55 
 

Abstracts of the First International Conference on 

Plant Protection (ICPP) 
 

Complied by Muhammad Shahid* and Edited by Mohammad Farooq 

 

Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agricultural and marine Sciences, Sultan 

Qaboos University, P. O. Box 34-123, Al-Khod 123, Oman 

*E-mail: mshahid@squ.edu.om 

 

 

Overview 

 

Plant Sciences Department, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan 

Qaboos University organized “First International Conference on: Plant Protection 

(ICPP)” on 5-7 December 2022, and this event was take place at Conference Hall, SQU. 

The conference speakers represented Algeria, China, Egypt, Finland, India, Iran, Iraq, 

Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Pakistan, Poland, Itlay, UK and researchers the 

GCC (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Oman) nationals.  

 

The main objective of the ICPP was to disseminate the latest scientific advances in all 

aspects of plant protection and encourage collaboration between researchers. This 

conference was an important event to exchange knowledge and the latest research 

findings on pests of economic importance, fungal, viral, phytoplasma and bacterial 

diseases, post-harvest diseases, pests and mycotoxins, integrated pest and disease 

management, insect-host-pathogen interactions, biological control, quarantine and 

phytosanitary measures, and weeds and their management. All particiapant of the 

conference were agreed and willing to share their research findings that will generate 

more innovation, and lead to greater productivity and contribution towards resolving 

challenges facing agriculture. All national and international participants benefitted 

from this conference and convinced to establish fruitful collaborations. Each of the 

institutions and researchers that participated were involved in high level and strong 

research in themes relevant to the conference and thus the conference provided a 

valuable and novel opportunity for interaction in relation to research.  

 

Overall, the ICPP conference was very successful in terms of organization, 

management, implementation, selection of topics and participants and all the guests 

have thoroughly enjoyed talks and learn new things from from different speakers 

working in diverse areas. 

 

 

 

mshahid@squ.edu.om


56 
 

Keynote Presentations 

 
Nano-enabled approaches for sustainable crop protection 

 
T. Ahmed 

Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China 

Email: temoorahmed@zju.edu.cn 

 

Abstract 

Agriculture is the most important sector providing food and different raw materials 

to the growing global population. In the last few decades, biotic and abiotic 

environmental stresses affect the production and quality of agricultural food 

worldwide. The extensive use of traditional preventive measures comprising toxic 

chemicals has become more problematic due to severe ecotoxicological challenges. 

The global population is predicted to increase from 7 to 9 billion by 2050, highlighting 

the need to increase agricultural food production to achieve global food security. 

Nano-enabled approaches have recently attracted attention as a sustainable platform 

to improve crop nutrition and protection. Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have 

gained enormous consideration due to their unique physical and chemical properties, 

viz., small size, high surface area to volume ratio, superior efficiency, and supply of 

micronutrients to plants. The targeted use of ENMs has tremendous potential for 

improving the efficiency of agricultural systems with low biodiversity effects, which 

contributes to the improvement and maintenance of food security. Several recent 

studies have revealed that ENMs enhanced plant biotic and abiotic stress resistance 

by improving plant growth, physiological parameters, photosynthetic capacity, 

nutrient content and phytohormone profile. Overall, previous studies demonstrated 

that ENMs application has great potential as a novel strategy for crop biotic and 

abiotic environmental stress management. 

Keywords: Agriculture; crop protection; ENMs; nanotechnology, stress resilience 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:temoorahmed@zju.edu.cn


57 
 

Plant viruses, their impact and control strategies 

 
I. Amin  

National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Jhang Road 

Faisalabad, Pakistan  

Email: imranamin1@yahoo.com 

 

Abstract  

 

Phytopathogenic viruses are a major biotic constraint to agricultural productivity and, 

throughout the warmer parts of the world, many of the most devastating diseases of 

crops are caused by arthropod-borne viruses of the family Geminiviridae. The 

symptoms caused by these viruses include enations, leaf curling and stunting, which 

resemble developmental abnormalities. Family Geminiviridae has recently been 

expanded from nine genera (Curtovirus, Mastrevirus, Turncurtovirus, Becurtovirus, 

Grablovirus, Eragrovirus, Capulavirus, Topocuvirus and Begomovirus) to 14 genera 

by the addition of the genera Citlodavirus, Maldovirus, Mulcrilevirus, Opunvirus and 

Topilevirus. Whitefly-transmitted begomoviruses, the biggest genera of this family 

are a major limiting factor for the production of numerous dicotyledonous crops 

throughout the world. With the increasing concerns over the use of insecticides as well 

as the adoption of agricultural practices that favor the build-up of both vector and 

virus populations including, for example, widespread monoculture and overlapping 

cropping seasons, as well as the lack of suitable sources of natural resistance (so-called 

host-plant resistance) in many crop species the problems due to these viruses are 

increasing. Transgenic approaches paved the way to a virtually unlimited source of 

virus resistance for application in agriculturally significant plant species. Several 

transgenic approaches have been used for the development of resistance against 

geminiviruses including pathogen-derived approaches e.g. RNA interference. The 

recent advancements in targeted genome engineering via Clustered regularly 

interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated Cas 

(CRISPR/Cas) have unprecedented potential to develop virus resistance and crop 

improvement.  

Keywords: Geminiviridae, begomoviruses, resistance, RNAi, CRISPR 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:imranamin1@yahoo.com


58 
 

Building resilience to vector-borne plant pathogens 

via studying insect vectors 
 

S. Hogenhout 

 

Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, 

NR4 7UH, UK 

E-mail: saskia.hogenhout@jic.ac.uk  

 

Abstract 

 

Sap-feeding insects of the order Hemiptera, such as aphids, psyllids, leafhoppers and 

spittlebugs/froghoppers, are vectors of a wide range of plant pathogens, including 

viruses, phytoplasmas, Liberibacter species and Xylella fastidiosa. These pathogens are 

spreading globally and are threats to global agriculture and landscapes. Research on 

mechanisms involved in plant-pathogen interactions has shown that the pathogens 

have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to modulate plant development and 

immunity, including the suppression of plant defences to their sap-feeding insect 

vectors. However, it is equally important to gather knowledge on the insect vectors. 

For example, genome sequence data of leafhoppers were essential for revealing a 

phytoplasma Achilles’ heel and obtaining increased plant resistance to the 

phytoplasma and its insect vector. To improve our knowledge on insect vectors, the 

past few years my lab and I made use of recent advances in low-input next generation 

sequencing technologies and generated genomic and transcriptomic resources for ±40 

mostly small hemipteran insect species. One of these species is the X. fastidiosa insect 

vector Philaenus spumarius, known as the meadow spittlebug, which is one of the most 

common insects in the UK. Our data gave insights into how P. spumarius dispersed 

globally. Moreover, we found that the P. spumarius populations that occur in the X. 

fastidiosa outbreak regions of southern Italy belong to a different haplogroup and have 

higher migration rates, distinct phenology and different plant host preferences 

compared to UK populations. This research has provided key information that will 

help to reduce the likelihood of arrival and potential impacts of X. fastidiosa outbreaks 

in the UK and elsewhere.  

 

Keywords: Aphids, psyllids, leafhoppers, Liberibacter species, Xylella fastidiosa 

  

mailto:saskia.hogenhout@jic.ac.uk


59 
 

Scent of a Killer: Microbial volatilome and the 

biological control of postharvest fungi 

 
S. Oufensou1, B. Tilocca2, Z. Ul-Hassan3, S. Jaoua3 and Q. Migheli1* 
1Department of Agricultural Sciences and NRD – Desertification Research Centre, 

University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, I-07100 Sassari, Italy 
2Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale 

Europa, I-88100 Catanzaro, Italy 
3Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Science, 

Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar 

E-mail: qmigheli@uniss.it  

 

Abstract  

The use of synthetic fungicides represents the most common strategy to control 

postharvest pathogens. However, the long-term application of chemicals is 

responsible for increased levels of environmental pollution and favours the selection 

of fungicide-resistant mutants. Consequently, an increasing number of research 

efforts have been devoted to exploring the use of biological control approaches to 

reduce the incidence of diseases during the postharvest stages. Among the various 

mechanisms exerted by microbial biocontrol agents, the production of volatile organic 

compounds (VOCs) represents a most promising tool, especially when direct contact 

between the pathogen and its antagonist is not feasible. Their potent bioactivity, the 

absence of residues on fruit and grain commodities, and the ease of application in 

different agricultural systems make the use of VOCs a sustainable and effective 

alternative to synthetic fungicides in the management of plant pathogens in closed 

environments. In this review, we shall focus on the most recent literature available on 

microbial volatilome and its role in the biological control of postharvest pathogens of 

fruit, vegetable and grain, including mycotoxin-producing fungi.  

 

Keywords: Volatile organic compounds, chemical, postharvest, mycotoxin 

  

mailto:qmigheli@uniss.it


60 
 

Invited presentations 

 

Improving seed treatment methods: A key factor to 

reduce the risk to Honey bees and other pollinators 

to maintain biodiversity 

 
H. Abdelgader  

Director Integrated Pest Management of Agricultural Pests Agricultural Research 

Corporation, Wad Medani, P. O. Box 126, Sudan  

Email for correspondence: abdelgaderh@yahoo.com  

 

Abstract 

Bees are one of the reasons, for the possibility of human development on earth, which 

otherwise would have been very different and the conditions for human development 

may not have existed. Pollinators support the reproduction of nearly 85% of the 

world’s flowering plants. However, these important species are endangered through 

the use of pesticides. Highly specialist techniques should be used when treating seeds 

with Plant Protection Products. This study was conducted to to reduce the drift 

generated from seeds by drilling, hence saving pollinators, as well as reducing the 

risks to people. The study investigated the amount of drift generated from seeds of 

two varieties of cotton using two formulations of the neonicotinoid insecticide 

imadocloprid through measuring the fine dust particles from various treatments 

using the Heubach methods. The increase in drift generated through Heubach Meter 

through tested formulation of imadocloprid relative to the control treatment were in 

the range of 336-378% and 221-287 for the Water dispersible powder formulation (WS) 

for Hamid and Barakat cotton varieties, respectively. For the Flowable Concentrate 

(FS) formulation, the percentage increase in the drift over the control was ranging 82-

95% and 15-445 for Hamid and Barakat varieties respectively. The values for the FS 

formulation ranged between 7-8.8 and 2.64-14.7 for Hamid and Barakat, respectively. 

The Flowable concentrate formulation for seed treatment is better than the Water 

dispersible powder formulation in reducing the drift generated from pesticide treated 

seeds and can play important role in improving seed dressing technology to save 

various pollinators. 

Keywords: Seed treatment, pollinators, biodiversity, pesticies and insecticies 

 

 

 

 

mailto:abdelgaderh@yahoo.com


61 
 

Cryopreservation and in vitro conservation of virus 

free plant genetic resources and species tolerant to 

biotic and abiotic stresses 

 
T. Abouzedan1*, M. Alsameen2, F. AL-Bisky1, and K. Al- Maarri2 
1National Commission for Biotechnology, P.O.Box. 31902, Syria 
2Horticultural Dept, Faculty of Agriculture, P.O.Box. 30621, Damascus University, 

Syria 

* Email for correspondence: zthuraia@gmail.com  

 

Abstract  

Biotechnology plays a major role not only in the production of plants tolerant to biotic 

and abiotic stresses, but also in the conservation of plant genetic resources to establish 

Gene Bank. In this investigation, cryopreservation by encapsulation –dehydration 

technique of Grape virus-free plants and Iris aurantica has been established for the first 

time in Syria. Factors affecting different stages of cryopreservation (pre-freezing, 

capsulation, dehydration, and freezing stage) have been studied to improve the 

survival rate of virus-free plants after re-freezing. The use of cryopreservation 

technology is the only way to ensure the long-term preservation of virus-free grapes 

and Iris by storing shoot apex in liquid nitrogen (-196oC) and storing them at very low 

temperatures, such as the freezing point of CO2 (-80oC). In vitro preservation was 

conducted to develop a technology for short-term conservation and relieve of growth 

and increase the period between transfers of Iris aurantica. In this study, the best 

osmotic agents for in vitro conservation was sucrose compared to mannitol and 

sorbitol, and the best medium concentration was 1/10 MS. The cultured stored at (3°C) 

gave the highest survival (93.33%) and lengthened the time period between transfers 

up to 6 months. 

Keywords: Stresses, tissue culture, fruit plants, vegetable plants 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:zthuraia@gmail.com


62 
 

Flyash and biochar induce defense response 

activation against bacterial leaf spot in chili pepper 

 
A. Akhter1*, M. Asif1, H.  Khan2, W. Anwar1, M. Khurshid3 
1Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Plant Pathology, University of the 

Punjab, Lahore 54590 – Pakistan 
2Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Entomology, University of the 

Punjab, Lahore 54590 – Pakistan 
3School of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590 – 

Pakistan 

*E-mail: adnanakhter.iags@pu.edu.pk  

 

Abstract 

Biochar plays an important role in improving the plant growth and activating defense 

mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stresses. In our study, the focus was on the 

effect of biochar made from rice straw and flyash on plant growth and development 

of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria causing bacterial leaf spot in chilies. Chilli 

pepper plants were grown in different substrate compositions containing either only 

soil or amended with rice straw biochar (RSB) /and flyash at the rate of 3%, each. All 

of the soil substrate compositions received compost at the concentration of 20% as an 

organic nutrient source. Rice straw biochar had a positive effect on plant growth, in 

the form of increased root and shoot weight as compared to plants grown in flyash 

and only soil treatment. Moreover, RSB had shown a significant in vitro inhibitory 

effect on different pathogenic fungi and bacteria accounting for more than 50%. 

Disease severity and incidence were significantly minimized among the plants grown 

in RSB containing substrate as compared to other substrate compositions. Overall, our 

findings indicated a positive effect of RSB amendment on plant health, as well as by 

inducing a defense response in chilli plants against bacterial leaf spot. Biochar 

addition in soil not only improves its fertility but also helps in achieving long-lasting 

C sequestration goals. The ability of biochar to influence plant growth and defense 

pathways contributes towards its ability of disease suppression. 

Keywords: Environment protection, disease management, organic soil amendment, 

Biochar 

 

 

 

 

 

 

file:///C:/Users/ThaherTech/Downloads/adnanakhter.iags@pu.edu.pk


63 
 

Impact of conservation tillage and residue 

management on soil biological indicators in rice-

wheat cropping system of Pakistan 

 
S. Ali1*, A. Zahid1*, M. Ahmad2, A. Fatima3, W. Anwar4, T. Raza1, M. Arif1 and A. 

Ayub1 
1Department of Agronomy, University of the Punjab, Lahore 
2Department of Agronomy, Pir Mehr Ali Shah-Arid Agriculture University 

Rawalpindi.  
3Department of Environmental Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, 

Lahore 
4Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 

* E-mail: sajid.agronomy@pu.edu.pk  

 

Abstract 

Intensive tillage practices and burning of the residue decline the soil quality dynamics 

especially the soil biotic health along with other parameters. Conservation tillage and 

residue management are the promising sustainable strategies for improving the soil 

quality. A study to evaluate the impact of different tillage and residue management 

strategies on soil biotic health such as microbial biomass carbon (MBC) soil organic 

carbon (SOC) and metabolic quotient (qCO2), etc., were started in 2014 with the 

scenarios i) rice/wheat residue was burned and removed, ploughing of field 3–4 times 

and planked (SC-1); (ii) rice/wheat residues were chopped with straw chopper 

incorporated by disc plow, ploughing of field 2–3 times and planked (SC-2); (iii) rice 

residues were retained and wheat was planted with zero till (ZT) at 3–5 cm depth, 

whereas wheat residues were removed for non-puddled direct seeded rice sowing 

(SC-3); (iv) rice residue was retained and wheat was planted with ZT at 3–5 cm depth, 

while wheat residues were removed for transplanting puddled rice sowing (SC-4); (v) 

rice/wheat residues were retained and wheat/rice were planted with ZT drill at 3 to 5 

cm depth (SC-5) in rice wheat cropping systems.The results indicated that MBC, BSR, 

SOC and qCO2 increased by 24.6%, 13.98%,4.1% and -4% (negative value showed good 

efficiency) under conservation tillage whereas conventional tillage showed reduction 

i.e. 18.94% 10.3% 2.1%, 7.1% on the uppermost soil surface and decreased along with 

soil depth in all tillage and residue management practices. In conclusion, conservation 

practices have significant impact on soil biotic health. The adaption of climate smart 

technologies i.e., conservation tillage is need of time for sustainability of soil and 

environmental health of rice wheat cropping system. 

Keywords: Intensive tillage, soil quality, conservation tillage, soil microbial carbon, 

metabolic quotient and sustainable soil health 

 

mailto:sajid.agronomy@pu.edu.pk


64 
 

Production virus free plants of grapes and potato by 

meristem culture from infected plants 

 
K. ALmaarri1, R. Massa1, T. Abouzadan2, M. ALSameen1, and F. AL-Bisky2 
1Horticultural Dept, Faculty of Agriculture, P.O.Box. 30621, Damascus University, 

Syria 
2National Commission for Biotechnology, P.O.Box. 31902, Syria 

* E-mail: kmaarri@yahoo.com 

 

Abstract 

In this study, more than 30 viruses infect potato and potato virus virus Y (PVY) is one 

of the most common and destructive viruses. Meristem length 300 micrometer were 

exised from infected potato plants of Binella cultivar, and cultured on solidified MS 

medium. Virus infection in in vitro plantlets was determined by (DAS-ELIZA). The 

result showed a good rate of virus free plants. The rate of PVY elimination was 

improved after Chemotherapy (37C for 40 days) and Chemotherapy (20mg/l of 

Ribaverin) combined with meristem tips. The virus (GLRav-3) Grapewine leafroll-

associated virus is the most common and destructive viruses found in grapes in the 

south of Syria. Meristems length 300 micrometer were exised from infected grape 

plants of Halwany cultivar, and cultured on medium containing 1/2MS plus 30g/l 

sucrose, 0.5mg/l BAP. The virus status of in vitro plantlets were detected by (DAS-

ELIZA). Several treatment were tested in order to improve the virus elimination 

percentage. The best rate (87%) of the virus elimination was obtained by using 

Ribaverin (20 mg L-1)combined with meristem tips.  

Keywords: Ribavirin, tissue culture, grape wine, chemotrheropy  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

kmaarri@yahoo.com


65 
 

Cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus on different 

agricultural residues 

 
W. Anwar  

Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan 

E-mail: waheedanwar.dpp@pu.edu.pk 

 

Abstract 

Edible mushrooms have been used for their nutritional and commercial value since 

ages. Among 3000 edible mushrooms, Pleurotus oystreatus is one of the most cultivated 

in Asian countries due to the suitability of the environment and easy cultivation 

techniques using different agricultural waste materials. In this study, we used three 

agricultural wastes as substrates viz., rice, wheat and cotton straw in 9:8:7 ratio along 

with four supplements viz., bread waste, tea waste, banana peel and biochar in 1:2:3 

ratio, with the control of rice, wheat and cotton straw without supplements. Fresh and 

dry weight of mushrooms was calculated to check the moisture content of mushroom 

bodies being produced on any of the used substrates. Among the used supplements 

in three substrates, all of the supplements provided a good source of nutritional add 

up to mushroom bodies by giving the growth in each cultivation bag with no 

significant difference. The moisture content of mushrooms collected from these 

combination series also gave positive results with fluctuating readings in first, second 

and third flushes. However, in the substrates without addition of supplements, rice 

remained on the top for having high fresh and dry weight of cultivated mushroom. 

For moisture content, cotton without supplements provided the lowest reading for 

retention of moisture content which is the ultimate goal of storage of mushrooms. 

Keywords: Organic waste, mushroom production, eco-friendly, oyster 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:waheedanwar.dpp@pu.edu.pk


66 
 

The role of allelopathy in organic weed management 

in field crops 

 
Z. Cheema 

Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan 

E-mail: cheemaza@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Continuous and excessive pesticide usage is posing severe environmental threats and 

health hazards for humans. This is also causing changes of weed flora and 

development of herbicide resistant weed biotypes in field crops. Managing the 

emergence of new of new weed biotypes requires innovative tools. Allelopathy, a 

naturally occurring phenomenon in agricultural ecosystems, has been evaluated as a 

possible alternative to chemical weed management and growth promotion. We have 

extensively explored the potential allelopathic plants including sunflower, sorghum, 

mulberry, rice, maize, brassica, eucalyptus and moringa for organic weed 

management and growth enhancement in field crops in a series of studies. Allelopathy 

has been employed through intercropping, crop rotations, mulching and plant water 

extracts for weed management and plant water extracts for growth promotion. We 

have proved that, if wisely planned, allelopathy offers a pragmatic option for weed 

management and growth promotion in field crops. In agricultural systems, crop 

rotations are practiced to reduce the ill effects of monocultures, but the subsequent 

crop may be affected by the allelochemicals released by the preceding one. Therefore, 

allelopathic nature of the crops must be considered while making the crop rotations. 

Keywords: Allelopathy, crop rotation, weed management, agriculture crops 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:cheemaza@gmail.com


67 
 

A distinct strain of Chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus 

isolated from begomovirus infected cotton induced 

downward leaf curling leading to cup shape 

structures in Nicotiana benthamiana  

 
M. Haider 

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab Lahore Pakistan 

E-mail:  haider65us@yahoo.com 

 

Abstract 

Cotton leaf curl disease in the Indian subcontinent is associated with several distinct 

begomoviruses that interact with a disease-specific DNA satellite named Cotton leaf 

curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB). However, we isolated the distinct strain (L) of 

leafhopper transmitted chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus, CpCDV-L (genus Mastrevirus, 

family Geminiviridae) from cotton plants affected by leaf curl disease in a small number 

of plants. The question as to whether CpCDV-L contributes to the development of 

disease symptoms such as leaf curling and enations remains to be answered. Standard 

methods were used to produce partial direct and tandem repeat constructs of CpCDV-

L for Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation in the binary vector pBIN19. The role of 

CpCDV-L in the induction of typical disease symptoms was studied by Agrobacterium-

mediated inoculation of the partial repeat construct into Nicotiana benthamiana. 

CpCDV-L induced downward leaf curling leading to cupping in N. benthamiana.  

Keywords: Geminiviradae, Mastrevirus, betasatellite, CpCDV 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

haider65us@yahoo.com


68 
 

Comparative toxicity of biorational insecticides 

against the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum and 

the rusty grain beetle Cryptolestes ferrugineus 
 

 

H. Khan 

Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, 

Lahore, University of the Punjab 

E-mail: azhar.iags@pu.edu.pk 

 

Abstract 

Increased environmental pollution and hazards to public health associated with the 

use of conventional insecticides necessitate the need to explore biorational insecticides 

for the management of insect pests. Thhis study was conducted to evaluate the 

relatively safe biorational insecticides against two notorious pests of stored grains, the 

red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum and the rusty grain beetle Cryptolestes ferrugineus, 

to determine their susceptibility to selected chemicals. The toxicity of eight biorational 

insecticides Abamectin, Emamectin Benzoate, Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid, 

Thiamethoxam, Indoxacarb, Fipronil and Spinosad was reviewed by diet 

incorporation method. All insecticides were evaluated for their toxicity at various 

concentrations. Mortality of the insects was dose-dependent, and Spinosad was 

proved to be the most effective insecticide against C. ferrugineus, with 100 percent 

mortality at the lowest concentration of 1 ppm. Thiamethoxam displayed maximum 

mortality against T. castaneum at 4 ppm. Overall results affirmed the less susceptibility 

of T. castaneum as compared to C. ferrugineus against most of the insecticides used in 

the current study. 

Keywords: Toxicity, pesticides, beetles, chemicals 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:azhar.iags@pu.edu.pk


69 
 

Molecular approaches associated with resistance in 

crop plants: Markers and transcriptome ‐ proteomics 
strategies and applications 

 
M. Nasr-Esfahani1*, and N. Abbasi2 
1Plant Protection Research Department, Esfahan Agriculture and Natural Resource 

Research and Education Center, Esfahan, AREEO, Iran. 
2Plant Pathology Department, College of Agriculture, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic 

Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran. 

*Email for correspondence: mne2011@gmail.com; m.nasr@areeo.ac.ir  

 

Abstract 

The steady growth of the worldwide population necessitates a substantial increase in 

crop productivity. Improvement of disease resistance in crops has great potential to 

increase productivity by preventing the huge losses caused by the plant pathogens. 

On the other hand, the most modern varieties, which have been selected for 

enhancement of yield values, are relatively more susceptible to pathogens under high 

fertilizer inputs. In addition, new pathogen variants often cause an increased threat to 

crops. Thus, the level of understanding reached in the genetics and molecular 

mechanisms of plant pathogen interaction and stress response, as well as the variety 

of new approaches tested and biotechnologies discovered, have made the past two 

decades of research and development a very exciting period in the field of plant biotic 

stress control. Success stories like the production and commercialization of resistant 

plants, and today’s availability of powerful molecular techniques, such as genomics 

and proteomics, have elicited studies that pursue their final objective of increasing 

plant stress resistance by investigating the plant stress response. While less work has 

been done on the dual role of particular genes covering resistance to more than a 

disease at a time. However, the stress control methods which have been investigated 

or postulated to date are, in most cases, of general significance and could be readily 

applied to commercial plants in the near future. This talk briefly reviews some of the 

most interesting molecular approaches to controlling biotic stresses, with particular 

attention to fungal pathogens and cereal cyst nematodes. Additionally, investigation 

of the alterations in transcript activity of the defense-related genes and enzymes opens 

a new trend in research on defense signaling pathways and crop defense responses. 

