Zeina el Sebaaly

• Phd
• PhD at Lebanese University

nano-fertilizers (Lithovit ®-Forte and nano-chelate Super Plus ZFM++) on the performance of small and medium-sized saffron (Crocus oreocreticus) corms. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 31(1), 139-149 Amelioration in saffron production and quality has been reported as a result of using organic fertilizers, nanofertilizers and Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP). Th...

Supplementation of the growing substrate has been reported to enhance the production of cultivated mushrooms; however, supplementation using nano-sized additives is not yet investigated on Shiitake (Lentinula edodes). The study investigated the potential of a nano-supplement (Lithovit-Amino25) containing an admixture of 25% L-amino acids on shiitak...

The study aimed to explore suitable substrates comprising locally available hardwood sawdusts for the cultivation of Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) in Lebanon. Sawdusts of oak (OS), maple (MAP), and eucalyptus (EUC) were used alone or in combination, supplemented equally by wheat bran (WB). Results showed that complete mycelia run, fruiting, and harve...

Experimental research has been focusing on developing new substrates for growing shiitake mushrooms as alternatives to the standard oak sawdust substrate. The selection of appropriate lignocellulosic materials is based on their availability in the production area and their compati�bility with the requirements of the mushroom species being cultiva...

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted cultivar in Lebanese vineyards. This study investigated the variation of its production at two vineyards ‘Kanafar’ (West Bekaa at 1020 m.a.s.l) and ‘Taanayel’ (Central Bekaa at 800 m.a.s.l) and their interactions with weather conditions from 2006 till 2018. Evaluation of climate records denoted interannual var...

Climatic factors play a key role in determining the suitability of a given region for specific cultivars and wine types and the responses of individual grapevine cultivars to climate are of utmost importance for activity planning and decision making in viticulture. The study investigated the effect of climate conditions from 2006 till 2018 on the p...

Abstract Amino acids can directly or indirectly influence the physiological activities responsible for plant growth and development. The foliar application of amino nano fertilizers on grapevine increased yield and enhanced vegetative growth. The objective of the experiment was to compare the effect of Lithovit Amino 25 (applied in two doses and ti...

The short shelf-life of mushrooms, due to water loss and microbial spoilage, is the main constraint for commercialization and consumption. The effect of substrate type combined with different temperatures and packaging conditions on the shelf-life of fresh Pleurotus ostreatus is scantily researched. The current study investigated the shelf-life of...

Abstract Amelioration of saffron (Crocus sativusL.) growth, production, and qualitative traits has been reported as a result of using organic fertilizers, nanofertilizers and Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP). The study investigated the separate and combined effects of various fertilizers (Seaumic, Nano-chelate Super Plus ZFM, Lithovit®-Forte) and Sup...

The present study evaluated the effect of Lithovit-Amino25 on the nutrient profile and heavy metal composition of Pleurotus ostreatus. The product was tested in two doses applied at three different timings: T2: 3 g kg −1 /spawning, T3: 3 g kg −1 /after first harvest, T4: 3 g kg −1 /spawning and after first harvest, T5: 5 g kg −1 /spawning, T6: 5 g...

Abstract The current study is a part of a project aiming to enhance the quality and production of Lebanese grapes to meet European standards. This could be achieved through reducing the use of chemical by introducing the nano-fertilization on the grapevine sector which are approved for organic farm use. The objective of this study is to compare the...

In the last decade, annona crop was introduced to Lebanon. Thisexperiment was conducted to enhance the adaptation of annona to localconditions. Three scion/rootstock combinations were obtained fromself– and cross– cleft grafting of Annona squamosa (Sq) and Annonacherimola (Ch), planted in calcareous “white soil” and clay–loamy “redsoil”, and fertil...

Abandoned olive pruning residues (OLPR) are good source of carbon, an element required for the growth of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom. The current study investigated the effect of implementation of olive pruning residues in oyster mushroom substrate. Based on mixtures of wheat straw (WS) (commercial control) and OLPR, four substrate types (treatmen...

Supplementation of the growing substrate affects the substrate temperature, the timing of consecutive harvests, and the production of oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom. The study investigated the effect of two nitrogen-rich supplements, Lithovit®-Amino25 and Lithovit®-Urea50, added in two doses (3 or 5 g kg-1), once (at spawning or after first...

