Al-Mukhtar Journal of Agricultural, Veterinary and Environmental Sciences
Al-Mukhtar Journal of Agricultural, Veterinary, and Environmental Sciences is an open-access journal published by Omar Al-Mukhtar University. The journal's scope publishes research in Agricultural, Veterinary, and Environmental Sciences.
The Allelopathic Effects of Aqueous Extracts from Vachellia nilotica On the Germination and development of Citrullus lanatus L
This study aims to evaluate the allelopathic effect of leaf extracts from the thorny acacia tree (Vachellia nilotica) on the germination and seedling growth of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L). The experiment was conducted using three different concentrations of the aqueous extract of acacia leaves extract which are (0%, 20%, 40%, or 60%), in addition to a control group treated with distilled water. The effects of these extracts were assessed by measuring the parameters of Germination percentage, plumule and radicle length, seedling dry weight, and imbibition percentage. The results showed that the extracts at 40% and 60% concentrations enhanced the imbibition percentage compared to the control group, while for these concentrations (20%, and 60%) has no significant effect on the germination rate. Lower concentrations (20% and 40%) significantly stimulated plumule growth, whereas the highest concentration (60%) resulted in a reduction in plumule and radicle length. Moreover, the 60% concentration exhibited an inhibitory effect on radicle root growth, suggesting that the plant extracts may contain allelopathic compounds that influence seedling development. These findings confirm that the allelopathic effect of V. nilotica extracts is concentration-dependent (what are the allelopathic active compounds of V. nilotica), with a stimulatory effect at low doses and an inhibitory effect at higher doses. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of allelopathic influence and its potential applications in mixed agricultural systems.
Allelopathy; plumule and radicle length; Sustainable Agriculture; acacia tree.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Range Condition in Relation to Climate, Energy Variables, and Beef Cattle Population Dynamics in New Mexico
Understanding the relationship between range condition and economic, environmental, and biotic factors and providing a description of the range condition cycle plays an important role in promoting the sustainability of ranching in New Mexico State (NM). This study aimed to understand the linkages between range condition and crude oil production, crude oil prices, mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperatures, and beef cattle population as well as to describe the fluctuation in range condition cycle. Data for all study variables were collected for the period 1958–2017 period. The generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) and its exponential version (GARCH) models were used to examine the relationships between range condition and all study variables. Range condition cycle was identified by using spectral analysis and seasonal adjustment function. Crude oil prices (β = -0.2669), mean annual precipitation (β = 0.0963), and mean annual temperatures (β = -13.2914) were the only predictors of range condition. The length of range condition cycle was 10 years. Range condition began to decline from the second year and continued through the third year and then began to increase from the fourth year and continued through the tenth year. Generally, range condition showed a declining trend between the 1970s and the mid of 2010s.
Range condition cycle, crude oil, temperatures, precipitation, beef cat-tle population.
Pollen viability in natural populations of Thymus capitatus the south Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar area, Cyrenaica, Libya.
Viable pollen plays a crucial role in the process of seed formation and acts as the principal mechanism for gene transfer in outcrossing species such as thyme (Thymus capitatus). There is a lack of information on the pollen viability of natural populations of Libyan thyme that grow in the south El-Jabal El-Akhdar area. This research estimated pollen viability using acetocarmine staining method. It was possible to distinguish between viable pollen (non-aborted) and nonviable (aborted) pollen using acetocarmine stain. The viability of pollen percentage in T. capitatus accessions was found to be significantly different. The viable pollen recorded as highest was obtained from the white-flowered population (67.61%) followed by dotted white-flowered population (57.24%), while the lowest viable pollen was obtained from mosaic- lowered population (29.86%). The remaining two populations, violet-flowered and purple-flowered showed 55.73% and 42.38% respectively as pollen viability percentage. Variation was also observed in the pollen viability among different collection periods. These results suggested that pollen viability may be under both environmental and genetic control
Pollen viability; acetocarmine staining method; Thymus capitatus; El-Jabal El-Akhdar; Libya.
The Use of Enteromorpha prolifera in the Bioremediation of Heavy Metals in Seawater in the Sousa–Al-Haneya Areas
The results of the seawater samples taken from the two study sites (Sousse and Hanieh), and the algae samples taken from a less polluted location, were used to analyze the algae and water to determine the levels of heavy metals (lead (Pb+) and copper (Cu+2).The analysis results showed that the seawater in the Hanieh area, compared to the Sousse area, contained twice as much Cu+2 as the Sousse area, reaching 24.043 ppm, while the Sousse area contained 13.040 ppm. The opposite was true for the Pb+ element, with higher levels in the Sousse area. The percentage of elements in the moss before the experiment was (1.457 ppm Cu+2) (0.063 ppm Pb+). Therefore, after the experiment, these elements increased in the moss at the first study site (Cu+24.430 ppm) (2.730 ppm Pb+) and at the second study site after the experiment (5.557 ppm Cu+2) (4.282 ppm Pb+). This indicates that the moss absorbs heavy metals present in the water, as their percentage decreased and increased in the moss. Therefore, we recommend using this type of moss to combat pollution.
