Ahmed Abdelhafez | Ain Shams University (original) (raw)

Papers by Ahmed Abdelhafez

Egyptian Journal of Microbiology, 2020

T HIS STUDY aimed to evaluate the efficacy of applying spores and chitinase enzyme of Streptomyce... more T HIS STUDY aimed to evaluate the efficacy of applying spores and chitinase enzyme of Streptomyces parvulus strain 10d in biological control of damping-off disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani in green beans (Phaseulus vulgaris) and compare it with Rhizolex fungicide application. Five seeds of green bean were sown in plastic pots, filled with either sterilized or non-sterilized soils, infested with R. solani inoculum (5g/kg soil). Pots were kept in the greenhouse for 45 days from sowing. Pre-emergence damping-off was recorded 15 day from planting and post-emergence damping-off and survival rate were recorded 30 days from planting. Plants growth characteristics were recorded 45 days of sowing. Results showed that Rhizolex treatment had the best survival rate and lowest root-rot severity (79 and 25%), followed by crude enzyme treatment (76 and 25%), then spores' treatment (75 and 27%, respectively), in infested and non-sterilized soils. For plant growth characteristics, in infested and non-sterilized soil, spores' treatment had the best effect on plant height (41.5cm), followed by crude enzyme (39.5cm) and Rhizolex treatments (34.6cm). Numbers of leaves/plant were the highest in Rhizolex (17), followed by spores (15) and enzyme treatments (14). Numbers of pods/plant were 14 in Rhizolex treatment and 11 in crude enzyme and spores' treatments. The highest dry weight was recorded in spores' treatment followed by Rhizolex treatment (10 and 7 g/plant, respectively). Conclusions: results suggest that using chitinolytic Streptomyces strain 10d for the biological control of R. salani and damping-off disease of green bean plants can be an attractive alternative for pesticides in organic agriculture.

Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2018

The current study was aim to remediate olive mill waste water (OMWW) to reduce its phenol content... more The current study was aim to remediate olive mill waste water (OMWW) to reduce its phenol content and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) using fungal isolates. OMWW samples were drawn from the outlet of olive presser at Agriculture Research center, Egypt and characterized. Inoculating 25% diluted waste sample on Potato dextrose agar plates, incubated for 2 weeks at 25 o C, resulted in 8 fungal isolates, of which isolate 5 was selected based on its capabilities to degrade phenol and reduce COD, compared to the rest of the obtained isolates. Comparison was conducted between the selected isolate and the fungus Pleurotus columbinus as a reference to test their potencies to degrade phenol and reduce COD in OMWW at concentrations from 100 to 10% over 4 weeks and results showed low degradability and weak tolerance of the two organisms at concentrations from 50 to 100%, while at 40, 30, 20 and 10%, phenol degradation and COD reduction over the 4 weeks treatment were more obvious. At all concentrations P. columbinus showed better competency for phenol degradation and COD reduction than isolate 5. Decolorization and growth of the two organisms were investigated in OMWW at 40 to 10% concentrations. P. columbinus, again, showed better competency over isolate 5 where it 79 and 49% of the color were removed after 4 weeks by P. columbinus and isolate 5, respectively. Total carbohydrate was also determined in the treated OMWW over 4 weeks and results showed it decreased from 6.05 to 5.2g/L in 40% OMWW and from 4.27 to 3.6 g/L in 30% OMWW, while it increased from 3.1 to 4.37g/L in 20% OMWW and from 1.46 to 3.9 g/L in 10% OMWW. Finally, the presence of indol acetic acid and gibberellins in 20 and 10% OMWW was tested as affect by the treatment with P. columbinus over the period of 4 weeks. Results showed that, after 4 weeks, IAA content decreased from 29.4 to 23.25 µg/ml in 20% OMWW, and slightly from 15.6 to 13,15 µg/ml in 10% OMWW. For gibberellins, the change after 4 weeks in 20% OMWW was not significant, that it decreased from 1.36 to 1.25mg, while it increased from 0.667 to 1.58 mg/ml in 10% waste in the same period. It can be concluded that remediating OMWW with P. columbinus can achieve a better results and the treated waste may be suitable for irrigation of crops.

