Damascus University Journal of agriculture sciences
A specialized peer-reviewed scientific journal concerned with studies on innovative research and research in various agricultural sciences (in the field of horticulture, field crops, plant protection, biological control, food science, animal production, renewable natural resources, environment, rural engineering, economics and agricultural extension). The Journal of Agricultural Sciences was jot the international number ISSN: 1999-7310,ISSN: 2789-7214 (online)
Metabolic Products and Biological Roles of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Fermented Products of Dairy: A Review
Fermented products of dairy are widely popular worldwide and play various roles, including extending the shelf life of milk and providing health benefits to manufactured products. Fermented products of dairy provide essential nutrients in the human diet, along with compounds typically found in milk or added as precursors, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB), produced, too. Peptides, organic acids, vitamins, and active compounds are among the biologically active compounds that LAB are capable of producing. Due to their metabolic activity, LAB secrete specialized enzymes such as proteases, lipases, and lactases, which break down the main components of milk, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. These enzymes also produce active peptides such as angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides and bacteriocins, along with biologically active external polysaccharides, making them functional foods with health-promoting effects. In recent years, there has been significant progress in understanding how LAB are medically important. The consumption of fermented products of dairy has been associated with several health-promoting effects, such as lowering cholesterol, and hypertension, as well as antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and immune benefits, including protection against cancer, lactose intolerance, milk allergy, and hypoglycemya. The sensory approval of dairy products is also enhanced by the addition of LAB, that increase the acidity of the product and impart a desirable flavor, aroma, and texture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Damascus University Journal of agriculture sciences
Assessing Aquacrop Model for Deficit Irrigation Management on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)
The study was conducted in 2023, during which the sorghum crop (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) was cultivated in the biocontrol garden of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Damascus. The aim was to evaluate the AquaCrop mathematical model for managing deficit irrigation of the sorghum crop. Three irrigation treatments (I1, I2, and I3) were applied, corresponding to 100%, 80%, and 60% of the total net water requirement of the crop, respectively, with each treatment replicated three times. Treatment I1 was used to calibrate the model, and the field evaluation of the model's performance was conducted. The results of the statistical analysis showed that the simulation of crop growth using the AquaCrop model was highly accurate for vegetation cover (CC), biomass (B), and grain yield (Y), despite the crop being subjected to varying levels of water stress. This was supported by high values of the Willmott index (d), which reached 99%, with a variance (D) ranging from -8.46% to 17.39%, and a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) ranging from 15.52% to 19.02% for vegetation cover, and from 4.63% to 20.93% for biomass and grain yield. However, for evapotranspiration (ET), the prediction accuracy decreased as water stress increased. The NRMSE value for treatment I3 rose to 51.3%, and the d value dropped to 0.95.
Phenomenon of fruit cracking, causes, and methods of control
Fruit cracking is one of the most important main reasons that lead to serious economic losses due to damage to the fruits and increased susceptibility to fungal and bacterial infections ، Fruit cracking often results from sudden and rapid growth of the fruit. Phenomenon of fruit cracking is often linked to excessive irrigation of water and thus its rapid absorption by the plant. This phenomenon may occur due to changes in environmental conditions, such as changing from cold weather and high humidity to hot and dry weather. Many factors contribute to avoiding this phenomenon, including regular irrigation and balanced fertilization, especially with calcium, as well as planting crack-resistant varieties and using growth regulators and transpiration inhibitors to reduce this phenomenon.
Identify Types Of Chemical Compounds Of Thickening Materials Extracted From The Malva By FT-IR Technology
This research aimed to study the chemical composition of thickening materials extracted from the Malva plant. The research was conducted in the laboratories of the Faculty of Science, University of Damascus. The thickening materials were extracted using organic solvents (acetone), then dried in a drying oven at 45°C until the weight was constant, and preserved in dry powder form for later use. It was possible to determine The chemical composition of the extracted materials based on the Fourier Infrared Analysis (FT-IR) technique, based on determining the nature of the functional groups present in these materials. The resulting FT-IR spectrum contained many peaks that indicated the presence of functional groups that are involved in the synthesis of mallow thickening materials. Hydroxyl, methyl and carboxyl groups appeared, which are involved in the synthesis of the main components of thickening materials, which are galactose, rhamnose, and galacturonic acid. Some peaks also indicated peptic bonds, which is evidence of the presence of the protein.
Copyright (c) 2024 Damascus University Journal of agriculture sciences
Some factors affecting age at first birth and the interval between two births in AL-Ghab buffalo - Syria
The study was conducted at the buffalo development and breeding station in Shataha, affiliated with the Scientific Agricultural Research Commission in Syria, in 2022, with the aim of studying the effect of environmental factors (birth number - season and year of birth) on the age at first birth and the period between two births in orangutan buffalo, based on records. Station (birth and birth record - vaccination and birth record). The study used a record of (300) buffalo records that serve the research over a period of 22 years from 2000 to 2022, and the data was tabulated in the Excel program and analyzed using the statistical package program Harvey, 1990. The overall average values for the characteristics of age at first birth/month and interval between two births/day were 38.6 ± 7.8 and 419 ± 75, respectively. The results of the analysis of variance showed a significant effect of birth number on age at first birth and non-significant on the period between two births, while the effect of season and year of birth was non-significant on age at first birth and significant on the period between two births.
