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.

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.

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.

Two field experiments were conducted during in 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons to study the impact of integration among mineral and nanoparticle nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels on yield traits and chemical characters of some canola genotypes grown under salt stress conditions. Four treatments of N fertilization (190 kg N/ha as recommended dose; 50% of the recommended, 95 kg N/ha+nano nitrogen (5 L/ha); 25 % of the recommended, 47.5 kg N/ha+nano-nitrogen (5 L/ha), and nano-nitrogen (rate of 5 L/ha). canola genotypes (Trabber, Agamax, and Serw4) performance were assessed under three levels of saline irrigation water (control, 2000, and 4000 mg L-1). Results showed that increasing salinity levels up to 4000 mg L-1 led to decreasing in all studied yield parameters compared with those of control (tap water). Trabber genotype excelled significantly in most of the yield characteristics. Integration between nanoscale and mineral nitrogen fertilizer, i.e. 95 kg N/ha+5 nano N L/ha) showed superiority over all applied N treatments, recording the highest values. It could be concluded that since application of 95 kg N/ha+5 nano N L/ha exploiting the nano form of N saves about 50% of applied nitrogen in canola under saline conditions. Accordingly, nanoparticles help the environmental pollution to be reduced.

Two field experiments were conducted during in 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons to study the impact of integration among mineral and nanoparticle nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels on yield traits and chemical characters of some canola genotypes grown under salt stress conditions. Four treatments of N fertilization (190 kg N/ha as recommended dose; 50% of the recommended, 95 kg N/ha+nano nitrogen (5 L/ha); 25 % of the recommended, 47.5 kg N/ha+nano-nitrogen (5 L/ha), and nano-nitrogen (rate of 5 L/ha). canola genotypes (Trabber, Agamax, and Serw4) performance were assessed under three levels of saline irrigation water (control, 2000, and 4000 mg L-1). Results showed that increasing salinity levels up to 4000 mg L-1 led to decreasing in all studied yield parameters compared with those of control (tap water). Trabber genotype excelled significantly in most of the yield characteristics. Integration between nanoscale and mineral nitrogen fertilizer, i.e. 95 kg N/ha+5 nano N L/ha) showed superiority over all applied N treatments, recording the highest values. It could be concluded that since application of 95 kg N/ha+5 nano N L/ha exploiting the nano form of N saves about 50% of applied nitrogen in canola under saline conditions. Accordingly, nanoparticles help the environmental pollution to be reduced.

Heat stress is an environmental problem that can negatively impact tomato productivity by reducing fruit setting and disrupting pollen development. The present study aims to understand the molecular mechanism of heat tolerance induced by L-ascorbic acid. Plants were grown in the summer of 2022 (day and night temperatures were 34.4°C and 25.2°C respectively). The plants were divided into two groups: one was sprayed with L-ascorbic acid (0.5 mM) and the other served as a control. Growth parameters, antioxidant enzymes, proline, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde levels in the leaves were determined. Additionally, a molecular docking allowed understanding the interaction between the antioxidant enzymes and L-ascorbic acid. Results indicated that L-ascorbic acid increased antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase), proline content, fruit setting and growth indicators (shoot and root fresh and dry weight). It also reduced hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels in tomato leaves. Furthermore, the in-silico analysis revealed that L-ascorbic acid binding energies toward antioxidant enzymes were similar to those of known activators. In conclusion, foliar application of L-ascorbic acid (0.5 mM) effectively mitigated heat stress effects, activating antioxidant enzymes and eliminating reactive oxygen species, ultimately resulting in increased fruit setting.

Heat stress is an environmental problem that can negatively impact tomato productivity by reducing fruit setting and disrupting pollen development. The present study aims to understand the molecular mechanism of heat tolerance induced by L-ascorbic acid. Plants were grown in the summer of 2022 (day and night temperatures were 34.4°C and 25.2°C respectively). The plants were divided into two groups: one was sprayed with L-ascorbic acid (0.5 mM) and the other served as a control. Growth parameters, antioxidant enzymes, proline, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde levels in the leaves were determined. Additionally, a molecular docking allowed understanding the interaction between the antioxidant enzymes and L-ascorbic acid. Results indicated that L-ascorbic acid increased antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase), proline content, fruit setting and growth indicators (shoot and root fresh and dry weight). It also reduced hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels in tomato leaves. Furthermore, the in-silico analysis revealed that L-ascorbic acid binding energies toward antioxidant enzymes were similar to those of known activators. In conclusion, foliar application of L-ascorbic acid (0.5 mM) effectively mitigated heat stress effects, activating antioxidant enzymes and eliminating reactive oxygen species, ultimately resulting in increased fruit setting.