Systematic Review of Food Processing by Ohmic Heating and Re-cent Developments
The present review aimed to investigate the applications of ohmic heating in food processing and its effect on the microorganisms, bioactive compounds and enzymatic inhibition. It includes fundamental information on the principles of ohmic heating and its operational mechanism. It also discusses its advantages and disadvantages, in addition to its effect on the quality properties of food (microbial and enzymatic inhibition). It also examines its effect on antioxidant compounds and the processing of some foods such as pasteurization and extraction. Ohmic heating (OH) is an advanced thermal process in which food is placed between the electrodes and turns into electrical resistance when alternating electric current passes through it as a result heats the food. Ohmic heating directly depends on the electrical conductivity that increases with increasing temperature, as well as the distance between the electrodes, the area of the electrodes, the potential difference, salts present in the food and the moisture content. Ohmic heating increases the inhibition of enzymes and microorganisms, increases the extraction rate and increases the speed of the fermentation temperature more (the heating rate is high) compared to conventional heating. It also improves organoleptic properties, including color, relative to conventional heating. Keywords: food processing, microbial inhibition, electrical conductivity
Evaluation of Vegetative Growth Efficiency of Kabuli Chickpea under the Interaction of Plant Density and Weed Management Systems in Al-Safsaf Area, at EL-jabal Al-Akhdar
Two field experiments were conducted during the 2021 and 2022 seasons at the Food Legume Research Station, Al-Safsaf – EL-jabal Al-Akhdar, to investigate the effect of plant density and weeding frequency on the physiological growth traits of the Kabuli chickpea. A split-plot design with four replications was used, with plant densities (9.52, 13.33, 20.0, and 33.33 plants/m²) in the main plots and weeding treatments (no weeding, one weeding, and two weeding's) in the subplots. Results showed that plant density significantly affected germination percentage and emergence rate index, with higher densities performing better, while no significant differences were detected in mean emergence time, seedling dry weight, plant volume, or canopy persistence. Leaf area, leaf area index (LAI) index, and persistence varied across seasons depending on density. Conversely, two weeding's significantly enhanced seedling dry weight, plant volume, canopy persistence, and leaf area traits. The interaction between plant density and weeding frequency was highly significant for most traits in both seasons. Overall, plant density influenced traits related mainly to germination, whereas weed management played a greater role in improving vegetative growth and canopy sustainability. The interaction between these two factors represents a key strategy for optimizing vegetative growth efficiency of Kabuli chickpea under rainfed conditions. Keywords Kabuli chickpea; growth traits; plant density; weed hoeing
Kabuli chickpea; growth traits; plant density; weed hoeing
Impact of Six Distinct Growth substrates on the Survival and Root Elongation of Grafted Tomato and Pepper Seedlings
A study was conducted at the Horticulture Department at Omar Al Mukhtar University, Al Jabal Al-Khader, Libya in 2022 to investigate the impact of six growth media; peat moss, sand, soil, peat moss and sand (1:1), peat moss and soil (1:1), and soil and sand (1:1), on the survival and root elongation of grafted tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) seedlings. The experiment comprised 12 treatments representing all combinations of the two factors and followed a randomized complete block split-plot design with 4 replications. Findings indicated that among the growth substrates tested, peat moss, followed by the combination of peat moss and sand, exhibited the highest survival rates and root elongation for grafted tomato and pepper seedlings, surpassing the outcomes observed with alternative treatments
Peat moss; Sand; Survival; Grafting; Root elongation; Splice.
Experimental grow-out of European Sea bream (Sparus aurata) and Gilthead Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in Eastern Libya
Sea bream and sea bass are highly adaptable to different culture systems, making them well suited for aquaculture. Their delicious flesh has contributed to the growing popularity of the aquaculture industry. This research was conducted to evaluate the grow-out of European Sea bream and Gilthead Sea bass in the eastern Libyan coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Fingerlings of the fish obtained from the natural brackish water of the Eastern Libyan coast and stocked in earthen ponds supplied with brackish water. A 120-day rearing trial was conducted which showed that the growth performance of Seabream and Seabass in this experiment varied significantly, even though both were fed similar levels of dietary proteins. The weight gained, specific growth rates, and protein efficiency ratio were significantly higher (P˂0.05) in Seabream compared to Seabass. The survival was not significantly different between the two species at the end of the experimental period. The feed conversion ratio was lower in Seabream (1.77) compared with Seabass (1.98). The moisture (68.10 ± 0.72%) and ash contents (3.90 ± 0.04%) were significantly higher in Seabass, while the crude protein (17.39 ± 0.17%) and lipids (11.36 ± 0.24%) were significantly higher in Seabream in this experiment. The Libyan Mediterranean coast is suitable for the grow-out of the two species, and the Seabream showed better growth and higher nutrition quality compared with Seabass.