Copyright (c) 2026 Damascus University Journal of agriculture sciences
First record of the bacterial communication signal 11-methyldodecenoic acid from the DSF family in the angular spot bacteria on the cotton, Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum
Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum (Xcm), which belongs to the genus Xanthomonas, is one of the most dangerous pathogens that effect to the cotton plant, as it infects most of its parts, causing quantitative and qualitative economic losses. The Xanthomonas sp. use bacterial communication system Quorum Sensing (QS), which is mediated by Diffusible Signal Factor (DSF-family), signals to regulate and coordinate the expression of pathogenicity genes in response to their numerical density in the medium. Therefore, the research aimed to detect bacterial signals belonging to the DSF family in Xcm bacteria using the liquid chromatography method associated with a liquid chromatography-mass spectrum (LC-MS). The results of LC-MS analysis revealed a number of DSF family molecules Cis-2-undecenoic acid, 12-methyltetradecenoic acid, and 11-methyldodecanoic acid, with ionic weights 197, 241, 213 z\m, respectively. It should be noted that this research has shown, for the first time, the presence of one of the DSF derivatives, which is 11-methyldodecanoic acid, in one of the species of Xanthomonas.
Modern technologies used in detecting adulteration of meat and its products (review)
At present, the traditional methods used for the detection of livestock and poultry meat mostly include sensory evaluation by experts, chemical indicator detection, and microbial detection. Although these methods have commendable detection accuracy, their application becomes more difficult when applied to large-scale production by companies. Compared to traditional detection methods, modern techniques discovered in recent years can have advantages in high efficiency and accuracy in measurement with short examination time, so they have been of widespread interest to researchers. Accordingly, this article represents an analysis of trends in the development of test systems for meat identification. These test systems are commonly used in food production and research laboratories. The importance of developing methods for identifying types of meat relates not only to the dietary restrictions practiced in some religions related to the consumption of certain types of meat, but also to the hygienic aspects of food production. This article provides a comprehensive overview of modern methods for detecting meat adulteration, which includes either adding a non-food substance to increase the amount of raw food or unintentionally added non-food substances. Food adulteration also includes any toxic or harmful substances that may make food harmful to health. Food adulteration can be either the process of adding or removing valuable food ingredients or replacing these valuable ingredients with relatively less expensive (cheaper) ingredients for unfair economic gain. This act of food adulteration may be an economic gain for the manufacturer who adulterates the food, while it represents a loss for the ultimate consumer of the products. While purchasing and serving adulterated food, consumers are affected in different ways; They may not get the intended nutrients, adulterated food may be unsafe for their health and can also pose an economic loss to consumers. These methods include physical, chemical, biochemical and other techniques. Detecting adulterated food is more difficult when both the adulterated substance and the food itself have approximately the same physicochemical composition. Food fraud interferes with consumers' right to safe, good-quality food. Therefore, all responsible individuals and organizations, including the government, must fulfill their responsibility to protect the act of food fraud and expose the identified acts.
The effect of environmental factors on the productivity of the saffron plant, Crocus sativus. L in Rif Damascus Governorate – Syria.
The research was carried out at the General Authority for Scientific Agricultural Research, Damascus Rural Research Center (Sarghaya and Taybeh Research Stations), Syria, during the 2019 and 2020 agricultural seasons, with the aim of studying the effect of environmental factors of the sites where saffron plants (Crocus sativus. L.) are grown on productivity indicators (seeds and corms). for plants. The results of the experiment showed that the prevailing climatic conditions in the Sarghaya region increased floral growth indicators (average number of flowers and their wet weight, average length of stigmas and their dry weight) and the number of corms of saffron plants grown there compared to their counterparts grown in the conditions of the Taybeh region, with statistical significance. The 2020 season was significantly superior to the 2019 season in terms of the average number of flowers and the average wet weight of the flowers (0.63 flowers, 0.19 g), while the latter was superior to the 2020 season, with statistical significance, in the average length of the flower stigmas and the dry weight of the stigmas (3.592 cm, 0.035 g). Regarding the weight of the corms, there was a significant effect in both sites, and the highest weight was reached in the Al-Tayba site with an average weight of (14.95) grams. The effect was significant on the average yield in both sites, and the highest productivity was reached in the Al-Tayba site with an average corm weight of (0.26) kg/dunum. The same significant effect was also observed. In terms of the average yield produced in the second season (0.28 kg/dunum) than that produced in the first season (0.21 kg/dunum), the Sarghaya site was superior in the average number of corms, reaching (19.20) corms, and the second season outperformed the first season, reaching (23) corms. Compared to the first season (4.6) as a result. As for the content of the stigmas of active substances, no significant differences were observed between the two cultivation sites (Taybeh and Serghaya) in the average content of the stigmas of crocin (158.73, 182.85 (g/gµ)), respectively, or in the average content of the stigmas of safrnal (23.50 and 23.90 (g). /gµ), respectively. As for the average content of stigmas of picrocrocin, the Sarghaya site was 74.80 (g/gµ) superior to the Taiba site, 56.06 (g/gµ), respectively.
Evaluation of the performance of the Aquacrop model to simulate the production of some wheat cultivars grown in Rural Damascus Governorate
This study aims to evaluate the performance of the Aquacrop model to simulate the productivity (grain yield - biomass) of some wheat cultivars grown in the city of Damascus rural - the town of Karhta, (irrigated) Cham9 – Cham7 - Doma1 (durum) and Cham4– Bohoth8– Cham10 (aestivum) with a seeding rate of (200) kg.hectare-1, cultivation was carried out for two growing seasons 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, the data of the 2014-2015 agricultural season was used to calibrate the model, the performance of the model was evaluated using the measures of variation, the results showed good results for both grain yield and biomass, the MBE and MAE achieved values ​​that ranged between (0.05 - 0.31), and the values ​​of the RMSE were good, ranging between (0.06 - 0.32), and the agreement was from good to very good, according to the Wilmott index by (99%), and the NRMSE value ranging between (1- 2%). The data of the 2015-2016 growing season was used to validation the model ability to simulate, the MBE and MAE achieved good values ​​that ranged between (0.02 - 0.04), and the RMSE values ​​were good, ranging between (0.03 - 0.19), and the agreement was from good to good according to the Wilmot index by (99%), and the NRMSE value ​​ (1%), which indicates the accuracy of the Aquacrop model to simulating the growth of wheat varieties grown in the study area, and the possibility of using it in studying the impact of expected climate changes on the productivity of Wheat varieties grown in the region.
