The study aimed to evaluate the performance of 15 exotic indeterminate genotypes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to determine their suitability for cultivation under greenhouse conditions. The study material was obtained from two globally known gene banks, namely, the Center for Genetic Resources of the Netherlands and the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System (GRIN-Global) of the United States Department of Agriculture. One locally registered hybrid, Asya, was used as the control. The experimental layout was a complete randomized block design with three replications. The data collected were vegetative, flowering, and fruit characteristics as well as the number of fruits and both early and total yield per plant. High significant differences were observed among the exotic genotypes and control for all the studied attributes. The mean control values of fruit weight, firmness and pericarp thickness were significantly high, and several of the exotic genotypes exceeded the control values for vegetative, flowering, and yield characteristics under study. The genotypes coded as G.21 (Allround), G.18 (Alicante), G.6 (Marsol), G.7 (Harzer Kind) and G.3 (Robar) are promising for their overall performance in the total yield per plant and can be recommended for further exploitation to produce hybrids.

The study aimed to evaluate the performance of 15 exotic indeterminate genotypes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to determine their suitability for cultivation under greenhouse conditions. The study material was obtained from two globally known gene banks, namely, the Center for Genetic Resources of the Netherlands and the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System (GRIN-Global) of the United States Department of Agriculture. One locally registered hybrid, Asya, was used as the control. The experimental layout was a complete randomized block design with three replications. The data collected were vegetative, flowering, and fruit characteristics as well as the number of fruits and both early and total yield per plant. High significant differences were observed among the exotic genotypes and control for all the studied attributes. The mean control values of fruit weight, firmness and pericarp thickness were significantly high, and several of the exotic genotypes exceeded the control values for vegetative, flowering, and yield characteristics under study. The genotypes coded as G.21 (Allround), G.18 (Alicante), G.6 (Marsol), G.7 (Harzer Kind) and G.3 (Robar) are promising for their overall performance in the total yield per plant and can be recommended for further exploitation to produce hybrids.

The experiments were conducted during seasons (summer, au-tumn, winter, and spring) 2020–2021 to study the activities of invertase, adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), and alkaline phosphatase (AlkP) as well as the determination of total proteins. These activities were determined in the bodies of adult honeybee worker, Apis mellifera, (house and forager bees) after feeding on three different diet groups (A) pollen cake, (B) supplementary diet and (C) control group during the four seasons. Group (A) received 50 g pollen cake + 250 ml honey syrup (2 honey: 1 water)/colony/three-day intervals, group (B) received 50 g Brewer’s yeast chickpea cake fortified with 4.2% pollen + 250 ml sugar syrup (2 sugar: 1 water) while group (C) received 250 ml sugar syrup (1 sugar: 1 water) only. Results indicated that the highest increase in total proteins was found in group B during the autumn season with house bees. Invertase activity was high in group A during the summer season with forager bees. The highest ATPase activity was observed in group B during the spring season with house bees, whereas the highest AlkP activities were found in group A during the autumn season with house bees.

The experiments were conducted during seasons (summer, au-tumn, winter, and spring) 2020–2021 to study the activities of invertase, adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), and alkaline phosphatase (AlkP) as well as the determination of total proteins. These activities were determined in the bodies of adult honeybee worker, Apis mellifera, (house and forager bees) after feeding on three different diet groups (A) pollen cake, (B) supplementary diet and (C) control group during the four seasons. Group (A) received 50 g pollen cake + 250 ml honey syrup (2 honey: 1 water)/colony/three-day intervals, group (B) received 50 g Brewer’s yeast chickpea cake fortified with 4.2% pollen + 250 ml sugar syrup (2 sugar: 1 water) while group (C) received 250 ml sugar syrup (1 sugar: 1 water) only. Results indicated that the highest increase in total proteins was found in group B during the autumn season with house bees. Invertase activity was high in group A during the summer season with forager bees. The highest ATPase activity was observed in group B during the spring season with house bees, whereas the highest AlkP activities were found in group A during the autumn season with house bees.

