Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Sciences

The study aimed to improve potato plant productivity, roots growth biomass, and the efficiency of water utilization by using sustainable treatments .The experiment carried out at vegetable field of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad during spring season 2023. The experiment was conducted using split plot arrangement within Randomized Complete Block Design with two factors and three replicates (2X6X3). Applying TiO2-NPs represented the first factor (main plot) (10 mg.L-1), which symbolized (T0, T1). six treatments were included to represent subplots (regular irrigation interval (I) prolonged irrigation interval (D), fungal biofertilizers (DB), fungal biofertilizers + mannitol (DBM), fungal biofertilizers +xanthan (DBZ), fungal biofertilizers + mannitol+ xanthan (DBMZ). Results exhibited the superiority of spraying TiO2-NPs in all water use efficiency and yield traits. Also the results demonstrated the superiority of interaction treatment T1DBMX in producing significant results in nutrients concentrations and yield traits in compare to control treatment T0D.

To determine the impact of climate change on the growth and yield of sunflower when planted at two different climatic times, a field experiment was conducted in Anbar Governorate, specifically in the Ramadi district, in the fields of one of the farmers. Five cultivars were used: "Aqmar", "Haysen", "Isaqi", " Flami a and "Tarzan", at three plant densities of 88,900, 66,670, and 53,300 plants ha-1. A randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) was used with three replications, in a split plot arrangement, where plant densities occupied the main plots and cultivars occupied the sub plots. The results indicated the superiority of the cultivar "Flami" with the shortest flowering duration at 66.78 and 62.51 days for the spring and autumn seasons, respectively. Additionally, the selected cultivar "Haysen" exhibited superior leaf area 5690 and 5300 cm² for the spring and autumn seasons, respectively. Furthermore, the cultivar "Tarzan" surpassed others by providing the highest disc area at 355.0 and 327.4 cm² for the spring and autumn seasons, respectively. Moreover, the same cultivar outperformed in terms of seed number per disc and seed yield, with 1186 and 1164 seeds, and 5.665 and 5.409 grams disc-1 for the spring and autumn seasons, respectively. The high plant density exhibited superiority in seed yield, providing the highest yield of 6.100 and 5.936 µg ha-1 for the spring and autumn seasons, respectively, compared to the low plant density of 4.571 and 4.338 µg ha-1 for the spring and autumn seasons, respectively. Regarding the interaction between cultivars and plant density, the cultivar "Tarzan" outperformed with the highest yield of 6.528 and 6.385 µg ha-1 for the spring and autumn seasons, respectively, with an increase of 50.17% and 55.66% compared to the cultivar "Isaqi" for the spring and autumn seasons, respectively, at a plant density of 55,30 plants ha-1.

The current study aimed to identify the effect of adding different concentrations (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) of carrot green parts powder (CGP) into biscuit and cake mixes on final products qualitative and sensory characteristics. The chemical analysis showed that the protein, ash, and fiber contents for wheat flour and for CGP were (10.64%, 0.88%, and 0.48%) and (16.4%, 19.4%, and 18.65%) respectively. While for the final products the percentages of protein and ash ranged from (10.36% -12.80% protein, 1.03%-1.53% ash) for cake treatments and (13.00 % -20.00% protein, 0.92%-1.43%ash) for biscuits treatments respectively. There was no significant variation among the width averages of biscuit treatments. The highest value for both spread ratio and spread factor were seen in treatments with 2 and 3% added powder. The sensory evaluation analysis indicated that there were no notable differences among the treatments in terms of external characteristics (the nature of surface and crust color). Although the internal characteristics were significantly affected by CGP concentrations, the overall scores for acceptance of the final product showed no significant differences among treatments. Regarding the cake samples, there were no significant differences in external characteristics among the treatments, except the color of the crust for treatment with 2% CGP and the crumb texture (porosity) and the overall acceptance in treatments with 1 and 2%of CGP which showed, significant differences.

This study was aimed to prepared new polymeric coverings reinforced by the naturally occurring pigment anthocyanins and investigate their biological efficacy when combined with certain drugs against specific kinds of microbe’s pathogens. FT-IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS) were used to identify the active groups of the anthocyanin pigment, which were situated the functional groups of anthocyanin in contrast to crystalline compounds, X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination also revealed the production of irregularly constituted compounds. Furthermore, all derivative compounds were had high inhibitory activity against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, as well as against the fungus Candida albicans in different concentrations.