In this investigation, set of five Frankia strains were isolated from root nodules of Casuarina t... more In this investigation, set of five Frankia strains were isolated from root nodules of Casuarina trees from five different regions in Egypt and were identified based on their physiological and molecular genetic variations. Results showed that growth parameters of C. glauca inoculated with the five Frankia strains grown in loamy sandy soil were both significantly higher than those of plants grown in clay soil. The effect of the Frankia strains under study on number of nodules, percentages of seedling that formed root nodules (nodulation frequency) and activity of acetylene reduction in clay soil as well as loamy sandy soil was addressed. The numerical analysis of the investigated parameters was found to be a useful tool for differentiation between the Frankia strains. We have analyzed 9 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers against five Frankia strains. Results showed that the number of amplified fragments differed between the strains. Some primers were useful in identifying unique DNA polymorphisms of all strains tested. Some fragments were found to be polymorphic (not common). These unique fragments could be recommended as markers for distinguishing between the applied strains of Frankia. Statistical analysis of RAPD-PCR polymorphisms showed similarities between Frankia strains ranged from 67.3 to 85%. The phylogenetic tree confirmed the genetic diversity between the Frankia strains under investigation. Genomic fingerprinting assay using RAPD-PCR was excellent methodology for differentiating between the Frankia strains. The correlation between the phylogenetic and the phylophenetic trees of the five Frankia strains were also discussed.

Annals of Agricultural Sciences, 2015

Soil samples were collected from different rhizosphere plants grown in SEKEM farm, Bilbis, El-Sha... more Soil samples were collected from different rhizosphere plants grown in SEKEM farm, Bilbis, El-Sharkyia governorate, Egypt. Four fluorescent pseudomonads isolates, out of seventy one, were selected according to their efficiency to produce IAA, cyanide, antagonistic effect and high ability to solubilize potassium and phosphorus. These isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique to be different strains of Pseudomonas otitidis. Growth curve and growth kinetics were determined on king's broth medium. Ps. otitidis SE8 gave the highest specific growth rate, multiplication rate and number of generation being 0.287 h À1 , 0.4147 h À1 and 4.98 h À1 , respectively. This strain also showed the lowest of doubling time. Ps. otitidis SE8 and OL2 had higher activity to solubilize phosphorus than other tested strains. Bacterial strain SE8 also gave a considerable amount of soluble potassium as compared with other strains being 80.7 ppm. The maximum IAA and gibberellic acid production was also recorded by Pseudomonas SE8 and OL2. A remarkable quantity of siderophores was detected in the case of Ps. otitidis SE8 being 28.20 mM DFOM. Application of these isolates as inoculants for tomato plants in green house was performed. The results showed that inoculation of tomato seedling with Pseudomonas strains led to suppress the soil-borne pathogen, increased of NPK uptake and supported tomato plant growth.

Annals of Agricultural Sciences, 2012

Microbial deterioration of archeological marble was studied on samples taken from three locations... more Microbial deterioration of archeological marble was studied on samples taken from three locations in Cairo, Egypt; Mohamed Ali palace, El-Ghory Mosque and Mosque of El-Kady Abdel-Baset. Sampling resulted in 110 microbial isolates, identified as eight fungal genera, three bacterial genera, one actinomycetes genus and six algae. Isolated strains were all identified up to species. The inhibitory effect of five antimicrobial agents at various concentrations was investigated against the growth and development of these microbial isolates. Sodium azide at 100 ppm was found to be the best treatment for both fungal and bacterial isolates. Colored spots, caused by microbial growth, were treated by different synthetic and natural chemical substances. Results showed also that microbial enzymes produced by Aspergillus flavus isolate was the best decolorization treatment.

