The present study evaluated the ability of different extracts of cinnamon and black cumin seeds to inhibit the growth of the phytopathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani and its extracellular cell wall degrading enzymes. Concentrations of 300 and 450 ppm of methylene chloride and hexane extracts of cinnamon completely inhibited the growth of R. solani after 72 hours of incubation at 25±1°C in vitro. Methylene chloride or hexane extracts of black cumin seeds at 4000 ppm after 72 hours inhibited the growth of R. solani by 37 and 39% respectively. Moreover, black cumin seed hexane extract at 2000 ppm inhibited 55% and 38% of the activity of pectin lyase (PL) and polygalacturonase (PG) respectively. In addition, the methanolic extract of black cumin seeds at 2000 ppm exhibited a significant reduction of exo-protease activity (74.8%). GC-MS analysis results showed that linoleic acid is the main component of the fixed oil fraction of black cumin seed hexane extract while (E) cinnamaldehyde is the main component in both hexane and methylene chloride extracts of cinnamon. HPLC-MS analysis of black cumin seeds methanolic extract showed that amentoflavone was the main component. Docking was used to identify the major component interaction with pectin lyase A and exo-protease.

The present study evaluated the ability of different extracts of cinnamon and black cumin seeds to inhibit the growth of the phytopathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani and its extracellular cell wall degrading enzymes. Concentrations of 300 and 450 ppm of methylene chloride and hexane extracts of cinnamon completely inhibited the growth of R. solani after 72 hours of incubation at 25±1°C in vitro. Methylene chloride or hexane extracts of black cumin seeds at 4000 ppm after 72 hours inhibited the growth of R. solani by 37 and 39% respectively. Moreover, black cumin seed hexane extract at 2000 ppm inhibited 55% and 38% of the activity of pectin lyase (PL) and polygalacturonase (PG) respectively. In addition, the methanolic extract of black cumin seeds at 2000 ppm exhibited a significant reduction of exo-protease activity (74.8%). GC-MS analysis results showed that linoleic acid is the main component of the fixed oil fraction of black cumin seed hexane extract while (E) cinnamaldehyde is the main component in both hexane and methylene chloride extracts of cinnamon. HPLC-MS analysis of black cumin seeds methanolic extract showed that amentoflavone was the main component. Docking was used to identify the major component interaction with pectin lyase A and exo-protease.

The influence of maltodextrin or inulin added as a prebiotic on the survival of various strains of probiotics in synbiotic fermented milk along cold storage was investigated. Synbiotic fermented milk was prepared using several probiotic strains (Lb. helveticus and Lb. acidophilus) and 2% maltodextrin or inulin and compared with traditional yoghurt starters (Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Str. thermophilus). Synbiotic fermented milk samples were stocked at 4°C then the chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics were estimated. Starter culture strains showed no significant effect on dry matter and ash contents in various synbiotic fermented milk samples during storage. However, starter culture type, fortification by maltodextrin or inulin, and storage period significantly influenced the acidity, total and soluble nitrogen contents (SN\TN), acetaldehyde, diacetyl contents and viscosity in various synbiotic fermented milk samples. In addition, fortification of maltodextrin or inulin significantly influenced the survival of yoghurt starter culture strains, Lb. helveticus and Lb. acidophilus strains. The counts of probiotic strains used in all treatments of synbiotic fermented milk survived well and were above the recommended minimum levels (106CFU/ mL) during a storage period.

The influence of maltodextrin or inulin added as a prebiotic on the survival of various strains of probiotics in synbiotic fermented milk along cold storage was investigated. Synbiotic fermented milk was prepared using several probiotic strains (Lb. helveticus and Lb. acidophilus) and 2% maltodextrin or inulin and compared with traditional yoghurt starters (Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Str. thermophilus). Synbiotic fermented milk samples were stocked at 4°C then the chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics were estimated. Starter culture strains showed no significant effect on dry matter and ash contents in various synbiotic fermented milk samples during storage. However, starter culture type, fortification by maltodextrin or inulin, and storage period significantly influenced the acidity, total and soluble nitrogen contents (SN\TN), acetaldehyde, diacetyl contents and viscosity in various synbiotic fermented milk samples. In addition, fortification of maltodextrin or inulin significantly influenced the survival of yoghurt starter culture strains, Lb. helveticus and Lb. acidophilus strains. The counts of probiotic strains used in all treatments of synbiotic fermented milk survived well and were above the recommended minimum levels (106CFU/ mL) during a storage period.

