Climate change poses a significant challenge to agriculture while barley is an essential and crucial crop worldwide. This study evaluated the drought stress tolerance of 25 barley genotypes. A field experiment was carried out to investigate agronomical traits, such as plant height at 110 days (PH110) and spike length (SL), in response to different surface irrigation treatments. Subsequently, 15 barley genotypes were chosen for the second experiment which aimed to examine the impact of physiological stress generated by polyethylene glycol-6000. Several biological metrics, including seedling vigor index (SVI), and drought tolerance index (DTI), were quantified. Ultimately, six SSR primers were used to analyze the genetic diversity between different barley genotypes. The findings demonstrated that the G1, G2, and G6 genotypes were tolerant but G5, G9, and G14 were susceptible. The primers Bmag0603, EBmac0849, and Bmag770 were polymorphic. This study provides valuable initial insights into the drought resistance of various barley genotypes, highlighting the genetic diversity and potential for breeding drought-tolerant varieties. We suggest expanding the sample size and incorporating a broader range of environmental conditions in future studies to validate these findings. Additionally, the identified genetic markers could be further explored and utilized in breeding programs.

Climate change poses a significant challenge to agriculture while barley is an essential and crucial crop worldwide. This study evaluated the drought stress tolerance of 25 barley genotypes. A field experiment was carried out to investigate agronomical traits, such as plant height at 110 days (PH110) and spike length (SL), in response to different surface irrigation treatments. Subsequently, 15 barley genotypes were chosen for the second experiment which aimed to examine the impact of physiological stress generated by polyethylene glycol-6000. Several biological metrics, including seedling vigor index (SVI), and drought tolerance index (DTI), were quantified. Ultimately, six SSR primers were used to analyze the genetic diversity between different barley genotypes. The findings demonstrated that the G1, G2, and G6 genotypes were tolerant but G5, G9, and G14 were susceptible. The primers Bmag0603, EBmac0849, and Bmag770 were polymorphic. This study provides valuable initial insights into the drought resistance of various barley genotypes, highlighting the genetic diversity and potential for breeding drought-tolerant varieties. We suggest expanding the sample size and incorporating a broader range of environmental conditions in future studies to validate these findings. Additionally, the identified genetic markers could be further explored and utilized in breeding programs.

Drought stress is considered one of the main factors that reduce plant growth, development and production. Therefore, studying plants during drought stress is highly useful to discover the newly gained characteristics of plants. The potato is considered one of the most important crop with economic value in Egypt and over the whole world. The main target is the proline-rich protein extracted from potato plants under drought stress. A stress experiment was applied to two potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars Desiree and Diamante. The stress experiment was conducted by poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) 4000; the used water potentials were: zero (control), (PEG 2%), (PEG 4%) and (PEG 8%), after drought stress, the solutes accumulation in the two potato cultivars were determined. Increasing drought stress through elevating PEG decreased leaf area as well as shoot and root lengths. Incontorary, the chlorophyll and proline contents increased with increasing PEG treatments. The proline-rich protein gene was cloned to the pGEM-T Easy vector and was submitted to the gene bank to be used later for enhancing drought resistance in other cultivars.

Drought stress is considered one of the main factors that reduce plant growth, development and production. Therefore, studying plants during drought stress is highly useful to discover the newly gained characteristics of plants. The potato is considered one of the most important crop with economic value in Egypt and over the whole world. The main target is the proline-rich protein extracted from potato plants under drought stress. A stress experiment was applied to two potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars Desiree and Diamante. The stress experiment was conducted by poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) 4000; the used water potentials were: zero (control), (PEG 2%), (PEG 4%) and (PEG 8%), after drought stress, the solutes accumulation in the two potato cultivars were determined. Increasing drought stress through elevating PEG decreased leaf area as well as shoot and root lengths. Incontorary, the chlorophyll and proline contents increased with increasing PEG treatments. The proline-rich protein gene was cloned to the pGEM-T Easy vector and was submitted to the gene bank to be used later for enhancing drought resistance in other cultivars.

Forty-six bacterial isolates were obtained from seven rhizosphere samples using nutrient agar and glucose agar media. These isolates were morphologically categorized into long rods, short rods, and cocci, comprising 52%, 17%, and 31% of the total count, respectively. The collected isolates from the rhizosphere were assessed for their capability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The initial qualitative screening revealed diverse abilities among isolates for IAA production, with notable variations in productivity levels. Quantitative analysis of the top ten isolates revealed that cocci-shaped isolates produced the highest IAA levels (4.80 to 6.30 mg/100 mL), with the SS1 isolate achieving the maximum value (6.30 mg/100 mL). Genetic identification of the highest IAA producer (SS1) through 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that it belongs to the genus Kocuria. Phylogenomic analysis confirmed a high similarity to Kocuria rosea, with 98% identity.

