mp 6. biological control research and development program

Transcription

ANNUAL REPORT
2012
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF AGRICULTURE & LIVESTOCK RESEARCH
his majesty sultan qaboos bin said
Copyright © 2012 MAF (Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, Sultanate of Oman)
All rights reserved. MAF encourages fair use of this material for non-commercial
purpose with proper citation.
Citation:
MAF 2012. Annual Report 2012. Directorate General of Agriculture and Livestock Research,
Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. i + 60 pp.
COntents
Foreword
i
MP 1. Date Palm Research Program
Project 1.1. Integrated Management of Date palm Pests and Diseases
Project 1.2. Integrated Management of Dubas Bug and Red Palm Weevil
Project 1.3. Improvement of Pre-Harvest Treatments of Dates
Project 1.4. Improvement of Post-Harvest Treatments of Dates
Project 1.5. Valorization of Industrial Dates Value
Project 1.6. Molecular Genetic Diversity of Date palm
MP 2. Water-Use Efficiency (WUE) and Irrigation Management Program
Project 2.1. Improvement of WUE under Protected Agriculture and Soilless techniques
Project 2.2. Optimization of Water-Use and Management under Various Environments
MP 3. Plant Genetic Resources Management and Improvement Program
Project 3.1. Collection, Conservation and Documentation of Indigenous Crops/ 17
17
18
19
19
Plant Species and Rangeland Germplasm
Project 3.2. Utilization of Indigenous and Exotic Crops and Rangeland 1
1
5
8
9
13
20
Germplasm in Agriculture Production
Project 3.3. Monitoring of Seed Health and Quality
MP 4. Improvement of Animal Genetic Resources and Management Program
Project 4.1. Genetic Improvement of Indigenous Cattle, Small Ruminants and Poultry
Project 4.2. Conservation of Indigenous Genetic Resources for Sustainability
Project 4.3. Production of Concentrate Feeds Exploiting Local Resources
MP 5. Integrated Production and Protection Management Program
Project 5.1. Survey and Identification of Pests and Diseases of Major Cultivated Crops
Project 5.2. Safe-Use of Conventional and Eco-Friendly Agrochemicals
Project 5.3. Optimization of Plant Nutrition Requirements
Project 5.4. Identification and Utilization of Plant Associated Soil Microorganisms
Project 5.5. Development of Sustainable Pest Management Approaches
Project 5.6. Identification and Management of Honeybee Pests and Diseases
Project 5.7. Biological and Ecological Studies of Major Pests and Diseases
MP 6. Biological Control Research and Development Program
Project 6.1. Survey and Identification of Indigenous Natural Enemies
Project 6.2. Mass Multiplication and Utilization of Efficient Biological Control Agents
MP 7. Food Safety and Quality Research Program
Project 7.1. Physical and Chemical Characterization of Omani Dates
Project 7.2. Evaluation of Omani Honey for Quality
Project 7.3. Assessment of Antibiotic Residues in Animal Products
Project 7.4. Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Agriculture Products
MP 8. Non-Conventional Water use Program for Agriculture Production
Project 8.1. Safe-Use of Tertiary Treated Wastewater in Agriculture Production
Project 8.2. Utilization of Saline Water for Sustainable Agriculture
MP 9. Surveillance of Livestock Epidemics and Transmitted Diseases
Project 9.1. Surveillance and Monitoring of Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases
Project 9.2. Patho-Biological Studies of Animal Diseases
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28
28
29
30
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31
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37
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40
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41
46
48
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51
54
54
55
Appendix I - Staff List
57
Appendix II - Acronyms
60
FOREWORD
The Directorate General of Agriculture & Livestock Research (DGALR) is engaged in active research
under the prime themes of Mega-Programs (MP) of the Five Year (2011-2015) Agriculture Research
Strategy formulated during early 2011 in accordance with governmental policies for agricultural
research in the Eighth Five Year Plan (2011-2015), in the present context of national food security
and safety, and climate change. Almost all the research activities are collaborative and coordinated
jointly by the different labs of six main research centers of the Ministry under the umbrella of DGALR.
The 2012 witnessed the launching of National Strategy to Combat Salinity and Protect Water Resources
from Pollution and Salinity (Oman Salinity Strategy-OSS) prepared jointly by the International
Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries in collaboration with
the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources (MRMWR), Ministry of Environment
and Climate Affairs (MECA), Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), The Research Council (TRC), Public
Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) and Oman Wastewater Services Company (Haya). This
is a major achievement in the realization of the vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said
for a sustainable agricultural sector.
This annual report contains the results of agriculture and livestock research activities carried out
in 2012 under various projects of 9 Mega-Programs viz. MP 1- Date Palm Research Program, MP
2-Water-Use Efficiency (WUE) and Irrigation Management Program, MP 3- Plant Genetic Resources
Management and Improvement Program, MP 4- Improvement of Animal Genetic Resources
and Management Program, MP 5- Integrated Production and Protection Management Program,
MP 6- Biological Control Research and Development Program, MP 7- Food Safety and Quality
Research Program, MP 8- Non-Conventional Water Use Program for Agriculture Production and
MP 9- Surveillance of Livestock Epidemics and Transmitted Diseases. We wish that the information
published in this report would be useful to all the readers profoundly associated with agriculture
and livestock, farming community, scientists, students and professors of the universities and policy
makers in various ministries.
Our research achievements are due to direct and indirect contributions of several personalities and
organizations/institutions offered to our research to whom we sincerely acknowledge. I am indeed
grateful to His Excellency Dr. Fuad bin Ja’afar Al Sajwani, the Minister and His Excellency Dr. Ishaq
Al-Ruqaishi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry for Agriculture, for their sustained support to all our
research activities and capacity development of the Directorate General of Agriculture & Livestock
Research.
The support of international organizations like FAO, WHO, ICARDA, ICBA, AARINENA, AOAD,
ACSAD, BI, IAEA, UPOV, OIE, GCDT, icrisat and ISHS, in technical matters, consultancies
and capacity-development and training our staff, is greatly valued and acknowledged. Our thanks
are also due to the Ministry of Regional Municipalities & Water Resources (MRMWR), Ministry of
Environment & Climatic Affairs (MECA), The Royal Court Affairs, the Sultan Qaboos University
(SQU), The Research Council (TRC), and the suppliers and corporations/companies in the private
sector.
Lastly, I sincerely thank all the scientists and administrative staff of the Directorate General of
Agriculture and Livestock Research, for their direct or indirect involvement in the preparation,
compilation, coordination and edition of this report.
DR. AHMED NASSER AL-BAKRI
Director General of Agriculture & Livestock Research
i
MP 1. DATE PALM RESEARCH PROGRAM
Project 1.1. Integrated Management of Date Palm Pests and Diseases
Biological control of date palm decline caused
by Ceratocystis radicicola using fungus
Trichoderma harzianum
progression following artificial inoculation of date palm
tissue cultured seedlings is under progress.
In this study, four local isolates and one commercial isolate
Biological control of soil-borne plant pathogens is a potential
of Trichoderma were used to know their antagonistic effect
alternative to the use of chemical pesticides, which have
against the fungus Ceratocystis radicicola. Tricoderma
already been proved to be harmful to the human and
isolates and Ceratocystis were grown at opposite sites of
environment. Several strains of the fungus Trichoderma
PDA plates and observations (inhibition area, overlapping,
sp. have been isolated and found to be effective biological
suppression, and the growth of both fungi) were recorded
control agents of various soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi
daily. Later, the inhibitory effect of the local and commercial
under field greenhouse conditions. Different application
isolates of Trichoderma was assessed following the
approaches have been used including integration of
artificial inoculation with Ceratocystis radicicola to date
Trichoderma sp. with reduced doses of chemical agents.
palm tissue cultured seedlings. Observations on yellowing,
Trichoderma sp. is a rather specific mycoparasite. Lectins
leaf wilting and seedlings mortality were taken regularly.
were found to be involved in the recognition between
Trichoderma sp. and its host fungi, whereas chitinase
The effect of Trichoderma isolates on Ceratocystis
is involved in the degradation of the host cell wall. The
radicicola was initially studied in vitro. Different levels
commercial production of several Trichoderma species
of inhibition/suppression of Ceratocystis were recorded
for the protection and growth enhancement is worldwide
(Table 1). The results varied from no/limited to high over
known. In addition, local isolate of Trichoderma harzianum
growth of Trichoderma over Ceratocystis. As a result the
is found and needs to be compared for effectiveness against
suppression scale of Ceratocystis varied vastly according
Ceratocystis radicicola, the pathogen mostly associated
to Trichoderma isolates used. The study on the effect
with date palm decline (DPD) in Oman. Preliminary in
of Trichoderma isolates in suppressing Ceratocystis
vitro assays showed the positive effect of Trichoderma
radicicola on date palm seedlings is in progress.
sp. in inhibiting the growth of Ceratocystis radicicola. The
study on the effect of Trichoderma in inhibiting disease
Table 1. Antagonistic effect of different local and commercial isolates of Trichoderma sp. on the growth of
Ceratocystis radicicola
Ceratocystis radicicola
Isolate
growth
Trichoderma sp.
Ceratocystis
over growth on Ceratocystis
suppression
radicicola
scale
Trichoderma sp. local isolate A
Normal Growth
No/limited over growth
1
Trichoderma sp. local isolate N
Normal Growth
No/limited over growth
1
Trichoderma sp. local isolate G
Normal Growth
Moderated over growth
1
Trichoderma sp. local isolate Y
Normal Growth
Trichoderma harizianum exotic
commercial isolate
*Scale: 1- Limited growth,
Limited over growth, yellow clear band
of restriction between the two fungi
Faint Growth
High over growth
2
3
2- Moderated growth and 3- High growth
It was concluded that there existed different effects of
inoculated seedlings are being observed regularly to verify
Trichoderma strains on Ceratocystis radicicola. The
the effect of different isolates in suppressing disease
commercial strain and one local isolate had shown
symptoms.
satisfactory suppression of Ceratocystis. The artificially
1
Etiology of the date palm leaf yellowing and
withering
to dates, thus reducing the crop yield. The damage is
caused by the larvae, which bore deep tunnels into the
fruit, ultimately the fruit dries and drops. Infestation can be
Date palm is an important fruit crop in Oman. Several date
easily recognized by the fruits turning brown and remaining
palm trees were observed recently developing yellowing
attached to the fruit stalks by a silken thread. Infestation
symptoms of the leaves followed by withering. The
may cause more than 70% loss of fruits. Chemical control
phenomenon was observed in Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate,
is one of the methods used to control the pest. Previously,
particularly in Nizwa, Al-Hamra and Bahla. Although
many insecticides were evaluated for the control of LDM.
different types of fungi were isolated from date palms
Effective ones were screened and are recommended
over the last years, little is known about their contribution
currently for the control of the pest. It is necessary to
to these symptoms. In addition, little is known about the
evaluate more insecticides for their efficiency against LDM
extent of damage to date palms, the varieties affected and
to provide alternatives for the currently recommended
biotic and abiotic factors that are responsible for these
ones.
symptoms. This study was carried out to investigate the
etiology of the date palm yellowing and withering and
The surveys and activities were conducted to determine
initiated in March 2010. The results showed that the soil
the infested date palm with LDM during April 2011 and April
and water pH in the most of the farms were above 8 and
2012. Heavy infested farm was found in Wilayat Barka
the macro-elements were very low in all the farms studied.
with uniform varieties and homogenous height of about
Moreover, yellowing and withering were recorded in the
2 meters. Two groups of four and six different pesticides
first and second whorl in most of the trees irrespective
were evaluated for their effect on larva of LDM during
of age and variety. Dubas bug infestation was very low
seasons 2011 and 2012, respectively. The evaluation for
in all the farms during the survey period. Fusarium sp.
the efficiency on population reduction was based on the
was the dominant pathogen followed by Ceratocystis
reduction number of infested fruits by LDM larva. Four
radicicola isolated from roots; however Alternaria sp. was
date palm trees were selected for spraying the fruits with
the dominant pathogen isolated from leaves. Soil samples
the selected pesticide. Efficiency of the insecticides was
from the most of the farms were infected with Fusarium
evaluated after seven and fourteen days of application on
sp. The samples taken from Nizwa farms were free from
the same date palm trees. The insecticide efficiency was
any pathogen. To confirm the pathogenicity of the isolated
then estimated by calculating the difference in number of
fungi, studies on the inaculation of Fusarium sp. and
infested fruits before and after application to compare with
Ceratocystis radicicola in roots as well as Alternaria sp.
the control.
and Drechslera sp. in leaves of Khalas, Fardh and a male
In 2011 pesticides used and their rates of application were
variety of date palm are in progress.
as follows: Hawks 20EC (esfenvalerate 10%+ pyriproxyfen
10 %) @ [1.0 L/Acre], Prempt 20EC (fenpropathrin
Efficiency of insecticides against Lesser Date
Moth (Batrachedra amydraula)
15%+pyriproxyfen 5%) @ [1.0 L/Acre], Sumi-Alpha® 5%
EC (esfenvalerate) @ [1.5 L/Acre] and Karphos 50%
Lesser Date Moth (LDM) is known in the Sultanate and
EC (isoxathion (ISO) 50% w/w)1.0[ @ L/Acre]. All four
elsewhere as Hummeira. It is the third important pest
insecticides gave more than 95% reduction in number of
which attacks date fruits and causes several damages
infested fruits (Table 2).
Table 2. Reduction in number of infested fruits after application (%)
Reduction of number of infested fruit (%) after
Treatments
Rate (L/Acre)
7 days
14 days
21 days
28 days
Hawks 20EC
1.0
54.11
99.55
97.43
97.93
Prempt 20EC
1.0
61.36
96.37
98.40
99.64
Sumi-Alpha® 5% EC
1.0
66.74
98.65
98.08
100.00
Karphos 50% EC
1.0
60.84
99.55
100.00
99.59
In 2012, pesticides used and their rates of application
angulatin A: 1% W/V [1.5 ml/L] and Coragen 20%
were as follows: Sumi-Alpha® 5% EC (esfenvalerate)
SC(Chlorantraniliprole)2.5[ @ ml/L]. The results showed
@ [1.5 ml/L], Vertimec 5% @ [1.5 ml/L], Matric 5%
that three insecticides namely Sumi-Alpha, Vertmic and
SE (Chromafenozide) @ [1.0 ml/L], Pyrethrum 5%
Coragen gave more than 95% reduction in the number of
EC (Pyrethrins 5% W/V)1.0[
infested fruits (Table 3).
ml/L],1- Green® EC
2
Table 3. Reduction in number of infested fruits after application (%)
Treatments
Reduction of number of infested fruits (%) after:
Rate (ml/L)
7 days
14 days
21 days
28 days
Sumi-Alpha® 5% EC
1.0
40.00
95.35
100.00
98.68
Vertimic 5%
0.3
62.50
97.67
100.00
100.00
Matric 5%
0.5
-32.50
0.00
53.13
25.00
Pyrethrum 5 EC
1.0
52.50
65.12
26.56
2.63
1-Green® EC
1.0
-117.50
41.86
21.88
-27.63
Coragen
2.5
70.00
100.00
96.88
98.68
Determination of the number of fungicide
applications required to control Date Palm
Decline associated with Ceratocystis radicicola
The study was conducted during 2010-2012. Date palm
trees of variety Fardh were selected in an infected farm
in Al-Ghafat village of Wilayat Bahla. There were four
application treatments for each of which five trees were
Date palm decline (DPD) associated with Ceratocystis
assigned. Treatments included a combination of spray and
radicicola is an important disease that affects date palm in
drench application of carbendazim (bavistin) fungicide,
Oman. C. radicicola (anamorph: Thielaviopsis punctulata
at 1g/L, once (1), twice (2) - two weeks after the first
or Chalara state) produce two distinct type of conidia,
application, three times, thrice (3) two weeks after the
i.e., enteroblastic cylindrical phialoconidia (endoconidia)
second application as compared to the untreated control
and ovoid or pyriform aleurioconidia (chlamydospores).
(4). Each date palm tree was sprayed with 30 L of the
Fusarium solani is frequently isolated from infected palms
fungicide and also sprayed with about 5 L of the same.
but its role is uncertain yet. C. radicicola was also recorded
Samples were collected before the treatments. After
from a number of countries. In South Africa the fungus was
the treatments, samples were collected after 2 weeks,
isolated from date palm trees showing symptoms of wilted
1 month, 2 months, and 3 months in the first and in the
leaves, chlorotic young leaves, and more consistently
second years. In the third year, the fungicide was not
from necrotic roots and lower crown portions of diseased
applied and samples were collected every 3 months
palms. In Oman disease symptoms include yellowing and
to follow the building up of the fungal inoculum in the
drying of leaves, stunting of fronds, bending of the apical
rhizosphere and disease reoccurrence. Root samples
top, reduction of yield and finally if not managed the date
were collected and plated on PDA. Dominant fungi from
palm dies. The growers are always advised to carryout
the culture plates were recorded. Disease symptoms and
culture practices regularly and spray in time to control the
severity (scale 0-4) were collected before and after the
insect pests and diseases.
treatments. Yield was also collected and tree mortality, if
occurred, was reported. Data were analyzed using SPSS
For the control of DPD, many fungicides were screened,
program.
in vitro, which resulted in various levels of suppression of
the above mentioned fungi. Carbendazim (bavistin) at 1g/l
The results indicated that the treatments were found effective
showed effectiveness in suppressing both Ceratocystis
in various degrees in controlling DPD. The percentage of
radicicola and Fusarium solani. Consequently, a field
Ceratocystis existence in the roots of date palms treated
study was designed to evaluate the number of fungicide
for three times with the fungicide was significantly lesser
applications required to control DPD by optimizing the
than untreated control. One and two doses of the fungicide
chemical dose and application method.
also reduced the recovery percentage of Ceratocystis in the
roots but to less extent (Fig. 1).
The objectives of this study were to determine the number
of fungicides applications required to control date palm
No mortality was recorded in the treated trees as compared
wilt disease, to investigate the prolonged effect of the
to the control. Disease scale was also significantly lesser
fungicides applications and follow up on the disease
in the trees treated once and twice than that in control
development after the chemical treatments and to
whereas it was the least in the trees treated three times as
determine the time needed for repeating the treatments.
compared to control (Fig. 2).
3
(Ceratocystis)
One treatments
Two treatments
Three treatments
Control
85.00
Error Bars show Mean +/- 1.4 SE
80.00
23.08%
42.31%
Yield (kg/tree)
75.00
25.00%
9.61%
Fig. 1. Ceratocystis recovery percentage in the
70.00
65.00
treatments and control
One
treatment
Two
treatments
Three
treatments
Control
Fungicide applications
3.1
Fig. 3. The yield (production, kg/tree) in the treatments and control
2.9
100.00
2.8
80.00
Yield (kg/tree)
Disease scale (0-4)
3.0
2.6
One treatment
Two treatments Three treatments
2011
2012
60.00
Control
40.00
Fig. 2. Disease scale of DPD in the treatments and
the control
20.00
One
treatment
Two
treatments
Three
treatments
Control
The yield of trees treated with three doses of Bavistin
was significantly higher than that of control and other two
Fig. 4. Comparison of date palm yield in the treat-
treatments (Fig. 3). The yield in 2011 was higher than that
ments and the control in two seasons
in 2012 probably due to the disease stress in the latter
year. (Fig. 4).
according to tree age (10 L drench + 3 L spray and 20
It was concluded that the DPD was lowest on palms
L drench + 1 L spray) for small and medium aged trees
treated three times with Carbendazim (Bavistin). It was
respectively.
recommended, after field study for three seasons for the
control of DPD. The application involves application of
Earlier studies suggested the best period for fungicide
the fungicide Carbendazim (Bavistin at 1g/l) three times
application to be September-November and December-
through soil drench (30 L solution) and spraying (5 L
January considering optimal disease progression period.
solution) concentrating on the tree apex. This volume is
However, it is suggested to apply the recommended three
needed for mature trees. The volume may be adjusted
fungicidal applications during November-December with
two weeks gap between applications.
4
Project 1.2. Integrated management of Dubas bug and Red Palm Weevil
Efficiency of insecticides against Dubas bug
Table 5. Reduction in number of Dubas bug instars
and adults after application (%) in Wilayat Bidbid
Dubas bug Ommatissus lybicus De Bergevin (Homoptera:
Reduction of Honey dew
Tropiduchidae) is a major insect pest of economic
importance that affects growth and yield of date palms
Treatments
quantitatively and qualitatively. Both nymphs and adults
droplets (%)
Rate
(L/Acre)
suck the sap and produce honeydew, in conspicuous
After
After
After
After
3
7
10
14
days
days
days
days
amount over the leaf surface and fruits resulting in
reduction in the yield and the quality of fruits which makes
Decis® 12.5 ULV
1.5
87.80 94.35 96.95 98.00
Proteus 110 OD
1.5
94.90 96.10 95.50 94.70
Mospilan 20 SP
1.5
73.60 77.50 91.10 94.50
them unsuitable for human consumption. Chemical control
through ground or aerial application is one of the methods
used to control the pest. Several insecticides were
screened during the last four decades for their efficacy to
control Dubas bug and effective ones were recommended.
It is necessary to evaluate more insecticides for their
During Autumn generation of 2012, field trials were
efficiency against Dubas bug to provide environmentally
conducted to evaluate the efficiency of four insecticides
safer and highly effective alternatives.
against Dubas bug in Wilayat Samail of Al-Dakhiliyah
Governorate. Insecticides used and their rates of
application were as follows: Sumi-Alpha® 5% EC
Field trials were conducted to evaluate the efficiency
(esfenvalerate) [1.0 L/Acre], Sulfoxaflor (Sulfoxaflor) [0.75
of some insecticides against Dubas bug during Spring
L/Acre], Eforia (Thiamethoxam + Cyhalothrine) [0.25 L/
generation of 2011 in Wilayat Bidbid of Al-Dakhiliyah
Acre] and Proteus 110 OD (Thiacloprid + Deltamethrin)
Governorate. Insecticides were applied though aerial
[1.0 L/Acre].
spray on highly infested date palms. The application
rate of the used insecticides were as follows: Decis®
Table 6. Reduction in number of Dubas bug honey
12.5 ULV (Deltamethrin) [1.5 L/Acre], Proteus 110 OD
dew droplets after application (%)
(Thiacloprid + Deltamethrin) [1.5 L/Acre] and Mospilan
Reduction of Honey
20SP (Acetamiprid) [1.5 L/Acre].The results revealed
Treatments
that the best results were obtained by Decis® 12.5 ULV
and Mospilan 20 SP followed by Proteus 110 OD in
significantly reducing in reducing Dubas bug honey dew
droplets (Table 4) and Dubas bug instars (Table 5).
Rate
(L/Acre)
dew droplets (%)
After 3
After 7
days
days
Sumi-Alpha® 5% EC
1.00
51.33
59.97
Sulfoxaflor
0.75
62.34
21.34
Eforia
0.25
-1.01
18.72
Proteus 110 OD
1.00
21.57
36.74
Table 4. Reduction in number of Dubas bug honey
dew droplets after application (%) in Wilayat Bidbid
Reduction of Honey dew
droplets (%)
Treatments
Rate
(L/Acre)
The results showed the superiority of Sumi-Alpha and
After
After
After
After
3
7
10
14
days
days
days
days
Proteus insecticides in reducing Dubas bug infestation in
terms of its honey dew droplets (Table 6).
Decis® 12.5 ULV
1.5
90.80 95.35 91.70 92.50
Evaluation of recommended organophosphate,
pyrethroid and Neonicotonoids insecticides
against Dubas bug
Proteus 110 OD
1.5
85.10 94.00 89.80 88.70
The date palm Phoenix dactylifera L. is a major crop
Mospilan 20 SP
1.5
92.30 91.20 97.10 97.40
grown in the Sultanate of Oman and the Gulf countries.
In Oman, Date palm plantations have been suffering
5
from a number of important pests, such as Dubas bug,
Mortality was recorded 24 hours after treatments. The LC50
Ommatissus lybicus. Since the recording of Dubas bug in
values were calculated using the procedure PROBIT of
Oman in 1962, many efforts have been done to manage
SAS (4). In all the cases differences between values were
the Dubas bug infestation. Since the 1980’s, several
considered significant (P < 0.05) if the respective 95%
pesticides were evaluated by the Ministry of Agriculture
confidence limits did not overlap. Relative Potency (R.P.)
values were calculated by dividing the higher LC50 value
and Fisheries (MAF) for controlling Dubas bug by aerial
of an insecticide by LC50 values of the other insecticides.
The samples were assessed by film residue bioassay
method to estimate LC50 values. The LC50 values were
0.09, 0.088 and 0.389 ppm, for Decis, Mospilan and
Sumithion, respectively. The analysis of Dubas bug dose–
response regression lines based on LC50 showed that
Decis and Mospilan had the same efficiency. There were
no significant differences between Decis and Mospilan in
and ground spraying. Reports of MAF showed that about
550 tons of insecticides have been used for aerial spray
to control Dubas bug during the period, 1993-2010.
