Ibrahim Ahmed Elnaggar

Scopus Publications

Improving leaf chemical composition, yield, and fruit quality of Valencia orange trees through biochar soil application
Adel M. Al-Saif, Alsayed E. Mekky, Abd El-wahed N. Abd El-wahed, Hosny F. Abdel-Aziz, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Mohammed H. Farouk, Eslam Abdelhakim Seyam, Rasha F. El-Flaah, Ashraf E. Hamdy
Scientific Reports, 2026
Biochar represents carbon rich material product obtained from pyrolyzing biomass and has been postulated to enhance soil health and agricultural productivity. This study examined the effect of amending the soil with biochar on yield as well as the physical and chemical properties of Valencia oranges. A control (no biochar) (T1), biochar applied at 2.0 (T2), 4.0 (T3), and 6.0 (T4) kg/tree/year were among the treatments used in a field experiment. Results showed that, when compared to control, biochar significantly (p < 0.05) increased leaf nutrient content in terms of N, P, K, and total chlorophyll content of leaves. The effect was strongest at the highest application rate of 6 kg/tree/year (T4). Biochar treatments also enhanced physical properties of fruit; the most marked improvements again being observed in T4. Yield was observed to increase progressively with increased biochar application rates. In the first year, yield increases over control were 52.9% in T2, 69.0% in T3, and 73.3% in T4. For T2, T3, and T4, the corresponding increases in the second season were 47.7%, 59.9%, and 67.9%. Biochar application also improved fruit chemical properties. Therefore, it was demonstrated that biochar could be utilized as a significant soil amendment to enhance Valencia orange production by increasing the soil's nutrient availability, increasing leaf chlorophyll content, fruit physical attributes, and ultimately fruit yield. In conclusion an application rate of biochar at the rate of 6 kg/tree/year is recommended for fulfilling the productivity of Valencia orange orchards.
Evaluating the influence of magnetic iron as an eco-friendly soil amendment applications on agronomic and fruit quality parameters of ‘Fremont’ mandarin
Ashraf E. Hamdy, Alsayed E. Mekky, Hosny F. Abdel-Aziz, Abd El-wahed N. Abd El-wahed, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Abeer E. Mustafa, Eman N. Mustafa, Sahar I. El-shennawy, Emad A. Mady, Rasha F. El-Flaah, Adel M. Al-Saif
Scientific Reports, 2026
'Fremont' mandarin is highly valued for its early ripening, deep orange peel coloration, and elevated juice content, making it an appealing cultivar for both local markets and international trade. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of magnetic iron soil applications on canopy volume, leaf nutrient status, physiological leaf traits, yield, and fruit quality of 'Fremont' mandarin trees. Magnetic iron was applied at rates of 'Control (0 g MI)', '250 g MI', '500 g MI', and '750 g MI /tree' respectively (where MI denotes Magnetic Iron). Results revealed that canopy volume significantly increased with magnetic iron application, with the most pronounced effects observed at the 750 g MI/tree rate (213.6% and 209.2% increase over control in 2023 and 2024, respectively). Leaf macronutrient contents, including total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), were markedly elevated across all treated trees, with increases reaching 38.7%, 42.3%, and 35.8% respectively under the highest application rate. Tree yield increased by up to 71.6% compared to control in the 750 g MI/tree treatment. Magnetic iron also influenced key physiological and biochemical traits. Total chlorophyll content in leaves was significantly improved, reflecting enhanced photosynthetic activity. Meanwhile, leaf proline levels a stress indicator were significantly reduced in treated trees, suggesting alleviated environmental stress. Relative water content (RWC) of leaves increased, indicating improved plant water status. Conversely, sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ion accumulation, often associated with salinity stress, was substantially decreased in response to magnetic iron, especially at higher doses. These physiological improvements were mirrored in yield and fruit quality. Trees treated with magnetic iron produced heavier fruits with higher juice volume, better firmness, elevated vitamin C content, increased total soluble solids (TSS), and an improved TSS/acid ratio. In conclusion, magnetic iron particularly at 750 MI g/tree proved to be an effective agronomic input for improving nutrient status, physiological performance, and fruit yield and quality of 'Fremont' mandarin trees.
