College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

College Of Agricultural And Marine Sciences www.squ.edu.om/agr

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

College Of Agricultural And Marine Sciences

CONTENT RESEARCH THEMES KEYNOTES AWARDS RESEARCH MEMBERS OFTHEADVISORY BOARD OUR MISSION OUR VISION DEAN’S MESSAGE UNI-VERSITY, NEWYORK,USA COLLABORATION OBSERVATORY EARTH BETWEENMSFANDLAMONTDOHERTY OFCOLUMBIA BIOFILMS DEVELOPINGONOCEANOGRAPHIC EQUIPMEN COASTAL CIRCULATION ANDITSIMPACTS THE SCIENCEOFSOLIDWASTES LOSSESFORFOODSECURITY REDUCTION OFPOSTHARVEST LAND DEGRADATION SOIL MICROBIOLOGYANDNUTRIENTMANAGEMENTINSUSTAINABLE FARMING SYSTEMS LOSSESINTOMATOASSESSMENT OFPOSTHARVEST AT MARKETLEVEL TREATING WATER: USEOFNATURAL PRODUCTSANDNANOPARTICLES NUTRITION FACULTY DELIVERED AKEYNOTETALK INKUWAIT 3RDINTERNATIONAL LIFESCIENCESCONFERENCE KEYNOTE ADDRESSDELIVEREDBYAVS FACULTY FSN FACULTY PRESENTEDAKEYNOTE ADDRESSINIBRO-MENAINTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEINEGYPT DEVELOPMENT, ISLAMABAD,PAKISTAN CROP SCIENCESFACULTY DELIVERED AKEYNOTETALK AT CENTREFORCLIMATE RESEARCH AND A KEYNOTESPEECHINTHEFOODSAFETYANDMUNICIPALITY WORKCONFERENCE,2018 FRANKINCENSE ANDMEDICINALPLANTSCONFERENCEKEYNOTE ICFP KEYNOTELECTURE BEST RESEARCHGROUPAT SQU FSN FACULTY EDITEDBOOKNOMINATED FORWORLD’SBESTCOOKBOOKAWARD BEST ARABRESEARCHERAWARD INTHEFIELDOFAGRICULTURAL SCIENCES HIGHLY CITEDRESEARCHERRECOGNIZED AWARD TOFSNACADEMICFORBESTPAPER AWARD TOFSNMASTER’SSTUDENT BEST ACADEMICAWARD INTEACHING BEST YOUNGRESEARCHERAWARD 2018 BEST RESEARCHERAWARD INTEGRATED FARMING OFFISHANDCROPSWITHTREATED FISHPROCESSINGPLANT INCREASING YIELDINHYDROPONICCULTIVATION: TEMPERATURE CONTROLISAMUST LIGHT FORABRIGHTERLOOKAT WATER STRESSINPLANTS CAN PRECISIONAGRICULTURE TECHNIQUESBEAPPLICABLETOOMAN? DUNESOFOMAN:INTRICACYWATERDESERT STORAGEANDMOVEMENTINTHEM

WASTEWATER 15 15 14 13 13 12 12 11 11 10 10 9 8 8 8 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 xv xiv xiv xiii

ASSESSMENT OF HEAVILY TARGETED FISHERIES SPECIES: LETHRINUS NEBULOSUS (SPANGLED EMPEROR / SHARI) 15 AQUAPONICS RESEARCH 16 REPLACEMENT OF FISH MEAL WITH CHICKEN FEATHER MEAL AND MACROALGAL MEAL IN THE FOR-MULATED DIET FOR SPARUS AURATA JUVENILES 16 CONSULTANCY CONTRACT WITH ‘BLUE WATERS CAGE AQUACULTURE COMPANY’ FOR FISH DISEASE MONITORING 17 CONSULTATION IN BASIC HISTOLOGY TECHNIQUES AND SAMPLE PREPARATION 17 TARGETING COLORECTAL CANCER WITH DIETARY BIOACTIVE AGENTS 17 USE OF SOIL AMENDMENTS IN SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC FARMING SYSTEMS 18 THE EFFECT OF ASH AND BIOCHAR FROM MAERUA CRASSIFOLIA AND SACCHARUM KAJKAIENSE FEEDSTOCK ON PLANT GROWTH AND SOIL PROPERTIES 18 SESBANIA ACULEATA PERS: A POTENTIAL COVER CROP IN ORGANIC CROPPING SYSTEM 19 IMPACT OF RADIO FREQUENCY FIELD (RF) AND LED LIGHTS ON CUCUMBER AND MARIGOLD PLANT GROWTH 19 ROLE OF VITAMIN D ON BRAIN HEALTH 20 SURVEY OF OMANI SOCIETY KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS ABOUT ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THREE GOVERNORATES OF OMAN 20 USING SEED PRIMING FOR IMPROVING DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN FABA BEAN AND LENTIL CROPS 20 UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS OF TOMATO LEAF CURL DISEASE 21 MOLECULAR TOMATO BREEDING FOR VIRUS RESISTANCE AND HEAT TOLERANCE IN SQU 21 MONITORING INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE IN WHITEFLY (BEMISIA TABACI) INFESTING TOMATO 22 STUDY OF MULTIVESICULAR BODIES IN CIRCULATING PLATELETS OF MAMMALS 22 SCREENING OF ANTIBIOTIC RESIDUES IN POULTRY MEAT 23 IMPROVING DAIRY PRODUCTIVITY 23 POPULATION STRUCTURE AND GENETIC DIVERSITY OF ARABIAN HORSES IN OMAN 23 LAMP TECHNIQUE 24 SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS IN DAIRY CATTLE, GOATS AND CAMELS 24 RESEARCH ON BRUCELLOSIS 25 MSF DEPARTMENT AWARDED A 2018 HIS MAJESTY’S TRUST FUND STRATEGIC GRANT 25 FSN FACULTY’S RESEARCH ON WALNUTS AND NEURODEGENERATION SHOWCASED DURING UNIVERSITY DAY 26 INVOLVEMENT OF CAMS FACULTY IN JOURNAL & BOOKS ASSISTANT EDITOR OF BIOFOULING JOURNAL 27 CHAPTER IN GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY OF HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS 27 EDITED BOOK-PACKAGING OF FRESH FOOD PRODUCTS FOR MAINTAINING SAFETY AND 27 FSN ACADEMICS CO-EDITED A BOOK ON CANCER PREVENTION AND TREATMENTS 28 NEW BOOK ON THE BENEFIT OF FOOD FOR HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE BY FSN FACULTY 29 SERVICES 31 33 DAIRY PLANT 34 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 35 DESALINATION PLANT EXTENSION SERVICES TEACHING 37 39 ASSISTANT DEAN FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES 40 SWAE 3325 DESALINATION & MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY 40 SWAE4001 REMOTE SENSING 40 SWAE6169 SOIL AND CLIMATE CHANGE 40 SWAE6302 PRECISION AGRICULTURE SWAE6303 ADVANCED REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS 40 NEW COURSES DEVELOPED BY CROP SCIENCES 41

NRE SHORT COURSE 41 NEW LABORATORIES 41 ESTABLISHMENT OF ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY (0030) 41 INAUGURATION OF THE NEW VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY 42

STUDENT PROJECTS 42 NRE PHD STUDENT’S PROJECTS 42 FSN MASTER PROJECTS 42 ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF ANNONA MURICATA 42 THE EFFICACY OF SILICA AND BIOCHAR AMENDMENTS ON CUCUMBER GROWTH UNDER SALINE CONDITIONS 43

THE LEAF EXTRACT OF THE MEDICINAL PLANT, MYRTLE (MYRTUS COMMUNIS L.) EXHIBITS ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY AGAINST PHYTO-PATHOGENIC FUNGI 43 ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI ISOLATED FROM THE MEDICINAL PLANT, ZATARIA MULTIFLORA SHOW ANTAGONIS- 44 TIC ACTIVITY AGAINST MONOSPORASCUS CANNONBALLUS TOXICITY OF COMMONLY-USED INSECTICIDES TO HONEYBEE WORKERS 44 INFESTATION, DENSITY, AND ASSOCIATED PARASITISM OF EGGS OF DUBAS BUG FROM REPRESENTA- TIVE DATE PALM ORCHARDS 44 MOLECULAR AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF BRUCELLA INFECTION 45 “EVALUATION OF FARMING STRATEGIES IMPACT ON FEED INTAKE, DIGESTIBILITY AND RUMINAL METH- ANE PRODUCTION OF OMANI SHEEP” 45

NEW FACULTY 46 STAFF RETURNS 47 FSN ASSOCIATE RESEARCHER RETURNS FROM PHD PROGRAM 47 DEPARTMENTS 49 ANIMAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES 51 CROP SCIENCES 52 FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION 53 MARINE SCIENCE AND FISHERIES 54 NATURAL RESOURCE ECONOMICS 55 SOILS, WATER AND AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING 56 OUTREACH 59 ASSISTANT DEAN FOR TRAINING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 61

OUTREACH 62 WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) FORUM 2018 62 STRENGTHENING NATIONAL CAPACITIES OF PRODUCER ORGANIZATIONS IN THE SULTANATE OF OMAN 62 COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND CONTRIBUTION 62 JOINT NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION 63 LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE WORK BY ENTOMOLOGY LAB 63 COMMUNITY SERVICES 63 CAMS RESEARCH GROUP BECOME GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBER IN INTERNATIONAL BRAIN RE- SEARCH ORGANIZATION 63 FSN DEPARTMENT SIGNED MOU WITH WORLD INNOVATION SUMMIT FOR HEALTH (WISH) OF QATAR FOUNDATION 64 COLLABORATION BETWEEN MSF AND ROSENSTIEL SCHOOL OF MARINE AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, USA 64 COMPLETION OF SQU-QATAR MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT PROJECT COMPLETION 64 64 CONFERENCES & WORKSHOP ECOMOD 2018 CONFERENCE 64

A JOINT WORKSHOP BY UNCTAD AND CAMS FOR DATES FARMERS AND STAKEHOLDERS 65 MARCH 19 TO 21, 2018 AT SQU 65 THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SCIENCE AND FISHERIES AND THE GULF 3 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 66 RED LIST TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP 66 MSF WORKSHOP ON USING A SIDE-SCAN SONAR TO MAP THE SEA-FLOOR

MSF COLLABORATIVE INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON INNOVATIVE MARINE MANAGEMENT AND 66 MONITORING METHODS 67 FSN WORKSHOP ON ANTI-OXIDANT THERAPY AND TREATMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASES

COLLABORATION WITH THE MIDDLE EASTERN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH AND COLLEGE 68 OF MEDICINE OF QATAR 68 FOOD SAFETY AND MUNICIPALITY CONFERENCE 2018 68 WORKSHOP ADDRESSES WHITEFLY MANAGEMENT IN TOMATO DISEASE IN OMAN 69 INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC FARMING IN OMAN 69 HONEYBEE WORKSHOP 69 SHOWCASE OF THE CAMS PATENT 70 VISITORS 70 ACADEMIC VISITED UNIVERSITY OF WARMIA, OLSZTYN, POLAND 70 QATAR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS VISIT TO FSN DEPARTMENT THE SULTAN’S SCHOOL VISIT TO FSN DEPARTMENT 71 CONSULTING FOR HYDROPONICS FARM 71

STAFF AND STUDENT TRAINING 71 MSF FACULTY AND STAFF SCUBA DIVING TRAINING 71 VACCINATION PROGRAM 71 STUDENT INTERNSHIP TRAINING AT THE DEPARTMENT OF NRE 72 INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR FSN STUDENTS 72 INTERNSHIP STUDENT FROM UAE UNIVERSITY 73 WFSO APPROVES SQU ACADEMIC AS TRAINER 73 STUDENTS SOCIETY 75 STUDENT ACTIVITIES 77 WATER WORLD DAY 2018 77 WORLD SOIL DAY 2018 77 CAMS ALUMNI MEETING 78 AVS STUDENT’S SOCIETY 78 SWAE STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN WETSKILLS IN THE NETHERLANDS 78 APPENDICES 81 APPENDIX CAMS DIRECTORY 83 CAMS OFFICE BEARERS 92 OUTGOING OFFICE BEARERS 92 ANNUAL REPORT COMMITTEE MEMBERS 93

DEAN’S MESSAGE

The College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences’ 2018 annual report provides evidence of the continued excellence of the college in teaching, research and community service. Two programs from CAMS (Food Science, and Marine Science and Fisheries) went through and Academic Program Review in 2018. The college also initiated contacts for the accreditation of its programs, which is expected to commence in the mid of 2019.

The number of refereed journal publications from the college increased from 165 in 2017 to 200 in 2018, with an average of 3 refereed journal publications per faculty member. A research group from the college (The Plant Pathology Research Group) also won the competition for the Best Research Group at SQU in 2018. Several faculty members won national and international awards in research. The college organized a total of 24 national and international conferences and workshops and 11 training courses in 2018. A total number of 30 articles were published in public media and the number of professional development activities was 52. Staff of the college also organized hundreds of visits to farms and private companies and to the public sector, providing service to the community.

CAMS continues its mission to be a leading college in the region in the field of agricultural and marine sciences thanks to the efforts of all academic, technical and administrative staff in the college.

Wishing you great reading, Dr. Abdullah Al-Sadi OUR VISION Our vision is to be among the top applied bioscience colleges in the Middle East region and to be recognized internationally for excelling in agricultural and marine science education and research while contributing substantially to national and regional development.

OUR MISSION Develop human resources to meet challenges in producing food, while conserving the natural environment and biodiversity in processing food to add value, and to trade in food to ensure food security in Oman.

Find solutions to issues of strategic importance through basic and applied research and disseminate knowledge to the Omani and International communities which will result in continuous improvements to the quality of life in Oman.

Coordinate career guidance for students at CAMS, provide continuous education for professionals in CAMS and the wider community, and consult private and public sector agencies to facilitate progress of a knowledge-based society. MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY BOARD

H.H. Dr. Fahad Al Said Assistant Secretary-General for Innovation Development, Chair of the Board The Research Council

Hon. Dr. Al Khattab Ghalib Al-Hinai Deputy President of the State Council H.E. Dr. Hamed Said Al-Oufi Undersecretary for Fisheries Wealth, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries H.E. Dr. Rashid Salim Al-Masroori CEO, Public Authority for Stores of Food Reserve Eng. Saleh Mohammed Al-Shanfari CEO, Oman Food investment Holding Dr. Mohamed Al-Barawani Chairman MB Company Dr. Yahya Khalfan Al-Hinai Director of Planning & Agricultural Research, Royal Court Affairs Dr. Humood Danvish Al-Hassani DG Agricultural & Livestock Research Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries Mr. Jhusun Al-Rashdi Representative Agricultural Association for Al Batina Farmers

RESEARCH ANNUAL REPORT 2018 2 ASSISTANT DEAN FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH

Ali Khamis Al-Maktoomi, Ph.D Assistant Dean (PSR)

College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences (CAMS) will continue its positive contribution to the advancement of different sectors in the areas related to agriculture, fisheries, food, crop and water resources management. This is achieved by delivering strong postgraduate programs that meet international standards, engaging effectively with the community and the world to foster knowledge creation and dissemination, and enhancing the research capacity in the community in the related fields.

CAMS strategic plan is to be a center of excellence that utilizes innovation and scientific research to contribute to sustainable growth, which could significantly impact the development of the agriculture and fisheries sectors in Oman. In this regard, CAMS maintains excellent collaboration with all related entities in the country, region, and with lead international institutions as well. CAMS is running continuously towards developing and strengthening its research capacities at a cutting edge level, to cope up with the newly emerging and growing needs of the country.

We at CAMS, as others in SQU, adhere to the highest ethical principles and work with integrity, transparency, and accountability, to create trust and credibility. We recognize that postgraduate students and young researchers are the future of the country. To ensure that they are at the center of all scholarly and intellectual activities in the college, our work contributes to continuous improvement in postgraduate students and budding researcher success.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 3 AWARDS BEST RESEARCHER AWARD Dr. Sergey Dobretsov received the best researcher award for his outstanding scientific performance in 2017- 2018. Dr. Sergey Do- bretsov is an Associ- at the Center of Excellence in Teaching and Learning. in ate Professor at the 2017/2018 he completed a program of study in higher Department of the education teaching that includes theory and practice in Marine Sciences and educational philosophy, learning theory, curriculum de- Fisheries and the director of the Centre of Excellence sign, motivation and student engagement, assessment in Marine Biotechnology. He has published over 150 of student learning and collegial consultation techniques. articles of which 93 are high impact, peer review papers. He has supervised 11 PhD and 15 MSc students. Currently, he is the president of the European AWARD TO FSN MASTER’S Society for Marine Biotechnology and on the editorial STUDENT board of Marine Ecology Progress Series and Biofoul- .Sc. Student, Kutaila Al-Farsi won First Prize for ing journals. M the poster paper “Potential use of e-nose to assess BEST YOUNG RESEARCHER the fish spoilage (safety and quality) in the fish market”. The Conference was organized by the Ministry AWARD 2018 of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, and Sultan Qaboos University. The conference was on r. Alyssa Marshell, D the food safety and it was held on 9-11 April 2018 from the Department in Muscat. Kutaila did her Masters at Sultan Qaboos of Marine Science and University and graduated in 2018. She was super- Fisheries, received the vised by Dr Nasser Al-Habsi, Dr. Mohamed Al-Khu- CAMS Best Young saibi and Prof Shafiur Rahman. She published a pa- Researcher Award for per from her M.Sc. thesis in the high impact journal 2018. She has been a “Thermochimica Acta”. The title of her paper was Faculty Member in the “State Diagram of Crystallized Date-Syrup: Freezing College since 2016. Curve, Glass Transition, Crystals-Melting and Maxi- Dr. Marshell has over mal-Freeze-Concentration Condition”. 10 years of research experience, conducting research related to fish and fisheries biology and ecology in Australia and Micro- AWARD TO FSN ACADEMIC FOR nesia before moving to Oman. She has strong inter- BEST PAPER national collaborations with researchers in Australia, England, Saudi Arabia, and the U.A.E. Dr. Marshell received a highly competitive His Majesty’s Trust Fund Strategic Grant in 2018 to assess the contribution of artificial reef sites in enhancing fisheries productivity in the Al Batinah region.

BEST ACADEMIC AWARD IN TEACHING Dr. Nasser Al-Habsi the received best paper award in Dr. Hussein Al-Masroori from the Department of Ma- the 3rd International Conference on Food Properties rine Science and Fisheries received the best Academic which was held on 22-24 January 2018 in Sharjah, Award in Teaching for the academic year 2017/2018. UAE. The title of his paper was “Characteristics of Dr. Hussein served as a Faculty Fellow (2015 to 2017) sugar crystals in date fruit syrup using X-ray diffrac-

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 4 tion (XRD), Low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and Polarized light microscopy-effect of FSN FACULTY EDITED BOOK crystallization temperature”. The objective of his study NOMINATED FOR WORLD BEST was to investigate the phenomenon of crystallization COOK BOOK AWARD in date fruit syrup using XRD, NMR and microscopy.

A book co-edited by HIGHLY CITED RESEARCHER Dr. Mohamed Essa, RECOGNIZED Associate Professor in Human Nutrition from Dr. Muhammad Fa- the Department of rooq, Associate Profes- Food Science and Nu- sor in Crop Sciences at trition titled “Food for the College of Agricul- Huntington’s disease” tural and Marine Scienc- was nominated for es has been named as a the World’s best Cook Highly Cited Researcher book award and will be for the year 2018 in Ag- competing with 6 other books from different countries ricultural Sciences by under the category of health and nutrition books – insti- the Web of Science / tutions - D09 in Gourmand Cook Book Awards 2019. Clarivate Analytics. Dr. This book was also co-edited by Dr. T. Manivasagam, Farooq is the first ever faculty member in the history of Dr. A. Justin Thenmozhi from Annamalai University, SQU to receive this prestigious award. He has more than India and Dr. Qazi Hamid from Rx Biosciences LLC, 15,000 citations to his credit (as per Google Scholar). The MD, USA. This book mainly focuses on the cost-effec- Global Highly Cited Researchers citation analysis identi- tive and long term retention of therapeutic strategies fies the most influential researchers as determined by their from natural products and diet to manage the devas- peers around the globe - those who have consistently tating neurodegenerative disease named Huntington’s won recognition in the form of high citation counts over disease. The chapters were written by well-known re- a decade. The Web of Science serves as the basis for searchers from various countries including the USA, the regular listings of researchers whose citation records Australia, India, and Oman. The Gourmand World position them in the top 1% of their field and year. Cookbook Awards were founded in 1995 by Edouard Cointreau. It is a free competition and open to publishers in all languages and countries. The Gourmand Awards celebrate global cookbook publishing and BEST ARAB RESEARCHER AWARD feature many world renowned chefs each year. They IN THE FIELD OF AGRICULTURAL are It is sometimes described as the “Oscars of food awards” The main aim is to honor the authors and to in- SCIENCES crease knowledge and respect for food culture, which Dr. Abdullah M. Al-Sa- promotes peace. Dr. Essa and his co-editors’ book is di won AbdulHamid a collection of chapters discussing the benefits of diet, Shoman’s Award for natural ingredients/bioactive materials from foods and the Best Arab Re- natural products. This is the 3rd book of Dr. Essa’s con- searcher in the field sidered for this award. of Agricultural Scienc- es. Dr Abdullah is an Associate Professor of plant pathology and BEST RESEARCH GROUP AT SQU the Dean of the college he Plant Pathology Research Group, coordinated of agricultural and ma- T by Dr. Abdullah Al-Sadi from the Department of Crop rine sciences. He gained his PhD in plant pathology Sciences, won the Best Research Group at SQU in in 2007 from the University of Queensland, Australia. 2018. The research group is very active in research. His research is focused on characterizing and manag- Members of the group have published over 200 ref- ing plant diseases affecting vegetable and fruit crops ereed papers and book chapters and supervised/ in Oman. Al-Sadi published 153 refereed journal pa- co-supervised 31 PhD and MSc students over the pers (indexed in Scopus/WoS), with a cumulative im- last five years. In addition, the group has attracted pact factor of 333. He has supervised 17 PhD, 33 more than 500,000 OMR funding from various local MSc and 56 BSc final year students. and international funding agencies/companies.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 5 reactions which may cause patient incompliance and KEYNOTES deterioration of the quality of life. Therefore there is a potential need for introducing natural therapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer. Oxidative stress ICFP KEYNOTE LECTURE and excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the pathogenesis of different types of cancer and accordingly combating oxidative stress seems to be an effective intervention against ROS-mediated cancers. Medicinal plants have gained increasing popularity as adjuvants in chemotherapy. However, the use of antioxidant supplements in the reported studies is still contradictory. Dr. Waly also reported the synergistic effect of several extracts from common edible Omani wild plants, with chemotherapy as a comprehensive approach to address the role of the selected plants’ supplementation in ameliorat- ing ROS-induced carcinogenesis, with the goal of in- Professor Shafiur Rahman presented a keynote lec- creasing therapeutic efficiency as well as increasing ture “Artificial Sensors for Food Quality and Safety: survival times in cancer patients. Present and Future” at the 3rd International Conference on Food Properties (iCFP 2018), Sharjah, UAE, 22-24 January 2018. He initiated this conference series in A KEYNOTE SPEECH IN THE FOOD 2014 and iCFP is a platform for professionals in the field of food properties for sharing knowledge, innovative SAFETY AND A MUNICIPALITY ideas, and research achievements. Dr. Ahmed Al-Alawi CONFERENCE, 2018 and Prof. Rahman delivered an opening speech in the conference. Prof. Rahman also gave a keynote lecture “Applications of artificial sensors for food quality (safety and sensory) assessment: Past, present and future” at the international conference Food Safety and Munici- pality 2018, 9-11 April 2018, Muscat. He also served as a member in the Scientific Committee.

FRANKINCENSE AND MEDICINAL Omani consumers need to boost their knowledge and PLANTS CONFERENCE KEYNOTE improve their practices of dealing with food in order to assure having safe food. This was one of the conclusions of the keynote speech of Dr. Mohammed Al-Khusaibi in the Food Safety and Municipality Conference, 2018. Dr. Al-Khusaibi gave a keynote lecture in the conference which was organized by the Ministry of Regional Munic- ipalities and Water Resources and held on April, 9–11 in Sheraton Hotel, Muscat. The conference attracted 34 speakers from 27 countries and around 600 attendees from the public and private sectors in Oman.