Forty-six bacterial isolates were obtained from seven rhizosphere samples using nutrient agar and glucose agar media. These isolates were morphologically categorized into long rods, short rods, and cocci, comprising 52%, 17%, and 31% of the total count, respectively. The collected isolates from the rhizosphere were assessed for their capability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The initial qualitative screening revealed diverse abilities among isolates for IAA production, with notable variations in productivity levels. Quantitative analysis of the top ten isolates revealed that cocci-shaped isolates produced the highest IAA levels (4.80 to 6.30 mg/100 mL), with the SS1 isolate achieving the maximum value (6.30 mg/100 mL). Genetic identification of the highest IAA producer (SS1) through 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that it belongs to the genus Kocuria. Phylogenomic analysis confirmed a high similarity to Kocuria rosea, with 98% identity.

This study was conducted to examine the effects of the foliar application of moringa and germinated fenugreek extracts on the growth and biochemical parameters of wheatgrass grown under saline conditions. Aqueous moringa extract (MLE) was used at concentrations of 1.25, 0.83, 0.62 and 0.31%, whereas fenugreek extract (GFE) was used at concentrations of 0.25, 0.20, 0.15 and 0.10%. Optimum germination conditions were investigated under normal and NaCl stress (2000 ppm) conditions. Exposure to saline stress significantly reduced seed germination and grass yield as well as shoot and seedling fresh and dry weights. Ideal germination conditions were MLE 0.31% and GFE 0.15%, resulting in increased growth traits compared with the other concentrations and control. Foliar application of MLE or GFE improved growth traits, total antioxidants, phenols, Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe in the presence or absence of NaCl. In addition, wheatgrass powder was used to replace wheat flour in developing biscuits at 5, 10 and 15% levels. Wheatgrass showed high feasibility for formulating nutrient-rich biscuits with acceptable sensory qualities. These findings provide useful information for enhancing the nutrients in biscuits, with potential use as a natural source of bioactive compounds in functional food products.

This study was conducted to examine the effects of the foliar application of moringa and germinated fenugreek extracts on the growth and biochemical parameters of wheatgrass grown under saline conditions. Aqueous moringa extract (MLE) was used at concentrations of 1.25, 0.83, 0.62 and 0.31%, whereas fenugreek extract (GFE) was used at concentrations of 0.25, 0.20, 0.15 and 0.10%. Optimum germination conditions were investigated under normal and NaCl stress (2000 ppm) conditions. Exposure to saline stress significantly reduced seed germination and grass yield as well as shoot and seedling fresh and dry weights. Ideal germination conditions were MLE 0.31% and GFE 0.15%, resulting in increased growth traits compared with the other concentrations and control. Foliar application of MLE or GFE improved growth traits, total antioxidants, phenols, Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe in the presence or absence of NaCl. In addition, wheatgrass powder was used to replace wheat flour in developing biscuits at 5, 10 and 15% levels. Wheatgrass showed high feasibility for formulating nutrient-rich biscuits with acceptable sensory qualities. These findings provide useful information for enhancing the nutrients in biscuits, with potential use as a natural source of bioactive compounds in functional food products.

This study was conducted to determine the impact of sodium chloride (2000 ppm) and salicylic acid (SA) concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 ppm) on the nutritional value and germination of radish microgreens. The experiment was based on a completely random design with three replicates. Results indicated that applying SA at 50 and 100 ppm mitigates the negative effects of salinity, even better than higher concentrations, on the nutritional value and bioactive contents of radish microgreens where SA at 50 ppm lowered the sodium contents from 1.75 to 1.10 ppm in addition to increasing the moisture content. Applying SA at 50 and 100 ppm caused a noticeable increase in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibers and energy under unstressed condition. In addition, SA at 50 ppm caused a significant increase in oxalic and malic acid contents under both normal and salinity conditions while SA at 100 ppm significantly enhanced the levels of total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidants under salinity conditions. This practical study highlights the significant role of salicylic acid, at 50 and 100 ppm, in increasing the levels of phytochemicals and minerals, hence improving the nutritional value of microgreen radishes.