The objective of the study was to enhance the survivability of Lactobacillus plantarum (ATCC 29521) and investigate their resistance to some extreme conditions following its microencapsulation with alginate, chitosan, and olibanum gum. The study's findings showed that the use of olibanum gum in the first and second layers with alginate and chitosan protected the bacteria against various forms of pasteurization, as well as against extremely acidic conditions and high bile salt concentrations. After 28 days of storage at 4°C, the bacteria coated with the using of olibanum gum in the first and second layer demonstrated a great superiority in maintaining high numbers and better viability. The use of gum also contributed to increase the ability of the bacteria to withstand freezing storage at -18°C and re-thawing. The results also showed that olibanum gum was a superior cryoprotectant during freeze-drying process and storage for six months at 22 ℃. Also scanning electron microscope images showed that beads encapsulated with using of olibanum gum loaded a higher number of Lb. plantarum.

The aim of this research is to determine the optimal conditions for extracting phenols and flavonoids from the bran of Iraqi proso millet and Ukrainian foxtail millet, whole and defatted, and studying some of their biological characteristics. Petroleum ether, methyl alcohol (60% and 80%), distilled water, and ethyl alcohol at concentrations of 60, 80, 90, and 99% were used as extraction solutions. The flavonoid content was estimated using the Rutin standard curve, and the phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocateau method based on the gallic acid standard curve. The results showed that the concentration of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in proso millet bran extracts were (770.56, 865.38, 1059.94, 883.16, 722.17, 726.12, 587.79, 400.69) µg/g and (188.26, 196.26, 353.60, 671.38, 96.94, 93.60, 117.60, 300.60) µg /g, respectively, and in Ukrainian millet bran extracts (889.08, 1034.80, 1182.00, 1331.17, 1008.19, 990.42, 592.85, 581.43) µg /g and (302.94, 484.26, 758.94, 940.32, 188.26, 97.60, 217.60, 554.94) µg/g respectively. The highest phenolic and flavonoids compounds concentrations were achieved when ethyl alcohol (99%) as extraction solution was used for Ukrainian millet. Therefore, this treatment was adopted in conducting the free radical scavenging test, at different concentrations (0.125, 0.250, 0.500, 0.750, 0.800) mg/ml, as RSA were (24.68, 40.18, 67.56, 81.98, 89.55%), respectively, compared to ascorbic acid at the same concentrations, which were (40.14, 57.34, 73.46, 89.93, 99.55%).

In 2021-2022, studies on the biological lifestyle of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) were carried out in the pepper fields of Khoronk community, Armavir marz, Republic of Armenia. As a results show that the flight of the adults of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) starts from the third ten days of May to the third ten days of June. Females lay eggs in piles on the upper and lower surfaces of pepper leaves. She lays 87-173 eggs in each pile. The newly hatched larvae feed on the leaves, causing them to ossify, while the mature larvae feed on the fruit, entering the fruit and feeding on the seeds. After finishing feeding, they descend into the ground and mate at a depth of 2-6 cm. Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) overwintering in the soil in the puporial stage. It develops in 2-3 generations during vegetation. The flight of adults of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) starts from the first ten days of June and continues until the third ten days of June. Females lay eggs in small piles on the leaves, buds, and stems of pepper, laying 5-7 eggs in each. Each female can lay 396-472 eggs during her lifetime. The newly hatched larvae first feed on the flowers or flower buds, then move onto the leaves and start feeding on the leaves. Mature larvae feed on fruits. As a result of damage, the fruits lose their marketable appearance and rot. After completing the development, the larvae descend to a depth of 4-11 cm into the soil and pupation. The Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) overwinters in the puporial phase. It develops in 2 generations per year in the pepper fields.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different feeding levels (0%, 25%, and 50%) of alfalfa pellet ration (APR) (47% alfalfa) on the main carcass cuts Physico-chemical traits of Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). A total of 270 one-day-old ducklings were used. The birds at seven-day-old were assigned to 9 indoor pens of (1×2.2m) with outdoor and swimming pool (1×9.8m). Each pen represented an indoor replicate with 30 ducklings. The feeding program for Pekin Duck group treatments with (APR) (47% alfalfa) was used as a replacement to the basal diet at different percentages (0%, 25%, and 50%) for control (T0), first (T1) and second (T2) groups, respectively. At the end of the rearing period at 49 days, 6 birds (3male+3female) were randomly selected from each treatment, slaughtered and each breast and thigh muscle was excised for meat quality analysis. The results showed that treatments and sex did not significantly influence meat Cholesterol content, and most results for each of cooking loss, color, pH, chemical composition, and amino acid profile of the meat. In contrast, they had a significant effect on most fat and water-soluble vitamins, and fatty acid profiles. In general, feeding ducks with a 25% of APR improved the color of breast, and fat-soluble vitamins with Cholesterol in both breast and thigh muscle while feeding ducks with a 50% APR improved most Physico-chemical traits.