Further, the molecular basis of crop resistance and shed new light on the interaction 

and overlap between different forms of biotic stress. 

Keywords: Molecular markers, fungi, nematodes, wheat, pepper  

 

 

mne2011@gmail.com;%20m.nasr@areeo.ac.ir%20


70 
 

Management of fruit flies through chemosterilant bait 

and microbial natural pesticides  

 
S. Saeed1*, M. Hasnain1, U. Naeem-Ullah1 and S. Ullah2 
1Institute of Plan Protection, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, 60000, Punjab, 

Pakistan 
2Department of Horticulture, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, 60000, Punjab, 

Pakistan 

*E-mail: shafqat.saeed@mnsuam.edu.pk  

 

Abstract 

Fruit flies are harmful economic pests that infect a broad range of fruits and vegetables 

across the world due to their high reproductive capacity, polyphagous nature, host 

range, mobility, and environmental adaptability. Traditional management methods 

are no longer viable due to the massive fly populations, pesticide resistance, pest 

outbreak, environmental risks and health hazard residues. This study was conducted 

to evaluate the chemosterilizing and mortality factors by using a combination of 

exclusion experiments. Infection through chemosterilant and entomopathogenic fungi 

has also been demonstrated to reduce fruit fly fecundity, fertility, adult emergence 

and mortality that can contribute to fruit fly suppression in the long-term. 

Pyriproxyfen, novaluron, lufenuron, buprofezin, and flubendiamide (50-300 ppm/ 5 

mL diet) were tested in oral bioassays against the newly emerged Beauveria zonata 

under lab conditions. The results showed that fecundity and adult emergence is higher 

at low doses and vice versa. Among the investigated chemicals, lufenuron induced 

the lowest fecundity 31.05% and the lowest adult emergence rate of 19.85% at 300 

ppm/5 mL of treated diet. Whereas in crosses between treated males with treated 

females, lufenuron treatment resulted in the lowest fecundity (45.52%) and adult 

emergence rate (51.73%) as compared to other crosses. Generation-wise reduction 

percentage observed in G1, G2 and G3 was 54.69, 24.47 and 11.51% respectively. 

Pathogenicity of B. bassiana showed 4-6% larval mortality and the pupal survival was 

reduced by 87-92% on the sand substrate and caused malformation. 

Keywords: Chemosterilant technique, pathogenicity, induced sterility, fecundity, 

adult emergence  
 

 

 

 

 

shafqat.saeed@mnsuam.edu.pk%20


71 
 

Genome-wide identification and characterization of 

WRKY transcription factor gene family in Citrus 

reticulata and its response against various biotic and 

abiotic stresses 

 
M. Shafiq 

Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the 

Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan 

*E-mail: shafiq.iags@pu.edu.pk 

 

Abstract 

WRKY is an important group of transcription factors (TrFs) gene family and was 

identified primarily in plants. WRKY TrFs play vital roles in modulating gene 

expression during several biotic and abiotic stresses, senescence and different 

hormone responses. The DNA-binding domain of these proteins is a conserved hepta-

peptide sequence WRKYGQK. Although the Mandarin Citrus (Citrus reticulata) 

genome has been published but functional studies are still necessary to understand 

Mandarin Citrus. The mining of C. reticulata genome identify 46 CrWRKY genes that 

are classified into three main groups (G1-G3) with five subclasses (IIa–IIe) in G2, and 

all were present on 29 different scaffolds representing numerous segmental 

duplication (100%) events. Through multiple sequence analysis, it is predicted that 

WRKYGQK domain and metal chelating zinc-finger motif C2H2 is present in 45 genes 

while WRKYGQK domain is replaced with WRKYGKK only in CrWRKY20. 

Comparative relationship of CrWRKY with other plant species using dual synteny 

analysis revealed that the divergence between C. reticulata and C. grandis occurred 

after the divergence of C. clementine, C. sinensis, C. medica and C. ichangensis.  Cis 

elements of CrWRKY genes provide information about their significant role in cold 

stress in C. reticulata. The transcriptome analysis from previously generated RNA seq 

data, indicated that CrWRKY gene play critical role in different organs and tissues of 

plants under various biotic as well as abiotic stresses. 

Keywords: Characterization, transcription factors, biotic factors, abiotic factors 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:shafiq.iags@pu.edu.pk


72 
 

Food webs and date palm agro-ecological 

community characteristics 

 
K.S. Shameer 1*, T. Almandhari2,3 and I. Hardy1 
1Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Viikki Campus, P.O. 

Box 27 (Latokartanonkaari 5), FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland 
2School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, UK 
3Department Plant Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Wealth & Water 

Resources, Oman 

* E-mail: drshameer.ks@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Understanding the inter-organism interactions in ecological communities allows 

assessment, and even prediction, of how communities respond to natural and 

anthropomorphic impacts. The trophic interrelationships of invertebrates within a 

community often form an extensive feeding web composed of several trophic levels. 

Food webs, or trophic webs, can be constructed directly from empirical field studies 

or, alternatively, by using literature records to map all the trophic interrelationships 

in natural and agro-ecosystems. For terrestrial communities, this includes the plants, 

herbivores and the complex of natural enemies associated with these herbivores. The 

food webs that were recently constructed for coconut palm and date palm agro-

ecosystems infer large-scale community ecology consequences of shared and non-

shared natural enemies, such as the relative importance of direct and apparent 

competition. The plant-insect community characteristics of date palm agro-ecosystem 

can be explained with emphasis on the prospects of better pest management strategies 

against Lesser Date Moth, Batrachedra amydraula Meyrick.  

Keywords: Date palm, agro-ecosystems, pest management, Batrachedra amydraula 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:drshameer.ks@gmail.com


73 
 

Effect of aqueous extract of hanzal (Citrullus 

coloynthis L.), senemeka (Senna alexandrina Mill) 

and ummjelajel (Aristolochia bracteolate L.) on the 

leaf miners (Liriomyza spp.) on the snake melon crop 

 
 M. Younis, F. Salah* and A. Eisa   

University of Gezira, Sudan 

*E-mail: faizaruba2@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Due to ecological imbalance and hazards caused by insecticides use, plant products or 

plant extracts were suitable alternative to pesticides. This study was conducted to 

evaluate the effect of water extracts of Hanzal (Citrullus coloynthis L.), Ummjelajel 

(Aristolochia bracteolate L.) and Sennameka (Senna alexandrina Mill) on vegetable leaf 

miners (Liriomyza spp.) infesting snake melon. Snake melon plots were sprayed weekly 

with water extracts of hanzal, sennameka and ummjelajel at 10% concentration (w/v) 

and control was sprayed by water with molasses and gum Arabic. The infestation 

percentage on leaves and mean number of active mines were counted twice weekly. 

The aqueous extracts of hanzal, sannemeka and ummjelajel reduced the infestation 

and number of active mines significantly compared to control. No significant 

differences between hanzal, sannameka and ummjelajel. Hanzal had lower mean 

percentage leaf infestation followed by sannameka and ummjelajel (season one). 

Hanzal recorded lower number of active mines in season two followed by Sannemeka. 

Also Hanzal recorded the least number of active mines than Sannameka, season two. 

From this study it is recommended to use Hanzal at 10% w/v for control of leaf miner 

species on snake melon crop.   

Keywords: Aqueous extract, Ccitrullus coloynthis, senemeka, ummjelajel, snake 

melon. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:faizaruba2@gmail.com


74 
 

Arthropod diversity as protection against outbreaks 

of insect pests 

 
S. Venn 

Department of Invertebrate Zoology & Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology & 

Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90 237, Łódź, Poland.  

E-mail: Stephen.venn@helsinki.fi  

 

Abstract 

Arthropods comprise a speciose and diverse group of organisms. In recent years, 

there has been increasing awareness that many arthropod taxa have declined 

dramatically during the Anthropocene. In many parts of the temperate region in 

particular, there is considerable concern that declines in insect and arthropod 

diversity are already having a negative impact on the provision of essential 

ecosystem services, such as pollination in particular. One possible impact of 

declining insect diversity is an increase in outbreaks of pest species, many of which 

also benefit from global warming. In some sectors, there have been large-scale 

initiatives to enhance biodiversity at local levels, to improve the provision of 

ecosystem services and Nature-based Solutions. Agro-ecology, for instance, has 

brought the introduction of beetle banks and wildflower strips in agricultural 

environments. The purpose of these is to provide supplementary habitat for 

pollinating insects, ensuring provision of pollination to crops, and also to maintain 

populations of predatory arthropods, to control phytophagous pests and prevent 

outbreaks. Ecosystem homogeneity tends to increase vulnerability to pest outbreaks, 

whereas heterogeneity and ecological complexity, such as presence of communities 

of parasitoids and hyperparasitoids should enhance resilience to pests. Unlike mos t 

of the temperate region, Oman represents a biodiversity hotspot, with diverse 

assemblages of arthropods and plants. The high level of biodiversity should ensure 

the potential to maintain a high level of resilience. At locations affected by ecological 

homogenization, there should be good potential for supporting beneficial taxa for 

the provision of biocontrol.Keywords: Anthropocene, biocontrol, ecosystem 

services, nature-based solutions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen.venn@helsinki.fi%20


75 
 

Oral Presentations: Plant Pathology  

 

 

Efficacy of green synthesized silver-based 

nanomaterials against early blight of tomato caused 

by Alternaria Solani 

 
M. Usman1, M. Atiq1*, N. Rajput1, S. Sahi1, M. Shad2, S. Iqbal1, A. Arif1, A. Nawaz1 
1Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan 38000. 
2School of Biological Sciences, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. 

*E-mail: dratiqpp@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Tomato production is significantly harmed by the interruption of fungal diseases. 

Alternaria solani is responsible for substantial yield losses in tomato crops grown in 

greenhouse and field conditions. Silver based green synthesized nanomaterials 

(AgNMs) are reported as best performers in various agricultural applications and 

proposed to be best alternatives in plant disease management. Two green based 

AgNMs at three different concentrations were evaluated against the incidence of A. 

solani and on the components of antioxidant defense system of tomato plants. Results 

of current study indicated that the application of green based AgNMs reduced the 

disease incidence of A. solani with significant increase in tomato production, ascorbate 

(ascorbic acid), photosynthetic pigments, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in the 

leaves of inoculated plants as compared to healthy ones. It is concluded that the 

application of green based AgNMs may be a viable approach for the management of 

early blight of tomatoes. 

Keywords: Solanum lycopersicum, early blight, nanotechnology, management 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:dratiqpp@gmail.com


76 
 

Estimation of green synthesized silver and copper 

nano-particles for the management of leaf spot 

caused by Curvularia Lunata on brinjal 

 
M. Atiq1*, I. Naeem2, N. Rajput1, S. Sahi1, M. Usman1, S. Iqbal1, A. Nawaz1, H. 

Ahmad1  
1Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, 

Faisalabad, Pakistan. 
2Department of Botany, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Agriculture, 

Faisalabad, Pakistan.   
*E-mail: dratiqpp@gmail.com  

 

Abstract 

Plant-derived nanostructures have revolutionized the arena of nanotechnology and 

“green” synthesis of nanostructures with strong characteristics is great challenge for 

researchers. In the present study, CuNPs and AgNPs along with their complex 

utilizing Moringa oleifera plant extract as reducing and stabilizing agent were 

synthesized. Different concentrations (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75%) of these nanoparticles 

were applied using Poisoned food technique to evaluate antifungal activity against 

Curvularia lunata in vitro, as well as in vivo to check the efficacy of exogenously applied 

nanoparticles to control against Curvularia leaf spot of brinjal for better outcomes and 

eco-friendly management. Under in vitro conditions, [Cu-Ag] NPs complex expressed 

maximum inhibition (13.862) comparatively to CuNPs with growth inhibition (21.809) 

and AgNPs with minimum growth inhibition (23.315); however, control showed 

maximum fungal growth (38.647). Under field conditions, spray with [Cu-Ag] NPs 

complex expressed determined reduction in disease intensity at different days’ 

interval (7, 14, 21) with infection index value (16.183, 13.217 and 10.657) followed by 

CuNPs with infection index value (27.717, 24.740, 20.907) and AgNPs with infection 

index value (33.147, 29.153, 25.743) as compared with control showed maximum 

fungal growth with infection index value (35.243, 38.393, 40.750). The present research 

aimed to highlight the biosynthesized CuNPs and AgNPs as biological control against 

Curvularia leaf spot of brinjal.  

Keywords: Green nanotechnology, Curvularia lunata, nanoparticles, Moringa oleifera 

 

 

 

 

dratiqpp@gmail.com%20


77 
 

Evaluation of chemicals and plant defense activators 

against red rot of sugarcane caused by 

Colletotrichum Falcatum 

 
A. Nawaz, M. Atiq*, S. Sahi, N. Rajput, M. Usman, S. Iqbal, G. Kachelo and H. 

Ahmed 

Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan 

*E-mail: ahmadnawazmohsin@gmail.com  

 

 

Abstract 

Red rot of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) caused by Colletotrichum falcatum is 

considered as the most destructive disease in many sugarcane growing countries. C. 

falcatum may decrease weight of cane by up to 29% and sugar loss by 31%. In this 

study, nine commercial fungicide formulations were tested in lab conditions: Shincar 

exhibited minimum fungal growth (4.13) followed by Nativo (15.62), Amister Top 

(26.19), Topsin M (37.64), Ridomil Gold (45.19), Allite (52.49), Score (59.44), Antracol 

(67.71) and Rovral (76.81) as compared to control. In green house Salicylic acid + 

KH2PO4 exhibited minimum disease incidence (10.40) followed by Salicylic acid spray 

(13.92) and KH2PO4 spray (20.25) as compared to control. In field Carbendazim spray 

exhibited minimum disease incidence (10.10) followed by Salicylic acid spray (21.60), 

carbendazim + Salicylic acid+ KH2PO4 drench (32.17), KH2PO4 spray (43.62), 

Carbendazim drench (51.19), Salicylic acid drench (58.49), KH2PO4 drench (65.52), 

Coragen (Chlorantraniliprole) drench (74.297) and micro-nutrients spray (82.854) as 

compared to control. Under lab conditions, shincar showed best result while in green 

house Salicylic acid+ KH2PO4 and in field condition carbendazim showed the best 

results. 

Keywords: Incidence, destructive disease, salicylic acid, fungicides, biofuel 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ahmadnawazmohsin@gmail.com%20


78 
 

Antifungal potential of essential oils for the 

management of early blight of potato (Alternaria 

Solani L.) 

 
M. Subhani* and A. Hassan  

Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the 

Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, 54590 

*Email for correspondence: nasirsubhani.iags@pu.edu.pk 

 

Abstract 

Potato is the most important vegetable crop grown worldwide. One of the most 

destructive foliar potato diseases in the world is early blight incited by Alternaria 

solani. Although it has been shown that a variety of chemicals can effectively manage 

the disease, ongoing use of these agrochemicals for disease control may result in 

toxicity to those organisms which are not the primary targets. This this study, the 

essential oils like black seed, carom, cinnamon, clove, lemon, and linseed oils at 

different concentrations (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 µg/L) were used check the 

growth inhibition of A. solani. Black seed oil reduced fungal growth by 73, 52, 38, 25 

and 12 percent, respectively. Linseed has reduced the fungal growth by 80, 61, 45, 26 

and 9 percent, respectively. Lemon oil has reduced the fungal growth by 66, 48, 35, 21 

and respectively. Clove oil has reduced the fungal growth by 73, 59, 46, 28 and 10 

percent, respectively. Carom oil significantly reduced the fungus growth by 75, 59, 49, 

30 and 10, respectively. Cinnamon oil reduced fungal growth by 72, 48, 38, 23 and 9 

percent, respectively. This study proved that control of this plant pathogen is possible 

through the use of essential rather than chemicals. This strategy can also help to 

decrease number of fungicides used, so lowering risks and dangers to environment 

and human health, particularly when used on vegetables grown for fresh 

consumption.  

Keywords: Early blight of potato, essential oils, fungicides 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

nasirsubhani.iags@pu.edu.pk


79 
 

Mushroom biodiversity in Oman 

 
S. Hussain 1,2,*, M. Al-Kharousi 2, M. Al-Muharabi 2,3, D. Al-Maqbali 2, Z. Al-Shabibi 

2, A. Al-Balushi 2, M. Al-Yahya'ei 2, N. Al Saady 2, R. Velazhahan 1 and A. Al-Sadi 1 
1Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan 

Qaboos University, PO Box 34, AlKhoud 123, Sultanate of Oman  

2Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Center (Mawarid), Ministry of Higher 

Education, Research and Innovation, P.O. Box 515, P.C. 123, Muscat, 

Sultanate of Oman   
3Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care & Research Center, P.O. Box 566, P.C. 

123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 
4Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, P.O. 

Box 36, P.C. 123, Sultanate of Oman 

*E-mail: shahpk85@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Mushrooms are a diverse group of macrofungi that possess unique sporocarps. 

Approximately, more than 30,000 species of mushrooms have been reported 

worldwide. Most of these species belong to Agaricomycotina, a subphylum in 

Basidiomycota. During the macrofungal exploration in the year 2018, about 100 

samples of mushrooms were collected in different regions of Dhofar, located in the 

south of Oman. These samples were characterized morphologically and 

phylogenetically, representing 30 species, belonging to 22 genera and 15 families of 

Agaricomycotina. Among these mushrooms, some are economically important edible 

mushrooms such as Termitomyces schimperi and Pleurotus opuntiae. Other mushrooms, 

like Ganoderma mbrekobenum, Coriolopsis caperata, and Lentinus tigrinus have proven 

industrial applications. Similarly, five species are reported and described as new to 

science. It seems that southern and northern Oman where considerable rainfalls occur 

during summer and spring could influence the emergence of various mushrooms. 

These mushrooms could be utilized in different industries such as food, medicine, 

nutraceuticals, biofertilizers, etc. 

 

Keywords: Agaricaceae, agaricus phylogeny, desert mushrooms, taxonomy 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:shahpk85@gmail.com


80 
 

Establishment of two Sudanese isolates of Beauveria 

Bassiana in date palm seedlings as a prerequisite for 

prophylactic protection against pests and diseases 

 
H. Yousif1, E. Edriess2,3, M. Ali2* 
1Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Alsalam University, Al-

Fulah, Sudan 
2Department of Plant Protection and Environmental Studies. Faculty of Agriculture, 

Al Zaiem Al Azhari University, Khartoum North, Sudan. 
2Department of Bio pesticides and Bio fertilizers- Environment and Natural Resources 

and Desertification Research Institute, P.O. Box 6096, Khartoum, Sudan 

* E-mail: fataloope@yahoo.com 

 

Abstract 

Endophytic fungi, which live within host plant tissues asymptomatically, are 

important mediators of plant-herbivore interactions. We tested the ability of two 

isolates of Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus, to colonize the seedlings 

of date palm (cv. Mejdhool) using fungal spore suspensions applied as foliar spray, 

injection and soil drench. The two isolates of B. bassiana successfully established inside 

the aforementioned seedlings via all colonization techniques which were used. Mean 

of recovery was calculated by cutting the leaves of the treated plant and culturing it 

on selective media. The mean of establishment of the three colonization techniques for 

recovery after 6 months were as follows 95.00±9 and 100.00±0.00 in case of spray 

method for isolate E and M, respectively. For injection, the records were 75.00±17.73 

and 87.50±14.88 for E and M, respectively. For drench, 40.00±15.12 and 60.00±18.52 for 

E and M, respectively.In all treatments, the uninoculated control registered 0.00±0.00. 

The study was continued for one year recording declining in establishment in second 

half of the year in all treatment and all protocols. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) 

images of the treated leaf surface revealed that numerous conidia were present inside 

the plant tissues. SEM images of inner surface of treated leaf epidermis showed the 

spores and hyphae of the fungus. This work was carried out to establish the fungus in 

the plant hoping that this fungus would protect the plant against pests and diseases.  

Keywords: Date palm, Beauveria bassiana, endophyte, pests  

 

 

 

 

 

fataloope@yahoo.com


81 
 

Natural increase of pectobacterium soft-rot disease 

by Pseudomonas Azotoformans, a carrot endophytic 

bacterium  

 
F. Ansari1, R. Khakvar1 and R. Mokarram2 
1Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, 

Iran 
2Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of 

Tabriz, Iran 
*E-mail: khakvar@tabrizu.ac.ir 

 

Carrot is one of the main agricultural crops in northwest Iran. In recent years, the 

bacterial soft-rot disease has gradually become a big issue for carrot production in this 

region. The current study was conducted to find the main causal agent of this disease. 

Suspected soft-rot tuber samples were collected from the infected farms and 

warehouses. After bacteria isolation and purification, the isolates were examined by 

biochemical and molecular assays. In total, over 50 bacterial isolates with soft-rot 

capability were isolated and stored. The results confirmed that Pectobacterium 

carotovorum subsp. carotovorum is the main and prevalent causative agent for this 

disease in the area. But all severe P. carotovorum infections were associated with 

infection with a Pseudomonas azotoformans strain with low pectolytic capability. In the 

in vitro assay, severe soft-rot symptoms could be seen in the synchronous inoculation 

with both P. carotovorum and Pseudomonas strains while single inoculation with P. 

carotovorum strains had moderate disease severity. It seems that this recent rising soft-

rot epidemy in the region is the result of an association or mix-infection between P. 

carotovorum and P. azotoformans. 

Keywords: Potato, mix infection, epidemy, warehouse, northwest Iran 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:khakvar@tabrizu.ac.ir


82 
 

Pathogenicity and genetic diversity of Pythium 

species associated with damping-off of cucumbers in 

Oman 

 
I. Al-Mahmooli1,2*, A. Al-Sadi1, R. Velazhahan1, M. Finckh2, A. Šišić2 and S. Hussain1  
1Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan 

Qaboos University, Al-Khod, Muscat 123, Oman 
2Faculty Organic Agricultural Sciences, Kassel University, Fachbereich 11 - Fachgebiet 

Ökologischer Pflanzenschutz Nordbahnhofstraße1a D-37213 Witzenhausen, 

Germany 

E-mail: issah@squ.edu.om  

 

Abstract  

A total of 166 isolates of Pythium spp. were recovered from 282 soil and root samples 

collected from cucumber roots and rhizosphere soil of 10 Governorates of Oman, from 

July 2019 to July 2020. Based on ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer 

(ITS) regions, 4 species of Pythium were identified. Pythium aphanidermatum was the 

most abundant species (86.75 %), followed by P. spinosum (10.24 %), P. myriotylum (1.2 

%) and P. splendens (0.6 %). Pathogenicity to cucumber of 34 isolates including P. 

aphanidermatum (26) P. spinosum (8), P. splendens (1) and P. myriotylum (1) was tested. 

P. aphanidermatum, P. spinosum and P. myriotylum developed symptoms of damping-

off with a range of 86.7 to 100%, while P. splendens was avirulent. Tolerance tests of 15 

isolates of P. aphanidermatum to hymexazol (0, 10, 100 and 1000 µL L-1) revealed that 

this species could grow in the presence of up to 100 µL L-1hymexazol while growth 

was inhibited at 1000 µL L-1with P. aphanidermatum Br010 from Al Buraimi, exhibiting 

the highest level of tolerance followed by Br013. Phylogenetic analyses were 

conducted based on the sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and COI 

(cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) genes. Pythium species were separated into different 

clades based on similarities to ITS and COI. Amplified fragment length polymorphism  

fingerprinting among 93 strains of P. aphanidermatum produced 93 genotypic features 

and 781 polymorphic loci. Overall, genetic diversity of P. aphanidermatum populations 

in the country was low (H=0.1101). Analysis of molecular variance (Fst= 0.11435) 

revealed gene flow and a moderate level of genetic variability among P. 

aphanidermatum populations. It is concluded that P. aphanidermatum is the most 

prevalent species, mainly involved in damping-off disease of cucumbers in the 

greenhouses in Oman. Most of these isolates exhibited differences in susceptibility to 

fungicide and showed no resistance to hymexazol.  

Keywords: Cucumis sativus, damping-off, Phythium spp., genetic variability, 

hymexazol 

 

 

issah@squ.edu.om%20


83 
 

Isolation, identification, and application of 

actinobacterial strains for controlling sudden decline 

syndrome of date palm in UAE 

 
K. Al-wahshi1,2†, G. Purayil1†, E. Saeed3, H. Abufarajallah1, S. Aldhaheri1, S. 

AbuQamar1* and K. El-Tarabily1,3,4* 
 

1Research Station Section, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Abu 

Dhabi, United Arab Emirates  
2Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab 

Emirates  
3Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, United Arab Emirates 

University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates 
4Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia 

E-mail: khawla.alwahshi@adafsa.gov.  

 

Abstract  

Date palm is a traditional tree in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Arabian 

Gulf region. These trees suffer from serious diseases, including sudden decline 

syndrome (SDS). The fungal pathogen Fusarium solani was associated with SDS on 

date palms in the UAE. This study was carried out to isolate and identify native 

actinobacterial strains isolated from the rhizosphere of date palm and evaluate their 

potentiality to produce antifungal metabolites, cell-wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) 

and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase (ACCD). Two most 

inhibitory isolates in virto, namely Streptomyces tendae UAE1 (St) and Streptomyces 

violaceoruber UAE1 (Sv), were determined as promising biocontrol agents (BCAs). 

