American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Feb 1, 2014
Water use efficiency in agriculture can be enhanced by several strategies mainly by reducing evap... more Water use efficiency in agriculture can be enhanced by several strategies mainly by reducing evaporation from the soil surface. The mulching techniques were being used widely in irrigated crop production worldwide. The mulching techniques can be also implemented in summer vegetables production under rain-fed conditions. The current study aimed at evaluating the effect of polyethylene black plastic mulch on growth and yield of okra, Abelmoschus esculentus and summer squash, Cucurbita pepo L. under rain-fed conditions of Jordan. Two field experiments were conducted during summer growing season at Al-Rabbah Agricultural Research Station, Mu'tah University, Jordan. Soil cover treatments were polyethylene black plastic mulch and no mulch (bare soil). The results indicated that the mulched plots had higher soil moisture content than bare soil plots, which has positively reflected on vegetative and yield parameters. Using polyethylene plastic mulch had pronounced positive effect on yield of okra and squash as compared to bare soil. Early, middle, late and total yield of both vegetable crops were significantly increased in plots covered with plastic mulch. In addition, fruit number and weight had also an increasing trend as fruit yield. Plots covered with black plastic mulch were produced higher fresh and dry weights of both vegetable crops. It ban be concluded that using black plastic mulch as a soil cover increased okra and squash vegetative growth and yield under rain-fed conditions.
International Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 2008
... Effect of mineral fertilizers and organic fertilizerss on growth, yield and quality of potato... more ... Effect of mineral fertilizers and organic fertilizerss on growth, yield and quality of potato under ... Response of some pepper cultivars to organic and mineral nitrogen fertilizer under sandy soil ...Effect of intercropping and doses of fertilization on growth and productivity of taro and ...
Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Jul 1, 2008
A field experiment was carried out during 2006/2007 growing season at the Agricultural Research S... more A field experiment was carried out during 2006/2007 growing season at the Agricultural Research Station, Mu'tah University, Jordan, to study the effect of planting date and plant spacing on onion yield under rain-fed in semi-arid conditions of Jordan. Treatments were arranged in a split plot design with 3 replicates. The main plots were assigned for planting on (Dec. 1, Dec. 15, Jan. 1, Jan. 15 and Feb. 1), while the sub-plots were assigned for plant spacings (10, 15, 20 and 25 cm). Onion bulb yield and bulb weight were decreased with delaying planting date. The highest yield was produced with the earliest planting date (Dec. 1). Neck thick diameter, bulb diameter and bulb height were significantly decreased with delaying planting. Wide plant spacing reduced onion bulb yield, but it significantly increased individual bulb weight, neck thickness and bulb diameter. In general, maximum onion bulbs yield (23.71 ton ha-1) was obtained from early planting date with the closest plant spacing. In conclusion, the best onion yield in terms of quantity and bulb characters was obtained when onion transplants were planted on Dec. 1 or Dec. 15 at the closest plant spacing under semi-arid conditions.
jordan journal of biological sciences, Sep 1, 2014
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique has been used in food and feed industry to character... more Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique has been used in food and feed industry to characterize the final product with the main focus on changes that occur to starch material. This study demonstrates the use of SEM for examining the changes that occur to starch granules after exposing sorghum and barley grains to mild (pelleting) and intensive (extrusion) feed processing methods. In this study, SEM images analysis is proved to be a useful tool to recognize the changes that occur to grains after a different processing method. The present study showed that the swelling and melting of starch granules are influenced by the severity of the processing method. In case of pelleting process, oval shape appearance of starch granules remained intact after the pelleting process; however, absence of intact oval shape of starch granules occurred after the extrusion process.
The higher cost and increased pollution caused by the intensive use of fertilizers in growing veg... more The higher cost and increased pollution caused by the intensive use of fertilizers in growing vegetables necessitates the use of safer organic bio-stimulants to partially substitute fertilizers. Analyses of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera and Moringa peregrina in the present study confirmed their rich content of diverse compounds and elements and indicated that except for Mg and Ca, M. oleifera outyielded M. peregrina for the measured elements and bio-constituents. Foliar spray of leaf extracts of M. oleifera and M. peregrina at (1:10, 1:20, 1:30 extract: distilled water) was attempted on pepper plants under greenhouse conditions every two weeks for five times starting 30 days after transplanting date. Enhanced vegetative growth parameters (plant height, number of branches and leaves, plant fresh and dry weights, leaf area, and leaf chlorophyll-content) and better yield attributes (Fruit yield•plant-1 and hectare-1) were obtained by foliar spraying of plants with the concentrated extract 1:10 of moringa species. The vegetative growth of pepper plants was significantly influenced by extract concentration, moringa type•concentration, but not for moringa type (P≤0.05). However, moringa type, extract concentration and their interactions significantly affected pepper fruit-yield•plant-1 , pepper fruit-yield•ha-1 and mineral content of pepper leaves (P≤0.05). Irrespective of moringa type, the highest extract concentration 1:10 resulted in the highest yield •plant-1 (1.68 kg) and yield•hectare-1 (16.88 ton) of peppers. The present study highlighted the potential of using extracts of moringa trees in organic farming.
Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Oct 1, 2013
A field experiment was carried out during 2009-2010 growing season, at the Agricultural Research ... more A field experiment was carried out during 2009-2010 growing season, at the Agricultural Research Station, Mu'tah University, Jordan; to study the effects of mulching and tillage on growth, yield, and quality of squash (Cucurbita pepo, var. melopepo) under rain-fed conditions of Jordan. The trial was laid out in split plot arrangement with a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates. Tillage treatments were assigned in the main plots and mulch treatments in the sub-plots. The field was divided into three blocks assigned to tillage times (T1, T2 and T3). T1: tillage was done only once during early spring; T2: tillage was done twice and T3: tillage was done three times. Soil cover treatments (black plastic mulch or no mulch) were distributed randomly according to split plot arrangement with a randomized complete block design. Squash yields (early, mid and late) were higher when the soil was tilled three times (T3) and covered with BP mulch compared with other treatment combinations. Covering the soil surface with plastic mulch had pronounced positive effect on yield of squash compared with bare soil. Fruit number and average fruit weight had the same trends as fruit yield. Fresh weight of squash plants at the end of the growing season tended to be higher when the soil was tilled three times and covered with BP mulch. Plots covered with BP mulch produced higher fresh and dry weights. In general, soil moisture contents after one month after planting were higher when the soil plowed three times (T3) compared with (T2 and T1). Non-mulched plots had the lower SMC than black plastic mulched plots. It is concluded that using black plastic mulch as soil covering enhanced squash vegetative growth and yield. Also, tillage the soils three times and using black plastic mulch produced high squash yield under rain-fed conditions.
Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Jul 18, 2011
A field trial was carried out during two growing seasons (2005/2006 and 2006/2007) at the Agricul... more A field trial was carried out during two growing seasons (2005/2006 and 2006/2007) at the Agricultural Research Station, Mu’tah University, Al-Karak, Jordan, to study the influence of clove weight at planting on vegetative growth and yield of garlic. Four clove weights [small (< 1), medium (1.1- 2.0), large (2.1- 3.0) and extra-large (3.1-4) g] were planted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Vegetative growth parameters (leaf number, plant height and average plant weight) were significantly higher when large clove weight was planted. Using large clove weight gave significantly the highest garlic yield and average bulb weight compared with small clove weight. However, number of cloves per bulb and bulb neck diameter were not significantly affected by planted clove weight. The percentage of the increase in bulb yield at harvest was 75% and 59% as compared with the smallest clove weight in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007, respectively.
The higher cost and increased pollution caused by the intensive use of fertilizers in growing veg... more The higher cost and increased pollution caused by the intensive use of fertilizers in growing vegetables necessitates the use of safer organic bio-stimulants to partially substitute fertilizers. Analyses of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera and Moringa peregrina in the present study confirmed their rich content of diverse compounds and elements and indicated that except for Mg and Ca, M. oleifera outyielded M. peregrina for the measured elements and bio-constituents. Foliar spray of leaf extracts of M. oleifera and M. peregrina at (1:10, 1:20, 1:30 extract: distilled water) was attempted on pepper plants under greenhouse conditions every two weeks for five times starting 30 days after transplanting date. Enhanced vegetative growth parameters (plant height, number of branches and leaves, plant fresh and dry weights, leaf area, and leaf chlorophyll-content) and better yield attributes (Fruit yield•plant-1 and hectare-1) were obtained by foliar spraying of plants with the concentrated extract 1:10 of moringa species. The vegetative growth of pepper plants was significantly influenced by extract concentration, moringa type•concentration, but not for moringa type (P≤0.05). However, moringa type, extract concentration and their interactions significantly affected pepper fruit-yield•plant-1 , pepper fruit-yield•ha-1 and mineral content of pepper leaves (P≤0.05). Irrespective of moringa type, the highest extract concentration 1:10 resulted in the highest yield •plant-1 (1.68 kg) and yield•hectare-1 (16.88 ton) of peppers. The present study highlighted the potential of using extracts of moringa trees in organic farming.