Abstract In Lebanon, banana wastes are available in high amounts and are normally burned or disposed on soil. The current study investigated the potential use of these wastes (leaves, pseudo-stems) in the casing medium applied during the production cycle of the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus (J. Lange) Imbach). Banana wastes (BW) were mixed wit...

No previous study assessed the combined effect of olive pruning residues (OLPR) and spent coffee grounds (SCG) on P. ostreatus production and nutritional value. The aim of this study was to determine the capacity of P. ostreatus to degrade lignocellulosic nature of combined OLPR and SCG as well as their resultant nutrient composition. A complete ra...

Lebanon’s land mostly consists of carbonate rocks, which are generally calcareous. Calcium carbonate is not easily penetrable by vine roots except via cracks. Farmers resorted to the application of the conventional chemical calcium fertilizer. The study compared the effect of a conventional Ca fertilizer to two organic Lithovit Nano-Ca fertilizers...

Recently, the introduction of tropical crops in Lebanon represented a challenge for farmers and researchers. Constraints to the adaptation of such crops, to climatic and soil conditions were found. In this study, an orchard of Annona trees (Sq/Ch combination) was irrigated by minisprinkler system and drip system, and compared to a control (not irri...

The work investigated the effect of Lithovit-Urea50 on the composition of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. Ex Fr.) P. Kumm. (1871) cultivated on spent oyster substrate mixed with wheat straw (1:1, w/w mixture). The product was applied in different doses (C 1 : 3 g kg ⁻¹ and C 2 : 5 g kg ⁻¹ ) at three distinct timings (t 1 : at spawning, t 2 : after first...

After testing the potential of three waste types: winery wastes, banana wastes and deep litter chicken manure as suitable substrate for growing A.bisporus, different conclusions were reached: I. The compost “chic” can totally alternate the traditional substrate based on horse manure for the production of A.bisporus. II. More uniform yield is obtain...

Most mushroom farming has been carried out using classical farming practices, giving one of the main reasons for low mushroom yield; in traditional mushroom farms routine practices are more labor intensive. Moreover, controlling insects, pests, and diseases is much more challenging and needs more vigilance. However, adapting innovative agricultural...

The capacity of Pleurotus ostreatus to degrade the lignocellulose of spent coffee grounds (SCG) and its resultant nutrient composition is not yet studied. The study tested four SCG/wheat straw mixtures, containing 0, 33, 67, or 100% SCG. Initial lignin content was higher, and lignin loss was lower in mixtures containing SCG, compared to control rev...

Supplementation of the spent oyster substrate enhances its nutritional properties to produce a new mushroom cropping cycle. The study investigated the potential of a nano-fertilizer (Lithovit ®-Amino25) with an admixture of 25% l-amino acids on Pleurotus ostreatus production, proteins, and amino acid contents. The product applied at spawning (t1),...

Mushroom production is rising in Lebanon facing the high demand for this highly nutritious food. However, the growth of this sector is faced by one major constraint that is the high production cost due to the need to import the conventional compost substrates at high prices from the Netherlands or the USA. Thus, efforts were done through this study...

Mushroom production is rising in Lebanon facing the high demand for this highly nutritious food. However, the growth of this sector is faced by one major constraint that is the high production cost due to the need to import the conventional compost substrates at high prices from the Netherlands or the USA. Thus, efforts were done through this study...

Mushroom production is gradually spreading in Lebanon and becoming more modernized, however, the high cost of substrates remains one major constraint facing this industry. The large number of wineries in Lebanon produces huge amounts of winery wastes which in general are not reused. Therefore, an experiment was carried out in May 2017 where a mushr...

NO FARM WITHOUT RURAL DEVELOPMENT NO RURAL DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT FARM Farming is one of the main employment sectors in Bulgaria’s rural areas. 32% of the jobs are in the farming sector. The activities adding value to the production, like processing, direct marketing etc. are not well developed. The number of enterprises and industries operating in ot...