Foliar application of chitosan nanoparticles and N-ATCA enhances olive yield and oil quality
Amr Elkelish, Abd El-Wahed N. Abd El-Wahed, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Hosny F. Abdel-Aziz, Ashraf E. Hamdy, Ramy S. Nada, Mostafa M. Zarad, Ahmad A. Suliman, Ali A. Badawy, Badriah Saleh Alammari, Moodi Saham Alsubeie, Hamdi Bindif, Celestin Ukozehasi, Ibrahim M. Taha
Scientific Reports, 2026
Olive cultivation in newly reclaimed semi-arid lands is constrained by poor soil fertility and environmental stress, limiting productivity and oil quality. Sustainable biostimulant-based strategies are therefore required to enhance olive performance under such conditions. Here, we evaluated the individual and combined effects of chitosan nanoparticles (CHNPs) and N-acetylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (N-ATCA) on growth, yield, fruit characteristics, and oil quality of Olea europaea L. cv. Arbosana. Using 16 foliar treatments comprising CHNPs (0, 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm), N-ATCA (0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm), and their combinations CHNPs + N-ATCA at concentrations (500 + 50 ppm, 500 + 100 ppm, 500 + 100 ppm, 500 + 150 ppm, 1000 + 50 ppm, 1000 + 100 ppm, 1000 + 150 ppm, 1500 + 50 ppm, 1500 + 100 ppm and 1500 + 150 ppm).Vegetative growth traits, leaf mineral status, fruit yield and quality, and olive oil fatty acid composition and oxidative stability were assessed. The combined application of CHNPs and N-ATCA consistently outperformed single treatments, demonstrating a clear synergistic effect. The highest vegetative growth and leaf nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium accumulation were recorded with 1500 ppm CHNPs + 150 ppm N-ATCA, while the greatest fruit and oil yields approximately 30% higher than the control were achieved with 1500 ppm CHNPs + 100 ppm N-ATCA. Combined treatments promoted optimal fruit ripening, characterized by enhanced skin coloration without excessive softening. Importantly, all extracted oils met extra virgin olive oil standards, with oleic acid remaining the dominant fatty acid. Moreover, the combined treatments preserved or improved oxidative stability, mitigating the higher oxidation indices observed under individual N-ATCA applications. These findings demonstrate that foliar co-application of chitosan nanoparticles and N-acetylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid enhance olive tree performance, yield, and oil quality in newly reclaimed semi-arid environments. This approach offers practical implications for improving olive productivity while maintaining high oil quality under challenging cultivation conditions.
Pre-harvest Foliar Spray of Calcium, GA3, and Salicylic Acid to Enhance Apricot Yield and Fruit Quality
Adel M. Al-Saif, Hosny F. Abdel-Aziz, Abd El-wahed N. Abd El-wahed, Sobhy M. Khalifa, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Sania S El-Shershaby, Mohammed H. Farouk, Samah A. Abulmeaty, Eman M. Hammad, Ashraf E. Hamdy
Bioresources, 2025
The impact of different pre-harvest foliar sprays was assessed relative to the yield and quality of apricot fruits (cv. El-Amal) under field conditions. Apricot trees were sprayed with various solutions, including salicylic acid (SA at 250 and 750 ppm), calcium acetate [Ca(OAc)₂ at 2% and 4%], calcium chloride (CaCl₂ at 2% and 4%), and gibberellic acid (GA₃ at 25 and 100 ppm) at the pit hardening growth stage before harvest. All foliar spray treatments positively affected fruit yield per tree compared to untreated plants. The most effective treatments were CaCl₂ at 4% and GA₃ at 100 ppm, followed by SA at 750 ppm and Ca(OAc)₂ at 4%. All treatments significantly increased fruit weight compared to the control group. GA₃ also significantly improved fruit firmness, outperforming all other treatments. Additionally, CaCl₂ at 2% and SA at 250 ppm resulted in higher firmness. SA at 750 ppm exhibited higher total soluble solid (TSS) content. While the foliar spray treatment without any solution resulted in the lowest fruit acidity, SA at 250 ppm had the highest acidity. In conclusion, pre-harvest foliar application of GA₃ (100 ppm), CaCl₂ (2%), and Ca(OAc)₂ (4%) can effectively enhance fruit yield and improve quality of apricots.