Dr. Mostafa Waly from FSN department delivered a CROP SCIENCES FACULTY DELIVERED talk “Novel Antioxidant Properties of Omani Edible Wild Plants” in the First International Conference on Frank- A KEYNOTE TALK AT CENTRE incense and Medicinal Plants, held at Sultan Qaboos FOR CLIMATE RESEARCH AND University, on 30th October to 1st November 2018. In this talk, Dr. Waly explained the recent advances in DEVELOPMENT, ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN herbal medicinal research in relation to cancer preven- Dr Muhammad Farooq, associate professor, deliv- tion. He explained that cancer treatment using chem- ered a keynote talk “Sustaining the productivity of otherapeutic agents is costly and leads to adverse rice-wheat cropping system for food security under

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 6 changing climate” at the International Workshop on how the recent expansion of Irish milk production has ‘Sustainable Food Systems under Climate Change been achieved and discussed the latest international in South Asia’ organized by the Centre for Climate dairy developments. A key topic for discussion was Research and Development, COMSATS University, the future role of new technologies in milk production. Islamabad, Pakistan during June 26 – 28, 2018. The IFCN Dairy Research Center, established in Kiel, Germany started in 2000 uniting research partners via in-depth analysis of typical dairy farming systems FSN FACULTY PRESENTED A and dairy sector analysis in more than 100 countries KEYNOTE ADDRESS IN IBRO-MENA around the world. The Department of Animal and Vet- INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN erinary Science has joined the IFCN organization as a full member representing the Sultanate of Oman. The EGYPT first Omani dairy sector report announced a detailed dairy production status and development potential in r. M. Mohamed Essa D the country and was published in the IFCN dairy re- from FSN department de- port 2018. livered a keynote talk “The role of nutrition in Central Nervous System” in the International conference and school of International Brain Research Organiza- NUTRITION FACULTY DELIVERED tion (IBRO), Middle East A KEYNOTE TALK IN KUWAIT 3RD and North Africa (MENA), held at American University of Cairo (AUC), Egypt, on November 11 - 16, 2018. Dr. INTERNATIONAL LIFE SCIENCES Essa explained the beneficial and important role of diet CONFERENCE and nutrition on devastating neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. Dr. M. Mohamed Essa He further elaborated that the active materials from ed- from FSN department ible items could delay neuro-degeneration. In his talk, gave an invited keynote Dr. Essa explained the importance of natural products talk on Diet and Neuro- in a rich healthy diet on cognition, behavior and other degenerative diseases in biochemical abnormalities in neurodegenerative dis- the 3rd international life ease state with scientific proof. Dr. Essa is one of the science conference or- organizing committee members in this conference and ganized by Kuwait Univer- school sponsored by IBRO-MENA and acting as an sity, Kuwait on November Executive Committee member for IBRO-MENA. 27-29, 2018. The World Health Organization predicts that neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Huntington’s disease BY AVS FACULTY (HD) will be a global burden soon. Dr. Essa explained how these diseases would affect elderly life and recent Dr. Othman Alqaisi was reports show that people who have head injury have invited by the Internation- the possibility of getting these devastating diseases in al Farm Comparison Net- their early life as well. However prevalence of NDDs work (IFCN) conference is increasing and causes remain elusive and the cur- held in Ireland and provid- rent therapeutic strategies are having less effect and ed a presentation entitled are also expensive. Dr. Essa emphasized that there “Dairy Production in dry is a need to find an alternative strategy to delay the lands: improving produc- progression of these diseases. Recently, diet rich in tion while reducing GHG emissions” on 9-13 June antioxidants has gained attention in managing and/ 2018, Cork, Ireland. The conference was hosted by the Agriculture and Food Development Authority of or treating the NDDs. In his talk, he also highlighted Ireland (Teagasc). Over 80 participants from more than the recent advancement in research on the benefit of 40 countries experienced first-hand the sustainable diet rich antioxidants on NDDs with strong supporting low cost grazing system operated by Irish dairy farms. data from his lab and other labs as well. http://www. Participants also gained a better understanding of kic-lifesciences.org/keynote_speakers.php

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 7 CAN PRECISION AGRICULTURE RESEARCH THEMES TECHNIQUES BE APPLICABLE TO OMAN? DESERT DUNES OF OMAN: It was believed earlier that Precision Agriculture INTRICACY OF WATER STORAGE (PA) is solely for practicing in developed countries AND MOVEMENT IN THEM with large land holdings. However, various components of PA technologies have been adopted by many countries around the globe where land holdings are medium or small in size. Precision Ag- riculture is not a new innovation, farmers in various parts of the world have used this concept for many decades. However it surfaced years ago with cutting-edge technologies and new terminologies. It is often termed as GPS agriculture or Variable Rate (VR) farming. It differs from traditional agriculture by its level of management. Instead of managing whole fields as a single unit, management is customized for small areas within fields and re- In December 2018, a team of SWAE researchers sources are applied at the right times, at the right working on an IG project went for a field trip to Wahi- place with right quantities. It is an integrated crop ba Sands. The aim was to investigate the dunes and management system that matches the kind and interdunal valleys as conduits of natural precipitation amount of inputs with the actual crop needs for and recharge of strategic aquifers. A complex internal small areas within a farm field. It gives farmers the structure has been recently discovered in the desert ability to more effectively use crop inputs; fertiliz- dunes of China, USA, Turkmenistan, Nambia and ers, pesticides, irrigation and even tillage. More ef- other countries. This structure is believed to control fective use of inputs means greater crop yield and infiltration, evaporation and transpiration by desert /or quality, with minimum environmental pollution. vegetation. The team collected core samples, meas- It is a systems approach to farming in which both ured infiltration rates, moisture content, meteorologi- economic and environmental benefits are gained cal data, explored spectacular landforms, patterns of using cutting edge information technology along vegetation, the root zones of dune shrubs and other with old-fashioned scientific research. land-soil-water-plant characteristics. The spirit of ca- maraderie and endless discussions on fascinating- ly intertwined experimental and theoretical findings during the trip spurred further research questions, in particular on the possibility of managed aquifer recharge in the study area. Moreover, new ideas emerged on the possibility of mimicking nature by making the architecture-structure-texture of agricultural soils able to conserve irrigation water as dunes bank the rare rain inputs. Young Omani graduate Near-real-time crop and soil data acquisition for better crop students and researchers (Ms. Afrah Al-Shukeili, Mr. management, Ahmed Al-Mayahi and Mr. Ishaq Al-Naabi) got valuable hands-on experience with modern instruments, Precision Agriculture is not limited to technology- which SQU acquired via a TRC-funded project on and capital-intensive methodologies. There are smart capillary barriers. The results of this work in low-cost, appropriate-technology, simpler versions Oman have already attracted interest of arid zone hy- of PA principles which count on a logical blend of drologists and environmental scientists from top uni- historical information on field variation, indigenous versities in the USA, Switzerland, Holland, Germany knowledge, and minimum know-how of advanced and Australia. technologies. A considerable number of items can (by Prof. Anvar Kacimov) be listed as advantages of PA such as reduced

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 8 agronomic inputs; better record keeping; improved/quicker production and management decisions; uniform yield throughout the field; reduced use of fertilizers/chemicals and other input resources; reduced environmental pollution; automation and simplification of the process of collection and analysis of information; higher mar- ginal rate of return [MRR] over traditional farming; Increased efficiency of input use and increased profits through increased efficiency; improved on- farm research feasibility; and improved property advantages.

Areas where PA technologies could be success- tain chlorophyll that reflects the green wavelength fully applied in Oman are: of the light spectrum and perceive other typs of • Precision Irrigation applications; Water Manage- matter in their color since they reflect the light at ment/Irrigation Scheduling. other wavelengths of red, blue or thiere combi- • Precision Mechanization Planning; tillage op- nations. On the other hand, some substances in timization for better soil-tilth and optimizing the matter absorb light falling on them which could soil water holding capacity to minimize irrigation reveal information about the quantity of these sub- water use. stances. Current research conducted by Ms. Se- • Plant Factory Concept; Agriculture in Controlled ham Al-Mahrooqi (MSc Student) under the super- Environments (Green/Screen-house, hydroponic/ vision of Dr. Talal Al-Shikaili aims to utilize light in aeroponic/aquaponic agriculture. the mid-infrared spectrum to detect water stress • Precision Resources Utilization and Manage- in plant leaves. The research studies the relation- ment; Land-use, Land reclamation and Farm-filed ship between light falling on selected varieties of organization and planning. • Precision Nutrient and Pesticide Management plant leaves and water molecules existent in them. Strategies; Variable-Rate Technology. Although this technique has been used in several • Precision Farm Energy Management; Produc- previous studies, in this research, light in the mid- tion, Utilization of Bio-Renewable energy. dle infrared (MIR) spectrum is used instead of vis- • Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Tracea- ible or near-infrared spectrums. The advantage is bility for food safety. that water molecules absorb light radiation in the • Precision Aquaculture and Animal Husbandry MIR spectrum more intensely. This provides more and Management. sensitivity which could improve detection and es- (by Dr. Hemanatha P.W. Jayasuriya) timation of water availability in plant leaves. The results of the research enable better estimation of plant requirements of irrigation in comparison to the use of soil moisture content underneath plants LIGHT FOR A BRIGHTER LOOK AT due to the fact that many plant physiology features WATER STRESS IN PLANTS are directly affected by changes in water status in plant tissues more than in bulk soil water content. Light is one of the most important elements of It is therefore hoped that the results of the research nature that is an essential component of the pho- will contribute to the optimal use of irrigation water tosynthesis process, crucial for plant growth and and conservation of water resources. Furthermore, food availability for all living organisms. Physically, the future target is to use this research finding to light is an electromagnetic wave composed of var- develop a portable handheld device that can be ious spectrum of wavelengths. It interacts with the used to detect water leaf stress or incorporate it environment according to the type of substances into a precision agriculture system. It is to be noted or molecules present in matter found in nature. that this research is funded by the internal grant Different substances in nature interact differently IG/AGR/SWAE/17/01. with light falling on them. For instance, we perceive plant leaves as green in color since they con- ANNUAL REPORT 2018 9 INCREASING YIELD IN HYDROPONIC INTEGRATED FARMING OF FISH CULTIVATION: TEMPERATURE AND CROPS WITH TREATED CONTROL IS A MUST FISH PROCESSING PLANT WASTEWATER A consultancy research project with input from Drs. Gilha Yoon, Seif Al-Adawi and Mushtaque Ahmed of CAMS to manage fish processing plant wastewater in an environment-friendly way was completed. The Al-Marsa integrated fish and crop farming project shows the possibility of reusing low-BOD (Biochem- ical Oxygen Demand) wastewater (fish cleaning water) which can be treated onsite using a low-cost low-maintenance filtration system, blended with net- A PhD student of SWAE Mr. Muthir Al-Rawahy, work supply water (or good quality groundwater) and working under the supervision of Dr. Salim Al- then used for fish farming which can be done in an Rawahy found that maintaining temperature be- Aquaponics system (or simple fish tank). The nutri- tween 22-25˚C gives the best yield of cucumber in ent-rich wastewater produced in the system can be a greenhouse hydroponic system. This study was reused for onsite land irrigation. In this way, the same conducted to improve yield potential and quality of cucumber (Cucumis Sativa L.) through optimiz- water will be used more than once. The main chal- ing root zone temperature (RZT) to improve nutrient lenge was to develop appropriate treatment systems uptake and growth and development during three in an environmental-friendly manner that will be eco- cropping periods of the year in Oman, in Summer nomically attractive. After careful consideration, it was (June-August), Fall (September-November) and decided that a combined system of filtration and di- Spring (February-May) consecutively for two years- lution would be used for this project. The study was 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 in the greenhouse at performed in 4 phases. Phase 1 was conducted to Rumais in the Wilayat of Barka in Oman. The plants understand how to use fish processing plant waste- were grown in perlite medium at root-zone cooled water and in phase 2, the study wanted to try to grow temperatures of 22˚C, 25˚C, 28˚C treatments re- fish without following the traditional method of aqua- spectively besides the control (33˚C). Higher fruit culture. yield was produced with cooled RZT-22˚C and cooled RZT-25˚C (4.4-8.7 tons/greenhouse) as compared to the lower yields at uncooled RZT-33˚C (2.8-6.5 tons/gh) during all three cropping periods in both the years. The plants at cooled RZTs re- sponded positively and significantly (p<0.05) in the uptake of all nutrient elements in leaves, fruits, shoots and roots in comparison with uncooled RZT in all cropping periods in both years. Cooling of nutrient solution temperature was found influencing positively the levels of dissolved- oxy Al-Marsa system gen in the fresh and drained nutrient solutions in all In phase 3, the study was performed with biofloc cropping periods. Significant (p<0.05) differences technology and traditional water change to compare between the treatments were observed in oxygen growth, water quality and feed efficacy of tilapia.- Fi consumption by the plants (roots) of cucumber in all nally, the phase 4 experiment was carried out at the cropping periods. High levels of oxygen consump- Al-Marsa facility using wastewater from the company, tion were recorded with plants of cooled RZTs in which was filtered, diluted and then tilapia grown with all the cropping periods. This study suggests that biofloc and aquaponics aquaculture system. Results cooling of root-zone temperature that facilitates from all the phases of the present study strongly sug- availability of optimum aeration (oxygen levels) in gest that there are huge possibilities for growing fish nutrient solution is essential and could be of sig- and plants by reusing company-produced wastewater. nificance for boosting cucumber yield as observed It will require careful monitoring and operation. Trained during high temperature growing periods in summer manpower will also be needed as fish are vulnerable to (June-September) in Oman. death within a short time if conditions reach a critical

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 10 stage such as low Dissolved Oxygen and high Ammo- as a result of water treatment during disinfection, nia. The main quality requirements were: BOD of wa- rather than through source water contamination. ter 3-6 mg/L, TSS (Total Suspended Solids) maximum The presence of bromate in treated drinking water 25 mg/L, pH 6-9, DO (Dissolved Oxygen) 5-9 mg/L, is primarily related to the reaction between ozone ammonia nitrogen 0.005-0.025 mg/L. Daily monitoring and naturally occurring bromide in source water. instruments are: pH meter, DO meter, Chlorine meter, Based on Omani drinking water standards, the and Ammonia meter. Fish growth performance with fil- proposed guideline for bromate in drinking water tered water for 77 days were: initial weight 31 g, final is a maximum acceptable concentration of 0.01 weight 81 g, FCR 1.74 and SGR (%) 1.35. mg/L (10 μg/L). Therefore, in this project research, two removal methods were used for bromate. The first method used two adsorbents, which were biochar and activated carbon with sandy soil. The TREATING WATER: USE OF NATURAL second method was ZnO Nano roads. The results PRODUCTS AND NANO PARTICLES showed that bromate in ozonated drinking water was efficiently removed by biochar.

ASSESSMENT OF POSTHARVEST LOSSES IN TOMATO AT MARKET LEVEL

Two final year students of the Water Technolo- gy program of the Department of SWAE under the supervision of Prof. Mushtaque Ahmed conducted research (SWAE 4902) on water treatment. Ms. Mariam Awladthani conducted a study to explore the use of locally available natural products in wastewater treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using natural coagulants (Moringa oleifera and Jatropha seeds) on different One-third of all food produced globally for hu- tested water quality parameters and minimize the man consumption is lost or wasted. One of the consumption of energy to reduce pollution and to most noticeable reasons for this crises is post- have a substitution method of water purification in harvest losses. In the Sultanate, Tomato is con- the absence of power supply. It was observed that sider as one of the most important horticulture the natural coagulants do not affect the water tem- crops grown with about 27% of the whole vege- perature and there is low change in pH and EC val- table production. Tomatoes may encounter some ue due to use of coagulant. There was a significant problems with postharvest practices which may change in turbidity with Moringa oleifera use com- increase its losses. At market level, the losses pared to Jatropha and the best amount to be used could be increased because of poor harvest facil- was 100 mg/L (to reduce turbidity from 500 NTU to ity and, tomato can lose its overall visual quality 2 NTU). For water free of Coliform and E-Coli, 1000 like color, flavor and texture. In Oman, posthar- mg/L of Moringa oleifera dosage is needed, which vest losses can be seen because of unsuitable is rather high. The amount of Moringa powder that cooling and packaging of supplies, less care in is needed for treatment of 10 m3/day of waste- maintaining a suitable temperature and less care water is 50 g/day. The next step in the research is in avoiding defects in food products before stor- to design a prototype for treatment of wastewater ing them. A study was done by MSc student Ms. using Moringa powder. Another student Ms. Zain- Mai Khalfan AL-Dairi (Agricultural Engineering) ab Khalfan Al-Haj, looked at bromate in drinking under the supervision of Dr. Pankaj Pathare to as- water. Bromate is usually found in drinking water sess postharvest losses in tomato at market level

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 11 in Oman. To accomplish this study, a semi-struc- with soil microbes to colonize and survive harsh tured survey was distributed among vegetable environments, developing many traits to overcome vendors at the Central Market of Fruits and Veg- hardships associated with the environments. Many etables (AL-Mawalih) in addition to the lab exper- of these rhizosphere traits can be mimicked and ap- iment which was carried out at the Postharvest plied in sustainable biotechnologies and soil man- Lab for 12 days. About 32 kg of tomatoes were agement strategies. Dr. Daniel Blackburn started also purchased from the same market and then this line of research in the Soil Water and Agricultural carefully selected to be divided equally into two Engineering Department of SQU with a ‘Deanship groups to undergo quality tests like color, weight, of Research Fund’ project and a recently funded In- firmness and the amount of Total Soluble Solids ternal Grant project. New insights are being gained (TSS). The first one was kept in 10oC (82-83% RH) with regard to the interplay between soil salinity and and the other was kept in the normal room con- phosphorus mobility, as well as to the environmen- ditions at 22oC which stimulated the temperature tal factors conditioning soil microbial diversity and of the market (65-67% RH). The survey results function. Additionally, many soil extremophiles were showed that color and texture is the consumer’s isolated and characterized, and are currently being first preference. Most of the vendors considered prospected for application in agricultural biotechnol- that improper harvesting and handling practices ogies for improving plant nutrient use efficiency in are the main cause of postharvest losses. The sustainable agricultural systems. We need to start lab research results showed significant changes looking at the soil as a living ecosystem, and as a in tomato quality parameters such as color, firm- living entity, and care for its health and resilience. ness and weight loss stored at 22oC. Storage at this temperature had a rapid and significant alter- ation of a* value (redness) from green to red color and L* value (lightness) from light to dark. It also LAND DEGRADATION declined in firmness and increased weight loss dramatically. Storage at 10oC presented a great increase in firmness and a slight decrease in a* and L* values in addition to weight loss.

SOIL MICROBIOLOGY AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT IN SUSTAINABLE FARMING SYSTEMS

Modern agriculture is Land is defined as the “ensemble of the soil con- currently facing many stituents, the biotic components in and on it, as challenges to sustaina- well as its landscape setting and climatic attrib- bility including the loss of utes”. Therefore, any changes in soil properties, soil fertility, salinization, vegetation, water, and climate can have either desertification, and the positive or negative impacts on the land. The ag- overall loss of soil quality gregated impact of these components, resulting and health. Most of these in the reduction of the productivity and economic problems are a direct consequence of current inade- value of the land, can be described as Land Deg- quate practices of soil management in intensive con- radation. ventional farming systems. The good news is that the solutions are out there in nature, waiting to be used. In Oman, many regions face one form or anoth- Soil microbes play a major role in soil heath and soil er of land degradation in varying degrees. In the resilience. They are responsible for a wide number mountains of the Dhofar region, for example, over- of biogeochemical processes that regulate nutrient grazing and tree cutting for fire wood has created cycles. Soil biota are also responsible for creating a great pressure on soils and vegetation resulting a favorable environment for roots, then condition- in the decline of soil quality and vegetative cov- ing plant growth and productivity. Plants coevolved er in some parts. However, and within the same

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 12 mountainous region, there is evidence of increase harvest losses refer to the losses that occur along in vegetative cover in areas tucked away from hu- the food supply chain, from the farm gate till it gets man activities. on the table of the final consumer. Losses are en- countered along the chain in the handling, storage, The most extensive form of land degradation in transportation and processing, thereby resulting in Oman, is soil salinization especially in coastal soils a reduction in the quantity, quality and market val- due to over-abstraction of groundwater causing ue of agricultural commodities. The main causes seawater intrusion. Traditional and inappropriate of postharvest losses include mechanical damage, irrigation practices have caused many farms in the and physiological and biological deterioration. In Al-Batinah region to become saline and eventually some cases, postharvest losses of vegetables are abandoned. This has increased the erodability of also attributed to socioeconomic and institution- soils and the spread of invasive plant species, i.e. al factors, viz. inadequate marketing information green degradation. In addition to human activities, and support systems, inappropriate transporta- land degradation especially in arid regions can be tion facilities, unfavourable government policies, exacerbated by climate change. The increase in inability to implement regulations and legislation, temperature, decrease in precipitation, sea-level lack of appropriate tools and equipment, lack of rise, and extreme events (droughts and floods), technical know-how and poor maintenance culture add to the pressures exerted on these lands which for existing facilities and infrastructure. Moreover, makes it even more difficult to recover from dis- postharvest losses vary greatly with commodities, turbances caused by human activities. This leads seasons, and the enormous variety of conditions us to take approaches towards sustainable land under which commodities are grown, harvested, management and design appropriate practices to stored, processed and marketed. ensure effective protection, conservation, and use Oman has a high incidence of losses, inconsistent of natural resources. quality and low economic value of local agricultural (by Dr. Malik Al-Wardy) products compared with similar imported goods. Dr. Pankaj Pathare started this line of research on the Soil Water and Agricultural Engineering Depart- ment of SQU with a recently funded Internal Grant REDUCTION OF POSTHARVEST project directed to characterizing of the postharvest losses of fresh vegetable during transpor- LOSSES FOR FOOD SECURITY tation in Oman. Reduction of postharvest losses and quality deterioration are essential in increas- Food security is the ing food availability from the existing production. basis for our way of life. Minimizing this postharvest loss has a great signif- Postharvest losses in icance for food security, economic growth and the fresh produce chains are welfare of society. a major threat to food security. This amounts to as much as one third of all food produced. Food THE SCIENCE OF SOLID WASTES loss represents a waste of land, water, energy, financial, agrichemical and Currently a consultancy research project is under- mechanical inputs. In addition, with the global pop- way with Dr Ahmed Al-Busaidi of SWAE as the Prin- ulation set to rise by 33 % between now and 2050, cipal Investigator looking at various aspects of solid food loss presents a clear and present threat to wastes generated in different areas of Muscat. The global food security. Producing enough food for all project is funded by Be’ah (Oman Environmental Ser- is made more difficult by the fact that water and soil vice Holding Company). In the first stage, a field sur- resources are already stretched, and will be further vey is being conducted. This survey aims to determine strained by climate change. Oman is an arid region the total tonnage of organic waste generated from located in the eastern part of the Arabian Penin- each Governorate in the calendar year 2018, broken sula, where temperatures can exceed 50°C in the down by: type of commercial and industrial activity summer. The unfavourable environmental condi- (fish markets, fruits and vegetables markets, farms, tions result in high postharvest food losses. Post- slaughterhouses, hotels, restaurants and hypermar-

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 13 long term in situ flow data. The results show that the coastal currents result from a combination of tidal flow of around 10cm/s and strong aperiodic low frequency pulses of up to 75cm/s directed mostly towards the east. Drivers for the pulses are assigned to a mix of offshore geostrophy, long waves, the slope current of the Arabian Gulf outflow and wind. The recorded data also captured events of local coastal upwelling. Mr. Jamal Al-Hinai from PACA is studying local upwelling at the northern Omani coast in the framework of his MSc thesis under the supervision of Dr. Bruss. In contrast to the pronounced large scale monsoon- al upwelling along the Arabian Sea, upwelling along the northern Omani coast appears more in the form of short irregular events. Mr. Jamal Al-Hinai is using state-of-the art numerical models in a scenario study to identify threshold conditions for local upwelling and its spatio-temporal characteristics. The results will help to understand events that lead to a drop of sea surface temperature which not only affects the local air temperature but has practical implications on a kets), material type (food waste, green waste, wood range of activities like tourism, desalination, fishing, waste, sludge, etc.), management/disposal method fish farming and others. for each type of waste and to identify the local trading of organic materials (the rate of production and sales volume) from commercial and industrial activities and to identify the amount of waste generated by each. The broad objectives of the project are: develop a sampling methodology to provide a representative basis for the survey that reflects each commercial and industrial activity, review the questionnaire developed by Be’ah to record the tonnage of organic waste from each commercial & industrial activity, material type and management method, undertake face-to-face surveys as the primary method of data collection and finally, analyze data gathered with appropriate appli- Mr. Dawood Al-Yahyai, Director of Aquaculture Devel- cation of estimators and conversion factors. The Mus- opment in the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, is act area, Seeb was the main source for fruits, vegeta- studying the environmental impact of marine net cage ble and fish waste, whereas, Seeb and Amerat were fish farming in the framework of his PhD thesis under the main sources for slaughterhous waste. The farms, the supervision of Dr. Wenresti Gallardo. In collabo- restaurants and hypermarket waste are either small in ration with Blue Water LLC, Mr. Dawood Al-Yahyai quantity and recycled or mixed with inorganic waste. and Dr. Bruss are monitoring the flow and water properties directly at the farm site in Quriyat. The photo Some data gathered from the field are shown in the (M.A. Priest) shows the installation of a current profiler two figures above. (ADCP) at a cage mooring. The data allows the detailed modelling of the farm waste dispersal, the assessment of impact levels and the definition of recom- COASTAL CIRCULATION AND ITS mendations for optimal farm management. In a study IMPACTS on larger scale dynamics, Dr. Bruss and Dr. Michel Claereboudt have been modelling the Lagrangian dis- Dr. Gerd Bruss’ research team, together with re- persal of coral larvae from coral reefs in Oman and searchers from the College of Engineering and the neighboring countries. The results suggest a general Remote Sensing and GIS Center of SQU, have been northward larvae transport in the Arabian Sea, more studying the coastal circulation on the northern Omani mixed conditions within the Sea of Oman and a sep- shelf based on the collection of so-far missing local aration zone between the two regions around Ras al

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 14 Hadd. The findings help to improve the understanding of coral reef resilience and to assist decision makers COLLABORATION BETWEEN MSF in the planning of natural protection areas to support AND LAMONT DOHERTY EARTH reef recovery after hazardous events. Results of the OBSERVATORY OF COLUMBIA different studies on coastal circulation and its impacts have been presented at the 13th International Con- UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK, USA ference on Coasts, Ports and Marine Structures in Tehran, the International Forum On Remote Sensing Applications In Physical Oceanography and the Inter- national Workshop on Innovative Marine Management and Monitoring at SQU.