This study was conducted to determine the impact of sodium chloride (2000 ppm) and salicylic acid (SA) concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 ppm) on the nutritional value and germination of radish microgreens. The experiment was based on a completely random design with three replicates. Results indicated that applying SA at 50 and 100 ppm mitigates the negative effects of salinity, even better than higher concentrations, on the nutritional value and bioactive contents of radish microgreens where SA at 50 ppm lowered the sodium contents from 1.75 to 1.10 ppm in addition to increasing the moisture content. Applying SA at 50 and 100 ppm caused a noticeable increase in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibers and energy under unstressed condition. In addition, SA at 50 ppm caused a significant increase in oxalic and malic acid contents under both normal and salinity conditions while SA at 100 ppm significantly enhanced the levels of total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidants under salinity conditions. This practical study highlights the significant role of salicylic acid, at 50 and 100 ppm, in increasing the levels of phytochemicals and minerals, hence improving the nutritional value of microgreen radishes.

The study examines factors affecting sprinkler irrigation system distribution uniformity, including sprinkler type, operating pressure and computer software design. The pressures used were 1.5, 2.1, and 2.5 bar for spray nozzles 4A and 17A, and 1.7, 2, 2.5, and 3 bar for rotor nozzles 1 and 3. The results showed a strong correlation, with (R2) values of 0.996 and 0.973, between SIDUL-Program (Sprinkler Irrigation Distribution Uniformity for Landscape–Program) and Excel program with respect to coefficient of uniformity (CU) and distribution uniformity (DU) respectively, suggesting a strong correlation between the two programs. The HEDIA program validated the SIDUL–Program, revealing a 0.42% difference in CU values between the two programs for rotor nozzle 3, indicating also a strong correlation (R2 = 0.953) between the two programs. The results showed that DU for spray 4A at a pressure of 2.1 bar was 7.4%, higher than DU at a pressure of 1.5 bar; the CU for spray 17A was 11.9% higher, as supported by manufacturer specifications. The study concluded that calculating CU and DU using the SIDUL–Program is critical for assessing sprinkler performance in irrigation systems since it considers factors such as soil type, irrigation 1methods and location; in addition to being easy to use and accurate com-pared to other programs.

The study examines factors affecting sprinkler irrigation system distribution uniformity, including sprinkler type, operating pressure and computer software design. The pressures used were 1.5, 2.1, and 2.5 bar for spray nozzles 4A and 17A, and 1.7, 2, 2.5, and 3 bar for rotor nozzles 1 and 3. The results showed a strong correlation, with (R2) values of 0.996 and 0.973, between SIDUL-Program (Sprinkler Irrigation Distribution Uniformity for Landscape–Program) and Excel program with respect to coefficient of uniformity (CU) and distribution uniformity (DU) respectively, suggesting a strong correlation between the two programs. The HEDIA program validated the SIDUL–Program, revealing a 0.42% difference in CU values between the two programs for rotor nozzle 3, indicating also a strong correlation (R2 = 0.953) between the two programs. The results showed that DU for spray 4A at a pressure of 2.1 bar was 7.4%, higher than DU at a pressure of 1.5 bar; the CU for spray 17A was 11.9% higher, as supported by manufacturer specifications. The study concluded that calculating CU and DU using the SIDUL–Program is critical for assessing sprinkler performance in irrigation systems since it considers factors such as soil type, irrigation 1methods and location; in addition to being easy to use and accurate com-pared to other programs.

Imidacloprid is a systematic neonicotinoid widely used to combat piercing-sucking insects; however, neonicotinoids, despite having low effects on vertebrates, showed high adverse effects on honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). Glutathione-S-transferases (GST) are an important constituent of the defense system in detoxifying invading chemicals. This work examines the effects of imidacloprid on GST activity in vivo and in vitro conditions. Results revealed that there are two responses of GST activity toward IMI treatment; first, stimulation of enzyme activity to combat and detoxify the insecticide. Second, direct inhibition of GST, which is confirmed by the in vitro inhibition with IC50 887.42 ppm. At a short exposure time to IMI (2 hours) at an IMI concentration of 0.35 ppm, the enzyme was stimulated up to 113% while increasing exposure time or IMI concentration, the inhibition effect dominates.

Imidacloprid is a systematic neonicotinoid widely used to combat piercing-sucking insects; however, neonicotinoids, despite having low effects on vertebrates, showed high adverse effects on honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). Glutathione-S-transferases (GST) are an important constituent of the defense system in detoxifying invading chemicals. This work examines the effects of imidacloprid on GST activity in vivo and in vitro conditions. Results revealed that there are two responses of GST activity toward IMI treatment; first, stimulation of enzyme activity to combat and detoxify the insecticide. Second, direct inhibition of GST, which is confirmed by the in vitro inhibition with IC50 887.42 ppm. At a short exposure time to IMI (2 hours) at an IMI concentration of 0.35 ppm, the enzyme was stimulated up to 113% while increasing exposure time or IMI concentration, the inhibition effect dominates.

