The purpose of the research was to illustrate the effects of feeding Nile tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus) with low doses of aflatoxins (AFs) with and without vitamin C supplementation to investigate the capacity of vitamin C in detoxification. Ten experimental diets were formulated and divided into three categories. The first category included: T1, T4 and T7 feedings included 20, 40 and 80 μg AFs kg−1 feed respectively, while both the second category T2, T5 and T8 and the third category T3, T6 and T9 were treated with contaminated feed with AFs for 57days then both categories shifted to different regime till the conclusion of the experimentation. The second category was fed uncontaminated feed while the third category was fed a supplemented diet with 100 mg Kg-1 of vitamin C. For 113 days the experiment was conducted. The results showed that shifting from a contaminated diet to an uncontaminated diet (category 2) or adding vitamin C to the contaminated diet (category 3) improved the deterioration that occurred in the values of growth performance, biochemical parameters and histological disorders caused by AFs. Furthermore, the results from the control group were superior to all the treatments.

The purpose of the research was to illustrate the effects of feeding Nile tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus) with low doses of aflatoxins (AFs) with and without vitamin C supplementation to investigate the capacity of vitamin C in detoxification. Ten experimental diets were formulated and divided into three categories. The first category included: T1, T4 and T7 feedings included 20, 40 and 80 μg AFs kg−1 feed respectively, while both the second category T2, T5 and T8 and the third category T3, T6 and T9 were treated with contaminated feed with AFs for 57days then both categories shifted to different regime till the conclusion of the experimentation. The second category was fed uncontaminated feed while the third category was fed a supplemented diet with 100 mg Kg-1 of vitamin C. For 113 days the experiment was conducted. The results showed that shifting from a contaminated diet to an uncontaminated diet (category 2) or adding vitamin C to the contaminated diet (category 3) improved the deterioration that occurred in the values of growth performance, biochemical parameters and histological disorders caused by AFs. Furthermore, the results from the control group were superior to all the treatments.

Livestock plays a significant role in food production, income generation, soil quality, transportation and the overall welfare of communities, especially in developing nations. Sheep and goats are vital sources of food, livelihood and urgent financial needs. Researching livestock practices can help optimize production, enhance productivity, and improve market access, ultimately boosting the economic well-being of developing communities. Research is needed to identify climate-resilient livestock practices, develop drought-resistant breeds, and optimize feed management strategies. By enhancing the resilience of livestock systems, research can help safeguard food security and livelihoods in the face of climate change. Climate change, evidenced by temperature changes and increased extreme weather events, negatively impacts traditional farming systems and livestock production by affecting pastures, feeds, water quality and livestock diseases. Breeds of the Coastal Zone of Western Desert (CZWD)  such as the Barki sheep and goat as well as the Saidi breed in Upper Egypt (UE), have adapted to these harsh conditions and are crucial for smallholders. However, there's an information gap regarding these breeds' productivity in smallholder systems. This study utilizes the Twelve Month Monitoring (12MO) survey to estimate the productivity and demographic parameters of these breeds from 2018 to 2020.

Livestock plays a significant role in food production, income generation, soil quality, transportation and the overall welfare of communities, especially in developing nations. Sheep and goats are vital sources of food, livelihood and urgent financial needs. Researching livestock practices can help optimize production, enhance productivity, and improve market access, ultimately boosting the economic well-being of developing communities. Research is needed to identify climate-resilient livestock practices, develop drought-resistant breeds, and optimize feed management strategies. By enhancing the resilience of livestock systems, research can help safeguard food security and livelihoods in the face of climate change. Climate change, evidenced by temperature changes and increased extreme weather events, negatively impacts traditional farming systems and livestock production by affecting pastures, feeds, water quality and livestock diseases. Breeds of the Coastal Zone of Western Desert (CZWD) such as the Barki sheep and goat as well as the Saidi breed in Upper Egypt (UE), have adapted to these harsh conditions and are crucial for smallholders. However, there's an information gap regarding these breeds' productivity in smallholder systems. This study utilizes the Twelve Month Monitoring (12MO) survey to estimate the productivity and demographic parameters of these breeds from 2018 to 2020.