The intensive use of pesticides to manage this pest
with pyrethroids and organophosphates promotes the
development of resistance. Continuous monitoring of the
populations for changes in resistance frequencies allows
decisions regarding effective management strategies to
respect of LC50 and relative potency (R.P.) values (Table 7).
be made. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect
Table 7. Susceptibility of Dubas Bug (Ommatissus
of pyrethroid insecticide (Decis, 12.5% Deltamethrin),
lybicus) nymphs to insecticides during Spring
neonictinoid insecticide (Mospilan, 20% Acetamiprid)
generation 2012
and organophosphorus insecticide (Sumithion 50% EC)
LC50
to control Dubas bug nymphs and adults during Spring
Insecticide
season, 2012 in the date palm orchards of Samail,
Slope ±SE
LC50
(ppm)
Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate to determine if insecticide
resistance has been developed (Plates 1 & 2). The three
Decis
insecticides used in this study are currently registered and
12.5% ULV
widely used.
Mospilan
20% SP
Sumithion
50%EC
(95% C.L.)
Lower
Upper
R.P.
2.000 ±0.913
0.090
0.001
0.157
4.325
2.06 ± 0.646
0.088
0.023
0.129
4.448
1.863 ±0.744
0.389
0.250
2.059
1.000
LC - Lethal Concentration; R.P. - Relative Potency; C.L.= Confidence Limit
It was concluded that the LC50 value of Sumithion was
significantly higher than those of Decis and Mospilan.
This result indicated a slight resistance to Sumithion in
Dubas bug nymphs during Spring generation of 2012 in
Al-Dakhilyah Governorate.
Another study conducted during Spring generation of 2012
Plate 1. Used insecticide concentrations
had an objective to evaluate the susceptibility of this pest
to pyrethroid (Decis, 12.5% Deltamethrin), insecticide used
in chemical control of this pest (Plates 3 & 4).
Dubas bug nymphs of the field strains were collected
from Al-Dakhilyah (Samail) and Al Batinah (Al Rustaq)
Governorates and reared along with Lab strain on date palm
seedlings planted in plastic pots (20 cm diameter) inside
transparent cages (50 cm×50 cm×70 cm) in the laboratory
at room temperature, which ranged between 25 and 27°C
The studies were done using film residue bioassay method
to estimate LC50 values. The LC50 values were 0.090, 0.198
Plate 2. Residue film method
and 0.050 ppm for Al-Dakhilyah (Samail), Al-Batinah (Al-
6
Rustaq) and Lab strains, respectively. The analysis of
These results indicated that Al Batinah (Al Rustaq) strain
Dubas bug dose–response regression lines based on
was more tolerant than Al Dakhilyah (Samail) strain to
LC50 showed that Resistance Ratio (RR)s were 1.8 and
Decis insecticide.
3.96 folds for Al-Dakhilyah (Samail), South Al-Batinah (Al-
Monitoring of nymph parasitoid Bocchus
hyalinus and egg parasitoid Pseudoligosita
babylonica on Dubas bug
Rustaq) populations, respectively (Table 8).
Dubas
bug
Ommatissus
lybicus
(Hemiptera:
Tropiduchidae) is one of the major insect pests of date
palm (Phoenicxdactylifera) in Oman and the most
countries of Arabian Peninsula. The main objective of
this study was to monitor the nymphs and adults of the
parasitoid Bocchushyalinus (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae) and
the egg parasitoid Pseudoligosita babylonica on Dubas
bug in Harmet village in Wilayat Bahla. This work was
started in the Autumn generation of 2010 and continued
until the Autumn generation of 2012. In this study, the
village was isolated from insecticide and date palms were
Plate 3. Insects exposed to residue film insecticide
observed for the seasonal activities and the ability of
these natural enemies to minimize the infestation level of
Dubas bug in the following generation without using any
insecticides. In case of egg parasitoid P. babylonica, its
presence was higher during May, June and July in Spring
generation than November and December in Autumn
generation. The percentages of parasitism of both Spring
and Autumn generation from Spring 2010 to Spring 2012
were 1.9%, 5.3%, 11.5%, 13% and 9.9% respectively.
However, the primary results for the seasonal activity of
B. hyalinus revealed that during 2010 the parasitoid was
more concentrated in October and November and less in
December, and the parasitism was 33.8% and 41.3% for
Plate 4. Used insecticide solutions
Spring and Autumn generation, respectively. However,
in 2011, it was more in November, March and April, and
Table 8. Susceptibility of two populations of Dubas
was declined in Autumn generation due to rain fall. The
Bug nymphs to Decis (Deltamethrin) insecticide
parasitism was 7.3% and 2.1% for Spring and Autumn
during Spring generation-2012
generations of 2011, respectively. In contrast, there was
23.6% of parasitism during Spring generation-2012. As a
Population
Slope
LC50
±SE
(ppm)
Al-Dakhilyah
2.000
(Samail)
±0.913
Al-Batinah
2.796
(Al-Rustaq)
±0.842
Lab
2.609
±0.876
0.090
LC50
(95% C.L.)
Lower
Upper
0.001
0.157
result, limited presence of Bocchus was recorded during
Autumn generation- 2012.
R.P.
The biological studies of Bocchus were conducted
by following the status of parasitism by counting the
1.800
parasitized Dubas bugs and collecting specimen and
dissecting them under microscope. In addition, number of
0.198
0.120
0.278
Bocchus females were collected and exposed to number
3.960
of Dubas bugs for about 24 hour. After that, the parasitized
Dubas bugs were dissected to identify the immature stages
0.050
0.000
0.110
---
of Bocchus. Accordingly, the egg stage and the first larva
instar were recorded. Unfortunately, the host died in all
LC - Lethal Concentration; R.P. - Relative Potency; C.L.= Confidence Limit
7
the specimens that were dissected prior to which Bocchus
kairomone and bait (fermented date fruits). Different aggregate
was able to continue to its instar stage.
pheromones are being manufactured worldwide which differ in
their stability and efficiency to attract RPW. Several phermones
The comparison of specimens of laboratory and field had
have been screened previously for their efficacy against RPW
led to conclusion that the life cycle of Bocchus consisted
thorough pheromone traps. Effective pheromones have been
of egg (inside host), first instar larva (inside host), second
recommended and are being used in the national RPW-
instar larva (outside host), third instar larva (inside soil),
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
pupa (inside soil) and adult. There is a need for more
studies to understand the life cycle and the behavior at
Five different aggregate pheromones, two kairomones and
each stage in the laboratory. However, the infestation of
one with a pheromone and kairomone mix were evaluated
Dubas bug was under control in Harmet village.
for their efficiency to attract red palm weevil. The trials
were conducted in Wilayats Al-Buraimi and Mahdha of Al-
Efficiency of different pheromones on attracting
Red Palm Weevil
Buraimi Governorate. The pheromones and kairomones
Red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is
different concentrations. These were Green Universe,
a destructive pest of several palm species of economic
ChemTica @ 700mg (adopted in IPM program of red
importance including date palm. Baited traps are widely
palm weevil), Russil, Susalur, Attract and NovAgrica.
used for monitoring and mass trapping of the pest. RPW is
The preliminary results had revealed the efficacy of the
attracted to baited trap consisting of aggregate pheromone,
evaluated pheromones.
were received from different companies and used with
Project 1.3. Improvement of Pre-Harvest Treatments of Dates
Response of Omani date cultivar to thinning for
improving fruit quality
revealed that there were significant differences between
the treatments as compared to control in fruit weight, fruit
length, bunch weight and tree total yield. The fruit weight
Date palm is the main crop in the Sultanate with large
ranged between 12.3 g to 14 g for the examined thinning
production but most of it is of low quality. The present
treatments as compared to that in the control (10.6 g).
study aimed to develop ways to improve the fruit quality
The total yield ranged from 90.2– 142 kg/palm in case of
through thinning technique to elevate marketing value of
thinning treatments as compared to that in control (173 kg).
the product. This study considered traits such as number
It was concluded that in general, treatments 4 and 6 gave
of fruits per bunch, average number of strands per bunch,
the highest fruit yield in comparison with control in Khalas
average of strand length, average fruiting length per strand
cultivar.
and average fruit count per strand.
In an another study conducted for two consecutive seasons
The investigation was initiated during 2012 at Agriculture
during 2011 and 2012 at Barka Fruit Tree Nursery to study
Research Station, Al-Kamil & Al Wafi in the South A’Sharqiya
the effect of fruit thinning to increase fruit weight and the
Governorate. Six treatments of thinning were used-
productivity of Bunaringah cultivar. Five treatments of
treatment 1 - thinning all top strands and 40% of others,
thinning were used. Here, treatment 6 was not used. The
treatment 2 - thinning all top strands and 30% of others,
results showed that there were significant differences
treatment 3- thinning all top strands and 25% of others and
between the treatments as compared to control in fruit
treatment 4- Thinning 40% from all strands (Plates 5-8).
weight, fruit length, bunch weight and tree total yield. The
Treatment 5 was a control (no thinning) and the treatment
fruit weight ranged from 9.6 g to 10.6 g for the examined
6 was machine thinning. A Randomized Completely Design
thinning treatments as compared to that in the control (7.4
(RCD) was used with three replicates and six trees per
g). The total dates yield ranged between 164.7 kg and
replicate. All the tested palms were at same physiological
242.1 kg / palm for the examined treatments in comparison
age and they received same cultural practices. The thinning
with 277 kg for control. This study recommended to use
was done during the period of fruit set and physic-chemical
treatment T3 and T4 which gave highest yield as compared
characters of fruits were measured. The preliminary results
to control in Bunaringh cultivar.
8
Plate 5. Treatment 1
Project 1.5. Valorization of Industrial Dates Value
Isolation and characterization of citric acid
produced from Industrial date cultivars
food and beverage, in preparation of numerous industrial
products, pharmaceuticals, and as a cleaning agent.
Factorial experiment and / or multivariate analysis is a
Dates continue to be the most abundantly produced fruit
useful tool used to estimate the impact of a parameter (a
in Oman; the annual total yield according to Ministry of
design variable) on a response (non-design variable) . This
Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) Oman 2010 estimation
design is used for screening purpose to study the main
was 276’405 tons. Although potentially very valuable raw
effects and interactions between combinations between
material for many industries, the almost exclusive use
design variables.
of dates is still direct consumption. The high content of
mocosaccharides (glucose, and fructose) makes the dates
The production of citric acid from dates of the date palm
suitable for fermentation to produce various organic acids
Phoenix dactilifera was studied using a full factorial
such as acetic acid and citric acid.
design with two design variables; Aspergillus niger strain,
and starter juice treatment. The treatments included
Citric acid is an organic acid that naturally occurs in fruits
Treatments: T1S1- juice treatment 1 and mould type
such as lemons and oranges, and may be synthesised
1; T1S2- juice treatment 1 and mould type 2; T2S1 - juice
from glycerol. It is also produced via fermentation by
treatment 2 and mould type 1 and T2S2- juice treatment 2
microorganisms action, many microorganisms accumulate
and mould type 2.
citric acid, among them are Aspergillus niger, A. awamori,
Absidia sp, Acremonium sp. ..etc. Nowadays, Aspergillus
Analysis of data have shown that mould type and the
niger is almost exclusively used to produce citric acid at
interaction between Aspergillus niger strain + juice treatment
industrial scale. Citric acid has a wide range of use in
had significant effect (P <0.05) on the final total acidity.
9
Table 9. Final results of acidity, pH and TSS
Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 2) acetous fermentation
carried out by bacteria of the family Acetobacteracea.
Treatments
Acidity %
pH
TSS °brix
T1S1
0.37
3.74
14.00
The first step was to isolate date vinegar producing bacteria
T1S2
3.75
2.57
13.80
this was achieved by immersing dates in yeast peptone
T2S1
1.18
2.90
15.50
T2S2
3.58
2.58
13.03
from the family Acetobacteracea from the surface of dates;
broth and incubating at 30oC for 48 hours. After growth
has been observed on the surface of the media and based
on morphological characteristics loops of the growth were
streaked on yeast peptone broth and incubate at 30o for
It was also found that all design variables and the
48 hours until growth was prevalent. A loop of the growth
interaction between them had significant effect (P ≥ 0.05)
was examined under the microscope, finally the isolated
on the final pH and Total Soluble Solids. The highest
bacteria was propagated and used to inoculate date
total acidity expressed as citric acid was achieved with
alcoholic mash (M1) which was subsequently monitored
a commercial strain of Aspergillus niger, and filtered and
for total acidity in comparison to similar date mash (M2)
centrifuged date juice (Table 9 and Fig. 5).
inoculated to the commercial bacteria.
The microscopic image of commercial Acetobacter aceti
4.0
3.5
T1S1
and suspect bacteria are shown in Plates 9 & 10. Both
T1S2
organisms have rod shapes to elliptic, individual or in
T2S1
3.0
chains. After observing this resemblance in morphological
T2S2
2.5
characteristics both organisms were used to inoculate
2.0
date alcoholic mash and then monitored for any changes
1.5
in acidity as an indication of acetic acid production.
1.0
0.5
Day 15
Day 14
Day 13
Day 12
Day 11
Day 10
Day 9
Day 8
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1
Initial
0.0
Fig.5. Changes in acidity of fermented medium
The results revealed the significance of mould type and
filtration technique in the production of citric acid from date
juice. The maximum total acidity achieved was 3.75%
by using the commercial strain of Aspergillus niger and
centrifugation of the juice prior to fermentation. Using
of factorial design showed the importance of interaction
Plate 9. Commercial Acetobacter aceti
effect that the parameters had on the responses. Dates
can be a promising material for production of citric acid.
Isolation of local strain of Acetobacter sp.
Vinegar is produced in many countries from many fruits
e.g. grapes, apples, malt in addition to dates in date
producing countries. In Oman farmers produce vinegar
from dates at farm level in a spontaneous uncontrolled
process simply by bringing together dates water and
sometimes spices in closed containers where fermentation
takes place. The result of such a process is a diverse of
products between batches, and poor quality date vinegar.
Scientifically production of vinegar is achieved in two distinct
Plate 10. Isolated Acetobacter
fermentations 1) alcoholic fermentation carried out by yeast
10
The total acidity of mash 1, showed a steady increase
containers where the syrup is collected into tin cans.
in acidity up to the 8th week then a slight decrease was
Though the Dibs produced in this way is locally accepted
observed and the fermentation was stopped. In mash 2, the
but there are constraints such as low productivity, and
total acidity increased from 0.2 to 0.6 % then levelled at
uncontrolled hygiene of the product.
the 6th week indicating apparently death phase of bacteria
The studies were conducted based on the production
occurred after 120 hrs from the start of fermentation (Fig. 6).
of Dibs in two different methods using different date
cultivars- Khalas, Handhal, Khasab, Hilali, Fardh, Zabad,
1.6
1.4
Jabri, Bushakhool, in triplicates each. In an attempt to
Acetobacter aceti
develop a new method to prepare Dibs, the studies were
Suspect bacteria
1.2
conducted to produce Dibs by extracting date sugars by
1.0
boiling in water (as illustrated in the flow diagram below)
Consequently, in order to overcome these undesired
Week 9
Week 8
Week 7
Initial
0.0
Week 6
consistency in texture that marked the traditional product.
Week 5
0.2
Week 4
that the product seemed very “liquidy” and lacked the
Week 3
cultivars. The main observation of the resulted Dibs was
0.4
Week 2
which resulted in Dibs of various qualities based on mainly
0.6
Week 1
0.8
attributes, trials were made on an alternative method
Fig. 6. Changes of total acidity of date mash during
based on conducting the concentration step under vacuum
acetous fermentation
in a rotary evaporator. The heating under vacuum causes
The results obtained suggested that the isolated bacteria
boiling to occur at low temperature (55oC), therefore,
had a weak ability of acetic acid production as compared
concentration is achieved at these conditions of low
to the commercial Acetobacter aceti. It is suggested to
temperature and under vacuum.
continue the study with modification in alcohol content of
Based on the results obtained from the alternate method,
the mash and aeration efficiency.
it was recommended to carry out Dibs production under
Production of date syrup and study its
physiochemical properties
vacuum to produce viscous Dibs. Among the cultivars tested,
Handhal Dibs produced under vacuum gave a thick viscous
honey like product with average viscosity of 6381.66cp. It
Date syrup (Dibs) prepared from dates Phoenix dactylifera
was proposed to conduct trials on up scaling the procedure
is a desirable product locally. It is used for its sweet taste
used here from Lab to farm scale and continue with studies
and the high energy it produces owing to the high content
to optimize the process before recommending the cultivar
of monosaccharides it contains. Dibs may differ in physical
and processing conditions to the farmers.
properties (viscosity and colour) according to many factors
such as cultivar and preparation technique (under low or
Studies on coffee substitute prepared from
roasted date seeds - Drying of dates in a
polycarbonate chamber
atmospheric pressure). The comments received from
consumers have shown that the common preference was
for thick honey like syrup. The MAF’s import and export
census of 2005-2011 showed constant demand for Dibs
Dates are harvested at rutab maturity stage (45-50%
which is mainly imported in large containers of 25 kg and
moisture), where they are consumed or dried at this
re-packed in small resale containers.
stage. Drying of rutab into tamr is carried out mainly in
the open air. The fruits are spread in the sun for around
The traditional method to prepare date syrup (Dibs)
seven days. During drying period the fruits are exposed
consisted of pressing permeable date filled containers
to environment elements like dust, rain etc and attacks by
(weights 20-50kgs) pile in a warm humid shade (locally
insects. The study attempted to dry dates in polycarbonate
called nadhed) for weeks and the resulted thick syrup
chambers equipped with exhaust fans to facilitate drive
oozes into cement channels below the pile of date
out accumulated fruits moisture.
11
Dates of various cultivars such as Khalas, Fardh, Zabad and
Observations taken suggested that the dates dried in the
khasab were harvested at bisr stage from Jimah Research
chamber followed a pattern in all the cultivars as shown
Station, Daris (Nizwa), Al-Kamil & Al-Wafi in bunches. In order
in Figs. 7 to 10; the weight had changed rapidly through
to spread for drying; fruit bunches were further cut into spathes,
5 days and then leveled. At the end of the drying process
spread on wire trays, and placed to dry in the polycarbonate
(7days), the fruits inside and outside the chamber were
chamber. Three samples of ≈ 500g of dates were placed in
analyzed and the results are shown in Table10.
stainless steel sieves. Another three samples were dried in the
open air as a control for the current practice by the farmer.
12.0
Three samples of each treatment were monitored for changes
In
10.0
in weight every 24 hrs. Initial and final moisture%, colour- hue,
Out
8.0
Percentage of weight loss
TSS, and polyphenols were determined.
Plates 11 & 12 show the interior design of the date drying
chamber with total volume 29.6 m3, the chamber is made
of steel frame covered with poly carbonate sheets, it has
many advantages over poly ethylene sheets and glass;
briefly: transparency of around 95%, shatter proof, tolerant
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
1
to temperatures from -40 to 160 C, coated with a UV proof
2
3
o
4
5
6
7
Days
layer, break proof as compared to glass, light weight, flexible
Fig. 7. Weight changes in Khalas dates during drying
and easy to shape and colour guaranteed for 10 years.
in polycarbonate chamber
The chamber is equipped with 2 exhaust fans to assist the
drying process. The fan opposite to the wall at a lower level
than the drying trays is covered with screens for aeration.
6.0
In
5.0
Out
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Days
Fig. 8. Weight changes in Fardh dates during drying in
polycarbonate chamber
Plate 11. Outline of the drying chamber
8.0
In
7.0
Out
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Days
Fig. 9. Weight changes in Zabad dates during drying
Plate 12. Interior of the drying chamber
12
The results of moisture, water activity (aw), TSS, for all the
8.0
In
7.0
cultivars showed a trend significantly different (p > 0.05)
Out
6.0
of more efficient drying inside the chamber. pH values
5.0
of the fruits were significantly lower inside the chamber,
4.0
however, all values were well within acceptable range.
3.0
2.0
It was concluded that the drying in the polycarbonate
1.0
chamber had shown that it was more efficient in drying dates
in terms of moisture, water activity and TSS. However, the
0.0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
work on minimizing drying time was recommended. It was
Days
suggested for use of heat to speed up the drying process.
Fig. 10. Weight changes in Khasab dates during drying
Table 10. Comparison of dates dried in and out of the drying chamber
Cultivars
Khalas
Fardh
Zabad
Khasab
In
Out
In
Out
In
Out
In
Out
pH
5.95
6.13
5.72
6.00
5.28
5.56
5.96
6.32
TSS
82.90
79.94
83.50
78.80
82.37
78.74
85.10
79.84
Color-hue
0.34
0.39
0.37
0.46
0.42
0.44
0.34
0.36
Moisture
17.07
20.03
19.73
22.07
18.40
19.21
15.70
16.67
Parameters
Project 1.6. Molecular Genetic Diversity of Date palm
Genetic diversity of some date palms cultivars in
Gulf Council Countries
repetitive DNA commonly found in eukaryotic genomes.
They are characterized by their great abundance, high
variability and large distribution throughout different
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a dioecious (2n = 2x
genomes earlier. Microsatellites are typically multi-allelic
= 36), perennial, monocotyledonous fruit tree that belongs
loci since more than five alleles per locus are commonly
to the family of Arecaceae. Date is the most important crop
observed in plant populations. They have been used as tools
consumed significantly in the GCC. However, little about
to assess genetic diversity among different crop species. In
the molecular characterization of date palm cultivars is
the current study, 19 microsatellites or SSR primers were
currently known. Determination of the genetic variability
used to study the genetic diversity of five date palm cultivars
of date palm, as well as appropriate cultivar identification
from four different regions in GCC countries namely Oman
would be of major importance in improvement program and
(Khalas Al-Dhahira, Nagal, Khalas Oman, Fard, Khasab),
characterization and conservation of germplasm. Recently,
Saudi Arabia (Ghur, Khasab, Khalas, Ruzaiz, Shaishi),
microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are
Bahrain (Gharrah, Khunaizi, Khalas, Asfoor Khasbat, Hilali)
available and recorded as the most informative polymorphic
and Kuwait (Nabtat Saif, Sa’amran, Khalas, Berhi).
marker system. Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats
(SSRs) consist of variable numbers of tandemly repeated
Nineteen primers were used to study the genetic diversity
units each one of 1 to 6 bp, and represent a class of
of date palm in GCC countries. The alleles found were as
13
follows: 141 for Oman, 154 for Bahrain, 119 for Kuwait
The molecular variance analysis showed 18% of variability
and 139 for Kingdom Saudi Arabia. The percentage of
among cultivars and 82% within cultivars. The cultivars
polymorphic loci was high and ranged between 4.74% and
were separated into three main clusters. Different levels
84.21% with an average of 92.11%. The highest number of
of heterozygosity were noticed among the studied
bands was amplified by SSR locus PDCAT18F (27) whereas
accessions. This study revealed the existence of genetic
the lowest was with PDCAT12F locus. The total rate of
variation among GCC cultivars. Genetic differentiation
heterozygosity ranged from 0.062 to 0.927 which indicated
in general, remained high. In general, there was a clear
that the GCC date palm accessions were characterized
individualization of cultivars with the exception of some
by a quite high level of genetic diversity. The cultivars of
that are mixed within the other cultivars. The derived
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain were the closest genetically while
UPGMA dendrogram illustrates the divergence among the
Kuwait and Oman cultivars were the farthest (Table 11).
genotypes and supported their clustering into three main
groups (Fig. 11).
Table 11. The genetic similarity between different
accession from Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Kingdom
The first one labeled as A was composed of two sub
Saudi Arabia
clusters of Oman and Kuwait date palms cultivars. This
indicates the presence of diversity between Oman and
Oman
Saudi Arabia Kuwait Bahrain
Kuwait genotypes. The second cluster labeled as B was
composed of two sub clusters of all the GCC cultivars. The
third cluster labeled as C was composed of another two
1.000
Oman
sub clusters of Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia which
revealed that there was higher exchange of date palm
0.694
1.000
germplasm between these countries.
Saudi Arabia
Fingerprinting of Omani date palm cultivars
0.694
0.700
1.000
Kuwait
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a long lived dioecious
monocotyledonous fruit plant (2n=36) belonging to the
0.742
0.878
0.684
1.000
Arecaceae family. It is believed to have originated in
Bahrain
Mesopotamia. Thousands of cultivars have been reported
Fig. 11. Dendrogram of genetic similarity of date palm cultivars included in this study generated by UN Weighted
Neighbour-Joining method
 Legend: red refer wto Oman date palm cultivars, blue refer to Kingdom Saudi Arabia date palm cultivars, green
refer to Kuwait date palm cultivars, in black refer to Bahrain date palm cultivars
14
in date palm. Date palms have always been clonally
sample in replication was used in these studies along with
propagated to ensure the identity and uniformity of the
the samples to be analyzed to ensure the repeatability
cultivars. Discrimination among closely related cultivars
and accuracy of results in the DNA analyzer machine.
and clones is often extremely difficult. Identification of date
Data analysis was carried out by using the Numerical
palm cultivars is principally based on fruit morphology.
Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System (NTSYS-PC
However, morphological traits are often unreliable or
program ver. 2.20r). The cluster analysis was generated
imprecise indicators of plant genotype, as they are
based on UPGMA (Un-weighted Pair Group Method with
influenced by environmental conditions or varying with the
Arithmetic mean). In this study, 17 primer pairs were highly
developmental stage of plants. DNA typing is a convenient
polymorphic giving a total number of 101 alleles with the
method for accurately identifying date palm cultivars
mean of 6 per locus, which was greater in Omani cultivars
and analyzing their genetic diversity and phylogenic
than the polymorphism discovered elsewhere in earlier
relationships. Microsatellite or simple sequence repeat
studies. It ranged from 3 alleles/ locus for SSR6 to 8 for
(SSR) molecular markers have been proven to be very
locus SSR3. The Polymorphic Information Content (PIC)
powerful in plant diversity analysis because they are
ranged from 0.339 (SSR8) to 0.829 (SSR16) with an
locus specific, co-dominant, highly polymorphic and highly
average of 0.685.
reproducible. The aim of this investigation was to study the
The banding patterns of agarose gel and the microsatellite
genetic variation (polymorphisms) among different Omani
electropherogram alleles were segregated in Omani
date palm cultivars using SSR markers. The most of these
date palm genotypes along the DNA size. The derived
cultivars had low of genetic polymorphisms.
UPGMA dendrogram illustrated the divergence among the
genotypes and supported their clustering into two main
Mature leaf samples from 19 Omani date palm cultivars
groups. The first one (A) was composed of Um Asilla,
(Um Asilla, Handal, Mibsili, Jbri, Hilali, Maan, Barni,
Qsh Jama, Madloki, Nasho Al Kharma, Qsh Basmen,
Damoos, Qaroot, Khinizi Halaw, Qadmi, Shahal, Qsh
Hilali, Abu Maan, Maan, Qaroot, Khinizi Halaw, Barshi,
Jama, Nasho Al Kharma, Abu Maan, Barshi, Ramli,
Ramli, Qadmi, Damoos, Barni and Handal. The second
Qsh Basmen and Madloki) in five replicates per cultivar
cluster (B) was composed of Shahal, Mibsili and Jbri. Both
were collected from six Governorates of Oman namely
replicates used for each genotype were sub-clustered in
Al-Batinah Governorates (Barka and Sohar), Dhahirah
one group, which indicated within diversity among date
Governorate (Ibri), Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate (Wadi
palm genotypes. The mean of the SSR based pair wise
Quriat), Muscat (Ghala) and North Al-Sharqia (Ibra), were
genetic similarity estimates (GSEs) between eight of
used to study the diversity among and within each cultivar
date palms using 17 primer combinations were ringed
using microsatellite primers.
from 0.7692 in Nasho Al Kharma and 0.9700 in Abu
A total of 33 primers were tested to amplify the isolated
Maan. The percentage of polymorphic loci of population
DNA, only 17 primers were shown reproducible and
in Damoos cultivar (94.12%) was highest whereas Hilali
polymorphic
amplification
had the lowest (47.06%) with an average of 96.40. The
reaction was performed using Applied Biosystems (2720
percentage of molecular variance analysis showed 79%
thermocycler, Singapore) with 17 primer combinations. The
among and 21% within the date palms populations (Table
microsatellite analysis was performed using fluorescent
12). These patterns permited the analysis of the DNA
forward primers (Sigma-Proligo). The PCR program had
divergence and phylogenetic construction among Omani
initial denaturation at 95°C for 5 min, then 35 cycles of
date palm cultivars. The varieties relationships based
95°C for 30 s, 52/55°C for 60 s and 72 °C for 60 s and a
on the molecular data concurred in some cases with
final elongation step at 72 °C for 7 min. The microsatellite
the groupings based on the high degree of the variation
alleles were detected by performing a Beckman Coulter
observed for several traits particularly related with the
CEQ™ 8000 automated DNA Sequencer machine. Control
genetic information produced by each cultivar.
band.
The
Microsatellite
15
Table 12. Mean of the SSR based pair wise genetic
similarity estimates (GSEs) between 19 cultivars using
17 microsatellite primer combinations calculated with
GenAlex 6
No.
Cultivars
Similarity Range
1
Um Asilla
0.9310 – 0.8519
2
Handal
0.9617 – 0.8846
3
Mibsili
0.9333 – 0.8966
4
Jbri
0.9600 – 0.8310
5
Hilali
0.9230 – 0.8846
6
Maan
0.9200 – 0.7778
7
Barni
0.9670 – 0.8387
8
Damoos
0.9355 – 0.8257
9
Qaroot
0.9630 – 0.8276
10
Khinizi Halaw
0.9615 – 0.8000
11
Qadmi
0.9310 – 0.8710
12
Shahal
0.9643 – 0.8929
13
Qsh Jama
0.9663 – 0.8966
14
Nasho Al Kharma
0.9583 – 0.7692
15
Abu Maan
0.9700 – 0.8065
16
Barshi
0.9310 – 0.8125
17
Ramli
0.9043 – 0.8929
18
Qsh Basmen
0.9217 – 0.8333
19
Madloki
0.9667 – 0.8125
Fig. 12. Joint map program used for genetic mapping
Fig. 13. Example of electropherogram showing segregation of microsatellite S93 for Khalas cultivar
according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the DNA
concentrations were estimated on 1% agarose gel. The DNA
Genetic differentiation in general, was high and above
samples from two populations (BC1 and F1) were analyzed
heterozygosis. It would be interesting to make a depth
using seventy-six microsatellite (SSR) primer pairs.
study of cultivars that presented high rates of genetic
Diversity Array Technology marker assays for the same
polymorphism. In fact, present study provided the
populations were also performed by DArT Pty. Ltd
evidence that SSR method is an alternative strategy to
(Yarralumla, Australia; www.diversityarrays.com). Data
precisely assess the phylogenetic relationships between a
from both microsatellite and DArT markers would be
set of Omani date palm cultivars. It is obviously necessary
combined together and used to construct a genetic linkage
to enlarge both the number of cultivars and the number
map of date palm using JoinMap4 software (Fig. 12).
of primers to obtain deeper information insight the Omani
date palm cultivars.
DNA samples from BC1, BC2 and F1 populations and its
parents would be extracted using the DNeasy plant Maxi
Construction of Genetic Map of Date Palms
kit (Qiagen Cat#: 68163) according to the manufacturer’s
In an on-going investigation, eighty seven date palms were
instructions. DNA of BC1 and BC2 will be analysed by
used for the purpose of genetic linkage mapping analysis.
using combinations of (AFLP) Amplified Fragment Length
Fifty-three palms were from a BC1 population and the other
Polymorphism followed and SSR reactions for construction
34 palms were F1 populations. The two populations were
the genetic map. All raw data would be collected and
developed using the same male (Kl-96-13) and two different
analyzed using Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate
females Khalas 4 and Um Asilla. The DNA was extracted
Analysis System (NTSYS-PC 2.2) and SAS ver. 8 for
from the mature leaves using Dneasy Plant Maxi Kits
measuring the genetic diversity (Fig. 13).
16
MP 2. WATER-USE EFFICIENCY (WUE) AND IRRIGATION
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Project 2.1. Improvement of WUE under Protected Agriculture and Soilless techniques
Evaluation of sweet pepper in sand culture
media under soil-less growing technique (open
system) in non-cooled greenhouse conditions
good quality produce. Hydroponics is a technology for growing
plant in nutrient solutions with or without the use of an artificial
medium (sand, gravel, vermiculite, rookwool, perlite, peat
moss, coir or sawdust). Hydroponics systems are classified
The use of soilless growing technique has been increased
as closed (i.e. nutrient solution is recovered, replenished and
significantly because of its advantages. The studies are
recycled) or open system (i.e. the nutrient solution supplied
needed to reduce the cost of existing media, which are
to the plant root, is not recycled). Tomato is a major vegetable
high in price by finding alternative materials which could
crop that has achieved tremendous popularity over the last
be used as media for this type of vegetable cultivation.
century. It is grown in practically every country in the world in
The media materials are locally available with low price.
greenhouses, net houses and open field.
Many studies have been conducted worldwide under such
Two tomato varieties each of beef and cherry type were
systems using different media for producing vegetables.
screened for their growth and yield performance under
The results of studies conducted during 2010-2011
soilless growing techniques (closed system) in a non-cooled
showed significant differences among the varieties of
greenhouse during 2011-2012 season at Agriculture Research
sweet pepper for yield. During 2011-2012 four sweet
Station, Sohar in non-replicated plots. Fruit number for beef
pepper varieties were evaluated at Agriculture Research
tomato ranged from 113 to 133/m2. Yield varied from 2.9 to 3.9
Station, Al-Kamil & Al Wafi under non-cooled green hall
t/gh for beef tomato. Variety Salam F1 gave highest yield (3.9 t/
conditions for their growth, yield and quality performance
gh). For cherry tomato, the yield ranged between 1.7 to 2.0 t/gh
using sand as media (Plate 13).
and the variety Sunchery Premium F1 produced highest yield
(2.0 t/ gh) as compared to Yenicer F1 variety (Table 13). The
study will be repeated for confirm the results.
Table 13. Means of five characters of beef and cheery
tomato varieties at Sohar during 2012
Varieties
Salam F1
Plate 13. Sweet pepper crop under soilless growing
Al Sancak
technique
F1
Suncherry
The varieties were arranged in Randomized Complete
Yenicer
Block Design (RCBD). Significant differences (p<0.05)
F1
were observed for all parameters tested between the
Average
Days
Harvest
Fruit
to First
Period
no. /
Harvest
(Days)
m2
Beef
72
125
133
128.4
3.9
Beef
72
125
113
95.8
2.9
Cherry
72
125
-
-
2.0
Cherry
72
125
--
-
1.7
Type of
tomato
fruit
Yield
weight
t/gh
(g)
* gh- greenhouse
varieties. Fruit number per square meter varied from 62
Screening of cherry tomato varieties under Interior
Governorate using soilless growing techniques
(closed system) in cooled greenhouse
to 88 whereas yield ranged from 2.4 to 3.1 t/gh among the
varieties. Highest yielding variety was Majester F1.
Evaluation of tomato varieties under soilless growing
techniques (closed system) in non-cooled greenhouse
Growing hydroponic vegetables is one of the most intense
forms of all the agricultural enterprises and becoming
Protected Agriculture has become an important issue in the
increasingly popular. It is a valuable means of growing
field of agriculture in the region. It gives high productivity and
fresh vegetables. Four varieties of cherry tomato viz.
17
Birikino F1, Tom 301 F1, Sun cherry extra F1 and Yenikri
F1, were screened to study their performances in growth,
yield and quality attributes in soilless growing technique
(closed system) under greenhouse (270 m2) condition
at Agriculture Research Station, Jimah in Al-Dakhiliyah
Governorate during 2011/2012 (Plate 14). The varieties
were arranged using Randomized Complete Block
Design (RCBD). The preliminary results indicated that no
significant differences were observed in fruit yield. Fruit
number/m2 ranged from 1179 to 2062. Significant (P<0.05)
differences were observed in average fruit weight. All the
varieties produced yield which ranged from 3.6 to 5.9 t/
Plates 14. Cherry tomato under greenhouse conditions
(side view)
gh. Total Soluble Solids (TSS) % were between 6.8 and 8
without significant differences among the varieties.
Project 2.2. Optimization of Water-Use and Management under Various Environments
Evaluation of perennial forages under different
water regimes for higher forage production
application regimes for the Buffel grass and Rhodes
grass under the rapidly changing climatic conditions. The
new recommendations would enhance the trust of local
extension agents as well as farmers in the Buffel grass
and its expanded cultivation would save the underground
water that is so precious for the nation.
In Oman, under the conditions of drought, heat and
salinity, appropriate indigenous rangeland grass species
such as Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) are highly valuable
for developing integrated forage production systems by
replacing Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) being grown
with higher water inputs. It would also help to alleviate
grazing pressure on rangelands in Oman. The findings of
this study would provide valid information on identifying
the comparative Water-Use Efficiency of both Buffel and
Rhodes grasses under Oman conditions. It would also
help to reassess per ha recommended annual water
Pilot growers experience in Oman showed that Buffel
grass achieved a higher productivity as compared to
traditionally grown exotic Rhodes grass (Table 14). Water
consumption was noticeably lower for Buffel grass where
grower used to irrigate for 30 minutes twice per day under
drip irrigation system as compared to traditionally grown
Rhodes under sprinkler irrigation.
Table 14. Forage Productivity at Pilot Grower farm in Oman (t/ha)
Number of cuts
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Total
Rhodas
0.16
0.03
0.92
0.96
0.99
1.03
1.14
0.78
0.49
0.80
7.84
Buffel
0.90
2.24
2.90
2.11
1.73
2.59
3.26
2.63
2.30
2.09
22.75
*Productivity is in t/ha dry matter at 12-15% moisture content
total water application, 40% was applied during summer,
20% during fall, 20% during winter and 20% during Spring.
Accordingly, total daily L of water to be applied to each
treatment were pre-determined. Plots were subjected to
N fertilization @ 55kg/ha of urea after each harvest. Hand
weeding of all plots was undertaken on need basis.
The objective of this on-going study under ICARDA-APRP was
to compare and assess the water productivity of Buffel and
Rhodes grasses under different water application rates and
determine revised optimum irrigation regimes for each grass.
A site was selected at Livestock Research Center, Rumais
and divided into three equal blocks (10x18m each) and
randomly assigned to three water trials. Each block was
further divided into six 3x10m sub plots for two grass
species with three replicates assigned randomly. Each
plot was ploughed, leveled and irrigated before cultivation.
African Buffel and Rhodes grass were cultivated in sub
plots by vegetative means under drip irrigation at 50x50cm
plant and row spacing. The study included three annual per
ha water regimes i.e. 15,000m3, 23,500m3, 30,000m3. Of
The preliminary results of the study indicated the absence
of significant differences between the two grasses for
productivity for the first two cuts. The effect of the water
regimes could be better noticed in the following cuts. Buffel
grass numerically out-yielded Rhodes grass and the water
regimen of 15000 m3 /ha/ year had given numerically
higher yield. However, it needs at least 20 cuts information
for logical conclusion from statistically analyzed data.
18
MP 3. PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Project 3.1. Collection, Conservation and Documentation of Indigenous
Crops/ Plant Species and Rangeland Germplasm
Collection and conservation of indigenous field crops
In all the Governorates of Oman, most of the field crops
such as wheat, barley, chickpea, faba bean, field peas and
pigeon pea are grown in winter and sorghum, pearl millet,
maize and mung bean in summer for grains, whereas dual
purpose multicut-cowpea is grown in summer for green
fodder and grains. Alfalfa is grown as perennial fodder
while fenugreek is grown in winter only for medicinal
use. Due to diverse ecological conditions, a wide range
of indigenous cultivars of different field crops has been
available in Oman since time immemorial, as these crops
are preferred by farmers for their cooking quality and
affinity. This report focuses on the outputs of a collecting
Plate 15. Farmer displaying proudly his conserved indigenous
mission of indigenous field crops’ germplasm for their
field crops cultivars at Siyaq village of Wilayat Wadi Bani Khalid
conservation to avoid extinction due to new emerging
abiotic (temperature, salinity, drought) and biotic (insects,
pests, diseases) stresses being faced as a result of climate
change and to ensure food security of the country.
The first leg of collection mission of indigenous field crop
cultivars was carried out by the staff of the Seed & Plant Genetic
Resources Lab in September 2012 in Sharqiya Governorates
(South and North) along with the assistance of the officials of
Directorate General of Agriculture for Sharqiya Governorates
and various Agriculture Development Departments located in
the Wilayats of Sharqiya Governorates, where the selected
farmers were visited (Plates 15 & 16). The collecting sites
within the wilayats of were located at least 25 km apart to
avoid collecting several seed samples of similar genotype.
Standard passport data for each accession were recorded at
Plate 16. Farmer showing his conserved two indigenous
the time of collection, including crop name, botanical name,
cultivars of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)
local name of the variety or landrace, village, Wilayat and
differing in seed color at Al-Bateen of Wilayat Al-Qabil
Governorate and sample type, sampling method, farmer’s
name, source of collection, and any special feature of the
The mission has led to the rich collection of 118 seed
collection, including indigenous knowledge (IK), if any. Each
samples of land races/accessions in 20 field crops from
accession was subsequently assigned an indigenous serial
eight (Dima Wattayeen, Wadi Bani Khalid, Ibra, Al-Qabil,
collection number according to collection, irrespective of crop
Al-Mudhaibi/ Samad A’Shan, Jalan Bani Bu Hassan and
species.
Sur) out of 11 Wilayats of Al-Sharqiya Governorates and
Descriptions of each site were recorded with respect to
Wilayat Massirrah of Al-Wusta Governorate, which were
some soil and edaphic characteristics. Soil EC and pH
collected from only 21 sites. This indicated the existence
was measured using field EC and pH measuring meters.
of huge diversity of indigenous field crops’ cultivars among
The longitude and latitude of each collecting site and its
the farming community who were still growing for their
altitude were recorded using a Magellan 315 GPS meter.
19
local utility. In three wilayats namely, Bidiya, Jalan Bani
14
12
Number of accessions
Bu Ali and Al-Kamil & Al Wafi, farmers had not retained the
indigenous accessions (Fig. 14).
20
8
6
4
2
4
0
Cotton
Alfalfa
Sugarcane
Pepper grass
Sesame
Safflower
Fenugreek
Pigeon pea
Mung bean
Faba (Broad) bean
Peas
Cowpea
Other millets
Pearl millet
Finger millet
Oats
Maize
Sorghum (red)
8
Sorghum (white)
12
Barley (2 rows)
Wheat
0
16
Barley (6 rows)
Number of accessions
24
10
Massirah
Sur
Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan
Al-Mudhaibi
Al Qabil
Ibra
Wadi Bani Khalid
Dima Wattayeen
Crops
Fig. 15. Number of accessions collected in different
field crops collected in Sharqiya and Al-Wusta
accessions of alfalfa were collected. Two accessions of
sugarcane in terms of sets or cuttings from wilayats Ibra
and Massirrah and one accession of cotton in terms of
Willayats
Fig. 14. Number of accessions collected in different
lint with seed from Wadi Bani Khalid were also collected.
wilayats of Sharqiya and Al-Wusta
Rare collections of finger and other millets and absence
of chickpea and lentil accessions are the features of this
collection mission.
The collection included the highest of the indigenous
accessions in the cereal crops (60) followed by grain
The feedbacks from the farming community and officials
legumes (29), alfalfa (17), oil crops (sesame, safflower,
of Agriculture Development Directorates of Al-Sharqiya
Pepper grass) (9), sugarcane (sets-cuttings) (2) and
Governorates highlighted that these collection missions
cotton (1). Among cereals, wide diversity, in terms of the
were very timely and very important to conserve the Omani
most accessions collected, was found in red sorghum
indigenous cultivars as they feared that within five years
(12) followed by wheat (9), maize (9), oats (7), Barley (six
these indigenous accessions that they have preserved
rows) (7), other millets (4), white sorghum (5), pearl millet
so far might not be available due to following two major
(3), barley (two rows) (2) and finger millet (2). Among the
reasons- i). the lack of interest among the children of the
legumes, the highest accessions were found in cowpea
farmers to retain the indigenous accessions of the Omani
(11) and fenugreek (10), followed by faba bean (3), mung
crops, which their parents and forefathers continued to
bean (2) while one accession each was collected in peas
preserve because of their best quality and ii). the shift of
and pigeon pea (Fig. 15)
the farmers’ interest to grow only economic crops/ cultivars
like vegetables and fruits crops.
Interestingly, indigenous accessions were not collected in
chickpea and lentil. Among oil crops, 5 and 2 accessions
The seed samples are conserved in cold fridge after
were found in safflower and sesame, respectively. Among
careful cleaning while sugarcane cuttings were planted in
the perennial legumes/ grasses, as many as 17 indigenous
one of the interested farmers’ field at Rumais.
Project 3.2. Utilization of Indigenous and Exotic Crops and Rangeland
Germplasm in Agriculture Production
Improvement of Omani local varieties of bread
wheat through Breeding
Sarraya) as female and four exotic wheat cultivars (WQS
110,WQS 125, WQS 225 and WQS 302) as male and
obtained from 41 to 82 F1 seeds (Plate 17).
This study was carried out at Agriculture Research Station,
Jimah in Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate since 2001. The
The seeds of F1 generation were grown under wide
objective was to evolve new wheat genotypes with higher
spacing (25 cm x 25 cm) in winter season of 2001-2002
grain yield potential and improved grain quality as well as
to get enough F2 seeds from each cross. 4500 to 7800
early maturity with disease resistance through conventional
F2 seeds were obtained from these crosses. The seeds
breeding program. Twelve crosses were effected involving
of F2 segregating generation were grown also under wide
three Omani local wheat cultivars (Cooley, Missani and
spacing (25 cm x 25 cm) in winter season of 2003-2004 to
20
Plate 18. F9 evaluation field before flowering
Plate 17. Team members involved in crossing
and pollination
select desirable plants and harvest separately for planting
in rows as families in further generation. Severe selection
intensity (0.05) was applied and the selection was done
on a single plant basis. The selection criteria were based
on plant height (short, medium and tall plants), number
of tillers per plant (equal or higher than 7 tillers), date of
heading and maturity (early, medium and late), diseases
and insects resistance, and other relevant agronomic
characters. The target was F3 families in 2004. The seeds
of F3 families/ rows were grown in winter season of 20042005 to select desirable/ productive rows. The seeds
of selected F4 families were grown in winter season of
Plate 19. F9 evaluation field after flowering
2005-2006 to select at least 5 families in each cross as F5
generation. The F5 family seeds was grown in November
maturity (at least 110 days) and bread making quality.
2006, the target was F6 generation. The seeds of F6
These four improved bread wheat varieties have been
generation was grown in winter season of 2007-2008 in
named and advanced for intensive seed multiplication and
which the target was F7 seeds generation. Subsequent
distribution among the Omani farmers in different agro-
selections finally led to identification of 36 outstanding high
climatic regions.
yielding lines over 12 crosses. In winter season (2007-
Evaluation of different bread wheat genotypes
from ACSAD
2008), these lines were grown along with three standard
local check varieties in RCB design with three replications
at Agriculture Research Station, Jimah (Al-Dakhiliyah
The study on evaluation of thirteen elite ACSAD genotypes
Governorate) and Agriculture Research Station, Al-Kamil
with local variety WQS110 was conducted during 2009/2011
& Al-Wafi (South Al-Sharqiya Governorate). The results
at two locations viz. Agriculture Research Stations located
of the trials at both the locations showed significant
in Jimah and Al-Kamil & Al-Wafi. The results indicated
differences among the families/ lines. Ten promising lines
that the genotypes were significantly different for all the
were selected for high yielding, early maturity, loading,
characters. The genotypes No. 11, 3, 1, 14, 6, 10, 2 and
disease resistance and baking quality based on multi-
12 gave grain yield of 4.51, 4.40, 4.12, 4.10, 4.07, 4.06,
location performance (Plates 18 & 19).
4.05 and 4.03 t/ha respectively. The significant interaction
These ten lines were been tested under farm trial in three
between genotype × years indicated that some genotypes
governorates (Al-Sharqiya, Al-Dakhiliyah and Al-Batinah)
gave the better grain yield on an average for the two
during winter 2010 from which four lines belonging to
locations in one year than the others. Hence, it was
Cooley × WQS 302, Cooley × WQS 125, Sarraya ×
difficult to recommend one genotype for all locations. Also
WQS 302 and Sarraya × WQS 125, with popular names
the significant interactions between genotype × location
respectively as Nizwa, Jibreen, Nejd and Bahla, were
indicated that the response of genotypes was specific to
selected for high yield (at least 15% superiority), early
particular location for superior performance.
21
Improvement of Omani barley variety Duraqi
through breeding
Effect of different dates of planting on different
varieties of corn for yield and yield components
Barley is the second cereal crop in Oman. It occupies an
In the Sultanate of Oman, besides local varieties of maize,
area of 2928 feddan producing about 3700 tons. It is used
several introduced varieties (Hybrid 533 and Hybrid
for both livestock and human consumption. In Batinah it is
675it) are grown. These high yielding varieties have been
used for fodder while in Al-Sharqiya and Western Hajar it
developed through selection. This study was undertaken
is grown for grain utilized mostly as a component of poultry
at Salalah Research Station in the Dhofar Governorate
feed. In Musandam, some landraces (cv. Duraqi) are used
using two introduced hybrid varieties of maize along with
for human consumption. In these years, the countries of
local varieties with main objective to determine optimum
the Gulf region are laying emphasis on barley cultivation
date of planting and also to examine the response of
because of huge market demands as animal feed and
the varieties to these dates as well as to examine the
green fodder. The cultivar Duraqi is a very popular rainfed
interaction between varieties and dates of planting.
local variety in Musandam.