British Microbiology Research Journal, 2015

Aims: The present work aimed to optimize proteases production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 35s u... more Aims: The present work aimed to optimize proteases production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 35s using the response surface methodology (RSM). Study Design: Variables affecting proteases production were screened using a Plackett–Burman design. Face Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD) of RSM was adopted for the augmentation of total proteases production assessed at three coded levels (–1, 0, +1). All obtained data were analyzed by ANOVA with post hoc multiple comparison analysis performed using Tukey’s HSD. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, between March 2014 and September 2014. Methodology: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 35s was used for proteases production. Modified TGY (Tryptone gluscose yeast extarct) medium was the basal medium. Impacts of nutritional factors (carbon and nitrogen and mineral salts) were studied using Plackett-Burman design with fold over augmenting method. “Design Expert ® 8.0.7.1” Stat-Ease was used to analyze the experimental Original Research Article Nassar et al.; BMRJ, 6(5):255-269, 2015; Article no.BMRJ.2015.078 256 Plackett–Burman design. Temperature, pH and agitation rate (using shake flask) were optimized statistically by the factorial FCCCD of the RSM. Validation of statistical model of physical factors was done by carrying out the experiment at optimum conditions of the process parameters as determined from the model. Optimum conditions obtained through RSM in terms of FCCCD were examined and verified in a 5 L bench top continuous stirred tank bioreactor and production process was scaled-up in a batch process with controlled and non-controlled pH. Fermented medium was centrifuged to collect cells and determination of biomass and protease concentration. Results: Among the significant media components, peptone and starch showed to have significant effects on the response as for protease production, with confidence level > 98% and were further optimized using FCCCD. Conditions promoted proteases production were different from those enhanced cell growth. Physical parameters indicated that production of proteases by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is non-growth dependent. Maximum proteases production predicted (992.12 u/ml) was observed near the mid-point (0) values (concentrations) of both peptone (10 g/l) and starch (10 g/l) and the experimental value 935 u/ml was very close to the predicted value validating the model. The final proteases production in the bioreactor reached 1530 u/ml obtained within 12-14 h at 0.6 vvm aeration and 120 rpm of agitation speed. Conclusion: Instead of conventional method of one variable at time approach, Response Surface Methodology, as statistical approach, showed to be adequate and efficient to optimize protease production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 2012

This study was designed to evaluate selected chemical and microbiological treatments for the conv... more This study was designed to evaluate selected chemical and microbiological treatments for the conversion of certain local agro-industrial wastes (rice straw, corn stalks, sawdust, sugar beet waste and sugarcane bagasse) to ethanol. The chemical composition of these feedstocks was determined. Conversion of wastes to free sugars by acid hydrolysis varied from one treatment to another. In single-stage dilute acid hydrolysis, increasing acid concentration from 1 % (v/v) to 5 % (v/v) decreased the conversion percentage of almost all treated agro-industrial wastes. Lower conversion percentages for some treatments were obtained when increasing the residence time from 90 to 120 min. The two-stage dilute acid hydrolysis by phosphoric acid (1.0 % v/v) followed by sulphuric acid (1.0 % v/v) resulted in the highest conversion percentage (41.3 % w/w) on treated sugar beet waste. This treatment when neutralized, amended with some nutrients and inoculated with baker's yeast, achieved the highest ethanol concentration (1.0 % v/v). Formation of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were functions of type of acid hydrolysis, acid concentration, residence time and feedstock type. The highest bioconversion of 5 % wastes (37.8 % w/w) was recorded on sugar beet waste by Trichoderma viride EMCC 107. This treatment when followed by baker's yeast fermentation, 0.41 % (v/v) ethanol and 8.2 % (v/w) conversion coefficient were obtained.

British Microbiology Research Journal, 2015

Aims: The prese nt work was designed to investigate the production of proteases from an Egyptian ... more Aims: The prese nt work was designed to investigate the production of proteases from an Egyptian bacterial isolate. Study Design : Samples were collected from soil, water and food, and screened for the isolation of proteases producing bacteria. The highest proteases produ cing isolate was selected for proteases production.

Cantaloupe and cucumber seedlings were transplanted into polyethylene bags (10 kg capacity) conta... more Cantaloupe and cucumber seedlings were transplanted into polyethylene bags (10 kg capacity) contained sandy soil amended with 15.5mg P 2 O 5 /kg soil as super phosphate or rock phosphate. Rock phosphate treated plants were inoculated with a mixed inoculum of VA mycorrhizal fungi. Seedlings of both plants were grown in plastic house under three level of water regime, i.e. 70, 85 and 100% of the soil water holding capacity. Developed plants were sampled after 30, 60 and 90 days from transplantation. Percentages of root infection along with the area of 4 th leaf, plant total dry weight and shoot NPK contents were also recorded at each interval. The total yield and NPK content of fruits were recorded at harvest. Data of this study showed that VA mycorrhizal development was gradually increased with time. Increase of VA mycorrhizal development was more obvious with 85 and 100% water regime and little increase was detected with 70% at 90 days compared with 60 days interval. Superphosphate-amended plants (Control) showed growth, NPK content and yield performance positively correlated with increased water regimes. No considerable differences, however, were observed between mycorrhizal-treated plants grown with 85 and those with 100% water regime. Generally, growth, NPK content and yield were higher in mycorrhizal plants grown under the 85% water regime than those of the superphosphate-amended plants grown with 100% water regime.

