Qardaha region on the Syrian coast, in the year 2022-2023, and it included 12 villages, belonged to 4 districts. The study aimed to inventory and document the wild edible plants in AL-Qardaha region, and to estimate the cultural importance of each plant (the importance of the role that the plant plays within a particular culture) using the Cultural Significance Index (CFSI). Data on plants were collected by conducting a questionnaire with 100 local residents.

The number of wild edible species in the study area reached 80 plant species, belonged to 41 plant families. The Asteraceae family was the most abundant, represented by 8 species, followed by the Rosaceae family, represented by 7 species, then the Lamiaceae family, represented by 6 species, then both the Fabaceae family and the Apiaceae family, represented by 5 species for each family.

The values of the Cultural Importance Index (CFSI) ranged between (1.08- 1382.4). Cichorium intybus, and Eryngium creticum, were species of very high cultural importance, they are vegetables that are eaten raw and cooked, such as Malva silvistris, and hyssop like Micromeria myrtifolia, and beverage like (Syriacus Thymus) as a flavouring, and the species of high cultural importance like Portuloca oleracea, Eruca sativa, which is a vegetable that is eaten raw and used with salads, and Urtica dioica and Inula viscosa among the plants that have medicinal benefits, and drinks like Matricaria chamomilla, and among the species that are eaten Crataegus azarolus.

The highest percentage of known species for age groups was among individuals between 17-40 years of age, reached 85%, and the lowest percentage was among individuals between 6-16 years of age, and it did not exceed 19%, while the largest number for the presence of species, according to the opinions of the respondents, was in the village of Qalaat al-Mahalaba in the district of Joubat Burghal species reached 39 species, representing almost half of the known species, at a rate of 48.75%.

Determination of gonad maturation stages morphologically and the reproduction period in Sillago suezensis (Forsskal, 1775) (Sillaginidae) migratory from the Red Sea in the marine waters of Latakia Governorate

2024-06-23T02:23:09+00:00

This research was carried out on /338/ individuals of fish Sillago suezensis from the migratory in Syrian coast, during the period between 23/6/2022 and 23/6/2023, different means used locally private fishing nets, especially the gill nets, at depths ranging from
3 m to 50 m.

The TL (total length) of the samples varies between (10 -20.6) cm with an average TL is (15.01± 2.1) cm for females and (8-20.3) cm with an average TL is (15.07± 1.97) for males. The TW (total weight) of the specimens ranges between (5.84-69.98) g with an average value of (27.77 ±11.55) g for females and (2.84 ±67.71) g with an average value of (27.15 ±10.55) g for males.

The duration of reproduction was determined by studying the GSI%. The GSI% was highest in June (4.58 ± 2) for males and in September (6.22 ± 2.77) for females. The breeding season for this species extends from May to November.

The stages of development of gonad maturity conformed morphologically corresponded to the six-sided scale of gonad maturity.

Characterizing some soil profiles and studying their characteristics and degree of development in the qarandah area – Latakia Governorate

2024-07-15T03:22:42+00:00

This research, which was conducted in the year 2023, aims to determine some characteristics of the soil formed on limestone rocks spread in the Latakia region as part of a comprehensive study that includes some diagnostic properties of the pedological cover in the southeastern region of the Latakia region and to contribute to its classification. To achieve the objectives of this research, 6 were selected. Soil profiles representative of the studied area were prepared, morphologically described, and the type of vegetation cover and GPS location data were determined for each profile.

Samples were taken from the horizons of each profile, and some physical and chemical analyzes were conducted on them (texture, apparent and true density, total calcium carbonate, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable calcium and magnesium, pH) and general chemical analysis of the soil and parent materials.

The results of the study of morphological characteristics showed that the profiles are poorly developed and in the early stages of soil formation. The general chemical analysis also showed that the soil is still affected by the composition of the parent rock.

The depth of the soil ranged between (95 – 100) cm, and the degree of pH ranged from neutral to basic (7.1, 8.2). The percentage of calcium carbonate increased in the horizons of the profiles, with partial leaching occurring in most of the profiles, especially in the horizons of the P3 profile in which leaching occurred. Almost complete carbonate content, the percentage of organic matter in the surface horizons ranged between (0.682 – 9)%, depending on the availability of suitable conditions for the accumulation of organic matter. As for the cation exchange capacity, it was high (17.82 – 87 mm/100 g) as a result of the high content of organic matter and clay. (14.54, 76.67)%, and It was noted that calcium predominated on the adsorption surface (2.4 - 67.4 mM/100 g), followed by magnesium (1.6 – 16.6 mM/100 g)..