BIOFILMS DEVELOPING ON OCEANOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT

A scientific collaboration between Dr. Khalid Al-Hash- mi, an active researcher member in the MSF department, and Dr. Joaquim Goes from Columbia Univer- sity, New York, USA has focused on phytoplankton blooms in the Sea of Oman and in the Arabian Sea. Continuous research visits of Dr. Goes to Sultan Qa- boos University have helped us to better understand the factors contributing to the recent and recurrent occurrence of the mixotroph Noctiluca scintillans. His great experience in phytoplankton ecology, practical For the first time, the densities and diversity of mi- skills, motivation and suggestions have resulted in ex- croorganisms that develop on ocean gliders were cellent Ph.D. and M.Sc. thesies where he was part of investigated using flow cytometry and Illumina- MiS these student’s committees, either as an examiner or eq sequencing of 16S and 18S rRNA genes. Ocean as a supervising committee member. This coopera- gliders are autonomous buoyancy-driven underwater tion with Dr. Goes was extended as he contributed vehicles, equipped with sensors that continuously re- to the Oman Navy Cadets training program at Sultan cord physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Qaboos University during the 2018 program. The Ca- Microbial biofilms are arrogates of microorganisms dets were pleased with the amount of information they which are attached to each other and to surfaces and learned and with the excellent presentations. With the embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellu- help of Dr. Goes and his experience in phytoplank- lar polymeric substances. Biofilms growing on ocean- ton, Dr. Khalid was able to start phytoplankton culture ographic equipment change its bouncy and interfere collections. Dr. Goes regularly sends comments and with sensor readings. In the study of Dr. Sergey Do- advice to better maintain the culture, and also helps in bretsov and his team, biofilms were investigated on tuning and adgusting the Flow Cam for better working unprotected parts of the glider and surfaces coated conditions. with a base of, commercial biocidal and experimental chitosan paints. Biofilms on the glider were exposed to periodical oscillations of salinity, oxygen, temper- ASSESSMENT OF HEAVILY TARGETED ature, pressure, depth and light, due to periodic as- cending and descending of the vehicle. Among the FISHERIES SPECIES: LETHRINUS unprotected surfaces, the highest microbial abun- NEBULOSUS (SPANGLED dance was observed at the bottom of the glider’s body, while the lowest density was recorded on the EMPEROR / SHARI) glider’s nose. Antifouling paints had the lowest densities of microorganisms. Multidimensional analysis Dr. Alyssa Marshell and her undergraduate stu- showed that the microbial communities that formed dent Ms. Noor Al Darai, conducted an undergrad- on unprotected parts of the glider were significantly uate student research project entitled “Population different from those on biocidal paint and in seawater. Parameters and Reproductive Biology of the Span-

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 15 in a recirculating system. Aquaponics is environment-friendly because water is conserved and environment pollution is avoided as wastewater is not discharged but utilized as nutrients for the plants. With funding from the Faculty-Mentored Under- graduate Research Award Program (FURAP) of The Research Council (TRC), a group of students composed of Ms. Buthaina Al Khaziri, Ms. Azhar Al Busaidi, and Ms. Zainab Al Ghatam tested the high-price ‘koi’ carp (instead of tilapia) in combi- gled Emperor Lethrinus nebulosus (Forsskål, 1775) nation with different plants such as tomato, egg- from the Al Sharqiyah Governorate, Sultanate of plants, and peppermint. Results showed that ‘koi’ Oman”. Fisheries management requires accurate in- carp can grow well even at high densities in combi- formation about fish stocks. To sustainably manage nation with peppermint. a fishery, there must first be knowledge of the spe- Another group of students composed of Mr. Mo- cies abundance and biomass, growth and repro- hammed Al-Mahfudhi and Mr. Husam Al-Yahyai conducted experiments using both ‘koi’ carp and duction, and mortality (how many can be harvested tilapia in combination with strawberry, cabbage, without putting the fishery in danger of collapse). lettuce, spinach and peppermint which were suc- The overall goals of this project were to conduct a cessfully grown in a greenhouse at the Agricultural thorough stock assessment of the heavily-targeted Experiment Station (AES). The technical and finan- and important-fisheries species: the Spangled Em- cial feasibility are currently being evaluated in order peror (Lethrinus nebulosus - local name = Shari). to provide recommendations to people interest- We collected weekly fish samples from local fish ed in aquaponics. This project was funded by the markets for over 12 months, and from each fish we Deanship of Research. collected genetic, gonad and otolith samples; and Dr. Wenresti Gallardo, Dr. Hussein Al-Masroori, Mr. took length and weight measurements. These sam- Adil Al-Sulaimani and Mr. Ahmed Al-Sooti conduct- ples will allow us to investigate detailed population ed a survey of aquaponic farms in Oman to doc- age, growth, mortality, and reproduction parameters ument the farming practices and the socio-eco- and conduct an overall fisheries-dependent stock nomic aspects of aquaponic farming. This project is funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization assessment for this species from the Al Sharqiyah (FAO) in Oman. region. This project involved the invaluable help of MSF staff, and a dedicated team of volunteer MSF students who helped Noor process the fish samples each week, and who gained valuable experience REPLACEMENT OF FISH MEAL from participating in the research project. The team is grateful for funding from the SQU Internal Grants WITH CHICKEN FEATHER MEAL scheme. AND MACROALGAL MEAL IN THE FORMULATED DIET FOR SPARUS AURATA JUVENILES AQUAPONICS RESEARCH

Dr. Wenresti Gallardo and his students conducted Mr. Ahmed Said Al-Sooti, a PhD student under experiments to further develop aquaponics which the supervision of Dr. Wenresti Gallardo, evaluated is the integration of aquaculture and hydroponics the replacement of fish meal with chicken feather

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 16 meal and macroalgal meal in the formulated diet for ani clownfish production and 2) Using fish waste to Sparus aurata juveniles. As a result of the high de- make agricultural fertilizer from fish waste. FURAP mand of fish meal, steep increase in its price and program supports research for undergraduate stu- the decline in fishery resources that go into the fish- dents and the project is expected to expand diver- meal production, there is an interest in developing sity of aquaculture with ornamental fish production. alternatives to this finite component. The objective of this study was to replace fish meal with chicken feather meal and macroalgal meal in the formulated diet for Sparus aurata juveniles. The quality of diets CONSULTATION IN BASIC HISTOLOGY was evaluated in terms of their effects on the ap- parent digestibility coefficients of nutrients (ADCs), TECHNIQUES AND SAMPLE attractability and palatability, growth, survival and PREPARATION whole body composition of seabream, feed intake r. Aisha AmbuAli, in- and feed conversion ratio assessments. The re- D charge of the MSF’s results from this study showed that chicken feather and macroalgal meals have good potential as research Laboratory, and placement for fishmeal and can be valuable protein a researcher in Aqua- sources for seabream diets. culture and Diseases, has conducted a consultation program on basic tissue techniques CONSULTANCY CONTRACT WITH and sample prepara- ‘BLUE WATERS CAGE AQUACULTURE tion for A’Sharqiyah University funded by the Sci- COMPANY’ FOR FISH DISEASE entific Research Council. She taught the Marine MONITORING Vertebrate Zoology Course in Spring 2018 with Dr. Said Al Barwani. In 2018, she published a new paper entitled “Histological and histochemi- cal characterisation of glands associated with the feeding appendages of Argulus foliaceus (Linnae- us, 1758)” in a high impact journal.

TARGETING COLORECTAL CANCER WITH DIETARY BIOACTIVE AGENTS Colorectal Cancer Fish disease researches have been activated in (CRC) and its preven- 2018. Dr. Gilha Yoon and his team had consultancy tion are now a very hot contract with ‘Blue waters cage Aquaculture Com- topic and significant pany’ for monitoring of fish diseases around com- progress is being made mercial cage farm and to evaluate potential risks of in this area and lots of aquaculture. new knowledge is being gained. There are His team presented a paper on “Inhibitory effects many wild plant species of Omani herbs against fish pathogens” in “The first in Oman that are called international conference on Frankincense and me- indigenous medicinal plants, yet they are less uti- dicinal plant”. Since usage of antibiotics and chem- lized. Considering these points Dr. Waly is current- icals to aquaculture is not allowed, the findings ly leading a research team at the Department of would be beneficial for the safe and sustainable aq- Food Science and Nutrition to identify the bioactive uaculture production in Oman. Also, Dr. Gilha had constituents of these plants and to study their phy- two ‘FURAP’ projects as a faculty mentor: 1) Om- tonutrient effect in relation to CRC pathogenesis.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 17 The preliminary data suggests that these plants vestigate the effects of soil amendments (biochar have an efficacy in combating oxidative stress-me- and animal compost) on soil (cropped and non- diated carcinogenesis in experimental models for cropped) properties (EC and pH), and on indicator CRC. In addition, the results of this project pro- plants (corn and cucumber) growth under organic vide in vivo evidence that indigenous Omani plants farming system conditions. A greenhouse pot ex- reduce the risk of CRC through their potent anti- periment was initiated in a randomized complete oxidant activities. The primary prevention of CRC block design over a period of 8 weeks. Results malignancies in Oman is a public health priority revealed that the cropped soil had significantly as it is the third most common type of cancer in higher soil EC and lower pH compared to the non- terms of incidence among Omani adults. Several cropped soil. The plant height, plant dry biomass human clinical trials have confirmed that CRC can and leaf chlorophyll content were also significantly be prevented or delayed with various plant-based higher in cropped soil compared to non-cropped. dietary interventions and this is consistent with The biochar and compost amendments showed the goal of Dr. Waly’s research. Bioactive com- significant effects on soil EC. However, they did ponents in plants thought to be associated with not show any statistically significant differences the reduction of oxidative stress-mediated car- for soil pH. Soil amended with compost exhibit- cinogenesis include antioxidant nutrients (β-car- ed a significant positive effect on plant height and otene, glutathione, selenium, vitamins C and E), leaf chlorophyll content, while biochar-amend- and phytonutrients (polyphenols, flavonoids, and ed soil did not show significant effects on plant carotenoids). In conclusion, the assayed plants act growth and chlorophyll content. Further studies as a potent antioxidant and combat free radicals on a range of soil properties are underway and and reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative will be explored in detail. This study highlights damage to cell membrane moiety, cellular organel- the importance of studying the effects of organic lelysis and nuclear DNA damage. amendments on soil properties and plant growth and comparing cropped and non-cropped soils.

USE OF SOIL AMENDMENTS IN SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC FARMING THE EFFECT OF ASH AND BIOCHAR SYSTEMS FROM MAERUA CRASSIFOLIA AND SACCHARUM KAJKAIENSE FEEDSTOCK ON PLANT GROWTH AND SOIL PROPERTIES

Two experiments were conducted with the goal of enhancing soil properties by using locally available materials, and to further our knowledge about organic farming methods. Researchers included Mr. Ishaq Al Kindi, graduating student, Dr. Mumtaz Khan, Mr. Waleed Al Busaidi, and Dr. Rhonda Janke. The research was conducted in a green- Our on-going experimentation on soil amendment house at AES in pots with okra as an indicator crop, usage in organic farming systems showed exciting followed by extensive soil testing in the lab. Both results. Studies were carried by Dr. Mumtaz Khan, the biochar and ash were made using plant mate- Mr. Waleed Al-Busaidi, Dr. Rhonda Janke and Mr. rials from a family farm using methods developed Ishaq Al-Kindi. Organic plant products offer numer- in a previous project by this same research group. ous health benefits and it is essential to preserve A second experiment used corn and cucumber as soil productiveness without adding any synthetic indicator crops, with biochar and compost, on pre- chemical additive. Soil amendment materials, par- viously cropped and uncropped soils. The first ex- ticularly from organic sources, are able to enhance periment found that the grass ash did significantly soil fertility for sustained environmental quality and increase the growth of the okra as compared to the plant productivity. Studies were conducted to in- no ash and no biochar control pots. The wood bi-

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 18 ochar and ash improved soil properties, but didn’t organic matter, potassium and nitrate ions contents result in statistically different crop growth. Both the of the soil. Initial results showed Sesbania as a po- wood and the grass biochar increased the soil or- tential cover crop in a greenhouse organic produc- ganic matter levels significantly. Soil organic mat- tion system. ter and water-holding capacity were both increased by the addition of compost. In terms of potassium, only the wood ash significantly increased the potas- IMPACT OF RADIO FREQUENCY sium content of the soil. FIELD (RF) AND LED LIGHTS ON In the second experiment, soil amended with com- CUCUMBER AND MARIGOLD post exhibited a significant positive effect on plant PLANT GROWTH height and leaf chlorophyll content while biochar amended soil did not. Biochar also increased the A joint research study by the Department of crop electrical conductivity levels of the soil. In summary, science (Dr. Mumtaz Khan) and Department of biochar has been found to have some positive ef- Electrical and Computer Engineering (A. Al Saa- fects on soil, but these effects do not always result di, M. Al Rashdi, H. Al-Nassri, Dr. Z. Nadir) was in increased plant growth. conducted to investigate the effects of RF Field and LED lights on plant growth and development. It is evident that the agriculture sector is one of the important segments supporting the Gross Nation- SESBANIA ACULEATA PERS: A al Product of many countries globally. This study POTENTIAL COVER CROP IN highlights the usefulness of the electromagnetic ORGANIC CROPPING SYSTEM field and LEDs on crop growth and development. These applications may exhibit positive or nega- Cover crops are usually included in cropping sys- tive effect on plants in the longer term. This re- tem to increase the nutrient status of the soil. These search explored the impact of the electromagnetic crops include legumes and non-legumes. Legumi- field and off red and blue LEDs on cucumber and nous cover crops fix atmospheric nitrogen, which marigold plant growth. The RF field was produced is available to the succeeding crop, and thus reusing an RF transmitter of 2.4 GHz with a horn duce the requirement for nitrogen fertilizer. It was antenna to give the plants maximum exposure to also noticed that cover crops helped in soil moisture the RF field. conservation under a no till crop production system. Sesbania aculeata is a herbaceous annual legume Overall results showed that the plants exposed to plant, which is used as an organic amendment in electromagnetic field treatment yielded a slightly organic or conventional cropping systems. Studies stressed environment, which affected plant growth were conducted by Dr. Ahmed Al-Maskri, Dr. Rhon- and development particularly in marigold plants. da Janke, Waleed Al-Busaidi and Dr. Mumtaz Khan Increasing the electromagnetic field showed re- on Sesbania to evaluate its efficacy in improving the duction in plant height and flowering rate. Higher soil quality as a cover crop in a greenhouse system. electrolyte leakage, coupled with reduced plant Results showed higher organic matter contents in growth, may be a function of free radical process- soils covered with Sesbania (2.53%) compared to es. It has been reported earlier that free radicals bare fallow. Results did not show any significant dif- are potentially detrimental in disrupting biological ferences in soil pH with and without the Sesbania systems e. g. membranes (lipid peroxidation), DNA cover crop. There was an increasing trend in soil and protein damage. It appears, our preliminary potassium and nitrate content under Sesbania but results showed similar mechanisms of free radical it was not significant. Sodium content of soil was processes as a source of abiotic stress factor in slightly increased whereas EC level was significantly plants; however repeat experiments are needed higher in soil with Sesbania. Other studies on soil on diverse crops to validate these initial results. physical and chemical properties are underway and The plants in different light boxes were also affect- will be discussed in detail. However, initial results ed with the heat emitted by the LEDs. This factor demonstrated that the cover crops have the capac- should be considered cautiously in any upcoming ity to alter soil properties. Sesbania as a cover crop studies if it is employed within a limited closed showed marked effects on soil EC, pH, sodium ion, space.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 19 ROLE OF VITAMIN D ON BRAIN second part, the survey asked about people’s HEALTH knowledge and awareness about the ornamental plants being grown in their home gardens and in- Dr. Mohamed Essa, Dr. Lyutha Al-Subhi and Prof. door foliage plants. Both surveys were conduct- Samir Al-Adawi are currently supervising Ms. Nee- ed through Google forms and the Survey Monkey la Sampat for her PhD in Nutrition from the FSN website and were distributed randomly via Emails department. She is working on the effect of vita- and WhatsApp. There were 85 responses to the min D on Brain function. Vitamin D and its metab- first part and 135 in the second part of the survey. olites have a vital role to play in human health and Interestingly, a larger number of female respond- disease mainly in the nervous system. Vitamin D ents (approximately 75%) and male (25%) replied could influence the proliferation and differentiation to the survey. However, the studies concluded that of neurons. It also plays an important role in neu- most of the people have great interest and willing- rotrophism, neurotransmission and neuroplasticity. ness to establish a high standard in their home Further, in some cases it was reported that vitamin gardens with diverse ornamental plant materials D could provide neuroprotection. Generally, effects but they lack basic knowledge about ornamen- are exaggrated and there are variations associated tal plant utilization in home gardens. However, it with the integrity of evidence on vitamins and their was a very positive note from all respondents that effect on health. The present discourse aim is first they are willing to gain the knowledge about orna- to scrutinize and assess the literature on vitamin D mental plants usage in home gardens. It is con- function on the central nervous system. Establish- cluded from the initial survey that home dwellers ing what constitute vitamin D deficiency is current- have great interest and need specialized support ly replete with contradictory information. Another through awareness campaigns, social/electronic/ related aim of the present review is to highlight print media, workshops/seminars and accessible current data from countries with high exposure to print materials for people such as bilingual leaflets the sun yet the people living in the region having a and easy to understand books. deficit in vitamin D. Ms. Neela will be aiming to find out the availability of vitamin D in Omani traditional food and find out the status of vitamin D in differ- USING SEED PRIMING FOR ent neurological disease patients from Oman. IMPROVING DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN FABA BEAN AND LENTIL CROPS

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) productivity is limited by SURVEY OF OMANI SOCIETY drought stress and is often associated with deficien- KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS cy of mineral nutrients like zinc (Zn). Dr Muhammad Farooq, Associate Professor, conducted studies ABOUT ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN to optimize Zn application and its role in tolerance THREE GOVERNORATES OF OMAN against drought in faba bean. Drought stress sup- pressed the seedling emergence and growth with Recognizing the significance of ornamental plants enhanced oxidative stress in faba bean. However, in environment conservation a research team seed primed with 0.001 M Zn solution substan- comprising Dr. Mumtaz Khan, Ms. Maryam Ismail tially improved the seedling emergence, growth, Al-Zidi and Mr. Waleed Al-Busaidi conducted a biomass production and biochemical traits under substantial survey about ornamental plant aware- normal and drought stress. Enhanced Zn supply ness in Omani society from three governorates, by seed priming ameliorated the adverse effect of Al-Batinah North, Al-Batinah South and Muscat. drought stress by increasing the biomass produc- The survey questionnaire was developed and tion (99.8%), leaf area (23%), α amylase activity conducted to understand home dweller behavior (85%), soluble sugar (54.7%), leaf Zn concentration and knowledge about the botanic composition of (79.8%) with reduction in leaf MDA (42.7%) con- their home garden plants. The survey constituted tent and total antioxidant activities (35.2%) under two parts. In first parts of the survey, Omani so- drought stress compared to untreated control. Sur- ciety knowledge about the botanical background face dried seeds performed better than re-dried of their home garden plants was elicited. In the seeds. Deficiency of Zn escalated faba bean sen-

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 20 sitivity to drought stress owing to low chlorophyll sequence identity (91.9%) to an isolate of CLCuGeV density, seedling growth and enhanced oxidative recently reported from the neighboring United Arab damage. Adequate Zn supply through seed prim- Emirates. Additionally, CLCuGeV-Al Batinah was ing can help in decreasing the negative effect of shown to have a recombinant origin with sequenc- drought stress in faba bean during early seedling es donated by an African cassava mosaic virus-like growth. parent. This is the first identification of this Malvace- ae-adapted begomovirus in tomato. Although ToLCB Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important grain is common in Oman, being one of only two beta- legume crop, mostly grown in a semi-arid environ- satellites identified there so far, this is the first iden- ment which often faces intermittent drought spells tification of this betasatellite with CLCuGeV. Since, during different growth stages, which severely Oman is a global hub for trade by sea and air and the hamper its yield. Dr Muhammad Farooq, Associ- fear is that the “mixing” of viruses and satellites from ate Professor, also conducted studies to evaluate such geographically diverse origins could lead to the potential of seed priming with CaCl2 in improv- more virulent types (interactions), by recombination ing the drought tolerance in lentil. Osmopriming and component exchange that will affect the future

(with CaCl2) enhanced seed germination, seedling tomato crop more adversely. The Overall conclusion growth, biomass production, leaf area, sugar ac- of this study is that to avoid further tomato fruit loss- cumulation and reduced oxidative stress in lentil es from severe viral strains, more resistant cultivars under drought stress conditions. Seed surface dry- should be included in the breeding program that ulti- ing was more beneficial in improving the lentil per- mately overcomes the tomato viral disease in Oman. formance, under both well-watered and drought conditions, than re-drying to original weight. Os- mopriming improved the lentil performance under normal and drought stress conditions through early MOLECULAR TOMATO BREEDING and synchronized emergence, sugar and Ca+ ac- cumulation which reduced the oxidative damage FOR VIRUS RESISTANCE AND HEAT and resulted in better seedling growth and bio- TOLERANCE IN SQU mass production.

UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS OF TOMATO LEAF CURL DISEASE Dr. Muhammad Shahid is working on tomato (Sola- num lycopersicum) crop management project funded by HMTRF (SR/AGR/CROP/16/01). In one of his proposed objectives he is trying to characterize the unidentifyied plant-infecting viral strains in the toma- Construction of phylogenetic tree using the distance-matrix method to crop. A large number of tomato plants exhibiting UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean) yellowing, curling and stunting symptoms were col- omato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important lected from all over Oman. After extensive cloning T annual vegetable, chiefly used as a fresh -vegeta and sequencing, using a range of restriction endo- ble. Under open field conditions in arid regions like nuclease digested rolling circle amplified viral DNA, a cotton begomovirus (family; Geminiviridae) was iden- Oman, heat stress adversely affects the vegetative tified associated with the few symptomatic tomato growth and reproductive development of the to- plants collected from Al-Batinah North. Detailed mato plants and ultimately reduces yield and fruit analysis of complete sequences showed the virus to quality. The goal of the research, conducted by Dr be a previously unknown strain of Cotton leaf curl Hesham Agrama, was to develop improved tomato Gezira virus (CLCuGeV) in association with the bet- germplasm that makes production systems more asatellite Tomato leaf curl betasatellite (ToLCB). The stable under the conditions of Oman and the re- new CLCuGeV strain, for which the name “Al Bati- gion, and to solve problems caused by TYLCV vi- nah” strain is suggested, has the greatest levels of ruses through the application of molecular genetics.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 21 Molecular markers are now being widely used for breeding tomato. Genetic maps have allowed for “pyramiding” resistance genes through Marker As- sisted Selection, where several resistance genes can be engineered into one genotype. This is the foundation for the genetic fingerprint, diversity study and resistance genes-phenotype association. The figure above shows the cluster pattern of the tomato genotypes based on genetic similarity values obtained from SNPs (Single Nucleotide Pol- ymorphisms).