The efficiency of three different types of pollen-collection traps namely, Front Drawer Pollen Traps (Type, 1), Bottom Pollen Traps (Type,2) and Plastic Slide Traps (Type,3) were evaluated. The data indicated that in type 2, which had Bottom Pollen Traps, a significantly high amount of bee pollen was collected (383.30g/colony) followed by type 1, (179.37g/colony) while type 3 had the lowest amount of collected bee pollen (123.80 g/colony). The highest amount of bee pollen collected during summer was from type (2) during 20 -29 July, followed by that from the same group during the periods 1-10 July and 9-18 August, and then type (1) during the peri-od 20-29 July. The results also revealed that the lowest amount of bee pollen collected by the traps was during the last week of August and September.

The efficiency of three different types of pollen-collection traps namely, Front Drawer Pollen Traps (Type, 1), Bottom Pollen Traps (Type,2) and Plastic Slide Traps (Type,3) were evaluated. The data indicated that in type 2, which had Bottom Pollen Traps, a significantly high amount of bee pollen was collected (383.30g/colony) followed by type 1, (179.37g/colony) while type 3 had the lowest amount of collected bee pollen (123.80 g/colony). The highest amount of bee pollen collected during summer was from type (2) during 20 -29 July, followed by that from the same group during the periods 1-10 July and 9-18 August, and then type (1) during the peri-od 20-29 July. The results also revealed that the lowest amount of bee pollen collected by the traps was during the last week of August and September.

Four agro-wastes were evaluated as substrates for bioethanol production. Seven of the pioneer isolates in the production of cellulase, xylanase and laccase enzymes were selected for soluble sugar and bioethanol production. The highest level of soluble sugar was produced on sugar beet pulp followed by corn cobs. The experimental design included using soybean okara and sesame husk as nitrogen sources added to the production medium. Extraordinary soluble sugar yields were obtained on sugar beet pulp or corn cobs in combination with soybean okara or sesame husk at the concentration of (0.3%) of either. Different concentrations of corn cobs or sugar beet (5, 10, 15, g/100 m medium) were mixed with optimal concentrations of nitrogen sources. Results showed that 10 g of sugar beet or corn cobs achieved the highest soluble sugar yield. The efficiency of four strains of S. cerevisiae for bioethanol production was investigated, S.cerevisiae (AUMC 14720) recorded the highest level of bioethanol on fermentable fungal broth after four days at 30°C.

Four agro-wastes were evaluated as substrates for bioethanol production. Seven of the pioneer isolates in the production of cellulase, xylanase and laccase enzymes were selected for soluble sugar and bioethanol production. The highest level of soluble sugar was produced on sugar beet pulp followed by corn cobs. The experimental design included using soybean okara and sesame husk as nitrogen sources added to the production medium. Extraordinary soluble sugar yields were obtained on sugar beet pulp or corn cobs in combination with soybean okara or sesame husk at the concentration of (0.3%) of either. Different concentrations of corn cobs or sugar beet (5, 10, 15, g/100 m medium) were mixed with optimal concentrations of nitrogen sources. Results showed that 10 g of sugar beet or corn cobs achieved the highest soluble sugar yield. The efficiency of four strains of S. cerevisiae for bioethanol production was investigated, S.cerevisiae (AUMC 14720) recorded the highest level of bioethanol on fermentable fungal broth after four days at 30°C.

In contrast to the global countries, ectomycorrhizae members are not common in Egypt, however, they are very important in the afforestation of poor lands. Their occurrence in Pinus sp., Clerodendrum sp., and Eucalyptus sp. may help to explain why these trees are the most extensively dominant around the world, especially in Egypt. The identification and characterization of numerous ectomycorrhizal fungi often involve large morphological descriptions of sporocarps alone, which consequently, in some instances, raise arguments about the accuracy of these studies. The present work was achieved to isolate, identify, and characterize three ectomycorrhizal fungi from sporocarps combining morphological and molecular techniques. The morphological characteristics of tested species were assessed and compared to standard taxonomic literature. ITS-rDNA was utilized for molecular analysis using the universal fungal primers ITS1. Identification of these species was confirmed by comparing the sequences of amplified genomes of these species with respective species sequences in GenBank, followed by blast analysis.