From a classification point, the soils were classified under the following orders: Entisols, Mollisols, Xerolls.

Study of the Biology of Growth and Reproduction of Sphyraena sphyraena in the Syrian Marine Waters(Tartu’s)

2024-07-18T05:35:08+00:00

The growth and reproduction of Sphyraena sphyraena were studied in the Syrian Marine Waters (Tartu’s)during the period from August 2012 to May 2014. Bimonthly samples were collected, a total of 329 fish using of gill nets and longlines were taken for study. Sex ratio (males: females) was (0.83: 1.00). Size at first sexual maturity for males and females was 26.7-27.6 cm. TL 66.8 and SL 58.2. The maximum age 14 year. Spawning season extended from April to Joly. The average fecundity estimates range from (46552- 104216) eggs. The minimum size of ripe ova was 0.97mm.

Detection of contamination with parasitic helminthes eggs on vegetables grown on selected pieces of lands in Lattakia governorate

2024-07-18T05:43:38+00:00

This study was conducted on vegetables produced on agricultural lands in Lattakia governorate, which were irrigated from two water sources; Lands in Al-Amruniyah village/Al-Bahlauliyah area/, irrigated from waters of AL- Kabeer AL-Shamali River. The second lands were located in north of Lattakia, at Al-Qanjarah village, irrigated from Al-Qanjarah dam. This study aimed to confirm whether a contamination on vegetables by parasitic helminthes eggs was existed or not. This is considered as an important bio-indicator for the quality of water used for irrigation.

Eight different species of vegetables (Cucumic Sativus, Beta Vulgaris, Petroselinum crispum, Capsicum, Raphanus sativus, Vicia faba, Mentha piperita, Vitis vinifera) were collected during winter and spring seasons 2023-2024 via two visits. Some of which are eaten fresh, while others are cooked. Vegetables were examined in vitro using globally approved laboratory methods to investigate parasitic eggs on vegetables.

The results of the microscopic examination showed the presence of parasitic helminthes eggs on the collected samples. These were Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis diminuta, Enterobius vermicuaris, Fasciola hepatica, Diphyllobothrium latum, and Ancylostoma duodenale.

The total count of eggs isolated from the collected samples during the spring and winter seasons reached 40 eggs. The largest contamination of eggs was 25/40 eggs on vegetables collected from agricultural land in AL- Amruniya village, which was irrigated from the waters of the AL- kabeer AL-shamali River, compared to 15/40 eggs isolated from vegetables collected from Al-Qanjarah village , which was irrigated from the waters of Al-Qanjarah dam. The results also showed that Fasciola hepatica eggs were more predominant on studied vegetables collected from two areas, with general total count of 16 eggs (40%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 8 eggs (20%), and Hymenolepis diminuta 6 eggs (15%). It was also found that eggs were more prevalent on vegetables collected in spring compared to winter. It was also found that pepper and grape leaves were mainly contaminated with eggs, followed by beans and radishes, then chard, mint and cucumber, respectively, whilst no eggs were recorded on parsley during the same study period.

The role of some aquatic plants present on the banks of Al-Kabeer Al-Shamali River in lattakia governorate in transmission by parasitic helminths of man

2024-07-18T05:41:47+00:00

This study was conducted on some aquatic plants distributed on the banks of Al-Kabeer Al-Shamali River in lattakia governorate in two regions (Amrouniyah and Al-Sinaa) with the aim of confirming whether a contamination with parasitic worm eggs in Al-Kabeer Al-Shamali River was present. Plant samples were collected twice during winter and spring seasons of 2023-2024. The samples were then examined in the lab using internationally approved laboratory methods to detect the presence of parasitic worm eggs.Five aquatic plant species were collected. Three species belonged to the Asteraceae family: wild dandelion (Cichorium intybus), saw lettuce (Lactuca serriola), and mistletoe (Inula viscosa), and one plant species was from the Polygonaceae family. It is the sorrel (Rumex crispus), and the fifth plant species (phragmites Sp) belonged to the Poaceae family.The results of the microscopic examination of the collected plants showed the presence of parasitic worm eggs: Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia Sp., Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta, and Enterobius vermicularis.The results of the study showed that the eggs of the) Hymenolepis nana Hymenolepis diminuta) were the most predominant eggs of the baby worms. they were recorded on the common reed plant in both sites, and their overall number reached 102 eggs, followed by the eggs of Ascaris, with a total count of 15 eggs, the eggs of the, Taneia Sp 14 eggs, the Enterobius vermicularis, 11 eggs, respectively. The eggs were mostly predominant in spring compared to winter seasons.This is the first study in Syria to investigate the eggs of parasitic worms transmitted by aquatic plants, distributed on the banks of Al-Kabeer Al-Shamali River in lattakia governorate.