LC50 values. The calculated LC50 values for Deltame- Phenotypic evaluation and adaptation of the virus thrin 2.5EC ranged from 13.7mgL-1 to 28.6mgL-1 for the different strains. The calculated LC50 values resistant and heat tolerant tomato genotypes in the for Thiamethoxam 25WG and Acetamiprid 20SL Omani climate were evaluated in AES for the virus were 0.65-0.87 mgL-1 and 10.8-20.01 mgL-1, re- symptoms. Statistical analysis showed that disease spectively. In molecular assays, whitefly DNA was incidence % and disease severity scale were highly extracted using E.Z.N.A.® Insect DNA Kit and CTAB significant. Disease incidence showed a wide range protocol. Different primers were used to identify the from 0.0 to 30%. For growth analysis parameters, biotype and TYLCV in whitefly adults. All the collect- there were highly significant differences among the ed whitefly samples belong to Biotype-B (MEAM1). genotypes under field conditions. Based on results Some primers were able to detect the virus in white- obtained from this study, few genotypes proved to fly adults. The diagnostic assay designed to detect be more tolerant under high temperature and virus organophosphate (OP) resistance distinguished be- conditions in comparison to other investigated gen- tween resistant and susceptible ace1 alleles which otypes. These lines will be used in cross breeding affect sensitivity of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) programs. This is the starting point for better un- enzyme. The diagnostic assay designed to detect derstanding of the genetic basis of virus resistance Pyrethroid resistance distinguished between resist- and heat tolerance from new sources of genetic ant and susceptible para-type voltage gated sodium material for incorporation into adapted cultivars. channel alleles. Both the diagnostic assays yielded diagnostic fragments of the expected size. This research will continue into next year.

MONITORING INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE IN WHITEFLY (BEMISIA TABACI ) INFESTING TOMATO STUDY OF MULTIVESICULAR BODIES IN CIRCULATING Whitefly is an economically important pest of sever- PLATELETS OF MAMMALS al crops including tomato. Whitefly has also become resistant to several insecticides and also acts as a Professor Eugene vector and transmits the devastating Tomato Yellow H. Johnson’s internal Leaf Curl disease (TYLCD). An internal grant pro- grant research entitled ject on ‘Monitoring insecticide resistance in whitefly “Ultrastructural Obser- infesting tomato’ was approved and Dr Riaz Shah vations on the Leuko- started work in January 2018. The first objective was cytes and Platelets of to determine baseline susceptibility levels of white- the Arabian Oryx (oryx fly populations collected from different locations in leucocoryx)” was com- Oman. Adult whiteflies were collected from the field pleted. The project cul- and reared on eggplants inside cages at AES. Tox- minated not only in the awarding of a MSc thesis icological bioassays based on dose response mor- (Mr. Ahmed Saif Hilal Al-Amri) but also a series of tality analyses for commonly used pyrethroid and novel findings that are unique within mammals. neonicotinoid insecticides were used to determine A manuscript published in the journal ‘Anatomia,

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 22 Histologia, Embryologia’ highlighted a number of improve productivity. The on-going research also unique findings pertaining to the platelets of the focuses on improving heifer efficiency such that Arabian oryx. The researchers demonstrated the their calving age is reduced and age at concep- first evidence of multivesicular bodies in circulat- tion accelerated. Initial results showed important ing platelets of any mammalian species, which reduction in heifer age at first calving from 36 provides support to the long held belief that they months in the typical system to 27 months for the are organelles that give rise to alpha granules and accelerated/improved system thereby, improving electron dense bodies that are essential players in life cycle productivity by gaining one full lactation haemostasis and the immune system. Previous- and one extra calf. The research further focuses ly, multivesicular bodies have only been demon- on investigating new ruminant fiber sources such strated in in vitro preparations of rat and human as highly digestible Alfalfa fiber to reduce metab- megakaryocytes. Furthermore, the platelets of olisible heat fermentation increment of animals the Arabian oryx do not have an open canalicular during the hot summer, thereby mitigating heat system of transport, generally considered a hall- stress effect on lactating cows and increasing mark feature of platelets for most animal species. milk performance. Interestingly, multivesicular bodies were found in medium-sized lymphocytes and neutrophils of the oryx. These findings are extremely interesting as they shed light on the dynamics of granule devel- POPULATION STRUCTURE AND opment occurring within mammalian leukocytes. GENETIC DIVERSITY OF ARABIAN HORSES IN OMAN SCREENING OF ANTIBIOTIC Dr. Mohammed Al Abri RESIDUES IN POULTRY MEAT is conducting an inter- Dr Waleed Al-Marzoo- nal research project qi’s research focuses that aims at deciphering on screening of antibi- the population structure otic residues in poultry and genetic diversity of meat/organ using dif- Arabian horses in Oman ferent analytical meth- using SNP Markers. ods. Antibiotics are Despite their impor- commonly used in vet- tance and utility, no studies have been carried out erinary medicine, and to investigate the genetic background of Omani subsequently drug residues may persist in foods Arabian horse. Unfortunately, many horse owners derived from animals, which may pose adverse abandoned their horses after the introduction of health effects for the consumer. Human exposure modern transportation in the 1970s which resulted to significant levels of antibiotic residues from an- in a decline in the Arabian horse population. More- imal products may aggravate immunological re- over, the recent introduction of new Arabian horse sponses in susceptible individuals and negatively bloodlines in Oman have resulted in an ambiguity affect intestinal microbiota in the origins of Arabian horses in Oman today. This project aimed at clarifying the genetic background and levels of genomic inbreeding of Omani Arabian IMPROVING DAIRY PRODUCTIVITY horses. To that end, hair samples from 24 horses from Sharkyah, Dahira and Batinah were obtained Dr. Othman Alqaisi’s for a total of 72 samples. DNA was extracted us- research focuses on ing standard methods and approximately 65,000 improving dairy productivity under the genome wide SNPs genotypes were obtained per harsh climatic con- animal using the Equine SNP70 SNP chip. The re- ditions of Oman. En- sults showed that the majority of Arabian horses in hancing dietary ener- Oman descend from French Arabian horses. In line gy levels is one key to with expectations, no pure Omani Arabian blood

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 23 lines exist today in Oman. This was confirmed both tral Veterinary Laboratory of the MAF, Oman, and by the horse owners as well as the analysis. The IBIZ, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Germany. average genomic inbreeding levels in the French and Omani Arabian horses (-0.009 and -0.05) were Another Deanship fund will conduct a surveillance the lowest compared to the Egyptian (0.156), Pol- study on the diseases that can be found in the ish (0.05) and US Arabians (0.043). In addition, the condemned livers and lungs of slaughtered sheep genomic relationships obtained confirmed the ped- at Muscat Central Abattoir, besides screening igree relationships of the Omani Arabians included their meat for antibiotic residues. in the project and revealed some new, previously unknown, relationships to the owners. The results are critical for decision makers as well as owners in shaping future policies and decision in Arabian SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS IN DAIRY horse breeding and management. CATTLE, GOATS AND CAMELS

Dr. Asi was granted a Deanship fund and his re- LAMP TECHNIQUE search work is summarized as follows: Dairy livestock provides a source of food, income, and em- r. Haytham has re- D ployment in the developing world including the ceived an Internal grant Sultanate of Oman. Production of dairy animals fund to improve infec- is grossly affected by various diseases, subopti- tious disease diagnos- mal nutrition, and management. Among the dis- tics. Loop mediated eases, mastitis remains one of the most important isothermal amplifica- impediments confronting desired milk production tion (LAMP) is a simple and quality. Moreover, mastitis is multifactorial and and powerful innova- the costliest disease of the dairy industry through- tive gene amplification out the world. Like many diseases, mastitis is the technique that is used as a rapid diagnostic tool outcome of the interaction of many factors as- for early detection and identification of microbi- sociated with the environment, host, and patho- al diseases. The whole procedure can be com- gen(s). Among infectious agents, bacteria are the pleted in less than one hour under isothermal most important etiological agent of mastitis. Like conditions. Thus, it provides a low cost, highly most developing nations, due to small herd sizes, sensitive, highly specific and less laborious alter- hand milking is commonly employed in Oman. In native to detect infectious diseases. LAMP has contrast to clinical mastitis, in subclinical mastitis all the characteristics required for real-time as- there are no visible clinical changes in the udder or says (quantitative) along with simple operation for milk and diagnosis of subclinical mastitis can only easy adaptability to field conditions. The endemic be made through laboratory analysis of milk. status of brucellosis, contagious caprine pleuro- pneumonia and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) Though subclinical mastitis does not manifest clas- diseases in Oman continues to devastate the an- sical symptoms associated with clinical mastitis, imal wealth sector. For the control and eradica- the reduction in milk yield can reach as much as tion of such diseases, adaptation of the LAMP 20% per infected quarter. That results in massive technique for disease diagnosis under field con- economic losses. Indeed, in dairy animals, mastitis ditions would be an ideal choice, particularly with results in more severe economic losses than any its low-cost benefits. We would like to establish other disease. Therefore, subclinical mastitis can the first LAMP unit in Oman for the diagnosis of severely affect overall milk production, milk quali- various infectious diseases of veterinary impor- ty, and food security. Due to the concealed nature tance. The unit will provide diagnostic capabili- of subclinical mastitis, periodic evaluation of dairy ties, training and expertise for veterinarians and animal milk is warranted to reduce the incidence other personel who are interested in the differ- of clinical mastitis and optimize milk quality and ent applications of LAMP technology. The project production. Moreover, it is imperative to determine will establish collaboration between SQU, Cen- the pathogens associated with subclinical mastitis

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 24 to develop appropriate prognostic and therapeutic coli, purified and used as an antigen in an indirect observations strategies. As per our knowledge, no ELISA (Bp26-iELISA). Four groups of sera from work has yet been done related to subclinical mas- naturally B. melitensis-infected goats were test- titis in dairy cattle, camels and goats in Sultanate ed. Group A were serologically positive animals of Oman. in three tests (RBT, LPS-ELISA and CFT tests). Group B were serologically positive animals in In the present study, the incidence of subclinical two tests (RBT and LPS-ELISA) or (LPS-ELISA mastitis will be assessed in dairy cattle, camels and CFT). Group C were serologically positive an- and goats kept under different conditions (small imals in one test only (RBT, iELISA or CFT). Group holdings and commercial farms) in various parts of D were sera from 10 healthy goats used to deter- Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. mine the cutoff and the specificity of the ELISA. A cutoff value of (0.42) corresponding to a 99% confidence interval was employed to determine a true positive. Group A and group B had values RESEARCH ON BRUCELLOSIS of 1.79 and 0.93 respectively and were considered significantly above the denoted cutoff value. Dr. Yasmin ElTahir Group C satisfied a positive value if a 95% CI was is in the final stage of used. In addition, one Brucella melitensis was finishing the HM pro- isolatesd from a bronchial lymph node. It was cul- ject. The last work on tured in Farrell’s medium and identified using the the project was sum- Vitek 2 system. The Multiplex PCR also clearly marized as follows: A demonstrated bands characteristic of Brucella cluster of 75 human melitensis. Furthermore, an anti-Bp26 mouse se- Brucellosis cases was rum was used in an immunohistochemical study identified during the period of May to July 2016 to localize Bp26 in a variety of tissue sections. from the coastal area in the north of Oman main- Positive staining was found on the spleen and ly in Saham in the North Batinah Governorate. mesenteric lymph nodes. Based on the results of During the period of the outbreak, the seroprev- the study, Bp26 is a potential diagnostic antigen alence was 1.95%, 4.47%, 1.06% and 18.18 % for the serodiagnosis of Brucella in goats. in goat, sheep, cattle and camels respectively which was determined based on an animal being positive in the Rose Bengal test LPS-ELISA. Test-and-slaughter and quarantine of suspected MSF DEPARTMENT AWARDED A animals were implemented in the area by the Min- 2018 HIS MAJESTY’S TRUST FUND istry of Agriculture and Fisheries. A proportion- STRATEGIC GRANT al allocation method was used to determine the sample size from six randomly selected villages from Saham. A total of 399 animals were selected goats (n=100), sheep (n= 99), cattle (n=99) and camels (n=101), and tested using RBT and LPS-ELISA. The results showed a drop in the sero-positivity to 0% in goats and camel and to 1.01% in sheep and cattle which indicated the effectiveness of the test-and-slaughter strategy for the control and eradication of Brucellosis. Bp26 is a conserved protein among all members of the genus Brucella that is believed to not cross-react Dr. Alyssa Marshell (PI) and Dr. Hussein Al Mas- with other Gram negative organisms. roori (Co-PI) from the Department of Marine Sci- ence and Fisheries (MSF) and their collaborative To assess a diagnostic potential of Bp26, the re- team received a highly competitive His Majesty’s combinant protein was cloned, expressed in E. Trust Fund (HMTF) Strategic Grant in 2018 to

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 25 assess the contribution of artificial reef sites to used by local fishermen. Although artificial reefs enhancing fisheries productivity in the Al Batinah have the potential to fulfil the many objectives for region. The project is in collaboration with The which they are promoted, their success ultimately Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF). reflects the quality of prior planning and ongoing Oman’s fisheries are one of five promising sectors monitoring and management. Therefore, the re- for economic diversification and enhancement of sults of this study will provide evidence for suc- non-oil revenues of the Sultanate that have been cessful and practical management suggestions, identified in The National Program for Enhancing and future policy recommendations to ensure the Economic Diversification (TANFEEDH). Oman’s success of these important and large-scale fisher- fisheries sector provides direct jobs for over ies production enhancement projects. 50,000 citizens, and it also plays a pivotal role in enhancing food security and providing a sustainable source of healthy and nutritious food. The MAF has established a detailed plan until 2040 FSN FACULTY’S RESEARCH ON for the development and sustainability of the fisheries sector. One of the main objectives is im- “WALNUTS AND NEURO- plementing fisheries development projects, such DEGENERATION” SHOWCASED as deployment of artificial reefs to enhance fish- DURING UNIVERSITY DAY eries productivity. However, despite significant investments to improve coastal marine resources management, the overall health of fish stocks and catch sustainability are at high risk of overfishing. Rigorous scientific research and sound management systems are needed to ensure that the required boost to fisheries production is sustainable and protect the region’s valuable marine resources are protected for future generations.

Al Batinah region has the highest number of fishermen who supply among the largest and most valuable fisheries catches of the country. How- r. Mohamed Essa, Associate professor in nu- ever, the coastline of Al Batinah governorate is D trition presented the outcome of his internal grant characteristically a flat, sandy seabed with the (IG/AGR/FOOD/14/01) entitled “Effect of Walnuts least amount of natural reef habitat of Oman’s on experimental Parkinsonen’s disease” during coastline. Therefore, since 2003, the Ministry of the university day research showcase. This project Agriculture and Fisheries Wealth has invested in aimed to find out the beneficial effect of dietary projects aiming to enhance fisheries productivi- supplementation of walnuts on experimental Par- ty in Al Batinah, by deploying more than 10,000 kinson’s disease under in vitro and in vivo condi- artificial reef units across the region to create tions. Through this project, Dr. Essa published 3 ideal fish habitats. Despite this huge past effort papers in well-known peer-reviewed international and planned future projects, there have been journals, presented the results in 3 internation- few comprehensive scientific studies to assess al conferences and edited a book with the cen- the biological and ecological success of the ar- tral idea of this project. As per the results, dietary tificial reefs projects contribution to increasing Al supplementation of walnut attenuated 1-me- Batinah fisheries productivity. With this study, we thyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPT- will conduct a full biological, ecological, ocean- P)-induced impairment in PD mice. This could be ographic and socio-economic study of Ministry due to walnut’s MAO-B inhibitory, antioxidant and artificial reef sites in the Al Batinah region, with mitochondrial protective actions. The results of the main overall aim to determine whether arti- this project warrant further preclinical and clinical ficial reefs have successfully enhanced fisheries studies to find out the exact mechanism of action productivity in the governorate and are effectively of walnut on PD mice.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 26 CHAPTER IN GLOBAL ECOLOGY INVOLVEMENT OF CAMS AND OCEANOGRAPHY OF FACULTY IN JOURNAL & HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS BOOKS

ASSISTANT EDITOR OF BIOFOULING JOURNAL

Dr. Khalid Al-Hashmi and his scientific colleagues in the field published a chapter entitled “Ecological Drivers of Green Noctiluca Blooms in Two Mon- soonal-Driven Ecosystems” in the Global Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms book.

EDITED BOOK - PACKAGING OF FRESH FOOD PRODUCTS FOR MAINTAINING SAFETY Dr. Sergey Dobretsov is an Associate Profes- AND QUALITY sor at the Department of Marine Sciences. Tak- ing into account Dr. Sergey’s experience in the field of marine biofouling, he was appointed as an Assistant Editor of Biofouling journal. It is a Taylor and Francis journal of bioadhesion and biofilm research. Biofouling is an international, peer-reviewed, multi-discliplinary journal which publishes original articles and mini-reviews and provides a forum for publication of pure and applied work on protein, microbial, fungal, plant and animal fouling and its control, as well as studies of all kinds on biofilms and bioadhesion. Specific areas of interest include antifouling technologies and coatings, including transmission of invasive species, antimicrobial agents, biological inter- faces, biomaterials, microbiologically influenced corrosion, membrane biofouling, food industry Professor Mohammad Shafiur Rahman with biofilms, biofilm based diseases and indwelling Dr. Mohammed Wasim Siddiqui from the De- biomedical devices as substrata for fouling and partment of Food Science and Post-Harvest biofilm growth. Dr. Sergey is one of six Assistant Technology, Bihar Agricultural University, Sa- Editors who provide advises on quality of manu- bour, India and Dr. Ali Abas Wani from Fraun- scripts and their content. hofer Institute for Process Engineering and

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 27 Packaging, Freising, Germany have published FSN ACADEMICS CO-EDITED A an edited book “Innovative Packaging of Fresh Food Products for Maintaining Safety and Qual- BOOK ON CANCER PREVENTION ity Pesticide Residue in Foods: Sources, Man- AND TREATMENTS agement, and Control”, Apple Academic Press, Waretown, NJ, USA. Consumers consider fruits and vegetables important and a high priority in their food lists since these play a important role in a healthy lifestyle. Despite efforts in promoting health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables, their short shelf-life remains an impedi- ment to consumption. Owing to the ripening or ageing process, these products undergo various biological reactions that continue, mainly after harvest. These processes cause gradual reduction in quality. Consumers prefer an excellent fresh product with improved environmental sustainability. It is common to use cold chains and preservatives to extend the shelf-life and quality. The cold chain involves precise control of temperature and energy consumption, while preservatives raise safety concerns. Innovative Dr. Mostafa I. Waly and Prof. Mohammad Shafi- packaging technologies are the most impor- ur Rahman from the Department of Food Sci- tant and challenging strategies to overcome ence and Nutrition at the College of Agricultural these limitations. The new packaging technol- & Marine Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University, ogies maintain the quality and freshness of the co-edited a book titled “Bioactive Components, products, thus extending the shelf-life, reducing Diet and Medical Treatment in Cancer Preven- food losses, and facilitating commercialization tion” released by Springer, New York. This book and export. Extending the shelf-life by just three is published in May 2018 and provides a basic to four days using innovative packaging pre- understanding of cancer, its risk factors, preven- vents large amounts of these perishables from tive measures, and treatments currently available, spoilage during transportation and handling. as well as identifying the different dietary factors When stored in an optimal atmosphere, their that might synergize with a sedentary lifestyle in metabolism slows down, and thus these remain the etiology of cancer, and its prevention meas- fresh and crunchy. Innovative packaging solu- ure. The book is structurally formatted into two tions significantly increase the shelf-life of fresh sections: Bioactive components and cancer, cov- fruits and vegetables. For instance, in active ers antioxidants in foods including plants and packaging, gas controllers can be incorporated components of the diet; and lifestyle, medicine in the packaging materials to delay senescence. and cancer, covers the risk factors and medical Intelligent packaging, such as freshness or aspects of cancer. The book received high cita- time-temperature indicators, monitors product tions and the publisher has formally communi- quality and safety and enhances the marketing cated with the editors that that the readers find of the packaged fruits and vegetables. All these this book informative and enlightening. This book new technologies require specific knowledge features exciting content, which explores current and appropriate training and understanding for rationally selecting the most suitable packaging topics in the field of cancer research. The book for each product and intended use. This book has 16 chapters and the contributing authors to provides sustainable packaging solutions that this book were selected considering their exper- deliver protection, branding, consumer attrac- tise in their respective fields. The book is available tiveness, and speed to market in a competitive through the following link: https://www.springer. retail environment. com/gp/book/9783319756929

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 28 NEW BOOK ON THE BENEFIT OF sibly reduce the cost of medical bills for patients FOOD FOR HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE (approximately $4500/year/person) and insurance companies. Literature revealed that this disturbing BY FSN FACULTY neurodegenerative disorder has a higher prevalence in Europe (3-7 in 100,000), North America (4-5 in 100,000), and Australia than in Asian countries. Studies suggest that mutation in the HD gene and the repeat expansion play an important role in the pathophysiology of this disease. The genetic defect underlying Huntington’s disease is unstable, caused by an abnormal CAG expansion within the first exon of the Huntingtin gene (HTT), leading to an expand- ed poly-glutamine (polyQ) track in the HTT protein. This disease is an inherited one. Even though the prevalence rate is moderate, scientists predict that a lot of people possess the possibility of carrying this disease. It is likely that Mitochondrial dysfunc- tion and oxidative stress could play a role in this disease. In the last decade, the beneficial effects of Dr. Mohamed Essa, Associate Professor in the food on many diseases, including brain diseases, Department of FSN recently co-edited a book that were explored. This book aimed to summarize the explored the link between edible items and Hun- recent updates on the benefit of natural edible ma- tington’s disease. The book entitled “Food for Hun- terials and their active principles on the prevention tington Disease” under Nutrition and Diet research or delaying of the progression or the management progress category is published by Nova Science of this disease. The editors feel highly obligated to Publishers, INC (IBSN - 978-1536138542, https:// all the contributors for this initiative. Undeniably, novapublishers.com/shop/food-for-hunting- they believe that the information provided in this tons-disease/). This book contains 11 chapters book would raise awareness of the readers and by well-known researchers about the benefits of could possibly help them to understand the disease multiple edible items including fruits, vegetables, process and the benefits of food items on Hunting- spices and their active materials by examining the ton’s disease management. molecular mechanisms behind the effects of -nat ural products. The co-editors of the book are Dr. This is the eleventh book of Dr. Mohamed Essa after T. Manivasagam and Dr. A. Justin-Thenmozhi from joining SQU. The value of this book is indexed in Annamalai University, India and Dr. Q. A. Hamid Scopus for worldwide circulation. Further, this book from Rx Biosciences LLC, Maryland, USA. reinforces the robust international collaboration between Dr. Essa, SQU and his collaborators from This is one more book in a series of books relat- USA and Annamalai University, India. The chap- ed to the effects of edible items, food and- nutri ters of this book were contributed by the leading tion on brain health. This book explores the pos- researchers across the globe. The book was pub- sible beneficial effects of edible natural products lished on 16th September 2018. and their active materials on Huntington’s disease. This is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that may cause uncontrolled movements, cogni- tive difficulties and emotional disturbance. The aim of this book and the series is to create awareness in general audiences about the importance of diet to reduce the occurrence of Huntington’s disease. This may enable a better understanding and pos-

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 29

SERVICES

DAIRY PLANT

some foreign students from Qatar University visit- he Dairy Plant received a total volume of T ed the Dairy Plant in October 2018 and in Decem- 81,901.0 litres of raw milk from the Dairy Farm of ber 2018, respectively. the Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) for the year 2018. This volume of milk was processed into The first consultancy project contract between various dairy products such as pasteurized milk, Mazoon Dairy Company and the SQU Dairy Plant chocolate milk, flavoured milk, and raw cream. A ended on 30 November 2018. It was however, ex- total sales revenue of R.O. 29,164.090 was de- tended for another five (5) months lasting until 30 rived from the sale of these products to the Stu- April 2019. dents Consumer Establishment. Beginning on 27 September 2018, the selling prices of pasteurized milk and flavoured/chocolate milk were increased from 250 baisas per 500 ml carton to 300 and 350 baisas, respectively. Apart from providing laboratory practical training to the students of the Department of Food Sci- ence and Nutrition, the Dairy Plant was also actively engaged in providing similar practical teaching assistance to the students of the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences as well those from the College of Science. A number of students from the Fishery Institute in Khaboura as well as

