Laboratory and field trials were carried out at Koom Hamada district and Etay El-baroud research station during 2004/ 2005 season to clarify the molluscicidal ac-tivities of the following: indoxacarb, lufenuron, Bacillus thurringiensis, kurestaci (Bt.) and methomyl against glassy clover snails Monacha cartusiana (Müler). Re-sults indicated that all tested pesticides decreased snails population compared with control. Under the field conditions, the efficiency of the tested compounds were 98.0, 93.4, 93 and 71.58% for methomyl, lufenuron, indoxacarb and Bt. after 5, 6, 13, and 28 days of treatment, respectively. Moreover the effect of LC50 and 0.5 LC50 of these compounds were investigated on some biochemical parameters in vivo. The activities of acetylcholinestrase (AChE), alanine aminotransferases (ALT) , as-partate aminotransferases (AST) and protein contents at different time intervals were evaluated. The specific activity of AChE reached 0.009, 0.002, 0.006 and 0.001 mole/ mg protein/ min for indoxacarb, lufenuron, Bt. and methomyl, respectively, after one day of treatment with (LC50 for each compound). In general, Bt. and in-doxacarb caused slight inhibition on AChE enzyme. All treatments decreased ALT and AST enzyme activity in the tested animals. However, Bt. Showed slight effect on the activity of aminotransferases enzymes.

A field experiment was carried out in a newly cultivated soil at Falouga, El-Tahrir province, Behira governorate during the summer season (Spring plantation)of 2003 to investigate the effect of different organic manures (i.e. compost, F Y Mor town refuse) each at rate of 20 ton/fed combined with the half recommended doseof mineral fertilizer (NPK) or 2 tons of chicken manure compared with the additionof the recommended dose of N P K at rate of 900, 400 and 200 Kg/fed ammoniumsulphate, calcium superphosphate and potassium sulphate respectively. Applicationof organic manures, i.e. compost, FYM or town refuse each at the rate of 20tons/fed combined with half amount of mineral fertilizer or 2 tons of chickenmanure, increased total microbial count in soil at 60 days after planting compared toboth uncultivated soil and chemical fertilized treatments. In this regard, the highestbacterial count was noticed in case of using FYM + chicken manure, while thehighest count for total fungi and actinomycetes were recorded in the treatment of 20tons compost + half amount of chemical fertilizer (NPK). In addition, using 20 toncompost + 2 tons of chicken manures/fed, reflected the highest dry matter yield,total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in plant foliage as well as totaltuber yield of potatoes compared with other tested treatments.

Buffaloe's milk was used for the manufacture of Zabady. Control, Zabady made by using 3% of the regular starter. 1.5% of the regular Zabady starter was added to the other three parts, then 1.5% of Bifidobacterium bifidium, ABT or autolyzed S. thermophilus were added to the other three parts respectively. The result showed an increase in acidity of control zabady, while bifidobacterium decreased the acidity and curd tension, and increased pH value, coagulation time and synersis. Organolep-tic properties showed an improve in the flavour of zabady by using bifidobacterium in the end of storage compared to the other treatments.

The seasonal activity of the peach twig borer, Anarsia lineatella Zeller was in-vestigated during 2004 and 2005 seasons. The data revealed that the infested twigs empty from larvae (15%) were higher than that with larvae (1.25%) in February. The situation was reverse in April which recorded 8% and 14.75% for both, respec-tively. In fruits, infestation began to appear in the third week of March which rec-orded 2% whereas the maximum rate was recorded in May (16.75%). Three species of hymenopterous parasitoids were found; Apanteles ruficrus Haliday (Fam. Braco-nidae), Diplazon laetatorus Fab. (Fam. Ichneumonidae) and Microgaster tiro Rein-hard (Fam. Braconidae). These parasitoids reached its maximum during April (13.5%) that seems to be more active. Their numbers were positively correlated with the rate of infestation (r = + 0.799). In spite of presence of four predatory species (Coccinella undecimpunctata L., Rodalia cardinalis Mulsant, and Scymnus syriacus Marseul (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Syrphus sp. (Diptera: Syrphidae)), it seems to be less active. Their numbers recorded very slight positive correlation with the rate of infestation (r =+0.423)

