Zagazig University. Institute of Efficient ProductivityJournal of Productivity and Development1110-254321320160801HEPATOPROTECTIVE AND ANTIDIABITIC EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS Moringa oleifera LEAVES EXTRACT ON EXPERIMENTAL RATS2032194226710.21608/jpd.2016.42267ENGehan GhoneimFood Industries Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, 35516, Mansoura, Egypt.Faten IbrahimFood Industries Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, 35516, Mansoura, Egypt.Rania El-gammalFood Industries Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, 35516, Mansoura, Egypt.Journal Article20160506<em>This study was designed to determine the total phenols , flavonoids and antioxidative effect of aqueous Moringa oleifera Leaves extract (AMLE) on the biochemical profile of hepatic dysfunction and diabetic male rats. It was found that AMLE contained 698.82 mg/g of total phenolic compounds , 26.33 mg/g of total flavonoids and antioxidant activity (DPPH) recorded 81.6%. Also, the results indicated that e-vanillic acid (1988.32 ppm) and syringic acid (898.25ppm)were the dominant phenolic compounds in AMLE.</em>
<em>Concerning the biological assay, the obtained results showed that there were significant differences between only Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) treated group and those treated with LPS followed by AMLE or AMLE followed by LPS. Where, it could be noticed that there were significant decreases in all liver function values except for serum albumin,which increased and reached to 4.00 mg/dl </em><em>in treated group with AMLE followed by LPS. In addition , AMLE improve kidney functions.</em>
<em>Also, antioxidant enzyme concentrations </em><em>(SOD) increased in treated group with AMLE group followed by treated group with LPS and reached 30.33 U/L. On the other, hand the treatment with AMLE decreased LDL-cholesterol and increased HDL-cholesterol levels at the end of experimental period compared with those of LPS treated group .</em>
<em>As biochemical indices, it could be noticed that blood glucose recorded an improvement in group treated with amaryl drug (167.66 mg/dL) and AMLE group (180.66 mg/dL) compared with Streptozotocin (STZ ) group (306.66 mg/dL).</em>
<strong><em>Conclusively</em></strong><em>, it briefly could concluded that aqueous Moringa olifieria leaves extract had vital effects to prevent LPS induced hepatic dysfunction and gluscose blood level by its high content of polyphenols.</em>
<strong> <br /></strong>Zagazig University. Institute of Efficient ProductivityJournal of Productivity and Development1110-254321320160801A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF FISH FARMING IN THE DESERT AREAS (THE CASE OF AL-MOGRA OASIS)2212404226810.21608/jpd.2016.42268ENMohamed Abo ElnagaDepartment of Economic Studies, Division of Economic and Social Studies, Desert Research Center, Egypt .Journal Article20160515
<em> <strong>The study aims to</strong>: (1) Studies the development of the annual fish production from naturalsources and farmed during the study period. (2) Study the relative importance of the Egyptian fish production according to their different sources during the study period. (3) Study the relative importance of aquaculture, according to various organized during the study period. (4) Measuring the feasibility of investment activity Aquaculture ocher area under the status quo (current), and the ability of this activity on the face of the risks that may be encountered (sensitivity) analysis. (5) The study of the problems facing fish farms civil in the Al Mogra Oasis and proposals to solve.</em>
<em> </em><strong><em>The study found many of the results are the most important</em></strong><em>: (1) increase fish production from aquaculture at a rate of 128.7 % in 2014 from 2005. (2) Feasibility of aquaculture projects under the desert conditions in the Al Mogra Oasis, and the ability of this activity on the face of the potential negative changes. (3) The need to pursue programs to promote aquaculture farming in the Al Mogra Oasis.</em>
