Geopolitical Dynamics: Syria's Diplomatic En-deavors in a Complex Region

 In order to prevent tensions, promote economic cooperation, and obstruct regional integration, the document emphasizes the importance of territorial and economic disputes within the Syria Territory. It highlights how diplomacy plays a key role in reaching agreements and resolving these conflicts. Regarding Syria's position regarding Israel, diplomatic endeavors are essential for resolving more general geopolitical issues. Syria's strategic location makes it a key player in trade routes, and diplomatic initiatives are aimed at ensuring economic benefits and regional stability. Syria's diplomatic landscape is further shaped by Russian support, which offers political backing in international negotiations. The Geneva Conference, Astana, and Sochi processes are important platforms for tackling the complex issues at hand, bringing together regional and international players to identify all-encompassing solutions. Overall, the document elucidates how diplomacy not only addresses territorial and economic concerns within Syria but also navigates the complexities of the broader geopolitical context, such as Syria's role in the Arab-Israeli conflict and its economic aspirations linked to trade routes. It highlights various diplomatic initiatives that can promote stability, prosperity, and mutual benefits while also fostering regional integration. Policymakers who want to use diplomatic means to advance peace and stability in this region will find this information useful. Keywords: Syria, Diplomacy, Geneva, Astana, and Sochi.

Pre and Postharvest Management to Improve Yield and Quality of Strawberry Fragaria X Ananassa Cv. Chandler

Strawberry is highly nutritious and economically important small fruit crop. In Pakistan strawberry yield and area is very less. Poor and irregular pre harvest practices cause decrease in marketable yield and shelf life. This research was executed to observe the pre and postharvest effects of salts and growth regulators on marketable yield and qualitative characteristics of strawberry. Pre harvest foliar practices consisted of CaCl2 (0, 3, 5, 7 mM), ZnSO4 (0, 50, 100, 150 mg L-1), GA3 (0, 50, 100, 150 mg L-1) and SA (0, 3, 6, 9 mM) those were sprayed on strawberry plants at different growth stages (three to four leaves stage and during fruit setting) to enhance the growth, marketable yield and quality attributes of strawberry. Among the CaCl2 treatments 7 mM was found best for enhancing leaf growth (15.25 plant-1), leaf area (37.0 cm2), crown growth (6.50 plant-1) and runners (7.0 plant-1) during growing season. Maximum marketable yield (348.50 g plant-1), fruit firmness (0.96 kg. cm-2), vitamin C contents (55.69 mg 100 g-1) and TPC (186.50 GAE mg 100 g-1) were also observed with 7 mM CaCl2 treatment. Foliar spray of 100 mg L-1 ZnSO4 was found best for enhancing leaf growth (18.25 plant-1), leaf area (52.0 cm2), crowns (7.0 plant-1) and marketable yield (369.0 g plant-1) with lower unmarketable fruit. Foliar application of 9 mM SA was observed better for increasing the leaf production (19.25 plant-1), leaf area (51.0 cm2), crowns (7.50 plant-1) and runners (6.75 plant-1). Minimum numbers of days (20.0) were required for flower anthesis when plants were sprayed with 9 mM SA foliar spray. Maximum marketable yield (414.25 g plant-1), vitamin C contents (56.72 mg 100 g-1), phenolic contents (191.50 GAE mg 100 g-1) and higher antioxidant activities (71.25% DPPH) were also noted from strawberry fruits where plants were treated with 9 mM SA foliar spray. Gibberellic acid (150 mg L-1) showed the superiority for enhancing the vegetative growth while marketable yield and fruit quality was not improved with same concentration of GA3. Maximum marketable yield (381.50 g plant-1), fruit TSS contents (7.85 ºBrix), vitamin C contents (52.23 mg 100 g-1) and higher antioxidant activities (64.75% DPPH) were observed from 100 mg L-1 GA3. Confirmatory trial was conducted for comparing the previous year best treatments from each experiment. By comparing, it was concluded that 9 mM SA foliar spray increased the marketable yield; improved quality attributes and extended the survival mechanism of strawberry plants during growing season. In postharvest study, maximum vitamin C contents (43.90 mg 100 g-1), TPC (132.75 mg 100 g-1), reduction in weight loss (6.08%) of strawberries and maximum firmness (0.42 kg. cm-2) was retained with higher concentration of CaCl2 (6 mM). During storage minimum TSS (7.85 ºBrix), maximum acid contents (0.62%) and total antioxidants (39.0% DPPH) were observed with SA (5 mM) application. In postharvest study it was confirmed that dipping application of CaCl2 (6 mM) and SA (5 mM) retained the quality attributes during 15 days of storage.