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 33 o Royal Air Force of Oman AGRICULTURAL o Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations EXPERIMENT STATION • Received students from more than ten local schools The Facilities: Teaching and Research • Started the construction work of a new horse stable • Provided teaching support for more than 15 • Rehabilitated the existing horse stable and made courses from CAMS and the College of Science extra room to accommodate more horses • Provided research support in 5 new research ac- • Started making new shade adjacent to animal tivities science building to be used for teaching and demonstrating practical lectures to students Staff development: • Introduced irrigation with sewage treated water • Dr. Abduljalil Al-Zadjali completed his PhD in mo- for non-fruit trees lecular genetics from Bath University in the United • Obtained new chisel plough and a fertilizer Kingdom broadcaster • Mr. Hafidh Al-Mahrouqi joined the University of Malaga in Spain to complete his PhD on the Blue- Outreach: Green Algae Spirulina • Received delegations from the • Staff members attended the Risk Management workshop held by the CHRSD.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 34 DESALINATION PLANT EXTENSION SERVICES

The Department of Marine Science and Fisheries (MSF), through Dr. Khalid Al-Hashmi and his team, is providing support and technical advice to desalination plants in Muscat or in Sohar during the phytoplankton blooms. This includes identification of the blooming species either by sending samples or direct visits to the sites.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 35

TEACHING

ASSISTANT DEAN FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

Zaher Humaid Al-Attabi, Ph.D Assistant Dean (US)

The College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences (CAMS) offers 10 majors. These are Agricultural Engineering, Animal Science, Crop Sciences, Food Science, Human Nutrition, Marine Science and Fisheries, Natural Resource Economics, Soil Science, Veterinary Technology and Water Technology. The office of the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies continued jointly with Departments in promoting excellence in academic life for more than 1200 students. The office continues working on improving the academic curricula through different College committees. In addition, the College finished the academic program review (APR) for Agricultural Engineer- ing, Water Technology, Soil Science, and Natural Resource Economics, Food Science, Marine Science and Fisheries. The College worked on improving the academic advising process, especially for probation students. The data showed a reduction in the number of probation students especially for non-major students. In 2018, 173 CAMS students graduated. On the other hand, 264 students were admitted from the 2018 cohort. In addition, the College currently is preparing the degree and study plan for 2019 and 2020 cohorts for all majors. New departmental elective courses were approved by the College Board as part of continuous improvement in the curriculum. The office continued providing data and statistics for all Departments that is needed for academic program revision and accreditation.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 39 SWAE6169 SOIL AND CLIMATE NEW COURSES CHANGE This course is designed for students interested in SWAE3325 DESALINATION & understanding ecosystem transformations through MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY soil processes affected by global climate change. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, the A new course, SWAE3325 Desalination & Mem- role of soil carbon in stabilizing the global carbon brane Technology, was taught for the first time in cycle, the role of mineralogy and climate in the Fall 2018 mainly for the Water Technology pro- soil carbon cycle, future agricultural productivity gram students of the Department of Soils, Water in climate change impacted soils, arid soils in an & Agricultural Engineering by Prof. Mushtaque uncertain climate future, and soil restoration con- siderations as climate changes. Ahmed. This course introduces the students to the theoretical and practical aspects of water and wastewater treatment using desalination and membrane technology. It deals with environmental, economic and management issues as- SWAE6302 PRECISION sociated with desalination and membrane tech- AGRICULTURE nology. Special emphasis is given to the use of recision agriculture (PA) is a new concept in ag- such technologies in Oman through field visits, P ricultural production. It is also called Site-specific guest lecturers from the industry, laboratory ex- Agriculture or GPS agriculture. The course is aimed periments and tutorials. Use of such technologies at educating students to deal with the comprehen- in agriculture and oil industry is discussed. Major sive approach to crop production planning and im- types of desalination, such as thermal and mem- plementation under the category of environmental brane, including the emerging technologies, are sustainability. It deals with three key elements: discussed. Energy requirements in both desal- (1)information, (2) advanced agricultural technol- ination and membrane processes is adequately ogies, and (3) management. The course covers covered. Apart from normal lectures, field trips, the following sub-sections; Information and data videos, guest lecturers from the industry and lab- collection, interpretation of data, management of oratory sessions are also part of this course. Stu- information systems, applications of global posi- dents have to do a group project based on what tion systems, geographical information systems, meteorological information, mapping technology, they learn in lectures, during field visits and in soil mapping, yield mapping, advanced agricultur- the laboratory sessions. Group project outcomes al technology, precision control systems, site-spe- have to be presented in oral sessions as well as cific management, decision support systems on through written reports. PA and on-farm research.

SWAE4001 REMOTE SENSING SWAE6303 ADVANCED REMOTE This course introduces the students to theoretical SENSING TECHNIQUES FOR and practical foundations of remote sensing(RS) ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS and its applications to environmental problems. A range of RS activities will be covered, including This course aims to introduce students with ba- sensors used, properties of the data, spectral re- sic knowledge of remote sensing to advanced flectance and emittance of objects on the earth’s topics in digital remote sensing techniques for surface, spectral signatures, image radiometric environmental applications. These techniques in- calibration, image geometric calibration, image clude remote-sensing data processing and fusion, processing of multi-and hyper-spectral images, narrow-band indices, spatial and temporal reso- supervised and unsupervised classification, and lution, hyperspectral and multispectral imagery, accuracy assessment techniques. change detection methods, principal component

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 40 analysis, thermal infrared, and light detection and partment, and 2 students from the College of Eco- ranging (LiDAR) sensors. All these techniques are nomics and Political Science attended the course. applied to the assessment of natural resources. Experimental economics has been at the foundation of acquiring knowledge in the social sciences and is The course emphasizes a hands-on learning en- used to evaluate theories and behavioral assump- vironment, with in-depth insights into theoretical tions, test policies and their implementation, and gen- and conceptual underpinnings in both aerial and erate valuable data on how individuals respond to the satellite remote sensing. incentives produced by markets and other economic mechanisms. The course provided our students with the foundations of game theory, experimental auc- tions, and choice experiments. NEW COURSES DEVELOPED The course was delivered by Dr Faical Akaichi - a Re- search Economist at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), BY CROP SCIENCES Scotland. Dr. Muhammad Shahid, Assistant Professor Crop Sciences Department, developed a new university elective course on “Laboratory Safety: Principles and Practices; CROP2020”. This course provides student awareness about safety in laboratories, including different principles and procedures of safety to Recognize, NEW LABORATORIES Assess, Minimize and Prepare for risks. In detail, the student will learn about personal protective equipment (PPE), chemicals and their wastes, electrical and chem- ESTABLISHMENT OF ANIMAL ical safety, safe handling of flammable and combustible BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY liquids, chemical storage and disposal, material data sheets, biological agent hazards as well identifying oth- (0030) er risks and safety management practices. Dr Amna AlRuheli introduced two new courses in the Department. The GIS in Landscape Architecture course goal is to teach the students about the importance of integrating spatial analysis in their planning. Students are asked to produce a final project to solve real-time issues in planning. The second course is the advanced design studio. The course aims at looking large scale environmental issues and propose solutions through design.

The development of molecular techniques has revo- lutionized the study of all biological sciences. Animal biotechnology involves the use of genetics, molecular NRE SHORT COURSE biology, genomics, breeding, and bioinformatics to develop practical commercial products and technology to improve livestock production efficiency and reduce the spread of disease. Our Department be- lieves it is important for undergraduate students to learn more about topics on Animal Biotechnology at a molecular level. The Laboratory of Animal Biotechnol- ogy was established in the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences with the aim of contributing to the design, evaluation, and establishment of strategies for genetic improvement and sustainable exploitation of domestic species, studying them at the population, The department of Natural Resource Economics or- productive and molecular-genetic levels and training ganized a short course on experimental economics the staff and undergraduate/postgraduate students from December 9 to13, 2018. A total of 15 partici- to attain expertise in these techniques. pants, including 13 graduate students from the De-

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 41 INAUGURATION OF THE NEW estimates of sustainable yield: A case of small- scale demersal fisheries in Oman’ at the 5th Inter- VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY national Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture LABORATORY 2018: Facing the Global Fisheries and Aquaculture Challenges, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 23-24, 2018. The student received ‘Session’s Best Presentation Award’ in the session entitled ‘Fisher- ies Management’ at the conference. The student is supervised by Dr. Shekar Bose, Dr. Msafiri Mbaga and Dr. Omar Al Jabri.

FSN MASTER PROJECTS Under Dr. Mostafa Waly’s supervision, both Ms. A step towards improving the teaching for both Atika Al-Shekaili and Ms. Shaima Al-Hinaai suc- majors, the new Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory cessfully defended their Master’s work in Septem- was inaugurated in 2018. It accommodates a larger ber 2018. The study of Ms. Atikah Al-Shekaili is number of students. It facilitates training for gradu- entitled” Nutritional Assessment and Metabolic ating students during the rotations. With dedicated, Risk Markers of Prediabetes among Female Col- well trained technical staff, the laboratory also- pro lege-aged Students in Oman” and her study is the vides diagnostic medical testing for infectious agents first to establish a diagnostic nutritional marker in animal diagnostic samples submitted by veterinary for early diagnosis and screening of Type 2 diabe- practitioners serving animal owners, public officials tes among female Omani subjects as a high-risk associated with public health, and scientists conduct- group. The thesis of Ms. Shaima Al-Hinaai was ing collaborative research projects. focused in studying the antioxidant and antican- cer properties of curcumin using an experimental model of gastric cancer and her study was published in the journal of Preventive Nutrition and Food Science 2018; 23(4): 288-293 (https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=waly+MI%2C+- gastric+cancer). STUDENT PROJECTS ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF NRE PHD STUDENT’S ANNONA MURICATA PROJECTS Under Dr. Mostafa Waly’s supervision, Ms. Rajaa Rashid Hamed Al-Hashmi conducted her special problem project to study the antioxidant properties of Annona muricata, a fruit grown in Al Jabal Al Akhdar and commonly known as Graviola, which has been identified as a rich source of bioactive compounds and is considered as an integral part of folklore medicine. The use of Graviola leaves as a therapeutic agent has recently increased, yet there is scarce scientific evidence justifying its use. The student’s study aimed to assess the in-vitro antioxidant properties and phytonutrient content Jaynab Begum Yousuf, a PhD student from the of the Omani-cultivated Graviola leaves. Her study Department of Natural Resource Economics, pre- revealed that Graviola leaves extract is rich in phy- sented a paper entitled ‘Long run versus short run tonutrient content (the total phenolic plus the to-

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 42 tal flavonoid contents) and acts as a potent free being not significantly different from the low salt radical scavenger and provides protection against control treatments without amendments. Howev-

H2O2-induced oxidative stress. The study was er, the low salt treatments with biochar were higher published in the Open Access Journal of Agricul- than the high salt treatments with biochar. tural Research 2018, 3(5): 1-5 (https://medwin- publishers.com/OAJAR/OAJAR16000172.pdf). THE LEAF EXTRACT OF THE MEDICINAL THE EFFICACY OF SILICA AND PLANT, MYRTLE (MYRTUS COMMUNIS L.) BIOCHAR AMENDMENTS ON EXHIBITS ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY AGAINST CUCUMBER GROWTH UNDER PHYTOPATHOGENIC FUNGI SALINE CONDITIONS Myrtus communis L. (myrtle), belonging to the family Myrtaceae, is an evergreen shrub with a height of about 1-5 m, with rough bark, opposite leaves, white flowers and white, purple, blue, or black berries. The leaves and berries have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhea, headache, peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids, inflammation, uterine bleeding, palpitation, leuco- rrhoea, urethritis, epistaxis, conjunctivitis, excessive perspiration, and pulmonary and skin diseases. Essential oils derived from leaves, flowers and fruits of myrtle are commonly used as an ingredi- Salinity is one of the major issues in Gulf coun- ent in food, liquor and cosmetics. Mr. Mohammed tries, including Oman. A MS thesis recently com- Ali Muhanna Al-Abdali, an undergraduate student pleted by Ms. Manar Al Toobi examined whether of the Department of Crop Sciences conducted new soil amendments such as biochar and soluble experiments to test the antifungal effect of the silica could alleviate salt stress in seedling cucum- leaf extract of M. communis against two agro- bers under growth chamber conditions. The pro- nomically important phytopathogenic fungi viz., ject was supervised by Dr. Rhonda Janke. Two ex- Pythium aphanidermatum and Alternaria alternata periments were conducted: one with high salt soil, and to isolate and characterize the antimicrobi- and the other with two levels of salt in the irrigation al compounds, as a special problem under the water. Biochar significantly increased the potas- supervision of Dr. Velazhahan Rethinasamy. The sium, phosphorus, and pH levels of the soil, and methanolic leaf extract of M. communis showed also resulted in an increase in soil organic matter, antifungal effect against P. aphanidermatum as and in water holding capacity. Biochar did not af- assessed by the poisoned food technique. The fect sap sodium levels, but significantly increased leaf extract of myrtle also showed an inhibitory sap potassium. The soluble silica increased the effect against conidial germination of A. alterna- measurable silica in the soil, and slightly reduced ta. The antifungal compound(s) in the methanol the sap content of sodium. However, the result extract of M. communis was partially purified by was not statistically significant. Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Plant yields were not significantly different in ex- (GC-MS). TLC analysis of methanolic extract of periment #1 for any of the soil amendments used, M. communis revealed the presence of a prom- but the high salt soil resulted in higher plant yield inent fluorescent spot under UV light having Rf because the soil was also richer in other nutrients. value of 0.84. The GC-MS analysis revealed the In experiment #2, the soil amendments had a sig- presence of dodecane and ethyl fluoroacetate in nificant effect, and plant biomass was significantly the fraction eluted at Rf 0.84. Further studies are greater in the biochar, the silica, and the biochar in progress to determine the role of dodecane and plus silica treatments. In the high salt treatments, ethyl fluoroacetate in the antifungal activity of M. the soil amendments resulted in the plant yields communis and their mode of action.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 43 ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI ISOLATED FROM progress to identify the antimicrobial compounds THE MEDICINAL PLANT, ZATARIA produced by these endophytic fungi and to exploit the fungal endophytes for the management of root MULTIFLORA SHOW ANTAGONISTIC rot and vine decline disease of melon. ACTIVITY AGAINST MONOSPORASCUS CANNONBALLUS TOXICITY OF COMMONLY-USED INSECTICIDES TO HONEYBEE WORKERS

Zataria multiflora is a well-known traditional medicinal plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is extensively used as a flavor ingredient in a wide variety of foods. Several medicinal properties of Z. multiflora including antiseptic, anesthetic, anti- oney bees are important pollinators and are very spasmodic, antioxidant, antibacterial and immuno- H sensitive to insecticides. Spray operations can affect modulation have been documented. Ms. Rahil Said the health of honey bees. Toxicity of two Neonicoti- Mohammed Al-Badi, an undergraduate student of noids (Thiamethoxam and Acetamiprid) and one pyre- the Department of Crop Sciences investigated the throid (Deltamethrin) to forage workers of honey bees antagonistic activity of the endophytic fungi viz., was assessed under Lab conditions by Ms. Asma Nigrospora sphaerica (E1 and E6), Subramaniula Said Ali Al Maawali with Dr Riaz Shah. Toxicity of these cristata E7 and Polycephalomyces sinensis (E8 insecticides was recorded in acute contact (a drop on and E10) isolated from Z. multiflora against Mono- thorax or using a Potter spray tower) and acute oral sporascus cannonballus, the root rot and vine toxicity (feeding) bioassays. LC50 values differed ac- decline pathogen of melon as a special problem cording to the exposure method. Thiamethoxam had under the supervision of Dr. Velazhahan Rethina- the lowest acute oral LD50 (0.331µL/mL) indicating samy. The results indicated that all the five endo- this insecticide is very toxic to bees. All of the insec- phytic fungi inhibited the growth of M. cannonbal- ticides caused 90-100% mortality in foraging worker lus in a dual culture assay. N. sphaerica E1 was the bees at the label recommended dose. most effective (81.7%), followed by P. sinensis E8 (80.6%), P. sinensis E10 (75.8%) and N. sphaerica E6 (66.1%). S. cristata E7 was the least effective, which recorded 38.7% inhibition. The culture fil- INFESTATION, DENSITY, AND ASSO- trate of endophytic fungi induced electrolyte leak- CIATED PARASITISM OF EGGS OF age from the mycelia of M. cannonballus. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the hyphae of M. DUBAS BUG FROM REPRESENTA- cannonballus at the inhibition zone revealed mor- TIVE DATE PALM ORCHARDS phological alterations in the hyphae of M. cannon- r. Abdullah Omar AlBreiki, a BSc student super- ballus including disintegration, shrinkage and loss M vised by Dr. Ali AlWahaibi completed his BSC Re- of turgidity. The crude organic extracts of endo- search Project in July 2018. His project involved phytic fungi showed inhibitory activity against M. sampling eggs of dubas bugs in leaflets and interleaf- cannonballus and produced clear inhibition zone let areas of fronds of date palms from 15 farm sites in the agar well diffusion assay. Further work is in in northern Oman. About 50% of the eggs were

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 44 found unhatched on both the leaflet and interleaf ar- (5.88%) were serologically positive. All goats and eas. A higher percentage of eggs was killed by the cattle samples were serologically negative. With internal egg parasitoid in leaflets compared to the iELISA, 3.13% (1/32) of goat samples and 5.88% interleaflet area. The incidence of the external egg (1/17) of camel samples were serologically pos- parasitoid was overall lower than the internal egg itive. The samples from the rest of the animals parasitoid and it was restricted only to the leaflets. were serologically negative. The CFT test showed seropositivity with 21.88% (7/32) in goats and 5.88% (1/17) in camels. No Brucella antibodies MOLECULAR AND IMMUNOHIS- were detected in cattle and sheep sera. In phase TOCHEMICAL STUDY OF BRU- 2, the seroprevalence was 1.95%, 4.47%, 1.06% and 18.18 % in goat, sheep, cattle and camels CELLA INFECTION respectively which was determined based on an animal being positive in both RBT and LPS-ELI- SA. In phase 3, the results showed a drop in the sero-positivity to 0% in goats and camels and to 1.01% in sheep and cattle which indicated the effectiveness of the test-and-slaughter strategy for the control and eradication of brucellosis. In addition, Brucella melitensis was isolated from a bronchial lymph node from a seropositive cow. A Biochemical test and Multiplex PCR also clearly demonstrated bands characteristic of Brucel- la melitensis. In conclusion, the present study reveals the serological profile of farm animals (sheep, goats, camel and cattle) in Saham before, during and after the human Brucellosis outbreak and subsequent control measures of the Minis- try of Agriculture and Fisheries. The sero-positiv- nder Dr. Yasmin ElTahir’s supervision, Ms Anfal U ity of the infected animals has decreased signif- Ali Abdullah Al-Farsi completed her project and icantly. Therefore, it can be concluded that the successfully defended her thesis entitled ‘Se- implemented strategy by MOAF was successful in rological, Molecular and Immunohistochemical achieving its goal in controlling the Brucella infec- study of Brucella infection in sheep, goats, camels tion in Saham. In addition, bacteriological culture and cattle from Saham, Sultanate of Oman. Her biochemical tests and multiplex PCR of a colony work is summarized as follows: The objectives of from the bronchial lymph node of a sero-positive her study were to investigate Brucella infection in cow all demonstrated bands characteristic of B. animals in Saham and were based on a cluster of melitensis. 75 human brucellosis cases that were identified during the period of May to July 2016 from the coastal area in the north of Oman, mainly in Sa- ham in the North Batinah Governorate. Several EVALUATION OF FARMING STRATEGIES patients had a past history of consuming local- IMPACT ON FEED INTAKE, DIGESTIBILITY ly-produced goat cheese. The local cheese pro- AND RUMINAL METHANE PRODUCTION ducer had over 100 goats and a cow in his farm; it was his traditional family business. The Minis- OF OMANI SHEEP try of Agriculture & Fisheries (MoAF) conducted a serological survey among the farm animals of Under Dr. Othman Alqaisi’s supervision, Ms. Fa- the cheese producer and 23 seropositive goats tima Mohammed Khalil Al-Jazmi completed her were culled. The test-and-slaughter and quaran- project and successfully defended her thesis en- tine of the suspected animals were implemented titled ‘Evaluation of Farming Strategies Impact on in the area by MoAF. Using the RBT test, phase Feed Intake, Digestibility and Ruminal Methane 1 sera collection showed one sheep out of thir- Production of Omani Sheep’. Her project is sum- ty-eight (2.63%) and one camel out of seventeen marized as follows: Sheep farming systems in the

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 45 ic matter digestibility and nutrient digestibility and had no observed effects on biochemical blood parameters or animal health. This study suggests that shearing of animals under shade and sup- plementing greater amounts of high energy feeds would lead to improving Omani black sheep sub- sistence under hot climate conditions and miti- gate their methane production.

NEW FACULTY Sultanate of Oman, similar to others in arid and semi-arid areas , are facing challenges toward improving their performance. The major challenges are feed availability, feed prices, and the Dr. Alaba Boluwade is high year-round ambient temperature. Further- an Assistant Professor more, livestock environmental aspects remain a of Hydrology & Water global and local challenge. The general objective Resources at Sultan Qa- of this work was to evaluate strategies for im- boos University, Oman proving performance of Omani black sheep. The since January, 2019. A specific objectives of this work are 1) to evaluate licensed engineer with the impact of diet concentrate and energy levels Engineers Canada and and animal shearing on feed and nutrient intakes Institution of Engineers, Australia, Dr. Alaba has and ruminal methane production of Omani black a Bachelor’s in Engineering (hydrology) and a sheep, and 2) to measure the variations in feed in- Master’s in Soil and Water Conservation Engi- take, water intake, rectal temperature, and blood neering from Nigeria; a joint Master’s in Geospa- parameters between different groups of sheared tial Technologies from the Institute of Geoinfor- and fleeced rams fed high- and low-quality diets. matics, University of Muenster, Germany and the Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the University of Juame I, Spain; and the Instituto effect of diet and shearing on nutrient and feed Superior de Estatística e Gestão de Informação intake, water intake, rectal temperature, digest- (ISEGI), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), ibility and ruminal methane production in Omani Portugal; and a Ph.D. in Bioresource Engineer- black yearling rams. ing from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Dr. Boluwade has solid post-doctoral research Results showed that the dietary increase in con- experience in global, academic and consultan- centrate level (i.e. 60%:40%, concentrate to cy settings (World Agroforestry Center, Kenya, roughage ratio) increased organic matter and NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University nutrients intake of the total diet, water intake, of Manitoba, Canada, and Postdoctoral Scientist and reduced ruminal methane production com- at Aquanty, Inc, Waterloo, Canada). Also, as a pared to the low concentrate-fed diets with 80%: former faculty lecturer, he has several years of 20% roughage to concentrate ratio. Furthermore, teaching and research experience in areas in- shearing has a significant effect on increasing or- cluding hydrology, soil and water conservation, ganic matter intake, water intake and reducing geomatics, water quality, integrated watershed the rectal temperature of animals. Most of the management, hydrologic modeling, remote variation in water intake and ruminal methane sensing and geographic information systems production are driven by the diet effect. Partial (GIS). Through these experiences, Dr. Boluwade substitution of low-quality Rhodes grass by high has had numerous successful collaborations, quality concentrate improved the total diet organ- including with the Environment and Climate

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 46 Change Canada & University of Manitoba where he helped to evaluate and improve the Canadian STAFF RETURN Precipitation Analysis System (CaPA) using satellite observations; Manitoba Agriculture & Man- itoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) In summer 2018, the de- on quantiying the impacts of perennial vs annual partment of Marine Sci- croplands in flood resilience and mitigation in the ence and Fisheries was Canadian Praries; and developing risk indicators further strengthened with for the Adaptation for the Smallholder Agriculture the return of Mr. Saleh Al Programme (ASAP) project design in Africa. Jaafari after completing his Master studies at the University of James Cook, Australia. James Cook is a world leading Universi- Dr. Elshafie Ibrahim ty in Marine and freshwater biology (#1 ranked in Elshafie joined, as an 2017). Saleh’s master degree was in Fisheries Biolo- Assistant Professor, the gy and Management. His return was welcomed and Department of Animal he taught two courses in Fall 2019, Sea World and and Veterinary Scienc- Seminar and Presentation Skills, with 134 enrolled es. He is specializing in students in both courses. Currently, he is offering two Parasitology. He was courses, Introduction to Marine and Fisheries scienc- previously working as a Senior Research Scien- es, in addition to Seminar and Presentation Skills tist at the Department of Parasitology, Central with a total of 70 students. He is looking forward to Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL), Khar- more effective contribution to the Department and toum, Sudan. Elshafie completed his Bachelor of Oman in terms of research and collaboration with Veterinary Medicine in 2003 from the Faculty of fisheries communities for fisheries sustainability. Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum. He was employed at CVRL as a research assistant in 2005. In 2006, he completed his Master’s degree FSN ASSOCIATE RESEARCHER in Tropical Animal Health from the same school RETURNS FROM PHD PROGRAM and then was promoted to a researcher at CVRL. Elshafie was rewarded a full-time PhD scholar- In November 2018, Dr. ship from the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Mohammed H Al Rizei- Program at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, qi, Associate research- University Putra Malaysia. He completed his PhD er, FSN department was in 2012 with a thesis entitled “Epidemiology of awarded for his PhD from Trypanosoma evansi infection in horses in Pen- National University of insular Malaysia and the variant surface glyco- Ireland, University Col- protein of the isolates” under the supervision of lege Dublin, Ireland. His return was welcomed by all the members of the Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rehana Sani, Dr. Reuben Shar- Department and he will be assisting courses and ma, Prof. Dr. Latiffah Hassan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. research in the FSN department. Currently, Dr. Bashir Ahmed. When he returned home in 2012, Al-Rizeiqi is offering two courses, one for FSN he was promoted to Assistant Professor at CVRL. students and the other for CAMS. He is currently From 2013 to 2016, he was appointed as an ex- acting as co-coordinator for the FSN internship patriate Assistant Professor, Department of Med- program and he is looking forward to more ac- ical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Elmergib tive collaboration with and contributions to the University, Alkhoms, Libya. His main interests department. include Parasitology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Molecular Biology.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 47

DEPARTMENTS

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES

Waleed Al-Marzooqi Associate Professor & Department Head

The Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences stands as a significant founding Depart- ments in the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences in Sultan Qaboos University since 1986. Currently, the Department is operating at full capacity towards its goals guided by its Mission and Vision. In its progress through state-of-the art programs in teaching, research and technology transfer, the Department is propelling to diversification in leading to the development of well-established programs in both the disciplines of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology.