In this study, a designed variable frequency drive (VFD) was used to control a single-phase induction motor’s speed to pump guava juice at two solid concentrations (9°Bx and 11°Bx). Next, the pressure drop was measured in stainless-steel pipes of three diameters. The pressure drop percentage difference before and after using the VFD at varied flow rates with 10 repetitions at 5-minute intervals was evaluated. The pressure drop reduction range was 19.7%– 30.8% and 19.2 %–32.4% for the 9% and 11% solid concentrations respectively after using the VFD, which resulted in an average of 25.73% reductions in pressure drop and the pump’s total head and driving power. The rheological properties of guava juice were investigated at various temperatures (5, 15, 25, 35, 55 and 75°C). From the results, all materials exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior at all temperatures and concentrations, and correlated well with the power law model, with flow behavior index (n) values less than unity for the 9% and 11% solid concentrations. The findings offer helpful information for predicting how heat variations during processing influence the behavior of guava juice concentrates.

In this study, a designed variable frequency drive (VFD) was used to control a single-phase induction motor’s speed to pump guava juice at two solid concentrations (9°Bx and 11°Bx). Next, the pressure drop was measured in stainless-steel pipes of three diameters. The pressure drop percentage difference before and after using the VFD at varied flow rates with 10 repetitions at 5-minute intervals was evaluated. The pressure drop reduction range was 19.7%– 30.8% and 19.2 %–32.4% for the 9% and 11% solid concentrations respectively after using the VFD, which resulted in an average of 25.73% reductions in pressure drop and the pump’s total head and driving power. The rheological properties of guava juice were investigated at various temperatures (5, 15, 25, 35, 55 and 75°C). From the results, all materials exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior at all temperatures and concentrations, and correlated well with the power law model, with flow behavior index (n) values less than unity for the 9% and 11% solid concentrations. The findings offer helpful information for predicting how heat variations during processing influence the behavior of guava juice concentrates.

This study aimed to determine the effect of different salinity and anti-transpiration levels on the growth and biochemical composition of Panicum maximum plants (Guinea grass) during the spring and summer of 2020. Two different anti-transpiration treatments [molasses (sugarcane) (5 mL/L), kaolin (50 g/L) and control] and three salinity levels (S1 well water as the control and salinity S2 2000 ppm; S3 4000 ppm, S4 6000 ppm) were used in 12 treatments in 72 pots (3 anti-transpiration treatments × 4 salinity treatments × 6 replicates); a randomized complete design was used. Results revealed that the plants achieved the highest plant height (123.77 cm) and dry weight (521.87 g/m2) with kaolin and no salt addition treatment during summer. A higher percentage of proteins and carbohydrates were found in spring than in summer, but there was no significant difference in the salinity levels. A high percentage of ash and fiber contents was also observed during summer, with no significant differences between the anti-transpiration treatments. It could be concluded that P. maximum, as one of the most important fodder crops, could be cultivated in marginal lands, especially during the summer season.

This study aimed to determine the effect of different salinity and anti-transpiration levels on the growth and biochemical composition of Panicum maximum plants (Guinea grass) during the spring and summer of 2020. Two different anti-transpiration treatments [molasses (sugarcane) (5 mL/L), kaolin (50 g/L) and control] and three salinity levels (S1 well water as the control and salinity S2 2000 ppm; S3 4000 ppm, S4 6000 ppm) were used in 12 treatments in 72 pots (3 anti-transpiration treatments × 4 salinity treatments × 6 replicates); a randomized complete design was used. Results revealed that the plants achieved the highest plant height (123.77 cm) and dry weight (521.87 g/m2) with kaolin and no salt addition treatment during summer. A higher percentage of proteins and carbohydrates were found in spring than in summer, but there was no significant difference in the salinity levels. A high percentage of ash and fiber contents was also observed during summer, with no significant differences between the anti-transpiration treatments. It could be concluded that P. maximum, as one of the most important fodder crops, could be cultivated in marginal lands, especially during the summer season.