Study of productivity and composition of four Syrian wild strains of oyster mushrooms on wheat straw and the effect of its growth in the substrate

2024-06-30T04:01:27+00:00

The research was carried out in 2021-2022 with the aim of studying the productivity and chemical composition of four wild strains of oyster mushroom P. ostreatus, and comparing them with a foreign cultivated strain (P.O) M453 as a control, and the effect of its growth on the chemical composition of the growing medium, in a randomized design the complete one. The studied strains (S19, S27, S38, and S41) were collected from different regions of the country, isolated and purified on PDA nutrient growth medium, then growing on wheat straw. After harvesting, productivity indicators were studied in terms of fruit body weight, number and weight of fruit clusters, productivity and biological efficiency. The chemical content of the fruit bodies was studied. The substrate was analyzed before and after cultivation. The results indicated clear differences between the strains in indicators of fruiting bodies growth and productivity, as the average number of fruiting bodies per cluster ranged between 10.75 and 21.25 fruiting bodies, the average number of clusters ranged between 3.75 and 4 clusters, and the average weight of the fruiting cluster ranged between 343. 38 and 495.75g, and the average productivity ranged between 239.94-324.63 g/kg, and the biological efficiency varied between 84 and 109.96%. The study of the chemical content of the studied strains showed that there were large significant differences in the strains’ content of nutritional elements. The protein content of all strains (19.29-29.77%) was good. The result showed that all strains are good in terms of the most important production and quality traits and can be adopted and used in the commercial production of oyster mushrooms. The results also showed a decrease in the C/N ratio in the substrate after cultivation of oyster mushroom strains, a decrease in the substrate’s content of dry matter and fiber, and an increase in its content of ash, total carbohydrates, and protein.

Effect of humic acid, organic fertilization and culture date on corms production of Gladiolus x hybrida, cv. White prosperity

2024-06-23T03:12:49+00:00

This research aimed to study the possibility of exploiting small cormels in the organic production of corms of the gladiolus plant in the conditions of the Syrian coast. The research was carried out in the nursery and laboratories of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering at Tishreen University during the period (from 2021 to 2023). Humic acid at a concentration of 3 g/m² and organic fertilizer (1 kg/m2) were used individually or jointly and on two agricultural dates: early September and mid-March.

The results showed the positive effect of organic treatments on germination and vegetative indicators and quality of the resulting corms, especially the T4 treatment (humic acid and organic fertilization), which gave the best corm diameter (3.01 – 3.45 cm) and the highest corm weight (9.85-10.17 g) for the autumn and spring dates respectively.

The previous treatment (T4) achieved the highest percentage of corms with a diameter greater than 2 cm resulting from planting 1 m² (64.5, 75.9 corms/m²), The reduction percentage of the price of the corm compared to the local market prices reached 85.22 – 87.04% for the autumn and spring dates.

Survey of Sandy Beaches on the Syrian Coast: Extension, Coloration, Mineral Composition, and Granular Structure

2024-07-14T03:39:26+00:00

Sandy beaches were surveyed along the Syrian coast, and their locations, extensions, colors, mineral composition, and granular structure were determined.

It was found that ~90.93km of sandy beaches exists along the Syrian coast: including ~74.47km of large stretches (>5km), distributed between Al Badrusiyah-Al Basit (5.5km), Al Shaqifat (12.6km), Baniyas-Tartus (22km), and South of Tartous (34.37km). In addition, there are 13.2km of medium extensions (1-5 km), distributed between Umm Al Tuyur (2.5km), Wadi Qandil (1.8km), Blue Beach (1.25km), Marsa Al Khoder (4.15km), Al Khrab Town (1km), and North of Baniyas (2.5km). Above that, there are 3.26km of short extensions (<1km) in 16 locations distributed between the Al Samra and Ibn Hani regions. Sand dunes were recorded in Al-Shaqifat and Al-Hamidiyeh beaches.