Both isolates showed antagonism under greenhouse conditions, the ACC deaminase-

producing Sv were significantly more effective in reducing the incidence and severity 

of SDS compared to ACC deaminase-non-producing St. The severity of symptoms in 

infested date palm seedlings were extremely reduced by Sv compared to St. On a scale 

of 5.0, the estimated disease severity indices in Fusarium solani-diseased seedlings 

were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced from 4.8 to 1.5 and 0.5 by St and Sv, respectively. 

The ACC levels of both the root and shoot tissues were significantly reduced in Sv + 

Fusarium solani seedlings to comparable levels of healthy seedlings. The ACC levels 

greatly increased in planta grown in soils infested with the pathogen alone or edited 

with St prior to F. solani infestation (St + Fs). This is the first findings demonstrate the 

effectiveness of rhizosphere actinobacterial BCAs in protection against SDS on date 

palm in the UAE and the other arid land.  

Keywords: Date palm, Fusarium solani, rhizosphere, sudden decline syndrome 

 

khawla.alwahshi@adafsa.gov


84 
 

Association of multiple begomoviruses with leaf curl 

disease of papaya trees in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 

 
Z. Khalid1, K. Hussain1,2, M. Amer1,3, M. Amir1, I. Al-Shahwan1, M. Al-Saleh1* 
1Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud 

University, Saudi Arabia.  
2Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University 

Faisalabad Pakistan. 

 3Viruses and Phytoplasma Research Department, Plant Pathology Research Institute, 

Agricultural Research Center, Egypt 

* E-mail: malsaleh@ksu.edu.sa  

 

Abstract 

Begomovirus is the largest genus in family Geminiviridae and includes more than 445 

virus species. Begomoviruses are characterized by single-stranded circular 

monopartite or bipartite genome and transmitted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). 

Begomoviruses cause severe disease in many economically important crops 

throughout the world. Typical disease symptoms of begomovirus including severe 

leaf curling, vein thickening, vein darkening and reduced leaf size were observed in 

papaya plants in the Dammam district of the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia during 

the summer of 2021. A total of 10 samples were collected. Total genomic DNAs were 

isolated from naturally infected papaya tree samples and subjected to PCR 

amplification using universal diagnostic primers for begomoviruses and associated 

satellites. Three PCR amplified genomic components of begomoviruses and 

betasatellite namely P61Begomo (645 bp), P62Begomo (341 bp) and P62Beta (563 bp) 

were sent for Sanger DNA sequencing to Macrogen Inc. These partial viral genome 

sequences were submitted to Genbank database and accession numbers ON206051, 

ON206052 and ON206050 were assigned to P61Begomo, P62Begomo and P62Beta 

respectively. Phylogenetic analysis and pairwise nucleotide sequence identity studies 

showed that P61Begomo was identified as Tomato yellow leaf curl virus, P62Begomo 

was identified as DNA A component of a bipartite begomovirus Watermelon chlorotic 

stunt virus and P62Beta was confirmed as begomovirus associated betasatellite; 

Cotton leaf curl Gezira betasatellite. T  

Keywords: Papaya, TYLCV, Betasatellite, WmCSV, CLCuGB 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:malsaleh@ksu.edu.sa


85 
 

Aphid/Whitefly-transmitted viruses-a global threat to 

cucurbit production 
 
K. Bananej  

Plant Virology Research Department, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, 

Agricultural Research, Education and Extension organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran. 

E-mail: k_bananej@yahoo.com 

 

Abstract 

Cucurbit crops are economically important for human nutrition, worldwideVarious 

plant viruses from different genera are currently threatening cucurbit crop production 

in the world. Aphid-transmitted viruses (ATVs) and whitefly-transmitted viruses 

(WTVs) have been expanded throughout the world and cause economically important 

diseases. Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) is a typical example of ATVs in 

cucurbits. Within a decade, ZYMV spread to all the major cucurbit cultivation areas 

worldwide. WTVs are also responsible for considerable yield losses and are typical 

examples of “emerging” viruses. Bemisia tabaci complex and Trialeurodes vaporariorum 

are vectors of WTVs. Most damaging whitefly-transmitted viruses (WTVs) include: 

begomoviruses (Geminiviridae), criniviruses (Closteroviridae), and torradoviruses 

(Secoviridae). The high rate of recombination may be contributing to the recent 

emergence of new virus diseases. Changes in the vector populations coupled with 

polyphagy and long distance movement of B. tabaci, may be involved in the emergence 

and establishment of WTVs in new regions. Climate change and global warming are 

of great concern to agriculture worldwide and are among the most discussed issues 

in today’s society. Insecticides are frequently used in ATVs and WTVs management 

programs, however, indiscriminate use has resulted in resistance development, and 

control failures have been reported from many parts of the world. Relaxation of 

quarantine regulations, intensification and diversification of agriculture with changes 

in cropping practices and cultivation of crops in new areas specifically with different 

climates are factors allowing the successful spread of ATVs and WTVs in the world.  

Keywords: Cucurbit crop, plant viruses, ATVs, WTVs 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:k_bananej@yahoo.com


86 
 

Current status and coat protein-based comparative In 

silico analysis of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus 

(ZYMV) infecting cucurbits in Pothwar, Pakistan 
    
M. Ahsan1, M. Ashfaq2*, M. Mehmood2, M. Shakeel3, M. Hamza2 
1Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences, University of Okara, Okara, 

Pakistan 
2Plant Pathology, Institute of Plant Protection, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University 

of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan 
3Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia      

University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan 

E-mail: mashfaq@mnsuam.edu.pk 

 

Abstract 

Cucurbits are major vegetable crop in Pakistan. Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) is 

one the main limiting factors that causes huge losses and is a menace to cucurbits not 

only in Pakistan but also worldwide. The present study was conducted to know the 

spread and variation of ZYMV isolates infecting cucurbits in Pothwar region of 

Pakistan using molecular techniques. Collected cucurbit samples were subjected to 

serological detection of tested potyviruses exhibited that ZYMV ranked first with 

35.2% disease incidence followed by Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) with 2.2% and 

Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) with 0.5% incidence during 2016. Whereas, ZYMV 

and WMV depicted higher disease incidence i.e., 39.7% and 2.4%, respectively and 

PRSV showed lower disease incidence i.e. 0.3% during 2017. Detected ZYMV isolates 

revealed 95.8-97.0% and 94.6-97.9% nucleotides identities among themselves and 

isolates retrieved from NCBI, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that four 

Pakistani ZYMV isolates clustered with Italian, Polish, and Chinese ZYMV isolates in 

one group while another isolate clustered with Egyptian isolates. Newly detected 

ZYMV isolate (MK848239) seems to be a recombinant of Pakistani and Italian isolates 

i.e., MK848237 and MK956829, respectively with recombination breakpoint between 

266 and 814 nucleotide position number as detected by recombination analysis. This 

study helped us to detect the recombinant viral strain with higher disease incidence 

across the Pothwar region that may result in colossal losses in the future. Therefore, 

screening of available germplasm against recombinant viral strain(s) to identify the 

resistant sources, will be helpful in future breeding programs.  

Keywords: ZYMV, WMV, PRSV, coat protein, in silico, potyviruses 

 

 

 

 

mailto:mashfaq@mnsuam.edu.pk


87 
 

Identification of tomato brown rugose fruit virus in 

tomato and current research in Palestine 

 
O. Al-abdallah1*, R. Alkownie2 and I. Abbassi3  
1National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) Ministry ofAgriculture, Palestine  
2Biology and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Science, An-Najah National 

University, Nablus, Palestine  
3Microbiology department, Al-Quds University, Palestine 

* E-mail: oalabdallah@gmail.com 

 

Abstract  

Tomato, a top cash crop, is infected by a number of viruses that cause drastic yield 

losses. Recently an unusual viral syndrome that resembled with that induced by 

tobacco mosaic virus has been observed in Northern Palestine. A study aimed at 

revealing the cause of the disease, identified the presence of a putatively undescribed 

tobamovirus. The virus genome was entirely sequenced and shown to be composed 

of 6391 nucleotides. Sequence analysis indicated that this virus is an isolate of tomato 

brown rugose fruit virus (TBRFV). This is the first time TBRFV was detected in 

Palestine on tomato and the name tomato brown rugose fruit virus-Palestinian isolate 

(TBRFV-Ps) is suggested. Molecular tools were developed for specific detection of the 

virus. Moreover, 15 different commercial tomato varieties were selected among those 

commonly cultivated by tomato farmers in Palestine to assess their tolerance to 

TBRFV infection. Upon inoculation with TBRFV, the typical viral symptoms appeared 

on all the different varieties. Plant samples were collected at different times during the 

growing period to assess and quantify TBRFV infection and confirm its sequence by 

NGS technology. These results will be used to assess the tolerance of the selected 15 

tomato varieties to the TBRFV and, consequently, advise the farmers.  

Keywords: Tomato, Tobamovirus, TBRFV, NGS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:oalabdallah@gmail.com


88 
 

Analysis of volatile organic compounds produced 

by antagonistic bacteria isolated from biofumigated 

soil 

 
D. Al-Daghari1*, A. Al-Sadi1, M. Al-Harrasi1, J. Al-Sabahi2 and R. Velazhahan1 
1Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan 

Qaboos University, Al-Khoud, Muscat 123, Sultanate of Oman  
2 Central Instrumentation Laboratory, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, 

Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud, Muscat 123, Sultanate of Oman 

*E-mail: s90142@student.squ.edu.om 

 

Abstract 

The bacterial antagonists viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa B1-SQU, Pseudomonas indica B2-

SQU, Serratia marcescens B3-SQU and Pseudomonas brenneri B4-SQU isolated from 

biofumigated soil which were found effective against Pythium aphanidermatum in in 

vitro dual culture assay were tested for their potential to produce volatile organic 

compounds (VOCs). The results of two-sealed-base-plates assay revealed that all the 

tested bacterial strains produced antimicrobial VOCs against P. aphanidermatum with 

the maximum inhibition with P. brenneri (B4-SQU) followed by S. marcescens B3-SQU, 

P. aeruginosa B1-SQU and Pseudomonas indica B2-SQU. The solid-phase 

microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis 

revealed that 1-Butanol, 3-methyl- and Disulfide, dimethyl were the major 

compounds in P. aeruginosa B1-SQU. The major compounds detected in P. indica B2-

SQU were 1-Butanol, 3-methyl-, Disulfide, dimethyl  and 1,2-Propanediamine. The 

major volatile compounds identified in S. marcescens B3-SQU were Disulfide, dimethyl 

and 1,2-Propanediamine. 1-Butanol, 3-methyl-, 1,2-Propanediamine and Disulfide, 

dimethyl were found as the major compounds in P. brenneri B4-SQU. The production 

of VOCs may be one of the modes of action of antagonistic bacterial strains to suppress 

P. aphanidermatum. 

Keywords: bacterial antagonists, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), P. 

aphanidermatum. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

s90142@student.squ.edu.om


89 
 

Plant nematodes associated with crop plants in 

Jazan Region, southwest of Saudi Arabia 

 
M. M. M. Mohamed 1, F. Al- Yahya2*, M. Yassin2,3, M. El-Qurashi2, Y. Gboyega2, and 

H. Yousif2 
1Plant Pathology Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt 
2Department of Plant Protection, Collage of Food & Agricultural Sciences, King Saud 

University, Riyadh. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  
3Department of Crop Protection, Collage of Agriculture, Khartoum University, 

Khartoum, Sudan. 

* E-mail: fayahya@ksu.edu.sa 

 

Abstract 

A survey of plant-parasitic nematodes genera associated with different crops in open 

fields in the Jazan region, Southwest of Saudi Arabia, including Jazan city and Jazan 

governorates locations (Abu-Arish, Sabya, Damad, Baysh, Fifa, Samtah, Uhud-Al 

Masarha) was carried out during the 2021- 2022 growing season. A total of 609 plant 

roots and rhizosphere soil samples were collected. Samples were extracted in the 

laboratory using Centrifugal-Flotation method for soil samples, direct examination of 

plant roots, and extracted nematodes were identified. The most fruit, vegetable and 

field crops were infected by root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) and other 

dominant genra were lesion nematodes (Pratylenchuszeae,), citrus nematodes 

(Tylenchulus semipenetrans), stunt nematodes (Tylenchorhynchus spp.), spiral nematode 

(Helichotylenchus spp.), lance nematodes (Hoplolaimus spp.), needle nematode 

(Longidorus spp.), dagger nematodes (Xiphinema spp.), stubby-root nematodes 

(Trichodorus spp.), reneformis nematodes (Rotylenchulus reniformis), ring nematodes 

(Criconemalla spp. and Cricoemiodes spp.). The previous plant-parasitic nematode 

genera associated with fruit crops including: mango, papaya, banana, fig, guava and 

citrus, and vegetable crops including tomato, okra, eggplant, and field crops including 

maize, sorghum, Rhodes grass and coffee tree. Most of these genera were recorded for 

the first time on plant hosts in the Governorates of Jazan. 

Keywords: Plant-parasitic nematodes, diversity, root, soil  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

mailto:fayahya@ksu.edu.sa


90 
 

Oral Presentations: Biocontrol of Postharvest pathogen  

 
Antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin 

B1 detoxification potential of Omani medicinal plants 
 

R. Velazhahan1*, A. Al-Sadi1, J. Al-Sabahi2, M.Waly3, S. Babu4 and K. Al-Farsi5 
1Sultan Qaboos University, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Department 

of Plant Sciences, Al-Khoud, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 
2Central Instrumentation Laboratory, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, 

Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud, Muscat 123, Sultanate of Oman 
3Sultan Qaboos University, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Department 

of Food Science and Nutrition, Al-Khoud, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 
4Sultan Qaboos University, College of Science, Central Analytical and Applied 

Research Unit, Al-Khoud, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 
5Oman Botanic Garden, Muscat, Oman 

*E-mail: velazhahan@squ.edu.om; 

 

Abstract 

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus 

and are common contaminants of several food commodities including groundnut, 

maize, rice, chilli and pistachios. More than 20 different types of aflatoxins have been 

described. Among them, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is highly toxic and most frequently found 

in food products. AFB1 is highly stable and heat-resistant and exhibits carcinogenic, 

mutagenic, teratogenic and immunosuppressive effects in humans and animals. The 

aflatoxigenic fungi invade the agricultural commodities at pre-harvest and/or post-

harvest stages and secrete aflatoxins under favourable conditions. Several strategies 

have been employed in order to minimize the levels of AFB1 in foods and feeds. 

Among them, detoxification has been considered as a promising strategy to reduce 

the risk of aflatoxin contamination of foods. Plant products are considered as a source 

of biologically safe, cost-effective and complementary approach for detoxification of 

aflatoxins. In an effort to identify medicinal plants for detoxification of AFB1 we 

observed that the aqueous extracts and/or essential oils of a few traditional medicinal 

plants of Oman including Heliotropium bacciferum, Ocimum dhofarense and Zataria 

multiflora were capable of degrading AFB1 in vitro. Furthermore, the essential oil of Z. 

multiflora showed direct antifungal activity against A. flavus. The alterations in the 

chemical structure of AFB1 upon treatment with the medicinal plant extracts/essential 

oils were elucidated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The 

biological toxicity of the degraded products of AFB1 was determined by using brine 

shrimp bioassay. The findings of this suggest the potential use of these Omani 

medicinal plants in detoxification of AFB1 in foods and feeds. 

Keywords: Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, aflatoxin B1, medicinal plant extracts 



91 
 

 

Antifungal activity of aqueous extract of Citrus 

paradisi seeds on Fusarium tricinctum of durum 

wheat (Triticum durum) 

 
L. Bendifallah  

University of Boumerdes, Boumerdes, Algeria 

Email for correspondence: leila.bendifallah@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Wheat cultivation is faced with many constraints, including fungal diseases. These are 

the cause of considerable grain yield loss. The causative agents of these diseases are 

mostly carried by the seed. The use (in seed treatment) of chemical pesticides is 

harmful to man and the environment. The use of nonpolluting biofungicides is 

necessary. This present work concerns the in vitro and in vivo study of the fungicidal 

effect of the aqueous extract of Citrus paradisi seed powder on Fusarium tricinctum of 

durum wheat Triticum durum. The in vitro results show that this extract has a strong 

inhibitory activity at a dose of 20%, 30% and 40% with an inhibition rate of 51.76%, 

57.64% and 67.5% respectively. This rate reaches 100% for the concentration of 50%, 

therefore the antifungal activity of the extract is highly effective. In in vivo mode, the 

antifungal effect is weak compared to the in vitro test. 

Keywords: Fungi, antifungal, leaf extract, wheat  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:leila.bendifallah@gmail.com


92 
 

Biological control of fusarium wilt of tomato by the 

application of Penicillium spp. and Chenopodium 

murale 

 
A. Javaid*, S. Naqvi, I. Khan 

Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the 

Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan 

*E-mail: arshad.iags@pu.edu.pk, arshadjpk@yahoo.com  

 

Abstract 

Fusarium wilt of tomato, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, is an 

economically important soil-borne disease of tomato especially in warmer regions of 

the world. Fungicides used to control this disease not only pollute the environment 

but also cause health hazards. In the present study, this disease was controlled by 

application of two antagonistic species of Penicillium, namely P. digitatum and P. 

expansum, and dry biomass of a weed Chenopodium murale as soil amendments. The 

antagonistic fungi and different doses of dry biomass of the weed (1%, 2% and 3%) 

were applied in pathogen inoculated pot soil either separately or in combinations. The 

highest disease incidence (100%) was recorded in positive control where only fungal 

pathogen was applied. While in combination of different treatments of soil 

amendments reduced disease incidence to 3–23%. The lowest disease incidence (3%) 

was recorded in 2% C. murale biomass + P. expansum treatment. All the soil amendment 

treatments significantly enhanced shoot and root growth as well as fruit yield as 

compared to positive control. The highest fruit biomass was recorded in 2% C. murale 

biomass + P. digitatum treatment. Among physioloagoical parameters, the highest 

activities of peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were 

recorded in the positive control. These enzymatic activities were significantly lowered 

when soil was amended with antagonistic fungi or C. murale biomass. Effect was more 

pronounced where C. murale biomass was applied either alone or combined with 

Penicillium spp. In conclusion, application of 2% C. murale biomass + P. digitatum has 

the potential to significantly reduce Fusarium wilt of tomato and enhance tomato 

growth and yield.  

Keywords: Biological control, fusarium wilt, tomato, Penicillium spp. 

 

 

 

 

 

arshad.iags@pu.edu.pk
arshadjpk@yahoo.com%20


93 
 

Biological control in Oman: Applications and 

potentials 
 

M. Al-Ansari 

Director of Nurseries and Plant Protection, Royal Courts Affairs, Oman  

E-mail: msansari@rca.gov.om 

 

Abstract 

Biological control, the most important pillar of organic farming, depends on natural 

organisms that act as agents to control pathogens and diseases. Biological control 

agents include parasites and predators, microbial pesticides from fungi, bacteria, 

viruses, nematodes, and protozoa, insect pheromones, pesticides extracted from 

plants, and plants genetically modified to resist pests. In Oman, the three primary 

biological control methods were implemented successfully in the field. First, 

introducing new natural enemies and establishing a permanent population, i.e. 

classical biological control, in 1984, the parasitoid wasp, Encarsia opulenta Silvestri, 

imported from USA (Florida) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) was introduced to target 

the citrus blackfly (CBF) Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), 

and during 1985, the coccinellid beetle, Chilocorus nigritus [Fabricius], was 

introduced from India in the south to target the coconut scale insect, Aspidiotus 

destructor Sign., (Homoptera: Diaspididae). Second, conservation of existing natural 

enemies, e.g. local Leptomastix dactylopii (Hymenoptera:Encyridae) is parasitic wasp 

that target Citrus mealybug.  Third, mass rearing and periodic release, on a seasonal 

basis, e.g. Mass rearing program of Trichogramma that used to control (Lipidoptera) 

pomegranate butterfly, lesser date moth corn borer and eggplant shot & fruit borer. 

Notably, local agents are potentially better than introduced ones because of their 

adaptation to physical factors such as temperature and salinity. For example, 

Trichoderma asperellum. Therefore, more efforts should be invested in identification 

of new local agents to control challenging pathogens and diseases.  

Keywords: Biological control, parasitoid wasp, Trichoderma asperellum  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:msansari@rca.gov.om


94 
 

Biocontrol susceptibility of biosurfactants against 

common plant and food pathogens  

 
M. Awadh 

Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Zallaq, Bahrain, 

Email for correspondence: mawadh@uob.edu.bh 

 

Abstract 

Biological surface-tension reducing agents have been recently considered in a context 

of biocontrol agents of plant-pathogens. In comparison with chemical pesticides, 

microorganisms are studied as a promising source for antimicrobial compounds 

which exhibit the advantages of biodegradability and environmentally friendly. 

ThThis study was conducted to isolate a biosurfactant-producing bacterial strain from 

local agriculture soil and assess the antimicrobial activity of the produced 

biosurfactant against some plant and food stuff pathogens. The oil displacement test 

and Wilhelmy method were utilized to assess the production of biosurfactants in the 

cell-free culture supernatants. The agar disk-diffusion assay was utilized to assess the 

antimicrobial activity of the produced biosurfactants by the isolated strain. The 

hydrophobic moiety of rhamnolipids biosurfactant 3-(3-hydroxyalkanoyloxy) 

alkanoic acids (HAAs) were detected in the biosurfactant extract by GC-MS. A 

biosurfactant-producing strain Pseudomonas sp. MYSR was successfully isolated from 

agriculture soil in Bahrain and characterized by sequencing of the 16S rDNA. The 

MYSR was grown in nutrient broth and the surface tension of the cell-free culture 

supernatants have been reduced from 73.7 mN/m ± 0.03 to a minimum of 40.1 mN/m 

± 0.16 after 6 days of incubation. The application of antimicrobial assay of the 

produced biosurfactant against common plant and food stuff pathogens by the gram-

positive strains such as Bacillus subtills and Staphylococcus aureus revealed inhibition 

zone diameters of 1.3 ± 0.22 cm and 1.02 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. This is the first isolation 

of biosurfactant producing bacteria with antimicrobial susceptibility from agriculture 

soil in Bahrain.  

Keywords: biosurfactants, plant pathogens, biocontrol agents, Pseudomonas sp. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:mawadh@uob.edu.bh


95 
 

Sodium alginate coating incorporated with 

pomegranate peel extract extending the shelf life 

and keeping quality of strawberry 
 

M. Hosseinifarahi *1,2, M. Radi 2,3 and E. Faridony1 

1Department of Horticultural Science, Yasuj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasuj, 

Iran. 

2Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Research Group, Yasuj Branch, Islamic 

Azad University, Yasuj, Iran. 

3Department of Food Science, Yasuj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasuj, Iran  

*E-mail: mehdi.hosseinifarahi@iau.ac.ir 

 

Abstract 

Since the synthetic fungicide application to control postharvest decay caused by 

fungi may bring potential risks to consumers, the use of alternative strategies such 

as natural compounds and plant extracts for decay control and extending shelf life 

of strawberry is required. In the present study, the effect of pomegranate peel extract 

and sodium alginate on the quality of strawberry fruit was investigated, solely or in 

combination, for up to 16 days. The results showed that the utilization of 

pomegranate peel extract and sodium alginate coating significantly maintained the 

strawberry fruit´s quality during the storage period. Moreover, fruit treated with 

pomegranate peel extract and sodium alginate exhibited optimal postharvest quality 

during storage. Results of the sensory indices also demonstrated that pomegranate 

peel extract and sodium alginate at concentrations of 1.5 g/L and 10 g/L, respectively, 

preserved significantly fruit quality during storage. Generally, the optimum values 

for quality traits were recorded at 1.5 g/L of pomegranate peel extract. Therefore, 

sodium alginate + pomegranate peel extract 1.5 g/L treatment could be a promising 

strategy to improve the quality of strawberry fruits during the storage period, which 

could provide a perspective for a natural alternative to synthetic plant protection 

products. 

Keywords: Fungal decay, sensory evaluation, shelf life, rot 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:mehdi.hosseinifarahi@iau.ac.ir


96 
 

Oral Presentations: Entomology 

 

Fruit Flies and their Management in Oman: Research 

Experience since 2003 

 
A. Al-Wahaibi,  A. Al-Raeesi, S. Al-Ansari, W. AlSaadi, S. Al-Rawahi, M. Al-Issai, 

A. Al-Kiyumi, A. Al-Alawi, S. Al-Owaisi, H. Al-Maqbali, M. Al-Abdali  

Entomology Lab, Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agricultural & Marine 

Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University  

*E-mail: wahaibi@squ.edu.om 

 

Abstract 

Fruit fly species in Oman were investigated via sampling of fruits from cultivated and 

wild plants and hanging traps. A total of 13 species of tephritids were identified using 

morphological and molecular techniques. Three unidentified species could be new to 

science. Moreover, 2-3 species of braconid parasitoids and one figitid species, mostly 

associated with fruit fly infested Ziziphus fruits, were collected. A new lure for female 

fruit flies, consisting of a combination of urea and watermelon seeds, exhibited 

effectiveness on par with commercial lures such as torula yeast and Ceratrap. In terms 

of physical barriers, row covers significantly reduced zucchini fruit damage even 

when applied as a wall around the planting line. An experiment, involving combining 

growing melon in the greenhouse with a honeybee hive for flower pollination, proved 

successful in producing a large number of undamaged fruits. In terms of biological 

control, we managed to set up a system for rearing of major pestiferous fruit fly species 

and their parasitoids. We currently have two active cultures of Bactrocera zonata and 

B. dorsalis, and one active culture of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (DL), a braconid 

parasitoid imported from Kenya. We hope in the future to produce large numbers of 

DL wasps for augmentative release in Oman. Fruit fly cultures have served as stock 

for testing plant extracts as repellents against female B. zonata and B. dorsalis and for 

testing Beauveria bassiana formulations for control of adults and larvae of B. zonata. 

