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T HE RESPONSE of "Murcott" mandarin trees grown on salt affected soil to different amendments that alleviate salinity stress was studied. The present study was carried out in a private orchard located at "El-Adlia Association", El-Sharqia Governorate, Egypt, during two successive seasons (2014/2015 and 2016/2017). Nine different treatments were used as follow: Potassium silicate (PSat500 and 1000ppm), Magnetite (Mag) at a rate of 58 kg/ fed/ year, Mag + PS at 500, Mag + PSat 1000, Unisale at a rate of 7.9 L/fed., Unisale + PS at 500, and Unisale + PS at 1000 ppm beside control (Uniform fertilizer program). These different treatments mitigated salinity stress and increased root distribution, photosynthetic pigments, leaves minerals contents, fruit yield and quality of Murcott trees compared with control. The highest yield was obtained by Unisale followed in descending order by PS at 500 ppm and Magnetite treatment. Proline accumulation in fresh leaves, soil pH and EC at the end of the two seasons also were recorded.

Mitochondria sustain healthy brain function. Herein we aimed to evaluate the thiamethoxam (MX) effect on the rat brain mitochondria in addition to the protective role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against MX harmful effects. Thiamethoxam was administered orally with five doses each week for 28 days to male albino rats at 1/50 of the LD50 (31.26 mg/kg bw). The results demonstrated that the thiamethoxam neurotoxicity was confirmed by the significant rising in acetylcholinesterase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities of plasma. A significant increase in mitochondrial antioxidants as superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione was found. Also, significant induction of the oxidative stress and DNA damage via rising the malondialdehyde, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine biomarkers was recorded by 32.5% and 118.61% respectively. Substantial depression in mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase, cytochrome c reductase, cytochrome c oxidase, and Mg 2+ ATPase complexes as well as 23 % cerebral infarction was manifested by histological evaluation using the dehydrogenase activity indicator, 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. In conclusion, MX can pose a hazard to the integrity and functioning of rats' brain mitochondria, perhaps leading to neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, earlier treatment of the synthetic antioxidant N-acetylcysteine could prove beneficial in combating the harmful effects of thiamethoxam.

Aims: The objective of this study is evaluate the effects of both pre-sowing gamma irradiation at low dose of 0 or 20 Gy and the soaking part of radiated seeds in zinc nanoparticles (Zn NPs) solutions at rate 0, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm on behavior and physiological changes of sour orange seedling. Study Design: The design of the study is Two-Way Randomized Blocks. Place and Duration of Study: The present study was carried out during two successive seasons of 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 on sour orange rootstock (Citrus aurantium) grown at the experimental farm of the  Horticulture Institute, Giza , Egypt. Methodology: Eight different treatments were used as follow: 1) Control, 2) Gamma radiation at 0 Gy + soaking in Zn NPs at 500 ppm. 3) Gamma radiation at 0 Gy + soaking in Zn NPs at 1000 ppm. 4) Gamma radiation at 0 Gy + soaking in Zn NPs at 2000 ppm. 5) Gamma radiation at 20 Gy + soaking in tap water Zn NPs at 0 ppm. 6) Gamma radiation at 20 Gy + soaking in Zn NPs at 500 ppm. 7) Gamma radiation at 20 Gy + soaking in Zn NPs at 1000 ppm. 8) Gamma radiation at 20 Gy + soaking in Zn NPs at 2000 ppm. Results: Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed multiple shapes and uniform distribution of Zn NPs through the polymer network and the mean size of Zn NPs ranging is 40.9 nm. Generally, the results reveal that, 20 Gy combined with 1000ppm Zn NPs treatment increased seed germination percentage and stem length. While, 20 Gy plus 500 ppm Zn NPs treatment increased stem diameter and plant pigments concentration. Protein analysis of sour orange seedling treated with gamma radiation and then Zn NPs showed that, protein groups pattern (10-20 KD) enhanced with gamma rays 20 gray alone or with Zn NPs at 500 or 1000 ppm, while the protein groups pattern above 60 KD disappeared. Conclusion: Using gamma irradiation and then soaking part of irradiated seeds in Zn NPs solutions had significant effects on vegetative growth and root characters as well as some chemical properties of sour orange leaves. In addition, there are variable differences in the protein pattern between treated and untreated sour orange seedlings with gamma radiation and / or Zn NPs. Although, 20 Gy + 500 ppm Zn NPs treatment increased stem diameter, which is the main characteristic for the success of grafting process, the obtained results showed changes in proteins and it possible the gene structure had been changed due to this treatment.

Aims: The response of “Murcott” mandarin trees budded on Volkamer Lemon rootstock grown in salt-affected soil to different alleviating salinity stress additions was studied. Study Design: This research was designed to fit The complete randomize block design (CRBD). Place and Duration of Study: The present study was carried out in a private “Murcott” mandarin orchard located in “El-Adlia Association”, El-Sharqia Governorate, Egypt, during two successive seasons 2014/2015 and 2016/2017. Methodology: Eight different treatments were used as follow: 1) Control, 2) Magnetite at 138 kg/ha (Mag, knowing that ha = 10000 m2), 3) Effective microorganisms at the rate of 12 L/ha. (EM), 4) Biotic at the rate of 12 L/ha. (B), 5) Mag+B, 6) Mag+EM, 7) B+EM and 8) Mag+B+EM. Results: These different treatments mitigated salinity stress, reduced leaves osmotic pressure, thus increased fruit set, fruit yield, fruit quality, root distribution, photosynthetic pigments and mineral concentrations in leaves of Murcott trees compared with the control. Proline accumulations in fresh leaves, as well as soil pH and EC at the end of the two seasons also were recorded. Conclusion: The combination between B and EM in the presence or absence of Mag enhanced the ability of mandarin to alleviate salt stress and produced the highest yield and fruit quality.