Variation Characteristics of Root Traits of Different Alfalfa Cultivars under Saline-Alkaline Stress and their Relationship with Soil Environmental Factors

Soil salinization is the main factor that threatens the growth and development of plants and limits the increase of yield.It is of great significance to study the key soil environmental factors affecting plant root traits to reveal the adaptation strategies of plants to saline-alkaline-stressed soil environments.In this study,the root biomass,root morphological parameters and root mineral nutrient content of two alfalfa cultivars with different sensitivities to alkaline stress were analyzed with black soil as the control group and the mixed saline-alkaline soil with a ratio of 7:3 between black soil and saline-alkaline soil as the saline-alkaline treatment group.At the same time,the correlation analysis of soil salinity indexes,soil nutrient indexes and the activities of key enzymes involved in soil carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus cycles was carried out.The results showed that compared with the control group,the pH,EC,and urease(URE)of the soil surrounding the roots of two alfalfa cultivars were significantly increased,while soil total nitrogen(TN),total phosphorus(TP),organic carbon(SOC),andα-glucosidase activity(AGC)were significantly decreased under saline-alkaline stress.There was no significant difference in root biomass and root morphological parameters of saline-alkaline tolerant cultivar GN under saline-alkaline stress.The number of root tips(RT),root surface area(RS)and root volume(RV)of AG were reduced by 61.16%,44.54%,and 45.31%,respectively,compared with control group.The ratios of K^(+)/Na^(+),Ca^(2+)/Na^(+)and Mg^(2+)/Na^(+)of GN were significantly higher than those of AG(p<0.05).The root fresh weight(RFW)and dry weight(RDW),root length(RL),RV and RT of alfalfa were positively regulated by soil SOC and TN,but negatively regulated by soil pH,EC,and URE(p<0.01).Root Ca^(2+)/Na+ratio was significantly positively correlated with soil TN,TP and SOC(p<0.01).The absorption of Mg and Ca ions in roots is significantly negatively regulated by soilβ-glucosidase activity(BGC)and acid phosphatase activity(APC)(p<0.05).This study improved knowledge of the relationship between root traits and soil environmental factors and offered a theoretical framework for elucidating how plant roots adapt to saline-alkaline stressed soil environments.

Protectivity of Freeze Dried Inactivated Rift Valley Fever Vaccine

Background: Vaccinations for animals are crucial for food production, animal welfare, public health, and animal health. They are an affordable way to stop animal sickness, increase food production efficiency, and lessen or stop the spread of zoonotic diseases to humans. Animal vaccines that are both safe and efficacious are vital to modern culture. The vaccine should induce a strong, protective and prolonged immune response against the antigenic factor. In order to achieve these goals, novel vaccination techniques and an efficient adjuvant are required to render the vaccine immunogenically protective and trigger a strong immune response. Aim: Our study aims to promote and enhance the immunogenicity against RVF virus disease through lyophilized inactivated RVF vaccine through induction of early cellular, high and prolonged humeral immunity in vaccinated animals using cabopol as stabilizer and Saponin or normal saline as a diluent at time of vaccination. Moreover, manufacturing of these vaccines is easy to be done. Results: The gained results revealed that RVF freeze-dried vaccine with Carbopol that reconstituted using Saponin elicited better immune response than that reconstituted using normal saline (NaCl). The cell mediated immune response as represented by lymphocyte blastogenesis and phagocytic activity were markedly increased with high levels when we used Saponin as a diluent than that in group vaccinated with vaccine diluted with NaCl, on the other side the humeral immune response in group vaccinated using the Saponin as diluent is more detected and stayed within the protective level till the end of 11th month post vaccination (1.5 TCID50) while the immune response induced after using normal saline as a diluent stayed within the protective level till the end of 10th month post vaccination (1.8 TCID50). Conclusion: The use of Saponin as a diluent for reconstitution of the freeze dried RVF vaccine is preferable than the use of normal saline enhancing both sheep cellular and humeral immune response.

