Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Agricultural Research Center (ARC)Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research1110-633699220210701Encourage farmers to adopt sustainable water and nutrient management in arid agroecosystems: problems, solutions and future studies13614117284210.21608/ejar.2021.68612.1096ENHadi SarebanDepartment of Agronomy, Islamic Azad University, Gonabad Branch, Gonabad, IranAhad MadaniDepartment of Agronomy, Islamic Azad University, Gonabad Branch, Gonabad, IranFarshid VazinDepartment of Agronomy, Islamic Azad University, Gonabad Branch, Gonabad, IranJournal Article20210319Crop production is seriously threatened by drought. Greater availability of nitrogen and phosphorus through intercropping with grain legumes and incubation with Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) can alleviate the negative effect of water stress on some crops. However, row crop-grain legume intercropping and using PSB bacteria is not welcomed or widely accepted by smallholder farmers in arid regions. The problem is that N-fixation by grain legumes cannot complementarily satisfy nitrogen demand of row crop especially in low phosphorus soils of these regions under restricted irrigation. The efficiency of PSB bacteria also is very low in the alkaline soil of this region. It suggests that some amount of nitrogen fertilizer should be used in this intercropping system. Nitrogen also consumption improves the efficiency of PSB bacteria. So, consumption of some nitrogen, and incubation with PSB bacteria meet entirely the need for phosphorus fertilizer. Significant water saving by restricting irrigation without significant yield loss in row crop and grain legumes can be regarded as an advantage of this method. So, farmers can cultivate more land with the same amount of water. In such a situation, even small foliage of the grain legumes, as green manure can convince the farmers to use the row crop -grain legumes intercropping system even under restricted irrigation conditions. Futures studies must focus on a better understanding of competition and facilitation of two crops for water and nutrients. They also must pay attention to nitrogen × PSB bacteria, and Phosphorus × rhizobacteria synergic interactions on yield of and sources use efficiency of both crops. These studies may help to better water and plant nutrition management in a way that is environmentally safe and economical for farmers.https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_172842_321b99115594c9815e5e80e3606819c4.pdfMinistry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Agricultural Research Center (ARC)Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research1110-633699220210701Behavior of some Egyptian bread wheat genotypes under different natural photo-thermal environments14215717047510.21608/ejar.2021.62280.1081ENSedhom Abdelkhalik MohamedAbdelkhalikWheat Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute (FCRI), Agricultural Research Centre (ARC), Giza, Egypt0000-0003-2443-3997Khaled EldemerdashRagabWheat Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute (FCRI), Agricultural Research Centre (ARC), Giza, EgyptAdel Abd El-AzizHagrasWheat Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute (FCRI), Agricultural Research Centre (ARC), Giza, EgyptJournal Article20210209This investigation was conducted during the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Egypt to study the influence of four planting dates on earliness and yield of fourteen wheat genotypes. The combined analyses showed highly significant differences due to years, sowing dates, genotypes and their interactions for most studied traits. December 5<sup>th</sup> was the best sowing date for wheat production. The wheat new genotypes lines 1 and 2 had the lowest days to booting, heading, anthesis and maturity on the other side they had the highest values for grain filling period (GFP) and 1000-kernel weight. Based on the genotype means, the late heading genotype (Giza 163) had short GFP (29.5 days) and possessed a high grain filling rate (233 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> days-<sup>1</sup>). The cultivar Misr 3 was superior overall genotypes for grain yield (10.529 t ha.<sup>-1</sup>), spikes per square meter (552 spikes), and straw yield (20.164 t ha.<sup>-1</sup>); and it ranked first under early sowing date (Nov. 5<sup>th</sup>) with 9% higher grain yield overstudied genotypes. According to stability analyses, Misr 3, Sakha 95 and Giza 171 recorded the highest yield, with the regression coefficient values ˃1. This study recommended release of new wheat genotypes (Lines 1 and 2) as new cultivars and use them to develop early maturing and heat-tolerant bread wheat genotypes in breeding programs.https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_170475_9451571850441e968974a14c4c58403f.pdfMinistry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Agricultural Research Center (ARC)Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research1110-633699220210701Integration of bioagents with antioxidants to control Powdery Mildew disease in sunflower15816917065510.21608/ejar.2021.70835.1099ENHeba YousefCentral Lab of Biotechnology, Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt0000-0003-3314-8856Journal Article20210403Powdery mildew disease, caused by <em>Erysiphe cichoracearum, </em>is considered one of the most severe pathogenic threats of sunflower worldwide. This study discusses how to improve the effect of biocontrol agents, as a more economic and eco-friendlier alternative to fungicides, by mixing different bioagents (<em>Trichoderma harzianum</em> and <em>Bacillus subtilis</em>) with different antioxidants (ascorbic acid and salicylic acid), either individually or combined. They were applied to sunflower during two successive seasons to determine their effectiveness in promoting growth and inducing