Abstract Lebanon is one of the oldest sites for wine production in the world. Climate change could affect viniculture aspects by modifying phenological growth. Therefore, in this current study, the performance of Syrah variety as affected by climate change was observed from 2004 in different regions of West Bekaa: Kanafar and Mansoura. The first is...

In several Mediterranean countries, olive pruning residues (OLPRs) are abandoned or burned leading to several environmental problems. Valorization of these agrowastes could be a challenge for the primary decomposer Pleurotus ostreatus, turning them into edible biomass. The OLPR was used alone (OLPR), or in mixtures with wheat straw (WS : OLPR 1 : 3...

Abstract In the current study, two nano-fertilizers lithovit-amino25 (A) and lithovit-guano25 (B) were sprayed on salt-stressed pepper crop. The salinity was induced through irrigation with three different solutions of NaCl (1.5, 3 and 6dS/m). Both products were sprayed separately in three different concentrations (A1:3g/L; A2:4g/L, A3:5g/L and B1:...

Over the past years, climate change is being noticed by extreme weather events, caused by changes in temperature and precipitation patterns. The Middle East is one of the most affected regions by climate change. Extreme heat waves and decreasing in precipitations are posing risks on agriculture and food security. In several studies, Mono-potassium...

About 70% of Lebanon‟s land consists of carbonate rocks from the Middle Jurassic to the Eocene period. Middle Bekaa valley‟s soil is typically Mediterranean, and generally calcareous. This type of soil limits the availability of nutrients and negatively affects the mineral content in most grapevine organs. Calcium carbonate is not easily penetrable...

Supplementation of the growing substrate by nitrogenous additives has been known to improve the production of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm. (1871)). However, the application of nano-additives has not been reported in such cultivation yet. The study investigated the effect of nano-urea added in two different doses (3g...

Annona cultivation is gaining momentum in Lebanon because of the increased local and international demand for this produce, and also for the high revenues underlying such business. In order to explore the state of annona in Lebanon, 2 surveys were conducted in 2016 targeting 69 nurseries producing annona plants and 96 farmers cultivating annona. Re...

Abstract Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, and highly valued for its unique aroma, taste, color and medicinal properties. Iran is known, as one of the most important saffron producing countries. Recently, saffron cultivation was introduced in Lebanon as alternative to Cannabis cultivation in Beqaa valley. This study was cond...

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is one of the most expensive crops in the world. Iran is one of the main countries producing Saffron. Recently, saffron was introduced in Lebanon as alternative to Cannabis Sativa cultivation in Bekaa valley. Spanish saffron is predominantly cultivated in this region. In the current study, Iranian saffron was introduced...

Several studies reported the beneficial effect of Dormex (Hydrogen Cyanamid) on compensating the lack of chilling hours required for a normal vines budburst. It was recently prohibited in many countries due to its toxicity on plants and humans. The objective of this study was to find alternatives for Dormex. Gibberellic acid plays a role as endogen...

Several studies reported the beneficial effect of Dormex (Hydrogen Cyanamid) on compensating the lack of chilling hours required for a normal vines budburst. It was recently prohibited in many countries due to its toxicity on plants and humans. The objective of this study was to find alternatives for Dormex. Gibberellic acid plays a role as endogen...

The problem of water scarcity is currently one of the inhibitory factors affecting crop production and adaptation. In Lebanon, the adoption of a suitable irrigation system for annona cultivation is still unpracticed. Therefore, this study aims to compare drip and mini sprinkler irrigation systems in order to recommend the optimal one. The experimen...

Abstract Spent mushroom substrate is a nutritious growing medium for mushroom and is normally wasted in Lebanon. Supplementation is a common method to improve mushrooms yields, but supplementation with nano-fertilizers is not yet reported. The current experiment is a first trial to investigate the effect of application of nano-fertilizer Lithovit®-...

Abstract Supplementation of the mushroom growing substrate by an organic source of nitrogen, such as urea has been known to improve the production the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. However, the application of nano-fertilizers in general and nano-urea in specific is not yet reported. Moreover, spent substrate generated by local mushroom farms is bei...

Salinity is a major abiotic stress which affects tomato growth through reduced water uptake and ion imbalances, which may result in toxicity or deficiency symptoms. This study reports the effect of nano-fertilizer (Lithovit-standard) on vegetative and reproductive growth of salt-stressed tomato plants. Nano-fertilizer consisting of 79.19% CaCO3 and...

