The mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), is one of the main pests attacking maize plants in Egypt. Field trials were carried out in the maize field to assess the influence of irrigation periods and potassium fertiliser rates on the mealybug ( P. solenopsis) population estimates, vegetative growth, resulting yield, and its components for the maize cultivar (‘Single-Hybrid 168 Yellow’) in the Luxor Governorate, Egypt. Results revealed that unfertilised plants irrigated every seven days had higher pest population densities than other treatments over the two seasons. The fertilised treatments at 114 kg K ₂O∙ha ^–1 that received water every 10 days had the smallest population of P. solenopsis in every season. Data during the two seasons (2021 and 2022) revealed that the maize to which potassium fertiliser was added by 114 kg K ₂O∙ha ^–1 and irrigated every 10 days had vegetative growth (plant height, diameter, and number of green leaves per plant), yield and its components (average ear length, ear weight, number of grains per ear, weight of 1000 grains, and grain yield) significantly increased as compared to those of the plants that were irrigated every 7 days and without adding fertiliser. A higher dose of potassium fertiliser reduces the infestation of P. solenopsis but causes an increment of maize vegetative growth. This affects the final yield. This information aids farmers in comprehending the good agronomic techniques of maize plants to decrease the infestation of mealybugs and increase the yield.

Regions with warm climate are poor in organic matter or have a deficit of soil. The purpose of the work was to select the optimal mix from biodegradable wastes such as cardboard (Cb), natural textiles (Tx) newspaper (Np), colored newspaper (Cp), and office paper (Op) for creating artificial soil by combining these materials with compost and sand. To select the optimum mix, 15 samples were taken (3 from each type of waste in the following proportions: 25%, 50% and 75% ). The optimum mix was analyzed for grass germination rate and root development. Tests were performed in the laboratory with conditions similar to those of regions with warm climate and soil deficiency in a specially designed testing spot (bioterm). The effects of particular mixes on plant germination rate and growth were measured. Out of all mixes, the textile compositions Tx50 and Tx25 supported best the plant propagation. During the whole experimental process, the grass showed various growth tendencies. The best results for grass height were observed for mixes with textiles and colored newspaper. Based on this data and subsequent laboratory research, the best substrate composition was selected. For the whole period of the tests, germination rate in the pot with the mix was higher than the germination rate in the control sample with compost. Considering the experimental conditions of this research, the tested substrates can be used to aid in plant propagation, especially in regions with warm climate and soil deficiencies, and for restoration of damaged land areas.