Efficiency of Bio-Fertilizing as One of the Natural Alternatives to Improve the Growth of Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni Trees and for Sustainability

A field experiment was carried out at Ismailia Research Station, Ismailia Governorate from 2020-2022 to improve the growth of Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni by using a combination of mineral fertilizer (NPK) and biological fertilizer (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megatherium, and Bacillus circulant) as recommended dose under new sandy soils conditions. Split plot designed with four treatments (Control, (50% Mineral fertilizer (M.) + 50% Biological fertilizer (Bio.)), 100% M. and 100% Bio.) of each species. Vegetative growth, leaf area, tree biomass, stored carbon, basal area, tree volume, and in the soil both of microbial account and mineral content were determined. The experimental results showed no significant differences between studied species among the most studied parameters except for Khaya senegalensis which gave the highest significant difference in root biomass and below-stored carbon than Swietenia mahagoni. Evidently, the highest significant growth parameters were 100% mineral fertilizer followed by (50% M. + 50% Bio.) as compared with control. No significant difference between 100% M. and (50% M. + 50% Bio.) of shoot dry biomass (15.19 and 12.02 kg, respectively) and above-stored carbon (0.28 and 0.22 Mt, respectively). Microbial account and mineral content in soil were improved after cultivation of tree species compared to before planting and control, especially with 50% mineral fertilizer and 50% bio-fertilizer treatment. In conclusion, a treatment containing 50% mineral fertilizer and 50% bio-fertilizer has led to the ideal Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni growth in sandy soil for cheaper and sustainable.

Response of the Maize Variety EV87-28 to a Fertilization Strategy Involving Indorama Granular Urea on Ferralsol in the Central Ivory Coast

In Côte d’Ivoire, the decline in soil fertility strongly impacts the productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) on heavily leached ferralitic soil. In this study, the general objective was therefore to improve the productivity of maize EV87-28 on the Ferralsols in pre-forested areas during different cropping seasons. Eight (8) micro-plots were set up according to a total randomization device with three repetitions. Two factors were studied: nitrogen fertilizer modalities (main factor) and crop season (secondary factor). Growth, flowering and yield parameters were measured and analyzed. The results showed that there was no interaction between the nitrogen fertilizer factor and the cropping season factor. In addition, this study showed the short rainy season had the most positive impact on growth, flowering and yield parameters than the long rainy season. The results also showed that the different nitrogen fertilizer modalities had no statistically different effects on growth, flowering and yield parameters. However, quantitative differences were reported, highlighting one nitrogen fertilizer modality, which is the combination of urea granule + farm manure (75% urea indorama granules and 25% farm manure). The combination of urea granule + farm manure (75% urea indorama granules and 25% farm manure) had the best effect on corn grain yield. So, the combination of urea (75%) and manure (25%), that resulted in yield gain, could be recommended for corn fertilization during the small rainy season.

Contribution of GIS to Soil Landscape Mapping by Multi-Criteria Analysis Using Weighting: The Case of the Square Degrees of M’Bahiakro (Centre) and Daloa (Centre-West) in Ivory Coast

As part of the drive to improve coffee and cocoa production in Ivory Coast, studies are carried out to identify soils that are favourable for these crops. It is therefore necessary to orientate soil investigations based on reliable criteria that best discriminate soil cover. With this in mind, this study is being carried out to help improve survey methods by mapping soil landscapes. It uses GIS and weighted multicriteria analysis. To do this, satellite images were processed and the geological map of the square degrees of M’Bahiakro and Daloa was reclassified. The results show that relief is the main factor in soil landscape differentiation, with respective weights of 0.58 and 0.67 for the forest and pre-forest zones. In contrast, the weight of geological formation in soil landscape differentiation remains low (0.05 for the forest zone and 0.07 for the pre-forest zone). The criteria used on the base of aggregation sum methods have made it possible to formulate soil landscape mapping prediction functions according to agro-ecological environments in the humid intertropical zone. This is essential for the orientation of soil survey work. Nevertheless, other comparative methods, such as the coding mapping method, could provide elements for discussion to validate the models.