This study was conducted at the College of Agriculture/ Diyala University/ Department of Animal production to determine the effect of replacing soybean meal with black soldier fly Hermetia illucens larvae meal on the growth performance and some biochemical blood parameters of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. One hundred and five fish with an average initial weight of 27.46±0.14 g was used in this experiment. They were randomly distributed into five treatments (3 replicate/treatment, 7 fish/ replicate). The first treatments (T1 control group) was fed with standard diet without black soldier fly larvae meal (0% BSFLM), black soldier fly larvae meal were substituted for soybean meal in other experimental groups at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (T2, T3, T4 and T5), respectively. After 12 weeks of feeding, no significant differences (P>0.05) were found in feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) between control and experimental groups. However, T4 (75% BSFLM) showed significantly improved in mean of final body weight (FBW) and weight gain (WG) compared to the control and other experimental groups. The results of serum biochemical indices showed no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) in the levels of ALT (Alanine aminotransferase), Glucose, Triglycerides, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and total protein (TP) between control and experimental groups. While AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) level of T4 and T5 was significantly higher (P≤0.05) than T3. As a result, the study suggests that black soldier fly larval meal can be a sustainable protein alternative to soybean meal at 75% without affecting growth performance or blood biochemical characteristics.

Electrospun Whey protein membranes reinforced with electrospun chromium oxide nanofibers were utilized for the packaging of beef burger, which were subsequently frozen and stored for 3 months. The chromium oxide nanofibers were incorporated into the membranes at two concentrations 6, 8 %. The study exhibited promising results for the electrospun nanofibers, as their addition contributed to reducing the total bacterial count, psychrophilic bacterial count, and coliform count during the storage period, at both concentrations: 4.89 × 103, 4.36 × 103, 3.28 × 101, 2.48 × 103, and 2.79 × 103 colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g), respectively. Meanwhile, the moisture, protein, fat, and ash percentage of the beef burger reached 60.19, 60.10, 18.41, and 18.49%, respectively, for both additive concentrations. The addition of nanofibers also improved water-holding capacity during storage, reaching 39.02 and 39.63% for the respective concentrations. Moreover, it helped maintain a stable pH level of 5.70 and 5.64 during the final storage period. Additionally, the inclusion of nanofibers ensured that the peroxide value remained within acceptable limits at 7.17 and 6.84 milliequivalents per kilogram, respectively.

This study explored the effect of different reproductive stages on some blood metabolic biomarkers of the show and racehorse mares in Iraq. We selected eighteen show mares and fifteen racehorse mares and divided them into three categories: last month of pregnancy, post-foaling, and first month of pregnancy. Blood samples were collected twice via jugular venipuncture, and blood biochemical metabolic biomarkers were evaluated by gas chromatography (GC) and high liquid chromatography (HPLC). A significant (P≤0.05) increase was observed for the concentration of serum glucose and creatine of pregnant show horse mares in the last month compared to the remaining stages. Serum fatty acid concentrations were numerically higher in the last month than in the remaining stages. Showhorse mares were higher than racehorse mares for all stages. The differences observed in serum non-esterified fatty acids for all stages and the show and racehorse mares lacked significance. The racehorse mares exhibited higher (P≤0.05) serum concentrations of total protein than those of the showhorse mares. For both types, serum total protein was higher (P≤0.05) in the first and last month than in the post-foaling period. In conclusion, some blood metabolites differ according to reproductive stages and mare types and can considered for diagnosing diseases and determining nutritional requirements for each type and reproductive stage.