A pot experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation timing on growth and flowering of Chrysanthemum morifolium cuttings. AMF inocula were either directly applied to cutting (AMFC), or applied at transplanting stage (AMFT). The data showed: a significant difference in plant growth of AMF treatment compared with non-inoculated treatment at transplanting stage. Rooting rate in AMF treatment was 99% whereas it was 77% in non-mycorrhizal inoculated. The colonization rate was 53.9% in AMF treatment, while no in non-AMF treatment. Tap root length and number of lateral roots in AMF treatments were twice of those recorded for non-AMF treatments. Inoculation of AMF significantly increased shoot and root growth at transplanting stage. After transplantation, chrysanthemum plants in AMFC and AMFT treatments had 76.42 and 64.24% colonization rate, respectively. Plant height, leaf area, root length, fresh and dry weight of shoots, stems and roots in AMF inoculation treatments (AMFC and AMFT) increased significantly than those of control plants. AMF inoculation significantly shortened flowering time compared with non-AMF plants. Fresh weight, width and length of flowers in AMFC and AMFT treatments were generally higher than those in control. However, a significant increase in fresh weight, width and length of flowers was found in AMFC compared with AMFT treatment. A significant increase of macronutrient concentrations in leaves was observed for AMFC treatment compared with control. Mn concentration in AMFC and AMFT was more than double of that in control. In roots, macro and micronutrient concentrations were generally higher in AMFC than AMFT or control treatments

Identification of bitter orange petitgrain bigarade oil produced in Egypt was studied by GC/MS on carbowax – 20M colum. It was found that linalyl acetate, which represented more than 25% of the whole oil was considered to be the major component of ester fraction; while linalool, which ranged from (30-33.7%) was the main alcohol components. On the other hand, limonene, (E)-β-ocimene,myrcene and β-pinene were the highest monoterpene hydrocarbons. Room temperature (about 20°C), 4 and -18°C were used for storing the samples for 6 mounths. No pronounced effect was noticed on the composition of petitgrain oil with the exception of slight effect on the color, acid number and solubility (v/v 70% alcohol) when samples stored at 20°C. Statistical analyses proved that 4 ºC could be considered the best fit temperature at which no significant changes occur in both the major chemical analyses and the main identified volatile constituents.

Field trials were conducted at El-Gharbia governorate to determine the insecticidal activities of chlorpyrifos-methyl, profenofos and methomyl on tomato plants against the cotton leaf-worm (Spodotera littoralis). Data showed the high initial mortality (100, 100 and 100%) against the second and the fourth instars larvae with reasonable persistence. The residues of these insecticides on fruits of the sprayed and contaminated tomato plants were determined by GLC and HPLC, with recoveries of 100, 100 and 94.58%, respectively. The initial deposits of chlorpyrifos-methyl, profenofos and methomyl were 2.10, 2.58 and 20.11ppm, while decreased to 0.19, 1.41 and 0.33ppm after 3,1 and 13 days from spraying, respectively, such residue levels are below the maximum residue level (MRL). The estimated half-life values (t0.5) were 0.4898, 1.026 and 1.1867 days for the same insecticides, respectively