resistance in sunflower against powdery mildew disease under field conditions. Results show that all treatments reduced the severity of powdery mildew disease significantly compared with control. A synergistic effect was noticed when combining <em>T. harzianum</em> and salicylic acid led to a significant decrease in powdery mildew disease severity in sunflower in comparison to control. In general, the results suggested that the integration of antioxidants with bioagents showed a better response to control powdery mildew disease than single treatments. In field experiments, the applied treatments significantly increased all of the studied growth parameters, plant length, fresh and dry weight. All treatments showed a remarkable increase in physiological aspects (enzymes activity and total phenol content).https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_170655_d26742cafa6bd1012d51ab2f6d2c0903.pdfMinistry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Agricultural Research Center (ARC)Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research1110-633699220210701Traits selection criteria for genetic improvement of grain and leafy Amaranth (Amaranthus spp) using Principal Component Analysis17017917473210.21608/ejar.2021.65946.1089ENFrancis SHOWEMIMODepartment of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, College of Plant Science and Crop Production, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta NigeriaMiriam A. SoyomboDepartment of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, College of Plant Science and Crop Production, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta NigeriaJulius O. AmiraDepartment of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, College of Plant Science and Crop Production, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta NigeriaJustina B.O. PorbeniDepartment of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, College of Plant Science and Crop Production, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta NigeriaJournal Article20210302Grain Amaranths are important nutritional vegetables in the world for their grains and leaves. Twelve grain Amaranth accessions were evaluated for their performances using randomized complete block design with 3 replications for 2 years to measure variability and group the accessions. Analysis of Variance and accessions performances revealed significant variability among the grain Amaranths. Phenotypic variances were higher in magnitude than genotypic variance for all the traits studied. High genetic advance was obtained for all the characters except 1000 grain weight (23.61). The genotypic coefficients of variations were lower than the phenotypic coefficient of variations. Heritability ranged from 41.08% for grain yield/plot to 62.18% for plant height at flowering. Grain yield was positive and highly significantly correlated with 1000 grain weight, leaf area but significantly correlated with leaf length and leaf width. The PCA revealed four main components of variations representing 78.06% of the total variability among the 12 grain amaranth accessions. The PCA identified all the 12 traits as strongly correlated with the three principal components. PC1 is well-correlated with Plant height at flowering, Stem girth, Number of leaves, Plant height at maturity, leaf width, leaf length, leaf area and Petiole length. The bi-plot analysis classified the accession NG/AA/03/11/010, NGB 01259, and NGB 0127 as having good leaf yield and desired leaf traits, Accession NHGB/09/108, NG/AO/08/04 and NGB 01261 were grouped as better grain yield with good yield attributes, while accession NGB 01234, NHGB 09/09 and NHAC3 are good dual purpose accessions having good grain and leaf yield.https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_174732_b5d6a65af988f10f2b63a151e8a2486b.pdfMinistry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Agricultural Research Center (ARC)Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research1110-633699220210701Efficacy of Sulfur, Copper and Rhizobium leguminosarum against Faba bean damping-off caused by Fusarium solani18018918042810.21608/ejar.2021.71007.1100ENMohamed KhalilPlant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, EgyptEssam M. A. AshmawyPlant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, EgyptJournal Article20210404The efficacy of the organic fungicides elemental sulfur (S) and copper oxychloride (Cu) as well as a soil treatment<em> Rhizobium leguminosarum</em> were evaluated under laboratory, plastic houses and the field conditions, to control faba bean damping-off disease caused by <em>Fusarium solani</em>. Under laboratory conditions, the fungicides produced reduced mycelial growth of F. solani compared to <em>R. leguminosarum</em> as their effect was weak in reducing its growth. Under plastic houses and/or field conditions during (2015/2016 and 2016/2017) growing seasons, the faba bean plant was treated with the organic fungicides elemental sulfur at 500 ppm, copper oxychloride at 500 ppm (as a soil treatment) and / or seed packaging with R. leguminosarum, individually or combined. All treatments reduced the pre- and post-emergence damping-off, as well as increased the remaining plants, fresh & dry weight shoots and Nodulation of faba bean compared to the comparison treatment. In addition, under field condition, it caused a significant increase in the yield components for example (the number of pods per plant and total yield per Fed of both seasons. The combination of <em>R. leguminosarum</em> and the fungicide elemental sulfur was the best of these treatments compared to the other treatments.https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_180428_3832aba94bdb3e02c627e26d0f42412e.pdfMinistry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Agricultural Research Center (ARC)Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research1110-633699220210701Phenotypic