Antagonistic effect of rhizobia on chickpea vascular wilt fungus Fusarium oxysporum f sp. ciceris
The research was carried out in the biodiversity laboratory and greenhouse of the national commision for Biotechnology and the laboratory of plant bacterial diseases-Faculty of Agriculture- Damascus University during the years 2022-2023 with the aim of studying the laboratory antagonistic ability of locally isolated rhizobia bacteria against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris fungus that cause of chickpea vascular wilt, which is also isolated locally. 61 bacterial isolates were used, 42 of them were identified as belonging to the rhizobia group (Rhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Ensifer), while two fungal isolates were obtained from Fusarium of chickpea, isolated and identified locally (F51 and F63) in albaath university, plant protection department. The antagonistic ability of the bacterial isolates was tested in the laboratory using the strip method, and 31 isolates showed their ability to inhibit fungal growth for both fusarium isolates, including 13 isolates from the rhizobia group and 18 isolates of unidentified rhizobacteria. Isolates 134 and 133 (Rhizobium) outperformed the rest of the isolates in inhibiting the fungus F63, isolate inhibition rates 68.89% and 65.93%, respectively, while isolate 61 (Mesorhizobium) excelled against the fungus isolate F51, and the inhibition rate reached 53.70%. When the three isolates were tested in the pots (134,133 on vicia faba and 61 on ciceri arietinum), In comparison between the two treatments: fungus*bacteria (F63*133, F63*134, F51*133, and F51*134) and the two treatments: fungus only (control F63 and control F51), the results showed that inoculation with bacterial isolates significantly increased the plant’s tolerance to vascular wilt, as the severity of the disease and the infection rate decreased significantly. Growth indicators also increased, and no significant differences appeared between the effect of the two bacterial isolates on the disease incidence and severity. In comparison between the two treatments (F63*61 and F51*61) and the controls (F63 and F51), there was a significant difference, and the bacterial treatment increased some growth indicators (shoot and root fresh and dry weight) and reduced the infection rate and disease severity. Our results indicate the usefullness of inoculating legums seed with appropriate rhizobia isolates, not only to improve growth indicators, but also to strengthen crop protection against Fusarium vascular wilt. .
The effect of Gynotype and Nutrient Medium on Callus Inductinon from anther culture of local cauliflower Gynotypes (Brassica oleracea var botrytis.L)
The research was carried out at the Ghouta Research Station of the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research / Damascus, and in the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory of the National Commission for Biotechnology - Ministry of Higher Education / Damascus, during the period 2021-2023, with the aim of callus induction from the anther culture of three genotypes of local cauliflower (J-K-D) collected from the Damascus countryside area (Douma, Kafarsouseh, Jdeidet Artouz). The anthers were cultivated using MS nutrient medium plus different concentrations of phytoregulators of 2,4-D oxin (0, 0.3, and, 0.5 mg/L) and cytokinin BAP (0, 1, and 2 mg/L). The results showed significant superiority of the genotype K in the average number of days to start callus stimulation (8.39 days), and in the average number of days to form callus (11.38 days). The MS3 had the lowest average number of days required to initiate callus stimulation (12.19 days), and the lowest average number of days required for callus formation to begin (15.83 days), with significant differences with other media. Genotype J had the highest average number of callus masses formed (10.94 masses) with significant differences with other Genotypes, and MS1 and MS2 gave the highest average number of callus masses (9.92, and 9.33, respectively), with a significant difference with the MS3 medium (6.83 mass). The average rate of callus induction was recorded significantly in genotype J (45.6%) and significant differences with the rest of the genotypes, while the average rate of callus induction was recorded significantly at the mediums MS1 and MS2 (41.3, and 38.9%, respectively) and without significant differences between them, while the callus induction completely failed in the control, and the callus induction from local cauliflower genotypes were low growth and persistence on the media used, There is a variation in color and size, as for the texture of the callus was cohesive and had a desirable granular appearance in all genotypes.
The Effect Of Adding Concentrated Basil Extracts On Improving Stability Oxidative In Mayonnaise Product
The research was carried out in the laboratories of the Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture, University of Damascus, and in the laboratories of Biotechnology, Ministry of Higher Education, with the aim of studying the effect of adding different proportions of Ocimum basilicum basil extract concentrate and preservatives (potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate) in a synergistic manner in a total ratio of 1000 ppm in mayonnaise product quality. Some chemical indicators of fresh and dried basil leaves were estimated. The moisture content of the fresh and dried leaves was (87% and 8.75%), the ash was (2%, and 13%), and the pH was (7.40, and 7.10), respectively. The total phenolic content, flavonoids, and the antioxidant activity of the basil leaf extract concentrate were estimated at (2.68 mg/g, 1.82 mg/g, and 74%), respectively. All prepared mayonnaise samples were subjected to measuring antioxidant activity, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and acidity values during 30 days of storage, as sample M5 (1000 ppm basil leaf extract) showed during 30 days the highest antioxidant activity (77%), and the lowest TBA number. The pH values were (0.40-2.10), respectively, and the control sample M0 showed the lowest antioxidant activity (58%), and the highest TBA number and pH value (1.20-3), respectively. No significant differences were observed between the manufactured mayonnaise samples in terms of most sensory characteristics (taste, smell, texture, and general acceptability) with the exception of color, as a significant difference was observed between the two control samples and the preservatives sample (M1-M0) and the sample (M5).