Biodegradable Nanoparticle Coating from Chitosan, Salicylic Acid and Banana Peel Extract Enhances Shelf Life of "Murcott " Fruits
Ashraf Hamdy, Ibrahim Elnagar, Eman Mohammed Hammad, Aliaa A. Almashad, Ahmed Elmezien, Magdy Abd-elwahab Omar, Hosny F Abdel-Aziz, Abd El-wahed N Abd El-wahed, Marwa E. Abd El-Sadek
Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 2024
Murcott mandarins are a promising export variety due to their appealing appearance and quality. However, postharvest losses can reach 30-50% of the crop. This study investigated the use of safe edible coatings to improve the quality and storage life of Murcott mandarins. Edible coatings were prepared from banana peel extracts (BPE, 75% and 100%), chitosan nanoparticles (CHNPs, 2% and 3%), and salicylic acid nanoparticles (SANPs, 0.25% and 0.5%). Coatings were applied individually or in combination, and the fruits were stored for 100 days at 5±1°C and 90±1% relative humidity. Shelf-life evaluation was also conducted for 6 days at room temperature. Fruit decay, weight loss, total loss, color, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity, ascorbic acid content, respiration rate, and sensory quality were assessed every 20 days. BPE, CHNPs, and SANPs had positive effects on the physiochemical characteristics, storage capacity, and overall quality of Murcott mandarins. Dipping fruits in a solution of BPE (100%), CHNPs (3%), and SANPs (0.5%) for 5 minutes reduced decay, weight loss, and total loss. It also helped maintain fruit firmness, color, acidity, and ascorbic acid content while minimizing respiration rate throughout storage. Sensory quality was also maintained. In conclusion, the combined use of BPE (100%), CHNPs (3%), and SANPs (0.5%) sig-nificantly enhanced the fruit quality and storage potential of Murcott mandarins under cold storage conditions.
Nano-enhanced growth and resilience strategies for Pomegranate cv. Wonderful: Unveiling the impact of zinc and boron nanoparticles on fruit quality and abiotic stress management
Abd El-wahed N. Abd El-wahed, Sobhy M. Khalifa, Mashael Daghash Alqahtani, Ahmed M. Abd –Alrazik, Hosny Abdel-Aziz, Ahmed Mancy, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Basmah M. Alharbi, Ashraf Hamdy, Amr Elkelish
Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2024
The pomegranate fruit is an extremely popular fruit that is grown in various regions around the world. Pomegranate cv. Wonderful confronts severe abiotic stress disorders, like fruit cracking and sunburn, which decrease fruit quality. Nanoparticles offer potential for improving nutrient usage efficiency and lowering undesirable environmental repercussions. During three consecutive stages of development, namely the peak flowering stage, six weeks after peak flowering, and one month prior to harvest, magnificent pomegranate trees were subjected to separate applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and boron oxide nanoparticles (B2O3NPs) at concentrations of 0, 250, 500, and 1000 parts per million (ppm). These treatments were carried out in both the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. Positive effects were observed at concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm for ZnONPs and a concentration of 1000 ppm for B2O3NPs on the vegetative growth parameters such as shoot length, leaf area, leaves number per shoot, and canopy volume, besides, leaf chemical characteristics such as leaf chlorophyll concentration and leaf nutrient content such as of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and boron (B). Spraying with 500 and 1000 ppm B2O3NPs reduces the percentage of fruit sunburn, cracking and increased fruiting percentage such as initial fruit set (%), fruit retention (%), total yield of fruits (kg/tree), and increasing yield (%), while fruit drop % was decreased in comparison to other treatments. In both seasons, T4 (22.37, 22.0 %) and T7 (18.74, 19.490 %) showed an increase in initial fruit set (%). Similarly, there was an increase in fruit retention (%) with T4 (33.08, 34.550 %) and T7 (29.13, 29.430 %) compared to the control. The highest yield increasing percentages were observed with T4 (98.88, 100.270 %) and T3 (66.65, 64.980 %) compared to the control. On the other hand, T4 (8.24, 8.04 %) had the lowest fruit cracking, followed by T7 (12.73, 9.9 %) in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Similarly, the lowest percentage of sunburned fruit was observed with T4 (20.47, 20.4 %) and T4 (18.43, 16.77 %) in the two seasons compared to the control. In general, our findings indicate that the application of ZnONPs and B2O3NPs on fully bloomed wonderful pomegranate trees, six weeks after full bloom, and one month prior to harvest, resulted in enhanced growth and yield. Additionally, this treatment exhibited a reduction in abiotic stress-related issues, such as fruit cracking and sunburn.