Multicriteria Analysis by Codification for the Determination of Soil Landscape Units in Forest and Pre-Forest Zones of Cote D’Ivoire: The Case of the Square Degrees of M’Bahiakro and Daloa

The present study, carried out in the forest (Daloa) and pre-forest (M’Bahiakro) zones of Cote d’Ivoire, aims to determine soil landscape units using the coding method. Geological maps and satellite images (SRTM and Landsat) were used for this purpose. The methodological approach adopted consisted in producing maps of slope, geology, land use and topography using the codification method. These various maps, integrated into a GIS using the coding aggregation method, were used to generate soil landscape maps. Twenty-seven (27) soil landscapes have been identified for the pre-forest zone (M’Bahiakro), with a strong dominance of acid rock over a moderate relief under savannah, forest/degraded forest and crops/fallow. However, the forest zone (Daloa), with forty-one (41) soil landscapes identified over the entire zone, is characterized by a majority of mafic rocks on a medium altitude under forest/degraded forest, water and crops/fallow. The criteria used from the codification method (sum of aggregations) made it possible to predict the spatial distribution of soil map units according to agro-ecological environments in the humid intertropical zone. This is essential for the orientation and reinforcement of soil survey tools. However, a comparative evaluation of the different multicriteria analysis methods for coding and weighting soil landscape unit mapping would enable us to identify the most suitable and efficient method for drawing up base maps for soil surveys.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Essential Oil Extracts in the Control of Termites (Isoptera: Termitidae) in Cashew Orchards in Badikaha (Côte d’Ivoire)

Cashew tree has gradually moved from a purely ecological aspect to a socio-economic one, due to the marketing of its nuts. But production per area, estimated at between 424 and 547 kg/ha, remains low, in contrast to India (2nd largest producer) and Vietnam (3rd largest producer), whose yields range from 1000 to 1500 and 2000 to 2500 kg/ha respectively. This low yield is due to a number of factors, among which insect pests are the most damaging. Among these insects, termites are considered to be one of the main pests of cashew trees. The general objective of this study is to contribute to termite management through the use of bioinsecticides, an alternative to the use of chemicals in cashew orchards. Five (5) biological products were tested: Limocide, Carapa oil, Neem oil, Kitana and Kaskara. Among them, two products proved effective, with a mortality rate of over 50%. These were Limocide, whose LC50 was obtained in 24 h at a dose of 3.6 g/ml and 3.1 g/ml , giving a mortality rate of 57.66% ± 4.04% and 51.33 ± 2.08 respectively , and Carapa, at a dose of 4.5 g/ml, with an estimated mortality rate of 52.33% ± 1.52%. Such results have demonstrated the potential application of Limocide and Carapa biopesticides to sustainably control termites in cashew orchards of Côte d’Ivoire.

Calcium-Magnesium Ca/Mg Ratios and Their Agronomic Implications for the Optimization of Phosphate Fertilization in Rainfed Rice Farming on Acidic Ferralsol in the Forest Zone of Ivory Coast

This study is a contribution to improving rice productivity on acidic plateau soils of the tropical rainforest zone. It is based on taking into account the cationic balances of the soil in order to optimize the phosphorus (P) nutrition of rice on these acidic soils, where this nutrient constitutes a limiting factor for agricultural production. Three (3) pot trials were conducted in Adiopodoumé in the forested south of Côte d’Ivoire. The interactive effects of calcium carbonate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg Ca ha−1) and magnesium sulfate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg Mg ha−1) were evaluated on the response of NERICA 5 rice at doses 0, 25, 50 and 75 kg P ha−1 of natural phosphate from Togo, applied only once at the start of the experiment. Additional fertilizers of nitrogen (N) (100 kg N ha−1) and potassium (K) (50 kg KCl ha−1) were added to each of the tests in a split-plot device. The test results revealed a paddy production potential of approximately 3 to 5 t⋅ha−1 for NERICA 5 on an acidic soil, under the effect of the interaction of P, Ca and Mg. The quadratic response of rice yield to the doses of these fertilizers would be more dependent on their balance, itself influenced by Ca nutrition. For the sustainability and maintenance of rice production in agro-ecology studied, it was recommended doses of 38 kg Ca ha−1, 34 kg Mg ha−1 in a Ca/Mg ratio (1/1) with intakes of 41 kg P ha−1, overall in a ratio 1/1/1 (P/Ca/Mg) more favorable to the availability of free iron considered a guiding element of mineral nutrition. Thus, these promising results should be confirmed in a real environment for better management of the fertilization of rice cultivated on acidic plateau soils in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Enlightenment on Urban Ecological Construction by Research Progress of Sponge City in China Based on Literature Analysis