Study on the Distribution of Cereal Cyst Nematodes Heterodera spp. in Wheat and Barley Fields in Northern and Eastern Regions of Syria and the Definition of their Species
Study of distribution of cyst nematodes Heterodera spp. was conducted in 167 wheat and barley fields, in northern and eastern regions of Syria, after harvesting plants, 2009. Results showed that 62.28% of the surveyed fields were infested. Infestation ratios in Aleppo, Al-Hassakah, Idleb, Der Ezzor and Al-Raqqa governorates were 82.86, 72, 66.67, 50 and 20.29% of the total surveyed fields in each governorate, respectively. Based on morphological characteristics of the cyst vulval cone, three species of cereal cyst nematodes were identified: H. latipons Franklin where was found alone up to 67.31% of infested fields, and mixed with other species in 8.65%. H. avenae Wollenweber was found alone up to 20.19%, and mixed with other species in 10.58%. H. filipjevi (Madzhidov,1981) Stone which has limited distribution, it was found mixed with one or two species of cyst nematodes up to 8,65%.
Copyright (c) 2019 Damascus University Journal of agriculture sciences
Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Carob Molasses Compared with Molasses of Date
This research was conducted at the laboratories of Food Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University and the laboratory of Food Technologies Department, General Organization for Biotechnology, with the aim of studying and comparing some physicochemical and sensory indicators between carob and dates molasses. The carob molasses showed an increase in moisture, ash and acidity (32.53%, 3.74%, 1.49%) respectively compared to the date molasses, while total soluble solids content in date molasses (74.80)% was higher than the carob molasses sample. The pH was similar in both molasses samples (5.29%), while carob molasses was higher in protein and fat contents (2.45%, 0.23%) compared to date molasses respectively. The results showed a decrease in the fiber content of carob molasses (0.26%) compared to date molasses, where the total sugars, glucose and fructose contents of date molasses were higher (66.73%, 18.13%, 19.48%) compared to carob molasses. The sucrose content of date molasses was lower than carob molasses (1.24%, 6.49%) respectively. The results showed higher contents of carob molasses in phosphorus, potassium and calcium (100.57, 1143.00, 24.05) mg /100g compared to date molasses, while the sodium content of carob molasses was lower compared to date molasses which were (22.42, 22.91) mg /100g respectively. The viscosity of date molasses (1440) mPa.s was higher than the viscosity of carob molasses (322) mPa.s. The Color of carob molasses was better than the date molasses and showed increases in the values of color indicators (L, a, b, c and BI), while date molasses was superior to carob molasses in terms of taste, texture and smell.
Synergistic effect of some herbicides and plants powder on the chlorophyll of Cyperus rotundus in corn field
. The research was conducted with the aim of studying the allelopathic effect of leaf powders of the sweet potato plant, Ipomea batatas (L.) Lam. and sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. and banana, Musa lutea Valmayor (L.) and the effect of some herbicides (paraquat, glyphosate, 2,4-D, rimsulfuron, linuron, metribuzin, halosulfuron methyl and haloxyfop) and the synergistic effect of powders with reduced doses of pesticides in Chlorophyll of purple nutsedge, Cyperus rotundus L. growing with maize crop, Zea mays L.. Treatment with sunflower powder did not reduce chlorophyll, while the powders of the other plants gave significant effects on the amounts of chlorophyll A, as the sweet potato powder led to a significant reduction of 16.06% during the first week and 7.99 during the second week and 25.35 as a total decrease during 15 days after treatment, while the percentages in the banana powder treatment were 19.57, 8.19 and 29.37%, respectively. The results also demonstrated the ineffectiveness of the pesticide Haloxyfop, while the rest of the pesticides significantly reduced the percentages of chlorophyll and were (75.93, 73.32, 57.64, 43.2, 28.64, 21.54 and 17.38%) for the pesticides paraquat, halosulfuron, rimsulfuron, glyphosate, 2,4-D, Linuron and metribuzin, respectively, when using the recommended concentrations. The performance of these pesticides improved when urea fertilizer was added a week before spraying the pesticide, so the reduction rates for the previous pesticides became 80.24, 84.41, 70.07, 57.5, 47.41, 32.38 and 27.41%. The best treatment with a negative effect on the amount of chlorophyll B was the halosulfuron methyl treatment (half recommended doses) with the powder of the three species with urea, with a decrease rate of 64.44%. While the best treatment in affecting total chlorophyll was the paraquat treatment with the powder of the three species and urea by a decrease of 86.72%, followed by the treatment of glyphosate with the powder of the three species and urea by a decrease of 85.80%. This indicates the utmost importance of combining allelopathic plant residues with herbicides. The best pesticides that had a negative effect on the chlorophyll A/B ratio were paraquat pesticide treatment (-13.1), then halosulfuron methyl pesticide (-11.58) and rimsulfuron pesticide (10.27). Therefore, these pesticides can be preferred to combat this herb.