The study was undertaken under Split-Plot RCBD with
This breeding program being executed jointly by the staff
three replications and four dates of planting viz. 15
of Field Crops Research Lab and Seed and Plant Genetic
February, 1 March, 15 March and 1 April in Spring season
Resources Research Lab, aims to improve the local Omani
cultivar (Duraqi) to evolve new variants characterized by
and 15 July, 1 August, 15 August and 1 September in
early heading and maturity as well as salt and drought
Autumn season, as main plots and three varieties viz
tolerance with high forage productivity. Both the normal and
Hyb533, H675it and Omani Local as sub –plot treatments
reciprocal crosses between Duraqi and the two cultivated
during 2011-2012 seasons.
barley varieties in Oman (Jimah 51 and Jimah 98) were
The results of Spring season planting indicated that there
made in February 2010 at Agriculture Research Station,
were significant differences for planting dates, varieties
Jimah using Duraqi as female and male. The number of F1
and Interaction (verities x planting dates) only in respect
seeds in different crosses was as follows:
of days to flowering. However, significant differences
Hybrid
Female
x
Male
were observed only for planting dates and varieties
Seed Number
in respect of grain yield. Planting dates and varieties
Duraqi x Jimah 98
141
responded independently in their effect for grain yield as
Duraqi x Jimah 51
31
the interaction effect was non-significant. Irrespective of
Jimah 98 x Duraqi
91
varieties, the crop of early date of planting (15 February)
Jimah 51 x Duraqi
29
took similar number of days to maturity (104 days) to the
crop planted late (1 April) (105 days). The grain yield
The seeds of F1 were grown during the winter season of
was highest (4.1 t/ha) at planting date 2 (1 March) and
2012/2013 to collect F2 seeds. Future generations will be
decreased in subsequent dates of planting (15 March- 3.0
advanced following pedigree method of breeding until the
t/ha and 1 April- 2.6 t/ha).
F9 generation.
The results Autumn season planting indicated that there were
Evaluation of elite barely genotypes from ACSAD
significant differences for different date of planting and varieties
The study on evaluation of eleven elite ACSAD genotypes
in respect of all the characters studied. Irrespective of varieties,
along with the local check, Jimah 51 was conducted
the second date (1 August) took less number of days to maturity
during 2009-2011 at Agriculture Research Stations located
(103 days) as compared to the crop of third and fourth planting
in Jimah and Al-Kamil & Al-Wafi. The results revealed that
dates (105 days). The plant height was increased in the crop
the genotypes were significantly differently different for
sown on the first planting date (184 cm) whereas the plant
all the characters (plant height, grain yield, straw yield,
height was decreased significantly with late planting. Grain
biological yield and harvest index) in both the locations.
yield was the highest (5.3 t/ha) in the crop sown on second
The genotype no.7 (5.03 t/ha) significantly out-yielded the
planting date- 1 August. The Hyb 675it was the highest in grain
check variety in Jimah, while the genotypes viz 9 and 8
significantly out-yielded the check variety in Al-Kamil & Al-
yield (5.3) at sowing date - 1 August. The significant interaction
Wafi. Significant differences were found for the years, and
found between (varieties x date of planting) for all characters
the interactions (year × genotype, location × genotype,
indicated that the effect of two factors studied (planting dates)
year × location and year × location × genotype).
and varieties responded independently.
22
Agronomic evaluation of selected introduced Cactus
germplam for production and nutritional quality
(17.10 kg/m2 or 171.00 t/ha), 73062 from Tunisia (16.42
kg/m2 or 164.20 t/ha) and 74112 from Mexico (15.15 kg/
m2 or 151.50 t/ha).
There are no earlier agronomic evaluation studies on
cactus conducted in Oman. However, under ICARDAAPRP, regeneration ability of 38 introduced cactus
accessions was assessed and top five high regenerating
cactus accessions were selected. One of the studies
conducted elsewhere in the world has indicated that there
was increased fodder productivity of cactus in the plant
stands of populations from 5000/ ha to 40000/ ha.
The evaluation study of all the 38 cactus accessions was
initiated at Livestock Research Center (LRC), Rumais in
December 2011 (Plate 20) and at Tanuf Research farm
in Dakhiliyah Governorate in November 2012 (Plate 21)
under the plant density of 10000/ha to evaluate cactus
accessions for fodder productivity and to select top five
accessions based on higher productivity and agronomic
and quality parameters, following standard agronomic
practices recommended worldwide for cactus cultivation.
The observations on number of pads harvested, growth
length of the cactus plant at harvest and pad yield (kg/
plant) were taken on 02.12.2012 coinciding with one year
growth period.
Plate 20. General view of cactus plant stand at LRC,
Rumais during November 2012
The results of the first year annual harvest of pads undertaken
during December 2012 had revealed annual fresh (green)
fodder (pad) yielding ability of over 15.00 kg/m2 or 150 t/ha
by as many as six cactus accessions. The accession no.
68247 from Algeria produced significantly highest annual
fresh (green) pad weight/m2 of 42.13 kg equivalent to
421.30 t/ha, followed by the accession numbers- 4321
from Tunisia (20.40 kg/m2 or 204 t/ha), 69241 from
Tunisia (18.97 kg/m2 or 189.70 t/ha), 75018 from Morocco
Plate 21. General view of cactus plant stand at Tanuf
Research Farm during December 2012
500
450
400
Fresh (gren) pad yield (t/ha/year)
350
300
250
200
150
100
Cactus accessions
Fig. 16. Annual fresh (green) pad yield of different cactus accessions at Livestock Research Center, Rumais
23
74112 Mexico
Nil-I
Nil-II
R-14
CONLEA-L19 Algeria
75019 Morocco
75032 Madgascer
75012 Tunisia
75018 Morocco
74112 Mexico
74111 New Mexico
74110 New Mexico
73062 Tunisia
74083 Morocco
73054 Africa
73060 Tunisia
73049 Mexico
69219 Algeria
69248 Tunisia
69246 Tunisia
69245 Tunisia
69242 Tunisia
69236 Italy
69241 Tunisia
69234 Italy
69233 Italy
69223 Algeria
69220 Algeria
69217 Algeria
69210 Algeria
69199 Algeria
4321 Tunisia
0
68247 Algeria
50
These accessions also showed their significant superiority
under field conditions in shade house using RCBD with
over other accessions in respect of plant length (cm), pads
four blocks that consisted of plots of 2.5m four rows
per plant and pads harvested (Fig. 16).
applying flood irrigation system following all the agronomic
practices as per national recommendations. The results
Morphological, agro-physiological, molecular
and chemical characterization of indigenous and
exotic alfalfa accessions
of the investigation spanning 18 months included mean
green matter yields of the test accessions over 14 cuts
(Fig. 17). The results indicated that mean green matter
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most important perennial
yield of each cut of the indigenous accessions varied
forage crop plant in Oman. It is cultivated in about 15,000
between 2.76 t/ha (OMA 2010- 273 of Al-Sharqiya) to
ha of arable land in the country. Ecotypes and landraces of
5.90 t/ha (OMA 2010- 281 of Al-Sharqiya) whereas that
alfalfa are still widely used because they are known for their
of USDA accessions ranged between 1.33 t/ha (USAD
good persistence and productivity in their area of origin
531506) to 4.95 t/ha (USDA 217460). The indigenous
and adaptation. There is a need for conservation of alfalfa
accessions were perennial and persistent with productive
germplasm resources. There have been no systematic
yields even at 14th cut harvest whereas USDA accessions
efforts made earlier to identify and describe populations
seemed to be partially perennial giving productive yields
of alfalfa in Oman based on
agro-morphological
up to seven cut-harvests and were not persistent beyond
characteristics. Characterization and identification of the
6th or 7th cut. The results clearly indicated the superiority
major traits of germplasm accessions whether agronomic,
of indigenous accessions over exotic USDA accessions
physiological, biochemical or molecular parameters and
in maintaining persistent stands over a period of growth.
grouping them make the breeders to avoid re-sampling
Among the indigenous accessions yielding more than 5 t/
from the similar accessions. In view of the above, alfalfa
ha/cut, OMA 2010-281 from Al-Sharqiya was the highest
accessions collected under joint SQU-MAF project during
yielder of green matter (5.90 t/ha/cut) followed by OMA
2009-2010 were subjected for preliminary evaluation
2010-148 (5.57 t/ha/cut), OMA 2010-318 (5.42 t/ha/cut),
studies for yield under field conditions in shade house
OMA 2010-220 (5.35 t/ha/cut), OMA 2010-305 (5.26 t/ha/
and characterization studies under pot conditions in
cut), OMA 2010-225 (5.17 t/ha/cut), OMA 2010-117 (5.04
greenhouse.
t/ha/cut) and OMA 2010-224 (5.01 t/ha/cut) whereas one
exotic USDA accession (506240) was found to produce
The evaluation of 37 indigenous and 10 exotic (USDA)
5.09 t/ha/cut, although it lasted up to 7th cut. These
accessions of alfalfa for their yielding ability was
accessions can be safely utilized for alfalfa improvement
undertaken between December 2010 and May 2012
activity in future.
7
6
Fresh (gren) matter yield/cut (t/ha)
5
4
3
2
1
USDA 531506
USDA 527688
USDA 524968
USDA 517240
USDA 508085
USDA 506240
USDA 506239
USDA 406294
USDA 386286
OMA 279R2
USDA 217460
OMA 282
OMA 279R1
OMA 281
OMA 273
OMA 268
OMA 263
OMA 261
OMA 257
OMA 253
OMA 252
OMA 248
OMA 239
OMA 238
OMA 318
OMA 310
OMA 306
OMA 305
OMA 195
OMA 167
OMA 148
OMA 227
OMA 225
OMA 224
OMA 222
OMA 220
OMA 216
OMA 215
OMA 60
OMA 211
OMA 30
OMA 29
OMA 5
OMA 26
OMA 98
OMA 117
OMA 88
0
Alfalfa accessions
Fig. 17. Mean fresh (green) matter yield of different alfalfa accessions at Agriculture Research Station, Rumais
24
Screening of new tomato varieties in Cooled
Greenhouse
Table 15. Means of characters of four vegetable
varieties
Screening and evaluation activities involving new vegetable
Varieties
crops such as tomato under greenhouse conditions have
been in progress since 1990s. Many tomato varieties
have been tested for their yield and yield componentsin in
Salam F1
greenhouse such as Hymar F1, Ramada F1 and Mareto
F1. This report aimed to focus the outputs of two years of
DRW7692
screening and evaluation of new tomato varieties along
F1
No of
Yield
Average
Yield
fruits /
Kg/
fruit weight
Kg/
Plant
Plant
(g)
m2
t/gh
1025
164.3
155.3
23.5
8.2
1076
123.3
114.9
17.6
6.2
1082
143.0
125.2
20.4
7.2
713
82.2
115.9
11.7
4.1
Yield
with recommended variety, Salam F1 as a check for their
DRW7691
yield and yield components.
F1
The study was carried out in two locations viz. Jimah and
DRW7699
Sohar Research stations utilizing six tomato varieties
F1
named; Salam F1, DRW 7692 F1, DRW 7691 F1, DRW
7699 F1, DRW 7588 F1 and DRW 3022 F1 during first year
Based on the results of the study conducted at two
2010-2011 and four varieties named Salam F1, DRW7692
locations for two years, three varieties Salam F1, DRW
F1, DRW7691 F1 and DRW7699 F1 during second
7691 F1 and DRW 7692 F1 were found superior in yield
year 2011-2012. The seeds were planted in jiffy seven
and recommended for general cultivation.
and transplanted after a month in cooled greenhouses
Evaluation of orange varieties under North
Al-Batinah conditions
(270m2) in both locations. The varieties tested were laid
in Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) with three
replications. Number of fruits and yield kg of each variety
It is well known that Governorates in the Sultanate are
were recorded and statistically analyzed.
characterized by diversity of climatic conditions which
certainly affect the growth, yield and quality attributes
Days from transplanting to first harvest varied from 98 to
of the planted orange varieties. The Fruit Research Lab
109 days at Sohar and from 92 to 106 days at Jimah in
focuses on introducing and evaluating of citrus varieties
both the years of the study for all the varieties tested where
under different climatic conditions before releasing them
as picking period continues from 67 to 104 days and 95 to
to the farmers. The previous results on the performance
99 days at Sohar and Jimah, respectively. There were no
of orange varieties (Ruby red, Tangelo and Pineapple)
significant differences in fruit number per square meter, in
under Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate were promising. Hence,
both the locations and two seasons, which ranged from
the study is being carried out since 2010 to know the
performance of three orange varieties (Pineapple, Tangelo
74 to 124 at Sohar and 101 to 230 at Jimah. Significant
and Ruby red) under North Al-Batinah conditions with
(p<0.05) differences were recorded in average fruit weight
respect to growth, yield and quality attributes as well as
at Jimmah in both the seasons whereas no significant
resistance to biotic stresses.
differences in average fruit weight were found at Sohar in
The results of the data taken during 2012 season indicated
both the seasons (Table 15).
that there were no significant differences between varieties
At Jimah, average fruit weight varied from 100 g to 154 g.
in terms of average tree height and thickness of the
In first season (2010/2011), fruit yield ranged from 7.8 to
trunk, however, numerically Pineapple cultivar was more
9.6 t/gh with significant differences between the varieties
distinctive than other varieties (Table 16). It had recorded
at Jimah whereas these were not significant at Sohar.
the highest rate of tree height (140 cm) and thicker trunk
However, in second season (2011/2012), the results
trees (11.8 cm), followed by variety Tangelo (114 cm and
10.2 cm, respectively) and the variety Ruby red (76 cm
were contrary in trend. At Sohar, there were significant
and 6.4 cm, respectively). Regarding canopy volume,
differences in yield between the varieties whereas at Jimah
Pineapple had the highest (52 m3) followed by Tangelo
yields were not significant (p>0.05) between the varieties,
(41.2 m3), which were not significantly different whereas
although the yield levels were higher as compared to that
Ruby red (15.3 m3) had the least.
at Sohar.
25
Table 16. Growth parameters of orange (Citrus sinensis)
results of data recorded during 2012 season indicated that
varieties grown under Al-Batinah conditions during 2012
there were no significant differences between varieties
season
in terms of tree height and size of tree vegetative growth
(Table 17).
Varieties
Tree height
Canopy
(cm)
volume (m )
(cm)
140ns
52.0b
11.8ns
Tree girth
3
Table 17. Growth parameters of poly-embryonic mango
varieties grown under North Al-Batinah conditions
during 2012 season
Pineapple
Varieties
Tangelo
Ruby red
CV %
114
76
49.6
41.2b
(cm)
10.2
15.3a
70.9
Tree height
Canopy
Tree
volume
girth
(m3)
(cm)
Peach
156.6ns
111.4ns
7.8c
Turpentine
113.9
78.1
5.0ab
Unknown
143.9
116.4
6.4bc
Nam Doc Mai
101.4
36.0
3.6a
CV %
43.7
78.7
44.4
6.4
52.0
* ns- Not significantly different
The preliminary results provided indications that in general
Pineapple variety was the most promising under the
conditions of the Northern Al-Batinah followed by Tangelo,
considering the parameters studied.
Evaluation of exotic poly-embryonic mango
There were significant differences between varieties in
varieties under North Batinah conditions
terms of the tree trunk thickness. Average tree height of all
varieties ranged from 101.4 to 156.6 cm. Peach recorded
Mango (Mangifera indica) is considered as one of
the highest tree height (156.6 cm) followed by Unknown
the most important fruit crops in the sultanate. It was
variety (143.9 cm), Turpentine (113.9 cm) and Nam Doc
introduced to the Sultanate since hundred years ago. Hail
Mai (101.4 cm). The average size of shoot referring to the
Algaf in Quriyat has been considered as the oldest mango
canopy volume ranged between 36.0 to 116.4 m3. The
plantation areas. Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries has
unknown variety showed the highest canopy volumen
introduced superior varieties from foreign countries such
(116.4 m3) followed by Peach (111.4 m3). The tree girth
as India and Pakistan. Most of the introduced varieties
ranged from 3.6 cm (Nam Doc Mai) to 6.4 cm (Unknown)
are mono-embryonic. In the sultanate, Omani mango is
(Table 17)
used as a rootstock for grafting mono-embryonic varieties.
Hence, getting a new poly-embryonic variety would
Evaluation of dwarf mango varieties in Batinah
significantly reduce the dependency degree on grafting
Governorates
method. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate local
and exotic poly-embryonic mango varieties with respect to
The study on the vegetative characteristics of mango trees
growth, yield and quality attributes.
is being conducted at Wadi Hibi Research farm since 2005
using six exotic dwarf mango varieties. The results of the
The study is being conducted since 2005 at Agriculture
data recorded during 2012 season when the trees were
Research Station, Sohar towards evaluation of four poly-
eight years of age, indicated that there were no significant
embryonic mango varieties namely viz. Peach, Turpentine,
differences between varieties in terms of tree height and
Unknown and Nam Dac Mai, introduced from USA. The
trunk thickness, size and total vegetative growth (Table 18).
26
Table 18. Growth parameters of dwarf mango (Mangifera indica)
Average tree height ranged between 92.5 to 156.2 cm.
varieties grown under Al-Batinah conditions 2012 season
Malica had significantly highest tree height (156.2 cm)
followed by Sander (138.5 cm), Surlaneka (127.8 cm),
Tree height
Canopy volume
Tree girth
(cm)
(m3)
(cm)
Sander
138.5bc
37.5ab
5.3a
Sendo 4
124.5b
52.6ab
7.7ab
With regard to the thickness of the trunk (tree girth), Malica
Anwar tolly
124.8b
49.6ab
8.7b
was superior (10.2 cm) followed by Surlaneka (9.2 cm)
Malica
156.2c
115.6c
10.2b
and Anwar tolly (8.7 cm). In general, among the six mango
Amarabali
92.5a
27.2a
7.7ab
varieties tested, these the preliminary results provided
Surlaneka
127.8bc
68.4b
9.2b
clear indication of the superior performance of Malica and
CV %
19.2
52.8
27.6
Varieties
Anwar tolly (124.8 cm) and Sendo 4 (124.5 cm). In respect
of canopy volume, Malica recorded the highest (115.6 cm)
followed by Surlaneka (68.4 cm) and Sendo 4 (52.6 cm).
Surlaneka for three characters studied (Table 18).
Project 3.3. Monitoring of Seed Health and Quality
Test of seed quality- seed purity and viabilityof available indigenous and recommended
cultivars/ varieties of field and vegetable crops
and rangeland germplasm
of total 27 accessions, 10 accessions viz. OMA 2010-72,
OMA 2010-78, OMA 2010-81, OMA 2010-82, OMA 2010118, OMA 2010-137, OMA 2010-164, OMA 2010-173,
OMA 2010-185 and OMA 2010-267 showed more than
70% germination. In contrast, 10 accessions viz. OMA
Testing quality of the seed material before planting cannot
2010-25, OMA 2010-72, OMA 2010-82, OMA 2010-118,
be overemphasized. Planting high quality seeds is the
OMA 2010-123, OMA 2010-137, OMA 2010-154, OMA
cornerstone for successful field emergence. The increasing
2010-173, OMA 2010-178 and OMA 2010-267 did not
use of seed certification for varieties/ land races/ cultivars
germinate. Other genotypes had germination percentages
of different crop species further emphasizes the need for
ranging from 3.25% to 67%. In case of chickpea, out of
accurate seed testing. The objective of this activity is to
13 total accessions, only one accession (OMA 2010-58)
test the seed samples for their quality before their use
had as high as 97% germination while seven accessions
for further investigations. The local genebank consists
(OMA 2010-34, OMA 2010-38, OMA 2010-69, OMA 2010-
of indigenous accessions of legume crops viz. cowpea
85, OMA 2010-139, OMA 2010-143 and OMA 2010-151)
(Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata) (64) followed
had no germination (0%) and the remaining showed
by faba bean or broad bean (Vicia faba) (41), field peas
minimal germination. In lentil, out of 11 accessions, nine
(Pisum sativum) (27), mung bean (Vigna aureus) (25),
accessions viz. OMA 2010-76, OMA 2010-92, OMA 2010-
chickpea (Cicer arietinum) (13), lentil (Lens culinaris) (11),
103, OMA 2010-115, OMA 2010-116, OMA 2010-120,
pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) (6), alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
OMA 2010-162, OMA 2010-171 and OMA 2010-174)
(67) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) (49).
had higher than 70% germination whereas remaining two
accessions namely OMA 2010-62 and OMA 2010-83 had
Timely rejuvenation of these seed samples is very
least germination (<50%). In case of pigeon pea, out of
important for their maintenance which is usually taken up
total six accessions, 3 accessions (OMA 2010-113, OMA
after their periodic germination tests for assessing seed
2010-206 and OMA 2010-227a) had no germination (0%)
quality. In view of the above, studies on germination and
whereas remaining three had meager germination.
seedling traits of the germplasm accessions of field peas,
chickpea, lentil and pigeon pea were undertaken during
In view of the above germination results obtained for
September-October, 2012 using both petri-dish and
the indigenous accessions of four legume crops viz.
germination paper methods.
(field peas, chickpea, lentil and pigeon pea) it has been
The results of the studies indicated that magnitudes of
recommended to rejuvenate the seeds of the accessions
germination, shoot length and root length were higher
showing un-satisfactory germination (<70%) and regain,
under germination paper method than that under petri-
if possible, the seeds of accessions from the original
dish method in all the four crops studied. In field peas, out
source.
27
MP 4. IMPROVEMENT OF ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES AND
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Project 4.1. Genetic Improvement of Indigenous Cattle, Small Ruminants
and Poultry
Genetic Improvement of native cattle in Northern
& Southern Oman
Genetic improvement in South Oman cattle breed was
started in the 1990’s and that in North Oman cattle breed in
2004 with the aim of conserving the indigenous breeds using
the selection considering the productive and reproductive
traits especially milk and meat production (Plate 22). The
fourth calving season during the year 2011/2012 produced
40 offSpring (20 male and 20 female) with an average
Plate 22. Omani cow breeds under improvement program
conception rate of 87% in North cow breed while the
and (3) semen quality. 37 heads from North and South
mortality rate for calves was 2.5% during the season. For
cows were culled and sold due to health reasons. To avoid
the South cow breed, the tenth season produced 38 calves
inbreeding in southern Omani cows herd, 43 local cows
with the average conception rate of 62.3%. The Table 19
were purchased to renew the blood and these will be used
illustrates the productive traits of local North and South
in the next mating season in 2013.
cow breeds during the season.
Genetic improvement of Omani goats and sheep
Table 19 Productive traits of local North and South
Genetic improvement of local goats and sheep was started
Oman cow breeds during the season, 2011-2012
at Wadi Quriat Livestock Research Station in 1990 for
North Cow
Trait
Female
Average Birth Weight (Kg)
15.23
14.86
19.79
Average Weaning Weight (Kg)
44.90
40.07
100.97
75.20
65.91
135.43
320
247
772.57
343
332
459.38
2.82
5.26
Weight (Kg)
Average Pre-Weaning
Daily Gain (g)
Average Post-Weaning
Daily Gain (g)
Average Daily Milk Yield (kg)
local sheep and to improve the local Dhofari goat breed at
Cow
Male
Average Six Months
improving the Jabal Akhdar and Batinah goat breeds and
South
Salalah Livestock Research Station (Plates 23 - 24). It is
a long-term program in order to maintain local breeds of
goats and sheep as strategic genetic resources.
The results of the tenth lambing season at Wadi Quriat
Livestock Research Station showed that there were 781
offSprings obtained from 691 dams from different breeds. The
conception rate was 91, 90 and 92%, the twinning rate was
122, 122, and 127 %, respectively for Jabal Akhdar, Batinah
goat and local sheep breeds. The mortality rate was 5.2, 4.4
and 2.6 % and the daily milk production was 232, 200 and
Mating season began in December 2012 using the
artificial insemination after doing the synchronization for
the cows estrous cycle by using hormonal treatments
(Prostaglandin). The total numbers of the inseminated
cows for North breed was 57 cows and 60 cows for the
South breed and is expected to get offSpring during the
September 2013.
Bulls were selected according to (1) morphological and
reproductive shape of the testes (2) high breeding value
for milk yield of the mother and good body conformation
Plate 23. Omani Jabal Akhdar Goat -Female
28
Quriat Livestock Research Station are presented in Table 20.
For the Dhofari goat breed, the kidding season finished
with 176 kids from 183 eves with conception rate 73% and
twinning rate 131%. The average birth weight was 3.20,
weaning was 10.52 and six months weight was 11.23 kg.