The Tomato Chlorosis Criniviruses (ToCV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl Geminivirus (TYLCV), which naturally infecting and limited to the phloem, have caused a drastic reduction in tomato yield. The current study aims to determine the incidence of single and mixed viruses using biological, serological and molecular PCR methods in natural tomato plants. The incidence of mixed infection was found more frequently, followed by ToCV and TYLCV (42.3, 28.8, 17.8 in 2020 and 49.1, 29.7 and 19.1% in 2021, respectively). ToCV causes chlorosis, TYLCV causes leaf curl and yellowing, while mixed ToCV & TYLCV cause progress symptoms. By using the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and coat protein (CP) genes, ToCV and TYLCV isolates could be identified. These isolates were recorded in GenBank under accession codes "ON951644.1" and "OP265136.1" respectively. Host plants responded differently to severe and common disease density between ToCV and TYLCV. The transmitted whitefly could distinguish between ToCV and TYLCV within 15-20 minutes of the acquisition period. ToCV increases in fields with high whitefly populations, requiring further research to understand effects and reduce harm.

The Tomato Chlorosis Criniviruses (ToCV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl Geminivirus (TYLCV), which naturally infecting and limited to the phloem, have caused a drastic reduction in tomato yield. The current study aims to determine the incidence of single and mixed viruses using biological, serological and molecular PCR methods in natural tomato plants. The incidence of mixed infection was found more frequently, followed by ToCV and TYLCV (42.3, 28.8, 17.8 in 2020 and 49.1, 29.7 and 19.1% in 2021, respectively). ToCV causes chlorosis, TYLCV causes leaf curl and yellowing, while mixed ToCV & TYLCV cause progress symptoms. By using the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and coat protein (CP) genes, ToCV and TYLCV isolates could be identified. These isolates were recorded in GenBank under accession codes "ON951644.1" and "OP265136.1" respectively. Host plants responded differently to severe and common disease density between ToCV and TYLCV. The transmitted whitefly could distinguish between ToCV and TYLCV within 15-20 minutes of the acquisition period. ToCV increases in fields with high whitefly populations, requiring further research to understand effects and reduce harm.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is considered one of the main food crops in many countries worldwide. The present work was planned to manage potato black-leg disease using organic treatments as well as mineral-nitrogenous treatments, in addition to examining their effects on the pathogenic bacterium (Pectobacterium atrosepticum) population under artificial inoculation conditions. The obtained data indicated that applications of cabbage, onion and peppermint dry ground leaves as organic matters, and applications of ammonium super-phosphate, potassium sulfate and urea as mineral-nitrogenous fertilizers reduced P. atrosepticum population and black-leg disease of potato compared with the control treatment. In addition, these treatments led to increasing potato yield, while the beneficial effects increased with increasing their doses compared with the control treatment. Meanwhile, the organic matter appeared highly effective compared with mineral-nitrogenous fertilizers in disease reduction. However, mineral-nitrogenous fertilizers appeared highly effective in increasing potato yield. Meanwhile, onion dry ground leaves (organic matter) and urea (nitrogenous fertilizer) were the most effective on the pathogenic bacterium population and severity of the disease compared with other treatments

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is considered one of the main food crops in many countries worldwide. The present work was planned to manage potato black-leg disease using organic treatments as well as mineral-nitrogenous treatments, in addition to examining their effects on the pathogenic bacterium (Pectobacterium atrosepticum) population under artificial inoculation conditions. The obtained data indicated that applications of cabbage, onion and peppermint dry ground leaves as organic matters, and applications of ammonium super-phosphate, potassium sulfate and urea as mineral-nitrogenous fertilizers reduced P. atrosepticum population and black-leg disease of potato compared with the control treatment. In addition, these treatments led to increasing potato yield, while the beneficial effects increased with increasing their doses compared with the control treatment. Meanwhile, the organic matter appeared highly effective compared with mineral-nitrogenous fertilizers in disease reduction. However, mineral-nitrogenous fertilizers appeared highly effective in increasing potato yield. Meanwhile, onion dry ground leaves (organic matter) and urea (nitrogenous fertilizer) were the most effective on the pathogenic bacterium population and severity of the disease compared with other treatments

Mulberry trees suffer from many pest infestations. To control these pests, some natural compounds such as Techno Oil and Top 9 and some other chemicals such as Mospilan® and Chinook® were used. Mulberry trees, Morus nigra were treated with three different concentrations of each of Chinook, Techno Oil® and Top 9® to reduce infestation with Icerya sp. and Ferrisia virgate. A high reduction rate of more than 90% occurred when using these pesticides. On the other hand, the corrected mortality of mulberry silkworm larvae was 93.3%, 0.0% and 6.7% respectively after 8 days of treatment. When treating mulberry trees Morus alba with two different concentrations of each of pesticides; Mospilan and Techno Oil against whitefly, the average rate of infestation reduction was 100% and 94.94%, respectively. The corrected mortality of mulberry silkworms' larvae was 100% and 0.0% after 8 days of treatment respectively. This study proved that natural compounds could be used safely instead of chemical pesticides to reduce the pest population without affecting the life of silkworm larvae or cocoon properties.

