ve seasons, 2012 and 2013 in a private orchard in Barshom vallage located at El-Kalubia Governorate Egypt. Washington Navel Orange trees (Citrus Sinensis) budded on sour orange rootstock (Citrus aurantium, L.) were 7- years- old and planted at 5 x 5 meters under basin irrigation system. This investigation aimed to study the effect of selenium (Se) levels (0, 20, 40, 80 and 160 ppm)  as foliar spray on growth, yield, fruit quality, leaf mineral content and enzymes activity of Washington Navel orange trees. The obtained data showed that, selenium had a significant promotive effect on growth, yield, fruit quality, leaf mineral content and enzymes activity of Washington Navel orange trees. Results indicated that treatment of Se at 40 ppm gave the highest significant results, whereas, treatment 160 ppm gave the highest fruit selenium content.

Feeding flaxseed to dairy animals improve milk production and reproductive performance. So, the objective of our study was to investigate effect of inclusion flaxseed in Damascus goat's ration on its reproductive performance. Twenty-four Damascus goats (31.40 ±0.50 kg weight and 2-3 years old) were divided into three groups (randomly, eight animals each). The basic diet of  control group (T1) consisted of 56.67% concentrate feed mixture (CFM) and 33.33% Alfalfa hay, while the groups T2 and T3 supplemented with 10% full fat soya, 5% flaxseed + 5% full fat soya and 10% flaxseed, respectively. Inclusion flaxseed in goat’s ration at rate of 5 and 10% resulted in significant increase in all nutrients digestibility, except nitrogen free extract digestibility (NFE) as well as the nutritive values as total digestible nutrients (TDN). Dry matter intakes (DMI) of the different experimental groups were comparable. Goats in T3 recorded the highest does conceived, twinning, conception and kidding rates % as well as total kids born, than other groups (T1 and T2). On the hand T3 recorded the lowest aborted does and barren does (Zero) compared to T1 and T2. Animals of T3 recorded significant higher of total protein, globulin, Albumin and urea concentration than T1 and T2. Concerning lipids profile, the animals of T3 recorded significant lower triglycerides, cholesterol and Low-density lipoprotein concentration than those of T1 and T2. While the animals of T3 recorded significant higher High-density lipoprotein concentration compared to  T2 and T1. The body weight of does is not significantly affected by any of three treatments. In conclusion, flaxseed supplementations in Damascus goat's diets during the gestation period lead to improve total tract digestibility, reduced blood lipids and normalize renal and hepatic functions and improved its reproductive performance, especially those fed on diets containing 10% flaxseed.

This reasearch work aimed to fine-tune micropropagation of Paulownia tomentosa in addition to assessing the genetic stability of in vitro raised clones from it. Paulownia tomentosa explants were surface sterilized using clorox (commercial bleach 5.25% sodium hypochlorite) at 10, 20, 25 and 30% + 0.5 g/l mercuric chloride (HgCl2) at different duration times, i.e. 10, 15, 20 and 25 min. In the multiplication stage, shoots were transferred to MS medium at ¾ strength containing BAP and Kin each at (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/l). Whereas, the rooting medium was MS medium at ¾ strength with IBA and NAA treatments each at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/l. Sterilized explant with 30% Clorox for 20 min recorded highest survival percentage. The treatment of Kin at 4 mg/l gave higher significant shoot length. Whereas BAP application at 2 and 4 mg/l gave highest significant value of both shoot number and leaf number. Both IBA and NAA at 0.5 or 1 mg/l gave highest significant root number/shoot. Whereas, auxin at 4 mg/l gave highest significant root lengths. Young plantlets resulted from in vitro were acclimitized successfully in a mixture of peat moss: perlit (2: 1) by volume that showed 85.93% survival.  The genetic stability of in vitro raised Paulownia tomentosa clones was assessed by using intersimple sequence repeats (ISSRs) markers. All of the three ISSR primers screened, produced clear, reproducible and scorable bands.      The molecular size of Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) products generated 22 fragments by these ISSR ranged from ≈460 to18660 bp. All banding profiles from micropropagated plants were monomorphic and similar to those of the mother plant, indicating 100% similarity. This confirmed the true to type nature of the in vitro raised clones.