A field experiment was carried out during 2009-2010 growing season, at the Agricultural Research ... more A field experiment was carried out during 2009-2010 growing season, at the Agricultural Research Station, Mu'tah University, Jordan; to study the effects of mulching and tillage on growth, yield, and quality of squash (Cucurbita pepo, var. melopepo) under rain-fed conditions of Jordan. The trial was laid out in split plot arrangement with a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates. Tillage treatments were assigned in the main plots and mulch treatments in the sub-plots. The field was divided into three blocks assigned to tillage times (T1, T2 and T3). T1: tillage was done only once during early spring; T2: tillage was done twice and T3: tillage was done three times. Soil cover treatments (black plastic mulch or no mulch) were distributed randomly according to split plot arrangement with a randomized complete block design. Squash yields (early, mid and late) were higher when the soil was tilled three times (T3) and covered with BP mulch compared with other treatment combinations. Covering the soil surface with plastic mulch had pronounced positive effect on yield of squash compared with bare soil. Fruit number and average fruit weight had the same trends as fruit yield. Fresh weight of squash plants at the end of the growing season tended to be higher when the soil was tilled three times and covered with BP mulch. Plots covered with BP mulch produced higher fresh and dry weights. In general, soil moisture contents after one month after planting were higher when the soil plowed three times (T3) compared with (T2 and T1). Non-mulched plots had the lower SMC than black plastic mulched plots. It is concluded that using black plastic mulch as soil covering enhanced squash vegetative growth and yield. Also, tillage the soils three times and using black plastic mulch produced high squash yield under rain-fed conditions.
A field experiment was carried out during 2006/2007 growing season at the Agricultural Research S... more A field experiment was carried out during 2006/2007 growing season at the Agricultural Research Station, Mu'tah University, Jordan, to study the effect of planting date and plant spacing on onion yield under rain-fed in semi-arid conditions of Jordan. Treatments were arranged in a split plot design with 3 replicates. The main plots were assigned for planting on (Dec. 1, Dec. 15, Jan. 1, Jan. 15 and Feb. 1), while the sub-plots were assigned for plant spacings (10, 15, 20 and 25 cm). Onion bulb yield and bulb weight were decreased with delaying planting date. The highest yield was produced with the earliest planting date (Dec. 1). Neck thick diameter, bulb diameter and bulb height were significantly decreased with delaying planting. Wide plant spacing reduced onion bulb yield, but it significantly increased individual bulb weight, neck thickness and bulb diameter. In general, maximum onion bulbs yield (23.71 ton ha-1) was obtained from early planting date with the closest plant spacing. In conclusion, the best onion yield in terms of quantity and bulb characters was obtained when onion transplants were planted on Dec. 1 or Dec. 15 at the closest plant spacing under semi-arid conditions.
, to study the effect of planting date, spacing and clove size on garlic yield. A factorial combi... more , to study the effect of planting date, spacing and clove size on garlic yield. A factorial combination of three planting dates, three plant spacings and three clove sizes were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicate that early planting date (Nov. 15) produced higher yield, average bulb weight and clove number per bulb. Close spacing of 10 cm resulted in significantly (P< 0.05) higher garlic bulb yield. Moreover, using large cloves gave the highest yield compared with medium and small cloves. Number of cloves per bulb and bulb weight were mainly affected by planting date. However, plant spacing and clove size had little effect on these parameters in each planting date. Maximum bulb weight (54.62 gm bulb-1) was produced when large cloves (2-3 gm) were planted on Nov. 15 at 20 cm plant spacing. In conclusion, to produce the maximum yield, large garlic cloves should be planted early in the growing season with 10 cm spacing.
Colored shading nets have been increasingly studied in semi-arid crop production systems, primari... more Colored shading nets have been increasingly studied in semi-arid crop production systems, primarily because of their ability to reduce solar radiation with the attendant reductions in air, plant, and soil temperatures. However, there is a paucity of research concerning the impact of colored shading nets on various crops grown under semi-arid environments, particularly the sweet pepper (Capsicum annum) production system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of three colored shading net treatments (i.e., white, green, and black shading nets with 50% shading intensity and control with unshaded conditions) on the growth and instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE) of sweet pepper. The results showed that all colored shading nets exhibited significantly lower daytime air temperatures and light intensity (22 to 28 °C and 9992 lx, respectively) compared with the control (32 to 37 °C and 24,973 lx, respectively). There were significant differences in sweet pepper growth performance a...
Diversity among eight Jordanian snake melon (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus) landrace populations wa... more Diversity among eight Jordanian snake melon (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus) landrace populations was studied by analyzing morphological traits and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Pair-wise euclidean distances based on morphological data ranged from 4.6 to 8.10 among studied populations. Fruit traits explained the variation in the first two components (15.5% and 13.6% of the total variation were explained by PC1 and PC2 respectively), while the leaf traits were consistently present in the third component and therefore contributed less to the variability (10.8%). A total of 11 RAPD primers produced 85 fragments, of which 94% were polymorphic indicating a high degree of diversity. RAPD based dendrogram showed Nei's values ranging from 0.07 to 0.23 suggesting that the collected populations are genetically diverse. The range of gene diversity, (He) among snake melon populations ranged from 0.17 to 0.27. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation among populations accounted for 18.52% of the total variation, while more than 80% occurred within populations consistent with outcrossing nature of snake melon. In conclusion, Jordanian snake melon landraces must be considered as a reservoir of genes that plant breeders need in their snake melon improvement programs.
Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Jul 18, 2011
A field trial was carried out during two growing seasons (2005/2006 and 2006/2007) at the Agricul... more A field trial was carried out during two growing seasons (2005/2006 and 2006/2007) at the Agricultural Research Station, Mu’tah University, Al-Karak, Jordan, to study the influence of clove weight at planting on vegetative growth and yield of garlic. Four clove weights [small (< 1), medium (1.1- 2.0), large (2.1- 3.0) and extra-large (3.1-4) g] were planted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Vegetative growth parameters (leaf number, plant height and average plant weight) were significantly higher when large clove weight was planted. Using large clove weight gave significantly the highest garlic yield and average bulb weight compared with small clove weight. However, number of cloves per bulb and bulb neck diameter were not significantly affected by planted clove weight. The percentage of the increase in bulb yield at harvest was 75% and 59% as compared with the smallest clove weight in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007, respectively.
The study was mainly aimed to investigated the response of potted-grown tomato (Lycopersicon escu... more The study was mainly aimed to investigated the response of potted-grown tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill var. lorely F1) to inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as well as the application of organic (0, 12.5 and 25 ton ha) and inorganic fertilizers (0, 625, 1250 and 1875 kg ha) under 1 1 glasshouse conditions. This experiment was carried out during the 2011/2012 growing season at the Agricultural Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Mu'tah University in the Southern part of Jordan. The experimental treatments were arranged as a factorial in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with 3 replications for each treatment. Results indicated that vegetative growth parameters viz., plant height, root length, leaf area and shoot dry weight at the flowering stage (50 days post planting) were increased with increasing the level of both inorganic and organic fertilizers regardless of mycorrhiza status. At the beginning of the harvesting time (80 days post planting), all vegetative parameters tested (shoot and root length, leaf area and shoot dry weight) were not significantly affected by the interaction between the fertilizer and the fungus. Furthermore, the main effects of fertilizer and fungus on growth parameters at both growing stages tested (50 and 80 days after planting) were significantly increased with increasing fertilizer level and mycorrhizal inoculation. Root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi in inoculated treatment was high, especially at low level of organic and chemical fertilizers. The highest level of inorganic fertilizer significantly reduced the root colonization; meanwhile, organic fertilizer exhibit non-significant effect. Inoculation tomato plants with mycorrhiza had pronounced significant effect on root colonization.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique has been used in food and feed industry to character... more Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique has been used in food and feed industry to characterize the final product with the main focus on changes that occur to starch material. This study demonstrates the use of SEM for examining the changes that occur to starch granules after exposing sorghum and barley grains to mild (pelleting) and intensive (extrusion) feed processing methods. In this study, SEM images analysis is proved to be a useful tool to recognize the changes that occur to grains after a different processing method. The present study showed that the swelling and melting of starch granules are influenced by the severity of the processing method. In case of pelleting process, oval shape appearance of starch granules remained intact after the pelleting process; however, absence of intact oval shape of starch granules occurred after the extrusion process.
American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, 2014
Salt stress conditions have been found to destroy the vital physiological process in plant where ... more Salt stress conditions have been found to destroy the vital physiological process in plant where slower cell division and cell enlargement or both and limit mineral nutrient uptake with clearly nutritional imbalance. A greenhouse pot experiment was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Mu'tah University, Jordan to evaluate growth responses and mineral composition of two strawberry cultivars to salt stress by different NaCl levels. Six NaCl levels (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 mM) and two strawberry cultivars, Camarosa and Albino, were used. Nutrient elements were added at the 0.5-strength Hoagland nutrient concentration. Distilled water supplemented with half strength Hoagland solution was used as control. Number of leaves and runners of both strawberry cultivars were significantly reduced by increasing NaCl level. Growth parameters (shoot, root and total dry weights and root: Shoot ratios) were significantly reduced with each increase in salinity level. Camarosa had higher value for all these parameters compared with Albino. Leaf chlorophyll content of both strawberry cultivars was significantly decreased when 25 mM NaCl or higher was applied. Regardless of NaCl level, Camarosa cultivar had significantly higher chlorophyll content compared with Albino. Elevated salinity level significantly increased leaf proline content of both cultivars. Albino leaves accumulated higher proline compared with Camarosa at salinized and non-salinized treatments. Both strawberry cultivars had significantly higher leaf and root Na and Cl contents under salinized conditions compared with non-salinized conditions. Each increase in NaCl level resulted in an increase in leaf and root Na and Cl contents of both cultivars. On contrast, leaf K content was decreased with salinity, root content of this mineral was significantly increased with salinity. It could be recommended to avoid growing 'Camarosa' and 'Albino' strawberry using irrigation water of 25 mM NaCl or more.
This study was conducted to determine the influence of irrigation regimes on yield of two tomato ... more This study was conducted to determine the influence of irrigation regimes on yield of two tomato cultivars TY-DANA and GS12. Experimental treatments were three irrigation intervals (2, 4, and 6 days), and three irrigation quantities (50%, 75%, and 100% of pan evaporation ...