A study of the costs and economic efficiency of nurseries for the production of apple seedlings, a case study: Rif Dimashq Governorate (Rural Damascus Region)
The study aimed to analyze and study the economics of nurseries that produce apple tree seedlings. The research was carried out in the areas of the Damascus countryside governorate using a comprehensive survey of the study sample. The number of private sector nurseries reached 31 nurseries, of which 12 nurseries produced apple seedlings. The research objectives were reached based on a cost study. College of nursery production, economic returns, and a study of economic efficiency that includes technical and specialized, to determine the optimal degree of efficiency of apple seedlings produced in nurseries. The results of the analysis showed that nurseries producing apple seedlings achieved revenues amounting to (68,609) thousand/SYP, and also achieved a net profit. It amounted to (35,840) thousand, and the cost of one apple planting was (3024.9) SP/planting. These costs include all agricultural operations to obtain an apple planting ready for marketing. The economic efficiency (EE) of the apple plantings produced reached (62%) and the technical efficiency (TE). in order to develop methods for estimating farm efficiency, which amounted to (59%), while the specialized (price) efficiency amounted to (56%), which is higher than technical efficiency. The research reached a set of recommendations for expanding the production of apple seedlings with the desired varieties and origins and establishing mother farms. To reach optimal production efficiency, use production inputs optimally to achieve technical and economic efficiency, and invest in the field of apple seedling production since this activity achieves economic profit. The results showed that the most prominent difficulties and problems facing the owners of nurseries producing apple tree seedlings, which hinder the production of large quantities of apple seedlings at reasonable prices, are the high prices of production requirements as a result of the unavailability of these materials in quantities that meet the needs, and the sale of seedlings at low and unguaranteed prices. Insufficient availability of water and fuel.
Comparing the effect of two kinds of organic fertilizer: manure and vermicompost on the sorptivity and saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil
Soil sorptivity and the saturated hydraulic conductivity are the most important hydrodynamic properties of the soil. These properties aren't affected only by the amount of organic fertilizer applied, but also by the organic fertilizer type. The aim of this recent research was to compare the effects of two kinds of organic fertilizers: Manure and vermicompost on the soil sorptivity (S) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks). The measurements of S and Ks were carried out using two sets of soil containing different amount of both types of organic fertilizer. Both soils sets were prepared from the same initial soil. Each set comprises 5 soil samples containing 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 % of organic fertilizer. To measure the soil sorptivity, the Philip equation for the vertical infiltration was used. Whereas, the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil was measured by using constant head method. The results of this study showed that the two types of organic fertilizer influence the soil sorptivity and saturated hydraulic conductivity differently. The soil sorptivity increased with increasing the amount of both types of organic fertilizer added to the soil. However, the soil sorptivity was higher in the soils manure-added compared to soils treated with vermicompost. The results showed also that the manure may increase more the drainage pores number of the soil compared to the vermicompost. However, the vermicompost seems to be more able to retain water than manure.
An Analytical Study of Farmers' Response to the Effect of Prices Fluctuations and Rain Precipitation Changes on the Area of Chickpeas in Al-swaida'a Governorate
The study aimed to analyze the farmers` response to the effect of prices fluctuations and rain precipitation changes on the area of chickpeas in Al-swaida`a Governorate during the period 2000-2021, to find out the most important factors affecting their decisions. Depending on relationship analysis between the risk factor (as a dependent variable) and some of the personal qualities, economic and social characteristics (as independent variables), through the use of sports program SPSS. The results showed that the most important factors affecting on the risk factor for chickpeas were the average product of the chickpeas, and then the area planted with the lentils for the same year of study 2020/2021. As for determining the impact of some economic and climatic variables in the area of chickpeas, been counting on the Nirlove model. The model included the cultivated areas as a dependent variable while the cultivated area, the price of the crop and its productivity, the price of the previous competing crop, and the price and production risk for the previous year as independent variables. The results showed that the economic and climatic variables in the area had significant impact on the area of chickpeas in Al-swaida`a Governorate percent 46%. The results showed that the Utility Function was a concave shape for those willing to take risks, and a straight shape for those neutral to risk, while it was a convex shape for chickpeas growers unwilling to take risks, within the study sample at 2021.
Effect of Foliar Spraying with Zinc and Boron on the Growth and Productivity of the Local Salmony Onion Cultivar of Seeds.
The experiment was carried out in the farm field of the Faculty of Agriculture at Damascus University during the (2022/2023) agricultural season to study the effect of foliar spraying with zinc at concentrations (0.5-1-1.5 g\l) and boron at concentrations (0.5-1-1.5 g\l) on the growth of the local salmon onion plant and its production from seed. Spraying treatments (4 sprays) were applied at a rate of once every 20 days during the season, starting from the stage of 4-5 true leaves. The experiment was designed according to the complete randomized blocks, with four replicates per treatment and 15 plants\repeat. The results showed that the combined double foliar spray treatment with both boron and zinc elements at concentration Zn1 + B1 g\l was superior in vegetative growth indicators with significant differences on the untreated control, which was reflected positively in flowering and productivity indicators, as the combined treatment Zn1 + B1 g\l achieved a significant increase in the percentage of flower setting, number of seeds\umbel, and plant seed yield (70.06%, 2800 seed\umbel, 40.50 g\plant, respectively) compared with the untreated control (50.97%, 1996 seed\umbel, 28.12 g\plant).