Studies of Fruit fly population dynamics and height of flight have shown that yellow 

sticky traps, set at different heights from 0.5 to 3.5 m, captured significantly more 

males than females. Additionally, most fruit flies were captured at 2m and lower. The 

population of male B. dorsalis in ME traps was highest from April to June, and lowest 

from November to January. Conversely, the population of male B. zonata in ME traps 

peaked from September to December, and dropped to its lowest levels from April to 

July. 

Keywords: Fruit flies, yellow sticky traps, B. dorsalis, B. zonata 

 

 

 

mailto:wahaibi@squ.edu.om


97 
 

Metarhizium anisopliae compatibility and synergistic 

interactions with insecticides against different aphid 

species 
 

A. Nawaz1⃰, F. Razzaq1, M. Dildar Gogi1, G. Fernández-Grandon2, A. Ali1, M. Khan1, 

M. Arshad1, Zain ul Abidin1, A. Ijaz1 

 
1Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.  
2Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham 

Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK. 

 

*Email for correspondence: nawazrajpoot@yahoo.com 

 

Abstract 

In this study, single and combined effects of eight insecticides and the 

entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschin.) against cabbage aphid 

and cotton aphid species under in vitro conditions were evluated. Six of the 

insecticides tested were found to be highly compatible (flonicamid, imidacloprid, 

nitenpyram, dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen and spirotetramat), showing positive 

integration with the fungus and were selected for bioassays. The combination 

mixtures (1:1 ratio of M. anisopliae: insecticide) were significantly more toxic to aphid 

species than individual treatments. Maximum mortality of cotton aphid (91.68%) and 

cabbage aphid (88.36%) was recorded with the combination of flonicamid and M. 

anisopliae (2.4 × 106 cfu/mL) 72 h after application. While minimum mortality 17.08% 

and 16.66% was observed with the individual treatment of M. anisopliae (2.4 × 106 

cfu/mL) against cotton aphid and cabbage aphid respectively. The results indicates 

that M. anisopliae has the potential to control cotton aphid and cabbage aphid within 

a short period of time when combined with insecticides. The combined insecticide M. 

anisopliae were consistently more toxic than individual treatments. The present study 

utilized co-toxicity coefficients and synergy factors to calculate the efficacies of 

different insecticides + M. anisopliae formulations. The toxicity of insecticides, based 

on their LC50 and LC90 values increased when mixed with M. anisopliae. In addition, 

the synergy factor (SF) and co-toxicity coefficient (CTC) values indicated synergistic 

interactions at different time intervals. The high values of co-toxicity coefficients, 

which were accompanied by insect mortalities > 90% for some treatments, illustrate 

the effectiveness of this dual-attack method of insect pest control. The synergistic 

efficacy revealed the potential of fungus-insecticide integration against sucking insect 

pests. 

Keywords:  Entomopathogenic fungi, insecticides, synergistic interaction, M. 

anisopliae  

 

nawazrajpoot@yahoo.com


98 
 

Discovery of novel small molecule inhibitors against 

Helicoverpa armigera Sterol-Carrier Protein-2(Hascp-

2) through computational and biological methods 

 
M. Imran 

Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan 

Email for correspondence:  muhammadimran@fccollege.edu.pk 

 

Abstract 

Insects lack important gene encoding enzymes in the de novo cholesterol synthesis 

pathway and are dependent on exogenous cholesterol provision by host plants for 

two important functions; to form structural components of cells and tissues, and 

precursors for steroid hormones. This external cholesterol uptake is mediated by an 

interplay of SCP-2, a Sterol Carrier Protein-2. SCP-2 takes up cholesterol molecules 

from the plasma membrane and shuffles them to the metabolic pathways. Therefore, 

potential inhibitors that could be capable enough to block the function of SCP-2 can 

downregulate the cholesterol uptake in insects and this can be achieved by identifying 

novel small inhibitor molecules by adopting in silico computational techniques 

followed by in vitro validation of screened inhibitors. In this study, a pharmacophore-

based virtual screening approach was employed to screen 68 million compounds 

containing different databases. Hits of Pharmacophore- based VS were further passed 

through EON-based virtual screening which gave 106 hits. Moreover, FRED and 

GLIDE based virtual screening finally gave 8 potential hits and their binding modes 

were verified by molecular dynamic simulations. Cloned and purified HaSCP-2 

protein was used to validate the binding trend of selected hits with receptor HaSCP-2 

by probe based, fluorescent binding and displacement assay, and their IC50 values 

were calculated. Cytotoxicity assay was carried out by cell-based assay. Insecticidal 

agent toxicity assay of molecules in insect SF9 cell line showed that the percentage of 

cytotoxicity in cells is positively correlated with tested concentrations of small 

inhibitor molecules. In conclusion, hierarchical virtual screening followed by in-vitro 

binding assay and cell-based assay yielded a novel scaffold to block the function of 

HaSCP-2Further optimization can lead to a better and more active insecticide-like 

small molecule. 

Keywords: Insecticide, toxicity, protein, conventional and biological methods   
 
 

 

 

 

mailto:muhammadimran@fccollege.edu.pk


99 
 

Prospects for microbials based IPM of red palm 

weevil: From laboratory to date palm orchards 
 
W. Wakil 

Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan 

Senckenberg German Entomological Institute, D-15374 Müncheberg, Germany 

E-mail: waqaswakeel@hotmail.com 

 

Abstract 

 

Red palm weevil (RPW) damages more than 29 different palm species in economic 

trade zones of date palm, particularly in South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa. 

As an invasive pest for the last 30 years, its infestation has been recorded in half of the 

date producing countries. Synthetic insecticides and fumigants have remained the 

mainstay of date palm growers for decades to combat this pest. However, chemical 

control is challenging due to the cryptic nature of RPW. Moreover, chemical 

insecticides have had negative effects on the environment and human health, and 

pests has developed resistance against many of these chemicals. The urge to explore 

more effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to control RPW 

has revealed the potential of microbial control agents in the integrated pest 

management (IPM) of this invasive insect pest. Microbial pest control relies on use of 

pathogens such as entomopathogenic fungi, nematodes and bacteria and they have a 

high degree of host specificity. Entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes are the best 

promising agents to be included in an IPM program against this pest. Their 

incorporation with other control approaches has a number of benefits including being 

safe, cheap, lacking non-target effects and self-perpetuation. This talk will underpin 

an analysis of pathogen mode of contact and infection, auto-dissemination potential 

and the spread mediated by infected adults, endophytic behavior of some strains, and 

use in combination with other agents (new-chemistry synthetic insecticides) for the 

control of RPW. The pros and cons of microbes will be highlighted, with an emphasis 

on the work of a leading research team that has spearheaded projects in Pakistan. 

 

Keywords: Entomopathogens, synthetic insecticides, IPM, red palm weevil, date palm  
 

 

 

 

 

waqaswakeel@hotmail.com


100 
 

Effect of communication towers on the performance 

and behavior Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: 

Apidae) (the internal activities) in Baghdad, Iraq 

 
A. Alnaimee1, F. Salah2*, S. Abdallad2 and K. Shaher1    
1Faculty of Agriculture. University of Baghdad, Iraq 
2Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Sudan 

*E-mail: faizaruba2@gmail.com  

 

Abstract 

Beekeeping is one of the most important branches of agricultural investments, and 

bees represent 80% of pollinating insects of cultivated crops. Many factors affect their 

activities, including electromagnetic radiation. This study was conducted to 

investigate the effect of the radiation emitted by communication towers on honey bee 

communities. The first location was 500 m, the second was 150 m from the 

telecommunication tower and the third transaction was placed directly under the 

tower. The height of the tower was 30 m and the amount of radiation emitted from it 

was 925 MHZ. The results of the internal activity, measuring the activity of the queen 

in laying eggs, showed that the highest rate of activity in the first treatment, followed 

by second treatment while the lowest rate was recorded on the third treatment. The 

area of the closed brood was highest in the first treatment followed by the second 

treatment and the lowest rate in the third treatment. The results showed that the 

highest drone brood of the third treatment was 6.76 inches, and the first and second 

treatments recorded 4.48 and 14.1 inches, respectively. As for the results of pollen area, 

there were significant differences for the first and second treatments, while the third 

treatment recorded the lowest rate. The measurement of the speed of achievement of 

wax foundation showed significant differences between the two treatments, where the 

second treatment surpassed the rest of the transactions within four days, followed by 

the first treatment and the third transaction recorded the lowest. The highest rate of 

density of bees was recorded in the first treatment and the lowest rate for the third 

treatment. In conclusion, the communication towers have negative effect on the 

internal activities of Apis mellifera. 

Keywords: Apis mellifera, insect, pollination, communicaiton 
 
 
 
 
 
 

mailto:faizaruba2@gmail.com


101 
 

Impact of the type of vegetation and soil 

physicochemical characteristics on the abundance 

of mole cricket crop pests 

 
A. Noutchom 

University of Yaound, Yaound, Cameroon  

E-mail: simeunou@gmail.com 

 

Abstract  

Mole crickets are burrowing insects known to be serious crop pests because of their 

feeding on the root system. Successful mole cricket management requires knowledge 

of their bio-ecology. This study was conducted to assess the impact of habitat 

characteristics on the abundance of mole crickets in three agro-ecological zones of 

Cameroon. In each area, four types of vegetation, namely forest, agroforestry, fallow 

land, and a crop field, were surveyed. In each type of vegetation, mole crickets were 

collected through pitfalls and soil characteristics such as pH, humidity, and sand 

content were evaluated. The results show that mole crickets were affected by the type 

of vegetation and soil characteristics. Mole crickets were more abundant in crop fields 

and grassy fallows than in agroforestry and forests. The abundance of mole crickets 

was higher in soils with a pH range of 5-6 and was very low in soils with a pH range 

of 3-4 (07 individuals). The abundance of mole crickets was higher in soils with a 

moisture content of between 5% and 20% (150 individuals), while it was very low 

between 20% and 35% (02 individuals). The abundance of mole crickets was higher in 

soils whose sand content was between 40% and 55% (94 individuals) and very low 

between 25% and 40% (15 individuals). These results will aid in implementing 

sustainable management of mole crickets in Cameroon. 

Keywords: Pests, mole cricket, vegetable crops 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:simeunou@gmail.com


102 
 

Spatio-temporal distribution patterns of pest species 

(Lepi-doptera: Noctuidae) affected by meteorological 

factors in an agroecosystem 

 
Z. Hussain1, Z. Sarwar1*, A. Akbar2 
1Department of Entomology, FAST Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan. 60800, 

Pakistan 
2Department of Statistics, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan. 60800, Pakistan 

*E-mail: zmsarwar@bzu.edu.pk 

 

Abstract 

Knowing pests' spatio-temporal distribution patterns is essential for forecasting 

population outbreaks and designing control tactics or long-term management plans. 

The family Noctuidae is one of the biggest families of the Lepidoptera order. The 

noctuid's moths are well represented in all zoogeographic regions in various habitats 

and have innumerable ecological and economic importance. Despite extensive studies 

on the species' ecology, knowledge is rare about noctuid moths' spatial and temporal 

distribution patterns in an agroecosystem. Therefore, in this study, the spatial and 

temporal fluctuations in abundance of Spodoptera litura, Hadena tripoli, Helicoverpa 

armigera, Hadena Jahangiri, Spodoptera exigua, Hadena stigmosa, Spodoptera furgiperda, 

Agrotis ipsilon, Aletia l album, Callopistria placodoides, Callopistria repleta, Earias insulana, 

Agrotis cinerea, Mythimna loreyi, Earias vitella, Lacanobia oleracea, Euplexia conducta, 

Helicoverpa platigera, Mamestra brassicae, Leucania venalba, Diarsia hoenei, Ctenopulsia 

albostriata, Chrysodeixis furthatai and Aletia decisissima were determined. Yellow light 

traps were mounted in 11 different selected localities of district Multan. The maximum 

species abundance was observed in September but declined in December, January, 

and February. The spatial contour maps were used to determine the species' 

dissemination over space. Meteorological factors such as temperature and humidity 

showed a significantly positive correlation while rainfall showed a significantly 

negative correlation with species richness. Maximum species abundance was 

recorded in crop areas as compared to forest areas. This study provides a scientific 

basis for developing and timely applying control strategies for localized pest control. 

Keywords: Spatio-temporal, lepidoptera, noctuidae, genitalia, abundance 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:zmsarwar@bzu.edu.pk


103 
 

Repellent and oviposition deterrent effects of some 

wild plants against peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata 

(Saunders) 

 
M. Binyameen*, A. Nawaz, and M. Abbas 

Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, 

Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan 

* E-mail: mbinyameen@bzu.edu.pk 

 

Abstract 

Bactrocera zonata Saunders is a polyphagous and devastating pest of fruits and 

vegetables. Due to the resistance development in insects against synthetic insecticides, 

there has been a shift in interest to develop plant-derived, eco-friendly chemicals 

compatible with integrated pest management (IPM). This study evaluated the efficacy 

of essential oils of Curcuma longa, Mentha spicata, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Origanum 

vulgare, Ocimum basilicum, Origanum majorana, Mentha longifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, 

Lepidium apetalum, Azadirachta indica, Parthenium hysterophorus, Syzygium aromaticum 

and Conyza canadensis on adult repellence, oviposition deterrence, and pupal recovery 

of B. zonata. Fruits were treated with 0.01%, 0.1% and 1% concentrations of essential 

oils with five replications for each treatment. In multi-choice bioassay, total of eight 

bananas including control were used. Seven bananas treated with seven different 

essential oil while the control was treated with ethanol were placed in front of the 24 

h starved B. zonata females (20) in single replication. Moreover, oviposition deterrence 

and repellency were observed for 5 h from the onset of experiments. Essential oil of 

M. spicata and O. vulgare proved very effective as a repellent, and oviposition deterrent 

followed by C. longa, C. ambrosioides, O. basilicum, O. majorana, M. longifolia against B. 

zonata. The results suggested that we can control the pest using plant based essential 

oils without harming the environment. 

Keywords: Repellency, oviposition deterrence, fruit fly, chemicals, essential oils 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:mbinyameen@bzu.edu.pk


104 
 

Characterization of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) 

present in Oman  
 
S. Al-Ansari  

Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan 

Qaboos University 

E-mail: s89106@student.squ.edu.om 

 

Abstract 

Fruit flies are important pests of fruits and vegetables. They cause significant 

economic losses to farmers. This study was conducted to determine the fruit fly 

species present in Oman, their distribution and host plants. Fruit samples were 

collected from different locations around Oman during 2019 and 2020. Fruits were 

kept in jars with sand until larvae emerged and pupated. Fruit flies were identified 

morphologically using characteristic features on the thorax, abdomen, and wings and 

molecularly via DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing procedures. There were nine 

fruit fly species in Oman. The polyphagous Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera zonata 

were collected from fruits of different trees (mostly cultivated fruit trees), while Dacus 

ciliatus was collected from cucurbit fruits (cultivated and wild cucurbits such as 

Citrullus colocynthis or Handhal). Bactrocera cucurbitae was collected from fruits of 

cultivated cucurbits. Carpomiya vesuviana and Carpomiya incompleta were collected 

from fruits of Ziziphus species (wild and cultivated). Dacus persicus was collected from 

the wild plant, Calotropis procera (Sodom’s apple or Shakhar). Bactrocera oleae was 

collected from fruits of wild olive (Olea europea) in AlJabal AlAkhdhar area. 

Capparimiya savastani was collected from flower buds of wild Capparis species, mostly 

from C. cartilaginea. Except for B. cucurbitae (not found so far in Dhofar) and B. olea 

(found only in Addakhilyyeh governorate), most fruit fly species were found in all of 

the surveyed governorates. Both B. dorsalis and B. cucurbitate have been recorded only 

on cultivated host plants. The most widely distributed fruit flies were B. zonata and D. 

ciliatus. Two species, C. savastani and B. olea, are confirmed to be present in Oman for 

the first time. Molecular fingerprinting allowed the correct identification of Dacus 

persicus, as specimens from Oman were previously known in error as D. longistylus, a 

closely related species found in Africa. 

Keywords: Tephritidae, diversity, distribution, Dacus persicus, Bactrocera oleae. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:s89106@student.squ.edu.om


105 
 

Chitinase of Trichoderma longibrachiatum for the 

control of Aphis gossypii 

 
H. Shafiq*, W. Anwar, K. Zohaib and R. Kalsoom 

Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the 

Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan 

*E-mail: firstfcbp@yahoo.com 

 

Abstract 

Chitinase-producing fungi have now attracted attention as potential agents for the 

control of insect pests. In the present study, entomopathogenic fungi were used for 

the control of Aphis gossypii. Chit1 gene family 18 glycosyl hydrolases were isolated, 

amplified and characterized from the genomic DNA of Trichoderma longibrachiatum. 

The amplified Chit1 was closely related to family 18 of glycosyl hydrolyses. Fungal 

chitinase (Chit1) was expressed in the cotton plant for transient expression through 

Geminivirus-mediated gene silencing vector of Cotton Leaf Crumple Virus (CLCrV). 

Transformed cotton plants showed greater chitinase activity than control, and they 

were virulent against nymphs and adults of A. gossypii. About 38.75 % and 21.67% 

mortality of both nymphs and adults were recorded by using Chit1 of T. 

longibrachiatum. Thus, T. longibrachiatum has the potential to control aphids through 

fungal chitinase and can be used as an effective approach in the future.  

Keywords: Entomopathogenic fungi, chitinases, transient expression, Trichoderma 

longibrachiatum, Aphis gossypii 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:firstfcbp@yahoo.com


106 
 

 

Oral Presentations: Integrated Pest and Disease 

Management 

  
Understanding Pyrenophora tritici-repentis - Wheat 

Pathosystem in Algeria for Best Management Strategy 

Involving Host Resistance under an Integrated Disease 

Management Strategy 

 
H. Benslimane1*, N. Ouaar1, A. Benbelkacem2, P. Singh3, S. Omata2, A. Yahiaoui3 
1Department of Botanic, National High college of Agriculture (Ecole Nationale Supérieure 

Agronomique), 1 Avenue Pasteur, Hassen Badi, Algiers, Algeria 
2Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique d’Algérie, Unité de Recherche de 

Constantine, Station ITGC, El-khroub, Algeria 3International Maize and Wheat Improvement 

Center (CIMMYT), Carretera México-Veracruz Km. 45, El Batán, Texcoco, C.P. 56237, México 

/ *E-mail: h.benslimane@ensa.dz  

 

Abstract 

Tan spot, caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, is a serious disease of wheat in Algeria. 

In the integrated disease management program, focus on the development of host 

resistance, besides other management practices aimed to control tan spot disease, is 

an important component of the overall strategy. Understanding the biology and 

population structure of the pathogen is essential to reach this aim. For this purpose, 

several isolate collections sampled across wheat growing areas in Algeria for several 

seasons were studied. Pathogen populations showed a wide range of morphological 

and physiological variations. Races population structure analysis, using a modified 

differential host set, highlighted the presence of races 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and a new 

virulence pattern was discovered. Amplification of ToxA and ToxB , the main 

virulence genes, showed the genome of isolates sampled from Algerian fields 

harbored both genes, their distribution through growing wheat areas have been 

established. Additionally, fluorescent Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism, 

revealed high genetic diversity. Accordingly, deployment of resistant cultivars has 

been conducted and available germplasms of wheat, (116 genotypes) mainly from the 

national program of wheat improvement, were evaluated against races 1 and 5. The 

reaction was initially evaluated under controlled conditions at the seedling stage, and 

then the observed resistant genotypes were evaluated in the field with and without 

fungicide treatments. Altogether, 13 genotypes showed resistant or moderately 

resistant reactions to race 1, while 23 genotypes, showed resistant responses to race 5. 

However, only 1 landrace and 6 cultivars were resistant to both races 1 and 5. Based 

on these results, we recommend cultivation of some of these resistant cultivars, and 

use of these resistant sources in the breeding programs. 

Keywords: Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, wheat, pathogen variability, resistance 

h.benslimane@ensa.dz%20


107 
 

Use of epiphytic bacteria for the control of major 

citrus foliar fungal diseases 

 
E. Abdellatif1*, W. Rouissi2, M. Kałużna3, A. Hamdane1 
1Laboratory of Bioaggressors and Integrated Protection in Agriculture LR14AGR02, 

The National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, University of Carthage, 43 Avenue 

Charles-Nicolle, 1082 Tunis, Tunisia 
2Laboratory of Plant Protection, The National Institute of Agronomic Research of 

Tunisia, Rue Hedi Karray, 2049, Tunisia 
3The National Institute of Horticultural Research, Konstytucji 3 Maja 1/3, 96-100 

Skierniewice, Poland 

*E-mail: abd-emna@yahoo.fr 

 

Abstract  

Citrus spp. is an important fruit crop for the Tunisian economy. However, they are 

affected by several in field and postharvest fungal diseases. Alternaria spp. and 

Colletotrichum spp. are the causal agents of alternaria and anthracnose diseases. 

Phyllosticta citricarpa that was recently detected in Tunisia is the plant pathogenic 

fungus that causes citrus black spot. The development of these fungi in the presence 

of multiple applications of copper per year to manage citrus diseases warrants an 

investigation into the effects of copper on growth of the isolates. The effect of copper 

on the reduction of the growth of the isolates in media amended with different 

concentrations of CuSO4 (0, 4 - 3, 6 µM) was evaluated and radial colony growth was 

assessed. Colletotrichum sp. and Phyllosticta sp. showed to be resistant to the highest 

tested concentration of CuSO4 (3, 6 µM). However, Alternaria sp. was moderately 

sensitive with a reduced radial growth from 61, 3 mM for the negative control to 24, 3 

mM for a copper concentration of 3, 6 mM. Biological control of these plant diseases 

with antagonistic bacteria from the citrus phyllosphere was tested and determined as 

a promising biological control strategy.   

Keywords: Alternaria sp., Colletotrichum sp., Phyllosticta sp., copper resistance, 

biological control, antagonistic bacteria 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:abd-emna@yahoo.fr


108 
 

Neem oil encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles on the 

toxicity, feeding and reproductive physiology of 

cotton bollworm Helicoverpaarmigera 
 

K. Murugan1*, R. Rajaganesh1, M. Vasanthakumaran1 and N. Alkenani2. 

 
1Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University,  Coimbatore-

641 016, Tamil Nadu, India 
2Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah Saudi 

Arabia. 80200 

E-mail: kmvvk@buc.edu.in 

 

Abstract 

Nanobiotechnology is among the emerging fields and its applications in agriculture 

are attracting the scientific community. In this study, the influence of neem oil 

encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (NO-ChNPs) on the feeding, growth and 

reproductive performances of polyphagous insect pest   Helicoverpa armigera in the 

cotton ecosystem was evaluated. The nanoparticles treated insects showed growth 

deformities with extended larval and pupal durations and reduced fecundity and it 

may be due to the hormonal impact on the growth and reproduction. The treatment 

with nanoparticles considerably affected the feeding performances on the amount of 

food consumed and efficiency of conversion of ingested and digested food 

values. There was strong evidence from the experimental results that the decreasing 

trend of digestive enzymes and lesser faecal pellet egestion, which implies that the 

nanoparticles bind the gut receptors and hindered the feeding regulations of insect 

species. The parasitisation (larval parasitoid, (Campoletischlorideae) of as well as the 

survival of the earthworm (Eudriluseugeniae) population does not affected by neem oil 

encapsulated nanomaterials. Hence, these formulations can be used for the integrated 

management of Helicoverpa armigera in the agro-ecosystem. Overall, this research 

highlights the potential of NO-ChNPs for the development of newer control tools 

against control of cotton bollworm; also highlighting some risks concerned the employ 

of nanoparticles in aquatic/terrestrial environments. 

Keywords: Crop Insect pest, neem, biological control, neem molecule, parasitoid, 

earthworm, plant protection. 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:kmvvk@buc.edu.in


109 
 

The efficacy of abamectin insecticide product by Gyah 

Corporation as a nematicide for root-knot nematodes 

management 

 
S. Mardani1, M. Nasr-Esfahani2*, M. Olia1, H. Molahosseini3 and H. Khankahdani4 
1Department of Plant pathology, Agricultural Faculty, University of Shahr-e-Kord, 

Shahr-e-Kord, Iran 
2Plant Protection Research Department, Esfahan Agriculture and Natural Resource 

Research and Education Center, Esfahan, AREEO, Iran 
3Soil and Water Research Department, Esfahan Agriculture and Natural Resource 

Research and Education Center, Esfahan, AREEO, Iran 
4Horticulture Crops Research Department, Hormozgan Agricultural and Natural 

Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Bandar Abbas, Iran 

*E-mail: mne2011@gmail.com; m.nasr@areeo.ac.ir  

 

Abstract 

Root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne spp. with the dominant species, Meloidogyne 

javanicaare is considered as the important plant pathogens of agricultural products 

globally. In this study, chemical management was carried out RKN, M. javanica to 

investigate the efficacy of Iranian Abamectin insecticide product [acaricideabamectin 

(Vermectin® 1.8% EC, Gyah Corp., Iran)] verses normal Abamectin available in the 

market each at the rate of 8 L.ha, on cucumber “Viola” and the controls (infested to 

RKN and without any chemical pesticides treatments) at the two highly infested-RKN 

farmer greenhouses in Isfahan, Iran. The results indicated a highly significant 

reduction in RKN population and increase in biomass parameters at 1% level of 

significance, respectively. Parameters of RKN in the soil and plant root revealed that 

the number of nematode larvae, second instar larvae (J2) in the soil was reduced by 

95% by the normal Abamectin and 93% by the Iranian Abamectin product in 

comparison to the initial population, respectively. The number of J2 and eggs in the 

root was also reduced by 89% in the normal Abamectin followed by 91% in the Iranian 

Abamectin; gall-index reduction was 56% and 58%; and egg-mass index with 79% and 

74% reduction in the roots; and the lowest percentage of reproduction rate was 5.4% 

and 8.3% in the respective treatments accordingly. The same trend was almost 

followed for the growth factors parameters (biomass), BGPs. The highest stem fresh 

and dry weight was recorded in the normal Abamectin followed by Iranian 

Abamectin. The longest stem and root length and root fresh and dry weight was 

recorded in the Iranian Abamectin followed by normal Abamectin. In total, the results 

showed that Iranian Abamectin insecticide is competitive as a nematicide for the 

management of cucumber RKN compared to normal Abamectin, and is a suitable 

alternative in RKN management, and could be extended to other agricultural crops 

accordingly.  