Grow-out, Seabream, Seabass, Brackish water
Fertilizer Recommendation Test for Different Types of Fertilizers on Soil Chemical and Fertility Properties, and on Eggplant Productivity
his research was conducted in the Damascus Countryside in Damascus Governorate in 2023 and 2024, with the aim of studying the effect of Fermi Compost, fermented cow dung manure and mineral fertilizer in some chemical properties and in the productivity of the eggplant. Fertilizer additives (Fermi Compost, mineral and cow manure) in the quantities used according to the agricultural recommendation of summer vegetables, led to the absence of significant differences in acidity and soil conductivity. This shows the safe effect of the studied transactions, and none of the transactions caused soil salinization, Organic fertilizers significantly increased the soil organic matter content compared to the mineral and control treatments, and the Fermicompost treatment exceeded clearly on the treatment of fermented cow manure , the results showed that the fermicompost treatment was superior to the mineral fertilizer coefficient and the control in the soil content of the total nitrogen, while the treatment of the Fermi-compost showed no significant different with the treatment of compost. Fermented cow manure, as the results show more than the values of potassium and phosphorous available in the treatment of cow manure on the control, and with non-clear differences with the rest of the compost treatments, while the differences were not clear and in favor of my fermi treatment. Compost and metal compared to the control. All transactions outperformed the control in productivity. The results also showed significant differences in the fertilizer transactions among themselves, and the productivity was in the order of mineral fertilizers, followed by the Fermi Compost treatment, then the fermented cow manure.
Factors affecting olive farmers adoption of the integrated pest management program in Homs Governorate, Syria
The research aimed to study the knowledge and adoption of olive farmers for the pest integrated management, and to study impact of the factors affecting the decision to use this technology For data analysis, frequencies, percentages, mean standard deviations, and binary logistic regression were used . The results also showed that (72.55)% of the farmers had weak knowledge, while about (16.18)% had the medium level of knowledge , and the remaining percentage (11.27)% only had good knowledge,.The rate of farmers who adopt this technique was only (19.12)%.. Statistical analysis showed that there was an inverse significant relationship between each of independent variables (age and the area cultivated with olives) and the dependant variable adoption, but there was a positive, significant correlation between adoption of IPM and educational level and the level of knowledge of the integrated pest management program, The study recommends that assistance Farmers through participatory training for develop their positivity and motivation to make the adoption decision, and to use all methods and means that may affect their acquisition of the ability for adoption for pest integrated management.
binary logistic regression, adoption, pest integrated management, olive, Homs.
Effect of Previous Crop Residues on The Growth and Development of Squash Plants
The seedlings of Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) were irrigated with aqueous extract of crop residues of barley, wheat or oat, at a concentration of 50 g.L-1, or olives at 25, 50, 75 and 100 g.L-1, in addition to the control treatment (tap water) until the flowering stage. A completely randomized design was used with the treatments. The results showed that the fresh and dry weight of the shoots decreased by (27, 26, 33%) and (26, 35, 44%), and the number of leaves and flower buds (20, 20, 25%) and (28, 24, 40%) and leaf petiole length (38, 41, 47%), when treated with aqueous extract of the residues of each of barley, wheat, or oats, respectively, compared to the control. The results also showed the effect of the aqueous extract of olive residues on the growth measurements of squash plants, and the rate of decrease was directly proportional to the increase in the concentration of the aqueous extract, and thus both the fresh and dry weight of the shoots decreased by 51% and 42%, roots 43% and 25%, plant length 40%, number of leaves 29%, and leaf area 70%, respectively, compared to the control. The results obtained show that the aqueous extract of different plant residues have a clear role in reducing the growth of squash plants, and thus, this will be reflected in productivity later. This type of effect is clearly due to the presence of an "allelopathic" effect from growth-inhibiting substances present in the tissues of previous plant residues or their presence simultaneously with squash plants in the field.