Culled animals were disposed by selling 286 heads from
different sheep and goat breeds. 85 heads of males and
females of various breeds of goats and sheep were bought
to renew the blood and to avoid the inbreeding. During
the season 2012, 147 promising males were distributed
Plate 24. A male Omani sheep
among the farmers for improving twinning rate and body
220 g/day for each of Jabal Akhdar, Batinah goat and local
weights of livestock breeds in different Governorates of
sheep breeds, respectively. The average growth traits of Jabal
the Sultanate.
Akhdar, Batinah goat and local sheep breeds observed in Wadi
Table 20. Mean growth traits of Jabal Akhdar and Batinah goat and local sheep breeds
Breed
Birth
Weaning
Six Month’s
Pre-Weaning
Post-Weaning
Weight (Kg)
Weight (Kg)
Weight (Kg)
Gain (g/d)
Gain (g/d)
Male
3.31
15.60
17.53
120
20
Female
2.88
13.93
15.71
105
21
Male
3.19
14.48
16.36
106
23
Female
2.85
12.83
15.12
93
24
Male
3.31
16.80
19.57
127
32
Female
3.03
15.32
19.56
115
42
Sex
Jabal Akhdar Goat
Batinah Goat
Local Sheep
Genetic Improvement of local chicken breeds
using selection
Table 21. Conception %, average day-one body weight and
egg production (number) of three types of local chicken
During the season 2011-2012, local chicken flock
Traits
consisted of 834 birds (331 female, 503 male) while
Conception %
the number of chicks produced during this season were
Average Day one
855 and total eggs produced were 3603. Data were
collected during the second season in the research
Body Weight (g)
Average Egg Pro-
program to improve the local chicken for comparing
duction (Number)
the reproductive and productivity traits in respect of the
Black
White
Brown
Average
84
84
83
84
29
30
32
30
84
169
165
139
During 2012, 2090 fertilized eggs were sold and 716
birds (355 male and 361 female) of local chicken were
distributed among the farmers with the aim of improving
the local breed at the farmers fields. It is expected to
increase this number during the coming season after the
arrival of hatchery that facilitates in increasing the number
of eggs obtained for the production of chicks.
lines of the three major chicken types (white, black and
brown). It is expected to get the results of the research
after analysis during the month of March 2013. The
Table 21 shows the preliminary results of the study on
the characteristics of the three lines.
Project 4.2. Conservation of Indigenous Genetic Resources for Sustainability
Classification and identification
ruminant breeds in North of Oman
of
small
the completion of stage of phenotypic characterization
using formal specifications for each breed, the genetic
characterization study was started at the molecular level
This
program
began
in
2006
with
the
aim
of
and the study on the the analysis of DNA is on-going to
characterization, classification and identification of local
identify the figure print of each breed.
goat breeds deployed in the north of the Sultanate. With
29
The current kidding season was ended with the number
rate was 4.7, 0.0 and 7.9 % and the daily milk production
of 146 kids obtained from 127 different breeds of goats.
was 223, 406 and 307 g/day for each of Jabbali, Sahrawi,
The conception rate was 88, 90, 97 and the twinning rate
and Sahrawi Musandam goat breeds, respectively. The
was 111, 123, and 123 % for each of Jabali, Sahrawi, and
Table 22 shows the average growth traits of local goat
Sahrawi Musandam goat breeds, respectively. The mortality
breeds in Wadi Quriat Livestock Research Station.
Table 22. Average growth traits of local goat breeds in Wadi Quriat Livestock Research Station
Birth Weight
Weaning
Six Month’s
Pre-Weaning
Post-Weaning
(Kg)
Weight (Kg)
Weight (Kg)
Gain (g/d)
Gain (g/d)
Male
3.40
14.11
17.64
111
32
Female
3.01
13.30
16.55
107
36
Male
3.19
14.14
17.17
119
33
Female
2.87
12.69
17.33
98
51
Sahrawi
Male
2.64
12.55
16.83
104
53
Musandam
Female
2.54
10.88
14.75
81
43
Breed
Sex
Jabali
Sahrawi
Culled animals were disposed by selling 54 heads from
different goat breeds. 36 heads (male and female) of
various breeds of goats were bought to renew the blood
and to avoid the inbreeding. During season 2012, 60
promising males were distributed among the farmers for
improving twinning rate and body weights of livestock
breeds in the north of the Sultanate.
The AI laboratory was running from the beginning of
Collection, preparation and dissemination of
semen from improved local and imported bulls
season, 850-semen straws were produced from South
2012 to get the local semen from improved bulls for the
first time in the Sultanate. 10 bulls from north and south
cow breeds were trained for collecting semen by using
the artificial vagina. Blood and semen samples were
taken from these bulls to make sure that they are free
from diseases before using for insemination. During the
cow breed and 700 from North Omani cow breeds. These
numbers are expected to increase in the next year to 15
The artificial insemination (AI) Research Lab was
thousand straws. For the mating season, the North and
established in the mid 2010 with a view to providing semen
South cow breeds present in the research stations were
produced from local improved bulls, for using in artificial
inseminated artificially by using the improved semen
insemination at the breeders in different Governorates of
and the synchronization has been done for the cows by
the Sultanate. This is useful in accelerating the processes
using the Prostaglandin hormone. It is expected to get the
of genetic improvement by reducing the generation interval
offSprings by the beginning of September 2013. Several
as well as to examine possibility of testing bulls by doing
cows were inseminated artificially from 25 breeders and
the progeny test.
checked to make sure they were in the pregnancy.
Project 4.3. Production of Concentrate Feeds Exploiting Local Resources
Utilization of local
concentrate feed
resources
to
produce
concentrated feed at their farms.
During 2012, the unit was run and produced 60 tons of
Animal feed manufacturing unit was established at
concentrate feed. It is expected to produce 500 tons of
Livestock Research Center, Rumais in 2010 in order to
concentrated animal feed over the next year for different
exploit the agricultural and livestock waste products to
animal species. It is proposed to start manufacturing the
produce concentrate feeds of different levels of the protein.
feed blocks using a new sources of forage which could
The results of the production of high quality concentrated
be used for ruminant feed. The raw materials included
feed at economic costs could be transferred to animal
fresh low quality coconut fruits which were unfit for human
breeders which help the farmers in manufacturing
consumption and also mangroves and conocarpus.
30
MP
5.
INTEGRATED
PRODUCTION
AND
PROTECTION
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Project 5.1. Survey and Identification of Pests and Diseases of Major Cultivated Crops
Survey of plant pathogens, insects, parasites
and predators in the A’Dakhiliah and A’Dhahira
Governorates
collected for active ingredient analysis (quality control)
from imported consignments through quarantine check
points at the border centers (Plates 25 & 26).
General plant disease surveys are conducted annually by
the Agricultural Research Stations since 1990 to determine
the occurrence, distribution and severity of plant diseases
in economically important crops grown in different parts of
Oman. These surveys have provided data to update the
pests and disease flora, to delimit economically important
diseases and to determine the areas that require priority
attention at present and in the future. As no intensive
diseases surveys have been done in Al-Dhakhiliah and
Al-Dhahira Governorates since 1994, this survey was
conducted. Large numbers of pathogenic and insect pests
in varying degree of severity were found to be prevalent in
Al-Dhakhiliah and Al-Dhahira Governorates. Most of the
economically important crops were found to be infected
by at least one disease and insect pest. The distribution
and varying degree of severity justifies that there is a slow
but progressive increase in the pest scenario. At present
fungal diseases are predominant and bacterial group of
diseases seems to be less important but the situation
may change under certain environmental conditions. Viral
diseases which were not recognized as important earlier
are gaining importance now. More than 35 species of
natural enemies were recorded in the survey in 17 host
insects in Al-Dhakhiliah and Al-Dhahirah Governorates.
Plate 25. Types of samples collected in polythene
bags for analysis
Pesticide formulation quality control
Plate 26. Types of samples collected for analysis
Pesticide formulation quality is the main factor to assure the
efficacy of the actual active ingredient. The solvents and
other additives could make the difference in how the active
ingredients behave while applying it. Moreover, some low
quality formulations could contain impurities which are
more pollutant and toxic than the active ingredients. There
are many types of pesticide formulations used in Oman, e.g.
emulcfiable concentrates (EC), suspension concentrates
(SC), wettable powder (WP), ultra low volume (ULV) and
granule (GR). Because of the open market policy all over
the word, pesticides are imported not only from basic
manufactures but also from other formulators. Moreover
the pesticide law promulgated by the Royal Decree
No.64/2006 necessitates the establishment of pesticides
management system in the Sultanate. Therefore, quality
control monitoring program is needed for pesticide quality
assurance. Random pesticides formulation samples are
Formulations included emulsifiablein concentrates (EC),
wettable powders (WP) and suspension concentrates (SC),
etc. The performed tests included active ingredients content,
storage stability, emulcifiability, solubility, pH and foam
stability. Sixteen samples from different formulations were
tested and active ingredients contents were analyzed using
GC-FID detector and HPLC-UV detector.
The results of the analyses indicated that all the samples were
identical to the declared information by the manufacturer which
was shown on the label of pesticide containers (Table 23).
Quality control monitoring program on-going to collect
random pesticides formulation samples. The performed
tests included active ingredient contents, storage stability,
emulcifiablelity, solubility, pH and foam stability.
31
Table 23. Pesticides analysis results
S.N
Sample Name
Formulation (Declared Percentage)
Results
Permissible
error
Remarks
1
Delatamethrin(Decies)
25G/L EC
26 G/L
+1.3
-
Identical
2
Delatamethrin(Decies)
2.5 EC
2.6 EC
+0.125
-
identical
3
Abamactin(Abamax)
1.8 % EC
1.8 %
+0.09
-
identical
4
Acetamiprid(Glant)
20%WP
19.6%
+1
-
identical
5
Acetamiprid(Cezar)
20%WP
20.05%
+1
-
identical
6
Carbendazim(Carpeinor)
50%WP
51.5%
+2.5
-
identical
7
Chloropyrifos (Durmite)
480G/LWP
48.3%
+2.4
-
identical
8
Difenocnazole (Core)
250 g EC
26%
+1.25
-
identical
9
Metalaxyle (vanda)
5%W/W
4.9%
+0.25
-
identical
10
Metalaxyle (Ridomec)
5% W/W
5.1%
+0.25
-
identical
11
Abamactin
1.8%EC
1.75%
+0.09
-
identical
12
Difenonazol
25% EC
26.2%
+1.25
-
identical
13
Deltamatharin(deltafors)
2.5% EC
2.6%
+0.125
-
identical
14
Acetamiprid
20%W/W
20.8%
+1
-
identical
15
Deltamathrin(Baly fog)
1.25 ULV
1.25 %
+0.06
-
identical
16
Indoxcarb (Avaunt)
150 g/l EC
15%
+0.75
-
identical
Evaluation of some recommended insecticides
against white fly
The aim of this work was to evaluate the toxicity
of
Neonictinoid
(Mospilan,
20%
acetamiprid)
and
Organophosphate (Sumithion 50% EC) insecticides used
The white fly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera:
in chemical control of this pest. This work was conducted
Aleyrodidae), is one of the most damaging insect pests
in Spring season 2012 in the commercial eggplant field
of agricultural and horticultural production systems. It is
in Al-Batinah Governorate (Al Musannah Wilayat). The
highly polyphagous, damaging food and non-food crops
samples were assessed by leaf dipping bioassay method
by direct feeding, excretion of honeydew and transmits
to estimate LC50 values. The LC50 values were 115 and
over 100 plant viruses. Pesticide resistance usually arises
1827 for Mospilan and Sumithion, respectively. The
from the overuse and/or misuse of pesticides, which is
analysis of whitefly dose-response regression lines based
often due to a lack of available alternatives. However, the
on LC50 showed that, the Relative Potency (R.P.) values
continued development of whitefly populations resistant to
were significantly different. It was 16.08 folds for Mospilan
chemical insecticides indicates that the chemicals agents
as compared to Sumithion. The results indicated that
must be investigated for their efficacy against B. tabaci.
resistance to Sumithion in adult whitefly in Al-Batinah (Al
Musannah Wilayat) had occurred.
32
Project 5.4. Identification and Utilization of Plant Associated Soil
Microorganisms
Biotechnological application of native Arbuscular
mycorrhizal (AM) fungi under sustainable agricultural
practices in Oman
habitats studied, and presented here, to eight species of
AM fungi. Four of them were identified to species level
as Claroideoglomus drummondii, Diversispora aurantia,
Diversispora
spurca
and
Septoglomus
africanum.
A. Establishment of Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal
The other four were identified only to genus level as
gene bank based on 89 strains isolated from agricultural
Diversispora sp., Septoglomus sp., Rhizophagus sp.
and natural ecosystems of Oman
and Paraglomus sp. All the eight species were clearly
differing from each other and from other known species of
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are well known to convey
multiple benefits for plant growth and health, above all in
stressful environments.Under arid conditions, for example,
mycorrhizal plants were found to maintain higher drought
tolerance and to have better access to phosphorus than
non-mycorrhizal ones. AM fungi may also enhance soil
aggregate stability, a feature of particular relevance for the
sandy soils prone to erosion.
AM fungi with glomoid spores and closely related in both
morphology and molecular phylogeny.
AM fungi are potential biotechnological tools to be used as
biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture. A high potential for
success was obtained when AM fungi were introduced to
sites resembling to the site of their origin. It has also been
suggested that AM fungi of the same species originating
In the current project a single-species culture collection of
AM fungi typical of Oman was established. Such a collection
is crucially needed as a basis for various basic and applied
research. Isolation, characterization and propagation of AM
fungi from Omani habitats can open the door to apply them
as a biotechnological tool suitable to promote sustainable
agriculture and environmental conservation in the country.
from contrasting climatic conditions are functionally diverse
The ecosystems studied Plate 27 a) occur in Al-Sharqyia
Governorates in the northern territory of Oman. The isolated
species of AM fungi described here were recovered from
one or more of four distinct ecosystems (i) Agriculture
Research Station at Al-Kamil & Al-Wafi (22°14’13”N,
59°11’5”E) (ii) a traditional date plant plantation in the
oasis of Al-Kamil & Al-Wafi (22°12’56”N, 59°12’9”E) (Plate
27 b, (iii) a natural, undisturbed habitat (22°14’11”N,
59°10’53”E) (Plate 27c) with Tetraena qatarense Beier
& Thulin.(previously Zygophyllum qatarense), Salvadora
persica Wall., Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce, and (iv) a sand
dune habitat (21°52’39”N, 58°52’44”E) in the Al-Sharqiya
Sands (Plate 27 d) with scattered Heliotropium kotschyi.
in drought seasons, hot summer temperatures and low
suggesting ecotypic differentiation and that fungi exhibit
optimal performance within the range of temperature
resembling to their original climate. It is reasonable then
to propose that our isolated species belong to populations
exhibiting unique traits and physiological properties
adapted to withstand Oman conditions such as desiccation
soil nutrients. Therefore, these species represent good
candidates to be used as future biofertilizers to enhance
crop productivity and the fitness and survival of native plants
and in soil re-vegetation and reclamation measures under
the environmental conditions prevailing in the country. Our
endeavor of isolation and characterization of some AM
fungi habituated to arid habitats of Oman represents a first
step towards their application in sustainable agriculture.
B. Evaluation of native mycorrhizal strains in promoting
growth of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) and Ghaf
(Prosopis cineraria) seedlings
The spores used for the morphological characterization
were obtained from single-spore derived cultures
established by the previously described pipette-tip
procedure, starting with single spores isolated from the
initial trap cultures. The cultures were maintained using a
consortium of the following host plants for AM fungi: Allium
porrum L., Hieracium pilosella L. and Plantago lanceolata
L. The whole process of maintaining the single-spore
A gene bank for native AM fungi of Oman has been
established. This gene bank would serve various basic
and applied research related to the agricultural aspects
of the country. One main applied aspect is to develop
specialized mycorrhizal inocula which can be integrated in
a sustainable agricultural strategy.
In this study the efficiency of different AM fungi in promoting
cultures are summarized and illustrated in Fig. 18.
growth of date palms (Phoenix dactylifera) and Ghaf
Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses
(Prosopis cineraria) seedlings was evaluated. Date palm
(Fig. 19) consistently confirmed the affiliations of the
is a plant that has already been shown to form a symbiosis
fungal strains recovered in one or more of the four desert
with AM fungi and, under greenhouse conditions, AM fungi
33
Plate 27. The Geography of the region and the explored habitats. (a) Satellite image (Landsat TM RGB 742 courtesy
of the U.S. Geological Survey) of Al-Sharqiya Governorates (b) Agriculture Research Station, Al-Kamil & Al-Wafi (for
location, see triangle on Plate 27 a). (c) Traditional date palm plantation (triangle on Plate 27 a). (d) Natural undisturbed
habitat (square on Plate 27 a) (e) Typical sand dune ecosystem in the region of Al-Sharqiya Sands (circle on Plate 27 a)
Fig. 18. The six-steps process of culture establishment starting from the field in 2006 until maintaining the
cultures at the end of 2010 followed by the identification process that continued until October 2012
34
Fig. 19. A phylogenetic tree which was inferred from the partial LSU rDNA region (628 dataset characters), showing
the positions of the eight isolated species of AM fungi. The sequences obtained from these species are shown
in coloured boldface. An image of each of the AM fungal species was associated with its phylogenetic position
35
were found to promote its growth, especially on nutrient-
the most efficient in promoting the seedlings growth. This
poor soils. AM fungi were also proposed as potential bio-
inoculum increased the mean height of the seedlings up
control agents for a date palm disease. It seems highly
to 52% compared to the negative control (Plate 28 b and
likely therefore that this symbiosis represents a major
Fig. 20 b). In addition, other single fungi were efficient in
factor that needs to be considered in the effort to sustain
promoting the growth of the seedlings (Fig. 20 b).
productivity and fitness of date palms.
More growth parameters and mycorrhizal structures
Ghaf is a keystone tree in Oman and plays an important
(Plate 29 a and b) in the roots of both plants are still under
role as an agroforestry species. It has been chosen also
evaluation.
because of its relative fast development under nursery
Two studies with two different plant species conducted
conditions. This makes it a good model for short-term
under two different conditions had shown that some
studies to evaluate the efficiency of AM fungal inocula in
growth promotion.
native mycorrhizal strains are potential tools to promote
The date palm study was established in 2011 and still
studies were pioneering in using native mycorrhizal strains
running in the Jimah Research Station. The seedlings were
as inocula. The studies were designed in a simple manner
tissue cultured in the Tissue Culture Lab. The seedlings
and did not take into account many factors. For example,
were inoculated and transplanted into the peat moss and
in the date palm studies the effect of the foliar fertilization
vermiculite (mix 1:1 ratio) in March 2011. The data of the
(which is used regularly in the nursery) on the mycorrhizal
seedlings growth parameters were collected on August
treatments efficiency was not evaluated. There are 86
2012. The study of the Ghaf was conducted in the Oman
strains of AM fungi but only small portion of them and their
plant growth under nursery conditions of Oman. The two
Botanic Garden. The mycorrhizal inocula were added at
combinations was evaluated. In addition, only two main
the time of sowing in January 2012 and the data collection
plants of the country were selected and there is a list of very
of growth parameters was on June 2012. Significance of
important plants still to be included. Therefore, to arrive
differences between plant heights and trunk diameters was
to solid conclusions about the potentiality of widespread
tested using Fisher’s least significant difference at P<0.05
use of AM fungi in the sustainable agricultural practices in
after one-way analysis of variance using Statgraphics
Oman, there is a need for more comprehensive studies.
(version 3.1).
Prerequisite for the application of AM fungi as biofertilizers
In the date palm study, inoculating the seedlings with
in agriculture is the availability of mass production
strains coded as fungus 1 and fungus 2 were successful
procedures for the selected strains of AM fungi and of
in promoting their growth (Plate 28 a and Fig. 20 a). The
suitable, preferentially locally available carriers. Moreover,
growth parameters which were taken into account are the
a strict quality control is essential including methods
height of the seedlings. The mean height of the plants
for ascertaining the absence of infestations with soil-
inoculated by fungus 1 and fungus 2 were 33 and 28%
borne pathogens and, preferentially, for assessing the
higher than that of the negative control, respectively (Fig.
performance of the inoculated AM fungi in the field. All
20 a).
of these issues and challenges are addressed in our
research strategy to arrive to an applicable contribution of
In the ghaf study, a mixture of species inoculums was
AM fungi in the agricultural sector of Oman.
Plate 28. Inoculated plants compared to their negative controls: (a) date palm and (b) ghaf
36
Fig. 20. Comparison of the effect of different mycorrhizal treatment on (a) date palms heights, and (b) ghaf heights. Values
are reported as means (±SEM). Stars indicated a significant difference of the mean compared to the negative control
Plate 29. Microscopic view of the mycorrhizal structures in the roots of date palms: (a) arbuscules (A) and (b) vesicles (V)
Project 5.5. Development of Sustainable Pest Management Approaches
Evaluation of some Cucurbit species against
melon crown blight (MCB) and the use of grafting
to manage the disease
Melon Crown Blight (MCB) caused by Monosporascus
cannonbolus is a lethal soil borne and root infecting
disease that causes root rot and vine decline in melons
and water melons. During the last 10 years melons have
been affected by MCB that resulted in economical losses
in most of the Governorates of Oman. The symptoms
include necrotic patches in the crown area. The root
system remains healthy / symptomless. When the disease
becomes severe, the crown blight along with root rots lead
to sudden wilt and death of plants. Vine death occurs prior
Plate 30. Sweet melon (right) grafted on resistant/
tolerant root stock (left)
to harvesting when fruits reach maturity stage. Cucurbit
37
species differ in their susceptibility to the disease where
roots, crown and soil were isolated and identified and any
sweet melon was found to be more susceptible. Chemical
other associated pathogens were verified.
control, using different systemic fungicides, failed to give
Symptoms of blight were only observed on the sweet melon
satisfactory control. This necessitates the search for more
(Plate 31) while all the grafted sweet melons remained
sustainable management strategy. Resistant varieties/
asymptomatic. The first symptoms of blight were observed
species are globally used to combat soil borne diseases.
on the 6th week from transplanting and the incidence of
In March 2012 sweet melon (cultivar Joyce) was grafted
100% coverage by blight was first reached on the 9th
(Plate 30) on selected rootstocks (pumpkin cultivars,
week. Therefore, all the rootstocks used (Titan, Ulises, and
Titan and Ulises and squash cultivar, Valmorin) and
Valmorin) can be used for sweet melon grafting. Some
transplanted in an infected field in order to be screened for
difficulty was experienced with Valmorin due to its short stem.
both resistance to MCB as well as compatibility.
All the rootstocks (Titan, Ulises, and Valmorin) showed
The symptomatic, wilted and total number of plants were
some resistance/ tolerance to MCB. Pumpkin can be
used to calculate the incidence of melon blight. Disease
considered as the most promising rootstock tested for
severity was studied by measuring the necrotic area of
sweet melon grafting as compared to the variety of squash
the crown and the degradation grade on a scale from
that showed high mortality rate after transplanting. Other
1-5 (1: healthy with no lesion or discoloration, 2: slight
attributes can be tested to confirm compatibility. The
discoloration, 3: moderate discoloration, 4: moderate
studies will be repeated to verify the results.
maceration and 5: severe maceration). Pathogens from
Plate 31. Typical asci of Monosporascus cannonballus and ascospores from a perithecium isolated from diseased
roots of sweet melon
Project 5.6. Identification and Management of Honeybee Pests and Diseases
Efficiency of some thymol and eucalyptus oil
against Melaloncha sp., a parasite of honey bees
there was a small group of 32 described species. Now we
know that the actual number of species is between 200
and 300.
The bee-killing fly genus Melaloncha is a group of
neotropical flies that is currently being revised. They are
A number of factors have contributed to the declining
relatively colorful phorids with interesting behaviors as they
health of Omani honey bee colonies. These include
attack their hosts, mostly stingless bees (Hymenoptera:
several honey bee pests such as flies, beetles.. etc. which
Apidae: Meliponini), but also bumble bees (Bombus sp.)
can damage honey comb, stored honey and pollen, as
and introduced honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Originally
well as deadly bee. Bee-killing fly Melaloncha sp. is a
38
destructive parasite which attack honey bee worker and
has an economical importance is Oman. This pest is new
in Oman was first found in 2005 and now research was
done on that pest.
The investigation was started with collecting the infested
bees and rearing the larvae in-vitro; trying to identifying the
type of species. The infested workers bees were digested
to identify the larvae and other infested bee workers
were reared until pupa was collected. All samples were
collected from Rustaq.