Keywords: Biomass, cucumber, egg-mass, gall-index, larvae, root, shoot, soil.  



110 
 

Screening of mango germplasm for resistance 

Against Ceratocystis Manginecans 
 

A. Al-Adawi*, R. Al-Maqbali, S. Al-Kaabi, M. Al-Sadrani and M. Al-Jabri 

Ghadafan Agriculture Research Station, Department of agriculture research in North 

Al-Batinah governate, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, 

Sultanate of Oman 

* E-mail: aliadawi74@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

The resistant polyembronic mango varieties were evaluated against Ceratocystis 

manginecans, the causal agent of mango decline disease. Three Omani, Zangibari 

Ahmer, Mascati and Nanat Hamad; two Indian, Benishan and Pairi; twenty-five 

Australian and fifteen Brazilian mango varieties were included in the inoculation 

experiment. Mango seeds of the above-mentioned varieties were obtained from the 

mango gene bank in Sohar Agricultural Research Station, planted in plastic bags 

containing sandy soils with peat moss and maintained under shade house until 

inoculation. Artificial inoculation on 8-month-old seedlings was carried out under 

greenhouse conditions using two isolates of C. manginecans (GCC55 & 120). Stems of 

grafted cultivars were exposed at the mid and were inoculated with a disc of 4 mm 

diam of C. manginecans isolates grown in malt extract agar. The results of the 

inoculation revealed the sensitivity of varieties Nam Doc Mai 4, Indochinese Late, 

Carabao Townsville, Cecilia Carvalha 1 to C. manginecans infection with average lesion 

lengths of 34.5, 29.5, 22.7, and 22.45 cm, respectively. On the other hand, several 

polyembryonic mango varieties including Carabao, Xaoi Boui, Jasmin and K.P were 

found tolerant to the pathogen. In another experiment six Australian, six Brazilian, 

two Omani, two Indonesian, two Thai, one Sri Lankan and one Indian varieties were 

also tested. The results revealed high sensitivity of varieties Paire, Trusso, Vellai 

colomban, Cecilia Carvalha 2 to C. manginecans infection whereas several 

polyembryonic mango varieties including Dura, Elephants Tusk and Mullimby Gold 

were found tolerant to C. manginecans. Some of monoembryonic mango varieties 

including Zangibari Ahmer and Banat Hamed showed tolerance to infection.  

Keywords: Mango, polyembronic, monoembryonic, Ceratocystis manginecans, 

resistance 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:aliadawi74@gmail.com


111 
 

Management of Fusarium oxysporum f. Sp. Cubense 

associated with banana wilt disease in Oman 

 
S. Al-Kaabi*, M. Al-Jabri, M. Al Sadrani, R. Al-Maqbali and A. Al-Adawi 

Ghadafan Agriculture Research Station, Department of agriculture research in North 

Al-Batinah governate, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, 

Sultanate of Oman 

*E-mail: alkaabisaif@hotmail.com 

 

Abstract  

Panama disease in banana crop caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense has  

recently been reported in Oman. Disease survey in banana farms revealed occurrence 

of tropical race 4 of the disease in farms in Wilayat of North Al Batinah governorate. 

The goal of this study was to find resistance/tolerant banana cultivars to banana wilt 

disease to replace the current susceptible banana cultivarsGrand Nain regarded as one 

of susceptible cultivars and used as control in this trail. Grand Nain plants were 

planted within all the rows and were as barrier rows between experiment rows. 

Totally, 1500 tissue culture plants of all cultivars tested were planted in the plot with 

an area of 1.5 faddan. Disease incidence in the plot was assessed periodically after 6 

months of planting and plant samples were collected to confirm presence of the causal 

agent of banana wilt disease. The results showed that FHIA 3 and FHIA 21 are more 

tolerant to the disease than the others with 95 and 84%, respectively, of the plants 

surviving and reaching fruiting stage. Conversely, wilting of Grand Nain and 

Williams started within 6 months, with percentages of 94 and 84%, respectively. 

Cultivars of FHIA 18 and B3 were moderate in sensitivity with mortality rate of 42 

and 52%, respectively. Diagnosis of the banana wilt disease from plant samples 

collected from all the banana cultivars planted in the plot were all positive for the 

presence of banana wilt causal agent. 

Keywords: Panama disease; banana wilt, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:alkaabisaif@hotmail.com


112 
 

Abu Dhabi efforts in date palm trees pests’ control 
 

M. Al-hammadi, M. Al-Hashmi*, M. Al-Maamari 

Technical Services Division, Abu Dhabi Agriculture & Food Safety Authority. P.O. 

Box: 52150, Abu Dhabi, UAE. 

E-mail: matar.almaamari@adafsa.gov.ae 

 

Abstract 

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is implementing 

an integrated strategy that seeks to maintain agricultural biosecurity in the farms of 

the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by implementing several programs concerned with the 

palm tree with the aim of reducing the economic damage caused by pests and 

preserving the ecosystem from the indiscriminate use of agricultural pesticides. This 

study was conducted to reduce the spread of the main pests that affect palm trees and 

control them within the critical economic limit, reducing the chances of environmental 

pollution where only infected palms are treated, improving the productivity and 

quality of dates. The results indicated a decrease in the rates of infection in all pests 

that affect the trunk of the palm since the start of the program in 2016. Where the 

incidence of red palm weevil decreased by 66%, the incidence of long-horned palm 

stem borer also decreased by 27%, and the injury to the palm borer decreased by 11%. 

Moreover, as for the lesser date moth affliction and the dust mites, the indicator 

fluctuates due to its dependence on weather conditions. Moreover, 363,525 palm trees 

were uprooted and chopped and more than 2.5 million red weevils were cached 

through pheromone traps. By Oct. 2022 and since the beginning of the program, 

174,582 farms with a total number of 48,034,544 million palm trees have been dealt 

with. 

 

Keywords: Date palm, insects, control, red palm weevil 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



113 
 

Assessment of the toxic effects of neonicotinoid 

pesticides on honeybees foraging, homing ability 

and colony growth under field and semi-field 

conditions 

 
M. Saleem* and M. Akbar 

Department of Agriculture and Agribusiness Management, University of Karachi, 

Karachi, Pakistan 

*E-mail: shoaibsaleemkhan@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is one of the most important pollinator groups in the 

agriculture ecosystem, providing approximately 50% of global crop pollination 

services.  The downturn in honeybee’s populations is now a worldwide concern. One 

of the main factors contributing to the decline in honeybee populations is the impact 

of agrochemicals, in particular neonicotinoid insecticides. We conducted five 

independent experiments to study the effects of formulated neonicotinoids viz. 

Imidacloprid, Clothianidin and Thiamethoxam at field realistic doses on the mortality 

of bees, foraging, colony population, brood termination rate (BTR), and homing time 

in the field and semi-field conditions. The application of neonicotinoids resulted in an 

increased number of dead bees during the post-application period in first and second 

week as compared to third and fourth week. There was a rapid and significant 

reduction in foraging activity of honey bees in the tunnel that gradually increased as 

the time passed. Population per colony decreased as the time passed, and showed a 

significant decrease until day +15, but the mean population started to increase and 

recovered at day +18. After 30 days’ observation of marked eggs, brood termination 

rate (BTR%) at brood fixing day (BFD) 20 was 27.66% in control group and the 

neonicotinoids treated group caused a significant reduction in the brood development 

of marked eggs, resulting in a BTR of 44.33, 52.00 and 60.00%, respectively. The 

average homing time to hive after release was 4 minutes for neonicotinoids treated 

groups (Imidacloprid 69.8% and in case of clothianidin 89.8%), which was higher than 

the untreated group (control 53.3%) as honeybees reached back to hive in 2 min. These 

results confirm the sensitivity of the test methods and indicate that these three tested 

neonicotinoids could be used in future, as appropriate toxic reference formulated 

agrochemicals in field and semi-field experiments. 

Keywords: honeybees, neonictoinoids, flight activity, homing ability, colony growth, 

brood termination rate.  

  

mailto:shoaibsaleemkhan@gmail.com


114 
 

Successful testing and development of a bio-

fungicide for the management of mango sudden 

death disease 
 

M. Khan1*, M. Shafiq1, M. Ashfaq1, S. Saeed2, M. Malik3 
1Plant Pathology, Institute of Plant Protection, MNS University of Agriculture, 

Multan, Pakistan 
2Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, 

Pakistan 
3Plant Pathology, Mango Research Institute, Multan, Pakistan 

*E-mail: arslan.khan@mnsuam.edu.pk  

 

Abstract 

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is famous throughout the world for its flavor and unique 

taste. Due to various biotic factors, the yield and production of mango is greatly 

affected. Among the biotic factors, the sudden death disease of mango is very 

destructive and economically important. The present research was conducted to test 

and formulate an eco-friendly, user-friendly, persistent, sustainable, toxicity-free, and 

effective bio-fungicide for the management of mango sudden death disease. The 

testing of bio-fungicide was performed in the laboratory, nursery, and field 

conditions. Under lab conditions, the dual culture method was adopted to assess the 

antagonistic effect of bio-control agent against Ceratocystis fimbriata and showed 100% 

inhibition of the pathogen. Under greenhouse, three treatments, i.e. T1 (Bio-

fungicide), T2 (Thiophenate methyl), and T3 (Bio-fungicide+chemical fungicide along 

with control (T0) were used. Six-month old mango plants were selected and 

decontaminated. Ten-day old culture of C. fimbriata was inoculated to the healthy 

mango plants fifteen days before the application of treatments. The results showed 

that the mortality in T0 was 81% whereas in plants, treated with T1, the mortality was 

(19%) followed by T2 (29%). In the combination, T3, mortality was noted (24%). Under 

field conditions, bio-fungicide was applied to the infected plants. The plants were 

tagged and treated. The infected plants were recovered and significant results were 

calculated. Bio-fungicide comprises the biological control agent in liquid formulation 

along with adjuvants to enhance efficacy. The product is very effective for the 

treatment of infected mango plants in the nursery as well as in the field.  

Keywords: Bio-fungicide, biological management, mango sudden death, mango 

 

 

 

file:///C:/Users/ThaherTech/Downloads/arslan.khan@mnsuam.edu.pk


115 
 

Suppressive activities of newly synthesized 

fungicides against plant pathogenic fungi  
 

 

O. Al-Sudairy1*, V. Rethinasamy1, R. Abdel-jalil2, E. Moghadam2, A. Al-Ansari3, A. 

Al-Sadi1 
1Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan 

Qaboos University 
2Chemistry Department, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, 132 Muscat, 

Oman 
3Department of Biology, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 36, 123 Al-Khoud, 

Muscat, Oman. 

*E-mail: omaralsudairy@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Numerous pharmaceutical and biological molecules are composed of heterocyclic 

subunits such as benzimidazoles. These subunits were reported to have therapeutic 

applications like antifungal, anticancer and antibacterial agents. Moreover, 

benzimidazole and its derivatives were also used as fungicides. Here, several newly 

synthesized compounds containing benzimidazole were tested against plant 

pathogenic fungi including Alternaria, Cochliobolus, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium using the 

well diffusion method. 100 L of benzimidazole compounds were added into the well 

at two different concentrations (1000 ppm and 5000 ppm) and the inhibition zone was 

measured. At least five of the compounds inhibited fungal growth at both 

concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed different effects 

of those compounds on the structure of the hyphae like hyphae swelling and bursting. 

The study shows promising results of some of the compounds on the plant pathogenic 

fungi. Greenhouse experiments are needed to confirm the applicability of the 

compounds in the field. 

Keywords: pathogenic fungi, fungicides, benzimidazole compounds 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

file:///C:/Users/ThaherTech/Downloads/omaralsudairy@gmail.com


116 
 

Assessment of pre-harvest interval (PHI) of synthetic 

and bio-pesticides sprayed on solanaceous (potato 

and eggplant) crops 

 
M. Akbar *, A. Sultan, W. Siraj, M. Saleem 

Department of Agriculture & Agribusiness Management, University of Karachi, 

Pakistan 

* E-mail: faheemakbar@uok.edu.pk 

 

Abstract 

Pesticides are a concern for sustainability of environment and global stability. In order 

to avoid their adverse effects on human health, it is imperative to assure maximum 

residue limits (MRLs) in food commodities. In view of the above concerns, the present 

study was designed to assess the pre-harvest interval (PHI) of synthetic pesticides and 

biopesticides sprayed on solanaceous crops viz., potato and eggplant. Conventional 

pesticides such as Imidacloprid and Profenofos, and biopesticides such as Spinosad 

and biosal (neem compound) were sprayed at the rates of 49.4, 988, 35.5 and 158 g a.i. 

ha-1 respectively. The pesticide residues were analyzed after 0, 1, 3 and 7 days of 

application using high performance liquid chromatography. Degradation rate 

constants and half-life were calculated using first order degradation kinetics by fitting 

on the data obtained. Conventional pesticides were more persistent in the crops 

(average half-life: in eggplant 2.9, and 2.27 days for imidacloprid and profenofos 

respectively, while in potato it was 2.64 and 2.82 respectively), whereas, for bio 

pesticides (Spinosad average half-life: 2.73 and 2.83 in eggplant and potato 

respectively). However, average half-life of Azadirachtin was observed 0.98 and 1.67 

in eggplant and potato respectively. The crops treated with bio pesticides were found 

safer for human consumption even after few hours of spray when compared with 

codex and EU MRLs. Whereas profenofos treated crops were not found to be fit for 

consumption even after 7 days of application, as they were not degraded down to the 

EU and Codex MRL within usual pre-harvest interval (PHI). Imidacloprid being bio-

rational (low risk) pesticide degraded quickly and the crop was also safe for 

consumption on the next day of application. 

Keywords: Pre-harvest interval, synthetic and bio pesticides, MRLs, half life 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:faheemakbar@uok.edu.pk


117 
 

Oral Presentations: Weeds science  

 

Impact of invasive plant species on the livelihoods of 

farming households: evidence from Parthenium 

weed invasion in Dhofar, Oman 

 
F. Al-Shahri and M. Farooq*  

Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan 

Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 123, Oman. 

*E-mail: farooqcp@squ.edu.om  

 

Abstract  

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is one of the most problematic invasive 

plant species worldwide. Since 1998, this weed has invaded the mountains and 

grazing lands in the Dhofar Governorate. It has disturbed the native flora and 

biodiversity to a large extent in the invaded areas. Invasive plant species often have 

negative impacts on agriculture and society in addition to their detrimental effects on 

biodiversity and the environment. A field survey study was carried out to assess the 

socio-economic effects of a highly invasive plant species, parthenium weed 

(Parthenium hysterophorus L.) across the Dhofar Governorate of the Sultanate of Oman. 

The farming communities of reported significant effects of parthenium weed on their 

crop and livestock production, health, and social well-being. Farmers were well aware 

of parthenium weed presence, its biology, habitat, and mode of dispersal across the 

landscape. All the major crops cultivated were infested by varying degrees of weed 

densities. Parthenium weed also infested the fodder collection and grazing sites 

affecting livestock production negatively. A significant proportion of farmers also 

reported negative effects of the weed on animal and human health. Most farmers 

reported parthenium weed as a very challenging weed to manage. About one-third of 

farmers were willing while the rest were likely to participate in a potential 

management program in the future. This situation demands a comprehensive strategy 

for the integrated management of parthenium weed across the governate. 

Keywords: Weeds, parthenium, weed management, adverse effect 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:farooqcp@squ.edu.om


118 
 

Allelopathic activity of Euphorbia hirta against Avena 

fatua and Rumex dentatus and identification of 

potential allelochemicals 

 
M. Akbar, Taqdees, T. Khalil* 

Department of Botany, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, 50700, Pakistan. 

*E-mail: tayyaba.khalil@uog.edu.pk 

 

Abstract 

In the present research, allelopathic activity of Euphorbia hirta was investigated against 

Rumex dentatus and Avena fatua. E. hirta extract was prepared in dH2O (10 g:100 mL 

w/v) as 100% extract concentration. Lower concentration (50%) was prepared by 

adding dH2O to 100% extract. The allelopathic activity of E. hirta was evaluated by 

growing R. dentatus and A. fatua either alone or grown side by side with wheat plants 

in pots. There were 5 treatments viz., dH2O, half dose herbicide, full dose herbicide, 

50% plant extract, and 100% plant extract. In in vivo bioassays, the effect of 50% and 

100% plant extract of E. hirta on shoot dry biomass of A. fatua and wheat was non-

significant in general, while there was 50% and 67% significant decline in shoot dry 

biomass of R. dentatus, respectively, when grown alone. Moreover, when R. dentatus 

was grown side by side with wheat, there was 71% and 86% decrease in shoot dry 

weight of R. dentatus at 50% and 100% extract concentrations of E. hirta, respectively. 

The reference herbicides, Sulfosulfuron, at full dose, significantly inhibited shoot dry 

weight of A. fatua by 14%, while, Fluroxypyr Meptyl + Florasulam + MCPA Isooctyl, 

completely eradicated R. dentatus, when planted side by side with wheat. The Gas 

Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of E. hirta extract depicted the 

presence of a number of potent allelochemicals, notably quercetin, hexadecanoic acid, 

methyl ester, β-sitosterol, afzelin, gallic acid, neophytadiene, stigmasterol, trans,trans-

2,6- Dimethyl-2,6- Octadiene-1,8-Diol, and 2,3,5-trimethyl-1H-pyrrole.  

Keywords: Herbicidal, rumex, avena, allelopathic, weeds 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:tayyaba.khalil@uog.edu.pk


119 
 

Weed Management in Wheat Using Allelopathic Crop 

Residue mulches under rice-wheat cropping system  

 
S. Hussain1, M. Farooq2, M. SanaUllah3, I. Ashraf1, M. Khan3, H. Rehman1, S. 

Cheema1* 
1Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan 
2Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan 

Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 123, Oman 
3Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-

38040, Pakistan 

* E-mail: sardaralam35@gmail.com  

 

Abstract 

Weeds pose a severe threat to wheat productivity in rice-wheat cropping system 

(RWCS). Mulching residues of allelopathic crops into soil could be one of the viable 

organic strategies to manage weeds and sustain productivity. A two-year field 

experiment was conducted to study the effect of residue mulch of allelopathic crops 

on the weed population in wheat. The study consisted of three allelopathic crop 

residue mulch (CRM) treatments (wheat, rice and sorghum) each applied at 4 t ha-1 

and three nitrogen (N) sources (ammonium sulphate, calcium ammonium nitrate and 

urea) each applied at 125 kg N ha-1. Plastic mulch and no mulch were used as controls. 

Results indicated that all mulches significantly inhibited dry biomass and density of 

all types of weeds during both growing seasons; however, the highest inhibition of 

weeds was found with plastic mulch. Among allelopathic mulches, maximum 

suppression in dry biomass and density of narrow leaved weeds (NLWs), broad 

leaved weeds (BLWs) and total weeds (TWs) was found in wheat mulch followed by 

sorghum and rice mulch. Compared with the control (no nitrogen), nitrogen 

applications generally increased the growth of weeds in terms of thei dry biomass 

only. The highest grain harvest was recorded in plastic mulch treatments followed by 

sorghum and wheat mulch. Calcium ammonium nitrate exhibited higher grain yield 

than other nitrogen sources. A negative correlation was found for grain yield and soil 

water soluble phenolics with dry biomass and density of weeds. In crux, use of 

allelopathic CRMs may be a pragmatic approach to manage weeds, improving 

competitiveness of crop plants with weeds and wheat productivity.  

Keywords: Weed dynamics, crop residue mulches, allelopathy, rice-wheat cropping 

system 

 

 

 

mailto:sardaralam35@gmail.com


120 
 

Improved crop rotations with dry out periods 

controlled purple nutsedge under cotton-wheat 

system 

 
J. Iqbal1, S. Bashir2, M. Javaid2, M. Saddiq1, S. Bashir2 
1Department of Agronomy, Ghazi University Dera Ghazi Khan Punjab Pakistan 
2Department of Soil and Environmental Science, Ghazi University Dera Ghazi Khan 

Punjab Pakistan 

* E-mail: jiqbal@gudgk.edu.pk 

 

Abstract  

Cyperus rotundus is C4 and fast-growing plant replicated through the extensive 

underground system and tuber. It is highly competitive and causes a significant 

reduction in cotton production. In recent times, herbicide and nonchemical methods 

have been practiced to control this noxious weed species. Field studies were 

conducted from 2018 through 2020 to determine the influence of crop rotation having 

dry out periods and the effect of herbicide for the control of purple nutsedge in cotton, 

maize, sunflower, and mungbean. During this study, crop rotation sequences were 

included (1) cotton-wheat-cotton-wheat-cotton (2) DO (dry out period) after wheat-

maize-wheat- DO -maize-wheat-cotton (3) DO after wheat-sunflower-wheat- DO -

sunflower-wheat-cotton (4) mungbean- DO -wheat-mungbean- DO -wheat-cotton. 

The experimental field layout was RCBD in a split-plot arrangement with four 

replicates. The crops were grown in main plots, and in the subplot, the weedy check 

and weed control with herbicide was maintained. Overall, herbicide treatment 

significantly suppressed the C. rotundus growth than weedy check and improved the 

crop growth and yield. In crop rotations, the maximum weed infestation was recorded 

in the cotton-wheat system. While the purple nutsedge infestation was suppressed in 

the rotation having sunflower, followed by maize and mungbean rotations. Fallow 

tillage (dry out period) might have played a significant role in controlling purple 

nutsedge in sunflower and maize fields as high temperatures prevailed during May 

and June months. In 3rd-year cotton, improvement was evaluated in crop rotation 

field. Crop rotation significantly improved the cotton yield by suppressing the purple 

nutsedge growth. In conclusion, nonchemical methods such as crop rotation with 

allelopathic crops having some dry-out period can be included as a reliable approach 

for controlling C. rotundus under the cotton-wheat system. 

Keywords: Cyperus rotundas, crop rotation, dry out period, cotton, sunflower, maize 

 

 

 

 

mailto:jiqbal@gudgk.edu.pk


121 
 

Effect of aqueous extract of three plants grown under 

stress environment on purple nutsedge  

 
S. Aimen1*, J. Iqbal2, A. Aziz1 
1Department of Botany, The Women University Multan Punjab Pakistan 
2Department of Agronomy, Ghazi University Dera Ghazi Khan Punjab Pakistan 

*E-mail: Saraaiman170@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) is one of the top ranked worst weed species 

with strong competitive abilities which is difficult to control by general herbicides. 

Research was conducted to investigate the herbicidal potential of three different plant 

species (Cymbopogon citratus, Tamarix dioca and Desmotachya bipinnata) to control 

purple nutsedge. The aqueous extract of three plants were applied on tubers of purple 

nutsedge immediately after tuber’s sowing. During pot study, different 

concentrations of plants extract 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, crude extract and control were 

applied on purple nutsedge tubers. The results showed that extracts of highest 

concentration (100% concentration) of two plants Cymbopogon citratus and Desmotachya 

bipinnata completely suppressed the tuber sprouting.  Cymbopogon citratus proven to 

the best plant comparatively to Tamarix dioca and Desmotachya bipinnata against purple 

nutsedge. Treatments like crude water extract and 25% concentration were unable to 

control purple nutsedge as their effect was same as compared to control. Aqueous 

extract of Cymbopogon citratus provided complete suppression of purple nutsedgeat 

100% and 75% concentrations. Significant reduction in biomass were observed at 50% 

concentration. Desmotachya bipinnata at 75% concentration caused significant 

reduction in root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry 

weight, shoot dry weight, and tuber density. While in case of Tamarix dioca, only 100% 

treatment was proven effective to reduce the growth attributes. Cymbopogon citratus 

can be used as bioherbicide as it showed maximum suppressive potential against 

purple nutsedge.  

Keywords: Allelopathy, Herbicide, purple nutsedge, leaf extract 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:Saraaiman170@gmail.com


122 
 

Weed spectrum and management studies in barley-

based cropping systems under conventional and 

conservative tillage practices 

 
M. Naeem and M. Hussain* 

Department of agronomy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan 

*E-mail: mubashiragr@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Weeds significantly alter the productivity of barley-based cropping systems due to 

competition for nutrients, moisture and space. Tillage practices and crop rotation 

seem a viable weed management option with minimal environmental and health 

hazards. This 2-year field study was conducted to monitor the weed spectrum in 

barley-based cropping systems under conventional and conservative tillage practices. 