Licorice-root extract and potassium sorbate spray improved the yield and fruit quality and decreased heat stress of the ‘osteen’ mango cultivar
Adel M. Al-Saif, Haitham Ahmed El-khamissi, Ibrahim Ahmed Elnaggar, Mohammed Hamdy Farouk, Magdy Abd El-Wahab Omar, Abd El-wahed Naser Abd El-wahed, Ashraf Ezzat Hamdy, Hosny Fathy Abdel-Aziz
Peerj, 2024
Heat stress, low mango yields and inconsistent fruit quality are main challenges for growers. Recently, licorice-root extract (LRE) has been utilized to enhance vegetative growth, yield, and tolerance to abiotic stresses in fruit trees. Potassium sorbate (PS) also plays a significant role in various physiological and biochemical processes that are essential for mango growth, quality and abiotic stress tolerance. This work aimed to elucidate the effects of foliar sprays containing LRE and PS on the growth, yield, fruit quality, total chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzymes of ‘Osteen’ mango trees. The mango trees were sprayed with LRE at 0, 2, 4 and 6 g/L and PS 0, 1, 2, and 3 mM. In mid-May, the mango trees were sprayed with a foliar solution, followed by monthly applications until 1 month before harvest. The results showed that trees with the highest concentration (6 g/L) of LRE exhibited the maximum leaf area, followed by those treated with the highest concentration (3 mM) of PS. Application of LRE and PS to Osteen mango trees significantly enhanced fruit weight, number of fruits per tree, yield (kg/tree), yield increasing%, and reduced number of sun-burned fruits compared to the control. LRE and PS foliar sprays to Osteen mango trees significantly enhanced fruit total soluble solids ˚Brix, TSS/acid ratio, and vitamin C content compared to the control. Meanwhile, total acidity percentage in ‘Osteen’ mango fruits significantly decreased after both LRE and PS foliar sprays. ‘Osteen’ mango trees showed a significant increase in leaf area, total chlorophyll content, total pigments, and leaf carotenoids. Our results suggest that foliar sprays containing LRE and PS significantly improved growth parameters, yield, fruit quality, antioxidant content, and total pigment concentration in ‘Osteen’ mango trees. Moreover, the most effective treatments were 3 mM PS and 6 g/L LRE. LRE and PS foliar spray caused a significant increase in yield percentage by 305.77%, and 232.44%, in the first season, and 242.55%, 232.44% in the second season, respectively.
In Vitro Drought Tolerance of Some Grape Rootstocks
Abdullah I. Alebidi, Adel M. Al-Saif, Hosny F. Abdel Aziz, Gamal A. Abdrabboh, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Abd El-wahed N. Abd El-wahed, Mohammed H. Farouk, Ashraf E. Hamdy
Journal of Ecological Engineering, 2024
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of drought strain, which poses a first-rate task to grapevine production. This have a look at investigated the response of four grape rootstocks (Richter, Salt Creek, Freedom, and Dogridge) to water deficit prompted by way of polyethylene glycol (PEG). Two pressure induction techniques had been as compared: surprise remedy, related to direct exposure of cultures to growing PEG concentrations (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%); and step-clever long-time period remedy, steadily increasing PEG concentrations (0%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) through the years. The essential findings were as fol - lows: drought strain negatively impacted all rootstocks, leading to decreased morphological tendencies (shoot number, period, and root number), survival %, and biochemical parameters (chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, stomata popularity, RWC content material). It additionally led to reduced nutrient accumulation (N, P, K, Mg, Ca) in leaves. However, all rootstocks exhibited increased Proline content and antioxidant enzyme hobby under all PEG concentrations. In phrases of rootstock-unique responses, Richter and Salt Creek showed the maximum sturdy performance, maintaining better shoot and root growth, nutrient content, and photosynthetic hobby compared to Freedom and Dogridge. On the alternative hand, Freedom and Dogridge exhibited extra sensitivity to drought stress, experiencing stronger discounts in boom, biochemical parameters, and nutrient accumulation. In conclusion Richter and Salt Creek rootstocks could be valuable equipment for reinforcing drought tolerance in grapevines. The two carried out PEG remedies provide valuable methods for screening and deciding on drought-tolerant grape rootstocks.
Morphological, Physiological, and Biochemical Responses of Some Olive Tree Cultivars to Low Temperature Stress
Adel M. Al-Saif, Hosny F. Abdel-Aziz, Haitham El-khamissi, Ahmed F. Abd El-Hakim, Abd El-wahed N. Abd El-wahed, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Mohammed H. Farouk, Ashraf E. Hamdy, Eman M. Hammad
Bioresources, 2024
This study evaluated the impact of night frost incidents on the biochemical, physiological, and reproductive functions of the olive varieties Manzanillo, Coratina, Koroneiki, and Picual. Certain cultivars were more suited to moderate cold night stress than others, based on the changes in the performance of the stressed plants, including vegetative growth, tree yield, fruit physical characteristics, and fruit chemical characteristics. Compared to other tested cultivars, the biochemical responses of the plants in terms of photosynthetic pigments, relative water content (RWC), total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid, and antioxidant enzyme accumulation demonstrated that some cultivars could withstand the applied stress. The conclusion that some cultivars responded differently to cold stress than others was supported by the plant phenology. This research could be a game-changer for farmers. By understanding how olive trees adapt to cold snaps, a common stressor in open fields, they can make informed decisions about breeding and choosing the best cultivars, ultimately leading to more resilient crops. The results showed that all tested olive tree cultivars differ significantly regarding cold stress conditions. Coratina and Koroneiki were the most resistant tested cultivars in terms of biochemical, physiological, and reproductive functions, followed in ascending order by Manzanello and Picual.