American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Feb 1, 2014
Water use efficiency in agriculture can be enhanced by several strategies mainly by reducing evap... more Water use efficiency in agriculture can be enhanced by several strategies mainly by reducing evaporation from the soil surface. The mulching techniques were being used widely in irrigated crop production worldwide. The mulching techniques can be also implemented in summer vegetables production under rain-fed conditions. The current study aimed at evaluating the effect of polyethylene black plastic mulch on growth and yield of okra, Abelmoschus esculentus and summer squash, Cucurbita pepo L. under rain-fed conditions of Jordan. Two field experiments were conducted during summer growing season at Al-Rabbah Agricultural Research Station, Mu'tah University, Jordan. Soil cover treatments were polyethylene black plastic mulch and no mulch (bare soil). The results indicated that the mulched plots had higher soil moisture content than bare soil plots, which has positively reflected on vegetative and yield parameters. Using polyethylene plastic mulch had pronounced positive effect on yield of okra and squash as compared to bare soil. Early, middle, late and total yield of both vegetable crops were significantly increased in plots covered with plastic mulch. In addition, fruit number and weight had also an increasing trend as fruit yield. Plots covered with black plastic mulch were produced higher fresh and dry weights of both vegetable crops. It ban be concluded that using black plastic mulch as a soil cover increased okra and squash vegetative growth and yield under rain-fed conditions.
International Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 2008
... Effect of mineral fertilizers and organic fertilizerss on growth, yield and quality of potato... more ... Effect of mineral fertilizers and organic fertilizerss on growth, yield and quality of potato under ... Response of some pepper cultivars to organic and mineral nitrogen fertilizer under sandy soil ...Effect of intercropping and doses of fertilization on growth and productivity of taro and ...
Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Jul 1, 2008
A field experiment was carried out during 2006/2007 growing season at the Agricultural Research S... more A field experiment was carried out during 2006/2007 growing season at the Agricultural Research Station, Mu'tah University, Jordan, to study the effect of planting date and plant spacing on onion yield under rain-fed in semi-arid conditions of Jordan. Treatments were arranged in a split plot design with 3 replicates. The main plots were assigned for planting on (Dec. 1, Dec. 15, Jan. 1, Jan. 15 and Feb. 1), while the sub-plots were assigned for plant spacings (10, 15, 20 and 25 cm). Onion bulb yield and bulb weight were decreased with delaying planting date. The highest yield was produced with the earliest planting date (Dec. 1). Neck thick diameter, bulb diameter and bulb height were significantly decreased with delaying planting. Wide plant spacing reduced onion bulb yield, but it significantly increased individual bulb weight, neck thickness and bulb diameter. In general, maximum onion bulbs yield (23.71 ton ha-1) was obtained from early planting date with the closest plant spacing. In conclusion, the best onion yield in terms of quantity and bulb characters was obtained when onion transplants were planted on Dec. 1 or Dec. 15 at the closest plant spacing under semi-arid conditions.
jordan journal of biological sciences, Sep 1, 2014
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique has been used in food and feed industry to character... more Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique has been used in food and feed industry to characterize the final product with the main focus on changes that occur to starch material. This study demonstrates the use of SEM for examining the changes that occur to starch granules after exposing sorghum and barley grains to mild (pelleting) and intensive (extrusion) feed processing methods. In this study, SEM images analysis is proved to be a useful tool to recognize the changes that occur to grains after a different processing method. The present study showed that the swelling and melting of starch granules are influenced by the severity of the processing method. In case of pelleting process, oval shape appearance of starch granules remained intact after the pelleting process; however, absence of intact oval shape of starch granules occurred after the extrusion process.
The higher cost and increased pollution caused by the intensive use of fertilizers in growing veg... more The higher cost and increased pollution caused by the intensive use of fertilizers in growing vegetables necessitates the use of safer organic bio-stimulants to partially substitute fertilizers. Analyses of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera and Moringa peregrina in the present study confirmed their rich content of diverse compounds and elements and indicated that except for Mg and Ca, M. oleifera outyielded M. peregrina for the measured elements and bio-constituents. Foliar spray of leaf extracts of M. oleifera and M. peregrina at (1:10, 1:20, 1:30 extract: distilled water) was attempted on pepper plants under greenhouse conditions every two weeks for five times starting 30 days after transplanting date. Enhanced vegetative growth parameters (plant height, number of branches and leaves, plant fresh and dry weights, leaf area, and leaf chlorophyll-content) and better yield attributes (Fruit yield•plant-1 and hectare-1) were obtained by foliar spraying of plants with the concentrated extract 1:10 of moringa species. The vegetative growth of pepper plants was significantly influenced by extract concentration, moringa type•concentration, but not for moringa type (P≤0.05). However, moringa type, extract concentration and their interactions significantly affected pepper fruit-yield•plant-1 , pepper fruit-yield•ha-1 and mineral content of pepper leaves (P≤0.05). Irrespective of moringa type, the highest extract concentration 1:10 resulted in the highest yield •plant-1 (1.68 kg) and yield•hectare-1 (16.88 ton) of peppers. The present study highlighted the potential of using extracts of moringa trees in organic farming.
Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Oct 1, 2013
A field experiment was carried out during 2009-2010 growing season, at the Agricultural Research ... more A field experiment was carried out during 2009-2010 growing season, at the Agricultural Research Station, Mu'tah University, Jordan; to study the effects of mulching and tillage on growth, yield, and quality of squash (Cucurbita pepo, var. melopepo) under rain-fed conditions of Jordan. The trial was laid out in split plot arrangement with a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates. Tillage treatments were assigned in the main plots and mulch treatments in the sub-plots. The field was divided into three blocks assigned to tillage times (T1, T2 and T3). T1: tillage was done only once during early spring; T2: tillage was done twice and T3: tillage was done three times. Soil cover treatments (black plastic mulch or no mulch) were distributed randomly according to split plot arrangement with a randomized complete block design. Squash yields (early, mid and late) were higher when the soil was tilled three times (T3) and covered with BP mulch compared with other treatment combinations. Covering the soil surface with plastic mulch had pronounced positive effect on yield of squash compared with bare soil. Fruit number and average fruit weight had the same trends as fruit yield. Fresh weight of squash plants at the end of the growing season tended to be higher when the soil was tilled three times and covered with BP mulch. Plots covered with BP mulch produced higher fresh and dry weights. In general, soil moisture contents after one month after planting were higher when the soil plowed three times (T3) compared with (T2 and T1). Non-mulched plots had the lower SMC than black plastic mulched plots. It is concluded that using black plastic mulch as soil covering enhanced squash vegetative growth and yield. Also, tillage the soils three times and using black plastic mulch produced high squash yield under rain-fed conditions.
Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Jul 18, 2011
A field trial was carried out during two growing seasons (2005/2006 and 2006/2007) at the Agricul... more A field trial was carried out during two growing seasons (2005/2006 and 2006/2007) at the Agricultural Research Station, Mu’tah University, Al-Karak, Jordan, to study the influence of clove weight at planting on vegetative growth and yield of garlic. Four clove weights [small (< 1), medium (1.1- 2.0), large (2.1- 3.0) and extra-large (3.1-4) g] were planted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Vegetative growth parameters (leaf number, plant height and average plant weight) were significantly higher when large clove weight was planted. Using large clove weight gave significantly the highest garlic yield and average bulb weight compared with small clove weight. However, number of cloves per bulb and bulb neck diameter were not significantly affected by planted clove weight. The percentage of the increase in bulb yield at harvest was 75% and 59% as compared with the smallest clove weight in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007, respectively.
The higher cost and increased pollution caused by the intensive use of fertilizers in growing veg... more The higher cost and increased pollution caused by the intensive use of fertilizers in growing vegetables necessitates the use of safer organic bio-stimulants to partially substitute fertilizers. Analyses of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera and Moringa peregrina in the present study confirmed their rich content of diverse compounds and elements and indicated that except for Mg and Ca, M. oleifera outyielded M. peregrina for the measured elements and bio-constituents. Foliar spray of leaf extracts of M. oleifera and M. peregrina at (1:10, 1:20, 1:30 extract: distilled water) was attempted on pepper plants under greenhouse conditions every two weeks for five times starting 30 days after transplanting date. Enhanced vegetative growth parameters (plant height, number of branches and leaves, plant fresh and dry weights, leaf area, and leaf chlorophyll-content) and better yield attributes (Fruit yield•plant-1 and hectare-1) were obtained by foliar spraying of plants with the concentrated extract 1:10 of moringa species. The vegetative growth of pepper plants was significantly influenced by extract concentration, moringa type•concentration, but not for moringa type (P≤0.05). However, moringa type, extract concentration and their interactions significantly affected pepper fruit-yield•plant-1 , pepper fruit-yield•ha-1 and mineral content of pepper leaves (P≤0.05). Irrespective of moringa type, the highest extract concentration 1:10 resulted in the highest yield •plant-1 (1.68 kg) and yield•hectare-1 (16.88 ton) of peppers. The present study highlighted the potential of using extracts of moringa trees in organic farming.