Tomato is a moderately sensitive crop to salinity. High salinity alters vegetative growth and production leading to economic losses. The study here investigated the potential use of mono-potassium phosphate (MKP: 0-52-34) as a method to increase salt tolerance on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. ‘Valouro’) plants irrigated with saline solutions (NaC...

Several studies reported the beneficial effect of Dormex (Hydrogen Cyanamid) on compensating the lack of enough chilling hours required for a normal vines budburst. It was recently prohibited in many countries due to its toxicity on plants and humans. The objective of this study was to search for an alternative for Dormex. Gibberellic acid plays a...

Abstract Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Sing.) is a secondary decomposer that requires fermented organic materials as a source of nutrients. In Lebanon, imported horse manure-based compost has been traditionally used for growing this mushroom; however the scarcity of horse manure stimulated the need to find alternative growing substrate...

Abstract During a survey and through face to face interview of wine grape growers and wineries’ owners or managers, grape production aspects and wine industry were investigated as an attempt to draw a baseline of the actual state of the viniculture in Lebanon. Results have shown a development in the vinicultural sector due to an increase in the num...

Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) has been recognized as a fair substitute for meat and is the most intensively cultivated mushroom worldwide. The nutritional value of the mushroom is one of the main factors determining its quality. The current study investigated the variation in nutritional composition of button mushroom as affected by substrate...

Annona is a subtropical crop of an increasing popularity in Lebanon. Its cultivation is concentrated along the southern coast where climate conditions are the most suitable. Soil analysis at this location revealed a dominance of calcareous-clay soils poor in iron. The paper describes the results of an experiment which evaluated the effect of iron f...

The current study evaluated the potential use of two widely available agricultural wastes at local level: chicken manure (chic) and banana wastes (ban) in the production of Agaricus bisporus mushroom in order to assess the possibility of alternating the traditionally imported substrate (based on horse manure). Therefore, the trial consisted on grow...

Most of irrigated arable lands in Arabic countries are suffering of salinity problems either in soil or irrigation water. This problem has a strong impact on countries such as Egypt with limited natural resources of agricultural land and irrigation water, more precisely in the Northern parts of the Nile River. Therefore, this work was designed to i...

Passion fruit is a woody perennial vine that bears a delicious fruit which occurs in purple and yellow colors. Although in Lebanon passion fruit has not yet reached commercial volumes, however there is an increasing market demand for such fruit. In the current study, two cultivars of the purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) known as Perfecta an...

Most of irrigated arable lands in Arabic countries are suffering of salinity problems either in soil or irrigation water. This problem has a strong impact on countries such as Egypt with limited natural resources of agricultural land and irrigation water, more precisely in the Northern parts of the Nile River. Therefore, this work was designed to i...

Abstract In order to meet the market demand, new seedless varieties of table grapes in Lebanon should be supplied on the market outside harvest season and their cultivation must be expanded to new Lebanese regions. Greenhouse cultivation could be a way to provide off-season products and nano-fertilizers would help vines to withstand warm temperatur...

Annona fruit is grown as an alternative to local fruits in the coastal zone of South Lebanon. This cultivation has been expanding due to increasing local demand. The study investigated the growth and production of three combinations of genotype formed by self- or cross-grafting of sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) (Sq) and cherimoya (Annona cherimol...

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) cultivation is gaining growing interest by Lebanese farmers who are trying to diversify their income from agriculture. However, production volumes are low facing the high local demand due mainly to the plant preferences for tropical climate conditions which restricted the spread of this cultivation and limited it t...

Abstract The current study evaluated the potential use of two widely available agricultural wastes at local level: chicken manure (chic) and banana wastes (ban) in the production of Agaricus bisporus mushroom in order to assess the possibility of alternating the traditionally imported substrate (based on horse manure), to valorize those wastes and...

Arbuscular mycorrhiza used recently as biopesticide has shown beneficial effects on plant growth. An experiment was conducted in West Bekaa in 2016 in order to investigate the effect of a commercial biostimulant (MYCOSAT) containing 5 Glomus species on the production of two lettuce varieties: Romaine and Iceberg. Plant growth and nutritional qualit...