This study aimed to determine whether zinc methionine supplements have a beneficial effect on the immune response in broilers vaccinated against Newcastle disease (ND). A total of 120 broiler chicks were randomly divided into 6 groups. G1 were fed a basal diet and kept as a negative control G2 and G3 were fed 90 mg/kg of zinc methionine in a basal diet. The two groups were vaccinated with killed and live NDV groups 2 and 3 respectively. Group 3 consisted of chickens vaccinated with live ND vaccine in drinking water, while Group 4 consisted of chickens fed with zinc methionine supplementation 90 mg/kg of basal diet, but not vaccinated (positive control). G5 and G 6 consisting of chickens were vaccinated as mentioned in G2 and G3. The titer of immunoglobulin G (IgG) was measured as a parameter for the immunological status of chickens during the experiment. Results reveal that the titer of IgG against ND was increased in the G2, G3, and G5, in contrast, the titer of IgG against ND was higher in groups of chicken feds on zinc methionine. Antibody titer of IgA against ND was increased in G2 and G5 with significant differences (P<0.05), increase in the titer of IgA was reported in G2 after treatment. The bursal index and spleen index at 25 days have significant results and the G2 and G3 consider the best groups compared with another groups.

Alsweira research farm (44.823410 and 44.823040 N, 33.012701 and 33.012090 E) of an area of 5000 Da., was selected to conduct the UAV’s photogrammetry interpretation to delineate and separate soil units at the series level in collaboration with the measured RGB vegetation indices derived from their data. Visual interpretation of mosaic and the vegetation indices efficiently eased the delineation process of soil series map. RGB indices measured form UAV’s imagery were efficient in delineating soil units, and they showed significant relationships with above ground biomass where the later is representing the vegetation cover in the study area. NGRDI, ExG, NExG, and RGBVI showed high correlation with above ground biomass (g m-2) while VARI showed no relationship with it. Percentages of Indices participation in delineation and isolation of map units were as follow: NGRDI> RGBVI > NexG> ExG> VARI in 90%, 89%, 86%, 85%, and 52% respectively.

This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of land for irrigated wheat cultivation in the Ali Al-Gharbi area in Maysan Governorate.A semi detailed soil survey was conducted covering an area of 77244.66 hectares. 15 pedons were described and 40 surface samples were collected. The study area included three physiographic units: the riverbed unit, the river basin unit, and the depressions unit. Land suitability assessment was conducted following the methodologies outlined by Sys et al., 1993, and the approach proposed by Al-Rubaie )10(. This evaluation encompassed soil characteristics, topography, and irrigation water needs. The results indicated that the determining factor for wheat cultivation is soil salinity and calcium carbonate content. Climate suitability results for wheat cultivation within category S1 reached a rating of (98.8)%, according to the assessment. However, according to the suitability categories outlined by Sys et al., 1993, the unsuitable areas (N2) for cultivation covered an area of 76,336.36 hectares, accounting for 98.82% of the study area, while the suitable category (S1) covered an area of 908.30 hectares, representing 1.18% of the study area. According to the proposal by Al-Rubaie )10(, water availability fell within the limited suitability category S3, with a rating of (66.74)%. The final suitability assessment placed the area within the unsuitable category N1, covering 75,572.73 hectares and representing 97.84% of the study area, and the limited suitability category S3, covering 1,671.93 hectares and representing 2.16% of the study area.

An experiment was carried out at one of the fields located south of Baghdad during the 2024 agricultural season to study the water requirements of two cultivars of okra, a local cultivar (Batra) and an Egyptian cultivar (Lahloba) under the effect of the previous crop compared with the absence of residues. The factorial experiment included the crop cultivar and the presence or absence of previous crop residues. The characteristics studied for these two factors and their interactions were the water requirement of the okra crop, water productivity, germination speed, plant height, number of leaves, and fresh pod yield. The presence of crop residues led to a decrease in water consumption by the crop (mm) and consequently a decrease in the amount of water used (m3) per hectare by 19.26% and an increase in both water productivity by 64.15%, the germination by about 7.3%, plant height (cm) by 22.7%, and the number of leaves per plant 13.6%, and the yield of fresh pods (kg/ha) is approximately 32.5%. The Egyptian cultivar (Lahloba) exceeded the local cultivar Batra in achieving the lowest water consumption and therefore the least amount of water used by 4.5% and the highest percentage of water productivity (10.5%), germination speed (7.3%), number of leaves per plant (4.2%) and fresh pod yield (kg/ ha) (5.9%), while the local cultivar Batra exceeded in achieving the highest average plant height reaching 143 cm compared to the average height of the Lahloba plant (142 cm), with an increase of 0.7%.

