Publications
Abstract
Water productivity refers to the yield produced per cubic meter of fresh water for a given crop. It is not recorded for most crops in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where water shortages have recently forced farmers to switch from conventional farming methods like surface irrigation on bare soil to modern farming methods like drip irrigation and mulching. This study is the first effort in Iraq and KRI to determine and report the water productivity for melons (Cucumis melo L>) grown on farms using drip irrigation and plastic mulch. Data on the production, the number of irrigations, the length of each irrigation, as well as the cost and benefit of production were collected from 24 farmers who produced melons in 2022 on an area of 56 ha. Then, the yield, the amount of water applied, and the water productivity were determined. The mean value was 37.4 tons ha-1 for yield, 5,486 m3 ha-1 for water applied, and 7.1 kg m-3 for water productivity. Hence, 140 litres of water were applied to produce 1 kilogram of melon. A cost-benefit analysis showed that water applied accounted for 18% of the overall production benefits, production expenses for 37%, and net benefits for 45%. Therefore, melon production is a profitable rising business in the region. In light of the present water shortage in the area, it is concluded that the recent switch from bare soil surface irrigation to drip irrigation and mulching is a successful adaptation approach.
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Abstract
Consumer behavioural study is an important determinant factor in food marketing for the value chain of agribusiness and poultry production development strategies. The aims of this study were to determine the consumer purchasing behavioural intention of chicken meat within the application of planned behavioural control toward the food purchasing framework developed by Ajzen (2015). This study was carried out in Sulaymaniyah city, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The data were collected via a structured questionnaire form indicating the respondents’ choice and decision-making process while purchasing chicken meat and the reasons behind its consumption based on a 5-point Likert Scale. The major questions were focused on purchasing places and preferred chicken meat types and cuts and consumption and purchasing frequency, as well as determining the effectors for the purchasing decision of the respondents and the TPB’s three constructs: attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) that form a behavioural intention (BI). The findings from this study showed a positive consumer attitude and perceived behavioural control (p-value = 0.000, β = 0.469; p-value = 0.000, β = 0.704, respectively) towards chicken meat purchase and consumption in Sulaymaniyah city. However, the subjective norms had negative significant influences (p-value = 0.000, β = –0.261) compared to ATT and PBC of consumers in purchasing and consuming chicken meat. It was also found that 89.4% of the respondents consume chicken at home once a week or more. This study renders valuable guidance for further development in the agribusiness sector and marketing strategies in the KRI.
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Abstract
This study aims to report the trends in chicken meat production, importing, and per capita consumption in the Sulaymaniyah governorate, as well as, identify the challenges and opportunities of poultry sector development to become a substantial contributor to food security and poverty alleviation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). This study reviews ten years of data on the production of broiler chicken and per capita consumption patterns from 2011 to 2020, in the Sulaymaniyah governorate in KRI. The data from this study explain that more than half of the broiler chicken production projects are located in the Sulaymaniyah governorate. Thus, the growing number of poultry projects has significantly contributed to increasing local broiler chicken meat production by 6 folds and achieving 85.44% of self-sufficiency in broiler chicken meat production, even though their productivity is lower than their production capacity due to the high rate of broiler chicken mortality and uncertain supply chain management. Furthermore, frequent fluctuations and instability in the production rates are observed during the last decade, as broiler chicken meat production increased from 1,669.77 tonnes in 2011 to 20,034.06 tonne in 2015, then dropped to 11,802.36 tonnes in 2016 then rose again to 23,816.13 tonnes in 2019 and then declined again to 11,352.23 tonnes in 2020. These fluctuations and instabilities in local production may harm agri-food production sustainability and food security in the KRI in general, and, the Sulaymaniyah governorate in particular.
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Abstract
One of the major worldwide environmental pollution concerns is the increase in waste generation due to the rapid world population growth and development which needs to be managed in an environmentally safe manner. How to manage solid waste has necessitated greater knowledge of the composition, generation quantity, physical properties, and impacts of economic aspects to protect the environment and step toward sustainable development. This study aims to investigate the municipal solid waste generation and estimate the future prediction of the cumulative solid waste amount with population growth by 2050 in Sulaymaniyah city, using brief calculations of the secondary data of solid waste generation for five years (from 2016 to 2020) collected from the Solid Waste Management Department, the General Directorate of The Municipality of Sulaymaniyah City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The results revealed that even though the population increased with an annual average growth rate of 1.99% and a change of 10.34%, solid waste generation has decreased with an annual average growth rate of - 2.29% and a change of -9.26%. Food waste had the highest rate of 64.3% in 2016 and continually augmented to 72.59% in 2020 with an increase in change rate of 12.89% and an average annual growth rate of 3.17 Additionally, based on the current and predicted population growth, the solid waste generation will increase by 129.20% to 1.053 Kg/(capita. day) in 2050, which will require a bigger area of the disposal site and better management in the future.