To its pride, the Department has significantly progressed in teaching and research through the enthusiastic activity of its academic staff and qualification of Omani graduates in highly accredited universities as well as by the development of productive programs in the disciplines of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology. Furthermore, research in the Department covers areas vital to the country’s economy relevant to the improvement of animal health and numbers as well as public health, all the while in direct communication with the local Omani community.

Besides its sustained fundamental programs, the Department is complying with the guidelines for accreditation. In line with that, the Department established collaboration with international Colleges and laboratories, which has facilitated productive training of graduates and improvement of research performance in the Department; added to that is the successful progress of the Department in its postgraduate program. The Department of AVS is complying with “The Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA)” requirements and is actively preparing towards international accreditation. The Department is not wavering in its efforts to provide for a sustained success in animal health improvement which bears directly on human health in the Sultanate of Oman by offering two fundamental programs of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 51 DEPARTMENT OF CROP SCIENCES

Dr. Rhonda Janke Associate Professor & Department Head

The Department of Crop Sciences continues its strong track record of teaching and research in the areas of crop production and crop protection, with new courses now offered in landscape design and GIS (Geographical Information Systems), allowing our graduates to be even more competitive in the job market. There were 20 graduates in 2018 with a B.S. in Crop Sciences, 3 MSc graduates and 2 PhD graduates. There were 89 undergraduate students enrolled as Crop Sciences majors in the Fall of 2018. The Department offered 55 courses in 2018, with a total enrollment of 1204 students, many from other departments.

Our faculty published a total of 102 refereed journal articles, plus 6 books or book chapters and 6 articles in conference proceedings. There are a total of 16 active or recently finished grants and/or funded projects managed by the Department faculty as PI’s, plus additional grants outside of the Department with faculty as collaborators. The total funding managed by the Crop Sciences faculty is 367,674 OMR, with 129,300 OMR as completed projects, 170,300 OMR as on-going, and 41,374 OMR as newly-funded. Three faculty conducted research and field work internationally while on short-term study leave in 2018. All faculty were heavily involved in service and outreach. On the whole, our department faculty served on 12 editorial boards for journals in our scientific disciplines, participated in 12 national, regional, or international committees, sponsored or organized 6 workshops and 5 professional training events, including the first “International Conference on Frankincense and Medicinal Plants,” and the “Bright Vision for Food Security in Oman” conference. In addition, there were 8 articles in the public media (including radio), 5 public lectures, and faculty attended 19 conferences or workshops in their field and/or related to higher education.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 52 DEPARTMENT OF FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION

Dr. Ahmed Al-Alawi Associate Professor & Department Head

The Department of Food Science and Nutrition exceeded its expectation in meeting its goals. The Department continued to maintain research, teaching and outreach programs devoted to meeting the scientific and technical needs of the country. Recently, the Department renovated the Meal Plan- ning and Sensory Evaluation Lab. The lab now can accommodate five groups working at the same time which is a big change compared with two groups in the old lab. This lab is the only lab of its kind in the Sultanate. The lab with its new facilities will support the activities in the department as well as other relevant research projects that aim to develop and test new products. Despite the fact that the Food Science degree program meets the standards set by the Institute of Food Technologists (the professional society for Food Science and Technology) the Department has completed the process of program review. The Department is currently analyzing the recommendations of that process for future development. In addition, the Department is working on elevating the Human Nutrition program to a Nutrition and Dietetics program to meet the current changes in the job market. In 2018, the department offered 57 courses and taught 1133 students - 29 courses and 544 enrolments in the Fall semester and 28 courses and 589 enrolments in the on Spring semester. In research, FSN faculty and staffs continued to publish in reputable scientific journals (26), write books (3) and book chapters (11), register patents (1) and our international research reputation continued to grow through collaboration with reputed overseas universities. Outreach efforts, ranging from organizing local seminars and workshops (8th Annual Meeting of the Middle Eastern Association for Cancer Research) and (Nutritional antioxidants Therapy: A Multidimensional Perspective) and participation in local activities and educational programs to consultation (Mazoon Dairy Company) were active and productive. The Department participated as an organizer with the Ministry of Municipality and Water Wealth in the event Food Safety and Municipality Conference 2018, 9-11/4/2018. Further- more, the Department received six exchange students from Qatar University in the period 16-20 December 2018 in exchange for sending three of our students to their university in Summer 2018. The Department in total sent nine of its students for training outside the country (in Qatar, Kuwait and Malaysia). This is the first time that the Department sent nine students (=50%) of the total students for training. Dr. Essa and his team have launched a research group named “Ageing and Dementia Research Group (ADRG). This new Research group became a member of the international brain research Organization and got voting power and became a global council member of IBRO. The Department initiated a MOU between the World Innovation for Summit for Health (WISH) Qatar and SQU. The signing of the document was on 13 November 2018. The memorandum will facilitate the work between SQU researchers and their peers at Qatar Foundation. In summary, the state of the Food Science and Nutrition Department is healthy. The Department is continuing to maintain solid programs as well as being active in research and community service.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 53 DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SCIENCE AND FISHERIES

Dr. Wenresti G. Gallardo Associate Professor & Department Head

The mission of the Department of Marine Science and Fisheries is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to steward the sustainable exploitation and development of the living marine resources in the Sultanate of Oman. This teaching-related mission is accompanied by research and outreach or community service. The Department had 12 academic staff, 17 technical and research staff, 5 PhD students, 8 MSc students and 79 BSc students in 2018. The Department continued to excel in teaching, research and community service. Dr. Hussein Al-Masroori received the Best Teacher Award, Dr. Sergey Dobretsov was the Best Researcher and Dr. Alyssa Marshell was Best Young Researcher. The Department offered 20 courses in Spring 2018 and 22 in Fall 2018. The Department had 4 internal grants and 10 externally-funded projects and published 11 refereed journal papers and more in the pipeline, 13 conference papers and some media articles. The Department is very active in community service and has organized 5 conferences and workshops and 4 training courses. In particular, the Department provides a one-week training in oceanography, fisheries, marine biology and ecology, marine pollution, and integrated coastal zone management to Royal Oman Navy Cadets every year. The members of the Department serve in 21 national, regional and international committees and attended 18 conferences and workshops and 6 professional development activities.

After more than a year of preparations, the Department of Marine Science and Fisheries underwent an academic program review conducted by three external reviewers. During the visit in November 2018, the reviewers conducted meetings and interviews with the faculty, staff, students, alumni and stakeholders/employers, in addition to reviewing documents. The external reviewers pointed out strengths and weaknesses and provided recommendations that would improve the Department. In terms of program and curriculum development, the Department has prepared proposals to offer 1) a Postgraduate Diploma and 2) MSc by Thesis only, as a response to many requests by employers.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 54 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE ECONOMICS

Dr. Slim Zekri Associate Professor & Department Head

During 2018 Dr Ibtisam Al Abri joined the Department after successfully finishing her PhD at the University of Florida, USA. Her dissertation was on “Building Resilient Landscapes and Sustainable Ecosystems: Evaluating Wildfire Management Policies Using Stochastic Dynamic Optimization”. This brings the NRE Department number of Faculty to nine, four Associate professors and five Assistant professors. At the undergraduate level, 40 courses/sections were delivered to 1,130 students with an average of 28 students per section. The Intermediate Sta- tistics course was offered for the first time. The academic program was reviewed through the APR and improvements to the academic program are being implemented. The Department offers four Master courses: Development Economics; Intermediate Econometrics; International Trade and Environmental & Natural Resource Economics. Three PhD students graduated from the Department as the first batch of our recently started PhD program in September 2014. Seven PhD students and three Master students are pursuing their studies at the Department. A short course on Experimental Economics was offered to postgraduate students on Decem- ber 9-13th, 2018 by Dr Faical Akaishi from Scotland’s Rural College, UK to strengthen the students’ skills in quantitative methods.

The faculty is involved in several multidisciplinary research projects funded both by the university’s internal grants as well as external funding and international collaboration. As a result sixteen publications in refereed journals were produced plus twenty one book chapters/papers/ abstracts presented to conferences locally and internationally. The Department has provided services to the community in one project with the Supreme Council of Planning as well as collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO on a study of producers’ organizations. Several news articles in the SQU press and local media to reach the community have been presented on topics related to water governance, fish marketing and conservation of turtles and eco-tourism. The Department is working on improving the quality of teaching, better preparation of the graduates for the job market requirements and addressing research topics that are of great importance for the community that touches the optimal use of renewable natural resources and food security.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 55 DEPARTMENT OF SOILS, WATER AND AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

Dr. Hemanatha P.W. Jayasuriya Associate Professor & Department Head

The Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering (SWAE) performed excellently as usual in all three performance evaluation indicators; Teaching and Learning, Scholarly activities, and Services based on the statistics for the year 2018. Three department faculty were promoted, one from Associate to Full Professor, and two others from Assistant. to Associate Professor with ranks effective from November 2018. Two long-serving faculty members, Drs. Hayder Abdel Rahman and Salim Al Rawahi retired in 2018 after serving for over 30 years for the department. Dr. Alaba Boluwade (PhD. McGill) was chosen as the replacement for Dr. Hayder and for the Soil Science faculty, the recruitment process is underway. All three programs of SWAE have completed the APR process, and the implementation of most reviewer recommendations. The Soil Sciences and Water Technology programs are expecting to submit the self- study reports of German Accreditation (ASIIN) in March 2019. The Department is in contact with the advisory boards on various program-improvement related work. Two Program Advisory Boards (Agricultural Engineering; Joint Board for Soil Sciences and Water Technology) completed two meetings each and very fruitful initiatives have been developed in improving (1) academic programs satisfying the employer and country needs, (2) the effectiveness of internship programs, (3) the employability of graduates and visibility of programs, and (4) postgraduate programs.

Four faculty members served in administrative positions as HoD, ADPSR, and Directors of AES and GIS Center. In 2018, the Department offered 58 sections of undergraduate courses, 4 sections of Univer- sity Electives, 2 sections of College Courses and 7 graduate courses with the average faculty course load well above 2 per semester. Following recommendations by APR Reviewers, Advisory Boards, and requests from students, the Department introduced 2 new undergraduate courses and 3 new postgraduate courses. Three MSc and 4 PhD students completed degrees in 2018, while 3 PhD and 8 MSc students are in the process of doing so. Eight undergraduate students were sent for externship to Turkey, and 5 postgraduate students had research-related visits to Morocco, the Netherlands and Germany. In scholarly activities, the Department maintained excellent publication records and professional contributions. There were 38 international and 19 local research collaborations. Faculty and staff had 11 externally-funded projects including 3 strategic projects (2 TRC and 1 HMTF), 12 IG projects and 5 non-funded projects. In community services, Departmental faculty and staff were involved in organizing workshops (10), and served in National, Regional and International committees (20). As usual, the De- partment observed World Water Day and International Soil Day with outreach activities, workshops and exhibitions. There were challenges in terms of equipment update and upgrade in the laboratories and training for staff with new technologies. which were also recommended by the APR Reviewers. However, these tasks could not be fully addressed due to financial constraints. Overall, the work progress and achievements by the Department was highly satisfactory in 2018. The Department of SWAE would like to sincerely acknowledge the cooperation and support rendered by the SQU administration, the CAMS Dean, Assistant Deans and CAMS Administrative staff.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 56 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 57

OUTREACH ANNUAL REPORT 2018 60 ASSISTANT DEAN FOR TRAINING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Omar Al-Jabri, Ph.D Assistant Dean (TCS)

The Assistant Dean for Training and Community Services Of- fice (ADTCS) is responsible for all activities not related directly to research and teaching at the College. The Office staff is represented by Dr. Omar Al-Jabri, ADCTS and Ms. Huda Al-Busaidi. Our office tries its best to assist and facilitate these activities. We also take care of our students’ extra curricular activities and support them in their events. The office also collaborates with all units at the College level as well at SQU level. The Office also facilitates and coordinates with all CAMS Departments to conduct various activities such as workshops, symposiums, and conferences. During 2018, 5 workshops and 1 Conference were organized by CAMS Departments and facilitated by ADTCS. Many other activities were organized, such as the Annual Sports Day held on 4th April 2018, and celebration of the 48th National Day on 19th November 2018.

The ADTCS is also responsible and supervises students’ societies and groups. There are 2 main societies which are under ADTCS supervision, there are CAMS Students Society and SQU Cavalry. There are 6 groups under CAMS Students Society. Many activities were organized and supervised by ADTCS including the Cavalry Festival, Water Day event, Tree Day event Food Day event and Marine Exhibition. The Office is also responsible for student’s internship program as well as staff training. In 2018, 232 students were trained locally, in addition to 26 students who trained offshore. Additionally, the ADTCS Office facilitates hosting trainees from out of SQU. In 2018, 6 students from the United Arab Emirates University trained in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. The ADTCS Office also arranged to train 4 students from Technical Colleges. Furthermore, 26 CAMS Staff were trained locally and 3 staff were trained abroad. The ADTCS Office’s role to integrate with society includes facilitating school visits to the College. 6 schools visited the College in 2018. Also, members from the Air Defense course of the Constituent Officers visited on 6th December 2018. We do our utmost effort to have CAMS as a major player and contributor to Oman and its society.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 61 es ranging from, enhancing access to and man- OUTREACH agement of natural resources, accessing input and output markets, improving access to infor- WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION mation and knowledge and facilitating small producers’ participation in policy-making. In Oman, (WTO) FORUM 2018 collective organizations such as the Aflaj farmers’ associations (water user associations) and sunan al-bahar (sea laws) fisheries associations, have had matured and sophisticated internal function- ing mechanisms and have provided effective services to their members. In the modern context, the Oman Farmers’ Association, the first legally registered farmers’ association, has shown to be exemplary in performance, in providing services to its members and improving national agricultural production. The experience of Oman Farmers’ Association is being now pursued for replication The Public Forum is the WTO’s largest annual in forming similar farmers’ associations in other outreach event. It provides a unique platform for regions of Oman. The study concluded that the heads of states, parliamentarians, leading glob- current policy drive to develop commercial and al business people, students, academics and sustainable agriculture provides opportunities for non-governmental organizations to come togeth- the strengthening of efficient farmer and fisheries er and debate on a wide range of WTO issues. organizations. The current legal framework does The 2018 WTO forum looked at how technology is not allow the development of organizations based transforming the way we trade and what sustain- on profit seeking economic activities. This needs able trade will look like in 2030 and beyond. Dr. reform. Oman could be guided by international Boughanmi attended the forum and participated experiences and best practices from around the in a special session entitled: Adapting to the digi- world for the development of efficient farmer and tal trade era: challenges and opportunities - WTO fisheries organization. An enabling environment chairs program session. in the form a policy-legal-institutional framework including economic incentives and a government led program to support these organizations would be beneficial. A pilot project to strength- STRENGTHENING NATIONAL en the capacities of existing associations and CAPACITIES OF PRODUCER the formation of new associations would benefit ORGANIZATIONS IN THE Oman in contributing to agricultural, fisheries and rural development. SULTANATE OF OMAN With the collaboration of the Food and Agri- cultural Organization (FAO) and the Ministry of COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND Agriculture and Fisheries Wealth, the Depart- CONTRIBUTION ment of Natural Resource Economics completed a comprehensive study examining the potential Dr. Tarig Gibreel participated as rapporteur for a pa- to strengthen the capacities of farmers, fisheries per presented by Dr. Rashid Al-Yahyai on the strate- and women’s associations in Oman. The study gies to improve date palm production and enhance date quality in the Sultanate of Oman in the Joint was conducted by Dr. Slim Zekri, Dr. Tarig Gibreel Workshop organized by UNCTAD and CAMS for Date and Dr. Hemesiri Kotagama, along with Dr. Noora Farmers and Stakeholders (Processors and Export- Ourabah Haddad and Dr Mariagrazia Rocchigiani ers) March 19 to 21, 2018 at Sultan Qaboos Universi- and Mrs. Hasna Al-Harthy of the FAO. ty, Muscat, Oman. Dr. Tarig Gibreel was a co-principal investigator of a project with reference number TCP/ Innovative small-producer organizations and insti- RAB/3603 – which started in May 1st 2017 and was tutional arrangements provide an array of servic- completed on 31st December 2018.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 62 JOINT NATIONAL /INTERNATIONAL Sidab port area. A report in Arabic was provided COOPERATION explaining the expected cause of the bloom and how to respond to it as well as future recommendations. He also trained students from the Cale- donian Technical College, Sohar University and the Technical College of Muscat on algal growth, maintenance as well as identification and showed an immediate response to local media on the HAB issue that occurred in the Muscat coastal area during 2018.

CAMS RESEARCH GROUP BECOME Dr. Khalid Al-Hashmi from the Marine Science and GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBER Fisheries Department (MSF) worked together on a IN INTERNATIONAL BRAIN joint project entitled “New bioprospecting of mi- RESEARCH ORGANIZATION croalgae and cyanobacteria from extreme habitats for Noble compound of commercial interest” with The Ageing and Dementia Research Group College of Science, SQU, Higher College of Tech- (ADRG), CAMS, the registered research group from nology in Oman and Durban University of Tech- SQU, received the membership from one of the nology, South Africa. The project’s main objective leading organizations named “International Brain is screening for hyper-lipid producing strains of Research Organization – IBRO”. ADRG also got microalgae for nutraceutical and biodiesel conver- the membership in the Governing Council of IBRO sion and characterization of biodiesel. and it will have voting power for any decisions tak- en by IBRO. This is one of the great achievements of a small research group in SQU and this is the first research group in Oman and SQU to be part of an international organization like IBRO. (http:// LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL ibro.org/member-organizations-by-region/) Already, COLLABORATIVE WORK BY Dr. Essa is serving in the executive committee of ENTOMOLOGY LAB IBRO-MENA regional committee. (http://ibro.info/ about/regional-committees/mena2/) ADRG is a Dr. Ali AlWahaibi and Mr. Ali Al Raeesi continued group of academics working to increase aware- collaborative work on OAPGRC’s (Oman Animal ness of devastating brain diseases and to find the and Plant Genetic Resources Center) capacity exact mechanism, cause and possible delay or building project on the Arthropods Gene Bank. A cure or early prevention of Dementia and Alzheim- er’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Traumatic Brain meeting was held with OAPGRC staff and other injury, Huntington’s disease, ADHD and Autism. collaborators in April 2018 planning for work ex- The ADRG’s main aim is to train young Omanis pected to start in 2019. A PhD student from Saudi in this area of research and teach them the latest Arabia working on taxonomy of leafhoppers and cutting edge technologies in the area of nutritional two scientists from the UK and Italy working on neuroscience. This group is led by Dr. Mohamed insect fauna of Oman visited the entomology lab. Essa, Associate Professor and co-led by Prof. Samir Al-Adawi, SQU. Moreover, Dr. Abdullah Al-Asmi from Neuro unit, Department of Medicine, COMMUNITY SERVICES SQU and Dr. Lyutha Al-Subhi from FSN, SQU. are also part of the group of researches. This group Dr. Khalid Al-Hashmi was involved in different was started in 2011 and till now ADRG has pub- activities where he applied his experience in as- lished almost 50 papers, 7 books, 5 conferences, 2 walkathons and every year World Alzheimer’s sessments of water quality and macro-algae com- Day has been publicized since September 2012. munity of Sidab Port at a request from the fishing The members of ADRG also trained Masters and community due to massive macro algal blooms in PhD students in this area of research.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 63 FSN DEPARTMENT SIGNED MOU looking at the life cycles of diapausing copepods, in the Arabian Sea, Masirah Island. This also includes WITH WORLD INNOVATION phytoplankton work every summer monsoon plus SUMMIT FOR HEALTH (WISH) OF physical parameters that link the diapausing periods QATAR FOUNDATION of copopeds with other biological and physical parameters. Ten years of field work has been completed. Preliminary results suggest the SW Monsoon is lasting longer and copepods are responding.

COMPLETION OF SQU-QATAR MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT PROJECT COMPLETION

Professor Osman Mahgoub Gaafar completed a research project enti- he Food Science and Nutrition department T tled “Effect of feed- signed an MOU with World Innovation Summit for ing palm fronds and Health (WISH) of Qatar Foundation on November 13, 2018 at WISH’s summit in Doha, Qatar. The date waste on the signing ceremony took place during the world productive and re- summit of WISH 2018 in Doha, Qatar. The dele- productive perfor- gation of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), headed mance of Awassi sheep” with the Qatar Ministry by Sayyida Dr Mona bint Fahd al Said, Assistant of Environment. Vice-Chancellor of SQU for External Cooperation, Prof. Amer Ali Al-Rawas, the Deputy Vice-Chan- cellor for Academic Affairs and Community Ser- vice, and international cooperation office members of SQU were also present along with Dr. Mohamed CONFERENCES & Essa (FSN department representative). From the WISH side, Ms. Sultana Afdhal (CEO-WISH) and WORKSHOP Dr. Walid M. Qoronfleh, along with some other members of WISH, were present. The main aim of ECOMOD 2018 CONFERENCE this MOU between WISH - Qatar Foundation and Sultan Qaboos University is to create joint cooperation between the two parties and explore opportunities for future cooperation in areas of mutual interest related to research and health care policy to strengthen research cooperation based on principles of equality, reciprocity and mutual respect.

COLLABORATION BETWEEN MSF Dr. Boughanmi attended the international conference AND ROSENSTIEL SCHOOL OF MARINE on economic modeling (ECOMOD2018) on July 4-6 AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE 2018 which took place in Venice Italy. The conference was hosted by the Department of Economics, Univer- DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN SCIENCES, sità Ca’ Foscari Venezia. Dr. Boughanmi presented UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, USA a paper on the “Welfare and distributional effects of the energy subsidy reform in the GCC countries: The Dr. Khalid Al-Hashmi is working with Prof Sharon case of Sultanate of Oman”. The conference focused Smith from University of Miami, USA. They have been on the use of CGE modeling and other quantitative

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 64 techniques in trade and policy analysis. Further de- section of the GULF3 conference. He addressed tails at (https://editorialexpress.com/conference/ECO- the issue of algal bloom development in the Sea MOD2018/program/ECOMOD2018.html) of Oman and the Arabian Gulf. A comprehensive study of seasonal variations of these blooms is coordinated in the frame of a joint project funded A JOINT WORKSHOP BY UNCTAD by SQU and UAEU.