Allelopathic; Cucurbita pepo L.; Squash; Aqueous extract; Crop residues, Olive residues
Copyright (c) 2025 sami alasheebi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The effect of compound mineral fertilizer (NPK) and Humic acid on the vegetative and flowering characteristics of Squash plants ( Cucurbita pepo L)
The study was conducted to determine the effect of combined mineral NPK and organic fertilization with humic acid on the vegetative and flowering characteristics of Squash plants. A field experiment was conducted during the 2020 and 2021 in Al Jabal Al Akhdar in the Al-Wasita area. A randomized complete block design split in three replications was used, as the experiment included 25 factorial treatments representing all possible combinations between the levels of the factors studied for both NPK complex. fertilizer (0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 kg/ha) and levels of humic fertilizer ( 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg/ha. The results showed that the increase in the levels of mineral fertilizer led to significant differences in all the vegetative and floral traits response to the increase in the levels of NPK. The rate of 180 NPK kg/ha gave the highest values compared to the control treatment for all vegetative and floral traits The study showed that the increase in humic fertilizer rates from 0 kg/ha to 80 kg/ha was accompanied by a significant increase in vegetative growth and floral traits, The rate of 80 kg Humic/ha gave the highest significant values compared to the control treatment for all traits The results of the effect of the interaction between NPK and humic on the vegetative and floral traits indicated that there were clear significant differences, and that the best compatible treatment that gave the highest significant increase in both vegetative and floral traits was (180 NPK and 80 kg/ha humic.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hasan Bendres Albaba , Fatma. Muhammad , Abdella Ateq (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Grain Quality Evaluation of Ten Soft Wheat (Bread Wheat) Genotypes Triticum aestivum L. Grown under rain-fed Conditions
<a href="https://mdp.omu.edu.ly/journals/index.php/mjaves/The study aimed to evaluate the grain quality of ten bread wheat genotypes grown at Al-Awailia zone, eastern region, Libya. The experimentation was conducted in the 2020-2021 agricultural season under rain-fed conditions. The results showed a significant difference among the tested genotypes in the grain quality characteristics, represented in, test weight, thousand kernel weight, falling number, hardness, moisture content, protein content, wet gluten, gluten index and sedimentation volume. The tested genotypes met the quality requirements for test weight, thousand kernel weight, moisture content and gluten index with means of 80.5 Kg/hl, 43.3 g, 11.4 % and 83.1 % respectively. while, all of them failed to meet the quality requirements for falling number and grain hardness. Genotype EBW 22 was able to record the highest value for protein and wet gluten content amongst the others with values of 13.02 % and 26.3 %, respectively. Only the genotype EBW 11 exceeded the minimum quality requirement for sedimentation volume with value of 17 ml. None of the tested genotypes were able to possess all the quality characteristics required and necessary for good bread making.">The study aimed to evaluate the grain quality of ten bread wheat genotypes grown at Al-Awailia zone, eastern region, Libya. The experimentation was conducted in the 2020-2021 agricultural season under rain-fed conditions. The results showed a significant difference among the tested genotypes in the grain quality characteristics, represented in, test weight, thousand kernel weight, falling number, hardness, moisture content, protein content, wet gluten, gluten index and sedimentation volume. The tested genotypes met the quality requirements for test weight, thousand kernel weight, moisture content and gluten index with means of 80.5 Kg/hl, 43.3 g, 11.4 % and 83.1 % respectively. while, all of them failed to meet the quality requirements for falling number and grain hardness. Genotype EBW 22 was able to record the highest value for protein and wet gluten content amongst the others with values of 13.02 % and 26.3 %, respectively. Only the genotype EBW 11 exceeded the minimum quality requirement for sedimentation volume with value of 17 ml. None of the tested genotypes were able to possess all the quality characteristics required and necessary for good bread making.
soft wheat, genotypes, bread wheat, rain-fed, grain quality
Copyright (c) 2025 جمال نصر, Jamal Nasr, Nasir Khatab, Salha El-bakoush, Nadia Shmaila, Souad Zraig (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Feeding Effects of three Verities of Date fruits on the Biology of Ephestia (Cadra) cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
The study investigates the impact of feeding the fig moth, Ephstia (Cadra) cautella (Walker), on three varieties of Libyan dates (Saeidi Awjila, Saeidi Gallo, and Bekrary from the West Coast) under laboratory and incubator conditions. The main findings reveled that the life cycle duration of C. cautella was significantly affected by the rearing environment. The life cycle lasted 60.1 ± 6.1 days outside the incubator and 79.2 ± 6.6 days inside the incubator when larvae were fed mixed date varieties. Inside the incubator, the larval stage duration was not significantly influenced by the date varieties. Outside the incubator, a significant difference in the larval stage duration was observed between the Bekrary variety and the Saeidi Awjila and Saeidi Gallo varieties. The longest life cycle was recorded on cut Bekrary dates outside the incubator, averaging 85.8 ± 9.9 days. The shortest life cycle was observed on perforated Saeidi Awjila dates inside the incubator, averaging 53.8 ± 2.6 days. The physical form of the dates (cut or perforated) influenced the development period, highlighting its role in the insect’s life cycle. The variety of dates significantly affected the completion time of the life cycle, suggesting that fruit characteristics, such as texture or nutrient composition, play a critical role in fig moth development. This study underscores the importance of both environmental conditions and the type of date variety in determining the life cycle longevity. Such findings can help optimize pest management strategies by identifying date varieties and storage conditions that may hinder the rapid development of C. cautella.