<em> </em><strong><em>Conclusively,</em></strong><em> t</em><em>he study followed the recommendation that several programs to overcome the problems facing the fish farming and raising its in the Al Mogra Oasis.</em>
<strong> </strong>Zagazig University. Institute of Efficient ProductivityJournal of Productivity and Development1110-254321320160801EVALUATION OF DIETARY INCLUSION GUAR KORMA MEAL WITH TWO ENZYMES SUPPLEMENTATION ON PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL STRAIN INSHAS CHICKS.2412544226910.21608/jpd.2016.42269ENMohamed NassrAllahAnimal Production Research Institute. Agriculture Research Center. Egypt.Journal Article20160602<em>The current study was carried out to study the effect of using different levels of </em><em>guar </em><em>korma</em><em> meal (GKM) with β-mannanase and protease enzymes </em><em>in the diet of </em><em>Inshas chicks on growth performance traits, nutrients digestibility and economic efficiency. Experimental diets were formulated to included 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% guar korma meal</em><em>. The experiment started with one day old Inshas chicks and lasted for 12 weeks. Two hundred and twenty five Inshas chicks </em><em>were randomly divided into five groups (45 birds for treatment). Each treatment consisted of 3 replicate (15 birds/ replicate).</em>
<strong><em>Results indicate that</em></strong><em> inclusion of (GKM) in chicks diet up to 7.5% supplemented with enzymes lead to insignificant (P>0.05) increase in final body weight and weight gain. While, inclusion at rate 10% lead to significant decrease in final body weight and weight gain (P<0.05) as compared to control treatment. Using guar korma meal up to 7.5% level slightly improved digestibility coefficients of organic matter, crude fiber, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, and n</em><em>utritive value when compared to control with no significant difference (</em><em>P>0.05</em><em>). While, using (GKM) in feed at 10% lead to significant decrease in nutrient digestibility (</em><em>P<0.05</em><em>). Similarly, t</em><em>here were insignificant differences in empty carcass and dressing percentages when chicks fed with diet contain up to 7.5</em><em>% (GKM) </em><em>compared to the control group.</em><em> While, the inclusion of (GKM) at rate 10% in diet significantly decrease </em><em>(P<0.05) </em><em>carcass and dressing compared to control. Also</em><em>,</em><em> the results indicate that use of (GKM) in diet reduced feed cost per chicks. However, the highest net revenue, economic efficiency and relative economic efficiency were obtained at inclusion rate 7.5% of guar meal in chick diet. </em>
<strong><em>Conclusively,</em></strong><em> it could be concluded from the present study that </em><em>Guar Korma Meal can be used in growing Inshas chicks diets up to 7.5% in the diet with </em><em>β-</em><em>mannanase and protease enzymes to reduce fed costs without adverse effects on performance of chicks. </em>
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Zagazig University. Institute of Efficient ProductivityJournal of Productivity and Development1110-254321320160801RESPONSE OF ZEBDA MANGO TREES TO ORGANIC AND BIO NITROGEN FERTILIZATION AS A PARTIAL SUBSTITUTE FOR MINERAL NITROGEN2552744227010.21608/jpd.2016.42270ENSaad HabashyTropical Fruit Research Department, Hort. Res. Inst. Agric. Res. Center, Giza, Egypt.Journal Article20160612 <em>The present study was executed in 2014 and 2015 seasons on 23-year-old Zebda mango trees grown in sandy soil under drip irrigation system at the experimental orchard of El-Kassasien Hort. Res. Station, Ismailia Governorate. This investigation aimed to study the possibility of using the organic nitrogen (chicken manure 3.21 % N) with bio nitrogen (biogen) fertilizers partially instead of completed mineral nitrogen (ammonium sulphate 20.6 %N).</em>