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Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of treating wheat seeds with some indigenous medicinal plants powder on the germination rate, growth and yield of wheat, as well as, a commercial fungicide (Tebuconazole) and a bio growth promoter Bacillus subtilis bacteria+ amino acid were applied for the same purpose. The results of this study indicated that seed coated with Chamomile flower powder (T1) suppressed damping-off by 89.22% compared with 0% in control and gave a significantly higher number of tillers (6.583 ± 0.617) compared to T0 and other treatments. Meanwhile, the T1 gave the highest plant heights, straw, and total shoot dry mass (94.0± 1.684, 9.096 ± 1.154, and 10.192 ± 1.216), respectively. in the meantime, T1 significantly provided the uppermost number of spikes, spike length, and yield (6.083 ± 0.594 spike/plant, and 3.380±0.017 ton.ha-1), respectively. On the other hand, T4 treatment performed a significantly higher weight of spikes and grains per spike (1.521 ± 0.092 and 1.065 ± 0.068), respectively. Furthermore, T4 conferred a higher number of grains per spike (33.431 ± 1.915) than other treatments. The yield in all the treatments was significantly higher than in the control (p-value ≤ 0.05), and the highest yield was recorded in the T1 (mean =3.380±0.017).
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Abstract
This experiment was conducted aiming to introduce and select the suitable winter chickpea to Sulaymaniyah governorate climatic conditions. This study was laid out in RCBD design with eight different varieties (namely, FLIP 97-706C, FLIP 03-87C, FLIP 05-74C, FLIP 05-87C, FLIP 05-110C, FLIP 05-142C, FLIP 05-150C, and local Flip1 varieties), each with three replicates. The results indicated that the FLIP 97-706C variety had the highest yield (3531±2.1 kg ha-1), protein yield (390±0.05 kg ha-1), and weight of 100 seeds (39.0±0.05 g), significantly. Additionally, other introduced varieties also gave noticeably higher yields in comparison to the average global chickpea yield. The suggested varieties can have an important role in increasing and improving chickpea production and quality, especially, the FLIP 97-706C can be among the promising varieties with its large seeds, tall habit, and high yield for this area.
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Abstract
This research was conducted aiming to determine the accumulation of some heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co) in a commonly used leafy vegetable crop Swiss-chard (Beta vulgarisL.) in Kurdistan region of Iraq, irrigated with wastewater from Tanjaro river. This experiment was implemented in the Research Field Station of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani. It was laid out in RCBD design with three treatments and three replicants. The Swiss-chard plants were grown inside pots and irrigated with wastewater from Tanjaro river alone (chr-t1), wastewater from Tanjaro river and clean water (1:1) in rotation (chr-t2), and clean water alone (chr-t3), during the entire growing seasons from planting to harvest. The results showed that the means of heavy metals concentrations were higher in (chr-t1), followed by (chr-t2) compared to control treatment(chr-t3). Even though, the recorded concentrations were far below maximum permissible level in the vegetables. Also, it is observed that Swiss-chard plant had significantly higher ability to bioaccumulation and translocation of heavy metalswhen chr-t1 treatment is applied, compared to the other studied treatments, chr-t2 and chr-t3, respectively.