Date palm pests, Ephstia cautella, life cycle, fig moth, Libyan date fruits, insect rearing, insect feeding.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ali A. Bataw (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Morphological Characterization of Libyan Barbary Sheep
The objective of this study was to morphometric characterize the Libyan Barbary sheep to determine if sheep located in eastern, western, central and southern regions belong to same population. Ten qualitative and eleven quantitative characteristics of 853 rams and 3008 ewes from the above mentioned regions were used for this study. The Libyan Barbary sheep are medium size sheep belong to the fat-tailed and carpet wool type, the coat mostly white in color. The overall mean of Head Length, Horn length, High at wither, Chest girth, Canon circumference, Body length, Ear length, staple length, Tail length, Teat length and Scrotum circumference were 11.9, 56.52, 72.65, 92.14, 8.33, 72.06, 13.92, 8.29, 42.55, 2.63 and 29.8 cm, respectively. Analysis of variance results showed that there is a significant effect of region and gender on the measurements. Variance components procedure resulted in all traits showing a high degree of intra-region (residual) variability. Head length, body length, Wither height and chest girth have more discriminant power than the others between sub-populations. The all pairwise distances between regions were highly significant (P < 0.001), with distances ranged between 0.8 and 3.62, and the canonical discriminant analyses showed that the groups differ on the linear combination of the measured variables. Although the Libyan Barbary Sheep under study is geographically dispersed, they exhibit remarkable phenotypic similarities, and they may belong to the same population. Molecular genetic analysis is required to verify the phenotypic description in future studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdulkarim Ahtash, F. M. Abousaq, M. M. Edahmani, H. Agoob, O. K. Alsibae, I. Ibrahim, A. Shiba, K. M. Abdulkarim, A. M. Targy, A. A. Tarhuni, H. A. Alfaleedni, M.A. Ashteba, A. Mahmod, A. Eltashani, E. Zaatot, S. A. Shaykh, M. H. Abounouwarah, N. A. Aboubareeq (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Utilization of tractors and implements owned by individual farmers in the Gezira scheme, Sudan
Gezira scheme, in Sudan, is the largest one in the region. Recently, many individual farmers owned tractors and implements. This study aimed at analyzing the use of those tractors and implements. Data were collected through questionnaire and statistically analyzed. 154 tractors (75 to 80 hp.) accompanied with 678 implements were studied. Massey Ferguson represented 58.4 % of the tractors. Tractors’ average age was six years. Land preparation, seeding, spraying, threshing and post harvesting implements, represented 86.7%, 4.1%, 2.1%, 6.0% and 1.1%, from the total number of implements, respectively. Implements average age was between two and six years. Sprayer obtained the highest work rate (9 fed/h). Disk plow consumed the greatest fuel (6.6 l/fed) and the highest annual working hours (310 hours). The ridger covered the highest annual area (365 fed). Tractor annual working hours was between 774 and 535 hours. Several combinations of implements accompanying a tractor were found. Combinations three and four implements were the most frequent, they repeated 36 and 35 times, respectively. The combination of disk plow, ridger and ditcher were repeated ten times; while the combination of disk plow, leveler, ridger and ditcher was repeated eight times. The furnished information help in determining implements that necessary in the scheme. Economic feasibility of tractors and implements owned by individual farmers in the Gezira scheme is suggested.
Tractor, implements, performance, annual use, Gezira irrigated scheme, Sudan
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohamedahmed Ali, Proffeser, proffeser (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Impact of Soaking Wheat Grains in Gibberellic Acid Under Varying Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Concentrations
an experiment was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, during the 2022-2023 season to study the effect of gibberellic acid GA3 on the germination and growth characteristics of wheat seedlings (Salambo) under salt stress. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (C.R.D) in three replications, the treatments were (soaking wheat grains in gibberellic acid, no soaking) and concentrations of sodium chloride salt (NaCl) (distilled water compared to control, 4000ppm, 6000 ppm, and 8000 ppm). The results indicated that the treatment of soaking grains in gibberellic acid was significantly superior to the treatment without soaking in all the studied traits represented by "germination percentage %, seedling length (cm), root length and shoot length "cm", seedling wet and dry weight "g" and Seedling vigour index ". The results showed highly significant differences between sodium chloride salt concentrations compared to the (Control) treatment, where the germination percentage %, seedling length "cm", shoot and root length "cm", seedling wet and dry weight (g), and Seedling vigor index decreased with increasing salt concentration up to (8000 ppm). The results showed no significant differences in the interaction between soaking treatments and sodium chloride salt concentrations in all studied traits except for germination percentage, where the treatment of soaking grains in gibberellic acid with distilled water (control) recorded the highest values compared to the lowest values recorded when grains were not treated with sodium chloride concentration (8000 ppm).
Copyright (c) 2024 Ahmed S. Issa Buhedma, Imbarkah F Aboubakr, Ayiman F Ahmed , Gamila S. Muhammed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Biochemical study of three legume types by vitamin B12 and aqueous extracts of Cucurbita pepo L. leaves influence
This study was conducted in the Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Mosul, and included a greenhouse experiment to investigate the allelopathic effects of Cucurbita pepo L. (squash) leaf aqueous extracts at concentrations (2% and 6% w/v), vitamin B12 at concentrations (2 and 6 ppm), and their combined effects on certain biochemical characteristics of seedlings from three leguminous crops (chickpeas, cowpeas, and beans). The study assessed chlorophyll content, carbohydrate content, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD)). The results revealed varied responses among the tested species to the applied treatments. However, the most notable observation was the stimulatory effect of vitamin B12, which significantly enhanced the studied traits and outperformed the squash leaf aqueous extract treatment. Chickpea plants exhibited a decrease in chlorophyll content, accompanied by a reduction in carbohydrate levels across most treatments. The results further showed that the combined application of the aqueous extract and vitamin increased chlorophyll content while reducing carbohydrate levels in both cowpeas and beans. Additionally, an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity was observed in plants treated with the squash leaf extract, indicating elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels due to the effect of released allelopathic compounds. It was evident that the 2% concentration was more effective in enhancing CAT and POD enzyme activity, whereas their effectiveness declined at the 6% concentration. Furthermore, vitamin B12 led to an increase in CAT and POD enzyme activity across all tested leguminous crops.