Tablets of Thymes and Eucalyptus oil was used as food
supplements. The treatments were applied in the hives
which were infested with the bee-killing fly (Melaloncha
Plate 32. Melaloncha sp. larva inside the bee thorax
sp.). Replicates were done in ten hives, (five hives) in
each treatment. In each hive six tablets were placed over
the wooden frames and 20 bees were sampled (10 from
the hives and 10 from out side the hives). The observation
was done by collecting the infested workers once a week
by dissecting the bee thorax and investigating for the beekilling fly (Melaloncha sp.) larvae. The single bee had one
to three larvae in the thorax. (Plate 32 and 33).
After treating ten hives with thymes and eucalyptus oil
tablets used as food supplements, bees were feed on both
types of tablets. The infestation still was on the infested
workers which were creeping outside the hive in the
apiary. Thyme and eucalyptus had no effect on the beekilling fly larvae as show in Table 24. This was because the
fly lays egg on the bee outside the hive and the larvae feed
Plate 33. Melaloncha sp. larva
in the thorax of the bee internally until the bee dies, so
the volatile oil from the tablets had no direct effect on the
feeding on those two type of plants. The results indicated
larvae inside the thorax as well as thyme and eucalyptus
that there were two types of this fly in two different years.
did not kill the larvae inside the thorax while the bees were
Table 24 . Effect of thyme and eucalyptus oils on the Melaloncha sp. larva
Hives
1
2
3
4
5
Thymes oil
20 bees
20 bees
20 bees
20 bees
20 bees
Eucalyptus oil
20 bees
20 bees
20 bees
20 bees
20 bees
No. of dead Flies
0
0
0
0
0
No. of Bees infested
No. pupa in the cage
No. of adults fly
Percentage of infection
20 (samples)
7
7
35%
39
It is known that the bee-killing fly Melaloncha sp. is
avoid the heavy infestation of the parasite near the apiary
ecto-parasite which shoots the egg in the thorax of the
by using modified yellow sticky trap and keeping the
bee workers and the larvae make its pupa in the soil
apiary away from any dirty water and animal shelters. The
out side the hive. These cases make the treatment very
study showed that this pest appears only in the middle of
difficult while the larvae feed inside the bee thorax. Thus
February and disappears in the middle of April because of
controlling such parasite is type of biological control to
the changes in the climate and temperature.
Project 5.7. Biological and Ecological Studies of Major Pests and Diseases
Pathogenicity of fungi isolated from declining
sweet lime trees in Wadi A’Seijani
in different Governorates of the Sultanate are using
soilless culture. Soilless culture provides an alternative
to soil culture when serious soil and water problems
Sweet lime (Citrus limettioides) sudden death has been
cause difficulties in traditional soil-based production.
occurring on and off in many places in the Sultanate,
These problems include soil borne pests, soil salinity,
especially in Wadi A’Seijani Al-Dhakhiliyah Governorate.
water salinity, lack of fertile soil and water shortage. It
Even though several pathogenic fungi were isolated from
is not possible to eliminate the destructive soil borne
the affected trees it was not possible to pin point the exact
diseases and pathogen when shifting from soil culture
causal organism(s), hence it was not possible to derive
to soilless culture. Unfortunately, most root- infecting
effective control measures to solve the problem. On the
pathogens also occur in these new culture systems and
other hand, many organisms can be isolated from diseased
because of the absence of potential antagonists in soilless
tissue, however, their presence does not prove that any or all
culture, pathogen entering the system will not meet any
of them caused the disease due to the fact that the isolated
impediment, therefore it will multiply and spread easily and
microbes may be part of the normal flora or transient flora
quickly causing serious problems. The study was designed
of that area or a secondary invader. The study had been
to investigate pathogens associated with root and foliar
set during 2012 to know the pathogenicity of isolated fungi
diseases of cucumber grown under soilless system and
from diseased trees when inoculated in a one year seedling
to correlate climatic factors with the disease appearance.
under laboratory and nursery conditions. Samples have
Accordingly, five greenhouses using soilless system
been collected from Wadi A’Seijani from which Phoma,
were monitored twice a week for two years to observe
Fusarium and other diseases had been isolated from these
the appearance of roots and foliar diseases. The soil and
samples. Seedling of both Dairi (round) and Aborqab (oval)
ambient temperatures were also recorded. The results of
were grown in sterilized soil and inoculated with Phoma
the study indicated that there were no diseases recorded
sp and Fusariam sp. Four seedlings of Dairi and Aborqab
in both root and leaf samples in the entire greenhouse.
varieties had been inoculated with one of the two fungi in
addition to another four for the control. The data will be
recorded at appropriate time during next season.
Characterization of the pathogens associated
with root and foliar diseases of cucumber grown
under soilless system
Soilless cultivation is intensively used in protected
cultivation
to
improve
the
conditions
of
growing
environment and to avoid uncertainties in the water and
nutrients level in the soil. An intense progress has been
made in the development of media and their application to
soilless system. As a result, increasing number of growers
Parasitoids ready to be released in the field
40
MP 6. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Project 6.1. Survey and Identification of Indigenous Natural Enemies
Survey and study of whitefly natural enemies
and the number of nymphs were counted and recorded in
each disc and placed individually in each petri-dish held
Whitefly is a serious pest causing economic losses to
for more than 15 days. The petri-dishes were observed
many crops. The main control method adopted is using
daily for numbers of emerged parasitoids and types were
chemical insecticides to suppress the population. The use
identified.
of chemicals have many limitations such as resistance
development, side effect on the beneficial insects and
During the survey period most whitefly samples were
chemical accumulation in the plants which affects the
collected from eggplant crop. There were no direct
consumer. Previous investigations showed few natural
relationships between the surveyed insect pest and
enemies associated with the whitefly. However, the role
the associated parasitoid (Encarsia sp.). The highest
of those natural enemies has not been studied. Studies
percentage of parasitism was observed on eggplant
showed that some whitefly parasitoids can be used to limit
(24.2%) on 13th Febroury 2012 (Fig. 21). The percentage
whitefly population. The proposed research activity aims
of parasitism decreased from February on eggplant and
to study whitefly natural enemies and their natural role on
okra. There were no significant relationships between
whitefly. A survey of whitefly parasitoids was done during
nymphs and parasitoid numbers. Nymph number varied
the period from January to July 2012.
according to months from January to July on eggplant that
might be due to farmers’ practices.
The farms were selected based on the presence of crops
that had been affected by whitefly. Subsequently, samples
The results showed that the recorded percentage of
from severely affected crops were randomly collected,
parasitism was related to the parasitoid (Encarsia sp.)
after which these samples were packed in brown paper
and the pest occurrence (whitefly), which were dependent
bags and transferred to the laboratory. The samples
on the surveyed crops and the environmental conditions
were examined under microscope. Ten subsamples were
prevailing during the sampling (Plates 34 and 35). The
randomly taken from each and numbers of nymphs were
parasitism percentage was very low which mainly due to
counted. Subsamples represented a disc of 4cm diameter
farmer practices.
Fig. 21.The fluctuation of whitefly and associated parasitoids at eggplant crop at one private farm in Barka
41
crops. Chemical nematicides are widely used to control
plant parasitic nematodes because of their effectiveness
and non-selective nature. However, chemical nematicides
are associated with environmental hazard, high costs,
limited availability in many developing countries and
diminished effectiveness following repeated applications.
Since these chemicals have a broad biocidal activity, they
will have harmful effects also on beneficial nematodes.
Several methods have been used in combination with
chemicals to control the parasitic nematodes. The
objective of this study was to compare three different
isolates of Monacrosporium salinum isolated from soils of
Al-Batinah, Al-Dakhiliyah and Dhofar Governorates under
lab conditions
Three
isolates
of
nematode-trapping
fungus
Monacrosporium salinum were cultured in the petri-dishes
(pure agar) and incubated at different temperatures (5˚C,
10˚C,15˚C, 20˚C, 25˚C, 30˚C, 35˚C and room temperature)
with 6 replicates. Fungal growth was measured daily
Plate 34. Parasitized nymph of whitefly by Encarsia sp.
till the plates were covered full. The plates showed the
best growth and development of the fungus infested with
nematodes (Meloidogyne sp. and Ditylenchus dipsaci) at
the rate of 20 nematodes per plate. All the treatments were
continuously observed. The data were collected on growth
rate of Monacrosporium sp. in each plate at a particular
temperature and the mortality rate of Meloidogyne sp. and
Ditylenchus dipsaci. Trapping activity was observed when
tested at 25˚C. Three Monacrosporium salinum isolates
were cultured in the petri-dishes (pure agar) at 25˚C, the
optimal temperature for fungi and condition in which the
Meloidogyne sp. and Ditylenchus dipsaci thrive better.
The results showed significant effects between the
temperatures and fungus germination. Monacrosporium
salinum strains were characterized by an optimal mycelium
growth at 30˚C. Germination of Monacrosporium salinum
conidia was not occurred at 5˚C,10˚C and 35˚C (Fig. 22).
Plate 35. Encarsia sp. parasitoid on white fly nymphs
5
Comparison of three different isolates of
Monacrosporium salinum isolated from Omani
soil under lab conditions
Fungal growth (cm)
Nematode-trapping fungi (Nematophagous fungi) are soilliving organisms with the ability to infect and kill nematodes.
These
fungi
have
developed
specialized
Al-Batinah
4
infection
Al-Dakhiliyah
Dhofar
3
2
1
0
structures/ traps to capture nematodes. These fungi are
5
found in almost every natural soil. Therefore, there is great
10
15
20
25
30
35
Room
Temperature
Temperature
interest in research towards knowing possibilities to use
them in biological control of plant pests. Plant parasitic
Fig. 22. Vegetative growth of three strains of
Monacrosporium salinum at different temperatures
nematodes cause significant damage to a wide variety of
42
for the biological control for plant parasitic nematodes.
Surveys for the occurrence of NTF were carried out in
12
Number of Nematodes
Al-Batinah
Al-Dakhiliyah
Dhofar
10
North and South Al-Batinah, Al-Dakhiliyah, Dhofar, Al
8
Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, Musandam and North and South
6
Al-Sharqiya Governorates during 2006-2011. The current
4
study aimed at continuation of the investigations on search
2
and identification of NTF in North and South Al-Sharqiya
0
REP 1
REP 2
Governorates.
REP 3
Replications
In the Field:
Fig. 23.The mortality rate of Ditylenchus dipsaci in 24 hours
The survey was carried out in North and South Al-Sharqiya
Governorate during the period from 19th of November to
6th December 2011. Soil samples were collected from
12
Number of Nematodes
Al-Batinah
Al-Dakhiliyah
Dhofar
10
45 selected farms from South Al-Sharqiya Wilayats (Al-
8
Kamil & Al-Wafi, Jalan Bani Bu-Hassan and Sur) and
6
North Al-Sharqiya Wilayats (Al Qabil, Al Mudhaibi, Dimma
4
& A’Tayyin, Ibra, Wadi Bani Khalid and Bidiyah). Five
2
farms from each wilayat were surveyed. The farms were
0
REP 1
REP 2
selected based on the number and type of crops planted.
REP 3
Replications
As many as 387 soil samples were collected during the
Fig. 24. The mortality rate of Meloidogyne sp. in 24 hours
survey. These included 220 samples from fruit crops, 97
samples from vegetable crops and 23 samples from field
Figs 23 and 24 show the number of the Ditylenchus
dipsaci
and
Meloidogyne
sp.
respectively
crops. During the survey, the soil temperatures of the
trapped
crops recorded. Water samples were also collected for
by Monacrosporium salinum strains at 25C˚ in three
laboratory analysis.
replications. The mortality rate of 8-10 nematodes per
petri-dish was observed in respect of Meloidogyne sp. and
In the laboratory:
Ditylenchus dipsaci, respectively, during 24 hours.
Samples were processed in the laboratory by placing a
It was concluded from the results of the study that the use
small quantity of the soil in petri-dishes containing pure
of Monacrosporium salinum in controlling nematodes was
agar (water agar at the rate of 8 g/L of distilled water).
effective on both Ditylenchus dipsaci and Meloidogyne sp.
The medium was pre-prepared and autoclaved under
under controlled conditions.
121°C for 20 minutes, then poured in sterile disposable
Survey of antagonistic fungi on nematodes in
petri-dishes (90 mm diameter). Plates were incubated
different crops
under room temperature and were continuously observed
using stereomicroscope for detecting any antagonistic
Nematode
trapping
fungi
(NTF),
also
known
as
manifestation. Water samples were checked for EC and
nematophagous fungi, are characterized by the type
pH where as soil samples were analyzed for chemical and
of trap used to capture nematodes. The morphological
physical analyses.
structure of the traps differs depending on the species.
Nematophagous fungi trap nematodes through adhesion
The results indicated that the occurrence of the NTF
of the trapping structures to nematode surface, followed
represented 56 % from the total soil samples that were
by penetration and killing of the nematode tissues.
surveyed. The total number of soil samples containing
Because nematodes often occur in high numbers in soil,
NTF included 142 samples from fruit crops followed
soil organisms use nematodes as food. These natural
by 39 samples from vegetable crops and 35 samples
enemies can be used as alternative method to chemicals
from field crops. Five genera of NTF were isolated from
43
Survey of antagonistic fungi on nematodes in different
Monacrosporium sp.
Nematoctonus sp.
Arthobotrys sp.
Harposporium sp.
crops
Dactylellina sp.
Nematodes can be attacked under natural conditions in
6%
2%
the soil by a wide variety of organisms, such as predators
and parasitic fungi. Nematode Trapping Fungi (NTF) are
12
%
distributed worldwide and have been also reported from
19%
many countries. They use nematodes for nutrition. Soil
61%
involves microorganisms that can have beneficial effect to
plant via reducing enemies such as nematodes, insects and
fungi. These natural enemies can be used as alternative or
Fig. 25. Percentage of nematode-trapping fungi (NTF)
isolated from North and South Al-Sharqiya soil samples
complementary method with chemicals for management
of plant pests and diseases. The scope of the biological
control investigations on the natural enemies is useful to
the samples. All of them were recorded in the previous
prevent the disadvantages of harmful pesticides. This can
surveys conducted in the various Governorates of Oman.
be achieved through IPM program. It is known fact that
These were Monacrosporium salinum, Nematoctonus
biological control agents will not alone replace the use of
sp., Dactylellina sp., Arthrobotrys sp. and Harposporium
nematicides. Instead, they could play an important role in
sp. Monacrosporium salinum represented the highest
the development of integrated control strategies. The aim
percentage of the NTF found in the samples representing
of the current investigations was to continue to search and
61% followed by Nematoctonus sp. (19%), Dactylellina
identify natural enemies of nematodes, especially NTF,
sp. (12%), Arthrobotrys sp. (6%), and Harposporium sp.
occurring in the soils of Oman.
(2%). Fig. 25 shows the approximate percentages of the
NTF isolated from the soil samples. The crop samples
In this respect, the survey was carried out in Musandam
contained NTF in the different growth stages of fruits,
Governorate. Soil samples were collected from five selected
vegetables and field crops. Although the temperature
five farms from each of four Wilayats viz. Diba, Khasab,
during the survey period ranged between (18.0 and
Bokha and Madha. The farms were selected based on
30.3°C), the NTF were found in all the levels of that range.
the number and type of crops planted. A total of 164 soil
The results of the soil and water analyses showed the
samples were collected during the survey. They included 89
ability of the NTF to survive at the high levels of salinity to
samples from fruit crops, 52 samples from vegetable crops
the extent of 12.48 dS/m and 7.69 dS/m in soil and water
and 23 samples from field crops. During the survey soil
respectively. The majority of the soil samples contained
temperatures of the crops were recorded. Water samples
low percentage of organic matter ranging between 0.8 and
were also collected for laboratory analysis. Samples were
5.6%. Among the antagonists, Monacrosporium salinum,
processed in the laboratory by placing a small quantity of
was found in the highest frequency. It is widely distributed
and also found in highly saline soils. This indicated the
40
conditions. The efficacy of Monacrosporium salinum
35
Fruit crops
30
Vegetable
crops
Number of samples
capability of this species to acclimatize to different abiotic
in controlling nematode was assessed on Ditylenchus
dipsaci under controlled conditions in terms of reduction of
the population in the laboratory. In the past, the application
25
Field crops
20
15
10
of biocontrol fungi had also met with many failures, though
5
these are not widely reported in the scientific literature.
0
Diba
Investigations are being carried out under laboratory
conditions to find out the best conditions for the fungus for
Khasab
Bokha
Madha
Locations
its establishment and trapping ability.
Fig. 26. Number of soil samples recorded /locations
44
the soil in the petridish containing pure agar (water agar at
Fig. 28 shows the approximate percentages of the NTF
the rate of 8 g /L of distilled water). They were pre-prepared
isolated from the soil samples. The samples of the all the
and autoclaved under 121°C for 20 minutes, then poured
crops that contained NTF were from fruits, vegetables or
in sterile disposable petri-dishes (90 mm diameter). They
field crops. Although the temperature during the survey
were kept under room temperature and were continuously
period ranged between 18.0 and 30.3°C, the NTF were
under observations using stereomicroscope for detecting
found at all the levels of the range of temperature.
any antagonistic manifestation. Water samples were
Monacrosporium
Stylopage
%
3%
About 164 soil samples from fruits, vegetables and field
5
rys
a
llin
yle
ct
Da
bot
hro
Art
physical and chemical characteristics.
rium
Harpospo
checked for EC and pH, and soil samples were tested for
Dactylellina
8%
crops were checked for NTF occurrence. Fig. 26 shows
Arthrobotrys
Harposporium
the distribution of the collected samples of different crops
Stylopage 21%
in different locations. Diba had the highest number of the
Monacrosporium 63%
soil samples of the fruit and field crops followed by Khasab,
and Madha had the least whereas the highest number of
vegetable crops was collected from Khasab followed by
Madha and Diba. The occurrence of the NTF represented
Fig. 28. Percentage of nematode-trapping fungi
56.1% from the total soil samples surveyed. Fruit crops
isolated from Musandam soil samples
represented 70.6% of the total samples followed by
vegetable crops (17.4%) and field crops (12.0%).
The results of the soil and water analyses showed the
The details of Fig. 27 show the number of the samples
ability of the NTF to survive at high levels of the salinity.
containing each fungus according to the type of the crops.
Monacrosporium was found in the soil with a salinity of
Five genera of NTF were isolated from the samples. All of
14.68 dS/m and with 12.1 dS/m of water, while Dactylellina
them were recorded in the previous surveys. These were
and Arthrobotrys were found at 7.51 dS/m of the soil and
Monacrosporium salinum, Staylopage sp., Dactylellina sp.,
6.55 dS/m of water. This shows their capability to stand
Arthrobotrys sp. and Harposporium sp. Monacrosporium
the higher level of salinity as found in previous surveys.
salinum represented the highest percentage of the NTF
The organic matter percentage in the soil ranged between
found in the samples and recorded to the extent of 63%,
0.8 - 4.6%. However, the majority of the soil samples had
followed by Stylopage sp. (21%), Dactylellina sp.(8 %),
low percentage of the organic matter.
Arthrobotrys sp. (5 %), and Harposporium sp. (3%).
The percentage of NTF occurrence in Musandam
Governorate was not as high as found in Al-Batinah, AlDakhiliyah and Dhofar Governorates but was higher than
that found in Al-Dhahirah and Al-Buraimi Governorates.
56.1% of the soil samples contained 5 genera of
nematophagous fungi, which could be considered as
60
Fruit crops
40
Vegetable
crops
30
Field crops
a good indicator of soil biological activity. Among the
antagonistic fungi, Monacrosporium salinum, was found
in the highest frequency. It is widely distributed and also
20
found in high saline soils which indicated its capability to
acclimatize to different abiotic conditions.
Harposporium
Anthrobotrys
Dactylellina
0
Stylopage
10
Monacrosporium
Number of samples
50
The efficacy of Monacrosporium salinum in controlling
nematode was demonstrated on Ditylenchus dipsaci under
controlled conditions in the reducing nematode population
NTF
in the laboratory. However, it was not possible to establish
in the soil under field conditions.
Fig. 27. The number of soil samples containing fungi
45
Project 6.2. Mass Multiplication and Utilization of Efficient Biological
Control Agents
Biological control of Lesser date moth (Batrachedra
amydraula) by the indigenous parasitoid, Goniozus sp.
from April to the second week of May 2012 (South Al-Batinah
and Al-Sharqiya Governorates). In each tree three marked
bunches were observed and all infested fruits were collected
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), is infested by many
weekly, kept
pests mainly Red Palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
in plastic jars, counted and checked daily
for emergence of any natural enemies or the emergence
Olivier), Dubas Bug (Ommatissus lybicus de Bergevin), and
of lesser date moth (larvae, pupae, and adult). Goniozus
Lesser Date Moth (Batrachedra amydraula Meyrick ). Lesser
efficiency was estimated via percentage of the infested date
date moth (LDM) is one of the important pests in Oman
palm fruits infested by LDM, collected in each orchard.
known in reducing the date yield. This pest can be controlled
by a local ecto-parasitoids (Goniozus sp.), naturally infesting
Parasitoids were recorded in all the experimental plots
larvae of LDM. Previous investigations showed promising
before releasing the Goniozus. The results of statistical
results, where in attempts were made to identify the exact
analysis of the overall data showed that the best number
number of parasitoids to be released per tree for the efficient
of Goniozus sp. to be released was one female per
biological control of LDM. The previous invetigations aimed
palm. This number was sufficient to reduce the incidence
to know the efficiency of released Goniozus sp. as a local
of the pest below the economical rate (3.6%). It was
biological control agent against B. amydraula.
also observed that the damage induced by LDM was
augmented with increasing the number of parasitoids
Field studies were carried out during 2011-2012 in several
released per tree. This result confirmed the intra-specific
date palm orchards, naturally infested with LDM, where
competition between the Goniozus females which could
different number (zero, ½, ¾, 1, and 2) of Goniozus sp.
reduce the efficiency of the biological control.
per tree were released to control LDM. Later, number of
infested fruits was recorded for each tree according to
Goniozus sp. was recommended as a natural enemy of
treatments during six weeks and the recorded data was
lesser date moth and was able to reduce pest damage
analyzed using SPSS 11.5.
and increase the yield of dates in Oman. This finding could
also contribute to reduce the application of pesticides.
Several alternative methods of Goniozus sp. multiplication
were tested by introducing just one larva each of parasitoid
Biological control of whitefly by inundative
and host into each tube. The most usual Goniozus sp. host
release of Chrysoperla carnea predator under
was Galleria mellonella, which was tested for Goniozus sp.
shade house conditions
multiplication after introducing (one, two, three, four and
five) females on the same number of larvae of the hosts in
Chrysoperla carnea is member of Neuroptera and it can
the plastic jar (5x6) cm. Galleria mellonella was reared on
feed on wide range of insects. The technique for mass
artificial diet in the laboratory. Attempts to replace Galleria
rearing of this predator was studied for commercial use to
mellonella by LDM were needed to breakdown summer
control different pests. Several publications have shown
dormancy of LDM by manipulating day length, relative
that the effects of C. carnea against greenhouse insects.
humidity, and/or temperature to shorten the dormancy
An earlier study conducted in the Biological Control
period. To study the ability of breaking down the summer
Research Lab indicated some effect of the C. carnea
dormancy of Lesser Date Moth, fifty pupae were isolated
predator in keeping the population of whitefly fluctuation
and kept separately in a glass tube in growth chamber
at low level when the predator was released continuously
controlling temperature, humidity and day length. Thirty
under laboratory condition. However, the effectiveness of
eight adults emerged (75 % of total of adults).
this predator was not yet studied under field conditions.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness
Assessment of efficiency of the parasitoids was performed
of C. carnea on different cucumber insects under shade
under five conditions of releasing rates during the period
46
house condition to know its potential as a component of
The results showed that the average number of whitefly
an integrated pest management (IPM) under greenhouse
in the compartment containing C. carnea was lesser than
condition to reduce the insecticide use.
that in the control. Pre-release recorded data showed
some differences of whitefly in the first two weeks. The
Two compartments (4m x 4 m) of insect proof-net were
data indicated slight reduction of whitefly after one week
built containing four lines of irrigation system fixed inside
from the first release (0.9 to 0.7 whitefly /plant), then the
each room. One compartment was designed for releasing
C. carnea and the other one for control. Seeds of
average number of whitefly was decreased in the following
cucumber were sown in bio-mixed soil and the seedlings
weeks (0.3 whitefly /plant) until the last week of the study
were transplanted in the experimental compartments at
when the whitefly population shot up (2.4 whitefly/plant).
suitable growth stage. Starting from the first week after
In the untreated control, average number of whitefly was
transplantation, the number of whiteflies was recorded
increased to reach a peak at the fourth week (4.1whitefly /
weekly using random sampling of one leaf from each
plant) as compared to the treated plot (0.3 whitefly/plant).
cucumber plant. C. carnea larvae was released four times
The results indicated that the most effective release of
during the growing period (Plates 36 & 37). The average
predator was observed after one, four and five weeks from
number of whitefly per plant were calculated for each
the beginning of studies with a total of three releases. The
compartment and compared with the untreated control.
increase of the pest population in the last week could be
attributed to the temperature increases affecting predator
efficiency.