Tamarix nilotica is a perennial halophyte growing naturally at the Mediterranean coastal salt marshes. Vegetative parts were collected in two successive winters and summers to investigate the seasonal effects on the ecomorphological and physiological responses of T. nilotica. The results indicated that either in winter or summer seasons, T. nilotica can reduce the effect of soil salinity by excreting salts outside its body through salt glands. Summer season was characterized by low content of soil moisture (due to rare rainfall), high soil EC, high light intensity and high temperature; there-fore, plant induced certain morphoanatomical changes in leaves and stem to face the previously mentioned adverse conditions. The most remarkable changes to reduce transpiration process was found by decreasing leaf area and increasing cuticle thickness and mesophyll tissue thickness. In addition, the most marked physiological changes in summer were the significant in-crease in total phenols, proline, free amino acids and total soluble sugars. These compounds can work as osmotic regulators and/or antioxidants. These features enhance the defensive mechanism against dehydration and permit T. nilotica to tolerate the stress conditions in salt marsh habitat.

Tamarix nilotica is a perennial halophyte growing naturally at the Mediterranean coastal salt marshes. Vegetative parts were collected in two successive winters and summers to investigate the seasonal effects on the ecomorphological and physiological responses of T. nilotica. The results indicated that either in winter or summer seasons, T. nilotica can reduce the effect of soil salinity by excreting salts outside its body through salt glands. Summer season was characterized by low content of soil moisture (due to rare rainfall), high soil EC, high light intensity and high temperature; there-fore, plant induced certain morphoanatomical changes in leaves and stem to face the previously mentioned adverse conditions. The most remarkable changes to reduce transpiration process was found by decreasing leaf area and increasing cuticle thickness and mesophyll tissue thickness. In addition, the most marked physiological changes in summer were the significant in-crease in total phenols, proline, free amino acids and total soluble sugars. These compounds can work as osmotic regulators and/or antioxidants. These features enhance the defensive mechanism against dehydration and permit T. nilotica to tolerate the stress conditions in salt marsh habitat.

The study investigated the influence of traditional nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) mineral fertilizers and nano-fertilizers on yield, and its attributes, and fiber characters of two Egyptian cotton varieties Giza 94 and Giza 96. The design of the experiment was a split- plot with four replicates. Results indicated that Giza 94 cultivar surpassed Giza 96 in agronomic characteristics, although Giza 96 exhibited the highest fiber reading. Nano-chitosan (NPK)-fertilization significantly improved the mean value of boll weight, seed yield, lint yield, lint percentage, upper half mean (UHM), fiber uniformity index, fiber tenacity, and Micronaire value in both seasons. Conversely, the most minimal values for the aforementioned characteristics were recorded with the control NPK fertilizer over the two seasons.

The study investigated the influence of traditional nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) mineral fertilizers and nano-fertilizers on yield, and its attributes, and fiber characters of two Egyptian cotton varieties Giza 94 and Giza 96. The design of the experiment was a split- plot with four replicates. Results indicated that Giza 94 cultivar surpassed Giza 96 in agronomic characteristics, although Giza 96 exhibited the highest fiber reading. Nano-chitosan (NPK)-fertilization significantly improved the mean value of boll weight, seed yield, lint yield, lint percentage, upper half mean (UHM), fiber uniformity index, fiber tenacity, and Micronaire value in both seasons. Conversely, the most minimal values for the aforementioned characteristics were recorded with the control NPK fertilizer over the two seasons.