Black sand of volcanic origin dominates Al Badrosiyah, Ras Al Basit, Thermal Station, Burj Al Sabi, and Al Kharab. This black sand mixes with the golden sand in Umm Al Tuyour, Wadi Qandil, and Al Kharaba. Golden sand reappears in the Golden Sand Resort, Al Ahlam Beach, Al Mantar, and Al Hamidiya.

Calcite mineral formed large percentages of the samples from 8 locations, followed by Quartz in 6 locations, then by Augite in 4 locations and Dolomite in only 2 locations. Other minerals (Argonite, Feldspar, Serpentine and Amphibole) constituted small variable percentages.

In most of the studied areas, the granular structure of sand samples is characterized by a scarcity of medium-sized and coarse sands, compared to a variable and clear dominance of fine and very fine sands and silt of various sizes.

Determination the fossils content and some physical and chemical characteristics of Bab – Janah clay formation North west Syria

2024-10-24T09:55:17+00:00

This study led to determine the source rocks characteristics of Bab Jana Formation
North – West Syria. This study showed that the relationship between soil characteristics and source rocks have a vast impact on source rocks characteristics.

Three locations have been chosen (Depth 0 – 30 cm); Khrbet – Alsindian, Al-Qadmous, And Wadi - Alion. Sedimentological and paleontological studies were done at the laboratories of geology department, Faculty of Sciences – Tishreen University. Some physical and chemical analyzes were also conducted on these samples , the most important of which are: (pH, EC, Total organic matter, Total CaCO₃, and soil mechanical composition) in the Department of Soil and Water Sciences – Faculty of Agricultural Engineering – Tishreen University.

The source rocks of these soil are composed of olive green fine – grain clay and marble, which are rich of products of the corruption of the basalt castings that lie above them, rich in residues of microorganisms, mainly foraminifera.

Physical and chemical analysis showed that these soils were formed from calcite rocks heavy in texture) clay (, with a high pH level.

Intelligent modeling of tomato production cost functions in Syria using a multi-layer neural network (MLP)

2024-08-15T05:49:39+00:00

The research aimed to develop a mathematical model for the costs of producing tomato crops, and to determine the optimal size of production to achieve economic efficiency through standard analysis of the cost functions of producing one kilogram of tomato fruits.

To achieve the research objectives, a feed-forward multi-layer neural network (Multi-layer Perceptron) was used to model the time series of the research variables during the period (1993-2021), where 23 years of data were used in the training phase, and 6 years in the testing phase.

The neural network used consisted of three layers (input, processing, and output). The input layer consisted of 6 neurons, the processing layer included 2 neurons, and the output layer included one cell. The hyperbolic tangent activation function was used in the processing layer, and the Identity function was used. ) In the output layer, the sum of squared error in the training phase was 0.07, decreasing to 0.01 in the testing phase, indicating the quality of the model.

The research results showed that the costs of production inputs constitute the greatest relative importance in the function of the total costs per hectare of tomato crop according to the proposed neural network model, followed by the costs of agricultural operations, then the interest on capital.

The results of the analysis of the total cost function for the tomato crop showed that increasing the costs of production inputs by one unit leads to an increase in total costs by 16.97 units. Likewise, increasing the costs of agricultural operations by one unit leads to an increase in total costs by 1.36 units, and that increasing the interest on capital by one unit leads to a decrease in total costs. By 8.52 units.

The results also showed that the actual production volume is far from the production volume that achieves economic efficiency, as the production volume that achieves the lowest cost is 38,732.05 kg/ha compared to the actual production volume in 2021, which amounts to 98,914 kg/ha.

Factors Affecting the Adoption of Modern Agricultural Techniques on Wheat Cropping in Hama Province /Syria

2024-06-10T04:23:12+00:00

This research has been conducted on Hama province, depending on elementary data of wheat farmers’ sample, sized to 150 farmers, which were collected randomly during the wheat growing season at 2022-2023, in purpose to define the main factors that determine using of modern technologies in wheat production in Syria.

The results have shown high dominance of surface irrigation on wheat cropping compared to (27.5 %) only for spray method. the tow variables of soil fertility and the availability of groundwater wells, have formed key factors influencing the adoption of this technique, means providing fertile soil will raise the probability of adopting it by 12.6% increasing compared with moderate fertility land and (25.3%) compared with poor one .The availability of groundwater wells will increase this adoption by (19.3 % ) compared with the case of non - availability of irrigation wells.