Copyright (c) 2024 Wasan salih Hussain, Ban Abdul-Aziz Edan, Noor Al-huda Ahmad Mohammed Taher (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Prevalence of Babesia Infection in the Northeastern Part of Libya(Camelus Dromedaries)
A study was conducted to investigate Babesia spp. infections in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in northeastern Libya. Blood samples were randomly collected from camels of both sexes (115 females and 45 males) across seven selected regions: Tobruk Khoury, Alhamamuh, Sultana, Alqabah, Ajdabiya Road, Qanduluh, and Imsaeid. The sampling period spanned from February 2021 to January 2022. Giemsa-stained blood smears were used to diagnose Babesia spp. infections. The results revealed an overall infection prevalence of 35% among the tested samples. The highest prevalence rates were recorded in Tobruk Khoury (70%), followed by Ajdabiya Road (60.6%), Alhamamuh (60%), Sultana (46.6%), Alqabah (28.57%), Qanduluh (19.35%), and Imsaeid (7.1%).The prevalence among females (42.6%) was significantly higher than that among males (15.5%). Regarding age groups, middle-aged camels (1–15 years) exhibited the highest prevalence rate (45.1%). Seasonally, the highest infection rate was observed in autumn (50%), followed by spring (47.36%).
Copyright (c) 2024 Salwa. M.S. fzany (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Evaluation of Quality characteristics of three local soft wheats (bread wheat) varieties and an introduced variety grown under a supplementary irrigation system
This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the grain quality of three local bread wheat cultivars with an introduced variety known for its high productivity in its native region. The experiment was carried out at the Musrata Experimental Station, affiliated with the Agricultural Research Center, Libya, during the 2020-2021 growing season under supplemental irrigation conditions. The results revealed significant differences among the studied cultivars in all grain quality traits, except for hectoliter weight. The evaluated parameters included thousand kernel weight, falling number, hardness (particle size index method), moisture content, protein content, wet gluten, gluten index, and sedimentation value. The introduced Salambo variety recorded the highest values for hectoliter weight (81.6 kg/hl), thousand kernel weight (52.1 g), falling number (523 seconds), and moisture content (12.59%). Among the local cultivars, Bohouth 208 showed the highest values for protein content (15.66%), wet gluten (37.7%), and sedimentation value (32.8 ml). Meanwhile, Bohouth 210 exhibited the best hardness and the highest gluten index (86.0%), with hardness recorded at 14.7%. In contrast, Bohouth 212 displayed excessive hardness, reaching 9.0%. The findings indicate that Bohouth 210 and the introduced Salambo variety demonstrated superior adaptability to the environmental conditions of the region, possessing most of the essential quality traits required for bread-making.
Copyright (c) 2024 Jamal O. Nasr, Salaheldin M. Abo-Gharsa, Mohamed A. Elkekli, Nasir M. Khatab (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Study of variation patterns for body shape in four endemic mullet species (Mugilidae) from Umm-Hufayn Lagoon, on the Cyrenaica coast of Libya
The study investigates the morphometric characteristics of four mullet species from the Umm-Hufayn lagoon on the Cyrenaica coast to analyze their morphomeristic variation and possible factors contributing to it. The morphometric analysis showed significant variation in the body shape of mullet species. The results of Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) show significant variation to separate the four mullet species without any overlap. While Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) shows the presented four distinct phenotypes differing by mullet species of body shape, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a wider distribution of body shape variations among the data points, indicating a greater range of body shapes within the sample population. The morphometric differences may be attributed to weight, size, or genetic differences. The study highlights the importance of geometric morphometric analysis to in identifying and differentiating the selected fish species in the same habitat.
Copyright (c) 2024 Fatma R. Solieman, Abdulghani A. Abdulghani, Sara A. A. Al Mabruk (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A descriptive study of the partridge bird in the Green Mountain region of Libya
This study was on the Barbary partridge found in the Jabal Al Akhdar region / Cyrenaica / Libya, (8) birds were captured, 4 males and 4 females, their estimated age (25 months). Body weight, body length, tail length and claw leg length were non-significantly increased in males. The distance between the tips of the wings was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in males. Beak length was non-significantly longer in females. The weight of the viscera in females was significantly higher (P < 0.05). The weight of the liver and gizzard of females was non-significantly higher. Heart weight in males is high without significance. The weight of the crop, glandular stomach and intestine was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in females. Red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, platelets, glucose, calcium, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, GOT, and LDL were elevated in females without significance. The urea concentration of males was significantly higher (P < 0.05). Triglycerides and VLDL were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in females. The level of uric acid, protein, albumin, potassium, cholesterol, GPT, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin was high without significance in males. Creatinine, sodium, chloride, and globulin are almost identical between males and females.