Barley was sown after maize, cotton, mungbean, sorghum and in fallow field with five 

tillage practices, i.e., zero tillage, minimum tillage, strip-tillage, conventional tillage 

and bed sowing. Higher bulk density and soil porosity were noted in zero tillage and 

maize-barley cropping systems, whereas bed sowing and cotton-barley system had 

lower bulk density and soil porosity. Zero-tilled barley had more diversity, density 

and biomass of grassy, broadleaved and total weeds, while bed-sown barley recorded 

the lowest values of these parameters. Different cropping systems significantly 

affected weed dynamics. Cotton-barley and mungbean-barley cropping systems 

recorded the maximum weed infestation, while the minimum was noted in sorghum-

barley cropping system. The densities and biomasses of weeds like common 

goosefoot, bitter dock, fat hen, field bindweed, yellow trefoil, yellow sweet clover, salt 

marsh, corn spury and Bermuda grass were higher in cotton-barley and mungbean-

barley cropping systems compared to the rest of the cropping systems. The densities 

and biomasses of all weeds except perennial sow thistle, bitter dock, fat hen, and 

yellow trefoil were suppressed in sorghum-barley cropping system. The bed-sown 

barley had lower weed flora which resulted in higher allometric traits of barley and 

ensured more grain yield; while more compacted soil layer and higher weed density 

under zero tillage yielded opposite results. The conventional tillage with cotton-barley 

system proved more economical compared to the rest of the combinations. Therefore, 

sorghum can be rotated in barley-based cropping systems once in every three to four 

years for better weed control. 

Keywords: Cropping system, tillage, weed control, conservation 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:mubashiragr@gmail.com


123 
 

Poster presentations: Miscellaneous 

 

Management of Phytophthora spp. associated with 

citrus gummosis by using chemicals and 

nanoparticles 

 
H. Ahmad, N. Rajput*, M. Atiq, S. Sahi, G. Kachelo, M. Usman, A. Nawaz, M. Wahab 

Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan 

*E-mail: nasir.ahmed@uaf.edu.pk  

 

Abstract 

Citrus is the most valuable fruit industry in the world as well as in Pakistan, due to its 

different nutritional aspects. But this fruit industry is facing huge losses due to various 

biotic and abiotic diseases. Citrus gummosis caused by water loving fungus 

Phytophthora species is also one of the major diseases of citrus around the globe. This 

study was conducted to evaluate five different chemicals (Kasumin, Evito, Cabrio top, 

Topsin M, Kocide @ 100, 200 and 300 ppm concentrations) and three treatments of 

plant based nanoparticles (Silver, Copper and their combination @ 0.25, 0.5 and 1% 

concentrations) against Phytophthora spp. under lab conditions through poisoned food 

technique. Among fungicides, the least mycelial growth was observed by application 

of Evito at 300 ppm concentration followed Kasumin and Kocide at same 

concentration, whereas among nanoparticles combination of Silver and Copper 

nanoparticles was found most effective against the mycelial growth followed by solo 

application of silver and copper at 1 % concentration respectively.  

Keywords: Silver, copper, evito, kasumin, kocide 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:nasir.ahmed@uaf.edu.pk


124 
 

Regret to inform you: Editor's tips to avoid journal 

rejection 

 
Q. Migheli1*, S. Arthurs2 and M. Wright3 
1Department of Agricultural Sciences and NRD – Desertification Research Centre, 

University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, I-07100 Sassari, Italy  
2Biobee USA, 100 Clemwood St., Suite B Salisbury, MD 2184, USA 
3Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, University of Hawaii at 

Manoa,  3050 Maile Way, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA 

* E-mail: qmigheli@uniss.it 

 

 

Abstract  

It is estimated that over 50 percent of manuscripts submitted to peer reviewed 

scientific journals are rejected. The submission of subpar manuscripts reflects the 

growing importance of research assessment based on bibliometrics and the “publish 

or perish” paradigm. As a consequence, a great deal of scientific effort, public funding, 

and precious time are wasted both by the authors and during the review process. 

Several common factors contribute to manuscript rejection. In most instances, the 

problems stem from poor writing and grammar or lack of clarity. This makes it 

difficult to understand the rationale for the paper, methods used, and conclusions 

reached. Other major reasons for rejection include poor experimental design, and 

inadequate replication of treatments. A lack of focus and conciseness is a common 

theme, especially with less experienced authors. In many instances, submitting 

authors tend to pad the introduction and discussion with well-established but not 

directly relevant background information on biological control with which the 

readership should be familiar. Lack of novelty is another major hindrance to 

publication: some authors submit “variations on a theme” by reporting substantially 

similar experiments to prior published research. An increasing proportion of 

manuscripts are rejected due to unethical behavior of the authors, such as plagiarism 

or double submission. Finally, let us point out that a rigorous peer review process is 

the only way to distinguish a respectable journal amidst the increasing panoply of 

debatable, if not fraudulent, editorial initiatives we are experiencing. For the sake of 

young researchers’ scientific growth, we have an obligation to guide our students and 

early-career scholars away from predatory pay-to-publish journals. Publishing in 

respected journals with high reviewing and editorial standards will help the scientific 

community retain their scientific trustworthiness. 

Keywords: Peer review, editorial, scientific journals, ethical publishing, rejection 

 

 
 



125 
 

Poster presentations: Plant pathology 
 

Efficacy of pre-harvest application of epiphytic yeast 

Meyerozyma guilliermondii Squcc-33y and 

Tamarindus indica leaf extract on Alternaria 

alternata- induced postharvest fruit rot of tomato 
 
S. Al-Maawalia 

Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agricutural and Marine Sciences, Sultan 

Qaboos University  

E-mail: samia.sa@live.com 

 

Abstract 

Alternaria fruit rot caused by Alternaria alternata is one of the major constraints in 

tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill) production in Oman. Due to increasing public 

concern about the harmful effects of chemical fungicides, the use of natural products 

or naturally existing beneficial microorganisms has been preferred for the 

management of fruit diseases. The inhibitory effect of methanolic extracts of 10 

medicinal plant of Oman on growth of A. alternata and the effect of postharvest 

application of the most efficacious plant extract on suppression of A. alternata fruit rot 

of tomato were evaluated. Tamarindus indica leaf extract was very effective against A. 

alternata and produced clear zone of inhibition in the disc diffusion assay. Scanning 

electron microscopic examination revealed morphological abnormalities in A. 

alternata mycelium. Postharvest treatment of tomato fruits with aqueous leaf extract 

(1%) of T. indica reduced the lesion size of fruit rot by 64.1% when challenge-

inoculated with A. alternata. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) 

profiling showed phenolic acids viz., ellagic acid (37.3%), vanillic acid (30.3%), ferulic 

acid (24.1%) and flavonoid, rutin hydrate (98.1%) as major components of T. indica 

extract. The effect of pre-harvest application of Meyerozyma guilliermondii SQUCC-33Y 

and T. indica leaf extract in controlling postharvest fruit rot was evaluated. 

Greenhouse and field tests revealed that pre-harvest application of M. guilliermondii 

at weekly intervals starting from fruit set to harvest stage significantly reduced the 

development of postharvest fruit rot when challenged with A. alternata, whereas T. 

indica extract had no significant (P > 0.05) effect. M. guilliermondii significantly (P < 

0.05) increased the total soluble solids of tomato fruits compared with control. This 

study suggests that M. guilliermondii may be exploited as a biocontrol agent in the field 

for the management of Alternaria fruit rot of tomato 

Keywords: Leaf extract, fungus, tomato, biocontrol 

 

 

mailto:samia.sa@live.com


126 
 

Role of some safe compounds in controlling root rot 

and seedlings production of artichoke 

 
S. M. Kamel1; F. A. Mostafa1*, S.F. El-Gobashy1and M. K. Abd Elhalem2 
1Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center 12619, Giza, Egypt 
2Potato and Vegetatively Propagated Vegetables Dep. Hort. Res. Inst., Agric. Res. 

Center, Giza, Egypt. 

*E-mail: fatmamostafa27@yahoo.com 

 

Abstract 

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is an important export vegetable crop. Seedlings 

are one of the methods for planting artichoke but root rot hampers the production of 

healthy seedlings. Artichoke can be affected by many diseases that reduce the number 

of seedling and quality, particularly root rot diseases caused by Rhizoctonia solani and 

Fusarium solani. The present work was conducted to study the efficacy of some eco-

friendly compounds (e.g., essential oil, hydrogen peroxide, organic compounds and 

potassium sorbet) in controlling artichoke root rot diseases. The results indicated that 

using clove oil, hydrogen peroxide and fulvo copper to treat artichoke seedling led to 

increase inhibition percentages in vitro and efficacy percentages in greenhouse at root 

rot diseases. Treating with clove oil and fulvo copper exhibited a significant increase 

in the activity of polyphenoloxidase, peroxidase and chitinase in artichoke seedling 

compared with a control.  The highest plant length, plant weight, number of leaves 

per plant and SPAD meter were achieved by using clove oil, while using mint oil 

provided the highest length of roots and plants as well as the highest number of buds. 

Keywords: Artichoke, controlling, essential oil, root rot  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 



127 
 

Efficiency of Citrullus Colocynthis as inhibitor of 

fungi associated with date fruits and its relation with 

climate change 

 
M. Hussein 

Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Aswan 

University, Aswan, Egypt 

E-mail:  mmon3m@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

This study sought to identify fungi related to date fruit mold. Rhizopus stolonifer, 

Aspergillus fumigatus, A. terreus, A. niger, A. flavus, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium 

cladosporioides, and Penicillium chrysogenum were found to be the most common 

species. Twenty-two isolates of R. stolonifer, 17 of A. niger, 15 of A. flavus, 12 of A. 

fumigatus, 10 of A. terreus, 9 of A. alternata, 6 of C. cladosporioides, and 5 of P. 

chrysogenum were discovered in association with palm date fruits. It has also been 

investigated how the occurrence and spread of these fungcould relate to climate 

change and the changes of temperature and humidity. Citrullus colocynthis utilization 

under different temperature and humidity results in a reduction in the prevalence of 

the pathogens. Because dates are rich in nutrients and can support human nutrition 

and wellness, these associated fungal pathogens are a representation of the potentially 

dangerous associated microorganisms that seriously harm humans. As a result, there 

is an urgent need for biological methods to control these diseases of the edible fruits. 

Keywords: Biological control, fungus, efficacy, date palm 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:mmon3m@gmail.com


128 
 

Pathogenicity of three entomopathogenic Fungi to 

Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae) 

 
O. Abdelaziz1,2*, M. Senoussi2, M. Benkahoul3, M. Meziani1, A. Birgücü4, I. Karaca4, 

S. Chibani1 
1Applied biochemistry laboratory, Faculty of Life Science and Nature, Constantine 1 

University, Constantine Algeria  
2Laboratory of Biomolecules and Plant Breeding, Life Science and Nature Department, 

Faculty of Exact Science and Life Science and Nature, University of Larbi Ben Mhidi 

Oum El Bouaghi, Algeria. 
3Laboratory of Biology and Environment, Faculty of Life Science and Nature, 

Constantine 1 University, Constantine, Algeria  
4Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection, Isparta University of Applied 

Sciences, 32260 Isparta, Turkey 

*E-mail: abdelaziz.wided@umc.edu.dz  

 

Abstract 

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are one of the most significant threats to agriculture 

and forests. Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae), known as the black bean 

aphid, is one of the most important species causing yield losses in several cultivated 

crops. e.g., beans, tomatoes, potatoes, and tobacco, as well as numerous wild and 

ornamental plant species; its wide host range includes >200 host plant species 

throughout the world. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of 

three entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) (Beauveria bassiana, Cladosporium cladosporioides, 

and Verticillium alfalfae) on A. fabae. The selected EPF were isolated from the 

agricultural soil of the National Institute of Plant Protection (INPV) in Constantine, 

Algeria, and were tested against the aphid insects that were collected from the same 

area. A. fabae were exposed to each fungal spore suspensions (107conidia/ml) for 10 s. 

Percent mortality was recorded at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post treatment. Percentage 

mortalities, 7 days post treatment, were, 98,15%,  97,62% ,  and 92.92% by V. alfalfae, B. 

bassiana  and C. cladosporioides, respectively. The tested fungal isolatescan be effectively 

utilized as biocontrol agents against this aphid species. Among them, V. alfalfae, was 

the most promising one, indicating the potentiality of this species as a new resource 

of biocontrol against A. fabae.  

Keywords: Aphis fabae, mortality rate, Verticillium alfalfae, Beauveria bassiana, 

Cladosporium cladosporioides. 

 

 

 



129 
 

Bioassay of Sudanese and Indian isolates of 

Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin to adult 

stage of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)  

 
M. Adam1, H. Mohammed1, M. Kambal2, M. ElbashirAli1,* 
1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum 
2Department of Bio pesticides and Bio fertilizers, Environment and Natural Resources 

and Desertification Research Institute, P.O. Box 6096, Khartoum, Sudan 

*E-mail: Alifataloope@yahoo.com 

 

Abstract  

The house fly, Musca domestica (L), is a worldwide pest of agricultural and public 

health importance that has plagued humans throughout recorded history. The insect 

acts as a vector for many pathogenic diseases to both humans and animals. 

Development of resistance to chemical insecticides is ongoing concern. Beauveria 

bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin is one of the alternatives to chemical insecticides and a 

potent bioinsecticide. The present study was conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity 

and bioassay of four B. bassiana isolates, namely one Indian isolate, ITCC No 6628, and 

three local Sudanese isolates. The adult of M. domestica were treated using topical 

application; one group was sprayed and the second group was treated by spores 

obtained from 15-days old Petri plates cultured in PDA. The four isolates of B. 

bassiana were found pathogenic to the adults of house flies. The lethal time to 50% 

mortality (LT50) values were recorded in hours. Powder application registered results 

as follows: 131 hours for the isolate M, 110 hours for isolate E, 99 hours for isolate S 

and 108 hours for isolate ITCC No 6628. When the spray method was tested, the LT50 

were as follows S= 212, A= 172, E =156 and M=145 hours. The potential of all tested 

isolates against adult of house flies was proven, with best performance of the 

indigenous isolate coded M. However, further studies are required to determine LC50 

and development of appropriate formulation.    

Keywords: house fly, Beauveria bassiana, mycoinsecticides, biopesticides.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:Alifataloope@yahoo.com


130 
 

Identification of Fusarium spp. associated with dry 

root diseases in Omani lime 

 
M. Al-Jabri*, S. Al-Kaabi, M. Al-Sadrani and A. Al-Adawi 

Ghadafan Agriculture Research Station, Department of agriculture research in North 

Al-Batinah governate, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, 

Sultanate of Oman 

*E-mail: nakaa@live.com 

 

Abstract 

The disease incidence of Omani lime decline was reported in a number of 

governorates in Oman. Disease symptoms of the affected lime trees include vascular 

discoloration of roots and crown and wilting of infected trees. The aim of this research 

is to identify the causal agent of this symptom. Samples were collected from affected 

lime trees from Madha in Musandam governorate; Shinas, Liwa, Suhar and Rustaq in 

Al Batinah governorates; and Salalah in Dhofar governorate. Plant samples with 

disease symptoms were cultured in a nutrient medium (Potato Dextrose agar, PDA) 

to isolate pathogens associated with the disease symptoms. Fusarium spp. were 

isolated from all samples collected after identifying through light microscopy. DNA 

was isolated from culture of Fusarium isolates and PCR amplification of translation 

elongation factor (TEF) genes were performed and amplified gene regions were 

sequenced. BLAST search of sequenced Fusarium sp. isolates in Gene bank (NCBI) 

resulted in 99-100% similarity for isolates from lime with Fusarium solani isolates in 

gene bank. Pathogenicity test was carried out on healthy Omani lime seedlings with 

isolates of F. solani to fulfill Koch’s postulates. Results of inoculation trial confirmed 

pathogenicity of F. solani in lime seedlings and symptoms of vascular discoloration 

and wilt of seedlings were observed in inoculated seedlings within six months. 

Keywords: dry root rot; Fusarium; lime; vascular discoloration 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:nakaa@live.com


131 
 

Artificial microRNA-mediated resistance against 

Oman strain of tomato yellow leaf curl virus 

 
M. Al-Roshdi, U. Ammara, J. Khan, A. M. Al-Sadi and M. S. Shahid† 

Department of Plant Science, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan 

Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman 

*E-mail:  mshahid@squ.edu.om 

 

Abstract 

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is a global spreading begomovirus exerting a 

major restraint on world tomato production. In this transgenic approach, an RNA 

interference (RNAi) based construct consisting of sequences of an artificial microRNA 

(amiRNA), a group of small RNA molecules necessary for plant cell development, 

signal transduction and stimulus to biotic and a biotic disease was engineered 

targeting AC1/Rep gene of Oman strain of TYLCV-OM. The Rep-amiRNA constructs 

presentan effective approach in regulating the expression of Rep gene against TYLCV 

as a silencing target to create transgenic tomato plant tolerance against TYLCV 

infection. Molecular diagnosis by PCR followed by a southern hybridization analysis 

was achieved to confirm the effectiveness of agrobacterium-mediated transformation 

in T0/T1 transformed plants. A substantial decrease in virus replication was observed 

when T1 transgenic tomato plants were challenged with TYLCV-OM infectious 

construct. Although natural resistance options against TYLCV infection are not 

accessible, the outcomes of this study advised that transformed plants expressing 

amiRNA could be an essential approach for engineering tolerant plants against 

TYLCV infection and conceivably for the inhibition of viral disease against different 

strains of whitefly transmitted begomoviruses in Oman. 

Keywords: RNA interference, agrobacterium-infiltration; artificial microRNA; gene 

silencing; southern blotting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:mshahid@squ.edu.om


132 
 

Citrus tristeza virus: occurrence in Tunisia orchards 

and the use of tolerant rootstocks as a mean of 

control 
 

A. Najar1*, I. Hamdi1, H. Snoussi2, H. Askri3 and A. Jemmali1 
1Plant Protection Laboratory, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia, 

Carthage University, Tunis 1004, Tunisia;  
2Horticultural laboratory, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia, 

Carthage University, Tunis 1004, Tunisia;  
3Laboratory of Non-Conventional Water Valorization, National Institute for 

Agricultural Engineering, Water and Forestry, Carthage University, Tunis 1004, 

Tunisia 

*E-mail: asmanajara@yahoo.fr 

 

Abstract  

Citrus is one of the most important horticultural crops in Tunisia. Citrus varieties are 

traditionally grown on sour orange (Citrus aurantium), a rootstock with high degree of 

susceptibility to citrus tristeza virus (CTV). The presence of this quarantine virus has 

been reported for the first time by Najar et al (2021). Recent surveys, serological and 

molecular analysis of collected samples from the Cap Bon region (main citrus area) 

revealed that virus spreading reached drastic levels. In addition, 7870 samples tested 

by direct tissue-blot immunoassay (DTBIA), showed that 17% of the tested trees are 

infected with CTV. This result was confirmed by RT-PCR using total RNA and the 

universal primer pair PIN1/PIN2. Open reading frame sequences (~409 bp) were 

obtained from RT-PCR products of seven isolates selected (GenBank accession 

number MW447905-MW447911) using specific primers T30K17+(5’-

GTTGTCGCCTAAGTTCGGCA-3’) and T30K17-(5’-

TATGACATCAAAAATAGCTGAA-3’; Hilf et al., 2005). Sequence analysis showed 

high identity across all CTV isolates from Tunisia (98%-99%) and with mild CTV strain 

N4 from China (MK779711; 98%-100%) and variants KC517490 (96%-100%) and 

KC517489 (97-99%) from the USA. Taking into account the imminent risk of 

introducing and dissemination of this quarantine virus, we introduced some tolerant 

rootstocks since 2005 to select those adapted to Tunisian conditions. As a result of this 

experimental trial, four rootstocks: Citrus volkameriana, Swingle citrumelo, Carrizo 

citrange and C-35 gave the best agronomic performances with Tunisian sweet orange 

“Maltaise demi-sanguine”. These rootstocks grafted with different citrus varieties 

have been planted since 2017 in different farms belonging to various climate regions. 

Preliminary data revealed the general superiority of Citrus volkameriana in growth and 

yield in different sites with all varieties. On other hand, C-35 performed better or 

equivalent to the control (Sour orange). 

Keywords: Citrus, CTV, DTBIA, RT-PCR, rootstock, agronomic performance 

 

mailto:asmanajara@yahoo.fr


133 
 

 

Biological, serological and molecular 

characterization of Algerian PVY isolates 

 
L. Allala-Messaoudi1*, L. Glais2,3, M. Kerkoud4, S. Boukhris-Bouhachem5 and Z. 

Bouznad1 

 
1Département de Botanique, Laboratoire de Virologie Végétale, École Nationale 

Supérieure Agronomique, Hassan Badi16200, El-Harrach, Alger, Algérie 
2FN3PT/RD3PT, 43-45 rue de Naples, 75008 Paris, France 
3IGEPP, Agrocampus Ouest, INRA, Université de Rennes 1, 35650 Le Rheu, France 
4Diag-gen, 8 Rue Le Notre, 79066 Angers, France 
5INRAT, Laboratoire de Protection des Végétaux, rue Hedi Karray, Ariana, 2049 

Tunis, Tunisia 

*E-mail: linmess4@gmail.com 

 

Abstract  

The high incidence of PVY in all the regions studied and its remarkable 

symptomatological variability, led to the study of the diversity of PVY populations 

circulating in potatoes and given the emergence of new strains in the world, especially 

in Tunisia and neighboring countries. From a panel of 185 samples, serologically 

confirmed as being only infected with PVY, of which 96.7% belong to the serotype-N, 

and only 3.2% to serotype-O. A series of 31 PVY isolates were analyzed by biotyping 

on tobacco and by molecular typing (RT-PCR, sequencing), targeting nucleotide 

sequence polymorphism in the 5'NTR / P1 region and recombination within the 

junction of three HC-Pro / P3 (RJ2), VPg / NIa (RJ3) and CP (RJ4). 28/31 serotype-N 

PVY isolates inducing rib necrosis on tobacco were identified as recombinant 

PVYNTN isolated for the first time in Algeria. The other three strains were serotype 

PVY-O, two of which were identified as PVYN-wi inducing rib necrosis on tobacco. 

This result is of high interest because, to our knowledge, this is the first report of 

isolated PVYN-Wi in North Africa. 

Keywords:  PVYNTN, PVYN-Wi, solanaceae, diversity, recombination 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:linmess4@gmail.com


134 
 

First report of four viruses in the genus potyviruses 

and carlavirus infecting Omani garlic crop 

 
A. Al-Shaqsi, A. Al-Ghaithi, M. Al-Nasri, I. Al-Raeesi, Q. Al-Mawali, A. Al-Naabi, 

M. Al-Rabani, A. Al-Maharbi, Y. Al-Hadrami 

Directorate General of Agricultural and Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture Rumais, 

Oman 

*E-mail: alghaithia1985@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Omani garlic is considered an important crop due to its economic and nutritional 

value. Viral infections of garlic were reported worldwide associated with garlic crop 

loss. Despite its importance, little attention was given to investigate viral infection on 

Omani garlic. This study was conducted to detect the viruses associated with garlic 

plants. Viral-like symptoms such as yellowing of garlic tips on leaves followed by 

complete yellowing, mottling or striping were observed on different garlic plants. In 

symptomatic garlic plants, four viruses were detected, namely Onion Yellow Dwarf 

Virus (OYDV) and Leek Yellow Stripe Virus (LYSV), which belong to the genus 

Potyviruses, and two other Garlic Common Latent Virus (GCLV) and Garlic Latent 

Virus (GLV), belonging to the genus Carlavirus. In addition, the study aimed to map 

the distribution of the viruses between different governorates. The survey was 

conducted between 2011 until 2020 and covered six governorates. More than 150 

samples were collected from each governorate and screened by serological methods 

(Double Antibody Sandwich Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) 

using specific antisera to each virus. The survey highlighted the presence of three 

viruses: OYDV, GCLV and GLV in Al Bahatina North, Al Buraimi and Al Dahera. 

Four viruses were detected in Al Dhakhilia governorate. None of the samples from 

Dofar governorate was positive. This study reported for the first time the presence of 

four viruses on Omani garlic. Further studies will be done to investigate the potential 

role of management strategies in order preventing losses in garlic production.  

Keywords: OYDV, GCLV and GLV Garlic Virus, ELIZA, antibody 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:alghaithia1985@gmail.com


135 
 

The Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer (IGS) in the Potato 

and Tobacco Cyst Nematodes, Globodera Pallida, G. 

Rostochiensis and G. Tabacum 

 
M. Madania; L Warda; A. Vierstraeteb; S. De Boera and M. Moensc 
aCanadian Food Inspection Agency, 93 Mount Edward Road, Charlottetown 

Laboratory, Charlottetown, PE, Canada. 
bBiology Department, Gent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat, 35 9000. Gent Belgium. 
cResearch Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), 9280 Merelbeke, 

Belgium and Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 

Ghent Belgium. 