To quantitatively analyze main figure,field,agency and level of sponge city research in China,and clear research focus and hot spot in each year,by using the Full Text Database of Chinese Sci-tech Periodicals and other retrieval tools,the statistics and analysis of 3152 research literatures on sponge city published in domestic academic journals of 2004-2016 are conducted based on bibliometrics. It is found that since the concept of " sponge city" was firstly proposed in 2012,development research of sponge city involves 40 subject fields and is mainly published in 32 kinds of journals,which is dominated by natural science research( 1427 literatures). Researchers are mainly from each college and university,some design institutes and Chinese Academy of Sciences. The research could play certain guidance significance for further research and construction of ecological city construction in China.

Spatial Variability of Selected Soil Attributes under Agricultural Land Use System in a Mountainous Watershed, Ethiopia

In the Ethiopian Highlands, research projects were often measuring soil attributes of spatially structured point data but soil variability at a watershed scale is not clearly defined. This study was conducted to assess the correlation among selected soil attributes and to illustrate the spatial pattern and dependence of neighboring observations. The 53.7 km2?study watershed was divided into a 500 m by 500 m square grid using arcgis and at the center of each grid soil samples from 0 to 25 cm depth were collected within 184 locations. The descriptive statistics revealed available phosphorous (AP) had the largest coefficient of variation (CV = 104) while pH was the least variable. There was a positive link between elevation and SOC whereas bulk density (ρd) and pH indicated an inverse relationship with elevation and SOC. The value for nugget/sill of ρd, pH and elevation are less than 0.25, and depicts that it has strong spatial autocorrelation. The value for nugget/?sill of SOC, and TN found between 0.25 and 0.75, and indicate that they have moderate spatial?autocorrelation. With regard to AP, the value for nugget/sill is more than 0.75, which displays a weak?spatial autocorrelation. Semivariograms of ρd, pH and elevation were best fitted to Gaussian model whereas SOC, TN and AP were best fitted to exponential function. Generally, the study verified that soil measurements taken at the given scale through regular sampling interval were adequate to capture the spatial dependence of numerous initial soil assessments in the study watershed.

The Potential Scenarios of the Impacts of Climate Change on Egyptian Resources and Agricultural Plant Production

The emissions of greenhouse gasses in Egypt are about 0.58% of the total emissions of the world in the year 2015, although Egypt is one of the countries most affected by the impacts of climate change. By assessment and analysis of the expected economic impacts of climate change by the year 2030, the Egyptian cultivated area will be reduced to about 0.949 million acres, equal to about 8.22% of the Egyptian cultivated area compared with the case of no sinking part of the Delta land, thus reducing crop area in Egypt to about 1.406 million acres, approximately to about 6.25% of crop area compared with the case of no sinking part of the Delta land, in addition to surplus in the Egyptian balance water to about 2.48 billion m3. In this case value of the Egyptian agriculture production will decrease by about 6.19 billion dollars, equal to about 6.19% compared with presumably no sinking of the Delta land. In the case of sinking 15% of Delta lands, with the change of the productivity and water consumption of most crops, the result will be a reduction in the cultivated area to about 0.94 million acres. In addition to decreasing the Egyptian crop area to about 1.39 million acres, with a deficit in the Egyptian balance water to about 4.74 billion m3 compared to the case of no sinking part of the Delta land, the cultivated area will decrease to about 8.17%, and the crop area will decrease 6.18%. Also, the value of the Egyptian agriculture production will decrease by about 12.51%. While compared to sinking part of the Delta land to about 15% of the total Delta area without the other impacts of climate change, the cultivated area will increase by about 0.06%;the crop area will increase by about 0.08%;also, the value of the Egyptian agriculture production will decrease by about 5.57%.