<em>Results revealed that reducing the percentage of mineral nitrogen from 100 % to 25 % and increasing organic nitrogen to 75 % with bio-fertilizers ( 100 g biogen /tree) had an announced promotion and increasing number and length of new shoots, number of leaves/ shoot , leaf area, N,P and K contents, number of initial and retention fruit set percentage and yield (kg/tree). Fruit weight and pulp firmness, TSS and vitamin C content were also increased. While, fruit peel thickness and juice acidity percentage were significantly decreased in comparison with the control treatment (100 % mineral N).</em>
<strong><em>Conclusively,</em></strong><em> under the conditions of this study, 75 % of organic nitrogen (23.36 kg chicken manure/tree) + 25 % mineral nitrogen (1.21 kg ammonium sulphate/tree) with biogen bio-fertilizer at 100 g /tree was sufficient for minimizing mineral nitrogen fertilization to the quarter and increasing yield/tree by 41.50 % (average of the two seasons) with the best fruit quality of Zebda mango as compared with control treatment. </em>
Zagazig University. Institute of Efficient ProductivityJournal of Productivity and Development1110-254321320160801STUDY ON NEW DRIED SHEETS PREPARED FROM CARROT, SWEET POTATO AND TOMATO.2752884227110.21608/jpd.2016.42271ENHamed KhashabaSpecial Food and Nutrition Department, Food Technol. Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt.Ibrahim IbrahimSpecial Food and Nutrition Department, Food Technol. Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt.Ezzat IsmailMedicinal and Aromatic Plants Section, Horticultural Res. Inst., A.R.C., Egypt.Journal Article20160621<em>Vegetables of carrot, sweet potato and tomato are very acceptable for Egyptian consumer. Carrot, sweet potato and tomato contain higher nutritional values. Therefore, that has turned attention to prepare dried sheets from these mixtures together in order to take advantage of the quality of available factors in each. To take advantage of the lower pricesof these vegetables compared to some fruits such as apricot. With the optimization of some neglected raw materials and high nutritional value, such as sweet potato. The purpose of this research is to prepare new dried sheets from carrot, sweet potato and tomato. </em>
<em>The sheets prepared by mixing of the homogenized pulp of carrot, sweet potato, tomato and sucrose sugar together to obtain blends ratio at 6:2:2:2, 5:3:2:2, 4:4:2:2, 3:5:2:2 and 2:6:2:2 (w/w/w/w) respectively. The electric oven at 60±1ºC was used until the weight of samples was constant. It could be concluded that mixing of carrot, sweet potato, tomato, led to improve the nutritional value of the dried sheets and characteristics of the chemical, physical, sensory properties and antioxidants activity. The dried sheet at ratio 5:3:2:2 is preferable on base of physical, chemical and organ oleptical properties. </em>
<strong><em>Conclusively,</em></strong><em> it is recommended to prepare dried sheets from carrot, sweet potato, tomato and sugarsby the ratio of (5:3:2:2) (w/ w/ w/w) on a commercial scale, where it has a high degree of overall acceptability than other samples, as well as well as based on chemical, physical, sensory properties economically.</em>
<strong> </strong>Zagazig University. Institute of Efficient ProductivityJournal of Productivity and Development1110-254321320160801ROWTH AND YIELD OF Hibiscus sabdariffa AS INFLUENCED BY SOWING DATE AND SEEDS COOLING TREATMENTS2893004227210.21608/jpd.2016.42272ENJournal Article20160706<em>A field study was undertaken to optimize the sowing date under the best seed cooling degree during the tow seasons of 2012 and 2013 for Hibiscus sabdariffa </em>L<em>. in Ismailia, Egypt. The experiment was comprised of sowing times (April, May and June), seed cooling degree (Room, 5</em><em>°</em><em> and 10</em><em>°</em><em>) and their interactions, aiming to increased yield and better calyxes quality.</em>
<em> Vegetative growth characters (plant height, number of branches, root length, fresh and dry weights of leaves, stem and root), yields (number of flower/plant and dry weight of calyx/plant) and anthocyanin content were best with sowing date in April13<sup>th</sup> under of 10</em><em>°</em><em>C seed cooling and their interaction, during both seasons</em><em>.</em>