Egyptian Journal of Microbiology, 2020

T HIS STUDY aimed to evaluate the efficacy of applying spores and chitinase enzyme of Streptomyce... more T HIS STUDY aimed to evaluate the efficacy of applying spores and chitinase enzyme of Streptomyces parvulus strain 10d in biological control of damping-off disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani in green beans (Phaseulus vulgaris) and compare it with Rhizolex fungicide application. Five seeds of green bean were sown in plastic pots, filled with either sterilized or non-sterilized soils, infested with R. solani inoculum (5g/kg soil). Pots were kept in the greenhouse for 45 days from sowing. Pre-emergence damping-off was recorded 15 day from planting and post-emergence damping-off and survival rate were recorded 30 days from planting. Plants growth characteristics were recorded 45 days of sowing. Results showed that Rhizolex treatment had the best survival rate and lowest root-rot severity (79 and 25%), followed by crude enzyme treatment (76 and 25%), then spores' treatment (75 and 27%, respectively), in infested and non-sterilized soils. For plant growth characteristics, in infested and non-sterilized soil, spores' treatment had the best effect on plant height (41.5cm), followed by crude enzyme (39.5cm) and Rhizolex treatments (34.6cm). Numbers of leaves/plant were the highest in Rhizolex (17), followed by spores (15) and enzyme treatments (14). Numbers of pods/plant were 14 in Rhizolex treatment and 11 in crude enzyme and spores' treatments. The highest dry weight was recorded in spores' treatment followed by Rhizolex treatment (10 and 7 g/plant, respectively). Conclusions: results suggest that using chitinolytic Streptomyces strain 10d for the biological control of R. salani and damping-off disease of green bean plants can be an attractive alternative for pesticides in organic agriculture.

Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2018

The current study was aim to remediate olive mill waste water (OMWW) to reduce its phenol content... more The current study was aim to remediate olive mill waste water (OMWW) to reduce its phenol content and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) using fungal isolates. OMWW samples were drawn from the outlet of olive presser at Agriculture Research center, Egypt and characterized. Inoculating 25% diluted waste sample on Potato dextrose agar plates, incubated for 2 weeks at 25 o C, resulted in 8 fungal isolates, of which isolate 5 was selected based on its capabilities to degrade phenol and reduce COD, compared to the rest of the obtained isolates. Comparison was conducted between the selected isolate and the fungus Pleurotus columbinus as a reference to test their potencies to degrade phenol and reduce COD in OMWW at concentrations from 100 to 10% over 4 weeks and results showed low degradability and weak tolerance of the two organisms at concentrations from 50 to 100%, while at 40, 30, 20 and 10%, phenol degradation and COD reduction over the 4 weeks treatment were more obvious. At all concentrations P. columbinus showed better competency for phenol degradation and COD reduction than isolate 5. Decolorization and growth of the two organisms were investigated in OMWW at 40 to 10% concentrations. P. columbinus, again, showed better competency over isolate 5 where it 79 and 49% of the color were removed after 4 weeks by P. columbinus and isolate 5, respectively. Total carbohydrate was also determined in the treated OMWW over 4 weeks and results showed it decreased from 6.05 to 5.2g/L in 40% OMWW and from 4.27 to 3.6 g/L in 30% OMWW, while it increased from 3.1 to 4.37g/L in 20% OMWW and from 1.46 to 3.9 g/L in 10% OMWW. Finally, the presence of indol acetic acid and gibberellins in 20 and 10% OMWW was tested as affect by the treatment with P. columbinus over the period of 4 weeks. Results showed that, after 4 weeks, IAA content decreased from 29.4 to 23.25 µg/ml in 20% OMWW, and slightly from 15.6 to 13,15 µg/ml in 10% OMWW. For gibberellins, the change after 4 weeks in 20% OMWW was not significant, that it decreased from 1.36 to 1.25mg, while it increased from 0.667 to 1.58 mg/ml in 10% waste in the same period. It can be concluded that remediating OMWW with P. columbinus can achieve a better results and the treated waste may be suitable for irrigation of crops.