The results of statistical analysis of the data showed
signification difference between the average whitefly
numbers in the treatment (releasing compartment) as
compared to control (unreleased).
In conclusion, Chrysoperla carnea predator showed some
effect on the whitefly population in reducing the average
number of whitefly to 0.5 whitefly/ plant and confirming the
effectiveness of the predator in the treated crop (releasing
predator). However, these preliminary results obtained
under greenhouse conditions need to be evaluated at
Plate 36. Chrysoperla carnea release on cucumber
different pest infestation levels.
seedling in the first compartment
Plate
37.
Chrysoperla
carnea
larvae
crawl
on
Parasitoids being inserted in the cards to release for
cucumber leaf searching for prey to feed
biological control
47
MP 7. FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY RESEARCH PROGRAM
Project 7.2. Evaluation of Omani Honey for Quality
Evaluation of Omani honey through pollen analysis
A melissopalynological study of Omani honey was
undertaken to determine floral sources, and identify pollen
types, that would indicate the ecological origins. The study
comprised the analysis of pollen samples collected during
2010-2012 from different locations in Muscat, Al Batinah
and Interior Governororates of Oman. A total of 30 pollen
types, representing 30 plants, were identified. Each taxon
was categorized as representing a major or minor source
of nectar and pollen.
Plate 38. Basil sp. pollen grains
Honey is harvested twice a year in Oman, once in the
Summer and again in the Winter. The pollen data indicate
that Ziziphus spina-christi, Prosopis juliflora and Prosopis
cineraria constitute the chief nectar and pollen sources for
honeybees in this area during the Winter. By contrast, during
the summer, Acacia tortilis, Citrus spp., Maerua crassifolia,
Phoenix dactylifera, Prosopis cineraria, and Prosopis
juliflora are the more important nectar sources. This study
had identified a wide range of forage plant sources for
honeybees and demonstrated that forages have adequate
potential for expanding and sustaining beekeeping in
Muscat, and in the Al Batinah Governorates. A modern
pollen reference collection of 30 local floral species enabled
the identification of the pollen types. The identification of
pollen types was based on light microscope by using digital
camera with special software for the pollen separately and
the honey as well as reference samples. (Plates 38-41)
Plate 39. Hibiscus sp. pollen grains
The studies were carried out by collecting samples of
pollen from the legs of worker bees to match them directly
to the pollens of the plant species from where flowers were
taken, through the microscopic analysis of pollen.
The results of the study indicated that twenty samples (20
flowers) were identified from the pollens directly, such as
Acacia nilotica, Acacia ehrenbergiana, Prosopis cineraria,
Prosopis juliflora, Strawberry (Fragaria vesca), Basil
(Ocimum basilicum), Canola (Brassica napus), Date palm
(Phoenix dactylifera), Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.), Tomato
(Solanum lycopersicum), Cucmber (Cucumis sativus),
Neem (Azadirachta indica) and others, according to the
flowering season.
Plate 40. Canola sp. pollen grains
Flowers and pollens would be gathered, as reference to
make sure the type of pollen available in honey. This helps
in identification of the pollen in the honey which is the main
bee product to ensure the quality of honey and to avoid mixing
with other components or honey imported from abroad. This
study is on-going to collect more samples from the flowers and
increase the data base of sources of flora involved in honey.
Plate 41. Alfalfa pollen grains
48
Project 7.4. Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Agriculture Products
Monitoring of pesticides residue
vegetables production farms
in
local
that 8 samples of cucumber contained Acetamiprid lesser
than maximum residue limit (MRL) whereas only one
sample (0.35 mg/kg) contained Acetamiprid above the
MRL (0.3 mg/kg). Six samples (5 cucumber and 1 squash)
contained pyrithroid residue. One cucumber sample
contained Fenvalarat residue (0.4 mg/kg) above the MRL
(0.2 mg/kg) and Cypermethrin residue (0.1 mg/kg) lesser
than MRL (0.2 mg/kg). The other four cucumber samples
contained Cyfluthrin (0.03 mg/kg), Fenvalarat (0.08 mg/
kg), Cyfluthrin (0.16 mg/kg) and Fenvalarat (0.09 mg/
kg) residues lesser than MRL (Cyfluthrin- 0.5 mg/kg &
Fenvalarat- 0.1 mg/kg). One squash sample contained
Cyflothrin (0.08 mg/kg) lesser than MRL (0.5 mg/kg) and
Deltamethrin (0.02 mg/kg) lesser than MRL (0.1 mg/kg).
The study on monitoring of pesticide residues was
undertaken during 2012 in local vegetable production farms
in Oman. Firstly, survey on pesticide use on agricultural
crops was accomplished in collaboration with Agriculture
Development Specialists in North & South Al-Sharqia
Governorates during January – April, 2012. Fourteen
vegetable production farms (> 10 Fadden) from Samad
Al-Shan (5 farms), Sinaw (4 farms), Al-Kamil & Al-Wafi
(3 farms) and Sur (2 farms) were selected for the survey
which targeted collecting information on chemicals applied
for the control of pests according to crops, pesticides use
and safety evaluation through determining pesticides
residue levels in economically important vegetable crops.
Samples were processed and injected using standard
Later, monitoring of the pesticide residues was continued
in North Al-Batinah and Al-Buraimi Governorates during
2012. Sixty one vegetable samples were collected and
analyzed for the presence of pesticide residues of the
above mentioned pesticides. The results indicated that
in most of the samples pesticides were not detected.
However, few of the samples contained pesticide residues
below MRL.
analytical techniques (Plates 42 and 43).
Determination of pesticides residue in date fruit and
inter-crop after aerial spray to control Dubas bug
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) undertakes
an aerial spray to control the Dubas bug which causes an
enormous damage to the date palm trees using different
pesticides in ULV formulations. As a consequence, these
pesticides would cause contamination on date crop, intercrops, soil and water. Therefore, this study was conducted
to assure the quality of pesticide formulation used in aerial
spray program to estimate the residue level of pesticides and
to determine the pre-harvest interval (PHI) of these crops.
Plate 42. Sample preparation
Samples of intercrops such as alfalfa and corn were
collected before spray and 3, 7, and 14 days after spray
from Al- Ghashab village (Al-Rustaq Wilayat) which was
sprayed with Deltamethrin (Decies)-25 EC. The collected
samples were analyzed for the presence of pesticide
residue. The results showed that Deltamethrin residues
were at higher level than maximum residue limit (MRL)
after 3 days and 7 days for the most of collected intercrops
(alfalfa and corn samples). However, Deltamethrin
residues were lesser than MRL (1.0 mg/kg) after two weeks
of spray in the most of collected samples. The results
also showed that the recommended pre-harvest interval
(PHI) of intercrops (alfalfa and corn) would be 2 weeks
from spray with Deltamethrin (MRL- 1.0 mg/kg). These
results confirmed the results obtained during Spring 2011
Plate 43. Sample injection
Overall 94 vegetable samples were collected from two
collection missions (47 samples in each). Two groups
of pesticides were analyzed; the Pyrothriods group- 5
pesticides, Organophosphorus group- 12 pesticides in
addition to Acetamiprid and Metalaxyl. The results showed
generation aerial spray. However, for all Dates samples,
there were no Deltamethrin residues, detected.
49
MP 8. NON-CONVENTIONAL WATER USE PROGRAM FOR
AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION
Project 8.1. Safe-Use of Tertiary Treated Wastewater in Agriculture Production
Performance of triticale under tertiary treated
wastewater and fresh water conditions
Comparison of different irrigation systems using
tertiary treated wastewater (TTWW) in sorghum
forage production
Several studies have been conducted at Agriculture
Research Station, Rumais in the past to test the
performance of annual forage crops like sorghum, maize,
cowpea etc. under tertiary treated wastewater (TTWW)
conditions. The results of these studies were promising
in respect of quality of fodder in each crop studied. The
study on comparative assessment of forage triticale in
terms of its performance under TTWW and fresh water
(FW) conditions was undertaken during winter 2011-12.
The results revealed that that the genotype No. 1 was the
highest in green forage yield with 19.7 t/ha and 12.47 t/
ha under TTWW and FW conditions, respectively, followed
by the genotype No. 5 with 12.8 t/ha under TTWW and
genotypes No. 2 under FW (Table 25). The triticale
performance (11.72 t/ha) was 54.6% more superior in
TTWW than that under FW (7.58 t/ha) in terms of green
forage yield.
In Oman, Muscat Municipality started using treated
wastewater since 1987 with a consumption of 1500 m3.
However, it has expanded the production to 2200 m3 per
day. By using the whole production of TTW for public
gardens irrigation and roadside plantation. Today, the
Municipality is saving 2,730,200 O.R. per year. A research
in Kazakstan, in collaboration with ICARDA, has shown
that treated wastewater could be used with success
to irrigate crops. With this method, high yields could be
obtained even if very limited chemical fertilizer is applied
to crops, since the wastewater itself contains nutrients.
Sorghum crop was grown under three irrigation systems
during summer 2012 in RCBD at Agriculture Research
Station, Rumais. The preliminary results of first cut of
sorghum revealed no significant difference for plant height
Table 25. Means of green forage yield (t/ha) of five
triticale accessions under treated wastewater (TW)
and chlorophyll under both types of water (FW and TTWW) for
and fresh water (FW)
with respect of two characters viz. green and dry yield (t/ha)
three systems of irrigation. Significant differences were found
for the irrigation systems. The dry fodder yields of 30 t/ha and
No.
Variety
Water type
27.5 t/ha were obtained respectively under the bubbler and
FW
TW
Mean
drip irrigation systems. The study will be repeated during the
1
6TA209-19
12.47
19.67
16.07
summer 2013 for confirmation of the results.
2
PI 388680
7.08
11.85
9.47
3
PI 520429
6.45
8.95
7.70
Estimation of irrigation requirements for maize
under Tertiary Treated Wastewater Conditions
4
PI 542553
5.40
5.33
5.37
Several studies showed that it is beneficial to use
5
PI429064
6.48
12.80
9.64
tertiary treated wastewater (TTWW) in agriculture as
7.58
11.72
Mean
an alternative source to improve the situation of water
scarcity in Oman. Maize is one of the most important
Statistical parameters:
crops in irrigated semiarid areas of the world. It has high
F-test
(5%)
df
MS
Replication
2
11.49
Water type
1
128.796
*
Variety
4
95.035
**
Water type ×
Variety
4
13.097
NS
Error
18
8.616
it is potentially the highest yielding grain crop. According to
Total
29
FAO study, the crop factor (kc) relating water requirements
irrigation requirements and is very sensitive to water
stress. Adequate irrigation management of maize is
important not only for saving water, but also for improving
crop profitability. Maize is one of the most important
cereals both for human and animal consumption and is
grown for grain and forage. It is an efficient user of water
in terms of total dry matter production and among cereals
(ETm) to reference evapo-transpiration (ETo) for different
NS = No significant difference, * = Significant at 5% level, ** =
crop growth stages of grain maize are 0.3-0.5 (15 to 30
Significant at 1% level
50
days) for the initial stage, 0.70-0.85 for the development
to improve the situation of water scarcity in Oman. Several
stage (30 to 45 days), 1.05-1.2 for the mid-season stage
studies have been conducted in the Directorate General
(30 to 45 days), 0.8-0.9 during the late season stage
of Agricultural and Livestock Research from 2004 to 2011.
(10 to 30 days) and 0.55-0.60 at harvest. The study was
Farmers in Al-Buraimi have been authorized to use the
conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Rumais
produced TWW from Al-Buraimi Sewage Treatment Plant
using maize variety Merritt from Australia during the last
since June 2011.
season 2011-2012. The irrigation levels were 0.6, 0.9, 1.2,
They are growing sorghum, maize and alfalfa, and selling
and 1.5 ETo. The preliminary results revealed presence
these forages in the local markets. Regular visits by the
of significant differences between the water quantities
scientists to these farms aimed to monitor the effect
with respect grain yield (t/ha), green forage yield (t/ha)
of TTWW on soil and crops grown by the farmers. The
and dry forage yield (t/ha). The study will be repeated for
activities were started since summer 2012. Samples from
confirming the present results.
water, soil and plants were collected from four farms in Al
Monitoring the use of tertiary treated wastewater
irrigation in forage cultivation at farmers fields
Buraimi and subjected chemical analysis. The preliminary
Treated wastewater is another important source of non-
metals and quality of TTWW, it was found that the heavy
conventional water resources, which is currently used
metals were very low or within the Omani standards. The
for irrigation, aquifer recharge, fish culture, cooling,
preliminary analysis of the plant samples of the crops
construction and industries. The total production of
irrigated by TWW indicated that the concentration of all
wastewater treatment in Oman is expected to increase in
elements were very low. The elements Fe and Mn were
the coming years assuming that all the wastewater around
the highest followed by Zn and B. The activities will be
Oman will be treated. From that it will be beneficial to use
continued every six months during the next four years at
treated wastewater in agriculture as an alternative source
farmer fields in Al Buraimi.
results of the analysis indicated that the water salinity
was below 1.0 dS/m in all farms. Regarding the heavy
Project 8.2. Utilization of Saline Water for Sustainable Agriculture
Evaluation of oil and leguminous crops for salt
tolerance and productivity
were grown under seven different salinity levels starting
from 0.5 d S/m (non-saline) up to 18 dS/m. The study was
repeated for more than one season. The fresh and dry
Leguminous and oil plants are important crops for humans
weights of shoots were recorded to find out the effect of the
and animals. Large quantities of nitrogenous fertilizers
different salinity treatments. The results showed that Guar
are saved through planting leguminous crops. Some
and Quina produced at least 50% fresh and dry weight at
types of these crops are considered to have salinity
ECw 15 dS/m as compared to that produced under the
tolerance to certain extent. Since Oman faces a problem
non-saline treatment. Cow pea, Sun flower and Mustard
of salinity some varieties of leguminous and oil crops were
plants could produce at least 50% at ECw 12 dS/m as
introduced from the International Center for Biosaline
compared to the non-saline treatment. Nevertheless, the
Agriculture (ICBA), Dubai. These crops were Cow pea,
Lablab plants could produce at least 50% shoot weight
Lablab, Quina, Sunflower, Mustard and Guar. The seeds of
at only ECw 9 dS/m. The crops could be ranked from the
these crops were grown under hydroponic system up to the
highly to the least saline tolerant as Guar=Quina>Cow
seedling stage (one month) (Plate 44). Different varieties
pea=Sun flower=Mustard>Lablab.
Evaluation of leaching requirements of
saline water to grow wheat and minimize salt
accumulation
Soil and water salinity could be regarded now as a serious
problems of present agriculture in Oman. To improve
crop growth in saline soils the excess salts need to be
leached below the root-zone and should not be allowed
to come up. A field study was therefore conducted in
wheat from 2010 to 2012 growing seasons at Agriculture
Plate 44. Oil and leguminous crops under hydroponic
system
Research Station Rumais in order to determine the effects
of irrigation water salinity and leaching on soil salinity and
51
consequently wheat yield, on a sandy loam soil with three
of 35% caused a significant increase in the yield and yield
irrigation water salinity levels viz. 3, 6, and 9 dS/m, and
components (Fig. 29.). The interaction effects of irrigation
four leaching levels of 0, 20, 30, and 35% under Split plot-
water salinity and leaching fraction (LF) were significant in
RCBD with three replications (Plates 45 - 47)
respect of yield and yield components. Increases in straw
yield and grain yield were associated with increases in the
LF to a certain limit, then yield declined as LF decreased.
LF of 20% at the highest salinity of irrigation water (9 dS/m)
was inadequate to attain the steady-state salt balance
during the growth period.
Plate 45. Plant stand of wheat under low salinity level (3 dS/m)
Fig. 29. Response of wheat to different levels of leaching
fraction and salinity levels in respect of biological yield
Furthermore, if the same level of LF was used for longer
period, soil salinity under this high salt treatment would
Plate 46. Plant stand of wheat under medium salinity level (6 dS/m)
continue to rise, and plant growth might deteriorate.
Leaching fraction of 35% was preferable if salinity of
irrigation water was less than 9 dS/m. The saline irrigation
water could be used in combination with a leaching
fraction as an alternative and less expensive technique for
irrigating crops such as wheat, to produce profitable yield
and to improve the agricultural economy of salt-affected
areas.
Effect of different salinity levels on the growth
and production of different Omani wheat
accessions
Plate 47. Plant stand of wheat under high salinity level (9 dS/m)
Wheat is one of the strategic food crops in Oman. It is
grown in most of the world. As Sultanate is facing the
The results showed that as the irrigation water salinity
problem of both soil and irrigation water salinity, there is
(and consequently soil salinity) was increased, the yield
a need to select the most suitable local wheat cultivars
components such as plant height, spike length, number
for production under the highest salinity concentration
of spikes/m2, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, and straw
possible. Hence this study was conducted during winter
yield, were decreased significantly. Leaching application
2011-2012. Six local wheat cultivars were planted in pots
52
containing sandy loam soil. These were Sarraya, WQ110,
irrigation system was drip. Some growth and production
Missani, Sannin, Coola, and Humaira. Seeds were planted
parameters were recorded. The crop was harvested at
on 13/12/2011 and plants were harvested at mid of March
50% flowering stage. The preliminary results in terms of the
2012. The preliminary results for the total grain weight of
green matter yield and other growth parameters indicated
the cultivars under the different treatments showed that
that Jimah Barley genotype could produce economically at
Missani, Sannin, Coola, and Humaira gave good results at
ECw 9 dS/m. It produced about 13.5 t/ha as green fodder.
the salinity level of ECw 6 dS/m. The study will be repeated
Investigations on pearl millet accessions for
to confirm the results.
salinity tolerance
Screening of different local barley genotypes for
Pearl millet is grown in Oman since centuries for its fresh
salinity tolerance
and dry forage. Pearl millet is known to withstand salinity to
Barley is considered one of the salt tolerant forage crops.
certain extent. Since Oman’s agriculture is facing salinity
Since the irrigation water in Oman is increasingly becoming
stress, the study was initiated to assess the performance
saline it was mandatory to find some crop types which
of 12 exotic accessions viz. IP 3616, IP 6104, IP 6110,
could produce economically under saline environment.
IP 13150, IP 19612, IP 19586 B3, IP 22269, Sudan Pop
Hence, this study was undertaken for the first season
I, Sudan Pop III, Original ICMS 7704, MC94 C2, and
using 8 local barley genotypes during winter 2011-2012
HHVBC tall B 8, received from ICBA, Dubai under joint
in the field in pots containing sandy loam soil, with four
project during summer 2012 under five salinity levels of
replicates under each salinity treatment. The irrigation
irrigation water viz. ECw 0.7, 3, 6, 9, and 12 dS/m. Different
salinity treatments were; < 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 dS/m. Fertilizer,
growth parameters were measured during and at the end
irrigation requirement and protection against pests were
of the study (Plate 48). The preliminary results indicated
practiced as recommended. Some growth and production
that eight out of 12 pearl millet accessions could produce
parameters were recorded. The crop was harvested at the
under salinity over 50% dry matter weight of that produced
50 % flowering stage. The results indicated that both J-51
under at the non-saline treatment (ECw 0.7 dS/m). The
and J-98 gave an average of 42 g dry matter weight/ 0.049
average dry matter weight produced by these accessions
m2 while Duraqi gave only 22 g dry matter weight/0.049
at ECw 9 dS/m was about 381 g /0.60 m2 whereas the
m2 under non-saline water treatment. Both these cultivars
average dry weight for the same accessions at the non-
gave good yield comparatively in the ECw of 3 and 6 dS/m.
saline treatment was about 470 g /0.74 m2. Most of these
However, only J-51 gave above 50% yield as compared to
accessions in the previous growing season could not
the yield produced in the control (non-saline) treatment.
produce 50% in ECw 9 dS/m of their relative production
The study will be repeated to confirm the results.
at the non-saline treatment. The study will be repeated to
confirm the results.
Screening local barley genotype J-98 for salinity
tolerance
Barley is one of the important winter season crops grown
in Oman. It provides a good source of food for livestock.
Barley is considered one of the salt tolerant crops. Since
the irrigation water in Oman is increasingly becoming
saline it was mandatory to find some crop types which
could produce economically under saline environment.
Hence, this study was iniatiated with planting of material
in the field under RCBD at Agriculture Research Station,
Rumais with three replicates in each salinity treatment.
The irrigation salinity treatments were; < 1, 3, 6, 9, and
12 dS/m. Fertilizer, irrigation requirement and protection
Plate 48. Recording the growth parameters of pearl
against pests were practiced as recommended. The
millet under different salinity levels
53
MP 9. SURVEILLANCE OF LIVESTOCK EPIDEMICS AND
TRANSMITTED DISEASES
Project 9.1. Surveillance and Monitoring of Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases
Slaughter
house
based
occurrence
tuberculosis in animals in Oman
of
increased. In recent years, almost 95% of the TB infected
herds have been detected through slaughter trace-back
and subsequent epidemiological investigations. The
Tuberculosis (TB) is a common devastating disease in
information provided by meat inspection personnel is the
animal herds in developing countries. It causes health
first and most important step in this investigation process.
problems to animals through the progressive development
For a country to be accredited free of bovine tuberculosis,
of specific granulomatous lesions in different body parts.
there must be no confirmed cases of tuberculosis for at
Worldwide, animal tuberculosis serves as an important
least successive 5 years.
source of human TB infection. In 2008, the WHO
estimated that one-third of the global population was
Todate, most of the diagnostic materials required for the
infected with TB and 2-3 million people died from TB
project have been acquired (Plate 49). The examination of
every year. The incidence of tuberculosis (per 100000
animals, collection of any detected granulomas and their
people) in Oman was reported as 13 in 2010, according
laboratory examinations are done in different slaughter
to a World Bank report published in 2012. Due to the
houses in Oman through direct smears from tissues
efforts of many countries in the test and slaughter
presenting tuberculosis lesions (Plates 50 and 51) by
programs for eradication of TB, and the increased sense of
using Ziehl-Neelsen (acid–fast) staining techniques.
health care, frequency of TB infection is certainly lowered.
To-date, 35 suspected samples were received and were
Today, emphasis is placed on detecting TB during regular
found negative for TB. Sample collection will continue
examination procedures at slaughter. As the number of
during the following two years and all samples will
animals routinely tuberculin tested has been decreased,
be processed for the microbiological and molecular
the importance of slaughter surveillance is significantly
diagnosis.
Plate 49. Apparatuses used for processing of tissue specimens
Plate 50. Focal granulomas in the liver suspected to be TB
54
Plate 51. Multiple white granulomas in the lung and kidney, suspected to be TB
Project 9.2. Patho-bilogical studies of animal diseases
Patho-morphological and micro-biological Studies on
sheep and goats are similar to other diseases, so, an early,
Pneumonia in small ruminants in Oman
careful and exact diagnosis and proper treatment are required
to control this problem. In Oman, there are no any records
Pneumonia is one of the serious diseases among small
or previous work about pneumonia in the small ruminants.
ruminants in Oman. It is caused by bacterial, viral, and
However, routine cases are serologically examined at the
parasitic infections, or a combination. Most of these infectious
Veterinary Research Center.
organisms are spread by direct contact with body fluids
and fecal materials with increased frequency when strange
Postmortem examinations of suspected slaughtered
animals are introduced to a herd. If the pneumonia remains
animals were done and specimens from lungs, swabs of
undetected, serious lung damage will be resulted and
major bronchi, and tracheobronchial or mediastinal lymph
treatment will not be effective. Clinical signs of pneumonia in
nodes were collected (Plate 52).
Plate 52. Lungs of small ruminants showing different stages of pneumonia
After preparation of slides microscopical examination by
In 2012, 400 carcasses from small ruminants were
use of special stains and immunohistochemical techniques
examined. 214 animals were found positive for the CCPP
for differential diagnosis and confirmation of diseases
and 186 were found suffering from other types of bacterial
identification were performed (Plate 53).
and parasitic infections. Further diagnostic work is in
progress to isolate and identify the causative agents.
Plate 53. Massive infiltration of acute inflammatory cells (polymorphs) in the alveoli and in the bronchial lumen
55
Molecular characterization of rabies in Oman
transmission. This is imperative for formulating preventive
strategies.
Rabies is a fatal enzootic disease caused by the rabies
virus, genus Lyssavirus of the Rhabdoviridae family.
Either carcasses from animals suspected to have rabies
Rabies virus infects a wide range of mammalian species
or their chilled or frozen heads were submitted to the
and causes fatal encephalitis. The first case of rabies
Veterinary research center from different animal species
in an Omani resident occurred in Yunqal, A’Dhahira
from all over sultanate of Oman during the period (2007-
Governorate in 1990, and the disease appears to be
2012). Their brains were removed for the initial screening
introduced by foxes from United Arab Emirates. Within a
by the direct florescent antibody technique and a total of
year, rabies had spread among red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)
112 samples were found positive, the positive samples are
countrywide and cases occurred in various Governorates
confirmed with Reverse transcription PCR by – N gene
of Oman (Fig. 30). More recently, from 2002 to 2012,
specific primers (Rab N-533f and Rab N888R).