<strong><em>Conclusively,</em></strong><em> sowing of roselle at early time (13<sup>th</sup> April) and treated of seeds under 10<sup>o</sup>C was the best treatment for enchanting plant growth, yield of </em><strong><em>calyx </em></strong><em>and highest percentage of </em><em>anthocyanin</em><em> under sandy soil conditions .</em>
<strong> </strong>Zagazig University. Institute of Efficient ProductivityJournal of Productivity and Development1110-254321320160801INFLUENCE OF PHOTOPERIOD AND CRUDE PROTEIN LEVELS ON PRODUCTIVE TRAITS AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF MUSCOVY DUCKLING MALES DURING SUMMER SEASON3013214227310.21608/jpd.2016.42273ENIbrahim AzaziAnimal Production Research Institute, Egypt.Ahmed ALazabAnimal Production Research Institute, Egypt.Mohamed NassrallahAnimal Production Research Institute, Egypt.Journal Article20160709<em>The present study was conducted to estimate the effect of lighting program and protein level in the diet and their interaction on productive performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters and economical efficiency at the summer season. A total of 180 Muscovy ducklings ,one day old, was individually weighed and randomly distributed equally into two groups (90 birds, each) according to lighting programs, L<sub>1</sub> (natural day light</em> <em>as complement the</em><em> natural lighting to 22-hour</em> <em>using artificial light) and L<sub>2</sub> (22 hours / day using artificial light). Ducklings in each light program were divided into three groups (30 birds in each) with three replicates (10 birds, each) according to levels of crude protein in the diet: Low protein level (P1) (21, 17 and 16%) medium protein level (P<sub>2</sub>) (22, 18 and 17% ) and high protein level(P<sub>3</sub>) (23, 19 and 18% ) for starter, grower and finisher periods, respectively, during experimental period from one–day to 12 weeks of age.</em>
<strong><em>The obtained results showed that</em></strong><em> Muscovy duckling males exposed to (L<sub>2</sub>) program had significantly (P≤0.01) higher LBW at 8 weeks of age and BWG, during period 4-8 wks of age as compared to that exposed to (L<sub>1</sub>) program. The L2 birds consumed significantly (P≤0.05 or P≤0.01) higher amounts of feed than that L<sub>1</sub> birds during all periods studied, except during period 4-8 wks of age. Birds reared under L<sub>1</sub> system had the significantly (P≤0.05) best feed conversion ratio for cumulative feed conversion ratio (0-12 wks), as compared with that reared under L<sub>1</sub> system. </em>
<em>Significant effects of CP levels or natural day light on protein intake, protein utilization and performance index at the end of the experimental period. Also, there were significant differences between CP levels with lighting programs of protein intake and performance index at the end of the experiment while, protein utilization was not significant. The duckling males reared under L2 system gave significantly (P≤0.05) higher percentage of thighs than that reared under L1 system. </em>
<em>Duckling males received (P<sub>3</sub>) diet recorded significantly (P≤0.01) higher LBW at 4, 8 and 12 wks of age and BWG during periods 0-4 and 4-8 wks of age and during whole period (0-12 wks of age) followed by birds received (P<sub>2</sub>) and (P<sub>1</sub>) diets, respectively. The birds of P<sub>3</sub> diet consumed significantly (P≤0.05 or P≤0.01) lower amounts of feed than those birds of P<sub>2</sub> or P<sub>1</sub> diet, respectively. Birds fed P<sub>3</sub> diet had the significantly (P≤0.01) best feed conversion ratio for cumulative feed conversion ratio (0-12 wks) followed by P<sub>2</sub> and P<sub>1</sub> diet, respectively. The birds fed on P<sub>2 </sub>diet recorded the highest values of percentage of breast and tend, while, the highest values of abdominal fat were recorded by birds fed on P<sub>3</sub> diet. Birds fed P3 diet had significantly (P≤0.05) higher serum creatine concentration compared to birds fed P<sub>1</sub> diet. </em>