and genotypic profiling of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from human and bovine milk19019618173110.21608/ejar.2021.79959.1115ENHala AliBacteriology Department, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt.0000-0001-5879-2176Nagla KoraneyBacteriology Department, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt.Esraa HefnyHygiene Food Department, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt.Samah AliBacteriology Department, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt.Shymaa Abdel MawgoudBacteriology Department, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt.Essam EltokhyBiotechnology Department, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt.Journal Article20210610The current work aimed to track the spread of methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (MRSA) in human and bovine milk in Fayoum city, Egypt. 74% of isolates obtained from a human with septic sore throat and 40% of bovine isolates from bulk milk tank were found positive for <em>S. aureus</em>. The typical characteristics of MRSA including resistance to oxacillin and meca positivity were detected in 8% and 7% of the human and bovineisolates respectively. The antibiotic resistance profile of human and bovine MRSA isolates have shown a high degree of similarity with complete resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics associated with variable resistance to other antibiotic classes. Nevertheless, 99-100% identity has been detected between meca gene of the human and bovine isolates and multiple MRSA strains in Genebank. The identified phenotypic and genotypic similarity provides clear evidence of potential epidemiological relation between the human and bovine MRSA isolates. However, further study is required to identify the mode of transmission of MRSA isolates between human and different livestock animals on wide-scale and expand the study to include wild animals.https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_181731_e2e2a59c975231d6696baceea4d5cbcf.pdfMinistry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Agricultural Research Center (ARC)Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research1110-633699220210701Endophytic Pseudomonas species from coastal weeds affecting in vitro phosphate solubilization and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Bangladesh19720418042710.21608/ejar.2021.73229.1105ENPreangka SahaBristeDepartment of plant pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh0000-0001-5410-1120Chowdhury NafisaTabassumDepartment of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814, BangldeshJournal Article20210422The present study investigated the phosphate solubilizing potential and <em>in vitro</em> plant growth-enhancing capability of five bacterial isolates of <em>Pseudomonas</em> sp. isolated from the endophytic region of three different weeds namely <em>Cyperus</em> <em>rotundus</em>, <em>Amaranthus spinosus</em>, <em>Scirpus mucronatus</em> which were collected from the coastal region of Bangladesh. The bacterial species were identified as <em>Pseudomonas</em> sp. based on their morphological characteristics. For further confirmation, molecular characterization will be done. The isolates of <em>Pseudomonas</em> sp. showed varying degrees of phosphate solubilizing potential on Pikovskaya's media. The results showed that isolate EnAgM<sub>3</sub> had the utmost capability of phosphate solubilization with the competency of (77.43±0.65 %) and the second place was occupied by the isolate EnAgM<sub>2</sub> with their competency of (74.92±0.95%). Then the isolates were used for the assessment of their <em>in vitro</em> growth-promoting capability of wheat (<em>Triticum aestivum</em>). Isolate EnAgM<sub>3</sub> showed the best growth promotion in respect of all the parameters studied except root fresh ounce whereas EnAgM<sub>2</sub> also significantly enhanced all the parameters except germination percentage in comparison to control. Conclusively, this study revealed that the unexplored coastal region of Bangladesh hold potential microorganisms having phosphate solubilizing and the potential of plant growth enhancement. As far as we know, it is the first comprehensive study conducted for isolating <em>Pseudomonas</em> sp. as the endophytic bacteria from the coastal weeds of Bangladesh and to identify their <em>in vitro</em> potential of phosphate solubilization as well as plant growth enhancement of wheathttps://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_180427_499149b7f650570da85e61e0911c0c77.pdfMinistry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Agricultural Research Center (ARC)Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research1110-633699220210701Hydrochemical characteristics of aquifers and their predicted impact on soil properties in Biskra region, Algeria20522018297610.21608/ejar.2021.56750.1068ENSemar AhcèneApplied Geology Laboratory, National Higher School of Agronomy (ENSA).Hakim BachirNational institute of Agronomic Research. Algeria.0000-0002-2902-1310Selma BourafaiApplied Geology Laboratory, National Higher School of AgronomyJournal Article20210106Biskra has seen an intensification of agricultural activities in the last few years, and groundwater is widely exploited for irrigation. An investigation has been carried out where water samples are taken according to the standard protocol from 32 boreholes and artisanal wells, thus affecting the three main aquifers (Quaternary, Mio-Pliocene and Senono-Lower Eocene). The study methods are based on the application of Diagrams (Piper, Riverside, Wilcox) and Phreeqc (saturation index). Electrical Conductivity (EC), Percent of Sodium Ions (% Na+), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Kelly's Index (KI) and Permeability Index (PI) are used to characterize potential impacts on soil properties. The analytical results