Livestock plays a significant role in food production, income generation, soil quality, transportation and the overall welfare of communities, especially in developing nations. Sheep and goats are vital sources of food, livelihood and urgent financial needs. Researching livestock practices can help optimize production, enhance productivity, and improve market access, ultimately boosting the economic well-being of developing communities. Research is needed to identify climate-resilient livestock practices, develop drought-resistant breeds, and optimize feed management strategies. By enhancing the resilience of livestock systems, research can help safeguard food security and livelihoods in the face of climate change. Climate change, evidenced by temperature changes and increased extreme weather events, negatively impacts traditional farming systems and livestock production by affecting pastures, feeds, water quality and livestock diseases. Breeds of the Coastal Zone of Western Desert (CZWD)  such as the Barki sheep and goat as well as the Saidi breed in Upper Egypt (UE), have adapted to these harsh conditions and are crucial for smallholders. However, there's an information gap regarding these breeds' productivity in smallholder systems. This study utilizes the Twelve Month Monitoring (12MO) survey to estimate the productivity and demographic parameters of these breeds from 2018 to 2020.

Source Agritrop Cirad (https://agritrop.cirad.fr/607737/) | International audience | Livestock plays a significant role in food production, income generation, soil quality, transportation and the overall welfare of communities, especially in developing nations. Sheep and goats are vital sources of food, livelihood and urgent financial needs. Researching livestock practices can help optimize production, enhance productivity, and improve market access, ultimately boosting the economic well-being of developing communities. Research is needed to identify climate-resilient livestock practices, develop drought-resistant breeds, and optimize feed management strategies. By enhancing the resilience of livestock systems, research can help safeguard food security and livelihoods in the face of climate change. Climate change, evidenced by temperature changes and increased extreme weather events, negatively impacts traditional farming systems and livestock production by affecting pastures, feeds, water quality and livestock diseases. Breeds of the Coastal Zone of Western Desert (CZWD) such as the Barki sheep and goat as well as the Saidi breed in Upper Egypt (UE), have adapted to these harsh conditions and are crucial for smallholders. However, there's an information gap regarding these breeds' productivity in smallholder systems. This study utilizes the Twelve Month Monitoring (12MO) survey to estimate the productivity and demographic parameters of these breeds from 2018 to 2020.

The population genetic and molecular evidence of the Arabian goat breed's phylogenetic standing (Capra hircus) is misunderstood, and little is known about genetic diversity in this species. Despite their importance in producing meat and milk, as well as their capacity to endure difficult conditions with little access to food and water, goats are the most common animal in Arab countries. We investigated the phylogenetic history and demographics of domestic goats by sequencing a hypervariable segment of the mtDNA reference region for Baladi, Demuscous, and Zaraibi breeds, as well as sequences retrieved from 16 Arab countries. Three significantly divergent lineages associated with Africa and the Middle East were identified through phylogenetic analysis of the investigated strains of Egyptian goats' mtDNA D-loop region. All Egyptian goats were allocated to lineage A, which is made up of 445 different haplotypes, including Egyptian and Arabian goats. Diversity in haplotypes and in nucleotides for each Arabian goat population was calculated separately and estimated to be 0.99835 and 0.02576, respectively. Finally, we suggest that all goat lineages descend from a single clan. The ancient world's migration and travel may have influenced goat diversity, implying that goats had multiple matrilineal forebears

The population genetic and molecular evidence of the Arabian goat breed's phylogenetic standing (Capra hircus) is misunderstood, and little is known about genetic diversity in this species. Despite their importance in producing meat and milk, as well as their capacity to endure difficult conditions with little access to food and water, goats are the most common animal in Arab countries. We investigated the phylogenetic history and demographics of domestic goats by sequencing a hypervariable segment of the mtDNA reference region for Baladi, Demuscous, and Zaraibi breeds, as well as sequences retrieved from 16 Arab countries. Three significantly divergent lineages associated with Africa and the Middle East were identified through phylogenetic analysis of the investigated strains of Egyptian goats' mtDNA D-loop region. All Egyptian goats were allocated to lineage A, which is made up of 445 different haplotypes, including Egyptian and Arabian goats. Diversity in haplotypes and in nucleotides for each Arabian goat population was calculated separately and estimated to be 0.99835 and 0.02576, respectively. Finally, we suggest that all goat lineages descend from a single clan. The ancient world's migration and travel may have influenced goat diversity, implying that goats had multiple matrilineal forebears