A field experiment was carried out during 2009-2010 growing season, at the Agricultural Research ... more A field experiment was carried out during 2009-2010 growing season, at the Agricultural Research Station, Mu'tah University, Jordan; to study the effects of mulching and tillage on growth, yield, and quality of squash (Cucurbita pepo, var. melopepo) under rain-fed conditions of Jordan. The trial was laid out in split plot arrangement with a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates. Tillage treatments were assigned in the main plots and mulch treatments in the sub-plots. The field was divided into three blocks assigned to tillage times (T1, T2 and T3). T1: tillage was done only once during early spring; T2: tillage was done twice and T3: tillage was done three times. Soil cover treatments (black plastic mulch or no mulch) were distributed randomly according to split plot arrangement with a randomized complete block design. Squash yields (early, mid and late) were higher when the soil was tilled three times (T3) and covered with BP mulch compared with other treatment combinations. Covering the soil surface with plastic mulch had pronounced positive effect on yield of squash compared with bare soil. Fruit number and average fruit weight had the same trends as fruit yield. Fresh weight of squash plants at the end of the growing season tended to be higher when the soil was tilled three times and covered with BP mulch. Plots covered with BP mulch produced higher fresh and dry weights. In general, soil moisture contents after one month after planting were higher when the soil plowed three times (T3) compared with (T2 and T1). Non-mulched plots had the lower SMC than black plastic mulched plots. It is concluded that using black plastic mulch as soil covering enhanced squash vegetative growth and yield. Also, tillage the soils three times and using black plastic mulch produced high squash yield under rain-fed conditions.
A field experiment was carried out during 2006/2007 growing season at the Agricultural Research S... more A field experiment was carried out during 2006/2007 growing season at the Agricultural Research Station, Mu'tah University, Jordan, to study the effect of planting date and plant spacing on onion yield under rain-fed in semi-arid conditions of Jordan. Treatments were arranged in a split plot design with 3 replicates. The main plots were assigned for planting on (Dec. 1, Dec. 15, Jan. 1, Jan. 15 and Feb. 1), while the sub-plots were assigned for plant spacings (10, 15, 20 and 25 cm). Onion bulb yield and bulb weight were decreased with delaying planting date. The highest yield was produced with the earliest planting date (Dec. 1). Neck thick diameter, bulb diameter and bulb height were significantly decreased with delaying planting. Wide plant spacing reduced onion bulb yield, but it significantly increased individual bulb weight, neck thickness and bulb diameter. In general, maximum onion bulbs yield (23.71 ton ha-1) was obtained from early planting date with the closest plant spacing. In conclusion, the best onion yield in terms of quantity and bulb characters was obtained when onion transplants were planted on Dec. 1 or Dec. 15 at the closest plant spacing under semi-arid conditions.
, to study the effect of planting date, spacing and clove size on garlic yield. A factorial combi... more , to study the effect of planting date, spacing and clove size on garlic yield. A factorial combination of three planting dates, three plant spacings and three clove sizes were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicate that early planting date (Nov. 15) produced higher yield, average bulb weight and clove number per bulb. Close spacing of 10 cm resulted in significantly (P< 0.05) higher garlic bulb yield. Moreover, using large cloves gave the highest yield compared with medium and small cloves. Number of cloves per bulb and bulb weight were mainly affected by planting date. However, plant spacing and clove size had little effect on these parameters in each planting date. Maximum bulb weight (54.62 gm bulb-1) was produced when large cloves (2-3 gm) were planted on Nov. 15 at 20 cm plant spacing. In conclusion, to produce the maximum yield, large garlic cloves should be planted early in the growing season with 10 cm spacing.
Colored shading nets have been increasingly studied in semi-arid crop production systems, primari... more Colored shading nets have been increasingly studied in semi-arid crop production systems, primarily because of their ability to reduce solar radiation with the attendant reductions in air, plant, and soil temperatures. However, there is a paucity of research concerning the impact of colored shading nets on various crops grown under semi-arid environments, particularly the sweet pepper (Capsicum annum) production system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of three colored shading net treatments (i.e., white, green, and black shading nets with 50% shading intensity and control with unshaded conditions) on the growth and instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE) of sweet pepper. The results showed that all colored shading nets exhibited significantly lower daytime air temperatures and light intensity (22 to 28 °C and 9992 lx, respectively) compared with the control (32 to 37 °C and 24,973 lx, respectively). There were significant differences in sweet pepper growth performance a...
Diversity among eight Jordanian snake melon (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus) landrace populations wa... more Diversity among eight Jordanian snake melon (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus) landrace populations was studied by analyzing morphological traits and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Pair-wise euclidean distances based on morphological data ranged from 4.6 to 8.10 among studied populations. Fruit traits explained the variation in the first two components (15.5% and 13.6% of the total variation were explained by PC1 and PC2 respectively), while the leaf traits were consistently present in the third component and therefore contributed less to the variability (10.8%). A total of 11 RAPD primers produced 85 fragments, of which 94% were polymorphic indicating a high degree of diversity. RAPD based dendrogram showed Nei's values ranging from 0.07 to 0.23 suggesting that the collected populations are genetically diverse. The range of gene diversity, (He) among snake melon populations ranged from 0.17 to 0.27. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation among populations accounted for 18.52% of the total variation, while more than 80% occurred within populations consistent with outcrossing nature of snake melon. In conclusion, Jordanian snake melon landraces must be considered as a reservoir of genes that plant breeders need in their snake melon improvement programs.
Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Jul 18, 2011
A field trial was carried out during two growing seasons (2005/2006 and 2006/2007) at the Agricul... more A field trial was carried out during two growing seasons (2005/2006 and 2006/2007) at the Agricultural Research Station, Mu’tah University, Al-Karak, Jordan, to study the influence of clove weight at planting on vegetative growth and yield of garlic. Four clove weights [small (< 1), medium (1.1- 2.0), large (2.1- 3.0) and extra-large (3.1-4) g] were planted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Vegetative growth parameters (leaf number, plant height and average plant weight) were significantly higher when large clove weight was planted. Using large clove weight gave significantly the highest garlic yield and average bulb weight compared with small clove weight. However, number of cloves per bulb and bulb neck diameter were not significantly affected by planted clove weight. The percentage of the increase in bulb yield at harvest was 75% and 59% as compared with the smallest clove weight in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007, respectively.
The study was mainly aimed to investigated the response of potted-grown tomato (Lycopersicon escu... more The study was mainly aimed to investigated the response of potted-grown tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill var. lorely F1) to inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as well as the application of organic (0, 12.5 and 25 ton ha) and inorganic fertilizers (0, 625, 1250 and 1875 kg ha) under 1 1 glasshouse conditions. This experiment was carried out during the 2011/2012 growing season at the Agricultural Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Mu'tah University in the Southern part of Jordan. The experimental treatments were arranged as a factorial in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with 3 replications for each treatment. Results indicated that vegetative growth parameters viz., plant height, root length, leaf area and shoot dry weight at the flowering stage (50 days post planting) were increased with increasing the level of both inorganic and organic fertilizers regardless of mycorrhiza status. At the beginning of the harvesting time (80 days post planting), all vegetative parameters tested (shoot and root length, leaf area and shoot dry weight) were not significantly affected by the interaction between the fertilizer and the fungus. Furthermore, the main effects of fertilizer and fungus on growth parameters at both growing stages tested (50 and 80 days after planting) were significantly increased with increasing fertilizer level and mycorrhizal inoculation. Root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi in inoculated treatment was high, especially at low level of organic and chemical fertilizers. The highest level of inorganic fertilizer significantly reduced the root colonization; meanwhile, organic fertilizer exhibit non-significant effect. Inoculation tomato plants with mycorrhiza had pronounced significant effect on root colonization.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique has been used in food and feed industry to character... more Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique has been used in food and feed industry to characterize the final product with the main focus on changes that occur to starch material. This study demonstrates the use of SEM for examining the changes that occur to starch granules after exposing sorghum and barley grains to mild (pelleting) and intensive (extrusion) feed processing methods. In this study, SEM images analysis is proved to be a useful tool to recognize the changes that occur to grains after a different processing method. The present study showed that the swelling and melting of starch granules are influenced by the severity of the processing method. In case of pelleting process, oval shape appearance of starch granules remained intact after the pelleting process; however, absence of intact oval shape of starch granules occurred after the extrusion process.
American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, 2014
Salt stress conditions have been found to destroy the vital physiological process in plant where ... more Salt stress conditions have been found to destroy the vital physiological process in plant where slower cell division and cell enlargement or both and limit mineral nutrient uptake with clearly nutritional imbalance. A greenhouse pot experiment was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Mu'tah University, Jordan to evaluate growth responses and mineral composition of two strawberry cultivars to salt stress by different NaCl levels. Six NaCl levels (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 mM) and two strawberry cultivars, Camarosa and Albino, were used. Nutrient elements were added at the 0.5-strength Hoagland nutrient concentration. Distilled water supplemented with half strength Hoagland solution was used as control. Number of leaves and runners of both strawberry cultivars were significantly reduced by increasing NaCl level. Growth parameters (shoot, root and total dry weights and root: Shoot ratios) were significantly reduced with each increase in salinity level. Camarosa had higher value for all these parameters compared with Albino. Leaf chlorophyll content of both strawberry cultivars was significantly decreased when 25 mM NaCl or higher was applied. Regardless of NaCl level, Camarosa cultivar had significantly higher chlorophyll content compared with Albino. Elevated salinity level significantly increased leaf proline content of both cultivars. Albino leaves accumulated higher proline compared with Camarosa at salinized and non-salinized treatments. Both strawberry cultivars had significantly higher leaf and root Na and Cl contents under salinized conditions compared with non-salinized conditions. Each increase in NaCl level resulted in an increase in leaf and root Na and Cl contents of both cultivars. On contrast, leaf K content was decreased with salinity, root content of this mineral was significantly increased with salinity. It could be recommended to avoid growing 'Camarosa' and 'Albino' strawberry using irrigation water of 25 mM NaCl or more.
This study was conducted to determine the influence of irrigation regimes on yield of two tomato ... more This study was conducted to determine the influence of irrigation regimes on yield of two tomato cultivars TY-DANA and GS12. Experimental treatments were three irrigation intervals (2, 4, and 6 days), and three irrigation quantities (50%, 75%, and 100% of pan evaporation ...
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