obtained show that the groundwater of the 3 aquifers is neutral and highly mineralized (EC reach of 5 dS/m). The chemical facies are Na-Cl, Ca-Cl and Na-SO4. In relation to the geological conditions, the dominant cations and anions in the ion procession are Na+, Ca2+ and SO42-, Cl- respectively. Carbonate minerals (dolomite, calcite, and aragonite) are found in water in saturated to over-saturated state. Evaporite minerals (anhydrite, gypsum, and halite) evolve from a state close to equilibrium to a sub-saturated level. The Riverside (SAR and EC) and Wilcox (% Na+ and EC) diagrams was applied to the 3 reservoirs reveal excessively mineralized water and are of poor to low quality. RSC index values show a low risk of soil sodization and PI values indicate good quality water for agricultural use. However, the results of the KIs indicate water of poor quality recommended for irrigation.https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_182976_38526b1e287601d28d5edf99a4e46587.pdfMinistry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Agricultural Research Center (ARC)Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research1110-633699220210701Bio Management of Crown Rot and Southern Blight of Carrot by Using Trichoderma Fortified Compost22123019172910.21608/ejar.2021.78675.1113ENMahmudul HasanDepartment of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur-1706, BangladeshRayhanur JannatDepartment of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh0000-0001-8451-0208Preangka SahaBristeDepartment of plant pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh0000-0001-5410-1120Md. Mofazzal HossainDepartment of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur-1706, BangladeshMd. Khurshed AlamBhuiyanDepartment of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur-1706, BangladeshJournal Article20210616Rhizoctonia crown rot and canker caused by <em>Rhizoctonia solani</em> and southern blight caused by <em>Sclerotium</em> <em>rolfsii</em> are the two main devastating diseases that hamper carrot production greatly in Bangladesh. Indiscriminate use of chemical fungicides in controlling the pathogens also pollutes the environment, so an alternative bio-control agent was used to control the diseases. In the pathogenicity test, R-1 isolate of <em>R. solani</em> and S-1 isolate of <em>S. rolfsii</em> were found to be the most virulent against carrot seedlings and harvested carrots. <em>T. harzianum</em> isolate Pb-7 was appeared to be the most effective antagonist in the preliminary screening against both the selected pathogens. The field experiment was laid out following randomized complete block design with five treatments and three replications. In pathogen inoculated fields, 200g and 400g wheat grain colonized <em>Trichoderma</em> fortified compost, composted poultry refuges were mixed in the soil as per treatment before sowing carrot seeds. Pre- and post-emergence seedling mortality, incidence of Rhizoctonia crown rot and canker, and southern blight of carrot reduced significantly in treatments where soil was amended by wheat grain colonized <em>Trichoderma</em> fortified compost. On the contrary, pre- and post-emergence seedling mortality, incidence of Rhizoctonia crown rot and canker and southern blight of carrot was highest in pathogen inoculated fields. <em>Trichoderma</em> fortified compost enhanced germination percentage, growth promoting factors, yield and yield contributing components. The concentration of 400g wheat grain colonized <em>Trichoderma</em> fortified compost can be a suitable alternative to chemical fungicides used against these two devastating diseases of carrot.https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_191729_3e50d048f07e46d9b05edb6ec7c7515c.pdfMinistry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Agricultural Research Center (ARC)Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research1110-633699220210701Development and Assessment of Black Seed Planter23124119492210.21608/ejar.2021.78783.1114ENAdel A. AlgezawyAgricultural Engineering Research Institute Agricultural Research Center, Giza, EgyptGamal Altermzey A.Agricultural Engineering Research Institute Agricultural Research Center, Giza, EgyptAhmed I. ImamAgricultural Engineering Research Institute Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt0000-0002-5926-6319Journal Article20210602Black seed (Nigella sativa), which belongs to the botanical family of Ranunculaceae, is a widely used medicinal plant all over the world. Nigella sativa seeds and oil have been used in the treatment of different diseases. The aim of the present investigation is to develop and evaluate the performance of a planter to be used for planting black seed. The developed black seed planter consists of three hitching points, frame, seed hopper, four vertical rollers with cells metering, shovel furrow openers and chain covering devices. Laboratory experiments were carried out as a function of change in metering device speed; cells shape (cylinder and truncated cone (and cells volume (0.98, 1.41 and 1.92 cm3). While, field experiments were conducted to optimize machine forward speed. The machine performance was studied in terms of seed damage, plant scattering, emergency, crop yield, specific energy and planting cost. The experimental results reveal that the developed black seed planter is recommended to be used under the following conditions: forward speed of 4 km/h and cell volume of 1.92 cm3 with truncated cone cells. The obtained results at optimum conditions were: plant emergence of 94.71%, seed yield 0.73 Mg/fed, ground wheel slip of 4.5 %, required power of 5.21 kW, specific energy of 3.94 kW h/fed, field capacity of 1.32 fed/h, hourly cost of 84.37 L/E./h, operational cost of 63.74 L.E/fed and production cost of 86.72 L.E./Mg.https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_194922_758bdc2b87eb59e4b47420b5321295d5.pdf