Estimating the water requirement of wheat crop using remote sensing techniques
This research aimed to estimate the water requirement of the wheat crop using remote sensing techniques (satellite images), in the village of Zbdin in Damascus Countryside Governorate/Syria, during the year (2021-2022), where the water requirement was first calculated in the traditional way, relying on organized tables of FAO and the Penman-Montes equation. Based on accurate climate data. The water requirement estimated by this method reached (369.76 mm). Secondly, calculating the requirement using remote sensing techniques, relying on the vegetation index (NDVI) from satellite images of the Sentinel-2 L2A satellite to calculate the yield factor, and calculating evapotranspiration from images uploaded from (Wapor) site. This method is reduced effort, time and cost, he water requirement reached (357.682 mm) in this way. The statistical analysis of water requirement between the results of the two methods showed that the correlation coefficient was 97% and the efficiency was 98%, as they behave the same during the different growth stages of the crop, as it was low at the beginning of the season and then increased to reach a peak in the maximum growth stage (mid-season) and after that it began to decrease due to. maturity and harvest. Statistical analysis of the crop coefficient was also conducted, and it was found that the crop coefficient calculated based on the plant index from satellite images behaves the same way as the crop coefficient measured from FAO tables during various growth stages. Besides, it was low at the beginning of the season, then increased to reach a peak in the maximum growth stage, then it decreased due to maturity, dryness of the crop, and harvest, and the correlation coefficient between them was 84%.
Isolation of bacteria Pediococcus that has Inhibitory effect on Listeria monocytogenes bacteria from some local food
This study was carried out in order to isolate and characterize Pediococcus bacteria from some Syrian foods and study the growth inhibitory effect of the isolated strains against of the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. 119 isolates were isolated from different samples of local fermented food and defined based on the characteristics of lactic acid bacteria. The microscopic examinations show presence of 20 oval-shaped isolate Conducted by biochemical tests to determine which isolates follow the Pediococcus genus. The isolates were classified using PCR technique and the isolates were classified as API / 50CHL. The result shows that 8 isolates belong to P. acidilactici and 10 isolates belong P.pentosaceus and 2 isolates of P. damnosus. These isolates were investigated for their inhibitory effect against Listeria monocytogenes. All isolates have a potent inhibitory effect of L. monocytogenes. The results showed that isolates 16 and 12 have the largest inhibition zone of diameter 27mm.
Effect of different chemical treatments on the chemical and sensory properties of C. pubescens hawthorn fruits during cryopreservation
This research was carried out in the laboratories of the Department of Food Sciences at the Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, and the Laboratory of Food Biotechnology at the General Authority for Biotechnology. The aim of this research is to study the chemical and sensory changes that occur on hawthorn fruits C. pubescens growing in the countryside of Lattakia city after being treated with different concentrations of citric acid and sodium metabisulfite and stored at a temperature of 4 °C for a period of 90 days. The content of flavonoids stored only by refrigeration without any chemical treatment at the end of the storage period decreased significantly to 4.70 mg/100g, while this decrease was less in the samples treated with citric acid 3% and metabisulfite 2% in the same storage period, as it reached 5.60 mg/100g and 6. 40 mg/100 g, respectively. The treatment of the fruits with a 4% sodium metabisulfite solution was superior to all other treatments, as there was no significant change in the fruit content of reference sugars, vitamin C, total phenols, and antioxidant activity after two weeks of storage (9.15%, 14.76 mg/100g, and 13.19 mg/100g and 55.86%), respectively. While the change was significant after the same period of storage for the fruit content of vitamin C, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity when treated with citric acid 2%, citric acid 3%, and metabisulfite 2%. No significant change was observed in the reducing sugars content of the fruits after two weeks of storage when stored in refrigeration only without any treatment and when treated with 3% citric acid. The vitamin C content of the fruits decreased at the end of the storage period to 13.21 mg/100g, 12.99 mg/100g, 12.10 mg/100g, 11.90 mg/100g, and 11.30 mg/100g when treated with 4% metabisulfite, 2% metabisulfite, and acid. Citric 3%, citric acid 2%, and the refrigerated-stored sample only without any treatment, respectively. Also, the antioxidant activity decreased at the end of the storage period for fruits treated with 4% metabisulfite, 2% metabisulfite, 3% citric acid, 2% citric acid, and the refrigerated-stored sample without any treatment to 54.32%, 54.14%, 53.10%, 52.50%, and 51%. .26%, respectively. The results of the sensory tests showed that the fruits treated with sodium metabisulfite solutions were more acceptable in terms of color and taste and less acceptable in terms of texture compared to the fruits treated with citric acid and the fruits stored in refrigeration without any treatment, while the fruits treated with citric acid were more acceptable in terms of texture and less acceptable than color. At the end of the storage period, the fruits stored in refrigeration without any chemical treatment were less acceptable in terms of taste, color and texture compared to samples treated with sodium metabisulfite and citric acid.
Effect of Spray with Seaweeds Extracts and Humic Acid on the Growth and Productivity of Quinoa Q26 Type (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) under Rainfed and Supplementary irrigation
An experiment was conducted in the agricultural scientific research center in Petima, Damascus Countryside Governorate, during the 2022-2023 planting season, to study the effect of four irrigation trials (I0: rain fed agriculture, I1: two flag, I2: three flag,I3: complete irrigation) according to five fertilizer trials (F1: Recommended mineral fertilizer; F2: half the fertilizer recommended dose+ spray algae 1extracts1.5kg .ha-1 + spray humic acid 2k.ha-1,F3: half the fertilizer recommendation+ spray humic acid 2 kg .ha-1,F4: half the fertilizer recommendation+ spray algae fertilizer 1.5kg .ha-1,F5:spray algae fertilizer1.5kg .ha-1 and humic acid1.5kg .ha-1) in some growth and productivity traits for Quinoa Q26 model. The experiment was designed according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in the order of the split blocks, with 3 replications. The results showed significant differences between the studied treatments and their interactions. Where complete irrigation (I3) excelled in developmental traits and achieved the least number of days needed until maturity (157.00days), plant length(106.60cm), seed yield (5246kg.ha-1)and number of panicles in plant(16 panicle. plant-1) the number of seeds per plant(15643.4seed.plant-1), supplement irrigation, (I2) excelled in developmental traits and achieved the thousand seeds(2.86gr),bio-yield(13960kg .ha-1), while fertilization treatment (F2) excelled in all productive traits and achieved the highest plant length(106.60cm), average number of panicles in plant (15.50 panicle.Plant-1),the number of seeds per plant(17096.25seed. plant-1) and the weight of a thousand seeds(3.01gr).the seed yield(6502kg.ha-1), and bio-yield(18000kg.ha-1).While for the interaction of the studied treatments, cultivation by complete irrigation (I3)with the application of fertilization treatment(F2)gave the highest average plant length (109cm),number of panicles in plant(16panicle.plant-1), number of seeds per plant(26134seed. plant-1), and the seed yield (9511kg .ha-1).