forts to try to overcome all obstacles to water supply in the short and long run. Especially in the light of contemporary changes, especially the construction of the Al-Nahda Dam, and therefore the aim of the research to identify the most important determinants of water resources in Egypt, in preparation for inclusion in a proposed mechanism for the promotion of water resources in Egypt.   The research aimed at analyzing the economics of water resources in Egyptian agriculture to identify the most important economic determinants facing the Egyptian water resources sector in general and the water uses in Egyptian agriculture in particular, as well as the most important strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the Egyptian water sector.   The results of the statistical assessment of the econometric model of the Egyptian water resource determinants under the influence of water policies show that the supply of available water resources is increasing by about 210 million cubic meters due to the Egyptian government adopting water policies aimed at rationalizing the use of water in all aspects of life, The repercussions of the construction of the Al-Nahda Dam have been in recent times. The most important of these policies is the reduction of cultivated areas of water crops, the development of plant varieties and varieties of strategic crops with lower water consumption rates, the expansion of the application of wastewater treatment technology, the expansion and adoption of modern irrigation techniques, and the lining and clearing of canals, waterways and other policies. Especially in recent times.

The main objective of this investigation was carried out to study the ability of utilizing greenhouse solar dryers for drying of corn in order to obtain the best quality of dried grains for using it as seeds with the least drying time, and comparing with the natural sun drying method. Thus, contributing to increase the productivity. Corn cv. (Giza 168) was used for the experimental work at initial moisture content of 31.73% on dry basis (d.b). Two different drying methods of corn were tested for drying of ear and shelled corn. The two methods were natural sun drying and solar drying using greenhouse type solar dryers at different air velocities (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m/s). The experiments were carried out in rice mechanization center at Meet El- Dyba, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt during September 2016.   Experiment included the flowing variables   Two different drying methods (Solar drying method using greenhouse type solar dryer and natural sun drying method). Two different conditions of corn (complete ear-shelled corn). Three different air velocity (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m/s). High moisture ear and shelled corn was dried by using solar energy for heating air inside a greenhouse and compared with natural sun drying method. The results of quality tests that included standard germination test, vigor test and tetrazolium test for both drying methods for ear and shelled corn recorded high percentages for all treatments except solar drying of ear corn at air velocities 0.5 and 1.0 m/s. The average air temperature inside the solar dryer at air velocities 0.5 and 1.0 m/s reached to 43.9 and 42.4 ˚C respectively. High temperatures killed the germ of corn so the quality tests were reduced. Germination percentage of natural sun dried ear corn was 97 % and for solar dried samples at air velocities 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m/s was 79, 81, and 89%, respectively. The corresponding values for shelled corn were 93, 97 and 98 %.and 95 % for natural sun dried ones. The vigor test of dried ear corn recorded 90 for natural sun drying method and 34, 45, and 66% for solar drying at air velocities of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m/s, respectively. The corresponding values for shelled corn were 86, 96 and 97% respectively, and 82 for natural sun dried samples. The recorded drying times were 26, 24 and 28 hours to reduce the moisture content from an initial level of 31.73 to final level of 14.07% (d.b.) for ear corn and for shelled corn were 20, 16 and 24 hours to reduce the moisture content from an initial level of an initial level of 31.73 to final level of 14.07% (d.b.) for ear corn and for shelled corn were 20, 16 and 24 hours to reduce the moisture content from an initial level of 27.23% to 14.12% compared with 46 and 38 hours for ear and shelled corn dried by natural sun drying method. Hourly costs of ear corn drying were 0.95, 0.88, 1.00 and 1.03 L.E/ kg for solar drying at air velocities 0.5, 1.0 , 1.5m/s and natural sun drying respectively. The corresponding values for shelled corn were 0.74, 0.58, 0.89 and 0.96 L.E/ kg.