In this investigation, set of five Frankia strains were isolated from root nodules of Casuarina t... more In this investigation, set of five Frankia strains were isolated from root nodules of Casuarina trees from five different regions in Egypt and were identified based on their physiological and molecular genetic variations. Results showed that growth parameters of C. glauca inoculated with the five Frankia strains grown in loamy sandy soil were both significantly higher than those of plants grown in clay soil. The effect of the Frankia strains under study on number of nodules, percentages of seedling that formed root nodules (nodulation frequency) and activity of acetylene reduction in clay soil as well as loamy sandy soil was addressed. The numerical analysis of the investigated parameters was found to be a useful tool for differentiation between the Frankia strains. We have analyzed 9 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers against five Frankia strains. Results showed that the number of amplified fragments differed between the strains. Some primers were useful in identifying unique DNA polymorphisms of all strains tested. Some fragments were found to be polymorphic (not common). These unique fragments could be recommended as markers for distinguishing between the applied strains of Frankia. Statistical analysis of RAPD-PCR polymorphisms showed similarities between Frankia strains ranged from 67.3 to 85%. The phylogenetic tree confirmed the genetic diversity between the Frankia strains under investigation. Genomic fingerprinting assay using RAPD-PCR was excellent methodology for differentiating between the Frankia strains. The correlation between the phylogenetic and the phylophenetic trees of the five Frankia strains were also discussed.

Annals of Agricultural Sciences, 2015

Soil samples were collected from different rhizosphere plants grown in SEKEM farm, Bilbis, El-Sha... more Soil samples were collected from different rhizosphere plants grown in SEKEM farm, Bilbis, El-Sharkyia governorate, Egypt. Four fluorescent pseudomonads isolates, out of seventy one, were selected according to their efficiency to produce IAA, cyanide, antagonistic effect and high ability to solubilize potassium and phosphorus. These isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique to be different strains of Pseudomonas otitidis. Growth curve and growth kinetics were determined on king's broth medium. Ps. otitidis SE8 gave the highest specific growth rate, multiplication rate and number of generation being 0.287 h À1 , 0.4147 h À1 and 4.98 h À1 , respectively. This strain also showed the lowest of doubling time. Ps. otitidis SE8 and OL2 had higher activity to solubilize phosphorus than other tested strains. Bacterial strain SE8 also gave a considerable amount of soluble potassium as compared with other strains being 80.7 ppm. The maximum IAA and gibberellic acid production was also recorded by Pseudomonas SE8 and OL2. A remarkable quantity of siderophores was detected in the case of Ps. otitidis SE8 being 28.20 mM DFOM. Application of these isolates as inoculants for tomato plants in green house was performed. The results showed that inoculation of tomato seedling with Pseudomonas strains led to suppress the soil-borne pathogen, increased of NPK uptake and supported tomato plant growth.

Annals of Agricultural Sciences, 2012

Microbial deterioration of archeological marble was studied on samples taken from three locations... more Microbial deterioration of archeological marble was studied on samples taken from three locations in Cairo, Egypt; Mohamed Ali palace, El-Ghory Mosque and Mosque of El-Kady Abdel-Baset. Sampling resulted in 110 microbial isolates, identified as eight fungal genera, three bacterial genera, one actinomycetes genus and six algae. Isolated strains were all identified up to species. The inhibitory effect of five antimicrobial agents at various concentrations was investigated against the growth and development of these microbial isolates. Sodium azide at 100 ppm was found to be the best treatment for both fungal and bacterial isolates. Colored spots, caused by microbial growth, were treated by different synthetic and natural chemical substances. Results showed also that microbial enzymes produced by Aspergillus flavus isolate was the best decolorization treatment.