Improvement of Fruit Quality and Phytochemical Components of Pomegranate by Spraying with B2O3 and ZnO Nanoparticles
Adel M. Al-Saif, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Abd El-wahed N. Abd El-wahed, Ibrahim M. Taha, Hosny F. Abdel-Aziz, Mohammed H. Farouk, Ashraf E. Hamdy
Agronomy, 2023
Pomegranate is one of the most important and widely distributed trees. Boron and zinc are important nutrients for plant growth and fruit quality. Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most innovative scientific fields in agriculture. This study was conducted to describe the changes in the physiochemical characteristics (weight, diameter, length, firmness and color), as well as the phytochemicals attributes (total phenolics, total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin and antioxidant %) and minerals contents, of pomegranates fruits of the ‘Wonderful’ cultivar as a result of spraying pomegranate trees using nanomaterials (zinc oxide (ZnONPs) and boron oxide (B2O3NPs)). In three successive developmental stages (full bloom, 6 weeks after full bloom and one month before harvest time), the trees were sprayed with 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/L ZnONPs, as well as 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/L B2O3NPs during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The application of ZnONPs and B2O3NPs influenced the qualitative characteristics of the fruits in the studied seasons. The highest marketable % was observed for the 0.50 and 1 g/L ZnONPs and 1 g/L B2O3NPs compared to the other treatments. Also, a positive effect was recorded for the ZnONPs and B2O3NPs on the fruits’ physical properties. All of the ZnONP and B2O3NP treatments resulted in increasing the total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid contents and the antioxidant activity in the pomegranate juices. In conclusion, our results suggest that spraying pomegranate trees with ZnONPs and B2O3NPs improves the marketable fruit, enhances the fruit quality and increases the bioactive components and antioxidant activity.
Pruning Boosts Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Old Valencia Orange Trees: A Field Study
Adel M. Al-Saif, Hosny F. Abdel-Aziz, Sobhy M. Khalifa, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Abd El-wahed N. Abd El-wahed, Mohammed H. Farouk, Ashraf E. Hamdy
Agriculture Switzerland, 2023
Effects of Fogging System and Nitric Oxide on Growth and Yield of ‘Naomi’ Mango Trees Exposed to Frost Stress
Hosny F. Abdel-Aziz, Ashraf E. Hamdy, Ahmed Sharaf, Abd El-wahed N. Abd El-wahed, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Mahmoud F. Seleiman, Magdy Omar, Adel M. Al-Saif, Muhammad Adnan Shahid, Mohamed Sharaf
Life, 2023
Utilization of jojoba oil and salicylic acid as postharvest treatment on storability and fruit quality of ‘Late Swelling’ peach cultivar
Khalid S. ALSHALLASH, Ibrahim A. ELNAGGAR, Abd El-wahed N. ABD EL-WAHED, Ashraf E. HHMDY, Hosny F. ABDEL-AZIZ, Magdy A. OMAR
Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj Napoca, 2023
The Effect of Different Processing Methods on the Behavior of Minerals Content in Food Products
Khalid Alshallash, Mohamed Shahat, Mohamed Ibrahim, Ahmed Hegazy, Ashraf Hamdy, Ibrahim Elnaggar, Abd El-Wahed N. Abd El-Wahed, Ibrahim Taha
Journal of Ecological Engineering, 2023
Using chitosan nanoparticles and N-acetyl thiazolidine 4-carboxylic acid for olive trees efficiency raising, improving fruits properties and oil quality
K. S. Alshallash, I. Elnaggar, A. N. A. Abd El-wahed, A. Fahmy, A. M. Tawfeeq, E. M. Hammad, A. A. Almashad, A. I. Elmezien, A. E. Hamdy, I. M. Taha
Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2023
Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles as Edible Coating on the Storability and Quality of Apricot Fruits
Eman H. A. Algarni, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Abd El-wahed N. Abd El-wahed, Ibrahim M. Taha, Huda A. AL-Jumayi, Sam M. Elhamamsy, Samy F. Mahmoud, Alaa Fahmy
Polymers, 2022
Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis using a myringotomy knife
Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Akram M. Elbatarny, Mohamed G. Khiralla, Mohamed F. Mewally
Annals of Pediatric Surgery, 2018

Ibrahim Ahmed Elnaggar

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Scopus Publications