Natural sources of water are limited in Egypt. The rapidly growing populations necessitate continuous expansion of the cultivated area. This means an increase of the gap between the demands of water for irrigation and the limited water supply. Looking for other sources such as low quality water like (industrial effluent, drainage and sewage) must be used in irrigation of some garden and wood plants. This investigation was conducted on agricultural drainage wastewater from El Mohete drain (Marioteya Canal) west of Cairo; the samples were collected from different places during (Summer and Winter seasons). The wastewater contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, the excess of fertilizers (inorganic & organic), heavy metals, and the residuals of pesticides. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) could remediate the wastewater as biological bioremediation to remove some pollutants such as pathogenic microorganisms, heavy metals and pesticides. Chemical remediation was used as nitrification inhibitor to stop transformation of ammonia to nitrate. This work was conducted to study the ability of PGPR strains e.g. Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtillis, Bacillus circulans, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Pseudomonas floresense, Serratia sp. and Azotobacter chroococcum 5, 9 and 23 to treat the drainage water for irrigation the Mentha viridis cv. and Gladiolas grandiflorus cv. plants.                 Two pot experiments were conducted in greenhouse. The treatments were applied as follows; Natural water, treated water and drainage water to irrigate the plant. Use the PGPR as inoculants and thiourea as nitrification inhibitor, Heavy metal treated was (Copper, Cobalt, Zinc, Cadmium and Mercury) the result showed us heavy metals removal by PGPR from drainage water. The characterizations of PGPRs as shown in the obtained results are they could enhance plant growth by using their own metabolism (solublizing phosphate, producing hormones or fixing nitrogen) as well as correlation of them with the potenit of effects on the growth of plants in unfavorable conditions in order to improve the efficiency of phytoremdiation of contarinated soils. The removal of heavy metals and the elimination of pesticides residues were markedly noticed in this investigation. Results also confirmed the ability of PGPRs in suppressing the effect of pathogenic bacteria like Salmonellasp and E.coli. These abilities are of great importance in terms of plant and soil health. Consequently, the role of PGPRs bacteria associated with plant rhizosphere in remediation of water and soil contaminations due to its biochemical activity and thus, stimulate plant growth is a great important subject in phytoremediation process nowadays.

Most landscapes requires the water essentially, water pumping consumes a significant amount energy. The study carried out to evaluate the performance of a solar water pumping system for the purpose of operating landscape system. The system consists of a centrifugal water pump connected directly to DC electric motor that which connected directly to a solar photovoltaic generator. Field test had been carried out at Menofia Governorate, Egypt. Measurements were taken every hour starting from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM through randomly selected days during the period between August 2016 and February 2017. Results show the relation between the solar radiation and the output electrical power, hydraulic power, pumping rates and the efficiency of the system. System evaluation was carried out by estimating the intensity of solar radiation, Photovoltaic output power and the hydraulic power generated. The PV output power was 712 W at solar radiation intensity of 841 W/m². Also, photovoltaic generator and pumping system efficiencies were 14.98% and 14.21% respectively.