Copyright (c) 2024 Tarek A. S. Altief , Raiqa A. Saeid , Salem A. Amaizik (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Determination of The Initiative Amount of Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer Rates for Biological Nitrogen Fixation by Rhizobium Bacteria on Vicia Faba Plant Under Local Condition
In order to determine the rate of initiative amount of ammonium sulfate fertilizer (0,20,25,50,100) Kg N/ha. The experiment was conducted using phenomena of biological nitrogen fixation, two cultivars of broad bean( vicia faba) were used "Egyption and Moroccian" In this study ,the response of the two cultivars were variable when locally isolated Rhizobium bacteria F2K22 was added as an inoculum in combination with different ammonium sulfate fertilizer rates. The results obtained showed remarkable homogeneity in the studied parameters [ percent of nitrogen in plant, Wight of root nodules, number of root nodules and root Wight ] ,which was agreed with previous studies either inoculated and non-inoculated plants with the significant difference at 0.01 in an inoculated plants with Rhizobium inoculum locally isolated F2k22. Finally the result obtained from the two season experiments showed that the addition of 25 kg N/ha in combination with Rhizobium inoculum was the proper promotive rate, this indicates that the known rate 20 kg N/ha is not the proper rate under local conditions to fix nitrogen biologically .
Copyright (c) 2024 Hoda A. Elhadede, Fatema I. Benamer (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Mycoflora Detection in Some Dry Plants Used in Libyan Folk Medicine
laurel Bay, Guava and Senna were purchased from different herbalist shops in Al-Beyda city. Moisture content was determined, and the levels of fungal contamination were detected in all samples by incubating them on 2% water agar petri dishes and purifying on potato sucrose agar at 25 ± 1oC. The higher moisture contents of 50% and 25% were recorded in Guava and Greek laurel Bay respectively. Seven different genera and 12 species were isolated and identified as Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, A. carbonarius, A. niger, A. parasiticus, Cheatomium globosm, C. funicola, Cheatomium sp., Cladosporium cladosporides, Phoma sp., Pealosporium herbarum and Ulocladium charturm. The higher diversity of 14 isolates and the higher frequency of 38.9% were found in guava following by 11 isolates and 30.6% in Greek laurel Bay.The relative density of contamination for fungi isolated revealed that A. alternata and A. niger are maximum (15.7%) followed by C. funicola (13.7%) and the minimum number of fungi recorded was 2% for P. herbarium. Screening tests for mycotoxins producibility in isolates of fungi by using vapor ammonia liquid on PSA medium, among which A. flavus, A. carbonarius, A. niger, showed positive results for mycotoxins production.
Copyright (c) 2024 Zahra I. El-Gali, Mohamed A. Elghli (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Estimating reference evapotranspiration for Shahat region in Libya using genetic programming
This study was conducted to estimate the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) for Shahat region in Libya using the genetic programming (GP) model compared to the FAO Penman-Monteith equation (FPM56). The climatic data of Shahat Meteorological Station was used for the period from 1963 to 1999. Six different combinations of available meteorological variables were used, such as the average air temperature (Tmean), the average relative humidity (RHmean), and the extraterrestrial radiation (Ra). The latter is calculated as a function of the location and time during the year. The GP model was trained using 70% of the climatic data and tested using the remaining 30%. The values of the statistical indicators obtained in this study showed that the root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (NSE) ranged between 0.26 and 0.98 (mm.day-1); 0.67 and 0.98; 0.66 and 0.98, respectively during the testing period. Therefore, GP models represent a great option to estimate ETo, when climatic data are scarce.
Copyright (c) 2024 Osama A. Abdelatty , Mohamed A. Momen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effect of Cold Stratitication and Gibberellic Acid Treatment on Seed Germination and Seedlings Growth of Quince (Cydonia oblonga)
The study aimed to determine the effect of cold stratification, concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3) and the interaction between them on the characteristics of germination and growth of quince seedlings. Quince seeds have embryonic dormancy attributed to inhibitory germination in seed covers; thus, seeds exposed to cold stratification (30, 60, and 90 days) and treated with GA3 at concentrations (0, 250, 500, and 1000 ppm). A randomized complete block design was used, and each treatment contained 40 seeds. The results showed the cold stratification of 90 days gave the highest percentage and speed of germination, the longest seedling, the largest leaf area and a percentage of dry matter with an average of (87%, 1.88, 37.35cm, 31cm2 and 55%), and the use of a concentration (500 ppm) gave the best percentage and speed for seed germination. The interaction showed a significant effect on the characteristics of germination and growth. The seed treated with cold stratification for 60 days with a concentration of GA3 at 500 ppm gave the highest percentage of germination (94%), and the stratification for 90 days with a concentration of 1000 ppm recorded the largest leaf area and the highest percentage of dry matter (34. 40 cm2 and 57.54%) on respectively. While the seeds stratified for 60 days without GA3 have the highest value for the diameter (2.89 mm). From this, we concluded that the treatment with GA3 with cold stratification is of economic importance for its effective role in breaking the dormancy of Quince seeds.