<em>The interaction between lighting program and protein levels showed that duckling males received (P<sub>3</sub>) diet and exposed to (L<sub>1</sub>) program group recorded the highest values of both LBW and BWG when compared to other groups. Birds fed on P<sub>3</sub> diet and exposed to either L<sub>1</sub> or L<sub>2</sub> program consumed significantly (P≤0.01) lower amounts of feed, and had the significantly (P≤0.01) best feed conversion ratio than other groups during whole experimental period (0-12 wks). Using high protein level (P<sub>3</sub>) in the diets of ducks with natural day light (L1) improved economic efficiency and relative economic efficiency of ducks compared with other groups. Birds reared under L<sub>2</sub> system and fed P<sub>1</sub> diet recorded significantly (P≤0.01) best abdominal fat compared to other groups. All studied serum proteins and serum lipids were not significantly affected due to both lighting system and crud protein level effect and their interaction. </em>
<strong><em>Conclusively,</em></strong><em> it could be concluded that dietary high CP (%) with natural day light might have positive effects on growth performance traits and economic efficiency (%) of growing Muscovy duckling males, during summer season.</em>
<strong> </strong>Zagazig University. Institute of Efficient ProductivityJournal of Productivity and Development1110-254321320160801ECOLOGICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE GREEN PEACH APHID, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) ASSOCIATED WITH SOYBEAN CROP.3233324227410.21608/jpd.2016.42274ENAhmed DarwishPlant protection Dept., Fac. of Agric., Moshtohor, Benha univ., Egypt.El Sayed SheriefPlant Protection Research Institute, A.R.C., Dokki, Giza – EgyptEman El-GoharyPlant Protection Research Institute, A.R.C., Dokki, Giza – EgyptJournal Article20160710Zagazig University. Institute of Efficient ProductivityJournal of Productivity and Development1110-254321320160801RESPONSE OF GROWTH, YIELD, FRUIT QUALITY AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SQUASH PLANTS (Cucurbita pepo cv.El-Askandrani) TO FOLIAR APPLICATION OF DIFFERENT PHOSPHATIC COMPOUNDS3333484227510.21608/jpd.2016.42275ENMohmoud El-HamadyPlant Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Egypt.Journal Article20160710 <em>This study was conducted during the two spring seasons of 2013 and 2014, to investigate the response of growth, yield, fruit quality and chemical composition of squash plants (Cucurbita pepo cv.El-Askandrani) to foliar application of different phosphatic compounds. The experiment consisted of 10 P-foliar treatments. These trials were arranged as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replicates and giving a total of 40 plots. </em>
<em>Foliar spray with calcium superphosphate at 0.20% was the most effective treatment on vegetative growth and leaf chlorophyll in the two growing seasons. In this respect, the highest values of fruit length, fruit diameter and total fruit yield of squash were obtained with potassium phosphate (28.6 K) at 0.20%. Foliar application of mono-ammonium phosphate at 0.20% led to significant increase N% of dry matter in vegetative organs of squash plants. Likewise, the foliar application of calcium superphosphate at 0.20% increased P% of dry matter in vegetative organs of squash plants. In addition, the treatment of potassium phosphate at 0.20% caused a significant increased K% of dry matter in vegetative organs of squash plants. The nutritive values of squash fruits; i.e. total soluble solids and titrable acidity, as well as, dry matter % were significantly affected by calcium superphosphate at high concentration of 0.20% compared with the other treatments and control treatment. </em>