Determination of Factors Affecting the Concentration of lead and cadmium in Wheat and Some of its Products
This study aimed to conduct a survey to determine the degree of contamination of heavy metals (lead and cadmium) in different samples of local and imported wheat grains (local durum wheat, local bread wheat and Russian imported soft wheat prepared for milling), samples of flour types (high quality flour and standard flour) and bran, from different sources of wheat and in different seasons. These samples were collected from a number of county mills during two seasons (Spring and Autumn) during 2018. The concentration of lead and cadmium were measured by atomic absorption in laboratories of Soil Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Damascus. The results revealed that the concentration of lead in wheat grain samples exceeded the maximum allowable concentration of food (0.200 mg/kg) and reached very high concentrations (1.477 mg/kg). By contrast, the percentage of cadmium contamination was below the maximum allowable concentration in food (0.050 mg/kg). The source of wheat had a significant effect on the variation in cadmium and lead ratios in the wheat grain samples. These results revealed the importance of the area planted with wheat on the degree of contamination of wheat grains with these minerals. On the other hand, the concentration of lead in the flour samples were lower compared to the grain samples, while the samples of flour produced in Spring only showed values higher than the permitted concentrations of cadmium. The mill and the flour type showed a significant effect on the degree of contamination of the flour by lead, while the mill and the season had the greatest effect on the degree of contamination by cadmium. All bran samples showed concentration of lead higher than (0.200 mg/kg) and values of cadmium concentration lower than (0.050 mg/kg). The mill had a strong controlling effect on the degree of lead contamination of the bran, while the season had the greatest effect on cadmium.
Copyright (c) 2020 Damascus University Journal of agriculture sciences
The effect of foliar spray with seaweed extract on the growth and productivity of the olive tree cv. Kaisi
The research was conducted at the Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Hama Governorate during 2020 and 2021 to study the effect of foliar spraying with amino acids on the growth and productivity of the Qaisi olive tree variety. The Agroton foliar spray was applied at a concentration of 1 ml/L according to the following treatments: F0 control without spraying, F1 one spray before flowering, F2 one spray after fruit set, F3 one spray one month before harvesting, F4 one spray before flowering and after fruit set, F5 one spray after fruit set and one month before harvesting, F6 one spray before flowering, after fruit set, and one month before harvesting. Ground fertilization was also added according to the recommended fertilization rates. The results showed that foliar spraying had a significant effect on vegetative growth traits, with treatment F4 (one spray before flowering and after fruit set) outperforming other treatments in terms of shoot length and total chlorophyll content (6.08 cm and 1.58 mg/mL, respectively), compared to the control (4.75 cm and 1.37 mg/mL, respectively). Foliar spraying with amino acids had a positive effect on the total number of flowers per branch, with the treatment before flowering outperforming other treatments (199.97 flowers per branch compared to 164.19 flowers per branch in the control). The results also showed a clear superiority in tree productivity, especially in treatment F6 (one spray before flowering, after fruit set, and one month before harvesting), with an average tree productivity of 33.3 kg compared to 14.07 kg in the control. The oil content in the fruits was also higher in the treated groups, with treatment F6 achieving the highest net profit of 16005.18 SYP per tree, equivalent to 192062.16 SYP per hectare, an increase of 163.10% compared to the control.
Susceptibility of some grapevine varieties to dead arm disease caused by Phomopsis viticola (Diaporthales; Diaporthaceae) in Sweida Governorate
The susceptibility of some grapevine Vitis vinifera cultivars (Al-Salti, Al-aswad, Al-ziyni, Al-baladi, Al-hulwani) grown in Sweida Governorate to infection with dead arm disease caused by the fungus Phomopsis viticola, was tested during the 2020 season, Within the vineyards (natural infection), and in the greenhouse (Industrial infection) at the Scientific Agricultural Research Center in Sweida. Field and semi-field results showed that the “Al-Salti” cultivar was the most susceptible to the disease tested, with an industrial infection rate of 100%, followed by the “Al-aswad” and “Al-ziyni” cultivars, with moderate or moderate susceptibility (80 and 75%), respectively. While both the “Al-baladi” and “Al-Hulwani” cultivars recorded a lower susceptibility to dead arm disease (35 and 25%), respectively. Analysis of the Contrasts in the average degree of injury severity in each cultivar showed that there were statistically significant differences in injury severity at the level of 0.05, and these differences are due to the cultivar. The value of the theta correlation coefficient () showed the strength of the correlation between the cultivar and injury severity, as it reached 81% at a significant level. 0.05. The test for estimating the proportion of carbohydrates in the canes showed an inverse relationship with the susceptibility to infection. The ANOVA test showed that there was a significant effect of the cultivar on the concentration of carbohydrates. The average concentration of carbohydrates in the “Al-Salti” cultivar was the lowest at 51.72%, with significant differences with the rest of the cultivars at the level of The significance is 0.05, and the highest is in the “Al-Baladi” and “Al-Hulwani” cultivars, which are less susceptible to infection, 56.08% and 56.46%, respectively. This confirms the role of carbohydrates in the defense mechanism against the pathogen.