The importance of water footprint (WFP) is providing information related to water resource management, especially for countries that have water scarcity and rely on irrigation to enhance food security. A field experiment was conducted during two winter seasons in 2018, and 2019. The current study sought to evaluate the impacts of various nitrogen levels (1.N1: 120, 2.N2: 150, and 3.N3: 180 kg /fed) on potato production as well as the water footprint and water requirement. Vegetative characteristics, yield parameters, N contents, and climate data were measured. The obtained results are clarified that increasing the nitrogen rate up to 180 kg/fed led to increase the vegetative growth characteristics, yield parameters, and water footprint of potato crop. The most significant vegetative growth values were obtained using a 180 kg/fed nitrogen level followed by 150 kg/fed. The greater marketable tuber yield was recorded at 180 kg/fed with 18117 & 17753 Kg/fed values, followed by 150 kg/fed with 16864 and 16545 Kg/fed values for the first and second seasons respectively. The water footprint of potato in Egypt ranges from 237 to 267.8 for nitrogen levels of 120 kg /fed and 180 kg /fed.

The importance of water footprint (WFP) is providing information related to water resource management, especially for countries that have water scarcity and rely on irrigation to enhance food security. A field experiment was conducted during two winter seasons in 2018, and 2019. The current study sought to evaluate the impacts of various nitrogen levels (1.N1: 120, 2.N2: 150, and 3.N3: 180 kg /fed) on potato production as well as the water footprint and water requirement. Vegetative characteristics, yield parameters, N contents, and climate data were measured. The obtained results are clarified that increasing the nitrogen rate up to 180 kg/fed led to increase the vegetative growth characteristics, yield parameters, and water footprint of potato crop. The most significant vegetative growth values were obtained using a 180 kg/fed nitrogen level followed by 150 kg/fed. The greater marketable tuber yield was recorded at 180 kg/fed with 18117 & 17753 Kg/fed values, followed by 150 kg/fed with 16864 and 16545 Kg/fed values for the first and second seasons respectively. The water footprint of potato in Egypt ranges from 237 to 267.8 for nitrogen levels of 120 kg /fed and 180 kg /fed.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of salt stress on amino acid profile and proximate analysis of fenugreek germination samples of two varieties: Giza 2 and Giza 30 for three days. The germination of sterilized fenugreek seeds was conducted using tap water and NaCl solution (2,000 ppm) where higher salt concentration lowered fenugreek germination quality. The germination of fenugreek seeds using tap water or brine increased the crude protein in both dry Giza 2 and Giza 30 seed varieties. Furthermore, sedative sprouts of Giza 30 recorded the highest crude protein (30.60%), fat (6.20%) and energy (333.13 kcal/g) while the use of sterilized Giza 2 seed variety recorded a higher percentage of carbohydrates (43.3%), fiber (8.10%) and ash (6.60%). Alternatively, although amino acid profiles indicated that aspartic acid and proline were most abundant in fenugreek sprouts, sulfur amino acids (cysteine and methionine) demonstrated the least values of the two varieties. Adopting saline water in germinating fenugreek seeds for the two Giza 2 and Giza 30 varieties decreased all amino acid contents compared with those of tap water treatment.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of salt stress on amino acid profile and proximate analysis of fenugreek germination samples of two varieties: Giza 2 and Giza 30 for three days. The germination of sterilized fenugreek seeds was conducted using tap water and NaCl solution (2,000 ppm) where higher salt concentration lowered fenugreek germination quality. The germination of fenugreek seeds using tap water or brine increased the crude protein in both dry Giza 2 and Giza 30 seed varieties. Furthermore, sedative sprouts of Giza 30 recorded the highest crude protein (30.60%), fat (6.20%) and energy (333.13 kcal/g) while the use of sterilized Giza 2 seed variety recorded a higher percentage of carbohydrates (43.3%), fiber (8.10%) and ash (6.60%). Alternatively, although amino acid profiles indicated that aspartic acid and proline were most abundant in fenugreek sprouts, sulfur amino acids (cysteine and methionine) demonstrated the least values of the two varieties. Adopting saline water in germinating fenugreek seeds for the two Giza 2 and Giza 30 varieties decreased all amino acid contents compared with those of tap water treatment.