Significantly, the adoption of organic fertilizers technique was affected by the degree of soil fertility, which are more likely to be adopted by an increasing estimated to (23%) when moving from medium- fertility land to the poor, or from fertile land to moderate fertility.

The results have also shown low of most farmers on each of crop rotation and recommended seed rate by the local research institutions, where about (77.4 %) of the sample farmers have sowed greater amounts of wheat seeds by (30%). For other important technique “the wheat cultivars” it has been found that they mostly based on modern cultivars with cropping ratio (97.8%).

Puccinia coronata Cda. Var. Recording and Hyperparasite Fungus Darluca filum (Biv.)Cast. on the Species Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. In Coastal Region of Syrian

2024-07-03T04:04:14+00:00

Tow subspecies of Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. were collected. They were: (A. myosuroides subsp. tonsus. and A. myosuroides subsp. myosuroides) during March and April in (2023-2024), from Al- Shalfatiya area in Lattakia.

The results of this study showed that both of them were infected by rust fungi Puccinia coronata Cda. Var. In addition of the presence of parasitoid fungus Darluca filum (Biv.) Cast. on P. coronata. The infection rate of D.filum on P.coronata which infected the two subspecies A. myosuroides subsp. tonsus., and A. myosuroides subsp. myosuroides was 35% and 30% respectively, while the severity of D.filum on the previous subspecies was counted 50 Pycnidia/cm² and 42 Pycnidia/cm² respectively. This is the first record of the fungus D.filum in Syria on Alopecurus myosuroides.

The effect of the pheromones of male Awassi sheep and Shami goats on the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and the growth of ovarian follicles in Awassi ewes during the reproductive season.

2024-05-20T06:47:27+00:00

The research aims to determine the effect of the pheromones of male Awassi sheep and Shami goats on the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and the growth of ovarian follicles in Awassi sheep ewes during the reproductive season. The study was conducted on three groups of equal number n = 17 (during the reproductive season): The first group (Awassi ram wool extract), 15 ml of ram wool extract was placed on a piece of gauze and placed inside a mask specially designed for the experiment to be placed and fixed directly on the nose. The second group (Shami goat hair extract), 15 ml of goat hair extract was placed on a piece of gauze and placed inside a mask specially designed for the experiment to be placed and attached directly to the nose, and the third group (Awass rams). Calibration of LH was performed immediately before starting the treatment and 1, 10, and 20 hours after the treatment was applied. The ovaries of five ewes, randomly selected from each group, were examined from 0-24-48 hours after the end of treatment using an ultrasound device. The follicles were divided according to their diameter into small follicles with diameters less than 3 mm, medium follicles whose diameters ranged from 3 to 6 mm, and large follicles with diameters greater than 6 mm. The results showed a direct and clear increase in LH concentrations after the start of the experiment in females in the study groups. The results also showed that follicle growth and maturation began immediately after applying the treatment in the experimental groups. It is concluded from this study that the pheromones extracted from the wool of rams and the goats of Shami goats had a better effect in stimulating the response of female Awassi sheep, which paves the way for their use as a substance in reproductive management in Awassi females.

Using smart phones in electronic agricultural extension directed to farmers

2024-06-23T03:14:07+00:00

This research aims to study the personal and social characteristics of farmers who use smart phones in the study area and to study the possibility of using them in agricultural extension by farmers through applications designed for that. A questionnaire was used and distributed to the respondents. The sample included 100 farmers in the four regions of Latakia Governorate, namely Latakia Center, Jableh, Al-Haffa, and Qardaha. The descriptive approach was used to analyze data such as frequencies, percentages, arithmetic averages, five-point Likert scale, and others among the sample members. The results showed that all members of the sample own mobile phones, 79% of them are modern devices, and 83% have Internet service, and they have the ability to use them to a moderate degree. Smartphones were an important source of information for farmers to a moderate degree, and therefore there is a noticeable interest from farmers in obtaining On modern agricultural information via smart phones and the Internet, farmers positively accept the use of smart phones in agricultural extension, which confirms that there is a possibility of developing electronic extension applications on smart phones due to the availability of appropriate conditions, as it will be popular and accepted by farmers. The research concluded with a set of recommendations, the first of which was the provision of electronic extension applications, the necessity of disseminating and promoting the culture of their use and motivating farmers to adopt them, in addition to conducting training courses in the field of information and communications technology in extension units in order to move towards electronic agricultural extension.