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Abstract
Water productivity relates to the amount of yield per unit of water used. Water productivity is not reported for most crops in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) where water scarcity recently forces farmers to shift from traditional farming methods including surface irrigation on bare soil to modern practices including drip irrigation and mulch. This study is the first attempt in Iraq and KRI to calculate and report water productivity for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under drip irrigation with plastic mulch at the farm scale. Data of yield production, the number of irrigation, irrigation duration, and data of cost and benefit of production were collected in 2021 from 32 farmers who produced tomato from an area of 95 ha. The yield, water use, and water productivity were then calculated. The mean values were 82.7 ton ha-1 , 31,083 m 3 ha-1 , and 2.8 kg m-3 for yield, water use, and water productivity, respectively. Hence, to produce 1 kilogram of tomato, 350 liter of water was applied. Farmers irrigate the farms each time 2-3 times longer than in previous years. Thus, this water productivity value is lower than many values reported in the literature for drip irrigation and surface irrigation even, likely due to lower rainfall amount in 2020-21 compared to the previous season. Cost-benefit analysis shows that 21% of production benefits are water use, 14% is production cost and the remaining 65% is a net benefit. Although a substantial amount of water is used, tomato production is a profitable emerging business in the area. The recent shift from surface irrigation on bare soil to drip irrigation and mulch is a successful strategy in adaptation to current water scarcity in the region.
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Abstract
The present study aimed to investigated the assessed total content of Arsenics, Ba, Pb, Rb, Sn, Sr, U and V in serpentinitic soils and rocks that wide spread over Penjwin and Mawat area in Sulaymaniyah governorate/ Kurdistan region of Iraq. This research was carried out during the seasons of 2018-2019 in seven pedons (1, 2 and 3 from Penjwin area, 4,5, 6, and 7 from Mawat area) that chosen according to the variation in chemical composition of the parent materials that soil developed. The pedons of Penjwin area were classified as Inceptisols, while the pedons from Mawat area were classified as Mollisols. The results showed that the total selected metals concentration of soils in all pedons were varied, and the total contents of heavy metal in the soil samples decreased in the order of V > Sr > Ba > Rb > Pb > As >Sn > U. The total concentration of As, Ba, Pb, Rb, Sn, Sr, U and V in soils were ranged between (< 0.2 to 11.8, 20 to 310, 1.3 to 22.7, 3.2 to 71.4, 0.2 to 4.1, 69.1 to 179.0, 0.1 to 1.9 and 88 to 277 mg kg-1) respectively. In addition, V contents in these soils were higher in compared to the other studied elements, with considerable variation between pedons on different landscapes, which reflected the serpentinitic differences and degrees in chemical weathering of the associative serpentinitic rocks. Total concentration of studied metals in rocks from both areas were varied and these values ranged between (<5 to 6.0, <10 to 10, 6 to 37.3, 0.2 to 1.2, <0.2 to 17.3, 5.2 to 137, <0.1 to 0.4 and 15 to 206 mg kg-1) for As, Ba, Pb, Rb, Sn, Sr, U and V respectively.
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Abstract
Chicken meat consumption and demand have significantly increased in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) after 2003, which has led to the growth of poultry production and risen import from abroad. Consumer preferences study can be a determinant factor for poultry production development strategies to fill local demand gaps and global market competition. This study aimed to identify the consumer preference of chicken meat regarding the type, size, parts, marketplace, and other vital aspects considered by consumers when buying chicken meat, and the internal and external factors that affect consumer preference in the chicken meat purchasing choice. A descriptive study was conducted in Sulaymaniyah city, and the data were collected through a structured questionnaire form. This study indicated that 47.7% of the respondents prefer local Kurdish chicken (Mrishki Kurdi). 50% of the consumers in the Sulaymaniyah city prefer to buy whole chicken weighed between (2-3 Kg), 35.4% at the nearest or trusted meat shop, 38.5% at the wet markets, and 69.3% alive chicken slaughtered at the wet market at the time of purchase. Additionally, the internal factors (sensory features and perceptual features) were more dominant (sum total=4.084) than External factors (information, social environment, and physical environment) (sum total=3.599). Conclusions derived from the results suggest that the current study can contribute to a better understanding of consumers and improve the agribusiness value chain in KRI. The results from this study are recommended to examine consumer behavior and preference for agri-foods to build an integrated sustainable food production system based on consumers' needs and demands in the KRI and compete with the imported products.
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13. Marioara ILEA, Rezhen HARUN, Diana E. DUMITRAS, Felix H. ARION, Iulia C. MURESAN, Gabriela O. CHICIUDEAN, Hemin A. NEIMA, Camelia F. OROIAN, Daniel I. CHICIUDEAN. (2021). ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES. Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development, 21(3), 457-466.