In contrast to the global countries, ectomycorrhizae members are not common in Egypt, however, they are very important in the afforestation of poor lands. Their occurrence in Pinus sp., Clerodendrum sp., and Eucalyptus sp. may help to explain why these trees are the most extensively dominant around the world, especially in Egypt. The identification and characterization of numerous ectomycorrhizal fungi often involve large morphological descriptions of sporocarps alone, which consequently, in some instances, raise arguments about the accuracy of these studies. The present work was achieved to isolate, identify, and characterize three ectomycorrhizal fungi from sporocarps combining morphological and molecular techniques. The morphological characteristics of tested species were assessed and compared to standard taxonomic literature. ITS-rDNA was utilized for molecular analysis using the universal fungal primers ITS1. Identification of these species was confirmed by comparing the sequences of amplified genomes of these species with respective species sequences in GenBank, followed by blast analysis.

The combined data from two growing seasons in a field experiment study by using two irrigation systems (surface and subsurface drip) in terms of additional water for sugar beet plants under saline conditions are used to estimate root and sugar yield, water use efficiency and root penetration power at the time of harvest. Water salinity levels of 6000 and 8000 ppm were applied to irrigate sugar beet from the time of planting on October 3 to the time of harvest on April 22 with three additions of water (limited 1750, moderate 2500 and optimum 3250 m3/fed). The results are summarized as follows: The heaviest root and highest sugar yield as well as highest water use efficiency were recorded when using subsurface irrigation system, 6000 ppm water salinity level, and moderate or optimum irrigation water (2500 or 3250 m3/fed). Oppositely, the highest penetration power values were obtained using drip irrigation systems with low water quantity (1750 m3/fed) and high-water salinity level (8000 ppm).

The combined data from two growing seasons in a field experiment study by using two irrigation systems (surface and subsurface drip) in terms of additional water for sugar beet plants under saline conditions are used to estimate root and sugar yield, water use efficiency and root penetration power at the time of harvest. Water salinity levels of 6000 and 8000 ppm were applied to irrigate sugar beet from the time of planting on October 3 to the time of harvest on April 22 with three additions of water (limited 1750, moderate 2500 and optimum 3250 m3/fed). The results are summarized as follows: The heaviest root and highest sugar yield as well as highest water use efficiency were recorded when using subsurface irrigation system, 6000 ppm water salinity level, and moderate or optimum irrigation water (2500 or 3250 m3/fed). Oppositely, the highest penetration power values were obtained using drip irrigation systems with low water quantity (1750 m3/fed) and high-water salinity level (8000 ppm).

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of amino acid and vitamin foliar applications on improving iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production and quality during the summer. First, two hybrids (Patagonia and Bruma) were grown hydroponically in June 2018 and 2019. Then, for five consecutive weeks, plants were sprayed once a week with Stress Free (a commercial product comprising 0.5% vitamins [vitamin B complex/ascorbic acid] and 0.5% selenomethionine) at concentrations of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 g/L and Aminomad (20% free amino acids) at concentrations of 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 cm3 /L. Investigations revealed that all plant growth aspects were positively improved with all foliar spray treatments than with the control. Furthermore, while mineral contents (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) showed positive responses to the applied treatments, the highest dose of amino acids showed the highest marketable and total yield effects among all foliar spray treatments with the Patagonia hybrid. However, the marketable and total yield of lettuce heads was lowest with the control treatment without spraying.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of amino acid and vitamin foliar applications on improving iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production and quality during the summer. First, two hybrids (Patagonia and Bruma) were grown hydroponically in June 2018 and 2019. Then, for five consecutive weeks, plants were sprayed once a week with Stress Free (a commercial product comprising 0.5% vitamins [vitamin B complex/ascorbic acid] and 0.5% selenomethionine) at concentrations of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 g/L and Aminomad (20% free amino acids) at concentrations of 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 cm3 /L. Investigations revealed that all plant growth aspects were positively improved with all foliar spray treatments than with the control. Furthermore, while mineral contents (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) showed positive responses to the applied treatments, the highest dose of amino acids showed the highest marketable and total yield effects among all foliar spray treatments with the Patagonia hybrid. However, the marketable and total yield of lettuce heads was lowest with the control treatment without spraying.

This study focused on the phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol extracts of golden berry calyx and fruits. The phytochemical analysis of calyx and fruit extracts revealed high total phenols and flavonoids. High antioxidant capacity was recorded for fruit extracts. Fruit extracts also gave the highest antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium. Furthermore, tomato paste was prepared using sodium benzoate and golden berry extract as food preservatives. The incorporation of golden berry extract and chemical preservatives maintained the paste quality indicators over the control samples. A rapid decline in total antioxidant capacity was also observed in control samples (21.6%) as compared with the treated samples (15.21% and 15.41% for sodium benzoate and golden berry extract, respectively) after 30 days of storage. This study demonstrated that dried fruit extract with high phytochemical and antimicrobial properties could be used as a natural food preservative.