Land use analysis in Tartous Governorate

2024-06-10T04:12:15+00:00

The research aimed to study the general trend in the development of land uses of all types (arable land, non-arable land, meadows and pastures, forests and forests) in Tartous Governorate during the period (2001-2022).

To achieve the research objectives, the descriptive analytical approach was used to describe the studied time series data using tables, index numbers, and percentages. The standard quantitative approach was also used to estimate the general time trend equations for land use variables during the studied period.

The results of the research showed the instability of the arable area in the governorate, as it was found that there is a general increasing trend that is not statistically significant at a relatively small annual rate of 0.07%, which is still within the low level that does not meet the population’s growing food needs.

On the other hand, the results showed a general, statistically significant decreasing trend in the non-arable area during the studied period at an annual rate of 0.17%. This reflects the demand for land reclamation in the governorate and its entry into agricultural investment, but it is also a low percentage that is not commensurate with the needs of local development.

The research results also showed a general, statistically significant decreasing trend in the area of meadows and pastures during the studied period at an annual rate of 3.77%, and a general, statistically significant increasing trend in the area of forests and forests in the governorate during the studied period at an annual rate of 0.23%.

In general, the results of the analysis of land use in Tartous Governorate showed that it is characterized by randomness and its dependence on unstable natural and climatic conditions as a result of its lack of a comprehensive and integrated planning system that meets the needs of local development

Melanin synthesis using some bacteria isolated from marine sediments

2024-06-10T04:21:17+00:00

Melanin is one of the important biological dyes produced by organisms, especially bacteria, as it plays an important role in the ecosystem and the life of organisms, and has an important role in various fields (food, pharmaceutical, industrial and others). In this study, the melanin-producing bacteria strain MKa1 was isolated and purified from the marine sediment of the estuary of Alkaber Alshemali River in Latakia on the medium of Agar-Tyrosine. This bacterial strain showed a clean zone around its colony and this means that it is melanin-positive. Next, melanin was produced using MKa1 bacteria in broth-tyrosine medium and incubated at 37°C for 30 days, then the production medium was centrifuged, and the concentration of melanin produced in the medium was determined using a specterophytometer at 400 nm. The functional groups of the produced melanin were identified using the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the FTIR spectrum of the melanin molecule produced using MKa1 bacteria matched the FTIR spectrum of the standard melanin molecule, which confirms the importance of this research in the production of bioactive melanin using the bacterial strain MKa1 isolated from marine sediments.

Life table parameters of Toxoptera aurantii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Citrus sinensis

2024-06-09T16:44:29+00:00

Life table parameters of the black citrus aphid Toxoptera aurantii (Boyer de Fonscolomb, 1841) were studied in the laboratory, where they were reared at a temperature 25±1°C, relative humidity 65±5%, and photoperiod (8:16) [D:L], in the Economic Insects Laboratory at the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria, in the Season 2021-2022, and the parameters were calculated using the TWOSEX-MSChart program. The results showed Value the following parameters: Intrinsic rate of increase (r) 0.21±0.0076 Female/female/day, Finite rate of increase (λ) 1.24±0.0094 day, net reproductive rate (R₀) 22.37±1.9433 Female/female/generation, gross reproductive rate (GRR) 42.44±1.479 individuals/offspring, Generation time (T) 14.632±0.281 day, The doubling time (DT) 3.26 day, Fecundity (F) 30.23±1.925 nymph/female, Survival rate (lx) = 0.97, Total developmental times of immature (nymph) mean 7.46±0.17, Adult pre-reproduction period of female adult (APRP) 0.46±0.08, Total pre-reproduction period of female counted from birth (TPRP) 7.96±0.19, The Mean age of the adult female 27.28±1.11 day, Results of this study are useful to understand the Dynamic numbers of the black citrus aphid.

Mobility of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Soil under Greenhouse System

2024-06-10T04:36:25+00:00

A greenhouse experiment was conducted on Tishreen University campus in 2021 growing tomato plants to investigate nutrients mobility through soil profiles and measuring quantities of nutrients in the leachate. Plants were grown in columns (diameter 30 cm), filled with either soil or Hetra as soil substitute, and for a depth of 40 cm. Two levels of organic manure (cow manure) were added at 4 and 8% to both systems. Plants were fertilized according to Debanah Co. fertilizer program with drip irrigation. Concentrations of nutrients (NO₃, NH₄, P, K, and organic C) were measured in leachate weekly and for 70 days, in addition to measuring electrical conductivity (EC).

