Vol. 28 Issue 4
Taibi Khaled and Chorfi Abdelmalek
The performances of two Algerian local genotypes: Mohamed Ben Bachir and Oued Zenati,
tested under NaCl stress showed an ability to withstand moderate salt concentrations. It appeared
that salinity affected normal physiological functions of these wheat genotypes, expressed by the
imbalance in water relations, mineral balance and proline accumulation in the two genotypes. It was
noted that these genotypes showed a low leaf water potential (Ψw) associated with suitable relative
water content (RWC), which maintained tissuehydration. It appears the decline in water potential is
not due to water loss but to significant accumulation of Na+ and proline which can satisfactorily supply
tissues with water. This is possible through osmorégulation mechanism sealed by the fundamental role
of membrane integrity to regulate cellular permeability. Physiologically, this is a quantitative rather
than a qualitative difference of physiological behavior between these genotypes. The physiological
mechanisms associated with less affect on water relation and Na+ afflux probably contributed for
the higher salt tolerance in M.B. Bachir than in the O. Zenati genotype. Therefore, these genotypes
could be considered salt tolerant and are suitable in improving durum wheat’s salt tolerance.
Mohamed Youssef Shalaby, Mirza Barjees Baig and Mohamed Shayaa Al-Shaya
In Egypt, the agriculture sector plays a crucial role in the health of the economy.
Agriculture contributes almost 20% towards the GDP and involves about 35% of its workforce.
More than 50% of the population lives in the rural areas and, directly or indirectly, their livelihood
depends upon the agricultural sector. Despite agriculture's positive and significant contributions to
food security and supply, the economy, employment, export earnings, the ecological balance, the
sector faces many threats and challenges. Egypt's agricultural extension service can help realize
higher yields through sustainable agriculture. Today, extension activities are carried out through a
one-way transfer of knowledge, where farmers are considered recipients, not participants. However,
an efficient extension service, an effective extension system and dedicated extensionists can help
achieve sustainable development. Initiatives to improve the technical knowledge and enhance
communication and facilitation skills of extension staff deserve attention. In this article, an effort has
been made to identify the constraints faced by the agriculture sector and outline an extension strategy
to realize sustainable development.
Isa S. Qamber
Three scenarios have been carried out to calculate the predicted maximum annual load for the Kingdom of Bahrain with the objective of formulating an expansion plan for a future generating system. The results of the three scenarios were obtained and compared using a comprehensive analysis. The maximum annual load was calculated at average rates of 6.79% in the more reasonable scenarios using the MATLAB package following the curve- fitting polynomial technique.
S. N. S. El-Ariqi, A. A. Abdel-Rahman and S. H. Al-Ganesi
This study was conducted to isolate and identify the causal agent of bacterial leaf spot
disease on tomato in district fields in Kla’abah, Taiz, Yemen. Twenty isolates were obtained from tomatoes leaves and fruit of infected plants. Yellow, raised and shiny colonies were developed on four media ((1% Glucose nutrient agar (GNA), Nutrient dextrose agar (NDA), Sucrose peptone agar (SPA) and Yeast peptone glucose agar (YPGA)). Pathogenicity test results showed three isolates were highly virulent while three other isolates were moderately virulent. The pathovar Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria was identified according to visible characteristics of the colonies by (GNA, NDA, SPA and YPGA) media, cell shape, and physiological and biochemical characteristics (ability to grow at 35°C, production of H2S and ability to assimilate certain carbohydrates). Results revealed the ability of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria to infect nine tomato cultivars (Roma V.f., Riogrand Gala, Tomato Maryam, Gala, Riogrand, Local-G 1oo3, on gy.A Seed, Ti 2 ar and RioGrand-Tezier) causing leaf spot at 26 – 29°C. Results also showed on Ti 2 ar, Local-G 1oo3 and Roma V.f. cultivars a decreased level of bacteria multiplication while Riogrand Gala, on gy. A Seed and Riogrand cultivars showed increased bacteria population.
Mahdi Mohamed Al Ramadan and Mohammed Abdullah Alamer
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of including certain medicinal herbs
(Sisymbrium irio L, Plantago Psyllium, Artemisia herba-alba) to alleviate heat stress in Awassi sheep in high ambient temperatures. Several indices were evaluated including: rectal temperature, respiration rate, sweatrate, changes in body weight, feed and water consumption and feed quality. Various blood parameters were evaluated. The experimental period lasted for three (3) weeks with 20 ewes in four (4) experimental groups. Three(3) groups received each medicinal herbs while the last group was a control. The herb were mixed with a concentrated mixture after grinding and were fed to animals at a rate of 1g/kg BW. Results showed a significant (p <0.05) reduction in rectal temperature, respiration rate and a trend to increase water consumption for the group receiving Sisymbrium irio. An increase in blood glucose was observed in the group receiving Plantago Psyllium compared to the other groups. It could indicate including Sisymbrium irio L in sheep’s diet alleviate heat stress.