This study focused on the phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol extracts of golden berry calyx and fruits. The phytochemical analysis of calyx and fruit extracts revealed high total phenols and flavonoids. High antioxidant capacity was recorded for fruit extracts. Fruit extracts also gave the highest antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium. Furthermore, tomato paste was prepared using sodium benzoate and golden berry extract as food preservatives. The incorporation of golden berry extract and chemical preservatives maintained the paste quality indicators over the control samples. A rapid decline in total antioxidant capacity was also observed in control samples (21.6%) as compared with the treated samples (15.21% and 15.41% for sodium benzoate and golden berry extract, respectively) after 30 days of storage. This study demonstrated that dried fruit extract with high phytochemical and antimicrobial properties could be used as a natural food preservative.

Soil temperature under mulching conditions has a significant impact on crop development, growth rate and other parameters. However, it is not included in the AquaCrop model. Thus, this study aims to improve the AquaCrop model performance for better simulation of soil mulches by considering the heat changing under mulch materials. The proposed modification is conducted through AquaCrop-Open Source software to identify the differences between the temperatures under the mulched soil and air temperatures. It will also help to describe them as additional heat units in specific growth stages. The field data used to evaluate the proposed model has previously been used to calibrate and validate the AquaCrop model in simulating melon growth under different irrigation treatments and soil mulching practices. The results show that the proposed model performs better than the original model in simulating mulched melon under different irrigation regimes. The root mean square error of biomass values was reduced under the modified model by 40%-75% under different irrigation treatments. Additionally, the coefficient of determination (R2) of the modified model slightly increased from the original one. Thus, the proposed model provides a more reliable and robust model.

Soil temperature under mulching conditions has a significant impact on crop development, growth rate and other parameters. However, it is not included in the AquaCrop model. Thus, this study aims to improve the AquaCrop model performance for better simulation of soil mulches by considering the heat changing under mulch materials. The proposed modification is conducted through AquaCrop-Open Source software to identify the differences between the temperatures under the mulched soil and air temperatures. It will also help to describe them as additional heat units in specific growth stages. The field data used to evaluate the proposed model has previously been used to calibrate and validate the AquaCrop model in simulating melon growth under different irrigation treatments and soil mulching practices. The results show that the proposed model performs better than the original model in simulating mulched melon under different irrigation regimes. The root mean square error of biomass values was reduced under the modified model by 40%-75% under different irrigation treatments. Additionally, the coefficient of determination (R2) of the modified model slightly increased from the original one. Thus, the proposed model provides a more reliable and robust model.

The scarcity of fresh water is a primary problem in remote regions. Thus, an economical and related water distillation solar still coupled with a solar collector was designed and studied experimentally. This study aims to investigate and evaluate the performance of an active single-slope solar still (ASSSS) coupled with a solar evacuated tube collector (ETC) as the water heater. The results showed that the average distillate productivity of ASSSS combined with U pipe solar (ETC) was 1.085 l/m2 in December 2020, but 3.12 l/m2 in August 2021. These quantities of the water distiller were higher than those of a passive solar distiller with a single slope (PSSSS). The average value of the water temperature increased using the ASSSS coupled with ETC in August 2021 at 79.1°C, whereas it was 71°C in August 2021 for PSSSS. These results indicate that the ASSSS is more effective than the PSSSS.

The scarcity of fresh water is a primary problem in remote regions. Thus, an economical and related water distillation solar still coupled with a solar collector was designed and studied experimentally. This study aims to investigate and evaluate the performance of an active single-slope solar still (ASSSS) coupled with a solar evacuated tube collector (ETC) as the water heater. The results showed that the average distillate productivity of ASSSS combined with U pipe solar (ETC) was 1.085 l/m2 in December 2020, but 3.12 l/m2 in August 2021. These quantities of the water distiller were higher than those of a passive solar distiller with a single slope (PSSSS). The average value of the water temperature increased using the ASSSS coupled with ETC in August 2021 at 79.1°C, whereas it was 71°C in August 2021 for PSSSS. These results indicate that the ASSSS is more effective than the PSSSS.