Middle East Journal of Agriculture Research

Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils for Controlling Storage Fungi of Some Medicinal and Aromatic Seeds

2025-07-10

The most significant medicinal and aromatic plants in Egypt and the world are caraway (Carum carvi L.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.). In vitro trails, completely inhibited of mycelial growth and spore germination was achieved with Thyme and Rosemary at 0.75 % for A. flavus and F. verticillioides while at 1.0 % for A. niger. While in vivo, trails, Thyme and Rosemary
essential oils was mixed individually with wheat barn and tested seeds were treated with mixture at rate of 0.00, 5.0,10.0.15.0,20.0 and 25.0 g/kg seeds. Results showed that all tried concentrations of essential oil carrier contact decreased the natural infection of tested seeds. The protective impact of Thyme and Rosemary essential oils carrier against A. flavus infection was assessed after 90 days of storage. Results showed that all tried concentrations of essential oil carrier decreased the artificial infection with A. flavus of all tested seeds. The highest inhibited was achieved with Thyme and Rosemary carrier at 25.0 g /kg seeds which decreased the infection more than 88.0, 89.0 and 91.0 %, for cumin, anise and caraway respectively. Followed by both essential oils carrier at 20.0g/kg seeds which reduced the infection more than 76.0 % for all tested seeds. Thyme and Rosemary carrier at 25.0 g /kg seeds recorded lower percent of the germination seeds for all tested seeds.

Impact of Phosphorus Fertilizer and Potassium Humate on the Productivity and Nutritional Status of Pea Plants Irrigated with Saline Water

2025-07-10

Two field experiments were carried out in consecutive winter season of 2022 and 2023 at the Research and Production Station of the National Research Centre at the Nubaria site in Beheira Governorate, Egypt, to determine the response of pea (Pisum sativum L.) to foliar application of humic acid and phosphorus fertilization on growth, yield parameters and nutrients content of pea plant. Phosphorus fertilization rates (0, 38, 76 and 114 P2O5 kg ha-1) were used as the main factor, while K-humate concentrations (0, 1000 and 2000 mg l-1) were used as a second factor. The results demonstrated that applying phosphorus fertilizer and spraying K-humate had a substantial impact on growth and production. The growth and yield of peas in two consecutive growing seasons were impacted by increasing the rate at which K-humate at different concentrations was applied while also increasing the rate at which phosphorus fertilizer was applied. For the pea growth and yield coordinates, the experimental treatment (K-humate at 2000 mgl-1 + 114 kg P2O5 ha-1 of phosphorus fertilizer) received the greatest values. The nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content of pea seeds increased as the concentration of K-humate spraying increased. The study's findings highlight the significance of phosphorus fertilization and show that applying K-humate spray to plants while they are growing can boost the fertilizer's efficacy and impact on pea plants that are irrigated with salty water.

Genetic Variability, Trait Correlation, and Path Analysis in Snake Melon Cucumis melo var. flexuosus (L.) Naudin

2025-07-20

This study investigated the genetic variability, correlation, and path analysis of key morphological and agronomic traits in snake melon (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus) to identify optimal traits for breeding programs. Seven Sudanese landrace genotypes were evaluated in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Traits such as plant height, fruit weight, fruit dimensions (length, diameter, length-to-diameter ratio), and yield-related parameters were analysed. Results revealed high genotypic and phenotypic variability for fruit weight (GCV = 45.63%, PCV = 47.95%) and number of fruits per plant (GCV = 32.63%, PCV = 34.60%), with high broad-sense heritability (H²b =0.89) and genetic advance (GA=63.40%), indicating strong potential for selective improvement. In contrast, the lengthto- diameter ratio exhibited low variability (GCV = 3.85%, PCV = 5.72%) and heritability (H²b = 0.46), suggesting limited genetic control. Correlation analysis showed strong positive associations between fruit weight and traits like fruit diameter (0.947), fruit length (0.907), and stem length (0.915), implying pleiotropic or linked genetic regulation. Path analysis identified fruit diameter (direct effect = 6.491) and stem length (4.003) as primary contributors to fruit number, while fruit weight and length had compensatory indirect effects. The study underscores fruit weight, diameter, and stem length as priority traits for yield enhancement, while highlighting the need to explore additional physiological or molecular traits to account for residual variation. These findings provide a robust framework for targeted breeding strategies to improve snake melon productivity and adaptability.

Stability Analysis for Root Yield and Quality Characters of Some Sugar Beet Genotypes

2025-08-05

This study aimed to evaluate the genotype × environment (G × E) interaction and stability parameters for yield and quality traits in sugar beet. Eight genotypes Baikal, Universe, Avantga, Serenada, Capel, Bts 301, Athos poly, and Saucona were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications across nine environments. These environments consisted of three sowing dates (1st
September, 1st October, and 1st November) over three growing seasons (2015/2016, 2016/2017, and 2017/2018), resulting in a total of nine distinct growing conditions. Pooled analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among genotypes for growth, yield, and quality traits. The G × E interactions and environmental linear effects were also highly significant, indicating that the performance of sugar beet genotypes was strongly influenced by varying environmental conditions. Stability analysis revealed that some genotypes exhibited phenotypic and genotypic stability for most traits, with varying adaptability across environments. Among them, Bts 301 consistently outperformed other genotypes, recording the highest mean values for most traits. Additionally, Saucona, Serenada, Capel, and Universe demonstrated stability for root yield, top yield, and sugar-related traits based on multiple statistical measures (mean, bi, s²di, λi, and αi). Based on these findings, the study recommends Saucona, Serenada, Capel, Universe, and Bts 301 for cultivation due to their stability and high yields in root and sugar production. These genotypes are well-suited for different planting dates under the agroclimatic conditions of the Fayoum region.