Development of formulations of biological agents for management of root rot of lettuce and cucumber.

The effect of various carrier formulations of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas putida were tested on germination, growth, and yield of lettuce and cucumber crops in the presence of Pythium aphanidermatum and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cucurbitacearum, respectively. Survival of B. subtilis and P. putida in various carriers under refrigeration (about 0 degree C) and at room temperature (about 22 degrees C) was also studied. In all carrier formulations, B. subtilis strain BACT-0 survived up to 45 days. After 45 days of storage at room temperature (about 22 degrees C), populations B. subtilis strain BACT-0 were significantly higher in vermiculite, kaolin, and bacterial broth carriers compared with other carriers. Populations of P. putida were significantly higher in vermiculite, peat moss, wheat bran, and bacterial broth than in other carriers when stored either under refrigeration (about 0 degree C) or at room temperature (about 22 degrees C) for 15 or 45 days. Germination of lettuce seed was not affected in vermiculite, talc, kaolin, and peat moss carriers, but germination was significantly reduced in alginate and bacterial broth carriers of B. subtilis compared to the non-treated control. Germination of cucumber seed was not affected by any of the carriers. Significantly higher fresh lettuce and root weights were observed in vermiculite and kaolin carriers of B. subtilis compared with P. aphanidermatum-inoculated control plants. Lettuce treated with vermiculite, and kaolin carriers of B. subtilis, or non-inoculated control lettuce plants had significantly lower root rot ratings than talc, peat moss, bacterial broth, and P. aphanidermatum-inoculated control plants. Growth and yield of cucumber plants were significantly higher in vermiculite-based carrier of P. putida than the other carriers and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cucurbitacearum-inoculated plants.

The cost of children in Egypt.

PIP: In order to assess the cost of children throughout Egypt, in this case the direct maintenance costs of goods and services used until the child is self-supporting, a population sample representative of Egypt's total population in terms of socioeconomic status, occupation and geographical distribution was investigated. Food expenditures increase with the number of children in the household and with the rise in socioeconomic status. Educational expenses increase in a similar manner. There is positive correlation between the educational level of parents and their contribution to their children's education expenditures. The average amount spent on clothing per child declines the family size increases, especially within low socioeconomic groups. A rise in socioeconomic status or an increase in the number of children results in only a small increase in funds allocated for recreation. Results indicate that in rural societies the costs of children are small, but in urban and industrial workers' residence areas additional children result in additional spending.^ieng