AND CAMS FOR DATES FARMERS In carrying out this project, Dr. Sergey Piontkovski AND STAKEHOLDERS MARCH 19 (SQU) and Dr. Waleed Hamza (UAEU) apprised TO 21, 2018 AT SQU the assembly of historical data on 24 environmental characteristics (including solar radiation, atmospheric temperature, wind, aerosols, surface currents, temperature, salinity, concentration of dissolved oxygen, nutrients, phytoplankton, zoo- plankton, fish larvae abundance, small and large pelagic fish catches). In order to estimate magnitudes of seasonal changes, over 2000 vertical profiles of temperature casts featuring the past two decades, were retrieved from the archives of national and international oceanographic ex- peditions to the region. In analyzing physical-biological interactions, the scientists emphasized the role of wind-driven surface currents markedly affecting the development of algal blooms.

Dr. Msafiri Daudi Mbaga organized a joint Internation- al Workshop (UNCTAD and CAMS) for Dates Farmers and Stakeholders (Processors and Exporters) March 19 to 21, 2018 at Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. The organizing committee of the workshop was comprised of Dr. Omar Al-Jabri, ADTCS – CAMS, Mr. Mohammed Sulaiman Al-Shabibi, (NRE PhD student being supervised by Dr. Mbaga), Ms. Amani Thu- waini Al-Alawi, NRE – CAMS, Ms. Aneesa Sulaiman Research teams have focused on detailed stud- Said AL Jahwari, Dean’s Office – CAMS, and Ms. ies of the relationship between the characteristics Huda Said Al-Busaidi, ADTCS. In the two-day event, of the wind field, energy of surface currents and twenty (20) papers were presented under the following three (3) themes: Theme 1: Improving Dates Qual- magnitudes of algal blooms driving oxygen deple- ity; Theme 2: Processing Techniques and Packaging; tions and fish kill incidents. and Theme 3: Marketing and Export. More than 90 people attended the two-days event at SQU CAMS. At the end, the workshop came up with 6 recommendations to improve the date industry in Oman. RED LIST TRAINING AND ASSESS- MENT WORKSHOP THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE Dr. Anesh Govender, Dr. Aisha AmbuAli, Mr. SCIENCE AND FISHERIES AND THE Farid Al-Abdali, Mr. Abdullah Al- Al-Kindi and Mr. Bader Al-Buwaiqi, from the Department of Ma- GULF 3 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE rine Science and Fisheries (MSF) participated in Dr. Sergey Piontkovski was invited to act as a the Red List training and assessment workshop keynote speaker chairing the Gulf Coastal Ecology in Muscat from June 25-29th 2018. This work-

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 65 test the new equipment and learn how to practical- ly use the sonar to conduct sea-floor surveys in the field, and Day 3 focused on learning how to use the customized software to analyze the side-scan sonar data. Side-scan sonars emit pulses down toward the sea-floor across a wide-angle while being towed from a boat. The sonar records the intensity of the acoustic reflections of the pulses from the sea-floor. When stitched together along the direction of motion, this data forms an image of the sea bottom within shop was convened by the IUCN Marine Biodi- the coverage width of the pulse beam. Side-scan so- versity Unit – Global Marine Species Assessment, nar is used to conduct surveys of the sea-floor, and which is a global project headquartered at Old in conjunction with sea-floor samples, it provides an Dominion University in the United States and understanding of the different types of materials and overseen by the Species Survival Commission of textures of the seabed. Side-scan sonar imagery is the International Union for Conservation of Nature also a commonly used tool to detect obstructions on (IUCN). The main objectives of this workshop was the seafloor that may be hazardous to shipping, or to conduct a Red List of Marine Bony Fishes of for sea-floor installations by the oil and gas industry. the Western Indian Ocean which will inform fu- Additionally, the status of pipelines and cables on the ture conservation planning priorities and provide seafloor can be investigated using side-scan sonar. a training opportunity for Omani and other marine Side-scan data are recorded along with GPS and scientists to learn and apply the Red List method- depth data, which provides a picture of the structure ology. This will build capacity for species conser- of the seabed. Side-scan sonar can also be used for vation and awareness. Results of this workshop fisheries research, dredging operations and environ- provided making risk assessments for marine bi- mental studies. odiversity conservation throughout the region and will be made globally and publicly available on the IUCN Red List (http://www.iucnredlist.org).

MSF WORKSHOP ON USING A SIDE-SCAN SONAR TO MAP THE SEA-FLOOR

The Department of Marine Science and Fisheries The MSF department plans to use the side scan so- (MSF) hosted a workshop from December 17 – 19th nar to map the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries 2018, to teach MSF Faculty and Staff how to use a artificial reef sites in the Al Batinah region. These side side-scan sonar (SSS) to create effective images of scan sonar maps of the artificial reef sites will help large areas of the sea-floor. to assess the contribution of the sites to enhancing The workshop was organized by Dr. Alyssa Marshell fisheries productivity in the region. The MSF project (MSF) with funding graciously received from His Maj- is generously funded by His Majesty’s Trust Fund esty’s Trust Fund (HMTF) Strategic Grants to purchase (HMTF) Strategic Grants. the new side-scan sonar equipment from Deep Vison Sonar Systems (deepvison.se). The owner of Deep Vision, Mr. Uffe Langstrom, with assistance from a MSF COLLABORATIVE INTERNA- SSS expert, Dr. Kaveh Samimi-Namin (Naturalis Bi- TIONAL WORKSHOP ON INNOVATIVE odiversity Center, Netherlands), taught MSF Faculty MARINE MANAGEMENT AND and Staff how to effectively use the side-scan- so nar. Day 1 of the workshop provided an introduction MONITORING METHODS and background on how the sonar works, Day 2 was The Department of Marine Science and Fisheries spent on the MSF Department boat, Al Jamiah, to (MSF) hosted a collaborative international work-

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 66 shop on innovative marine management tech- international researchers and organizations. It is niques on December 4th and 5th 2018. There hoped that the reciprocal sharing of knowledge were over 50 participants and presenters, includ- in these scientific fields will promote future col- ing local representatives from the CAMS Faculty, laborations, and also lead to better monitoring Staff and students, Ministry of Environment and and protection of important marine habitats in the Climate Affairs (MECA), Ministry of Agriculture face of increasing local and global impacts, such and Fisheries Wealth (MAFW), Oman Animal and as pollution, overfishing, coastal development Plant Genetics Resources Center (OAPGRC), and climate change. Oman Natural History Museum (ONHM), and the Environmental Society of Oman (ESO). The workshop was organized by Dr. Alyssa Marshell (MSF) and Dr. Joseph DiBattista (Australian Museum) FSN WORKSHOP ON ANTI- OXIDANT with funding graciously received from the Aus- THERAPY AND TREATMENT tralian Government Department of Foreign Affairs OF CHRONIC DISEASES and Trading (DFAT), Council of Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR).

The Department of Food Science and Nutrition of the College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences The aim of the workshop was to address and at Sultan Qaboos University organized a one-day highlight Arabian and Australian marine manage- workshop on “Anti-oxidants therapy and Treat- ment needs, and broaden relationships between ment of Chronic Diseases” at the Faculty Club the countries and local organizations via an ex- Hall on 24 April 2018. This workshop aimed to change of information on real world applications create an awareness of prevention and initial of new technologies and innovative marine mon- screening of human chronic diseases and to up- itoring approaches based on “genomic toolkits” date researchers and clinical staff about new re- and monitoring of environmental DNA (eDNA). The search findings regarding antioxidant therapy and first day of the workshop focused on the “Natural dietary intervention strategies that will enhance History of the Omani Coast”, with presentations Oman’s research base to reduce the increasing from the MSF Faculty on Oman’s diverse marine financial burden of chronic disease treatment. environments, and overviews of the MECA, OAG- Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ahmed Al Alawi, PRC, and ONHM research programs highlighted. Head of the Department said that the Food Sci- The second day focused on “Advances in Marine ence & Nutrition Department at SQU has been Monitoring Technologies”, with a particular focus extensively involved in the field of cancer re- on genetic/genomic applications in Oman and search for the past three years and our faculty Australia. Presenters on the second day came (researchers and graduate students) have devel- from a wide range of international institutions, oped a network with partners at the SQU hospital including the Australian Museum, King Abdullah and with health professionals at the Ministry of University of Science and Technology (Saudi Ara- Health. Dr. Mostafa Waly, Chair of the Workshop bia), New York University Abu Dhabi, Chabahar Organizing Committee, said that the workshop Maritime University (Iran), Curtin University (West- has three unique features that makes it distinc- ern Australia), and University of New England tive. It covers the latest information in the field of (New South Wales, Australia). The workshop fa- nutrition and human chronic diseases, provides a cilitated important discussions among local and comprehensive link between dietary antioxidants

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 67 and disease therapy, and combines basic science types of cancers, bioactive components and natu- approaches with clinical practice. The workshop ral therapeutic agents in cancer prevention, dietary featured 14 speakers from different disciplines, supplements and cancer risk, dietary modulation who covered a broad range of topics in relation of the microbiome and cancer risk, nutrition after to cancer prevention such as Antioxidants, Func- cancer diagnosis, dietary patterns and cancer and tional Foods, Natural Therapeutic Agents, Dietary Eenergy balance and finally, obesity and physical Supplements, and Nutrition after Cancer Diag- activity–emerging concepts and strategies for in- nosis. The workshop activity also discussed the tervention. emerging concepts for human chronic disease etiology and lifestyle modifications. The outcomes of this event were to increase knowledge and awareness in the Omani community about different types of cancer as well as preventive measures. Also, the meeting highlighted COLLABORATION WITH THE MIDDLE the importance of early diagnosis and early man- EASTERN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER agement as an effective intervention to minimize RESEARCH AND COLLEGE OF cancer risk and incidence. The focal persons for this meeting were Professor Ala-Eddin Al Moustafa MEDICINE OF QATAR (College of Medicine, Qatar University) and Dr. Mo- stafa Waly (Department of Food Science and Nutri- tion, CAMS, Sultan Qaboos University).

FOOD SAFETY AND MUNICIPALITY CONFERENCE 2018 Dr. Ismail Mohamed Al Bulushi from the Depart- ment of Food Science and Nutrition chaired the Scientific Committee of Food Safety and Munic- nder the patronage of the Dean of the College, U ipality Conference 2018 which was organized Dr. Abdullah Al Saadi, the Food Science and Nu- by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and trition Department at Sultan Qaboos University, in Water Resources and held on 9-11 April, 2018. collaboration with the Middle Eastern Association In food safety field, the conference included 4 for Cancer Research and the College Medicine at main themes which focused on the food safety Qatar University, organized the 8th Annual Meet- strategies, emerging risks, and media and nov- ing of the Middle-Eastern Association for Cancer el technologies in Food Safety. The Conference Research (MEACR) that was held on Saturday & which attracted 32 local and international speak- Sunday (December 8-9, 2018). The MEACR organ- ers was attended by more than 600 participants izes an annual meeting in a different Middle East- from Oman and overseas in areas such as food ern Country and this year, Oman was solicited to inspection, food analysis. Students also attented host this important clinical cancer meeting. In brief, the conference. the meeting addressed the basic understanding of cancer, its risk factors, preventive measures, and possible treatments currently available in the world and the Middle Eastern Region, including WORKSHOP ADDRESSES WHITEFLY Oman. The meeting combined basic science approaches with clinical practice in cancer preven- MANAGEMENT IN TOMATO tion. Eighteen international speakers and thirteen DISEASE IN OMAN Omani experts presented talks about the following themes: mechanisms and biomarkers in the The department of crop sciences, organized a pathogenesis of cancer, oxidative stress and can- one day workshop on “The Role of Whitefly in To- cer prevention, medical aspects (Etiology, therapy mato Disease Transmission and its Management in and survivorship) in the development of different Oman”. The participants of the workshop were in-

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 68 vited from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC Royal Court Affairs and SQU. The organizer of the FARMING IN OMAN workshop, Dr. Shahid, gave a brief background of the workshop and highlighted the importance of the event followed by Dr. Mumtaz Khan, and formally welcomed the guests. The keynote speaker, Dr. Rob W. Briddon gave a talk on the Whitefly-Plant-Virus interaction. He also highlighted the role of Asia II 1 biotype that is efficiently transmitting cotton leaf curl disease in major cotton-growing countries as an example. Dr. Ali AlWahaibi delivered a detailed talk on whiteflies, covering their general biology, importance as vectors, and local and international Dr. Rhonda Janke organized and hosted an experiments involving different methods of whitefly evening workshop “Introduction to Organic Farm- management. Dr. Riaz Shah, Assistant Professor, ing in Oman,” on 18 April, attended by many gave a comprehensive presentation on insecticide farmers, gardeners and students. In the spring of resistance in whitefly in Oman. He discussed the 2019, a follow-up event is planned as an all-day importance of insecticide resistance in whitefly and weekend event at the AES to include a tour of the different biotypes in viral transmission. His prelim- organic fruit and vegetables in the long-term ex- inary results showed certain levels of resistance periments. against pyrethroids and neonicotinoids commonly used in Oman against whitefly in tomato. Dr. Shafiq (postdoctoral fellow) delivered a talk on the potential strategy that can be adopted to produce resistance HONEYBEE WORKSHOP in different vegetable plants against whitefly using Dr. Ali AlWahaibi organized, in cooperation with modern biotechnology. He explained his previous the Plant Science Group, a one day “Honeybee findings as an example to cope with this widely up- Workshop” on March 31, 2018 at AES, CAMS. He setting insect vector. Miss Salma Al-Mabsli (Masters presented lectures and supervised practical ses- student) also contributed by delivering a talk in the sions of the Workshop. Participants from the local workshop. Overall, the workshop covered basic to community and SQU experienced working with advanced aspects related to whitefly which targeted live honeybees at the AES Apiary and learned fun- participants from MAF, RCA and SQU with differing damental information and essential skills related to apiculture. backgrounds. Both younger and experienced individuals, including fresh graduates from SQU, learnt a lot thorough discussions during the question and answer sessions as well as in the open discussion SHOWCASE OF THE CAMS PATENT session. Dr. Nasser Al Habsi and Prof Shafuir Rahman presented the development of a value-added crystallized date-set-syrup, which received a US patent, in the 4th Science and Technology Exchange Program (STEP) in Islamic Countries. This conference which was organized by Sultan Qaboos University, in association with Mustafa Science & Technology Foundation, Iran, commenced on 2 December 2018 at SQU under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, Chairman of the Public Authority for Radio and Televi- sion. The event focused on the theme “Health, Energy

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 69 the Department of Food Science (FSN). Current- ly, the Department is planning to sign a letter of intent between the two universities in the fields of in collaborative research and training.

QATAR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS VISIT TO FSN DEPARTMENT and Water: Current and Future Status”. The program sessions reviewed the existing challenges, predicted future developments and provided solutions in the vital sectors of health, energy and water. The three-day exhibition was conducted where industries and Islam- ic countries’ representatives displayed their innovative products and processes.

FSN started a collaboration program with Qatar University to facilitate student exchange expertise VISITORS in the area of Food Sciences and Human Nutrition. 6-students from Qatar University completed their ACADEMIC VISITED UNIVERSITY externship program in FSN during the period 16- 21 December 2018. The program included several OF WARMIA, OLSZTYN, POLAND activities that ranged from demonstration of highly sophisticated equipment at the College to different workshops in Food Sciences and Human Nutrition. In their externship, the students were exposed to dairy plant facilities, milk processing, quality and process control management, Differential Scan- ning Colorimetric Method DSC, Vitec-2 Compact VITEC-2 COMPACT, Analysis using GCMS, HPLC Analysis, FTIR Analysis, and Remote Sensing. The students took a tour of different laboratories within CAMS, some research centers and the main SQU Student’s Service Center. The students also partici- Prof. Shafiur Rahman visited the University pated in two major workshops designed for the visit. of Warmia, Poland as part of the SQU-UAEU Those were Role of Dieticians in AlNahda Hospital collaborative research to explore the potential by Dr Eiman AlHinai, and Role of Dieticians in Royal research facilities. He was exposed to a pilot Oman Police, ROP Hospital by Nahla AlAnqoudi. hyperspectral imaging technique for automatic The externship program also included a meeting classification of grain, and advanced modeling with the Dean of College of Agricultural and Marine software to be used in the e-nose signal and Sciences (CAMS), Dr Abdullah AlSaadi, to facilitate classification of food products based on aroma. the future collaboration between the two institutes in student exchange programs. At the end of the He also presented a seminar “Applications of program, the students had the opportunity to visit the Macro-Micro Region Concepts in the State the Centre of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology Diagram in Optimizing Drying and Freezing Pro- and the Remote Sensing Laboratory at the College cesses and Foods’ Stability during Storage”. of Engineering. Overall, the program was success- In January 2018, Dr. Magdalena Zielinska, De- ful and highlighted the importance of student ex- partment of Systems Engineering, University of change programs in different fields including food Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland also visited sciences and nutrition.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 70 THE SULTAN’S SCHOOL STUDENTS VISIT TO FSN DEPARTMENT STAFF AND STUDENT TRAINING

MSF FACULTY AND STAFF SCUBA DIVING TRAINING

Dr. Alyssa Marshell from the Department of Marine Science and Fisheries (MSF), who is a PADI SCUBA Instructor, conducted PADI (Professional Association On May 1st, 2018, Dr. Mostafa Waly and Mrs. Farha Al-Naabi from the FSN department supervised. The Sultan’s School visit to the Human Nutrition Lab at CAMS. The visit was an extra- curricular activity for the International Baccalau- reate Diploma students (Year 12 & Year 13). The FSN staff provided a comprehensive and creative program for 23 students and the activities ranged from lab skills presentation by Mrs. Buthaina Al Balushi to lab equipment demonstrations by both Mrs. Raya Al Malki and Mrs. Smitha Padmanab- of Diving Instructors) SCUBA diving courses for MSF han. The visit program was well-received by The Faculty and Staff in 2018. MSF Faculty and Staff Sultan’s School administration and a formal letter completed their Advanced and Rescue Diver cours- was sent by Mr. Ian Kaul (Director of Science at es. The Advanced course included learning about The Sultan’s School) acknowledging the hospital- deep diving, underwater navigation and search and ity and support of the FSN Department at CAMS. rescue, as well as wreck diving. The course dives were conducted at Fahal Island, Cat Island and Ban- dar Khayran. The Rescue Diver course involved the participants completing a First Aid Course, complet- CONSULTING FOR HYDROPON- ing classroom theory and a final exam on dive Res- ICS FARM cue principles, and practicing ten different Rescue Scenarios from the MSF boat at Cat Island. Com- pleting these courses has increased the safety and knowledge of our dive teams when conducting research fieldwork in the future.

VACCINATION PROGRAM Students from the Veterinary Technology Program, AVS Department were involved in the Strategic Ani- The Modern Technical of Agriculture Hydroponics mal Vaccination Program of the Ministry of Agriculture Farm Al-Barka approached Dr. Mumtaz Khan for and Fisheries (MAF). Twelve students had hands-on their hydroponics crop related problems. He visited training and contributed in the vaccination of over 900 the farm and found issues with the selection of prop- animals (Goats, sheep and cattle) against Foot and er nutrient solutions and crop variety (lettuce). Their Mouth Disease (FMD), Clostridial diseases, Peste des problems were identified and the farm management petits ruminants (PPR) and Pox virus over a period was abused of the possible solutions to improve of 2 days. The training was part of the Diseases of Large Animals (ANVS4112) course instructed by Dr. crop performance in hydroponics systems.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 71 pany. The Department also sent Ms. Noor Al-Huda Mohammed Al-Hattali for externship in Sri Lanka at the University of Peradeniya. University of Peradeniya is a leading university in Sri Lanka and the Faculty of Agriculture strives for excellence in education, research and outreach in the agriculture sector for sustainable development. Under the training program she attended lectures on procurement practices, Natural Resource Management, cost-benefit analysis, economic impacts of biodiversity, and on the role Haytham Ali. AVS students gained knowledge in the of Agricultural institutions in Sri Lanka. She visited a different types of vaccines (preparation, handling, and number of agricultural farms and Research Centers. administration), animal handling, use and importance Dr Ibtisam Al Abri is taking over the coordination of of personal protective equipment and communicating Internship training for NRE and will be responsible for with livestock owners. A field veterinarian (Dr. Ibrahim it in the coming years. Salah) and his assistant (Mr. Malek) from MAF shared their experiences and made sure that the student were adequately trained during the field trip. INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR FSN STUDENTS STUDENT INTERNSHIP TRAINING AT THE DEPARTMENT OF NRE

The internship program for Food Sciences students 2017/18 started on Sunday 24th of June, The Student Internship training at the Department 2018. The program allowed 18 graduating students of NRE is coordinated by Dr. Msafiri Mbaga. One of to transfer their learning methods into real life expe- the major aims of the educational program at Natural rience. 8 of the students (45%) were sent overseas Resource Economics is to prepare our undergrad- to research centers in Malaysia (Asia Food Valida- uates for productive working lives after graduation. tion Centre), Kuwait (Kuwait Institute of Scientific The internship program makes an important con- Research) and Qatar (Qatar University, Food Cen- tribution towards achieving this aim. To insure that tral Lab) for a period of one month. The remaining the students receive the appropriate training, NRE 10 students had their internships locally in 3 differ- sends its students to government agencies and ent host placements out of 13 different working well-known firms locally and internationally. Twenty placements. These were different food industries students from the Department of Natural Resource for three weeks, governmental institutions for three Economics (NRE) went for their internship training to weeks and quality safety inspection placements for local public and private institutions such as: Ministry 2 more weeks. All the students completed the in- of Agriculture and Fisheries, HAYA Water, OMANTEL, ternship program on Thursday 17th August, 2018. Bank Muscat, Daleel Petroleum Company, Tadrous To sum up, the internship program went smoothly. Trade and Contracting, Bank Dhofar, Be’ah Compa- All students presented their experiences during the ny, Sohar Aluminum Company, Royal Court Affairs, program in CAMS, displayed good communica- Diwan of Royal Court, Oman Botanical Garden Nurs- tion skills and proved themselves good candidates ery, Public Authority for Consumer Protection, Oman to lead the future of food production, quality and Development Bank, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of safety in Oman. The internship program for Food Environment and Climatic Affairs, Regional Munici- Sciences students this year were useful in estab- pality and Water Resources, and Oman LNG Com- lishing work knowledge, ethics and responsible

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 72 production. The main challenges included transport in the first week, some industrial policies to assure safety, technical pre-requisites in terms of supplying enough technical knowledge in dealing with emerging risks and finally insurance guarantees during food industrial placements. The plan for this years internship is increase industrial exposure, career development prior placements, opening overseas externship at a wider scale, pre requisite skills for responsible performance and improving technical report writing skills.

INTERNSHIP STUDENT FROM UAE UNIVERSITY Ms. Aalya Al-Risi, Internship student from UAE University, Al-Ain, UAE completed her projects on thermal characterizes of seaweed polysaccharides in the Department of Food Science (11 February – 5 April 2018). She was trained and supervised by Prof. Shafiur Rahman and Dr. Nasser Al-Habsi as part of the SQU and UAEU collaborative project.