Nine Penicillium digitatum isolates were isolated from citrus fruits and tested for their pathogenicity on Navel orange fruit (Citrus sinensis L.). In this regard, the isolates exhibited three different levels of virulence. The isolates were identified morphologically using malt extract agar (MEA) and Czapek yeast extract agar (CYA) for colony characteristics, and MEA for microscopic features. Each one of the isolates has the unique features of P. digitatum, especially the largest conidia (6.1-11.9 µm long X 3.2-8 µm width), and phialides (10.1-21.4 µm long X 4-5.1 µm width). In addition, the isolates were identified on a molecular basis using ITS1 and ITS4 primers to confirm morphological identification. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that there was high variance among the isolates, and there were different relations between some of our isolates and other P. digitatum registered strains originating from different countries all over the world. The sequences were submitted to respective GenBank nucleotide databases with accession No. OR198852, OR198853, OR198854, OR198855, OR198856, OR198857, OR198858, OR198859 and OR198860. We also isolated a new P. digitatum (OB15: OR198859) strain with high virulence and rapid sporulation

Nine Penicillium digitatum isolates were isolated from citrus fruits and tested for their pathogenicity on Navel orange fruit (Citrus sinensis L.). In this regard, the isolates exhibited three different levels of virulence. The isolates were identified morphologically using malt extract agar (MEA) and Czapek yeast extract agar (CYA) for colony characteristics, and MEA for microscopic features. Each one of the isolates has the unique features of P. digitatum, especially the largest conidia (6.1-11.9 µm long X 3.2-8 µm width), and phialides (10.1-21.4 µm long X 4-5.1 µm width). In addition, the isolates were identified on a molecular basis using ITS1 and ITS4 primers to confirm morphological identification. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that there was high variance among the isolates, and there were different relations between some of our isolates and other P. digitatum registered strains originating from different countries all over the world. The sequences were submitted to respective GenBank nucleotide databases with accession No. OR198852, OR198853, OR198854, OR198855, OR198856, OR198857, OR198858, OR198859 and OR198860. We also isolated a new P. digitatum (OB15: OR198859) strain with high virulence and rapid sporulation

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.

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.

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.

A field experiment was conducted in new reclaimed areas to improve avocado trees water productivity cultivated under deficit irrigation and mulching. The deficit irrigation treatments were 90, 80, 70, and 60% of reference evapotranspiration (ETo). Results revealed that The average water requirements during different avocado trees physiological growth stages were 613, 1509, 1755, 1391, and 632 m3 /fed for flowering to end of fruit set, fruit set to approximately 50% of the expected market fruit size, during the fruit growth stage, during the fruit ripening stage, and during the flower bud formation stage, respectively. These values represent approximately 10.4%, 25.6%, 29.7%, 23.6%, and 10.7% of the total yearly water requirement. The averages irrigation frequency were 2.45, 2.61, 2.72, 2.87, and 3.91day for 100, 90, 80, 70 and 60% ETo treatments, respectively. The highest crop water productivity value of 1.24 kg/m3 water was attained at 70% ETo followed by 1.18 kg/m3 water at 80% ETo while the least crop water productivity (1.06 kg/m3 water) was realized at 100% ETo. The crop water requirement of 5110 m3 /fed/year with high irrigation frequency is recommended for mulched sandy soil cultivated with avocado trees.

A field experiment was conducted in new reclaimed areas to improve avocado trees water productivity cultivated under deficit irrigation and mulching. The deficit irrigation treatments were 90, 80, 70, and 60% of reference evapotranspiration (ETo). Results revealed that The average water requirements during different avocado trees physiological growth stages were 613, 1509, 1755, 1391, and 632 m3 /fed for flowering to end of fruit set, fruit set to approximately 50% of the expected market fruit size, during the fruit growth stage, during the fruit ripening stage, and during the flower bud formation stage, respectively. These values represent approximately 10.4%, 25.6%, 29.7%, 23.6%, and 10.7% of the total yearly water requirement. The averages irrigation frequency were 2.45, 2.61, 2.72, 2.87, and 3.91day for 100, 90, 80, 70 and 60% ETo treatments, respectively. The highest crop water productivity value of 1.24 kg/m3 water was attained at 70% ETo followed by 1.18 kg/m3 water at 80% ETo while the least crop water productivity (1.06 kg/m3 water) was realized at 100% ETo. The crop water requirement of 5110 m3 /fed/year with high irrigation frequency is recommended for mulched sandy soil cultivated with avocado trees.

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.