Problem Analysis of Agricultural Products Sales Channels in Shishan Area of Northwest Guangxi and Countermeasures Study:A Case Study of Nandan County of Hechi City

The level of agricultural product sales is one of the important factors that directly affect the economic income of rural villagers.Due to the limitations of geographical conditions and the lagging economic and social development,there are major problems in the sales of agricultural products in Shishan area.To better help the sales of agricultural products in Shishan area of northwest Guangxi,Nandan County of Hechi City is taken as research object.Current situation of agricultural products production and sales channels in Nandan County is understood,and problems existing in the sales of agricultural products in Nandan County are analyzed.Moreover,targeted opinions and suggestions are put forward from the aspect of innovating the sales channels of agricultural and sideline products,thereby helping quality improvement and development of agricultural industry.

Research and Prospect Analysis of Microorganisms in Selenium-Rich Soil

The importance and application prospect of microorganisms in selenium-rich soil are discussed from five aspects:the distribution of selenium-rich soil,research status at home and abroad,main groups of microorganisms in selenium-rich soil,the relationship between selenium and microorganisms,and the application.

Research on Extraction and Purification Technology of Flavonoids from Quinoa (Cheuopodium quinoa) Leaves

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the extraction process of quiona(Cheuopodium quinoa)leaves.[Methods]Firstly,single factor experiments were carried out with the volume fraction of ethanol,extraction time,extraction temperature and liquid-to-material ratio as factors.Based on the single factor experiments,a response surface test was designed by the central composite design method of Design-Expert software to establish a mathematical model.[Results]The optimal extraction conditions of quinoa flavonoids were obtained as follows:the ethanol volume fraction of 70%,the liquid-to-material ratio at 30∶1,the extraction time of 100 min and the extraction temperature at 60℃.[Conclusions]The results of the study are stable with small deviation,and can provide reference for related processes.

Natural variations and geographical distributions of seed carotenoids and chlorophylls in 1167 Chinese soybean accessions

Understanding the composition and contents of carotenoids in various soybean seed accessions is important for their nutritional assessment.This study investigated the variability in the concentrations of carotenoids and chlorophylls and revealed their associations with other nutritional quality traits in a genetically diverse set of Chinese soybean accessions comprised of cultivars and landraces.Genotype,planting year,accession type,seed cotyledon color,and ecoregion of origin significantly influenced the accumulation of carotenoids and chlorophylls.The mean total carotenoid content was in the range of 8.15–14.72μg g–1 across the ecoregions.The total carotenoid content was 1.2-fold higher in the landraces than in the cultivars.Soybeans with green cotyledons had higher contents of carotenoids and chlorophylls than those with yellow cotyledons.Remarkably,lutein was the most abundant carotenoid in all the germplasms,ranging from 1.35–37.44μg g–1.Carotenoids and chlorophylls showed significant correlations with other quality traits,which will help to set breeding strategies for enhancing soybean carotenoids without affecting the other components.Collectively,our results demonstrate that carotenoids are adequately accumulated in soybean seeds,however,they are strongly influenced by genetic factors,accession type,and germplasm origin.We identified novel germplasms with the highest total carotenoid contents across the various ecoregions of China that could serve as the genetic materials for soybean carotenoid breeding programs,and thereby as the raw materials for food sectors,pharmaceuticals,and the cosmetic industry.