WFSO APPROVES SQU ACADEM- IC AS TRAINER

The World Food Safety Organization (WFSO) approved Assistant Professor Dr. Ismail Mohamed Al Bulushi from Department of Food Science and Nutri- tion in College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences as a Trainer and Representative of WFSO. This will qualify Dr. Ismail Al Bulushi to offer WFSO different training programs in food safety areas such as food handlers, food hygiene and implementing food safety management systems. The WFSO provides the support to EU and ISO to accredit premises in the implementation of food safety management systems. It offers different training programs in food safety which are in line with FAO, WHO, and FDA. The WFSO aims to provide professional consultants and auditors expertise to verify effective food safety management and has wide rep- resentation across the world.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 73

STUDENTS SOCIETY

ceremony included some traditional poetry, danc- STUDENTS ACTIVITIES es and musical performances. Students’ small and medium companies presented their products in a bazar. This ceremony was patronized by Dr. Rashid Al-Yahyai, former Dean, CAMS. WORLD WATER DAY 2018

WORLD SOIL DAY 2018

World Water Day (WWD) is an annual activity, which is usually organized by Water Research Center (SQU), Ministry of Regional Municipality and WAE Students Group organized an exhibition Water Resources and the Department of Soils, Wa- S to celebrate the World Soil Day 2018 for the period ter and Agricultural Engineering (CAMS, SQU). The Dec. 04-05th, 2018. This annual activity, which was theme for World Water Day 2018 was ‘Nature for initiated by SWAE Department 5 years ago, reflected Water’ – exploring nature-based solutions to the wa- this year’s theme “Be the Solution to Soil Pollution”. ter challenges we face in the 21st century. Title of this exhibition was “Asilun Thabit”. This exhibition presented student work that demonstrated the SWAE students group participated and organized an awareness about the importance of soil conservation exhibition to celebrate the WWD 2018 for the pe- and the effect of conservation on the biosphere, the riod March 22-26, 2018. They presented different causes of soil pollution, degradation of fertility and the group scientific projects about the effect of nature on ways to protect and clean soil of several types of pol- the quality of life and different new technologies to lution. generate water from abandoned hidden resources of environment, flood control, water treatment and Dr. Rahma Al-Mahrouqi, SQU Deputy Vice Chancel- application of water in heat collectors to generate lor for Postgraduate Studies and Research, opened economical electrical power in the remote regions. In this exhibition. The exhibition had a number of cor- addition to that, international students from Nether- ners representing the SWAE Students Group history lands and local universities have participated on this in celebrating the World Soil Day, physical mecha- occasion and competed in “Wet Skills” challenge. nisms to clean the oil polluted soil by capillary effect, The students showed their skills in generating water effect of sewage on deterioration of soil fertility, effect from air. Designing different mechanical heat - sys of leaks on soil-covered pipe network and using ohm tems, dewing the gaseous water in air and collecting mappers to detect the leakages. Slope technology in it for economical uses. Moreover, a number of public landfills to reduce the polluted material seepage were and private companies have participated on this oc- shown. There was a project about the effect of chem- casion, such as Ministry of Regional Municipality and ical solution on salinity about the importance of ur- Water Resources, Public Authority of Electricity and ban agriculture project was also displayed to increase Water, Haya, and Oman Oasis Company. awareness to conserve the soil in the cities for agri- SQU Vice Chancellor Dr. Ali Al-Bimani opened this culture and to encourage the food security in Oman exhibition. This exhibition was opened for three and the world. NRE students group demonstrated the days. Schools students were invited and about six economic value of conserving the soil for the future. public and private schools (120 students) visited the Geophysics and Civil engineering students groups exhibition and attended Water Ambassadors Cam- also participated and demonstrated the importance paign. The objectives of this exhibition, in educating of soil analysis prior to urban construction to avoid the the public about the importance of water and nature, defects in buildings. Muscat Soil Analysis Company was successfully achieved. SWAE students group also participated and showed equipment and devices organized a closing ceremony for WWD 2018. This

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 77 used in analyzing the soil. School students were invited and 4 public and 2 private schools (105 students) SWAE STUDENTS PARTICI- visited the exhibition. The objectives of this exhibition PATE IN WETSKILLS IN THE in educating the public about the importance of soil NETHERLANDS were successfully achieved.

CAMS ALUMNI MEETING

The Wetskills is an international event held in the Netherlands and takes place in different countries every 2-3 months. Individuals from all around the world join this event to participate with like minded In line with the program accreditation process, the water professionals to come up with case specific AVS Department arranged a meeting with former stu- solutions for certain water issues in the host country. dents to present their perspectives about the value of In September 2018, the event was held in the Neth- their educational experience, quality of learning, and erlands with sixteen participants from six countries of their preparedness to enter the workforce and con- which five were Omanis from the SWAE Department. tribute to the profession. The meeting started with an Dr. Ahmed Al-Busaidi of SWAE was the team leader. introduction, the objective of the meeting, and the for- The participants spent twelve days moving around mat to be used. the Netherlands, having different activities and visiting different water sites. The program started with the arrival of participants in Groningen. The next day they traveled to the city of Leeuwarden which was the Eu- AVS STUDENT’S SOCIETY ropean Capital of Culture in 2018. There they spent time finding solutions for the cases and the poster to be presented in the last day of the European Water Technology Week. At the weekend, participants went for two days camping in Workum to visit the Enclo- sure Dam “Afsluitdijk” that was built back in the 1920s over a length of 32 kilometers. During the two nights camping in Workum, every night the dinner was assigned to certain groups to cook traditional food. On the last day, the participants went to the European Water Technology Week to present their ideas in front of many experts from around the globe where one pitcher from each team presented a two- minute pitch Mr. Naseeb Al-Saqri was appointed as the supervi- about their solutions for their case. The day ended sor of CAMS student’s society. During his term, the with the winner team announcement and a farewell society witnessed several activities AVS students dinner. In those 12 days, SWAE students met new have been actively involved in different university ac- people from different backgrounds and cultures, tivities and community services. They participated in learned new things and shared stories, experiences, the Major selection exhibition. They also actively par- built networks and formed friendships and memories ticipated in the CAMSKIDS event that took place in that will last a lifetime. 2018.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 78

APPENDICES

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 81 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 82 APPENDIX CAMS DIRECTORY

OFFICE OF THE DEAN (DO) Wafa Mahmood Al-Raeesi Coordinator, DirADMIN Abdullah Al-Sadi Ext: 1202, E-mail: [email protected] Assoc. Prof & Dean Ext: 1200, E-mail: [email protected] Said Rashid Al-Ghanbousi Asst. Administrator Aneesa Suleiman Al-Jahwari Ext:1269, E-mail: [email protected] Head, Coordination, Follow-up and Archives Ext:1264, Email:[email protected] Majid Mohd Al-Mugheiry College Superintendent Leonila Magpantay Ext: 1255, E-mail: [email protected] Coordinator, DO Ext:1201, Email:[email protected] Jamal Nasser Al-Sabahi Senior Technician Zaher Al-Attabi Ext: 3614, Email: [email protected] Asst Prof & ADUS Ext: 1252, Email: [email protected] Huda Al-Ruqaishi Technician Azza Al Akhzami Ext: 3617, E-mail: [email protected] Coordinator ADUS, Ext: 1258, E-mail: [email protected] Mohammed Al-Darai Storekeeper Safiya Hamed Al-Siyabi Ext: 3670, E-mail: [email protected] Clerk, ADUS Ext: 1288, E-mail: [email protected] Moza Saif Al-Kindi Clerk Ali Khamis Al-Maktoomi Ext: 1249, E-mail: [email protected] Assoc. Prof & ADPSR Ext: 1235, E-mail: [email protected] Tariq Al Alawi Computer Technician Fe Alcachupas Ext: 3689, E-mail: [email protected] Coordinator, ADPSR Ext: 1257, E-mail: [email protected] Badriya Saif Al-Rahbi Clerk Omar Salim Al-Jabri Ext: 3689, E-mail: [email protected] Asst Prof & ADTCS Ext: 1248, E-mail: [email protected] Juma Ali Al-Musalmi Messenger Huda Said Al-Busaidi Ext: 3640 Coordinator, ADTCS Ext: 3638, E-mail: [email protected] Amin Jamil Ismail Al-Nasri Messenger Mohsin Al-Hinai Ext: 3640 Director of Administration Ext: 1221, E-mail:[email protected]

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AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT Anwer Mohiuddin STATION (AES) Laborer (Goat Unit) Ext: 3254, E-mail: [email protected] Malik Al-Wardy Asst Prof & Director Mohammed Al Kuzairi Ext: 1224/1238, E-mail: [email protected] Asst. Technician Khalifa Amur Al-Hinai Ext: 3369, Email: [email protected] Deputy Director Ext:1241, Email:[email protected] Khalfan Abdullah Al-Hinai Laborer Mohammed Al-Rashdy Ext: 3732, Email: [email protected] Coordinator Ext: 3366, Email: [email protected] Maher Al-Bulushi Laborer Negib Khamis Al-Raeesi Ext: 3369 Clerk Ext: 3356, E-mail: [email protected] Taher Al-Shabibi Laborer Mohammed Al-Mubaishi Clerk Ext: 3687 Ext: 3688, E-mail: [email protected] Haitham Al-Dughaisi Laborer ANIMAL OPERATIONS Ext: 3369

Abdullah Salman Al-Abri Said Al-Ramadhani Asst Director Laborer Ext: 1240, E-mail: [email protected] Ext:3687 Abduljalil Said Al-Zadjali Naseer Al-Salmi Veterinarian Ext: 3359, E-mail: [email protected] Laborer Ext:3687 Mohammed Lamloum Veterinarian PLANT OPERATIONS Ext: 3681, E-mail: [email protected] Abdulbaqi Ahmed Al-Raeesi Mohammed Al-Masroori Asst Director Asst. Vet Ext: 1239, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3687, E-mail: [email protected] Hamed Salim Al-Mahruki Ahmed Mohd Al-Yaqoubi Technician (Greenhouse) Technician Ext: 3374, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3684, E-mail: [email protected] Saleh Mohd Al-Shargi Manolito C Mengullo Tech (Ornamental/Fruit Trees) Technician (Dairy Unit) Ext:3687, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3374

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Mohamed Abdel Hameed Technician (Mechanical) Suleiman Al-Rahbi Ext: 3375, E-mail: [email protected] Laborer Ext: 1992 Abdullah Mohd Al-Qanoobi Tech Hafidh Al-Mahruki Ext: 3366, E-mail: [email protected] Technician (Bee) Ext: 3727, E-mail: [email protected] Mohammed Mazher Uddin Laborer (Mechanical) Zahir Khalfan Al-Abri Ext: 3368, Email: [email protected] Chief Laborer Ext:3728, Email: [email protected] Ahmed Jameel Al-Malki Laborer (General) Mohammed Akbar Khan Ext: 3384, Email: [email protected] Laborer (Greenhouse)

Noor Khan Ibrahim Ameer Al-Julandani Laborer (General) Laborer Ext: 1992, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3375

Salim Juma Al Nabhani Majid khalfan Al-Bulushi Asst. Tech Laborer Ext: 1992, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3367

Sauod Al-Owasi Musabah Hilal Al-Malki Laborer Laborer Ext: 1992, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3375

Ashraf Al-Miqbali Yaser Mohammed Al-Jabri Laborer Laborer Ext: 1992 Ext: 3367

Hamed Al-Shamakhi Laborer ANIMAL AND VETERINARY Ext: 1992, SCIENCES (AVS) SERVICES OPERATIONS Waleed Said Al-Marzooqi Assoc Prof & HoD Khalifa Al-Hinai Ext: 3730, E-mail: [email protected] Asst Director & Dep. DirAES Ext: 1241, E-mail: [email protected] Naseeb Musabah Al-Saqri Superintendent Ali Suleiman Al-Zahimi Ext:3628, Email: [email protected] Technician (Mechanical) Ext: 3375, E-mail: [email protected] Nawal Hamed Al-Aghbari Coordinator Ahmed Said Al-Ghafri Technician (Irrigation) Ext: 3351, E-mail: [email protected]

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Ext: 1233, Email: [email protected] Kaadhia K. Al Kharousi Technician Eugene H. Johnson Ext: 3674, Email: [email protected] Prof Khalid Rasheed Al-Habsi Ext: 3679, E-mail: [email protected] Technician Ext: 3630, Email: [email protected] Osman Gaafar Prof Rabea S. Al-Maqbaly Ext: 1289, E-mail: [email protected] Lab Supervisor Ext: 1206, Email: [email protected] Yasmin El Taher Ahmed Asst Prof Rashid Mohd Al-Busaidi Ext: 3693, E-mail: [email protected] Assoc. Researcher Ext: 3630, Email: [email protected] Mohammed Ali Al-Abri Asst Prof Sadeq Mohamad Al-Lawatia Technician Ext: 3648, E-mail: [email protected] Ext:3608, Email: [email protected]

Muhammed Nadeem Asi Al Ghalya N. Al Toobi Asst Prof Technician (Vet B) Ext: 3647, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3631, Email: [email protected]

Haytham Alieldin Ali Abeer Al-Hamrashdi Asst Prof Technician (Vet B) Ext: 3735, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3631, E-mail: abeern @squ.edu.om

Othman Al Qaisi Asst Prof CROP SCIENCES (CROP) Ext: 3616, E-mail: [email protected] Rhonda Janke Assoc Prof & HoD Elshafie Ibrahim Elshafie Ext: 1214, E-mail: [email protected] Asst Prof Ext: 1232, E-mail: [email protected] Yousif Mohd Al-Maqbaly Superintendent B Salma R. Al Adwani Ext: 1207, Email: [email protected] Lecturer E-mail: [email protected] Salwa Mohd Al-Zadjali Coordinator Ahmed Saleh Ali-Al Ansari Ext: 1215, Email: [email protected] Demonstrator E-mail: [email protected] Abdullah Al-Sadi Assoc Prof/Dean Rudhaina O. Al-Busaidi Ext: 1200, Email: [email protected] Demonstrator Email: [email protected] Ahmed Yahya Al-Maskri Assoc Prof

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 86 APPENDIX CAMS DIRECTORY

Ext: 1225, E-mail: [email protected] Issa Hashil Al-Mahmooli Lab Supervisor D Aamna Al-Ruheili Ext: 1210, Email: [email protected] Lecturer Ext: 1213, Email: [email protected] Omar Said Al-Mantheri Lab Supervisor D Ext: 3675, Email: [email protected] Rashid Abdullah Al-Yahyai Assoc Prof Yacoob Ali Al-Mahruki Ext: 1208, E-mail:[email protected] Lab Supervisor D Ext: 3637, Email: [email protected] Ali Khalfan Al-Wahaibi Asst Prof Zainab Mohammed Harib Al-Bulushi Ext: 1220, E-mail: [email protected] Technician B Ext: 1873, E-mail: [email protected] Mumtaz Khan Assoc Prof Waleed Al-Busaidi Ext: 1216, E-mail: [email protected] Technician Ext: 3615, E-mail: [email protected] Hesham Agrama Khalid Salim Al Hashmi Asst Prof Technician Ext: 1217, E-mail:[email protected] Ext: 3615, E-mail: [email protected]

Muhammad Shafiq Shahid Asst Prof FOOD SCIENCE AND Ext: 1209, E-mail: [email protected] NUTRITION (FSN) Riaz Shah Ahmed Al-Alawi Asst Prof Assoc Prof & HoD Ext: 3749, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 1263, E-mail: [email protected]

Velazhahan Rethinasamy Farha Mohammed Al Naabi Assoc Prof Superintendent Ext: 3646, E-mail: velazhahan @squ.edu.om Ext: 3636, Email: [email protected]

Fatima Mohammed Al-Amri Mohammad Farooq Coordinator Assoc Prof Ext: 1274, Email: [email protected] Ext: 3623, Email: [email protected] Mohd Shafiur Rahman Ali Ahmed Al-Raeesi Prof Superintendent B Ext: 1273, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3607, Email: [email protected] Amanat Ali Ali Masoud Al-Subhi Assoc Prof Technician Ext: 1242, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3655, Email: [email protected] Mostafa Waly Assoc Prof Ext: 1229, E-mail: [email protected]

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Insaaf Mohd Al-Marhubi Nejib Guizani Associate Researcher/Lab Supervisor Prof Ext: 3618, Email: [email protected] Ext: 1256, E-mail: [email protected]

Intisar Mohd Al-Zakwani Lyutha Khalfan Al-Subhi Lab Supervisor Asst Prof Ext: 3622, Email:[email protected] Ext: 1236, E-mail: [email protected]

Raya Nasser Al-Malky Ismail Mohd Al-Bulushi Lab Supervisor Asst Prof Ext: 3690, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3619, E-mail: [email protected]

Salha Saleh Al-Maskari Mohamed Essa Lab Supervisor B Assoc Prof Ext: 3636, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3604, E-mail: [email protected]

Zahra Sulaiman Al-Kharousi Zaher Humaid Al-Attabi Technician Asst Prof & ADUS Ext: 3622, E-mail: [email protected]

Nasser Abdullah Al-Habsi Jamila Al Zadjali Asst Prof Technician Ext: 3663, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3664, E-mail: [email protected]

Mohd Khalfan Al-Khusaibi Rashid Al Bulushi Asst Prof Technician (Engineer) Ext: 3682, Email: [email protected] Ext: 3624, Email: [email protected]

Maymona Al Hinai Demonstrator DAIRY PROCESSING PLANT Ext: 3665, Email: [email protected] Cesar Uñalivia Mohammed Al-Ruzeiqi Chief Technician Associate Researcher Ext: 1205, Email: [email protected] Ext: 1219 Email: [email protected] Isauro P. Orlino Senior Technician Fathiya Al Hamdani Ext: 3667, E-mail: [email protected] Technician Ext: 3618, Email: [email protected] Sami Suleiman Al-Kharousi Engineer Dalila Hamoud Al-Bahri Ext: 3667, E-mail: [email protected] Technician Ext: 3690, Email: [email protected] Wenlov B. Malongat Technician C Buthaina Saleh Al-Bulushi Ext: 3667, E-mail: [email protected] Technician Ext: 3690, Email: [email protected] Sevin Jacob Technician Ext: 3667, E-mail: [email protected]

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Ahmed Said Al-Souti MARINE SCIENCE AND Technician FISHERIES (MSF) Ext: 1211,Email: [email protected]

Wenresti Gallardo Aisha Ahmed Ambu Ali Assoc Prof & HoD Lab Supervisor Ext: 3750, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3672, E-mail: [email protected]

Nadia Mohd Al-Kalbani Khamis Al-Riyami Coordinator Chief Technician Ext: 1246, Email: [email protected] Ext: 3656, E-mail: [email protected]

Farid Al-Abdali Said Mohd Al-Barwani Superintendent Researcher Ext: 3795, Email: [email protected] Ext: 3692, E-mail: [email protected]

Michel R G Claereboudt Salim Juma Al-Khusaibi Assoc Prof Technician Ext: 3643, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3612, E-mail: [email protected]

Sergey Piontkovski Bader Nassir Al-Bawaiqi Assoc Prof Technician Ext: 3661, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3612, E-mail: [email protected]

Hussein Samh Al- Masroori Manolito C Barte Asst Prof Engineer (Vessel) Ext: 1254, E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Saud Musallam Al-Jufaili Saleh Salem Al-Maashary Assoc Prof Boat Captain Ext: 3643/3808, E-mail: [email protected] Ward Al-Muna Al-Mandhari Sergey Dobretsov Technician Assoc Prof Ext: 1251, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3644, E-mail: [email protected] Miaad Al-Mammari Gil Ha Yoon Lecturer Asst Prof Ext: 3673, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3699, E-mail: [email protected] Saleh Al-Jaafari Gerd Bruss Demonstrator Asst Prof Ext: 1268, Email: [email protected] Ext: 3657, E-mail: [email protected] Harib Nasser Al-Habsi Alyssa Louise Marshell Superintendent B Asst Prof Ext: 3654, Email: [email protected] Ext: 3639, E-mail: [email protected] Abdullah Al-Kindi Khalid Abdullah Al-Hashmi Technician Researcher Ext: 3795, Email: [email protected] Ext: 3660,Email: [email protected]

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Amani Juma Al Alawi Hajir Al-Lawati Superintendent Technician Ext: 3634, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3665, Email: [email protected]

Ibtisam Hilal Al-Abri Adil Al-Sulaimani Asst Prof Technician Ext: 1261, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 24543459, Email: [email protected]

Ahmed Al-Amri Aaisha Saleh Al-Maamari Labor Demonstrator Ext:24543459, Email: [email protected] Ext: 3665, E-mail: aaisha21 @squ.edu.om

Elibel Perez Covarrubias NATURAL RESOURCE WTO Chair Coordinator ECONOMICS (NRE) Ext: 1247, Email: [email protected] Slim Zekri SOILS, WATER AND Assoc Prof & HoD Ext: 1243, E-mail: [email protected] AGRICULTURAL

Sabra Khamis Al-Rijaeby ENGINEERING (SWAE) Coordinator Hemanatha Jayasuriya Ext: 1244, Email: [email protected] Assoc Prof & HoD Ext: 1223, E-mail: hemjay @squ.edu.om Houcine Boughanmi Assoc Prof & WTO Chair Seif Salim Al-Adawi Ext: 1218, Email: [email protected] Superintendent/Chief Technician Ext: 3611, Email: [email protected] Hemesiri Kotagama Asst Prof Asila Saeed Al-Rashdi Ext: 3613, E-mail: [email protected] Coordinator Ext: 1228, Email: [email protected] Msafiri Mbaga Assoc Prof Anvar Kacimov Ext: 3669, E-mail: [email protected] Prof Ext: 1227, E-mail: [email protected] Shekar Bose Assoc Prof Mushtaque Ahmed Ext: 3680, E-mail: [email protected] Prof Omar Salim Al-Jabri Ext: 1245, E-mail: [email protected] Asst Prof/ADTCS Ext: 1248, E-mail: [email protected] Salim Ali Al-Rawahy Assoc Prof Tarig Gibreel Ext: 1253, E-mail: [email protected] Asst Prof Ext: 1231, E-mail: [email protected] Malik Mohd Al-Wardy Asst Prof & DirAES Lokman Zaibet Ext: 1224/1238, E-mail: [email protected] Assoc Prof Ext: 1230, E-mail: [email protected]

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Said Salim Al-Ismaily Hamid Hamad Al-Handali Asst Prof Senior Technician Ext: 3642, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3610, E-mail: [email protected] Salem Ali Al-Jabri Hamad Ali Al-Hajri Asst Prof Senior Technician Ext: 3629 Email: [email protected] Ext: 1204, Email: [email protected] ، Yaseen Ahmed Al-Mulla Mohammed Issa Al-Balushi Assoc Prof & Director RSGISRC Senior Technician Ext: 3635, Email: [email protected] Ext: 1204, Email: [email protected] Ali Khamis Al-Maktoomi Muna Abdulla Al-Amry Assoc Prof & ADPSR Senior Technician Ext: 1235, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3625, E-mail: [email protected] Abdulrahim Mohd Al-Ismaili Hamed Ali Al-Busaidi Asst Prof Senior Technician Ext: 1226, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 1203, E-mail: [email protected] Pankaj Pathare Adel Abdullah Al-Mahdouri Asst Prof Technician Ext: 1222, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3627, E-mail: [email protected] Daniel Blackburn Leelwa Mohd Al Hamadani Asst Prof Technician Ext: 3668, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3609, E-mail: [email protected] Talal Yasir Al-Shukeili Buthaina Salim Amur Al-Siyabi Asst. Prof Technician Ext: 1212, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3625, E-mail: [email protected] Usama Ahmed Al-Gughaishi Rahma Ali Al-Habsi Lecturer Technician Ext: 3623, E-mail: [email protected] Ext: 3609, E-mail: [email protected] Alaba Boluwade Mohan Indra Gopal Visiting Faculty Associate Researcher (A) Ext: 3658, E-mail:[email protected] Ext: 3605, E-mail: [email protected] Ahmed Salim Al-Busaid Researcher (B) Ext: 3736, E-mail: [email protected]

Mansour Hamed Al-Haddabi Associate Researcher Ext: 1266, E-mail: [email protected]

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 91 CAMS OFFICE BEARERS

ABDULLAH AL-SADI Assoc. Prof & Dean

ALI KHAMIS AL-MAKTOOMI Assistant Dean for Postgraduate Studies & Research

ZAHER HUMAID AL-ATTABI Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies

OMAR AL-JABRI Assistant Dean for Training & Community Services

WALEED AL-MARZOOQI Head, Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

RHONDA JANKE Head, Department of Crop Sciences

AHMED ALI AL-ALAWI Head, Department of Food Science & Nutrition

WENRESTI G. GALLARDO Head, Department of Marine Science & Fisheries

SLIM ZEKRI Head, Department of Natural Resource Economics

HEMANATHA P.W. JAYASURIYA Head, Department of Soils, Water & Agricultural Engineering

MALIK AL-WARDY Director, Agricultural Experiment Station

MOHSIN AL HINAI Director of Administration

MAJID AL-MUGHEIRY College Superintendent

SAID RASHID AL-GHANBOUSI Asst. Director of Administration

OUTGOING OFFICE BEARERS

DR. RASHID AL-YAHYAI ABDULLAH AL-SADI Dean (2015 - 2018) HOD - Crop Sciences (2012 - 2018)

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 92 ANNUAL REPORT COMMITTEE MEMBERS

DR. MOHAMED ESSA MOHAMED – CHAIR (Food Science and Nutrition)

DR. RIAZ SHAH DR. YASMIN EL-TAHIR DR. MSAFIRI MBAGA (Crop Sciences) (Animal and (Natural Resource Veterinary Sciences) Economics)

DR. PANKAJ PATHARE DR. AISHA AMBUALI MS. LEONILA MAGPANTAY (Soils, Water and (Marine Science and (Dean’s Office) Agricultural Engineering) Fisheries)

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 93 CELEBRATING LIFE’S MOMENTS

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