The aim of present work was to study the toxicity of (mancozeb )Dithane fungicide on fish Claras lazera (catfish) and consequently to human beings.The fishes were exposed to Dithane in dose of 0.5 ppm /L (equivalent of 1/10 of LD50)for 30 days. Different Haematological, Biochemical, Bacteriological, and Immunological parameters were assessed. The results showed significant increase in Blood level of Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Cortisol, Urea, Creatinine, Glucose, Insulin as well as Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST) and Alanine Amino Transferease (ALT)in blood. However there was a decrease in blood level of Iron and IgM, accompanied by decrease in Haemoglobin (HB), Macrocytic hypochromic anemia (R.B.Cs) count, Packed cell volume (PCV) which was observed in fish in 7, 15, 30, days after exposure to Dithane. The Haemogram shows reticulocytosis and increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Dithane produces metabolic stress and cell damage with malfunction of haemopoetic system. Microbiological examination revealed a presence of pathogenic bacteria mainly E. coli, Flavabacterium, and Staphylococcus aureus. It was concluded that in catfish reared on low dietary carbohydrate (CHO) diet there was hyperglycemia due to increase in cortisol hormone. However immunological results revealed decrease in the level of IgM in blood; a loss of scales and petichial haemorrhage in parts of skin was observed. Ascitic and erosion due to complication of bacterial infection, was also accorded.

The effect of incorporating accustomed edible mushroom (Agaricus campestris) into processed cheese spread (PCSs) on the chemical, microbiological and organoleptic properties was evaluated. Tiny pieces of mushroom accustomed with steeping into citric acid and boiling in emulsifying salt solution were added to the blend of the cheese spread base at the levels of 5,10 and 15 %. The resulting PCSs were stored at 7°C for 3 months. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded among the chemical composition of PCSs made without and with addition of mushroom. The incorporation of mushroom into PCSs resulted in higher contents of total solids, total protein, SN, ash, total carbohydrates and fiber, as well as pH values than the control spread. On the other hand, control treatment made without mushroom possessed the highest content in F/DM. Addition of mushroom to the base blend did not significantly affect (p > 0.05) in the salt and TVFA contents. The standard plate and psychrotrophic counts of PCSs made without and with mushroom showed slight differences when fresh and during the storage period. The standard plate counts slightly increased during the storage period reaching the maximum counts after one month, and then decreased with prolonged storage. Psychrotrophic bacteria gradually increased in all treatments throughout the storage period. On the other hand, no colonies were found from yeasts and molds, coliform and mesophilic anaerobic spores in all samples examined. Obvious differences (p < 0.05) were noticed in the organoleptic evaluation scores among all treatments of PCSs. The flavours of PCSs with mushroom were generally better and preferable when fresh and throughout the storage period. Addition of 15 % mushroom caused an over pieces of mushroom, which defected the body & texture and appearance & colour of the resulting spread. Therefore, PCSs with improved nutritional and functional values as well as acceptable organoleptic properties and good microbiological quality could be made by incorporation of accustomed edible mushroom into the base blend at the levels of 5 and 10% with refrigerated expiry period more than 3 months.

10%) with adding 1% activated commercial starter cultures of YC-X11 (Str. thermophilus and Lb. delbruekii ss. bulgaricus, T1), Bio Profit (Lb rhamnosus and Propio. freudenreichii ss. shermanii, T2) and LC 705 (Lb. casei, T3). Resulting cheeses were pickled into its own whey. The low-salted cheese was pickled for 6 months and the high-salted cheese after 9 months. Moisture, salt and yield of low and high-salt cheeses decreased with adding starter culture, while an increase was noticed in the acidity, soluble nitrogen (SN) and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA). High salt cheeses had significantly higher values for moisture, salt and yield with significantly lower acidity, SN and TVFA than low salt cheeses. The values of moisture, salt and yield gradually decreased during pickling while acidity, SN and TVFA significantly increased. Domiati cheese with starter culture had higher total bacterial count (TBC) than that of control being highest in T3. Increasing the salt in cheese milk resulted in lower TBC. Values of TBC increased in all samples during early pickling and then sharply decreased till the end. There was a remarkable inhibition in the growth of sporeforming bacteria and yeasts & moulds with adding starter culture. Sensory quality attributes of cheese improved with adding starter culture. Pickling of cheese up to different periods led to better flavour as well as body & texture but extending the period beyond caused lower quality. The rate of improvement was faster in cheese of low salt than that from 10% salted milk. Starter culture of Bio Profit (T2) produced cheese with typical ripened cheese flavour and texture and can be recommended for low or high-salt cheeses.