Abstract:
Considering the huge economic and social disparities between urban and rural areas of Romania, it is important to investigate the local community perception on the perceived impact of the rural development strategies, provided complex research to evaluate the degree of satisfaction and wellbeing of the rural communities from Cluj County, following the implementation of the rural development programs. The research was conducted on the basis of primary data obtained from citizens of Cuzdrioara, a commune from Cluj County which represents a particular case, as its position allows the direct connection to national roads. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were performed for comparisons of proportions, while Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal Wallis test were used for the comparisons of scale scores between respondents. Through the objectives of the Local Development Strategy, Cuzdrioara commune aims to improve the way of life of the inhabitants by achieving the objectives proposed in the strategy. Many projects have been completed, being positively assessed by the citizens. The public administration fulfilled the objectives established in the Local Development Strategy.
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Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the contemporary increase of commercial advertisement, mainly television food advertising directed at children on the children's attitude in food choice and purchasing requests as well as determining the parents’ opinion on the influences these impacts on their children. This study was implemented through filling in questionnaires face-to-face with children and their parents in Sulaymaniyah city, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The results showed that most of the children spend their spare time on-screen viewing which makes them easily targeted to the contemporary model of advertising. Most of the children (82.7%) were watching TV ads. That has significantly influenced children's attitudes toward commercialized products, mainly by food and drink advertising (42.10%). Most of the children agreed with the statement that they will get depressed when their demands are refused by the parents, even though, they understand the reason for their parent's denial. The results showed that the parents are concerned about the negative impacts of ads on their children's health and habits, hence they mostly agreed that there should be strict government laws and regulations to control ads.
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11. Neima, HA., Ati, AS., Rahim, BR., Qadir, NJ., and Fattah, NM. (2020). Cauliflower Water Productivity, Growth, and Yield in Response to Irrigation Management Using Different Water Sources. Journal of Plant Production, 11 (6); 591-594
Abstract:
The present study aimed to estimate water use efficiency for cauliflower crop production using different irrigation water sources. This research was carried out during the seasons of 2018-2019 in the Research Field Station of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three treatments and three replicants. The cauliflower plants were grown under a surface irrigation system. The three treatments were: (I1) River water irrigation and (I2) Sewage water irrigation during the entire growing seasons from planting to harvest, and (I3) alternate irrigation which meant one river irrigation water followed by two sewage irrigation water, alternatively. The results showed that the means of irrigation water requirements were 441, 457, and 427 mm for river water, sewage water, and alternate irrigation, respectively. It is observed that I3 had significantly higher WUEc (6.33kg m-3) and compared with other treatments I1 and I2 (5.13 and 4.27 kg m-3), respectively.
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10. Neima HA, Abdulla SA, Hama Salih CM, Hassan KJ. (2020). Resident's Attitude Toward Tourism Developing in Bestansur. Journal of Agricultural Economics And Social Sciences 11 (5); 313-317
Abstract:
Tourism is perceived as an important development opportunity for the rural communities by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This study was conducted aiming to determine the resident’s attitude and perception toward increasing holiday-makers’ visit and tourism development opportunities in Bestansur village, Kurdistan region of Iraq. In this study structured designed questionnaires were filled in face to face with 70 residents of Bestansur village. The results of this study have shown that the residents of Bestansur perceive the impact of tourism less negatively and more highly support sustainable development in their village. Furthermore, tourism was seen as a source of income generator and the opportunity of improving the well-being of the local community by the residents of Bestansur village. These prospects will create a big supporter of the local community in building future sustainable tourism strategies and development in the region.
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9. Neima HA, Hassan KM. (2020). Trends in Livestock Production and Red Meat Industry in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Review. Journal of Animal and Poultry Production, 11 (5), 189-192
Abstract:
There are major changes in livestock production and red meat consumption trends throughout the world, particularly in emerging and developing countries due to various factors. The livestock sector as a source of red meat production has significant potential and an important contribution to the agro-economy development of the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Most of the farm animals are reared in the Sulaymaniyah governorate. Mainly, Cattle (6.7%), Sheep (72.45%), goats (20.7%), and buffalo (0.15%) are the most farm animals in the Sulaymaniyah governorate. Although The area has vast pastures which can make it capable to make progress in the livestock industry, currently livestock farming is declining and the number of large and small ruminants has decreased meanwhile importing animals from abroad for red meat has increased to meet the market demand. Furthermore, a further decline in the number of small and large ruminants may harm the sustainability of the agricultural sector Kurdistan region in general and in particular Sulaymaniyah governorate. This paper reviews ten years (2009 to 2018) records of slaughtered cattle, sheep, and goats in Sulaymaniyah governorate, Kurdistan region-Iraq aiming to determine trends in production and consumption patterns of red meat products in Sulaymaniyah city, Kurdistan region and identify opportunities for developing livestock production industry in Kurdistan region.