The Red and White pakestanian mulberry cultivars and Baladi mulberry trees were propagated by using medium hardwood cuttings pre-pared in November, December and January, and treated with the growth regulators IBA and NAA (0, 2000, 4000 and 6000 ppm) during 2020 and 2021 seasons. The hardwood cuttings treatment was planted in wooden frames inside the greenhouse in a cultivation medium consisting of peat moss and sand (1:3 v/v respectively). Data showed that Baladi mulberry cultivar gave the highest values of rooting percentage while the White Pakestanian gave the highest values for the number of roots per cutting. Concerning growth regulator treatments, IBA at 6000 gave the highest significant number of roots per cutting followed by NAA at 6000 ppm. In the interaction between the two studied factors, the highest rooting percentage was found by NAA at 6000 ppm for Baladi and White cultivars. While the highest values of root number and root length were resulted by IBA at 6000 ppm followed by NAA at 6000 ppm for Baladi and White mulberry cultivars. The C/N ratio in Baladi and White cultivars cuttings was highest in hardwood cuttings prepared in November. While the values of C/N ratio in Red mulberry cultivar cuttings were highest in hardwood cuttings prepared in January.

The Red and White pakestanian mulberry cultivars and Baladi mulberry trees were propagated by using medium hardwood cuttings pre-pared in November, December and January, and treated with the growth regulators IBA and NAA (0, 2000, 4000 and 6000 ppm) during 2020 and 2021 seasons. The hardwood cuttings treatment was planted in wooden frames inside the greenhouse in a cultivation medium consisting of peat moss and sand (1:3 v/v respectively). Data showed that Baladi mulberry cultivar gave the highest values of rooting percentage while the White Pakestanian gave the highest values for the number of roots per cutting. Concerning growth regulator treatments, IBA at 6000 gave the highest significant number of roots per cutting followed by NAA at 6000 ppm. In the interaction between the two studied factors, the highest rooting percentage was found by NAA at 6000 ppm for Baladi and White cultivars. While the highest values of root number and root length were resulted by IBA at 6000 ppm followed by NAA at 6000 ppm for Baladi and White mulberry cultivars. The C/N ratio in Baladi and White cultivars cuttings was highest in hardwood cuttings prepared in November. While the values of C/N ratio in Red mulberry cultivar cuttings were highest in hardwood cuttings prepared in January.

Pomegranate peel extracts, both ethanolic (PPE) and aqueous (PPA), demonstrated a broad spectrum of antibacterial action against Gr+ve and Gr-ve bacteria, with bacterial isolate B2 (G+ve cocci) having the maximum inhibition zone (IZ) 10.5–26.5 mm at concentrations  4.2 mg mL-1 to 267 mg mL-1. PPE's minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) varies among bacterial strains, with the lowest being 8.3 mg mL-1. Ball-milled nano-scale pomegranate peel (NSPP) with 89.09 nm particle increased IZ 3-fold and decreased MIC significantly. MTT was used to assess the NSPPE's cytotoxicity against the Vero normal kidney and caco cell lines. At lower doses, NSPPE was safe, but increasing concentrations gradually lethal against Vero normal kidney cell line. NSPPE was highly toxic to caco cells, with an IC50 339.76±13.9 µg mL-1. Fish kofta samples treated with NSPPE were completely free of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus after 8 weeks of storage. This study demonstrates that NSPPE may improve fish food safety and shelf life as a natural preservative.

Pomegranate peel extracts, both ethanolic (PPE) and aqueous (PPA), demonstrated a broad spectrum of antibacterial action against Gr+ve and Gr-ve bacteria, with bacterial isolate B2 (G+ve cocci) having the maximum inhibition zone (IZ) 10.5–26.5 mm at concentrations  4.2 mg mL-1 to 267 mg mL-1. PPE's minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) varies among bacterial strains, with the lowest being 8.3 mg mL-1. Ball-milled nano-scale pomegranate peel (NSPP) with 89.09 nm particle increased IZ 3-fold and decreased MIC significantly. MTT was used to assess the NSPPE's cytotoxicity against the Vero normal kidney and caco cell lines. At lower doses, NSPPE was safe, but increasing concentrations gradually lethal against Vero normal kidney cell line. NSPPE was highly toxic to caco cells, with an IC50 339.76±13.9 µg mL-1. Fish kofta samples treated with NSPPE were completely free of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus after 8 weeks of storage. This study demonstrates that NSPPE may improve fish food safety and shelf life as a natural preservative.