<strong><em>Conclusively,</em></strong><em> it could be concluded that foliar application of phosphorus fertilizer can improve growth and productivity of squash plant by providing additional available dose of essential macronutrients (potassium phosphate at 0.20% and calcium superphosphate at 0.20% to growing squash plant with higher yield and good quality.</em>
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Zagazig University. Institute of Efficient ProductivityJournal of Productivity and Development1110-254321320160801RESIDUES OF THIAMETHOXAM AND CHLORPYRIFOS ON OKRA IN RELATION TO THEIR EFFECTS ON SOME INTERNAL QUALITY PARAMETERS AND ELEMENTS IN FRUITS.3493674227610.21608/jpd.2016.42276ENAly ShalabyPlant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, EgyptJournal Article20160712<em>The present work was conducted to study the residues of two insecticides on okra plant. Thiamethoxam (Actara 25% WG) and chlorpyrifos (Dursban 48% EC) were sprayed at mature stage. Fruits and leaves samples were collected at 2 hrs to 15 days after application. QuEChERS method was used for extraction and clean-up and analyzed using HPLC and GC for thiamethoxam and chlorpyrifos, respectively. Results revealed that, okra leaves remained higher initial amounts than fruits by about 382.52% and 893.48% of thiamethoxam and chlorpyrifos, respectively. Loss percentages of initial deposits were higher in okra fruits than leaves. The half-life (t<sub>½</sub>) values of thiamethoxam and chlorpyrifos were 2.09, 3.16 and 1.59, 2.57 in okra fruits and leaves, respectively. Data indicated that okra fruits could be consumed safely after 15 days of treatment with thiamethoxam, washing or boiling of okra fruits (2 min) during the first 6 days after spraying did not alter the PHI value, while in case of chlorpyrifos washed and unwashed okra fruits could be used safely after 6 days and no safety interval was needed after boiling okra fruits for 2 min. The removal percentages of thiamethoxam and chlorpyrifos residues by washing ranged between 9.39 - 46.23%; 5.88 – 21.40%, while the corresponding values due to boiled the okra fruits 2 min ranged from 74.77 to 89.09%; 84.63 - 87.51%. Residues of thiamethoxam and chlorpyrifos</em><em>significantly decreased total soluble sugar%, glucose mg/100g, acidity %, total soluble solids %, ascorbic acid mg/100g, protein content%, β-carotene%, protein% and dry matter % of fresh treated okra fruits comparing with the control during the tested period. Concerning the trace / nutrients elements thiamethoxam significantly reduced the mean values of N%, P%, K%, Mn% and Ca% and increased the mean amounts of Fe% and Zn in treated okra fruits. Chlorpyrifos significantly reduced the mean levels of N%, P%, K%, Fe% and Ca% and increased the mean amounts of Mn% and Zn in okra fruits. These effects were more pronounced in thiamethoxam treatment. Therefore, attention must be given to the use of thiamethoxam especially during the mature stage.</em>
<strong><em>Conclusively</em></strong><em>, okra fruits treated with the neonicotonoied insecticide thiamethoxam needed a long interval to reach the maximum residue limits. Also, obtained data revealed that its residues were more effective in some quality attributes as well as some trace and nutrient elements than that the organphosphorus chlorpyrifos. Therefore, special care must be given to the use of this insecticide especially at the mature stage of okra plants. </em>
Zagazig University. Institute of Efficient ProductivityJournal of Productivity and Development1110-254321320160801RESPONSE OF POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.)YIELD TO ORGANIC AND INORGANIC MINERAL NITROGEN FERTILIZER RATES3693814227710.21608/jpd.2016.42277ENMahmoud El-HamadyPlant Production Department, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.Journal Article20160714<em>In order to investigate the effect of organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer rates on growth, yield and tuber quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L)</em><strong><em>. </em></strong><em>Two field experiments were accompanied through 2014 and 2015 seasons on a potato plant cv. Alpha This investigation included four farmyard manure rates (0, 5, 10 and 15 tons/ha) and four mineral nitrogen rates (80, 120, 160 and 200 kg N/ha).</em>