The Effect of Different Levels of Tomato Plant Waste Compost and Mineral Fertilizer on the Availability of Macronutrient Elements in Clay soil and on Potato productivity (Solanum tuberosum L.)
This research was carried out in the field in Daraa Governorate during one agricultural season in 2022, with the aim of studying the effect of different rates of tomato waste compost and mineral fertilizer on the availability of macronutrient elements (NPK) and potato productivity in clay soil. A randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D.) was used with six treatments and three replications. The treatments were as follows: (T0): Control without any addition, (T1): 100% mineral fertilizer, (T2): 75% mineral fertilizer and 25% compost of tomato plant waste. (T3): 50% mineral fertilizer and 50% compost of tomato plant waste, (T4): 25% mineral fertilizer and 75% compost of tomato plant waste, (T5): 100% compost of tomato plant waste; mineral and organic nitrogen fertilizers was added according to the plant’s need for nitrogen. The results showed the effective role of tomato plant waste compost in increasing the soil’s total nitrogen content, as the two treatments (T5) and (T4) outperformed the control treatment, and the percentage increase in the soil’s total nitrogen content was (44.83% and 41.38%), respectively. The soil content of available phosphorus and potassium also increased in direct proportion to the increase in the rates added from tomato plant waste compost. The percentage increase in the soil content of available phosphorus and potassium in the treatment (T5) compared to the control treatment was (106.80% and 21.41%), respectively; which was reflected positively on the content of these two elements in the leaves. The results also showed that composting tomato plant waste contributed to increasing productivity and reducing the amount of mineral fertilizers by 25%.
Studying Some Characterization Of Candied Fruits In Syria
The study included eight types of dried fruits by sugar (apples, pears, peaches, orange, bitter orange, figs, cacti and eggplant) sold in Local market, were conducted some chemical and microbiological tests on samples, which showed higher pears samples of the moisture content of the (38%), while the fruits of candied eggplant shown a remarkable increase in the pH (6.11), and the highest content of total sugars reached (62.63 %) on a dry weight basis in the candied apples. Candied apple samples also excelled in the content of total phenols (6.35 mg galic acid / 100 g). The study found that the total count of bacteria in all studied species of dried fruit was under 1 × 102, in addition to contamination with bacteria E.coli and yeast and perhaps this is due to the method of manufacturing and supply at the sales, which may not take into account the often health conditions, while samples were free of bacteria Staph. aureus.
Copyright (c) 2023 Damascus University Journal of agriculture sciences
Inbreeding effect on quantitative and qualitative specifications of Mulberry silkworm
The study was carried out at silkworm Laboratory of Agricultural Scientific Research Center of Lattakia, and aimed to improve the quantitative and qualitative specifications of silkworm hybrid Bombyx mori L. Rearing in Syrian coast by inbreeding and family selection. Silkworm hybrid were reared In 2018 at (23-27 °C) and 65-85% R.H., healthy and morphologically similar cocoons were selected and four families were established: Family A (oval cocoons), Family B (waisted cocoons), Family C (elongated cocoons) and Family D (spherical cocoons). Then the offspring were selected within each family based on the weight of the cocoon, shell, and the fecundity rate (egg/female), until reaching the sixth generation (2023 season). The results showed the effectiveness of inbreeding and selection in improving the productive and qualitative characteristics of silkworm families as the generations progressed. The sixth generation of the family A, B was significantly superior in the average weight of larvae, cocoon, pupa, shell, percentage of effectiveness ERR%, fecundity, shell ratio, filament weight, length and denier,.in family A, (6.003g, 1.83g, 1.44g, 0.37g, 93.63% ,709.7 egg/ female, 20.16%, 0.34g, 1500.65m, 2.03denier) respectively, and it was in family B (5.11g, 1.65g, 1.32g, 0.31g, 18.80%, 600.83, egg/ female, 0.28g, 1291.10m, 1.66 denier) respectively. Results also indicated that there were no significant differences in some productive traits in the C and D families as the generations progressed, but it was observed that the sixth generation outperformed, with significant differences, in fertility rate, larval mortality, and development period (661.16 eggs/female, 9.33%, 50.09 Day).
Effect of water stress on some developmental and morphological indicators of sesame genotypes
The research was carried out during the 2021 agricultural season at the Qarhata Research Station of the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, with the aim of studying the response of 13 genotypes of sesame to water stress conditions applied during the flowering stage. The experiment was carried out according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD), in split-plot arrangement, in three replications. The results of the statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences (P≤0.05) in the traits of number of days until flowering, number of days until full maturity, plant height, and number of branches between the treatments, genotypes, and interaction effect. Water stress caused a significant decline in these traits, while the differences in the height of the first branch and the height of the first capsule weren't significant. The genotypes also varied in their response to water stress conditions, as the two genotypes Hourani5 and Zuri4, achieved the lowest rates of decline in the average plant height and the highest rates of decline in the number of branches per plant, while the two genotypes, Zuri3 and Zuri con. showed the highest rates of decline in plant height. The Zuri2 genotype significantly increased the number of branches per plant, and there were no significant differences in the rates of decrease in the number of days to flowering and maturity in all genotypes.