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8. Neima H.A., Ahmad F.K., Ahmed T.A., Amen T.A. (2020). Effect of fertigation on the cut rose growth and yield under semi-controlled conditions in Sulaymaniyah city. Journal of Applied Horticulture, 22 (1).
Abstract:
This study was conducted to determine the effects of different fertigation levels and intervals on growth, yield, and flower quality of red cut rose (hybrid tea rose) under a semi-controlled condition during September 2015 - April 2016 at the Horticulture Department, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani. The experiment was laid out in RCBD design with six fertigation treatments, each with three replicates. The fertigation treatments comprised of 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/L of compound fertilizer (NPK+micro-nutrients) with two intervals (1 and 2 weeks). The results indicated that a fertigation rate of 1.5 g/L and 1 g/L had increased the flower yield and quality of flower significantly. Additionally, the single and interactive effects of fertigation rates and application-intervals were clearly observed in this study.
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7. AS Ati, BR Rahim, HA Neima, RH Muhamad (2019). The Role of Sewage Irrigation Management in Water Productivity, Growth and Yield Parameters of Broccoli in Al-Sulaimani government/Kurdistan region. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 388 (1), 012086.
Abstract:
The objective of the present work was to estimate water requirements and water use efficiency for Broccoli under normal irrigation conditions and sewage irrigation. A field experiment was carried out during the season 2018 at the station/Sulaimni agricultural station/Bakrajo–College of Agricultural Sciences. The experiment included three treatments: River water irrigation in all-season growth (I 1), Sewage water irrigation in all-season growth (I 2), Alternate irrigation (one river irrigation followed by two sewage water irrigation) in all-season growth (I 3). The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Broccoli planted under a surface irrigation system. Mean irrigation requirement for irrigation management scheduling gave water consumptive use values 442, 432, and 427 mm for river water, sewage water, and alternate irrigation, respectively. Average yield Broccoli plant was …
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6. C Hamasalih, H Neima, R Harun, K Hasan (2019). Rural women indigenous knowledge of traditional food and household food security in Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraq. ProEnvironment/ProMediu 12 (39)
Abstract:
Indigenous knowledge of traditional food can have high potential and a major role in achieving a sustainable food security system. Rural women usually have a responsibility in securing household food security by applying their indigenous knowledge of food processing and preservation. This study was conducted in Shahrazor plain, which is a culturally and historically rich area in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, to investigate Kurdish rural women’s indigenous knowledge of food processing and preservation and their role in achieving and sustaining household food security. The data in this study showed that 100% of the respondents still apply their indigenous knowledge of traditional food processing and preservation methods depend on the availability of the needed resources and family members or market demand on these foods. Generally, most of the respondents are making some specific foods especially dairy products such as Masti Kurdi (Kurdish Yogurt) 72.89%, Paniri Kurdi (Kurdish Cheese) 37.35%, and Dou (a sour yogurt-based beverage) 34.94%; and processing cereal grains such as Sawar 37.95%. Despite the fact that Kurdish women still practice their indigenous knowledge of food processing and preservation but there are some ancient foods that are less practiced by the Kurdish women household, particularly fermented food and sundry food. Women in rural areas of the Kurdistan region have a wide indigenous knowledge of food processing and preservation which offer a number of traditional Kurdish food products and a big contribution to improving food security in the region, sustainably.
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5. K Hasan, H Neima, K Ismael, R Harun, CH Salih (2019). Consumers' Perception of Canned Agri-food Products in Sulaymaniyah City, Kurdistan Regional Government Iraq. ProEnvironment/ProMediu 12 (39).
Abstract:
There are major changes in food consumption, dietary patterns, and Consumers' Percept throughout the world. These changes occur as a result of various factors. After 2003, when the sanctions against Iraq were ended, which was imposed by the United Nations Security Council on Ba'athist Iraq, there was also a significant change in food consumption alongside economic development in Iraq. This change more noticeably happened in the Kurdistan region of Iraq which was initially enjoying an economic boom due to security in the region. Since then, the increase in job opportunity, and the income level of residents in the Kurdistan region has developed. Meanwhile, the route of marketing and shopping has significantly changed from local markets to supermarkets and hypermarkets. This development can be considered as an important factor which affects the influence on food demand and consumption. Previously, Fresh food and traditionally preserved food were mostly consumed and canned food was mostly avoided by people of the Kurdistan region. This paper focus on the development of canned food consumption and changes in the perception and attitudes toward canned food consumption in Sulaymaniyah City; and the reasons for changing their consumption pattern within the last 16 years. This research was conducted in Sulaymaniyah City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, during 2019.
