The Faculty of Graduate Studies awarded the researcher Dalia Masri a Master’s Degree in Biology in response to her thesis entitled “Serological Detection of Tospoviruys infecting Tomato in West Bank”.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) consider as one of the top popular crop in Palestine; is infected with several pathogens where TSWV is one of the most devastating one, causing serious damages and large economical losses on tomato crops. This study was aimed to reveal the presence and prevalence of the virus in Palestinian territories (West Bank) for the first time. About 232 samples were collected from different governorate of northern of West bank Palestine during the growing season 2017 / 2018 and were tested for TSWV by double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). During the field surveys, several symptoms were noticed on tomato plants in the field of Nablus; Tubas; Qalqilia; Talkarem; Jenin and Jericho. The appeared symptoms were on leaves as leaf yellowing, brown rings or line patterns. The whole plants showed reduction in growth, chlorotic and necrotic spots on both leaves and fruits. These systematic symptoms were considered as the best indication for the existence of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). By serological test, the presence of TSWV on tomato plants in Palestine was confirmed; where the prevalence of the virus was reached up to 1.27%. This low percent was considered alarming, since the possibility of transmitting the virus through thrips that commonly widespread in the country. Looking for virus resistant varieties was recommended. This research study was to confirm the presence of this important virus in Palestine for the first time.

The committee consisted of: Dr. Raed Koni as a main supervisor and Chairman, Dr. Osama Abdullah as an external examiner and Prof. Hassan Abu Qaoud as an internal examiner.

At the end of the session, the committee approved the success of the researcher and recommended her a Master’s degree.

 

 


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