This study determined the ability of Orius laevigatus to consume different stages of Bemisia tabaci at various densities. Additionally, the use of B. tabaci as food and its effect on the life cycle parameters and female fecundity of Orius predator developmental stages were investigated. The results showed that O. laevigatus could consume whitefly at various stages and complete its preimaginal and postimaginal stages, with B. tabaci eggs, nymph instars, and adults as the only available food source. The consumption and fecundity of O. laevigatus were influenced by feeding on different stages of B. tabaci. Furthermore, the females of this predator consumed more eggs, fourth nymphal instar, and adults than the first, second, and third instar nymphs of B. tabaci on a different density level. The mean numbers of consumptions at different stages of B. tabaci increased with increasing prey densities. The result simply that O. laevigatus can be used as a predator in the biological control of tobacco whiteflies.

This study determined the ability of Orius laevigatus to consume different stages of Bemisia tabaci at various densities. Additionally, the use of B. tabaci as food and its effect on the life cycle parameters and female fecundity of Orius predator developmental stages were investigated. The results showed that O. laevigatus could consume whitefly at various stages and complete its preimaginal and postimaginal stages, with B. tabaci eggs, nymph instars, and adults as the only available food source. The consumption and fecundity of O. laevigatus were influenced by feeding on different stages of B. tabaci. Furthermore, the females of this predator consumed more eggs, fourth nymphal instar, and adults than the first, second, and third instar nymphs of B. tabaci on a different density level. The mean numbers of consumptions at different stages of B. tabaci increased with increasing prey densities. The result simply that O. laevigatus can be used as a predator in the biological control of tobacco whiteflies.

Liver toxicity is a common condition that can be induced by environmental pollutants. The present study explored the hepatoprotective activity of steroidal saponins extracted from the yam plant versus CC14-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Twenty-five albino rats were classified into 5 groups. Rats of group (G1) were provided a basal diet and drinking water and served as un-treated controls. Other groups were administered CC14 orally twice a week at a dose of 400 mg/kg. The second group (G2) did not receive any further treatment and served as positive controls while rats in the groups G3, G4 and G5 were administered saponins (50,100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively) for six weeks in the remaining groups. The hepatoprotective activity of saponins was assessed by measurement of liver enzymes, kidney function tests, malondialdehyde content, and antioxidant defense enzymes activities in serum of these rats. Saponins administration improved liver and renal function and significantly increased the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), glutathione reductase GSH-RD and superoxide dismutase SOD. These increases were linked to a considerable decrease in serum malondialdehyde levels, indicating that lipid peroxidation was being mitigated. Thus, the concentration of saponins (200 mg/kg) is the best concentration of protection against CC14-induced hepatic injury, improved liver and renal function, and reduced oxidative stress in rats.

Liver toxicity is a common condition that can be induced by environmental pollutants. The present study explored the hepatoprotective activity of steroidal saponins extracted from the yam plant versus CC14-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Twenty-five albino rats were classified into 5 groups. Rats of group (G1) were provided a basal diet and drinking water and served as un-treated controls. Other groups were administered CC14 orally twice a week at a dose of 400 mg/kg. The second group (G2) did not receive any further treatment and served as positive controls while rats in the groups G3, G4 and G5 were administered saponins (50,100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively) for six weeks in the remaining groups. The hepatoprotective activity of saponins was assessed by measurement of liver enzymes, kidney function tests, malondialdehyde content, and antioxidant defense enzymes activities in serum of these rats. Saponins administration improved liver and renal function and significantly increased the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), glutathione reductase GSH-RD and superoxide dismutase SOD. These increases were linked to a considerable decrease in serum malondialdehyde levels, indicating that lipid peroxidation was being mitigated. Thus, the concentration of saponins (200 mg/kg) is the best concentration of protection against CC14-induced hepatic injury, improved liver and renal function, and reduced oxidative stress in rats.