Monitoring the little fire ant,Wasmannia auropunctata(Roger 1863),in the early stage of its invasion in China:Predicting its geographical distribution pattern under climate change

Invasive alien ants(IAAs)are among the most aggressive,competitive,and widespread invasive alien species(IAS)worldwide.Wasmannia auropunctata,the greatest IAAs threat in the Pacific region and listed in“100 of the world’s worst IAS”,has established itself in many countries and on islands worldwide.Wild populations of W.auropunctata were recently reported in southeastern China,representing a tremendous potential threat to China’s agricultural,economic,environmental,public health,and social well-being.Estimating the potential geographical distribution(PGD)of W.auropunctata in China can illustrate areas that may potentially face invasion risk.Therefore,based on the global distribution records of W.auropunctata and bioclimatic variables,we predicted the geographical distribution pattern of W.auropunctata in China under the effects of climate change using an ensemble model(EM).Our findings showed that artificial neural network(ANN),flexible discriminant analysis(FDA),gradient boosting model(GBM),Random Forest(RF)were more accurate than categorical regression tree analysis(CTA),generalized linear model(GLM),maximum entropy model(MaxEnt)and surface distance envelope(SRE).The mean TSS values of ANN,FDA,GBM,and RF were 0.820,0.810,0.843,and 0.857,respectively,and the mean AUC values were 0.946,0.954,0.968,and 0.979,respectively.The mean TSS and AUC values of EM were 0.882 and 0.972,respectively,indicating that the prediction results with EM were more reliable than those with the single model.The PGD of W.auropunctata in China is mainly located in southern China under current and future climate change.Under climate change,the PGD of W.auropunctata in China will expand to higher-latitude areas.The annual temperature range(bio7)and mean temperature of the warmest quarter(bio10)were the most significant variables affecting the PGD of W.auropunctata in China.The PGD of W.auropunctata in China was mainly attributed to temperature variables,such as the annual temperature range(bio7)and the mean temperature of the warmest quarter(bio10).The populations of W.auropunctata in southern China have broad potential invasion areas.Developing strategies for the early warning,monitoring,prevention,and control of W.auropunctata in southern China requires more attention.

Optimizing N fertilizer use for sesame under rain fed and irrigation conditions in Northern Ethiopia

Inappropriate use of fertilizers is one of the major production constraints in sesame. Studies on N fertilizer optimization on sesame were conducted at Humera Agricultural Research Center(Hu ARC) under rain fed and irrigation conditions. Thirteen(13) N doses were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design(RCBD)during 2016–2018 for rainfed conditions and 2017 to 2019 for irrigation conditions. The study was conducted with objective to optimize N fertilizer use for sesame. In the rainfed condition, the results demonstrated a prolonged duration to reach 50% flowering with higher nitrogen(N) application rates. The application of 52.5–110kg N ha^(-1) resulted in significantly higher seed yield, while lower(18 kg N ha^(-1)) and higher(156 kg N ha^(-1)) doses of N led to reduced seed yield. Under irrigation conditions, superior seed weights and maximum seed yield were observed at 64 and 75 kg N ha^(-1), whereas lower N doses resulted in diminished seed yield. The agronomic efficiency of N fertilizer(N-AE) was found to be highest at the rate of 64 kg N ha^(-1) under both growing conditions.The partial budget analysis revealed that applying 64 kg N ha^(-1) for rainfed cultivation and between 64 and 75 kg N ha^(-1) for irrigated sesame production yielded greater net profit, MRR, and residual ranking. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a rate of 64 kg N ha^(-1) for rainfed sesame cultivation and between 64 up to 75 kg N ha^(-1) for the irrigated sesame inorder to increase the productivity of this crop.