Copyright (c) 2024 Abaidalah A. Saleh, Khalid M, Mazik (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Identification of Insect Pests in Stored Pulses within Tripoli, Libya
This study investigated the presence of insect pests in five stored pulses which are chickpeas, beans, white pea beans, peas, and red lentils collected from Tripoli city markets. The results revealed that one or more beetle species infested 39.05% of the samples. The percentages of samples infested were as follows: beans 52.38%, peas 42.86%, red lentils 38.11%, white pea beans 33.33%, and chickpeas 28.57%. The results also show that eight weevil species of insect pests were detected in the samples. These were cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (F.), pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis L., bean weevil Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say), faba bean beetle Bruchidius incarnatus Boheman, grain weevil Sitophilus granarius (L.), lesser grain borer Rhizopertha dominica (F.), red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.). The most frequently found beetle species were; cowpea weevil C. maculatus with 18.10 %, bean weevil A. obtectus 14.29 % and lesser grain borer R. dominica 8.57 %.
Copyright (c) 2024 Nagat A. Abuelnnor (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Investigation of fungi contaminating broiler feed in some poultry farms in Syria
Fungi contaminating poultry feed are considered a reason for the decrease in their nutritional value, and a major cause of diseases in poultry. Information about fungi contaminating poultry feed is not available locally. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate fungal contamination of both raw and manufactured feeds used on six different farms dedicated to raising poultry (broiler) in Tartous Governorate - Syria, during the period extending from October 2023 to January 2024; By growing samples of these feeds in the laboratory on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) culture, to determine the fungal genera present in those studied feeds. 290 fungal isolates were obtained (169 isolates from raw feed, 121 isolates from manufactured feed) belonging to five genera of filamentous fungi and yeasts, including Aspergillus spp. (36.2%), followed by Yeast spp. (33.8%), Penicillium spp. (4.8%), Mucor spp. (3.8%), and the fungus Trichoderma spp. (1%), and it was found that Aspergillus spp. Fungi were the most common (34.3%, 38.8%) in the raw and manufactured feeds, respectively. The study concluded that the detection of fungi contaminating poultry feed is of great importance, due to their health risks to poultry.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ammar M. Mostafa, Tawfek K. Dalla, Fahem A. Abdalaziz, Munzer S. Tamouz (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The effect of chickpea planting density and weeding frequency on diversity parameters of wild oat & bind weeds under conditionsin Safsaf at EL-jabal Al-Akhdar
Two field experiments were conducted at research station in Safsaf at EL-jabal Al-Akhdar to study effect plant population: 9.52, 13.33, 20 and 33.33 plant m2 and the effects of weeds cultivation numbers after one month and twice after first and Second month of seeding during the two seasons 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. The study layout in split plot design. population layed in the main plet, and cultivation of the weeds in the Subplots their area 2O4 (8m2), within four replications. The results revealed that, wead dominance efficient of bindweed & wild oat was not affected significantly due plant population (P.D), while significantly affected by weeds. cultivation (WC) in both the two seasons. Similarly in case of value index of weeds in the two seasons. Weed density and relative density as not affected by PD while significant only affected by WC in both first & second season. Covering index MDR) of bind weed and wild oat not affected by PD and significantly affected by WC in the two seasons. Similarly, marga leaf diversity index (Dmg) and Simpson & Shannon diversity index were not affected significantly by PD, while significantly with WC in both first & second season. Weeds dry weight at harvesting were not affected by PD, while affected Significantly by WC in the two seasons
Copyright (c) 2025 Naima Abdel-Bari Al-Qasi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Estimating some Genetic parameters of growth indicators & yield for Pure Lines of Chili pepper
This research was conducted at the Talhadia Research Station during the 2022 season to evaluate the performance of some local chili pepper lines in Aleppo Governorate & to investigate the heritability, genetic, & phenotypic variation of their productive traits. The goal was to utilize these findings in breeding programs & to preserve the local genetic resources. The study included 22 local chili pepper lines, focusing on phonological phases, such as the number of days from transplanting until 75% of the plants flowered, the time to fruit setting (node formation), & the time to the first harvest, in addition to the length of the harvesting period. Plant traits such as plant height, the number of main branches, fruit length, fruit diameter, average fruit weight, fruit wall thickness, & plant productivity were also evaluated. The experiment was carried out using a R& omized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed significant differences among the chili pepper lines in phonological stages & plant traits. Substantial variation was observed in plant height & the number of main branches among the lines. Genetic factors were found to have a greater influence than environmental factors on fruit characteristics & plant productivity. Heritability estimates ranged from 97% for fruit weight to 67% for fruit wall thickness & plant productivity. Cluster analysis grouped the studied lines into two main categories based on fruit & plant traits. The first category was further divided into two subgroups comprising nine strains, while the remaining strains were grouped into the second category. This research provides valuable insights for breeding programs & strategies aimed at improving chili pepper traits & preserving local varieties.
Copyright (c) 2024 Lama Alloun, Shaemae Samou, Lava Mustafa, ِAziza Mardikhy (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0