Dining out organically has become a global popular trend. Studies on the features of customers and restaurateurs of organic food restaurants are limited in literature. Consequently, an exploratory survey was conducted in order to assess market opportunities of organic olive oil in Lebanese restaurants by targeting 20 restaurants located in Beirut c...

Annona is a subtropical crop of an increasing popularity in Lebanon. Its cultivation is concentrated along the southern coast where climate conditions are the most suitable. Soil analysis at this location revealed a dominance of calcareous-clay soils poor in iron. The paper describes the results of an experiment which evaluated the effect of iron f...

Abstract Greenhouse cultivation of seedless table grapes is an emerging trend highly appreciated in Lebanon; however it is restricted to some areas. Insufficient chilling hours under greenhouse are causing serious problems on bud-break and consequently causing yield reduction. The application of hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex) is known to be an effecti...

Abstract Salinity is a major abiotic stress affecting tomato growth and production through ion imbalances, inhibition of nutrient uptake and alteration of photosynthetic activity leading to economic losses. This study reported the effect of LITHOVIT® (nano-fertilizer) on vegetative and reproductive growth of salt-stressed tomato plants. LITHOVIT®wa...

Abstract Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis L.) cultivation is gaining growing interest by Lebanese farmers who are trying to diversify their income from agriculture. However, production volumes are low facing the high local demand due mainly to the plant preferences for tropical climate conditions which restricted the spread of this cultivation and...

Recently, the Lebanese wine sector has been witnessing a non-precedent growth producing huge amounts of winery wastes referred to as grape marc. The effect of using grape marc compost on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production was investigated in an open-field experiment in Central Bekaa. Seedlings of the Romaine variety were planted in different su...

Abstract Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) is a wild terrestrial orchid widely found in Lebanon and the Mediterranean zone. Random collection and trade of the orchid for medicinal and edible use (salep) subjected it to a risk of extinction leading some countries to adopt strict protection and conservation measures. In Lebanon, the large col...

Abstract Tomato is a moderately sensitive crop to salinity. High salinity alters vegetative growth and production leading to economic losses. The study was conducted to investigate the potential use of mono-potassium phosphate (MKP: 0-52-34) as a method to increase salt tolerance on tomato (Solanum Lycoperdicum L. var. Valouro) plants irrigated wit...

Abstract Malbec is a winegrape that was planted in Chlifa-North Bekaa in 2012 and later in MansouraWest Bekaa and Der el Ahmar-North Bekaa in 2013; however, its behavior under local climatic conditions was not yet studied in previous researches. A high mortality occurring in Chlifa in 2013 due to severe cold temperatures stimulated a first year stu...

Abstract Annona is a tropical fruit tree spread along the coast of Lebanon. A three year experiment was conducted in a private farm located in Bebleye, South of Lebanon in order to investigate the responses of annona trees to self or cross grafting of two annona species; Annona squamosa L. and Annona cherimola Mill.. Eighteen months old seedlings w...

Abstract In Lebanon, passion fruit has not yet reached commercial volumes. However, increasing market demands together with the general lack of knowledge about cultural requirements of the crop have stimulated a trial at the research center of Ghazir, from July till December, 2015, where two cultivars of the purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis)...

Three years experiments were conducted in a private farm located in North Lebanon in order to investigate the responses of two Annona species namely Annona squamosa L. (Sq) and Annona cherimola Mill. (Ch) to self or cross grafting. Eighteen months old seedlings of both species were used in 2011 to be the rootstocks. Four different combinations of s...

ABSTRACT Three years experiments were conducted in a private farm located in North Lebanon in order to investigate the responses of two Annona species namely Annona squamosa L. (Sq) and Annona cherimola Mill. (Ch) to self or cross grafting. Eighteen months old seedlings of both species were used in 2011 to be the rootstocks. Four different combinat...

Abstract Annona cultivation is gaining momentum in Lebanon because of the increased local and international demand for this produce and also of the high revenues underlying such business. In order to describe the actual state of annona cultivation in Lebanon, two exploratory surveys took place in August 2014; the first investigated 69 nurseries sel...