Nucleotide Sequence Assessment of Four ORFs of Citrus Tristeza Virus: Evidence of Recombination

Citrus Tristeza Virus(CTV),usually occurs in nature as a mixture of genotypes.Six naturally infected citrus(Citrus sinensis)trees grafted on sour orange rootstock were collected from three citrus growing governorates in Egypt(Sharqia,Qalyubia and Garbia).In this study,RT-PCR,Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism(SSCP)and nucleotide sequence analysis were used for four independent CTV genomic regions(p65,p18,p20,and p23)to detect and assess the sequence and genetic variabilities among CTV Egyptian isolates.RTPCR products(650 bp)for the CTV p23 gene obtained from the selected isolates were used for the SSCP analysis and DNA sequencing.SSCP patterns of p23 gene for individual isolates yielded different complex haplotype patterns.Nucleotide sequence analysis of p23 region amplified from six isolates under study revealed that p23 shared high nucleotide identity 98.7%with T36 isolate from USA,Florida.Phylogenetic analysis of p23 gene indicated a close evolutionary relationship between all examined isolates and Qaha isolate(T36 isolate group),suggesting that they may have originated from closely related ancestors.Nucleotide sequence analysis of the three genes located on CTV 3′-coterminal overhang,p18,p20 and p65,amplified from isolate A3,Sharqia governorate,revealed that the p18,p65,and p20 genes were related to the T3-KB isolate from South Africa with 99%–100%sequence homology.Phylogenetic relationship analysis for p65,p18 and p20 ORFs clustered the current A3 isolate with T3 genotype group.The recombination analysis identified three of six isolates from Sharqia,and Garbia as potential recombinant for p23 gene.The isolates T36 and T3 were identified as major donors for recombination events in isolate A3.Our results concluded that p23 ORF likely to be as a hotspot region for recombination and originated through recombination event.The current study indicated that recombination is an important factor for the origin of CTV strains in Egypt.

Impact of Inulin Extracted, Purified from (Chicory and Globe Artichoke) Roots and the Combination with Maltodextrin as Prebiotic Dietary Fiber on the Functional Properties of Stirred Bio-Yogurt

Inulin is a prebiotic dietary fiber that plays an integral role in producing functional dairy products with improved health benefits. Therefore, the objectives of this study are as follows: extract and purify inulin from chicory roots and globe artichoke roots;evaluate the physicochemical, functional properties and functional groups of the purified inulin;determine the functional properties of chicory roots inulin-maltodextrin and globe artichoke roots inulin-maltodextrin and compare it with that of the commercial inulin;examine the impact of various inulin on physiochemical, microstructural, textural, sensory characteristics and as prebiotic dietary fiber on probiotic bacteria’s viability of stirred bio-yogurt. The characteristics of the microstructure were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy to detect the functional group. The resulting inulin exhibited a high yield and purity along with enhanced functional properties. Stirred bio-yogurt fortified with chicory roots inulin or globe artichoke roots inulin showed enhanced physicochemical, microstructural, microbiological, and overall sensorial acceptability followed by chicory roots inulin-maltodextrin or globe artichoke roots inulin-maltodextrin and the commercial inulin as compared to the control. Stirred bio-yogurt samples can offer various health benefits and wide applications as supplement of prebiotic dietary fiber in dairy industry.

Thelytokous Diglyphus wani:A more promising biological control agent against agromyzid leafminers than its arrhenotokous counterpart

Diglyphus wani(Hymenoptera:Eulophidae)is a dominant parasitoid that attacks agromyzid leafminers.Two reproductive types occur in D.wani:arrhenotoky(in which virgin females produce only male offspring;and virgin females mate with males to produce bisexual offspring)and thelytoky(in which virgin females produce female offspring).As a potential biological control agent,exploring the differences in the relevant biological parameters of both strains is necessary.In this study,comparisons between the two strains of D.wani were performed by evaluating the life table and host-killing rate.The thelytokous strain exhibited significantly better life table parameters than its arrhenotokous counterpart.Higher values for the intrinsic rate of increase,finite rate of increase,net reproductive rate,and fecundity were found in the thelytokous strain.The thelytokous strain also performed better than the arrhenotokous strain in terms of net parasitism,host-feeding,host-stinging,and total host-killing rates.Thus,populations of the thelytokous strain could grow fast and kill more hosts.In conclusion,the thelytokous strain of D.wani may be the more promising biological agent against agromyzid leafminers compared to its arrhenotokous counterpart.Also,since the thelytokous strain of D.wani is only known to produce females,it should be given priority in future biocontrol applications owing to the cost savings of breeding only females.