Mulberry trees suffer from many pest infestations. To control these pests, some natural compounds such as Techno Oil and Top 9 and some other chemicals such as Mospilan® and Chinook® were used. Mulberry trees, Morus nigra were treated with three different concentrations of each of Chinook, Techno Oil® and Top 9® to reduce infestation with Icerya sp. and Ferrisia virgate. A high reduction rate of more than 90% occurred when using these pesticides. On the other hand, the corrected mortality of mulberry silkworm larvae was 93.3%, 0.0% and 6.7% respectively after 8 days of treatment. When treating mulberry trees Morus alba with two different concentrations of each of pesticides; Mospilan and Techno Oil against whitefly, the average rate of infestation reduction was 100% and 94.94%, respectively. The corrected mortality of mulberry silkworms' larvae was 100% and 0.0% after 8 days of treatment respectively. This study proved that natural compounds could be used safely instead of chemical pesticides to reduce the pest population without affecting the life of silkworm larvae or cocoon properties.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of organic, NPK, and biofertilizers on the yield of two cowpea varieties grown under arid land conditions. Two cultivars of cowpea (Karim-7 and Dokki-331) were evaluated using different fertilizer types. The fertilizers examined were organic (farmyard manure (FYM) and chicken manure (CHM)) and biofertilizers (effective microorganisms (EM1) and technology of smart fertilizer (TS)) in addition to NPK treatments (NPK (50 kg/fed), NPK (100 kg/fed), EM1 (15 m3.fed-1) + NPK (50 kg/fed), TS (15 m3.fed-1) + NPK (50 kg/fed). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 16 treatments and three replications was used to set up the experiment. The measured yield parameters were seed number/plant, pod length, seed number/pod, pod number/plant, dry yield/plant, dry yield/m2, bio yield, pod weight, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. The results cleared that the cultivar dokki-331 under EM1 biofertilizer + NPK (50 kg/fed) combination treatment was the superior practice for increasing all studied traits.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of organic, NPK, and biofertilizers on the yield of two cowpea varieties grown under arid land conditions. Two cultivars of cowpea (Karim-7 and Dokki-331) were evaluated using different fertilizer types. The fertilizers examined were organic (farmyard manure (FYM) and chicken manure (CHM)) and biofertilizers (effective microorganisms (EM1) and technology of smart fertilizer (TS)) in addition to NPK treatments (NPK (50 kg/fed), NPK (100 kg/fed), EM1 (15 m3.fed-1) + NPK (50 kg/fed), TS (15 m3.fed-1) + NPK (50 kg/fed). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 16 treatments and three replications was used to set up the experiment. The measured yield parameters were seed number/plant, pod length, seed number/pod, pod number/plant, dry yield/plant, dry yield/m2, bio yield, pod weight, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. The results cleared that the cultivar dokki-331 under EM1 biofertilizer + NPK (50 kg/fed) combination treatment was the superior practice for increasing all studied traits.

Atriplex halimus is a widely distributed species in the Mediterranean coastal areas and can grow under saline and non-saline habitats. Plant leaves were collected from two habitats; non-saline (1.14 dSm-1) and saline (30.63 dSm-1) at Borg Alarab area along the Northwestern coast of Egypt to investigate the ecomorphological and physiological behavior variations of A. halimus in relation to different habitat. leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), water content, chl a, chl b, total chl, carotenoids, Na+, K+, Ca++ and Cl- contents were measured. A. halimus leaves generate adaptive changes as plastic responses to salinity by the decrease in leaf area, SLA, chl a, chl b, totat chl and Cl and increase in Na+ , phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) specific activity and total phenols content.

Atriplex halimus is a widely distributed species in the Mediterranean coastal areas and can grow under saline and non-saline habitats. Plant leaves were collected from two habitats; non-saline (1.14 dSm-1) and saline (30.63 dSm-1) at Borg Alarab area along the Northwestern coast of Egypt to investigate the ecomorphological and physiological behavior variations of A. halimus in relation to different habitat. leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), water content, chl a, chl b, total chl, carotenoids, Na+, K+, Ca++ and Cl- contents were measured. A. halimus leaves generate adaptive changes as plastic responses to salinity by the decrease in leaf area, SLA, chl a, chl b, totat chl and Cl and increase in Na+ , phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) specific activity and total phenols content.