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4. K Sirwan, K Hameed, HA Neima (2019). The Constrains and Challenges of Beekeeping in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Journal of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences 10 (10), 569 - 572.
Abstract:
This study was conducted in Sulaymaniyah Governorate aiming to determine the major constrains of beekeeping in this area. Locally produced Honeybee products are highly valued in the Kurdistan region. The availability of adequate natural resources and climate are major factors in prompting the Apiculture industry in this area. The structured questionnaires were distributed on 89 respondent beekeepers in the area. the major constraints determined in this study were ranked from very important to less important; marketing, honeybee colonies, pest, and disease, harsh winter, no or limited access to credit, lack of skilled manpower and training institutions, respectively
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Abstract:
This study was carried out to investigate the effect of three types of plant extracts [Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Family: Myrtaceae), Oleander, Nerium oleander (Family: Apocynaceae) and Neem, Azadirachta indica (Family: Meliaceae)], with four concentrations as (0, 5, 10, and 15%) for each and the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae with three different concentrations (1×103 , 1×105 and 1×106 spore /ml of water) against carob moth larvae. Results indicated that both plant extracts and the fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae) regarding the plant species, extract concentrations and exposure duration, have high toxicity on the 3rd and 5th instar larvae of carob moth mortality. The larval mortality percentages increased significantly with Neem extract at (15%) reached (43.33and 56.70%) after 4 days of treatment for 3rd and 5th instar larvae respectively. The cumulative mortality percentage for 3rd and 5th instar larvae treated with Metarhizium anisopliae at (1×106 spore /ml) reached to (93.33%) after 6 days of treatment.
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Abstract:
This study was conducted to examine the three types of plant extracts against the Alfalfa weevil Hypera postica under laboratory conditions, namely: Neem Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), Oleander Nerium Oleander (Apacynaceae) and Eucalyptus Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae). Concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and 40 were tested for all plant extracts. Mortality rates for larvae were determined at 2–4 days and for adults at 2-8 days after treatment. This study showed that Neem leaves extract was the most effective, causing 73.33% after 4 days of larvae mortality within 4 days and 96.66% adult mortality within 8 days after treatment among all the tested biorationals. Our results suggested that Neem leaves extract insecticide could be applied for H. postica control as an alternative insecticide for chemicals. In general, the toxicity results of all tested plant extracts against all instars and adult phase of H. postica in this research showed a good relationship between mortality percentage and number of days after treatment. The mortality rate increased with number of days for all examined biorationals.
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Abstract:
In this experiment uptake rate of nitrate was studied as a function of nitrate concentration comparing two different varieties of high and low nitrogen efficiency wheat; (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Robigus (High NUpt) and Maris Widgeon (Low NUpt) using newly developed soil nitrate sensors in the soil and in hydroponic culture. The field capacity of soil moisture was maintained at a constant value throughout the soil measurements. The measurement varied with the developmental stage but the Maris Widgeon cultivar showed the lower nitrate uptake and Robigus the higher uptake in both hydroponic solution and soil. These nitrate depletion values are considered to be important in predicting nitrate uptake. Some apparent success was achieved in predicting the competitive advantage of one species over another by calculating nitrate remained in the soil as functions of nitrate concentration for cultivars. Results determined with this technique were found in excellent agreement to simultaneous direct measurements of nitrate uptake in the hydroponic solution which is easier and accurate compared with soil which is more difficult.
The results observed in this experiment showed that the newly developed soil nitrate sensor can use for measuring soil nitrate rapidly, at low cost, at a fine-scale and in real time and measuring nitrate uptake directly in the hydroponic solution and in the soil. Furthermore, the soil nitrate sensor and soil column system are satisfactory for further research into the effect of the soil moisture gradient and water movement on nitrate cycling (mainly uptake), and may be used to identify which fraction of the root system is more active in nitrate uptake.