<strong><em>Results revealed that</em></strong><em> increasing </em><em>farmyard manure rates up to 15 tons/ha meaning fully improved</em><em> height of plant</em><em>,</em><em> dry weight g/plant and No. of tubers/plant, tuber weight g/plant, tuber yield t/ha. TSS%, tuber dry matter%, carbohydrate % and ascorbic acid </em>(mg/100g<sup>-1</sup>)<em>by 4.97</em><em>,</em><em> 17.84</em><em>,</em><em> 25.17</em><em>,</em><em> 18.64</em><em>,</em><em> 24.07</em><em>,</em><em> 8.62</em><em>,</em><em> 29.86</em><em>,</em><em> 6.89 and 14.35%, respectively, comparing without </em><em>farmyard manure</em><em> as average of both seasons. Whereas, </em><em>increasing mineral nitrogen rates up to 200 kg N/ha. significantly increased </em><em>plant height, dry weight g/plant and No. of tubers/plant, tuber weight g/plant, tuber yield t/ha, TSS%, tuber dry matter%, carbohydrate % and ascorbic acid </em>(mg/100g<sup>-1</sup>)<em>by 4.26, 4.75, 8.85, 5.66</em><em>,</em><em> 12.59</em><em>,</em><em> 5.73</em><em>,</em><em> 8.43</em><em>,</em><em> 11.0 and 5.67%, respectively compared with fertilizing at 80 kg N/ha. as an average of both seasons. The highest yield/ha was produced due to the interaction by application of highest both of farmyard manure rate (15 ton/ha.) and mineral nitrogen rate (200 kg N//ha.).</em>
<strong><em>Conclusively,</em></strong><em> it possibly will be recommended that</em><em> increasing farmyard manure to 15t/ha. and mineral nitrogen rate to 200 kg N/ha.for potato plants out yielded by 28.4 % more than without farmyard manure and addition 80 kg N/ha.</em>
<strong> </strong>Zagazig University. Institute of Efficient ProductivityJournal of Productivity and Development1110-254321320160801IMPROVING SQUASH (Cucurbita pepo L.) PLANT GROWTH, SEX EXPRESSION AND YIELD BY FOLIAR APPLICATION OF POTASSIUM AND ETHEPHON UNDER HIGH SUMMER TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS3834034227810.21608/jpd.2016.42278ENWafaa FekryPlant Production Department, Faculty of Technology And Development, Zagazig University, Egypt.Journal Article20160717<em>This field experiment was carried out during the summer seasons of 2013 and 2014 to the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Technology and Development (Ghazala-Zagazig), Zagazig University, Sharkia Governorate, to study the response of squash plants cv.Revera to the foliar spray of potassium fertilization at the concentration of 1,2and 3ml l<sup>-1</sup> as 37.5% K<sub>2</sub>O (four times) and ethephon (ethrel) at 150,250 and 350ppm( once at 2-4 true leaves stage) each alone or in combinations.</em>
<em>The obtained results revealed that treated squash plants with foliar application of potassium and ethephon separately or in combination significantly influenced the studied characters compared to untreated plants in both seasons. However, spraying plants with 2 ml K<sub>2</sub>Ol<sup>-1</sup>+ 250 ppm ethephon gave the maximum values of most growth characteristics, i.e. number of leaves, fresh and dry weight per plant. Moreover,</em><em> the treatment with 2 ml K<sub>2</sub>O l<sup>-1</sup> +250 or 350 ppm ethephon recorded the best results of floral traits by decreasing the number of male flowers and sex ratio whereas increased number of female flowers,</em><em> femaleness as well as yield and its components ,i.e. number of fruits /plant,</em><em> fresh weight of fruit ,early and total yield per plot.</em>
<strong><em>Conclusively,</em></strong><em>from these results it could be concluded that foliar application of potassium at 2ml K<sub>2</sub>O l<sup>-1</sup> +ethephon at 250 or 350ppm proved to be the best choice for growing and improving sex-expression by increasing number of female flowers and consequently the yield of plants when squash grown under high summer temperature condition (June , July and August).</em>
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