*E-mail: Madani.Mehrdad@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

The potato cyst nematodes Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis (PCN), and tobacco 

cyst nematode (TCN), G. tabacum, are the most widespread parasitic nematodes of 

potato and tobacco worldwide. Ribosomal DNA provides useful molecular data for 

diagnostics, the study of polymorphisms and for evolutionary research in eukaryotic 

organisms including nematodes. Here we present data on the structure and 

organization of a rarely studied part of the intergenic spacer (IGS) region of the PCN 

and TCN genomes of cyst nematodes. This region has shown potential for diagnostic 

purposes and population studies in other organisms including nematodes. In 

nematodes, the ribosomal RNA gene cluster comprises three genes: 5.8S, 18S and 28S 

rRNA, which are separated by spacer regions: the intergenic spacer (IGS), non-

transcribed spacer (NTS), externally transcribed spacer (EST) and the internally 

transcribed spacer (ITS). The intergenic spacer (IGS) region consists of an external 

transcribed spacer (ETS) and a non-transcribed spacer (NTS) which is located between 

the 28S of one repeat and the 18S gene of the next repeat within the rRNA genes 

cluster. In this study, the first flanking portion of the IGS was amplified, cloned and 

sequenced from PCN and TCN. Primers were then designed to amplify the whole IGS 

sequence. PCR amplification of IGS from G. tabacum, G. pallida, and G. rostochiensis 

yielded respectively: a single amplicon of 3 kb, three amplicons sized 2.5, 2.6 and 2.9 

kb, and two amplicons sized 2.8 and 2.9 kb. Globodera spp. has more than one variant 

copy of the IGS, with both long and short repetitive DNA elements. An approximately 

400 bp long region without any internal repetitive elements, was identified in a 

position between the two repetitive regions. This suggests that there is a 5S gene in 

the IGS of these species.  

Keywords: Cyst nematodes, potato, IGS, PCR, 5S gene, 28S gene. 

 

mailto:Madani.Mehrdad@gmail.com


136 
 

Top ten plant parasitic nematodes of economic 

importance in arid and semi arid area, threatening 

green house and field crops 

 
M. Madani 

Formerly a researcher at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Charlottetown, PE; 

and University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB- Canada. 

*E-mail: madani.mehrdad@gmail.com  

 

Abstract  

More than 4000 species of plant parasitic nematodes (PPN’s) have been described 

worldwide. Nematodes are responsible for crop losses of 8.8 to 14.6 % equal to $ 100 

to 157 billion USD annually, demonstrating their potential threat to food security. This 

is a quick review of the most important parasitic nematodes: Soybean cyst nematode 

Heterodera glycines, a major pathogen of soybean (Glycine max), causing $1 billion in 

damages annually in American agriculture. Stem nematodes, including Ditylenchus 

spp., especially in fababean (Vicia faba) and pea (Pisum sativum), of which 4 M tons of 

production are produced in Canada, is an aggressive species with the economic 

threshold level in Europe being 0.8 eggs/g of soil, and complete crop failure at 64 

eggs/g of soil. Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp), a cosmopolitan species with a 

wide host range in almost all crops and capability for producing complex disease and 

synergism with other pathogens. Root Lesion Nematode (Pratylenchus spp), is a 

serious pathogen in field crops as well as ornamental and fruit trees. This results in 

yield loss of 58% at 2 specimens/cm3 of soil. Cereal Cyst Nematode (CCN), Heterodera 

trifolii and H. avenae, a pathogen of cereals and grain that can be spread from seeds. 

Crop losses of $4 million in Europe and $70 million in Australia have been reported 

by this species. Potato Cyst Nematodes Globodera pallida and G. rostocheinsis, with the 

damage threshold of 1 to 2 eggs/g of soil. With the fact that Prairie ranks as one of the 

main potato producers with about 60,000 acres, special attention has to be given to 

this nematode. Stubby root nematode Thrichodorus spp, and Spiral nematodes 

Helicotylenchus spp are the most common nematodes in corn (Zea mays) fields.  

Keywords: Soybean, pulse crops, nematodes, control management, arid, semi-arid. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:Madani.Mehrdad@gmail.com


137 
 

Screening for resistance and genetic population 

structure analysis associated with wheat to 

Heterodera filipjevi – Isfahan pathotype  

 
N. Abbasi*1, M. Nasr-Esfahani2 M. Mossavi1  
1Plant Protection Department, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht Branch, 

Marvdasht, Iran 
2Plant Protection Research Department, Esfahan Agriculture and Natural Resource 

Research and Education Center, Esfahan, AREEO, Iran. 

*E-mail: nili.abs.13.63@gmail.com 

  

Abstract 

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major staple food for the world’s population. 

The cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera filipjevi) is a soil-dwelling phytoparasitic 

nematode worldwide, which has a wider distribution than the other species globally. 

In this research, the reaction of a collection of wheat genotypes including promising 

lines to the H. filipjevi were assayed at the field conditions. We also analyzed the 

genetic variability of the wheat cultivars using seven simple sequence repeat (SSR) 

primer pairs. The reproduction factor including the number of females and cysts per 

plant, the number of eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2), were recorded to estimate 

the reduction and or increase in populations. There was a highly significant effect 

among the tested genotypes in terms of cyst, eggs and second juvenile numbers, and 

reproduction factors. The highest number of cysts were in genotypes Pishtaz with 

291.33, followed by Pishgham with 272.67, whereas the lowest numbers were in M-

90-7 with 108.67 cysts. In terms of eggs and second juveniles, the highest numbers of 

7 were in the genotypes Ark; and the lowest one 1.97 in Parssy variety. The 

reproduction factors revealed that the highest amount (104.52%) was found on the 

Ark variety, whereas the lowest one (29.45%) was found on Parssy. Five out of seven 

used SSR primers produced 20 polymorphic bands, of which the number of alleles in 

each gene locus varied within 3-7 bands. The polymorphism information content 

(PIC) value also ranged from 0.44 to 0.81, with the mean of 0.65, Shannon Information 

Index (I) between 0.29 and 0.63 with an average of 0.47 per locus, and Nei's gene 

diversity (h) value varied from 0.16 to 0.44 with an average of 0.32. The average 

number of effective alleles was 1.52, ranging between 1.21 and 1.8. The gene locus 

Xgwm 140 showed the highest diversity in the population genetic structure. 

Keywords: Genotypes, wheat, SSR, PIC, primers, markers. 

 

 

mailto:nili.abs.13.63@gmail.com


138 
 

Surveillance of huanglongbing disease (Hlb) 

associated with citrus in North Al-Batinah 

Governorates 

 
M. Al Sadrani*, M. Al Jabri, S. Al Kaabi, R. Al Maqbali and A. Al Adawi 

Ghadafan Agriculture Research Station, Department of agriculture research in North 

Al-Batinah governate, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, 

Sultanate of Oman 

*E-mail: m.alsadrani2015@gmail.com  

 

Abstract 

Historically Omani acid lime (OL) has been considered as one of the most important 

economic crop as their fruits were exported to different countries. Witches’ broom 

disease reported since 1970s on OL caused losses on more than 250,000 trees. 

Therefore, local production covers only 38% of local market. Huanglongbing (HLB) is 

one of the most serious diseases reported worldwide: this is a bacterial disease, the 

causal agent being related to Candidatus Liberibacter genus. This study was 

conducted to evaluate healthy status of mother citrus trees in citrus gene bank in a 

research station located in the northern Al-Batinah governorates, as well in acid lime 

farms. During this study, 188 citrus samples were collected from citrus gene bank and 

57 samples collected from OL farms in Willayats; Liwa, Suhar, Shinas and Ibri; and 

from Aljabal Alakhdar province. DNA were extracted by CTAB method. The A2&J5 

primer pair was used to amplify β-operon region, while the OI1/OI2C primer pair 

allowed to amplify 16s-rDNA gene regions by PCR. Amplified DNA was sequenced 

and restriction enzyme were used. Results of HLB tests showed that 10 positive 

samples were collected from citrus gene bank and 17 infections from other locations. 

Furthermore, analysis results reveal concordance of results obtained using either 

DNA sequencing or cutting amplified gene region through Xbal enzyme as both 

methods identified infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. This is the first report 

of HLB disease in the Tahiti lime, sour and Pineapple Orange in Oman. The report 

also describes for the first time the occurrence of the disease in A’Dhahirah region. 

Keywords: HLB; yellow dragon disease; polymerase chain reaction 

  

mailto:m.alsadrani2015@gmail.com


139 
 

The effect of potassium chloride on the germination 

of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds 

 
A. Ali1 and A. Ali2* 
1Catholic Central High School, 450 Dundas Street, London, ON, N6B 3K3, Canada 
2Earth Sciences Research Centre, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. 

Al-Khod 123, Oman 

*E-mail: arshadali@squ.edu.om 

 

Abstract 

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) germinates in a moist environment with an optimal temperature 

range of 15℃ to 30℃. Rapid germination is often achieved when the seed coat, which 

can inhibit the permeability of gases and water, is removed. Therefore, due to a limited 

amount of time to carry out this experiment, brown rice, which has its seed coat (hull) 

removed, was used. The method of germination was adapted from the wet paper-

towel procedure. Changes to the procedure were applied to obtain data specific to this 

experiment. A clear pattern can be observed when analyzing the trend between 

concentration of KCl and the percentage rate of germination. The trendline has a 

negative slope—therefore, it corresponds to a negative correlation between the two 

variables tested. It can be concluded that as the concentration of potassium chloride 

(mol dm-3) increases, the rate of germination of rice (%) decreases. The experimental 

data suggested that as the concentration of KCl exceeds 0.001 mol dm-3, the rate of the 

successful germination of rice decreased significantly. Furthermore, the seeds were 

able to germinate efficiently in a solution concentration of 0.001 mol dm-3, which was 

closest to the control (only water). Therefore, it can be concluded that the “delayed” 

rate of germination due to increasing KCl concentration was likely caused by chemical 

toxicity. This could have been due to an excessive amount of Cl-, which causes salinity 

stress to seeds. Similarly, excess K+ hampers the overall growth of a plant.  

Keywords: Seed soaking, germination, soaking, chemical toxicity 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:arshadali@squ.edu.om


140 
 

Using bioengineering approaches to express 

halophyte genes to improve salt tolerance in tobacco 

 
M. Al-Bloushi 

Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Doha, Qatar 

E-mail: heartymoonf@yahoo.com 

 

Abstract 

Salinity is a major concern for the agricultural production sector, which limits 

agriculture sector. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is widely grown as commercial crop, it 

is sensitive to moderate resistance to salt stress. Producing salt-resistant tobacco 

plants, Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediatedtransformation was used to overexpress 

genes from the halophytes, (SpBADH), (McHKT1), (SsNHX1) and (AhBADH). 

Transgenic lines were evaluated for expression and salt tolerance. This study shows 

transgenic tobacco over expressing AhBADH6 and SpBADH5 were more salt-tolerant 

at germination and seedling than wild-type tobacco.Transgenic survived at 200 mM 

NaCl, wild-type died after a week of treatment. Overexpression AhBADH6 and 

SpBADH5 transgenic lines accumulated more chlorophyll and proline as single gene 

transformants used enhanced osmoregulatory capability, which decreased the toxic 

impact of Na+. Salt tolerance was assessed in halophytes at 0, 100, 200, and 300 mM 

NaCl. Halophyte plants treated with NaCl for 4 weeks to evaluate survival. The plant 

growth and survival at NaCl concentrations of 0 to 300 mM salt had similar effects on 

all four species, with no detrimental effects on development. Salt had a substantial 

effect on all parameters. When compared tountransformed tobacco, transgenic plants 

carrying salt-tolerant transgenes behaved considerably differently to salt stress. 

Notably, salt stress had a substantial impact on biomass, plant shoot, and plant root, 

proline and chlorophyll levels in untreated plants, when compared to wild-type. 

Compared to the other lines, AhBADH6 and SpBADH5 demonstrated a high degree 

of salt tolerance throughout the germination and seedling stages. As a result, these 

two lines might be employed to increase the development of plants grown in saline 

conditions. In conclusion, halophyte salt tolerance genes have promising potential for 

improving salt tolerance incrops. 

Keywords: Bioengineering, biotechnology, tobacco abiotic stresses 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:heartymoonf@yahoo.com


141 
 

New technology and integrative approaches for 

identification of plant pathogens 

 
M. Madani 

Formerly a researcher at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Charlottetown, PE; 

and University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB-CANADA 

*E-mail: Madani.mehrdad@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

DNA-based technology has proven useful for identifying and diagnosing plant 

pathogens, including species and subspecies of nematodes that cause plant diseases. 

Traditionally and in many cases, agarose gel electrophoresis is a method of choice for 

separation of DNA bands. However, it is a challenging step especially when dealing 

with the limited amount of starting materials used for loading the gel. This is 

especially true when comparing amplified bands smaller than 50 bp. The newly 

introduced Capillary Gel Electrophoresis (CGE) with the capability of running only 1-

2 μl of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) product can separate amplicons with a few 

bp difference in length. The second approach is performing melting curve analysis as 

an additional step at the end of the real-time PCR cycles. Similar to CGE, the generated 

results are visualized on the computer monitor, which eliminates the time-consuming 

process of agarose gel preparation and staining. The third technique is Loop-Mediated 

Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) which is a PCR-free based amplification of the 

target DNA of the pathogen. Cocktail reaction prepared in an Eppendorf tube, which, 

after incubation at a certain temperature, will allow us to interpret the results based 

on color changes. The third approach is Integrative Analysis, by compiling data 

derived from microscopy and host preference together with phylogenetic and DNA 

analysis of more than one molecular marker. This approach will enable us to 

determine the species identity and accurate diagnosis of the target pathogen, 

especially those closely related to it, thereby planning an effective control 

management strategy. 

Keywords: Molecular diagnostic, nematodes, PCR, electrophoresis 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:Madani.Mehrdad@gmail.com


142 
 

Innovative process of using a metallophyte, Brassica 

sp., for the Determination of atmospheric pollution in 

an urban area 

 
A. Sedki1,2,*, H. Sebban1, N. lekouch1, A. Pineau2 
1Department of Biology, FSSM-UCA- Marrakech, Morocco (Trace elements for 

UNESCO-Institute-Morocco) 
2Trace elements for UNESCO-Institute- France 

*E-mail: sedki@uca.ac.ma 

 

Abstracts 

Studies relating to the field of air and the metrology of atmospheric pollutants have 

been evolved in synergy. Although the physico-chemical measurement of 

contaminants was efficient and precise, it was often difficult to translate the observed 

values into the form of potential risks for living organisms and human health. Due to 

this reason, the monitoring of atmospheric pollution has been supplemented for 

several decades by the use of bioindicator organisms similar to metallophytes. In the 

urban atmosphere, metallic trace elements are released in the form of small particles 

of different sizes in solid and/or liquid state and can negatively affect ecosystems and 

human health. In order to monitor the air quality and metal trace element levels in the 

city of Marrakech, two bioindicators Otala lactea (snail) and Brassica sp. (plant) were 

used. Two essential elements (Zn and Cu) and two toxic elements (Pb and Cd) were 

dosed in the tissues of snails and plants exposed for 4 weeks in 5 stations to different 

sources of pollution (road, industrial, residential, etc.). The determination of these 

elements was carried out by ICP-MS after mineralization by acid digestion. The assay 

results showed that snails and plants accumulated more trace elements in areas with 

high traffic and industrial activity. Snails accumulated more Cd (0.39 μg/g and 4.48 

μg/g), Zn (144.32 μg/g and 216.72 μg/g) and Cu (84.09 μg/g and 156.07 μg/g) from the 

atmosphere, and plants accumulated more Pb (0.84 μg/g - 9.48 μg/g). Otala lactea are 

micro-concentrators of Pb and macro-concentrators of Cd from the air and can thus 

be used as bioindicators of atmospheric pollution. In addition, plants of the 

Brassicaceae family, to which Brassica sp. belongs, are confirmed bioindicators of air 

pollution. 

Keywords: Metallic trace elements, biomonitoring, bioindicators, atmosphere 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:sedki@uca.ac.ma


143 
 

Poster presentations: Entomology 

 

New record of Aphanogmus clavicornis Thomson 

(Hymenoptera: Ceraphronidae) as a larval parasitoid 

of tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta Meyrick) in Syria 
 

R.Youssef1*, N. Abo Kaf2, A. Al Tawaha3 

 
1Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, 

Syria  
2 Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, 

Syria  
3Department of Biological Sciences, Al Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma'an, Jordan  
*E-mail: rawa.m.youssef@tishreen.edu.sy  

 

Abstract  

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important edible and nutritious fruit regarded 

by nutritionists as a vegetable. It is an important source of vitamins and significantly 

contributes to economic development. However, the production of tomatoes is 

heavily affected by climate change, insect pests, disease and the new devastating pest 

of tomatoes, the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). 

This study included a description of Aphanogmus clavicornis Thomson, 1858 

(Hymenoptera: Ceraphronoidea), a primary parasitoid of T. absoluta whose larvae 

feed on all parts of the tomato plant. It is the first record of T. absoluta as a host of 

genus Aphanogmus worldwide and a first record of A. clavicornis in both Syria and the 

Middle East. Description, biology and the taxonomic characters of the new species 

were provided. The new record of natural parasitism of T. absoluta by A. clavicornis 

would add knowledge on biological control of the pest and could become an 

additional option for the integrated pest management of those crops where T. absoluta 

is a key pest. It would be interesting to investigate if A. clavicornis can be produced in 

large scale under laboratory conditions and test its potential use as a biological control 

agent within integrated pest management programs. 
Keywords: tomato; Aphanogmus clavicornis; Tuta absoluta; first record; Syria 
 
 
 
 
 
 

mailto:rawa.m.youssef@tishreen.edu.sy
https://www.gbif.org/species/159973547


144 
 

Iranian tea (Camellia sinensis) seed powder: As 

potential pesticide/fertilizer products to improve 

plant growth 

 
E. Kahneh*, S. Ramzi  

Tea Research Center, Horticultural Science Research Institute, AREEO, Lahijan, Iran 

*E-mail: e.kahneh@areeo.ac.ir 

 

Abstract 

Every year, large amounts of seeds are produced in Iran's tea gardens, which 

currently have no use. Seed powder is the residue of tea seeds after oiling, which is 

in the form of a cake or powder. It is 60-70% organic matter and more than 15% 

protein and contains 12-18% saponin. By turning it into organic fertilizer and other 

plant products, it is possible to help the gardener's economy and better management 

of the tea garden. Preliminary research has shown the positive and stimulating 

effects of tea seed products on some plants. Research has shown that consumption 

of these products, in addition to increasing plant yield, has fungicidal effects and 

increases plant resistance to other plant pathogens. This powder has no residual 

harmful effects and is economical and easy to obtain. It is also used on farms as an 

organic insecticide and does not harm the growth of plants and their roots. 

Compared to other poisons, it is safer, more efficient, and more convenient. It also 

can regulate the concentration of heavy metals, improve plant root growth, control 

and eliminate pests and diseases, and increase resistance to diseases. Considering 

that a lot of seeds are produced in tea gardens every year, which have already been 

used to produce tea seedlings. However, with the development of seedling 

production by cuttings and the introduction of improved cultivars, these seeds are 

currently of no use. If it is possible to find an application for them, it will help the 

gardener's economy, and develop and manage the tea garden better. 

Keywords: pesticides, Camellia sinensis, plant growth 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:e.kahneh@areeo.ac.ir


145 
 

Anti-insects potentialities of the Algerian saharian 

plant Euphorbia guyoniana (euphorbiaceae) againt 

Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: tenebrionideae) 
 

F. Acheuk and M. Belaid  

Laboratoire Valcore, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de 

Boumerdes, Boumerdes, 35000, Algeria.  

*E-mail: f.acheuk@univ-boumerdes.dz 

 

Abstract  

Superior plants are a diverse source of potent bioactive agents, some of which have 

significantly contributed to the successful use of natural products in insect’s pest 

management. In order to evaluate the bio-insecticidal potential of an Algerian desert 

plant: Euphorbia guyoniana, a study was conducted on Tribolium castaneum: red flour 

tribolium. A crude ethanolic extract was prepared and then tested in the laboratory 

during the adult stage. Five different doses were tested. The results of the 

phytochemical study showed that the plant is rich mainly in flavonoids, gallic tannins, 

alkaloids, saponosides and glucosides. The plant does not present anthocyanins, 

leuco-anthocyanins, catechins, coumarins and iridoids. For the insecticidal activity, 

the repulsive of the extract at a dose of 700 μg/is low, it is 33.33 ± 23.09%. According 

to the percentages ranking of McDonald et al. (1970), the extract of this plant is 

classified in the 2nd class. The extract of this plant proved toxic against the adults of 

this insect, and the total mortality (100%) was reached 48 h after treatment with the 

highest dose (700 μg/insect). The LD50 obtained at the shortest time (6 hours after 

treatment) is 169.82 μg/insect. The extract of this plant did not inhibit the AChE 

activity on the tested adults. The results suggest that this plant does not have a 

neurotoxic effect on the triboilum. The encouraging results obtained with the extract 

of this plant suggest the possibility of the use of metabolites of this plant for the 

formulation of botanical bio-pesticides. 

 

Keywords: Euphorbia guyoniana, Tribolium castaneum, toxicity, crude extract. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:f.acheuk@univ-boumerdes.dz


146 
 

New Report of Bacillus thuringiensis Var. 

Tenebrionis infected apricot stem borer larvae 

Sphenoptera ahia-ahmedi Cobos in northern of Iraq 

 
J. Mohammed1, A. Abbas1 , A. AL-Kaisse1, A. AllAllah2 
1Plant Protection Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture, Baghdad, Iraq 
2Ministry of Education, Baghdad, Iraq 

 

 

Abstract 

In this study, morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular characteristics 

were used to diagnose a bacterium isolated from the larvae of the apricot stem borer. 

The results obtained that all morphological, physiological, biochemical characteristics 

were typical for the B. thuringiensis cry (crystal protein formation) which is toxic to 

the insect order coleoptera. The confirm the diagnosis, polymerase chain reaction 

(PCR) technique carried out using specific primers for the crystal formation strain. The 

results showed a fragment with the expected size of 461 bp corresponding to the cry3 

gene. 

Keywords: Bacillus thuringiensis, apricot, bacterium, PCR 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



147 
 

The presence of tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci 

Gennadius), and onion thrips (Thrips tabaci 

Lindquist) on different cucumber plant cultivars in 

the field conditions 

 
Q. Ahmed and S. Fliah 

Department of Plant Protection, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, 

University of Baghdad, Al-Jadriya Campus, Baghdad, Iraq  

*E-mail: qasim.h@coagri.uobaghdad.edu.iq 

 

Abstract 

The study was conducted to determine the susceptibility of different cucumber 

cultivars (Jumbo Green, Ghazeer, Nefer and Sahem) to sucking insect pests; onion 

thrips Thrips tabaci Lind, and tobacco whitefly Bemisia tabaci Genn., during the 2018 

summer season in the experimental fields of College of Agriculture, University of 

Baghdad, Iraq. The results showed that the infestation of cucumber cultivars with 

sucking pest’s onion thrips T. tabaci and tobacco whitefly B. tabaci occurred on all 

cultivars during the entire month of July. The Nefer and Sahem cultivars were more 

susceptible to high infestation by the adult of whitefly where the average were 5.21 

and 5.05 adults per leaf, respectively, compared with the cultivars of Ghazeer and 

Jumbo Green where the average were 4.06 and 4.02 adults per leaf, respectively. At 

the same time, the nymph average of whitefly was 55.80 and 55.20 nymphs per leaf on 

Ghazeer and Jumbo Green, respectively, followed by Sahem and Nefer cultivars, 

which were 47.80 and 38.10, respectively. The average of thrips nymphs were 

recorded on all cultivars, which were 4.52, 3.57, 3.06 and 2.96 nymphs per leaf on 

Sahem, Nefer, Ghazeer and Jumbo Green, respectively. During July and early August, 

the green lacewing, parasitoids, and coccinellids were found to be linked with 

whitefly and thrips pests on all cultivars. In the field trail, no significant differences 

between oxamthrine and biotrin pesticides compared to eucalyptus extract treatment 

to control whiteflies and thrips. 

Keywords: Whitefly, thrips, mortality, onion, cucumber  

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:qasim.h@coagri.uobaghdad.edu.iq


148 
 

Yield losses and economic impact of Pseudococcus 

viburni (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Iranian tea 

(Camellia sinensis): a case study 
 
S. Ramzi*, E. Kahneh  

Tea Research Center, Horticultural Science Research Institute, AREEO, Lahijan, Iran 

*E-mail: s.ramzi@areeo.ac.ir 

 

Abstract 

The tea mealy bug, Pseudococcus viburni Signoret (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) 

causes significant reduction of crop yield and it is considered as one of the most 

important tea pests in northern Iran. In recent years, the population of P. viburni 

increased because of favorable weather conditions, established on tea buds, lateral 

leaves and other vegetative parts and imposed damages in the form of yellowing of 

leaves and weakness. The growth of bushes stopped and estensive leave fall 

occurred. Because of economic importance of tea in Gilan and Mazan daran 

provinces, it is necessary to reduce the damages in a safe way. Therefore, a plot of 

garden with an area of five hectares was selected in Korfistan village of Rudsar city 

to investigate the effect of tea mealybug damage on the yield of green tea leav es. In 

2021, the intensity of infection was about 45%. The yield of green leaves decreased 

from 43,818 kg to 24,382 kg by 44.36% losses when no control measure was taken. 