British Microbiology Research Journal, 2015

Aims: The present work aimed to optimize proteases production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 35s u... more Aims: The present work aimed to optimize proteases production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 35s using the response surface methodology (RSM). Study Design: Variables affecting proteases production were screened using a Plackett–Burman design. Face Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD) of RSM was adopted for the augmentation of total proteases production assessed at three coded levels (–1, 0, +1). All obtained data were analyzed by ANOVA with post hoc multiple comparison analysis performed using Tukey’s HSD. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, between March 2014 and September 2014. Methodology: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 35s was used for proteases production. Modified TGY (Tryptone gluscose yeast extarct) medium was the basal medium. Impacts of nutritional factors (carbon and nitrogen and mineral salts) were studied using Plackett-Burman design with fold over augmenting method. “Design Expert ® 8.0.7.1” Stat-Ease was used to analyze the experimental Original Research Article Nassar et al.; BMRJ, 6(5):255-269, 2015; Article no.BMRJ.2015.078 256 Plackett–Burman design. Temperature, pH and agitation rate (using shake flask) were optimized statistically by the factorial FCCCD of the RSM. Validation of statistical model of physical factors was done by carrying out the experiment at optimum conditions of the process parameters as determined from the model. Optimum conditions obtained through RSM in terms of FCCCD were examined and verified in a 5 L bench top continuous stirred tank bioreactor and production process was scaled-up in a batch process with controlled and non-controlled pH. Fermented medium was centrifuged to collect cells and determination of biomass and protease concentration. Results: Among the significant media components, peptone and starch showed to have significant effects on the response as for protease production, with confidence level > 98% and were further optimized using FCCCD. Conditions promoted proteases production were different from those enhanced cell growth. Physical parameters indicated that production of proteases by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is non-growth dependent. Maximum proteases production predicted (992.12 u/ml) was observed near the mid-point (0) values (concentrations) of both peptone (10 g/l) and starch (10 g/l) and the experimental value 935 u/ml was very close to the predicted value validating the model. The final proteases production in the bioreactor reached 1530 u/ml obtained within 12-14 h at 0.6 vvm aeration and 120 rpm of agitation speed. Conclusion: Instead of conventional method of one variable at time approach, Response Surface Methodology, as statistical approach, showed to be adequate and efficient to optimize protease production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 2012

This study was designed to evaluate selected chemical and microbiological treatments for the conv... more This study was designed to evaluate selected chemical and microbiological treatments for the conversion of certain local agro-industrial wastes (rice straw, corn stalks, sawdust, sugar beet waste and sugarcane bagasse) to ethanol. The chemical composition of these feedstocks was determined. Conversion of wastes to free sugars by acid hydrolysis varied from one treatment to another. In single-stage dilute acid hydrolysis, increasing acid concentration from 1 % (v/v) to 5 % (v/v) decreased the conversion percentage of almost all treated agro-industrial wastes. Lower conversion percentages for some treatments were obtained when increasing the residence time from 90 to 120 min. The two-stage dilute acid hydrolysis by phosphoric acid (1.0 % v/v) followed by sulphuric acid (1.0 % v/v) resulted in the highest conversion percentage (41.3 % w/w) on treated sugar beet waste. This treatment when neutralized, amended with some nutrients and inoculated with baker's yeast, achieved the highest ethanol concentration (1.0 % v/v). Formation of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were functions of type of acid hydrolysis, acid concentration, residence time and feedstock type. The highest bioconversion of 5 % wastes (37.8 % w/w) was recorded on sugar beet waste by Trichoderma viride EMCC 107. This treatment when followed by baker's yeast fermentation, 0.41 % (v/v) ethanol and 8.2 % (v/w) conversion coefficient were obtained.

British Microbiology Research Journal, 2015

Aims: The prese nt work was designed to investigate the production of proteases from an Egyptian ... more Aims: The prese nt work was designed to investigate the production of proteases from an Egyptian bacterial isolate. Study Design : Samples were collected from soil, water and food, and screened for the isolation of proteases producing bacteria. The highest proteases produ cing isolate was selected for proteases production.

Cantaloupe and cucumber seedlings were transplanted into polyethylene bags (10 kg capacity) conta... more Cantaloupe and cucumber seedlings were transplanted into polyethylene bags (10 kg capacity) contained sandy soil amended with 15.5mg P 2 O 5 /kg soil as super phosphate or rock phosphate. Rock phosphate treated plants were inoculated with a mixed inoculum of VA mycorrhizal fungi. Seedlings of both plants were grown in plastic house under three level of water regime, i.e. 70, 85 and 100% of the soil water holding capacity. Developed plants were sampled after 30, 60 and 90 days from transplantation. Percentages of root infection along with the area of 4 th leaf, plant total dry weight and shoot NPK contents were also recorded at each interval. The total yield and NPK content of fruits were recorded at harvest. Data of this study showed that VA mycorrhizal development was gradually increased with time. Increase of VA mycorrhizal development was more obvious with 85 and 100% water regime and little increase was detected with 70% at 90 days compared with 60 days interval. Superphosphate-amended plants (Control) showed growth, NPK content and yield performance positively correlated with increased water regimes. No considerable differences, however, were observed between mycorrhizal-treated plants grown with 85 and those with 100% water regime. Generally, growth, NPK content and yield were higher in mycorrhizal plants grown under the 85% water regime than those of the superphosphate-amended plants grown with 100% water regime.