Veterinary Research Center record indicates the disease
fragments were sequenced for complete characterization to
still prevalent in Oman in different species of livestock,
build a phylogenetic tree using the Neighbor joining method.
probably because of circulation of virus in wild foxes. Of
PCR
The results indicated that up till now a total of 18 samples
late, we have confirmed the virus in affected brain tissue
positive by florescent antibody test (Fig.30) were confirmed
and other tissue by immunoflourescent technique and
by RT-PCR (Fig. 31) and used for sequencing (Table 26)
recently by RT-PCR. Currently, this disease is considered
as most important zoonatic disease threatening human,
and other livestock animals.
Fig. 31. Agarose gel electrophoresis (1.5%) of N gene
355bp PCR products generated for rabies antigen by
FAT from rabies suspected brain samples.
Lane M, 50 bp DNA ladder (Qiagen), Lanes 1, 2 goat, Lane 3 Camel, and
Lane 4 sheep
Table 26. Number of samples tested for rabies from
Fig. 30. Brain impression showing positive signals for
2007 to 2011
Rabies antigen by FAT
The virus encodes 5 structural proteins: nucleoprotein,
Years
Animal species
Number of
samples tested
phosphoprotein, matrix protein, glycoprotein and RNA-
2007
Goat
1
2008
Cat
1
2009
Cattle, Fox, Goat, Cattle,
Camel, Sheep, Goat
12
2011
Goat, Camel, Sheep,
Goat
4
dependent RNA polymerase. The nucleoprotein (N) gene is
most important target for diagnosis of rabies by polymerase
assays because of highly conserved nature of gene and
can be used for genotyping. Currently, no data is available
on the relationship of rabies virus to each other or to host
species in Oman, as also, no information is available on
PCR fragments of nucleoprotein gene of rabies isolate
links between rabies in Oman and neighboring countries.
were sequenced for phylogenic characterization. The
Therefore determining the genotype of circulating rabies
nucleotide sequences of the isolates were submitted to
virus is important to elucidate the dynamics of disease
the GenBank database.
56
APPENDIX I - STAFF LIST
Jassim Mohammed Al-Harrasi
Jassim Mohammed Al-Malki
Khalifa Salem Al-Subhi
Mansoor Mubarak Al-Wehibi
Said Suhail Al-Malki
Saleh Hudaib Al-Mushaifri
Salem Hashil Al-Mushaifri
Salim Hashil Al-Mushaifri
DGALR Head Quarters, Rumais
Ahmed Nasser Al-Bakri,
Director General of Agriculture & Livestock Research
Abdulaziz Salim Al-Harthy,
Director of Plant Production Research Centre
Abdulmajeed Hamoud Al-Rawahi,
Director of Veterinary Research Centre
Hamoud Darwish Al-Hasani,
Director of Plant Protection Research Centre
Hassan Saleh Al-Balushi,
Director of Administration & Finance Affairs
Rashid Saud Al-Habsi, Director of Livestock Research Centre
Saud Saif Al-Habsi, Director of Soil & Water Research Centre
Maher Gharib Al-Mawali,
Assistant Director of Livestock Research Centre
Nasser Said Al-Jabri,
Assistant Director of Administration & Finance
Yousuf Mohammed Al-Raisi,
Assistant Director Plant Protection Research Centre
Abdullah Khamis Ambusaidi, Head of Services Section
Nasser Khalfan Al-Dhamri, Head of Administration Affairs
Omar Qasem Al-Balushi, Head of Finance Affairs Section
Plant Protection Research Center
Abdulrahman Mohammed Al-Matrooshi, Head, Bioassay Research
Hassan Mohammed Al-Lawati, Head, Honey bee Research
Laila Ali Al-Subhi, Head, Toxicology Research
Najma Mahmood Al-Zidjali, Head, Biological Control Research
Raja Al-Mutasim Al-Busaidi, Head, Plant Pathology Research
Salim Ali Al-Khatri, Head, Entomology Research
Mohammed Al-Ulaimi, Bio-assay Researcher
Mohammed Mouldy B’chir, Biological Control Expert
Abdullah Dawood Al-Zidjali, Virology Researcher
Ahmed Mohammed Al-Manthari, Plant Pathology Researcher
Asma Salim Al-Naabi, Plant Pathology Researcher
Fatma Ghareeb Al-Rawahi, Bioassay Researcher
Fatma Sulaiman Al-Abri, Toxicology Researcher
Ibtihal Jumaa Al-Raisi, Plant Pathology Researcher
Masouma Mohammed Al-Ajmi, Bioassay Researcher
Mohammed Salim Al-Aufi, Entomology Researcher
Nadiya Saif Al-Subhi, Toxicology Researcher
Naila Hamdoon Al-Musallami, Plant Pathology Researcher
Najat Abdullah Al-Ajmi, Biological Control Researcher
Nasser Mohammed Al-Abri, Entomology Researcher
Qais Saif Al-Mawali, Plant Pathology Researcher
Rashid Hamdan Al-Shidi, Biological Control Researcher
Samia Jumaa Al-Naabi, Biological Control Researcher
Shabib Musa Al-Balushi, Plant Pathology Researcher
Thuwaini Hashil Al-Ghafri, Toxicology Researcher
Supportive staff
Abdullah Ali Al-Gharbi
Ahmed Abdullah Al-Hamdani
Ahmed Ali Al-Siyabi
Ahmed Mohammed Al-Zidjali
Ahmed Sulaiman Al-Yahmidi
Ali Mahfood Al-Rawahi
Bader Ibrahim Al-Balushi
Jamal Rashid Al-Jufaili
Jumah Salem Al-Malki
Khaild Khamis Al-Yahmidi
Khamis Salim Al-Amri
Khattab Omar Al-Balushi
Majid Shaikan Al-Mamari
Mariam Khalifa Al-Ghafri
Naema Salmeen Al-Sulaimani
Nasser Ali Al-Kasbi
Nawal Salem Al-Abbadi
Said Ali Al-Balushi
Said Ibrahim Al-Alawi
Said Mohammed Al-Zeidi
Said Salem Al-Hinai
Sultan Salim Al-Subhi
Yusra Hamed Al-Hammasi
Technicians
Adel Khamis Al-Mushaifri
Ahmed Baqar Al-Dawood
Ahmed Said Al-Darmaki
Ali Hassan Al-Balushi
Ali Mohammed Al-Yahmadi
Ali Saghair Al-Embehsi
Anwar Yousuf Al-Busaidi
Assad Jumah Al-Mushaifri
Bader Mohammed Al-Yahmadi
Hussein Said Abdul Baqi
Iman Sultan Al-Bahri
Issa Salem Al-Hamdani
Majid Mohammed Al-Khamisi
Mansoor Salim Al-Malki
Mohammed Hamed Al-Siyabi
Musa Ibrahim Al-Riyami
Omar Sheikhan Al-Ma’mari
Rashid Mubarak Hamdani
Said Salem Al-Masroori
Saif Sulaiman Al-Jabri
Salim Mohammed Al-Zidjali
Tahani Saleh Al-Khanjari
Plant Production Research Center
Khair Tuwair Al-Busaidi, Head, Fruit Research Lab
Muthir Saleh Al-Rawahi, Head, Vegetable Research Lab
Safaa Mohammed Al-Farsi,
Head, Seed & Plant Genetic Resources Lab
Saif Ali Al-Khamisi, Head, Field Crops Research Lab
Hamid Chaloub Ali, Field Crops Expert
Saleem Kaseemsaheb Nadaf, Seed & PGR Expert
Abdullah Hamed Al-Barashidi, Fruits Researcher
Aliya Saleh Al-Hinai, Seed & PGR Researcher
Bassim Saif Al-Kalbani, Fruits Researcher
Fakriya Nasser Al-Ghafri, Vegetable Researcher
Fatma Shamrid Al-Raisi, Vegetable Researcher
Nadiya Mohammed Al-Jabri, Field Crops Researcher
Sabeel Salim Al-Balushi, Fruit Nursery Supervisor
Walid Salem Al-Abri, Vegetable Researcher
Soil & Water Research Center
Saud Ali Al-Farsi, Head, Soil Research
Salim Abdullah Al-Rasbi, Head, Biosaline Research
Hamdan Salim Al-Wahibi, Head, Irrigation Research
Essa Rashid Al-Gharibi, Irrigation Researcher
Hamad Sulaiman Al-Thihli, Irrigation Researcher
Hamoud Suwaidan Al-Hashmi, Soil Microbiology Researcher
Jaman Rabeea Shammas, Biosaline Researcher
Majida Sulaiman Al-Zidjali, Soil Researcher
Mohammed Nasser Al-Yahyai, Soil Microbiology Researcher
Muneer Said Al-Yahyai, Soil Researcher
Nasser Salim Al-Wahibi, Soil Researcher
Saif Salem Al-Busaidi, Irrigation Researcher
Yahya Nasser Al-Wahibi, Biosaline Researcher
Technicians
Ahmed Salim Al-Rushaidi
Ali Sa’ad Al-Malki
Dawood Hamed Al-Yahmadi
Haitham Abdullah Al-Sulaimi
Hamad Said Al-Azri
Hashim Salem Al-Hakmani
Hilal Jumah Al-Mawali
57
Agriculture & Livestock Research Stations (Interior)
Ali Salim Al-Adawi,
Asst. Director of Agricultural & Livestock Research Stations
Abdullah Rabee Al-Waeli, Head of Livestock Research Station
Ali Shaikhan Al-Riyami, Head, Administration & Finance Affairs
Mubarak Saif Al-Abri, Head , Tissue Culture Section
Nasser Zaher Al-Abri, Head, Date Palm Research Station
Abdullah Sulaiman Al-Abri, Tissue Culture Researcher
Essa Moosa Al-Manthari, Entomology Researcher
Fatiha Jumah Al-Sabari, Tissue Culture Researcher
Manal Khalfan Al-Shikaili, Tissue Culture Researcher
Masoud Sulaiman Al-Azri, Plant Pathology Researcher
Mohammed Said Al-Kindi, Tissue Culture Researcher
Mohanna Ali Al-Mafarji, Tissue Culture Researcher
Moustafa Zaher Al-Adawi, Tissue Culture Researcher
Raiya Saif Al-Tobi, Tissue Culture Researcher
Rashid Khalfan Al-Shukhaili, Vegetable Researcher
Said Khamis Al-Sabahi, Horticulture Researcher
Saleh Ali Al-Hinai, Seeds & PGR Researcher
Salim Ali Al-Hamimi, Date Palm Horticultural Researcher
Salim Nasser Al-Abri, Tissue Culture Researcher
Salim Saif Al-Nabhani, Entomology Researcher
Saud Khalaf Al-Subaihi, Animal Production Researcher
Umkulthum Sulaiman Al-Dagari, Tissue Culture Researcher
Yahya Hilal Al-Abri, Field Crops Researcher
Yasmeen Ali Al-Hattali, Tissue Culture Researcher
Technicians
Ahlam Ali Al-Balushi
Fahad Zaid Al-Mushaifri
Ibrahim Hamed Al-Mushaifri
Jamal Hamoud Al-Habsi
Jassim Mohammed Al-Rushaidi
Said Khalfan Al-Hekmani
Salim Hamed Al-Mubaihsi
Salim Nasser Al-Amri
Yahya Salim Al-Sulaimani
Date Palm Research Center
Al-Ghaliah Humaid Al-Mamari,
Head, Tissue Culture & Biotechnology Research
Abbas Abduhadi Al-Lawati, Biotechnology Researcher
Abdullah Hamed Al-Jabri, Biotechnology Researcher
Amal Khalifa Al-Ghafri, Food Processing Researcher
Anissa Mubarak Al-Ghabshi, Food Processing Researcher
Ibtisam Rashid Al-Harrasi, Biotechnology Researcher
Khalid Mohammed Al-Shuaili, Researcher, Food Processing
Mansoura Khalfan Al-Amri, Food Processing Researcher
Marwa Sulaiman Al-Hinai, Biotechnology Researcher
Mohammed Ahmed Al-Sadrani, Food Processing Researcher
Sulaiman Abdullad Al-Amri, Horticulture Researcher
Technicians
Ibrahim Said Al-Busaidi
Jumah Saaed Al-Siyabi
Khamis Abdullah Al-Rashdi
Technicians
Abdulgani Sulaiman Al-Hinai
Abdullah Salem Al-Mafraji
Adel Abdullah Al-Abri
Ahmed Hamed Al-Alawi
Ahmed Hashil Al-Jamoodi
Ahmed Masoud Al-Shukaili
Ahmed Mohammed Al-Hinai
Ahmed Nasser Al-Wardhi
Ahmed Salim Al-Rashdi
Ali Khalfan Al-Hinai
Ali Mubarak Al-Harthi
Ali Said Al-Harthi
Ali Sulaiman Al-Yahyai
Amal Ali Al-Hinai
Amar Issa Al-Alawi
Assad Khalaf Al-Hattali
Badriya Saud Al-Ghalabi
Fatma Hamad Al-Alawi
Fatma Hamoud Al-Bimani
Gajanan Dharma Gadekar
Ghaniya Ali Al-Yarubi
Hamid Nejuod Al-Hinai
Hamoud Abdullah Al-Abri
Hilal Ali Al-Mafarji
Iman Hamed Al-Huthaili
Issa Almurr Al-Hinai
Issa Sulaiman Al-Alawi
Khalaf Salem Al-Mufarji
Khalfan Said Al-Hinai
Khalid Abdullah Al-Kindi
Khalifa Abdullah Al-Wardi
Khalifa Husain Al-Mafraji
Khalifa Said Al-Nasiri
Khazinah Khalfan Al-Hinai
Mahmoud Said Al-Shikeli
Masoud Amer Al-Rabani
Masoud Harith Al-Adawi
Mohammed Baruk Al-Riyami
Mohammed Khalfan Al-Shaqri
Mohammed Said Al-Qassabi
Mohammed Salim Al-Hinai
Muna Salem Al-Shukaili
Mustafa Yusuf Al-Saqri
Nasra Ali Al-Hinai
Nasser Abdullah Al-Wardi
Nasser Harith Al-Abri
Rashid Ali Al-Hattali
Rashid Hashil Al-Nasri
Rashid Said Al-Salmi
Livestock Production Research Center
Hamood Hilal Al-Khanjari, Head, Cattle Production Research
Khalfan Matar Al-Sharji, Head, Animal Nutrition Research
Yassir Obaid Al-Shikeli, Head, Artificial Insemination Research
Ihyab Mustafa Shaat, Animal Breeder
Fahad Mahfood Al-Yahiaei, Animal Production Researcher
Talal Marhoon Al-Sedairi, Animal Production Researcher
Said Saif Al-Umairi, Animal Production Researcher
Karimah Rashid Al-Sinani, Animal Production Researcher
Ahmed Faruq Mustafa Al-Alfi, Animal Production Researcher
Ahmed Nasser Al-Shimali, Artificial Insemination Researcher
Mahmood Hamdan Al-Amri, Field Crops Researcher
Technicians
Ajib Abdullah Al-Nobi
Assad |Khamis Al-Mushaifri
Mohammed Khalifa Al-Yahmadi
Nasser Salim Al-Makhzoomi
Said Mohammed Al-Darmaki
Sultan Said Al-Mawali
Supportive staff
Tariq Haider Al-Balushi
Veterinary Research Center
Fadiya Abdullah Al-Kitani, Head, Parasitology Research
Samia Jumaa Al-Busaidi,
Head, Biochemistry & Toxins Research
Mohammed Hammad Hussein, Epidemiologist
Mohammed Hassan Bodi, Virology Expert
Mohammed Mohammed Said-Ahmed, Pathology Researcher
Jamillah Said Al-Kalbani, Biochemistry Researcher
Sabra Ali Al-Yahyai, Parasitology Researcher
Said Abdullah Al-Mashari, Biochemistry Researcher
Salim Sulaiman Al-Mukhalidi, Veterinary Researcher
Shimoos Abdullah Al-Riyami, Veterinary Researcher
Technicians
Abdullah Said Al-Siyabi
Juma Said Al-Mushefri
Mohammed Sumar Al-Zidjali
Nasser Salim Al-Yahmidi
Saif Said Amer Al-Habsi
Supportive staff
Fatma Said Al-Badri
Khalifa Ibrahim Al-Alawi
58
Rashid Said Al-Shaqsi
Rashid Saif Al-Hinai
Said Abdurahman Al-Abri
Said Khamis Al-Ma’mari
Said Nasser Al-Alawi
Saif Sabah Al-Hinai
Saleh Hamoud Al-Hinai
Saleh Salim Al-Zehaimi
Salim Duraib Al-Hashmi
Salim Essa Al-Alawi
Salim Hamoud Al-Hinai
Salim Khalfan Al-Shaqri
Salim Khamis Al-Selemi
Salim Said Said Al-Hinai
Salim Saif Al-Tamimi
Sami Said Al-Wardi
Sami Zahar Al-Riyami
Samia Khalifa Al-Hinai
Saud Sulaiman Al-Abri
Saud Talib Al-Alawi
Shaikha Khamis Al-Hinai
Shaikhan Harib Al-Shaqsi
Sulaiman Abdullah Al-Nabhani
Sulaiman Salim Al-Hinai
Sultan Salem Al-Khamisi
Talal Salam Al-Anqudi
Thurayya Salem Al-Nabhani
Waleed Buti Al-Hinai
Yusuf Marhoon Al-Hinai
Zaid Khamis Al-Khudhuri
Zaid Salim Al-Hinai
Supportive staff
Abdullah Salim Al-Shikali
Hamed Sulaiman Al-Khatri
Hashil Hamdan Al-Hinai
Humaid Khamis Al-Yahyai
Khalfan Hamad Al-Shuaili
Mohammed Ghusun Al-Hinai
Mohammed Nasser Al-Mafrji
Mohammed Nasser Al-Riyami
Said Rashid Al-Maslhi
Salim Amer Al-Jadidi
Salim Khudum Al-Hinai
Mohammed Nasser Al-Riyami
Agriculture & Livestock Research
Stations (Dhofar)
Abdullah Salim Al-Rawas, Head of
Livestock Research Station
Awadh Abdullah Al-Seegh,
Head of Agricultural Research Station
Mohammed Ahmed Bait Ibrahim,
Head of Administration & Finance Affairs
Abdulaziz Rabeea Al-Shejebi,
Livestock Production Researcher
Abdullah Bakhit Saad Zabanout,
Animal Production Researcher
Abdullah Said Al-Katheeri,
Honeybee Researcher
Ahmed Bakhit Al-Shanfari,
Biotechnology Researcher
Al-Fadhil Abdullah Ali Ahmed, Veterinarian
Ali Mohsin Al-Shanfari,
Poultry Production Researcher
Anwar Ahmed Bait Fadhel,
Fruit Researcher
Bakhit Mahad Tabouk, Fruit Researcher
Bakhit Said Al-Shehri, Soil Researcher
Basem Basher Bait Ubaidun,
Vegetable Researcher
Hadid Saleem Bait Shiginaah,
Field Crops Researcher
Hassan Ahmed Al-Rawas,
Plant Pathology Researcher
Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mashali,
Soil Researcher
Mohammed Musallam Tabouk,
Mohsin Musallam Al-Amri,
Water Requirement Researcher
Muna Saleh Al-Mashani,
Naif Ahmed Bait Rashid,
Animal Production Researcher
Nasser Mohammed Al-Mashani,
Nassir Ali Bait Said, Fruit Researcher
Salim Awad Al-Fadhli, Livestock
Production Researcher
Salim Said Al-Kathiri, Fruits Researcher
Salim Saleh Bahashwan,
Livestock Production Researcher
Sami Mohammed Al-Jabri,
Soil Researcher
Siham Adam Jabhoon,
Entomology Researcher
Technicians
Abdullah Said Al-Hambasi
Ali Mohammed Al-Kathiri
Ali Mustahel Al-Shuhri
Ali Said Al-Nahari
Ameen Mohammed Moqaibil
Fahad Omar Al-Buraiki
Ghazi Khufaish Al-Khathiri
Ghazi Salem Al-Basrawi
Hamid Abdullah Baomar
Hamid Ahmed Al-Kathiri
Hussain Abdulqadir Al-Kaf
Kamila Suhail Al-Ma’shani
Khiyar Mohammed Tabuq
Malik Said Zabanoot
Mohammed Ahmed Al-Shehri
Mohammed Bakhit Ghafram
Mohammed Khadem Bait Khezaim
Mohammed Mahad Quton
Mohammed Mubasshar Bait Raidan
Mohammed Saleh Bait-haydar
Mohammed Yahya Zabanoot
Mubshir Said Bait Ruaidan
Musallam Ahmed Quton
Nofal Ahmed Al-Yafee
Qais Jamaan Baithardet
Said Ali Salem Qutun
Said Salem Al-Mashani
Salim Ahmed Gadeh
Salim Awadh Bait Sharitan
Samia Said Al-Zawamri
Shifa Manih Bait Suwailum
Talal Mohammed Bait Baraka
Yasser Musallam Quton
Supportive staff
Abdullah Alawi Baomar
Ahmed Mohammed Muqaibil
Ali Naseeb Al-Barami
Amina Sangoor Bait Al-Madhawi
Asma Abdulkhalaq Bait Faraj
Ghazi Abdulqadir Al-Ajali
Khalid Amer Al-Shanfari
Khalid Said Kachoob
Khiyar Suhail Zeidi Tabooq
Naeema Suhail Al-Kathiri
Said Mahad Al-Amri
Zainab Bakhit Bakrit
Stations (Batinah)
Saleh Ali Al-Mamari, Head of
Administration & Finance Affairs
Ali Obaid Al-Adawi,
59
Amal Sulaiman Al-Zeidi, Soil Researcher
Mohammed Hamad Al-Jabri,
Fruits Researcher
Muna Sultan Al-Jabri,
Biological Control Researcher
Saif Khalfan Al-Qutaiti,
Saif Mohammed Al-Kaabi,
Technicians
Abdullah Salim Al-Shibli
Ali Nasser Al-Saifi
Ali Saif Al-Gaithi
Asma Ismail Al-Shirawi
Bader Ali Al-Saadi
Hussain Ali Al-Shibli
Khalifa Said Al-Jahwari
Majid Khamis Al-Shibli
Rahma Khamis Al-Maqbali
Rashid Ali Al-Abri
Rashid Ali Al-Umrani
Said Sulaiman Al-Suraihi
Sultan Saif Al-Maqbali
Wafa Matar Al-Shibli
Yusuf Saif Al-Umrani
Supportive staff
Abdullah Amer Al-Jahwari
Stations (Al-Sharqiya)
Khalifa Hamad Rashid Al-Jafri,
Head of Agricultural Research Station
Hamed Salim Al-Kasbi,
Soil and Water Researcher
Khalid Said Al-Hashmi,
Saud Abdullah Al-Rasbi,
Shifa Khalifa Al-Hisani,
Technicians
Mohammed Rashid Al-Hashmi
Mohammed Said Al-Khammasi
Nasser Saleem Al-Rasbi
Noora Mohammed Al-Hikmani
Salim Khamis Al-Mamari
Sulaiman Kanender Al-Hajri
Sulaiman Rashid Al-Balushi
Supportive staff
Bader Saleh Al Hammodah
Honeybee Research Station (Rustaq)
Qasim Rashid Al-Shamakhi,
Head of Honey Bee Research Station
Technicians
Abdullah Salim Al-Abri
Azza Hamood Al-Lamki
Marhoon Saleem Al-Basami
Najiya Ali Al-Hattali
APPENDIX II - Acronyms
AARINENAAssociation of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa.
ACSADArab Center for the studies of Arid Zones and Dry Land.
AOADArab Organization of Agriculture Development, Khartoum.
BIBioversity International (earlier IPGRI- International Plant Genetic Resources Institute).
CGIAR
Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research.
CIMMYTInternational Center for the Improvement of Maize and Wheat.
DGALRDirectorate General of Agriculture & Livestock Research, MAF, Oman.
FAO
Food and Agriculture Organizations for the United Nations.
GCC
Gulf Cooperative Council of six GCC states viz. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and
the United Arab Emirates.
GCDT
Gobal Crop Diversity Trust, A Foundation for Food Security.
IAEAInternational Atomic Energy Agency.
ICARDAInternational Center for Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas.
ICARDA - APRPICARDA’s Arabian Peninsula Regional Program.
ICBAInternational Center for Biosaline Agriculture.
ICRISATInternational Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics.
ILRIInternational Livestock Research Institute.
ISHSInternational Society of Horticulture Sciences.
MAFMinistry of Agriculture & Fisheries, Sultanate of Oman.
OIE Office International Epizootic, World Organization for Animal Health.
UPOVThe International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants.
WHO
World Health Organization.
60

mp 6. biological control research and development program

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