Once the control operation using summer oil was done after the first round harvest, 

the yield of green leaves in the second harvest increased from 29212 kg to 36573 kg, 

equivalent to 25.2%. The total yield of green leaves decreased from 73030 kg to 60955 

kg in two subsequent years, respectively. Failure to comply with garden 

management or delay in control operations caused a 16.5 percent decrease in green 

leaf yield in 2021 compared to 2020. Among the control methods, the use of safe 

methods is of great importance in the production of healthy tea, because the direct 

use of tea leaves by humans as a daily drink. 

Keywords: Pseudococcus viburni, tea green leave, summer oil, damage 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:s.ramzi@areeo.ac.ir


149 
 

Status of present and expected future spread of 

agricultural pests and their management in relation 

to climate changes  

 
A. Ali1 and M. Arif2 
1Department of Plant Protection, Collage of Agriculture, Al-Anbar University, Al-

Anbar, Iraq  
2Plant Protection Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture, Abu-Ghraib, Baghdad, Iraq 

*E-mail: abdulsattararif@yahoo.com 

 

Abstract 

Climate change is correlated with impacts on biodiversity and the productivity of 

agricultural crops and spread of pests. Well-documented examples include the red 

palm weevil Rhychophorus ferrugineus which is widely spreading in most date palm 

growing countries. The spread of some pests such as, the Mexican black scale, Saissetia 

miranda was recorded for the first time on fig trees in Iraq. The green pit scale insect, 

Palmapsis phoenicis causes serious damage to palm trees and production in Sudan and 

Lebia.  The unusually warm winter may assist the establishment of invasive pests, 

such as the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda which feeds on wide range of crops, and 

Tephritid fruit flies. The desert locust are expected to change their migratory routes and 

geographical distribution. The bacterial disease on olive caused by Xylella fastidiosa 

have become endemic. The Bayoud disease caused by the fungus (Fusarium oxysporum 

f. sp. Albedinis is a limiting factor for palm cultivation in North Africa. The increase of 

rainfall will lead to an increase in the spread of fungal diseases such as the palm flower 

rot caused by the fungus Mauginiella scaettae. Drought and shortages in freshwater 

along with increase in salinity and desertification resulted in big decline in suitable 

areas for cultivation. These factors present serious challenges that require urgent 

worldwide cooperative action. Successful results of Integrated Management were well 

documented in different Arab countries. However more efforts are still needed to deal 

with the ongoing and rising challenges.  

Keywords: Agriculture pests, climatic changes, IPM, RPW. 

  

file:///C:/Users/ThaherTech/Downloads/abdulsattararif@yahoo.com


150 
 

Grasshoppers and locusts species as agricultural 

pests in Constantine region, Eastern Algeria 
 

N. Benkenana*, C. Derrouiche¹; A. Abed ¹, I. Guerfi  

Laboratoiry of Biosystématic and Ecology of Arthropods, University Frères Mentouri, 

Constantine 1, route Aïn-El-Bey, 25000, Constantine, Algeria. 

*E-mail: benkenanan@yahoo.co.nz 

 

ABSTRACT  

 The Constantine region is located in the semi-arid bioclimatic stage. Different crops 

are grown in this region mainly; Cereals (wheat, barley and oats), vegetables (tomato, 

potato and bean), and fruit trees (apple, pepper and peach). The locust and 

grasshoppers fauna in this region totals the presence of 43 species. They are divided 

into five families and eleven sub-families. The species Ocneridia volximii, Praephippigera 

pachygaster, Dociostaurus marocanus, Aiolopus thalassinus thalassinus, Calliptamus 

barbarus barbarus and Gryllus sp are species harmful to cereals. Anacridium egyptium is 

reported as important pests of fruit trees. Thalpomena algeriana and Praephippigera 

pachygaster species are observed on several vegetables. They can reach the status of 

potential pests in the region of Constantine if the climatic conditions favor their 

development. 

Keywords:  Locusts, grasshoppers, Constantine, cereals, vegetables, pests 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=762f47000b978bcaJmltdHM9MTY1OTExNTMzMiZpZ3VpZD0yNWFmOWE2ZS0wZTExLTRmM2QtYWRmMy00ZGE0MzIyYTNkNjYmaW5zaWQ9NTE3NQ&ptn=3&hsh=3&fclid=fb7ca12f-0f62-11ed-a2cd-efd2fa2038d4&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLnNwcmluZ2VyLmNvbS9yZWZlcmVuY2V3b3JrZW50cnkvMTAuMTAwNy85NzgtMS00MDIwLTYzNTktNl8xMTY3&ntb=1
https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=762f47000b978bcaJmltdHM9MTY1OTExNTMzMiZpZ3VpZD0yNWFmOWE2ZS0wZTExLTRmM2QtYWRmMy00ZGE0MzIyYTNkNjYmaW5zaWQ9NTE3NQ&ptn=3&hsh=3&fclid=fb7ca12f-0f62-11ed-a2cd-efd2fa2038d4&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLnNwcmluZ2VyLmNvbS9yZWZlcmVuY2V3b3JrZW50cnkvMTAuMTAwNy85NzgtMS00MDIwLTYzNTktNl8xMTY3&ntb=1
file:///C:/Users/ThaherTech/Downloads/benkenanan@yahoo.co.nz


151 
 

Assessment of effective pesticides against tephritid 

fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and their increasing 

invasion potential of in temperate regions of Pakistan 
 

N. Nazir 

University of Poonch Rawalakot Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan 

*E-mail: nailanazir9@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are insect pest with great potential of invasion to new 

host plants in diverse climatic conditions. This pest is invasive in temperate region of 

Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) Pakistan transported via fruits and vegetables of 

Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KPK) markets. During the current study diversity 

and distribution of fruit flies along with altitudinal gradient, phylogenetic analysis, 

their host range and efficacy of various pesticides for its control has been assessed. A 

total of eleven species of fruit flies Bactrocera diversa, B. scutellaris, B. tau, B. cucurbitae, 

B. dorsalis, B. nigrofemoralis, B.zonata, B. correcta, Dacus ciliatus, D. longicornis and D. 

sphaeroidalis under two genera Bactrocera and Dacus of family Tephritidae were 

recorded, among which Bactrocera diversa and Dcaus ciliatus were new records to this 

area. Species host range, richness evenness and abundance trend was recorded along 

with altitudinal gradient of selected localities. The susceptibilities of B. diversa to 

different insecticides were evaluated using micro-drop method and mortality was 

checked after 3, 6, 8 and 24h of exposure. Overall results showed that Cypermethrin 

is most effective to kill 50% of both larval and adult stage. This study is a baseline for 

the implementation of future control strategies. 

Keywords: Tephritid fruit flies (diptera: Tephritidae), pesticies 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:nailanazir9@gmail.com


152 
 

Comparing the effects of different types of pesticides 

on plant growth 

 
L. El-Baesy 

Department of Plant Sciences, Collage of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan 

Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh-123, Oman 

*E-mail: s135456@student.squ.edu.om 

 

Abstract 

Pesticides are chemicals that help protect plants from any external damage caused by 

insects or parasitic weeds. The research aims to compare different effects of pesticides 

on plant protection. A quantitative research methodology is used in this research. An 

experiment was conducted using different types of pesticide that have been tested 

separately for a given time period. Afterwards, data from each experiment was 

recorded. It has been shown that each type of pesticide serves a distinct purpose. The 

results obtained prove that the usage of pesticides has a positive effect on plant 

growth, which prevents parasites and pests from invading the plant. Pesticides can 

promote healthy plant growth and many other positive outcomes. Despite this, it has 

an impact on the surrounding environment and has the potential to contaminate the 

soil. Recommendations are made for future research to improve plant protection from 

external damage via the use of organic pesticides. 

Keywords: Pesticides, quantitative, weeds, crop system 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:s135456@student.squ.edu.om


153 
 

Management of damping-off disease of chili caused 

by Pythium aphanidermatum using synthetic 

chemicals 

 
N. Rajput1*, M. Atiq1, S. Sahi1, A. Hameed2,  M. Usman1, A. Nawaz1, G. Kachelo1 

and H. Ahmed1 
1Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Pakistan 
2Institute of Plant Protection, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University, Multan Pakistan 

 

*E-mail: nasir.ahmed@uaf.edu.pk       

 

Abstract 

Chili (Capsicum annum L.) is very valuable crop all over the world as well as Pakistan. 

It is commonly cultivated in subtropics and temperate regions. Damping off disease 

in chili caused by Pythium aphanidermatum is responsible for a potentially serious 

threat towards seedling mortality in both nurseries and field crop. The present study 

was designed to determine the pathogen of damping-off of chili and its management 

through chemicals in vitro. For this purpose, the pathogen was isolated from samples 

shown typical symptoms of damping-off on PDA media, purified and identified on 

the basis of morphological characteristics. To fulfill the Koch’s postulate pathogenicity 

test was conducted. For the management of Damping-off disease of chili an 

experiment was designed where six fungicides were used i.e Contaf plus, Flint max, 

Score, Ellectus super, Fossil, Topsin M with three different concentrations (100, 150 

and 200 ppm). to check their efficiency against isolated pathogen by using Poisoned 

food technique. Result showed that all the chemicals has excellent inhibition effect on 

growth of P. aphanidermatum at different levels, where Ellectus super expressed the 

best results to inhibit fungal growth (4.11mm) at 200 ppm concentration followed by 

Flint max (5.11mm) and Score (6.66 mm).  

 

Keywords: Contaf plus, Flint max, Score, Ellectus super, Fossil, Topsin M 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:nasir.ahmed@uaf.edu.pk


154 
 

Integrated Pest and Disease Management  

Tomato blight management with organic soil biochar 

amendment 

 
K. Zohaib1*, W. Anwar1, A. Akhter1, H. Khan2, M. Ul Haq1 and M. Haider1 
1Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan 
2Department of Entomology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan 

*E-mail: karamat174@gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Sustainable agriculture deals with the efficient use of resources for the benefit of 

human and its environment. By this way we can fulfill the requirement of food, feed 

and fiber efficiently. Application of heavy doses of chemicals like fertilizers or 

pesticides are not suitable for sustainable agriculture. Biochar usage represents an 

alternative way to control diseases and to enhance plant growth. This study focuses 

on the effective use of different concentrations of biochar and composts to promote 

the growth of plant biomass and nutrients availability like N, P and K in the presence 

and absence of Alternaria solani. Two types of biochars (wood biochar and green waste 

bochar in 3% and 6%, concentrations) and compost were used as a soil amendment. 

All different biochar concentrations significantly influenced plant biomass and 

disease reduction. Among the 6% wood biochar amended soil treatment was found 

more effective in above and below ground plant biomass development. Under stress 

condition nitrogen and phosphorus contents were increased in tomato. It was 

observed that nitrogen content increased by 12.44% and phosphorus content increased 

by 55.17%. Disease incidence was 90% in tomato plants when they were grown in soil 

and it was reduced to 40% when they were grown in 6% Green waste Biochar 

amended soil. Moreover, it was observed that disease severity was reduced to 47% in 

6% Wood Biochar amended soil. In conclusion, biochar has positive impact in 

reduction of early blight in tomato by reducing the incidence of disease and enhancing 

the plant growth parameters.  

Keywords: Alternaria solani, biocontrol, carbon sequestration, organic waste 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:karamat174@gmail.com


155 
 

The effects of some Beauveria bassiana isolates and 

their secondary metabolites on the tea mealy bug, 

Pseudococcus viburni Sigornet (Hemiptera: 

Pseudococcidae) 

 
S. Ramzi*, A. Seraji and E. Kahneh 

Tea Research Center, Horticultural Science Research Institute, AREEO, Lahijan, Iran  

*E-mail: s.ramzi@areeo.ac.ir 

 

Abstract 

The effects of Beauveria bassiana isolates collected from rice fields of Amol (AM-118) 

and orchards of Tehran (BB3) were investigated on the tea mealybug, Pseudococcus 

viburni. In the study, both conidial exposure and biochemical experiments were 

adopted to fully understand pathogenicity. The LC50 concentrations of BB3 and Am-

118 isolates were determined 2×103 and 18×105 spore/ml against third nymphal instars 

while the LT50 values were recorded 3.66 and 6.63 days, respectively. The higher 

activity of endochitinase in AM-118 was recorded in comparison of the higher activity 

of exochitinase in BB3. Moreover, the higher activities of fungal proteases namely Pr1 

and Pr2 were recorded in AM-118 and BB3, respectively. The secondary metabolite 

extracted from AM-118 showed the LC10, LC30 and LC50 values of 0.716, 1.578 and 

2.727% while those for BB3 were recorded as 0.333, 0.873 and 1.704%, respectively. The 

LC30 concentration of each isolate led to significant increase duration of egg 

incubation, nymphal stages and survival of adults. Secondary metabolite of BB3 

decreased the activity of ALT after 24 and 48 hrs, AST after 24 h while it increases GGT 

activity. Similar results were observed in case of acid- and alkaline phosphatases as 

well as LDH. Secondary metabolites increased the activity of esterase using a-

naphthyl and B-naphthyl acetate and GST using CDNB and DCNB after both time 

intervals. Finally, a formulation of wettable powder of BB3 was prepared with the 

persistence of 7 days. The formulation caused nymphal mortality 3 days after 

exposure.  

Keywords: Native isolate, Beauveria bassiana, Pseudococcus viburni, Virulence 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:s.ramzi@areeo.ac.ir


156 
 

Use of a potential probiotic strain as a fermentation 

starter for the Tunisian olive variety ‘Meski’ 

 
N. Chammem, A. Oueslati, H. Atrous, L. Ayed, A. Mejri, M. Hamdi 

University of Carthage, Laboratory of Ecology and Microbial Technology, National 

Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (INSAT), Tunisia 

*E-mail: nadia.chammem@insat.ucar.tn 

 

Abstract  

More than fifty lactic acid bacteria strains were isolated from the brine and the flesh 

of Tunisian olive varieties submitted to different processes. The isolates were tested 

for their morphological, physiological and probiotic properties. A potential probiotic 

strain was then selected to be inoculated as a starter culture during a fermentation 

process. The olive variety Meski was treated according to the Spanish style. Two trials 

were attempted: a spontaneous fermentation and a controlled one, and the brines were 

about 10% (w/v) NaCl. During the days of the fermentation processes conducted, 

brines and olive samples were analyzed for physicochemical and microbiological 

parameters. Polyphenols content and antioxidant activities were determined for olives 

for each trial and in different stages of the process. The population dynamics showed 

that lactic (acid?) bacteria dominated in the inoculated fermentation reaching 108 

UFC/mL on the day 12, coliforms disappeared by the 19th day. Total phenolic content 

in the olives and the antioxidant activity was higher in the controlled fermentation 

than in the spontaneous one. Use of selected starters in olive fermentation processes 

could be a solution for local food producers to provide not only safe artisanal foods 

but also products of high quality.  

Keywords: Table olives, process, lactic acid bacteria, starter, antioxidant activities. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:nadia.chammem@insat.ucar.tn


157 
 

Poster presentations: Biological control  

 

Semiochemical-based strategies as a promising tool 

for conservation biological control agents 

 
M. Arif 

Plant protection directorate, Ministry of Agriculture, Iraq 

*E-mail: mokhtar.a.arif@gmail.com 

 

Abstract  

Biological control is an important component of integrated pest management (IPM) 

that is based on the use of natural enemies, such as predators, parasitoids, and 

pathogens, to reduce or mitigate the pest populations. In this context, the knowledge 

of the chemical ecology of natural enemies, herbivores, and host plants is important 

in the development of an effective IPM program. Moreover, due to the expansion of 

agricultural fields, landscapes, and habitats, implementing conservation biological 

control may be necessary to enhance the ecological services provided by natural 

enemies. The manipulation of the behavior of predators and parasitoids through the 

use of stimuli that increase their presence in the fields can lead to an improvement in 

their performance to achieve conservation biological control. Recently, the 

development of semio-chemical based tools has increased greatly, as they are 

considered effective for manipulating insect behavior with the objective of enhancing 

the biological control against herbivores. Therefore, the use of semiochemicals that 

attract the parasitoid and predators in the proximity of the source can enhance the 

biological control level to protect the crop. 

Keywords: kairomone, pheromones, IPM, parasitoids, predators 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:mokhtar.a.arif@gmail.com


158 
 

Investigation on the Effect of CMC film including 

thyme essence in packaging for increasing shelf life 

and postharvest quality of cherry fruit 
 

M. Hosseinifarahi1,2*, M. Radi2,3, H. Zafarzadeh3 and F. Bagheri3 
1Department of Horticultural Science, Yasuj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasuj, 

Iran 
2Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Research Group, Yasuj Branch, Islamic 

Azad University, Yasuj, Iran 
3Department of Food Science, Yasuj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasuj, Iran 

*E-mail: mehdi.hosseinifarahi@iau.ac.ir  

 

Abstract 

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of essence treatments of Thymus L. 

and carboxymethyl cellulose coating to increase the shelf life and improvement in the 

quality and organoleptic properties of postharvest cherries (Prunus avium L.). The 

study was laid out in a completely randomized design, with three replications. The 

effect of carboxymethyl cellulose coating (205 and 305 thickness) and essence 

treatments of Thymus L. (2 and 4%) alone and in combination was investigated in 

weekly basis for 3 weeks. Various factors such as the percentage of decay, total soluble 

solids (TSS%), the reaction juice pH, Vit C, Anthocyanins, Phenols, Antioxidants, 

percentage weight loss and organoleptic properties of the fruit were measured. The 

results showed that the effect of essence treatments of Thymus L. and carboxymethyl 

cellulose coating on TSS%, percentage weight loss, fruit percentage of decay, Vit C, 

Anthocyanins, Phenols and organoleptic properties fruit were significant at the 1% 

level. Also, the results showed that the effect of storage duration on fruit percentage 

of decay, TSS%, Anthocyanins, Phenols, Antioxidants and organoleptic properties of 

the fruit were significant at the 1% level. Means comparison showed that the 

carboxymethyl cellulose coating at (305) and essence treatments of Thymus L. (4%) 

compared to the control increased the TSS%, pH, organoleptic properties of the fruit 

and decreased the decay percentage. Based on these results, application of 

carboxymethyl cellulose coating at (305) and essence treatments of Thymus L. (4%) for 

shelf life improvement of cherries is recommended.   

Keywords: Carboxymethyl cellulose, cherries, decay, Thymus L., shelf life. 

 

 

 

 

 

mehdi.hosseinifarahi@iau.ac.ir%20


159 
 

Nano-emulsified clove oil on fumigant toxicity and as 

pulse protectant against stored product pest, 

Callosobruchus maculatus 

 
N. Al-Kenani1*, K. Murugan2, R. Rajaganesh2, M. Vasanthakumaran2 
1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdul-Aziz University, 

Jeddah P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.  
2Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University,  Coimbatore-

641 016, Tamil Nadu, India 

*E-mail: nalkenani@kau.edu.sa 

 

Abstract 

The cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus Fabr. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), is a major 

pest of leguminous grains and other pulse grains in tropical and subtropical countries. 

Prevention of food losses during postharvest storage without creating environmental 

problems is therefore of paramount economic importance. Hence, alternative 

bioinsecticide management of stored product is needed for environmentally sound 

post-harvest storage. Micro-and nanoemulsions have been intensively investigated 

due to the easiness of preparation, namely through high-pressure homogenization, 

microfluidization or ultrasound-assisted processes that can be scaled-up, allowing to 

potentiate their applicability in several fields. Our findings demonstrated the 

applicability and efficacy of nanoemulsified essential oil clove, Syzygium aromaticum 

L., in the management of C. maculatus. Application at the rate of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 

ppm of oil and its emulsified concentrations determined significantly lower 

infestation rates on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). A good fumigant toxicity and reduced 

population buildup of the beetle and could be achieved.  The nano-emulsified 

concentrates considerably reduced oviposition, increased the adult mortality, 

presented a good fumigant toxicity and reduced population buildup of the beetle.   

Keywords: Callosobruchus maculatus, nanoemulsion, esstential oil, pulse protectant, 

fumigant toxicity 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

nalkenani@kau.edu.sa


160 
 

Develop a low cost simple attractants food lure for 

fruit fly (Bactrocera zonata Saundres) 

 
S. Musaed1*, M. Jaddou2, S. Al Shamsi1 
1Research station section, Abu Dhabi Agricultural and Food Safety Authority, Abu 

Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 
2Integrated pest management consultants, Jorden 

*E-mail: safa.musaed@adafsa.gov.ae  

 

Abstract  

The fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saundres) is a globally dangerous insect pest for most 

fruit trees. Among the various alternative strategies for managing B. zonata, using 

methyl eugenol traps is the most outstanding alternative. The present study aimed to 

reach and evaluate a simple and low-cost attractant food lure using different 

combinations of food odor attractants mixed with para-pheromone methyl eugenol to 

attract B. zonata. Different ratios from food-based synthetic attractants, named as 

protein hydrolysate, torula yeast, bread yeast, apple vinegar, ammonium acetate, 

ammonium sulfate, sodium tetraborate, were mixed with different ratios of the para-

pheromone methyl eugenol 99%. Eleven treatments were chosen to be evaluated 

under field conditions represents three orchards for three weeks, each orchard was 

considered as a replicate. The combination of methyl eugenol (1 ml) + apple vinegar 

(15 mL) + torula yeast (3.6 g) + water (235 mL) + sodium tetraborate (5 g) were 

significantly the highest attractive combinations compared with the other treatment 

(1897.3 flies/ trap). Furthermore, there were addition four promising combinations of 

food odour attractants, which had no significant differences in flies captured (1596.3, 

1130.5, 1440, and 1388.7 fruit flies/ trap), respectively. These findings have opened a 

new avenue in increasing the efficiency of traps by choosing the most attractive food-

based lure formula, which can be adopted by farmers for mass trapping as a main 

component in the integrated pest management program.  

Keywords: Bactrocera zonata, methyl eugenol, para-pheromone, attractants, fruit 

fly 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

safa.musaed@adafsa.gov.ae%20


161 
 

Effect of Aqueous extract of hanzal (Citrullus 

coloynthis (L.)) Senemeka (Senna alexandrina Mill) 

and Ummjelajel (Aristolochia bracteolate L.) on the 

leaf miners (Liriomyza spp.) on the Snake Melon Crop 

 
 M. Younis, F. Salah* and A. Eisa 

University of Gezira, Sudan 

*E-mail: faizaruba2@gmail.com            

                                                                         

Abstract 

Due to ecological imbalance and hazards caused by insecticides use, plant products 

or plant extracts were suitable alternative to pesticides. This study was conducted to 

evaluate the effect of water extracts of Hanzal (Citrullus coloynthis (L.)), Ummjelajel 

(Aristolochia bracteolate L.) and Sennameka (Senna alexandrina Mill) on vegetable leaf 

miners (Liriomyza spp.) infesting snake melon. Randomize Complete Block Design 

(RCBD) with 4 treatments and 4 replications were used. Snake melon plots were 

sprayed weekly with water extracts of Hanzal, Sennameka and Ummjelajel at 10% 

concentration (w/v) and control was sprayed by water with molasses and gum Arabic. 

The infestation percentage on leaves and mean number of active mines were counted 

twice weekly. The aqueous extracts of Hanzal, Sannemeka and Ummjelajel reduced 

the infestation and number of active mines significantly compared to control. No 

significant differences between Hanzal, Sannameka and Ummjelajel. Hanzal had 

lower mean percentage leaf infestation followed by Sannameka and Ummjelajel 

(season one). Hanzal recorded lower number of active mines in season two followed 

by Sannemeka. Also Hanzal recorded the least number of active mines than 

Sannameka, season two.  This study uggesttd recommended to use Hanzal at 10% w/v 

for control of leaf miner species on snake melon crop.   

Keywords: Aqueous extract, Citrullus coloynthis, senemeka, ummjelajel, snake melon. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mailto:faizaruba2@gmail.com


162 
 

Poster presentations: Micsellanous section 

 

Compost Produced from the Leachate of the Landfill 

and Alkaline Lime Sludge for Soil Amendment and 

Plant Protection  

 
K. FARES1*, M. MOBALIGH1, Z. MADANI2 
1PNAE Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Marrakech, Morocco 
2Cluster VALBIOM, Morocco  

E-mail: Fares@uca.ac.ma 

 

Abstract  

In addition to its role as an organic amendment, compost can play a role in plant 

protection. Due to the high water content and the landfill option in several Arab 

countries without upstream sorting, household waste generates large quantities of 

leachate that pose problems. The transformation of this leachate into compost using 

alkaline lime sludge and the green constitutes a new solution. Two barrels were filled 

with 100 l of leachate: the lime sludge was added to barrel 2 while barrel 1 was the 

control. After 24 hours, the green waste was added to the 2 barrels. After 

homogenization, the contents of the two barrels were dumped to form 2 windrows 

which were followed for 90 days. The contact time of 24 h allowed reducing the load 

of faecal streptococci, by 85.7% and the bad odors disappear within the first 3 days. 

The temperature had shown an increase from the first week: 58.5 °C for the windrow 

with sludge and 56.6 °C for the control; Humidity was kept around 50-60% by regular 

watering. The degradation of organic matter is better in the presence of lime sludge 

(31%). Despite the alkaline nature of the lime sludge, the pH of the final compost 

remains acceptable for many plants. Within particular 38% DS of organic matter, the 

final quality of the compost complies with NFU44-051; no toxicity was observed; the 

final compost could therefore be used as an organic amendment for palm grove as 

well as for the rehabilitation of degraded sites in Arabic countries.  

Keywords: Leachate, green waste, lime sludge, compost, palm groves. 
 

Fares@uca.ac.ma