This study was carried out at the nursery of Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shames University during two seasons of 2015 and 2016 to study the effect of sowing medium and fertilization rates on vegetative growth and chemical composition of Swietenia macrophylla seedlings. Three different sowing media were used i.e., S M1= perlite: peat moss: compost (1:1:1), SM2 = perlite: peat moss: compost (1:2:1) and SM3 = perlite: peat moss: compost (1:1:2) (v/v). Also, four fertilization rates were used as follow: without fertilizer (control), 5, 10 and 15 g /plant of hydrocomplex fertilizer .The following data were recorded, stem length (cm), stem diameter (cm), number of leaves / plant, leaf area (cm2) and total fresh and dry biomass (gm). Moreover, chlorophyll a & b leaves contents (mg/g FW.), total carbohydrate content (mg/g DW), nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in leaves (% D.W.) were determined. Regarding the effect of sowing medium, the obtained results showed that, using sowing medium which content the highest percentage of compost (1:1:2) significantly increased stem length, stem diameter, number of leaves/ plant, leaf area, total fresh and dry biomass, total carbohydrate content and potassium leaves content in comparison the other growing medium while, the differences were insignificant in chlorophyll a & b, nitrogen and phosphorus leaves content. Concerning the effect of fertilization rates, using fertilization at the rate of 15g/plant caused significantly increased stem length, stem diameter , number of leaves / plant, leaf area, total fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll a & b content, total carbohydrate  content, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium leaves content in comparison the other fertilization rates with the exception of leaf area, chlorophyll  a , phosphorus  and  potassium leaves content at the rate of 10g/plant in the second seasons only. As for the interaction between sowing medium and fertilization rates, In general, application of growing medium which contain thehigh ratio of compost (1:1:2) was superior in all  tested characteristics followed by which contain the high ratio of peat moss (1:2:1)at 15 gm fertilizationas compared to the other treatments.

Composting technique is considered as one of the environmentlly friendly methods used for recycling the excess residues of rice straw ( RS) and solving the environmental problems of olive pomace (OP) by-product of the olive oil industry. For this purpose, three compost piles were made from mainly rice straw, different ratios of olive pomace and some agricultural wastes viz. tomato hallum, banana residues and farmyard manure to evaluate the stability and maturity of composted materials during 90-day composting period. The first pile (A) was made of 60% RS+10% OP+10% tomato hallum+10% banana residues+10% farmyard manure, the second pile (B) wase made of 50% RS +20% OP+10% tomato hallum+ 10% banana residues+ 10% farmyard manure while the  third pile (C) was made from 40% RS + 30% OP10% tomato hallum+ 10% banana residues+ 10% farmyard manure. Representative compost samples were taken after 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days of the composting process. The results revealed that slight increase in temperature occurred through the first 2-3 days of composting to reach  the maximum values at 30 days of composting (thermophilic stage). All the composts showed a more pronounced increase in pH, EC, bulk density and total nitrogen, while total organic carbon significantly declined with composting progress. Consequentially, the C/N ratios became narrowed during composting process where they reached 18.80 for pile C. At maturity stage, the greatest values of humification parameters (Humification index, Humification degree and Humification rate) were obtained by pile C followed by pile B. Meanwhile, the ratio of  NH4+/NO3- as an indicator to nitrification process, Extinction coefficient (E4/E6) as well as CO2 rate decreased gradually to reach the minimum values. Finally, the highest values of germination index (92.22 and 95.39%) were achieved with pile C for cress and barley seeds, respectively

A new proposal method for quantitative pollen analysis of pollen grains in each gram of bee honey was described, using aNeubauer improved chamber for leucocytes and erythrocytes counting. The study was conducted at the Bee Research Unit, Dept. of plant protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Shoubra El-kheimah, Al Qalyubia, Egypt on 36 samples of citrus and clover honeys. 18 samples were collected from 5 apiaries under study in Qalyubia Governorate; Kanater, Shalakan, Tookh, Khankah and Shoubra El kheimah and 18 samples were collected from local market in 5 Governorates in Egypt; Cairo, Giza, Qalyubia, Gharbia and Sharqia, during their seasons of production in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The results showed that 2.8 % of the samples were poor in their content of pollen grains (2000-10000 pollen grains /g honey), 77.8 % of the samples were rich in their content of pollen grains (10000-50000 pollen grains /g honey), 11.1% of the samples were more rich in their content of pollen grain (50000 -100000 pollen grains /g honey) and 8.3% of the samples were very rich in their content of pollen grain (>100000 pollen grains /g honey).