Nitrate leaching starts at high rates up to day 21, and then rates decline as plant size increased and fruiting starts. Cumulative nitrate leached was greater in the control treatments of soil and Hetra control treatments (2320 and 2965 mg NO₃-N/plant), respectively. Addition of 4% OM decreased NO₃ leached in both soil and Hetra (2201 and 2579 mg NO₃-N/plant, respectively). The decrease was even greater with OM2 (8%) reaching (1863 and 1069 mg NO₃-N/plant) after 70 days of growth. The leaching of NH₄ was not only in smaller quantities, but also quite the opposite of NO₃. NH₄ leached increased with increasing OM addition in both soil and Hetra systems. NH₄ leached in soil system were 9, 245, and 626 mg NH₄-N/plant in treatments: soil, soil+OM₁, and soil+OM₂, respectively. In Hetra system MH₄ leached were 6.3, 11.7, and 66.8 mg, for the same order of treatments.

The addition of OM at 4 and 8% lead to increased cumulative quantity of total dis

solved phosphorus (TP) in leachate, in both soil and Hetra systems, after 70 days of growth. Values for TP were 25 mg/plant in the control soil and reached 62 and 96 mg TP with adding OM₁ and OM2, respectively. In the Hetra system, TP leached in the control treatment was 43 mg and reached 78 and 75 mg/plant in OM₁ and OM₂ treatments, respectively. Molybdate reactive P (MRP) constitutes less than 50% of the TP, and consequently, dissolved organic P (org. P) constitutes up to 66 % of TP. The amounts of organic P correlate nicely with organic carbon, which indicates that organic P is easily leached as organic phosphate compounds.

Analysis and evaluation of the performance efficiency of micro-agricultural projects (vegetable status) in Lattakia

2024-07-30T21:23:52+00:00

The research aimed to evaluate the performance efficiency of micro-agricultural projects specialized in vegetable production in Latakia Governorate, in terms of the following dimensions (economic, environmental, social, internal operations, learning and growth) and to identify the most prominent difficulties facing project owners. To achieve the research objectives, a questionnaire form was designed, It was distributed to a random sample of 136 farmers in the areas of Latakia Governorate (Jableh, Al-Haffa, Qardaha, Latakia). Performance efficiency was evaluated using a three-way Likert scale, in addition to applying financial and productivity standards.

The results showed a high economic efficiency for micro-vegetable production projects, reaching 2.51, the productivity of the invested capital 2.51 SP, the profitability factor 151.35%, and the recovery period of the invested capital did not exceed 0.66 years.

The results also indicated that the most prominent difficulties and obstacles faced by the agricultural projects in the studied sample were the high costs of all raw materials and requirements for the production process, the lack of sufficient irrigation water to irrigate the crops, and the lack of electricity and fuel needed to pump water. The results also highlighted the major role played by agricultural projects. Micro-business (vegetable production) increases individuals' incomes and improves their standard of living. The research recommended the need to provide support to farmers by securing sufficient water sources to irrigate crops, considering increasing the electrical supply to water pumping stations, and securing access to agricultural grants provided by international organizations, to push farmers to invest in the field of micro-agricultural projects.

Temporal and Spatial changes of phytoplankton and nutrients in North Coastal water of Lattakia

2024-08-04T21:05:41+00:00

This research was carried out on the coastal water of (AL kornish al janobi)( Southern Corniche) a complement to the previous studies along the Syrian coast. three stations were subject to the effect of sewage. cruises were carried out during the study period, which lasted from June 2022 until February 2021, Water samples were collected for analysis, , in addition to field measurements of some physical and chemical factors (temperature - salinity). Phytoplankton abundance, The concentrations of nutrient (NO₃, PO₄, SIO₄). The highest concentrations of phosphate ions were observed at station St-A (close to the sewage) , while the highest concentrations of nitrate ions were registered in Winter, The results showed high values of concentrations of phosphate In the summer Accompanied by similar temperature and salinity in the two sites. Nutrient concentrations decreased with distance from the downstream point. Values of the total abundance ranged between 2320-9786 cell/L.This study has recorded 82 species of phytoplankton in study sites, distributed as follow: (60) species of Diatoms, (17) species of Dinoflagellates, , and 2 species of Cyanophyta, and (3) species of Chlorophyta