This experiment was conducted during 2022-2023 season in private nursery. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of foliar spraying with polyamine and iron sulphate on growth and flowering of the snapdragon plant, Antirrhinum majus L. The experiment focused on two factors. The first factor involved foliar spraying with polyamine at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 mg.L-1, The plants were treated with polyamine through two rounds of spraying, 15 and 25 days after planting. The second factor involved foliar spraying with iron sulphate at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 g.L-1 through two rounds 15 and 25 days after planting. The study followed a factor experiment design (4×4) based on the Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). The research commenced by sowing seeds in cork dishes filled with Peat moss. After two weeks of planting, the plants were fertilized with a chemical fertilizer at a concentration of 2 g.L-1. The findings indicated that applying polyamine through foliar spraying at a concentration of 15 mg.L-1, along with iron sulphate at a concentration of 0.4 g.L-1, had a notable impact on the vegetative and flowering growth traits. These included plant height, chlorophyll content in leaves, and carbohydrates percentage in leaves

This experiment was carried out in 2023 season of spring and fall growth cycle in a private canopy in Al-Radwaniyah city, Baghdad Governorate, study included addition of bacterial biofertilizer at four treatments: no addition (A1), addition of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteria (A2) , addition of Azospirillum brasilense bacteria (A3) and addition of both types of bacteria (A4) and organic fertilizer (Decomposing buffalo manure) at three levels (0, 250 and 500 g.soil-1), which are symbolized by B0, B1, and B2, respectively Added once during the spring and fall growing cycle, and spray moringa extract at three levels (0, 20 and 40 g.L-1), which are symbolized M0, M1, and M2, respectively spray 5 times every 15 days. Treatments were replicated three times at factorial experiment in a RCBD and thus number of transplants used was 108. Experimental results showed that adding two types of bacteria (A4) and buffalo manure at a level of 500 g.soil-1 (B2) and spraying moringa extract at a concentration of 40 g.L-1 (M2) as interaction treatment A4B2M2 produced best results in shoot number, stem diameter, leaf potassium and iron percent %, and epidermal and spongy cells layers thickness, (25.00, 41.00) shoot.plant-1, (14.247, 5.283) mm, (2.980, 2.885) %, (215.8, 220.7) mg.kg-1 for two growing seasons, respectively, and (48.60, 108.4) micrometer, respectively compared to control treatment.

In this study, an ideal protocol for the in vitro propagation of Maclura plants was established. The effect of using sodium alginate at different concentrations on the production of artificial seeds from single nodes was investigated. The results showed that the Maclura plant can be successfully propagated in vitro by culturing single nodes on Woody Plant Medium (WPM) with 0.6mg /L GA3, resulting in a percentage response of up to 100%. The highest average number and length of shoots was achieved at this concentration with 5 shoots/explant and 1.31 cm, respectively. At the multiplication stage, the treatment with 0.5mg/L BA + 0.1mg/L NAA) was superior, resulting in the highest average number of shoots of 5.50 shoots/explant. At the rooting stage, the use of IBA at 3mg/L was best and resulted in the highest average number of roots (5.60 roots/shoot). The survival rate of 100% was achieved when soil and pitmoss were used in a 1:1 ratio after the seedlings had been transferred to the field for two months. The results of the artificial seed experiment showed that the interaction between 2% sodium alginate + 15 g/L calcium chloride achieved the highest percentage of survival, 80% after one month of cold storage at 4c◦.

This study was aimed to compare the performance of flour mills in Baghdad governorate during 2019. A sample of 53 mills were collected, divided into four categories according to their productivity. The technical and economic efficiency were estimated according to the data envelope method with an input oriented. The results showed that the values of the general average of scale efficiency and technical efficiency constant CRS, and variable return to scale VRS for the sample in the first half according to its production capacity of the mills amounted to (0.876, 0.937, 0.937)% respectively. Compared to the results of the second period (0.896, 0.952, 0.941) %, respectively. As for the results of allocative and economic efficiency in the first period, it amounted to (0.0856, 0.803) %, respectively. Compared to the results of the second period (0.0840, 0.801) %, respectively. In summary, we conclude that the increase in the quantities of raw wheat in the second period of the sample by 7.0% resulted in a positive effect on the results of technical efficiency TEvrs, and this was also indicated by the results of the Malmquist index. As for the decrease in the results of the average economic efficiency of the sample in the second period due to the low economic efficiency of the mills of the first category, which negatively affected the results of the sample as a whole. One of the recommendations of the research is to update the four categories of mills’ machines, as it has become a problem in wasting input quantities and mills moving away from optimizing the economic efficiency of those mills. As for the mills of the first category, the levels of production capacities must be raised because the current levels do not serve the flour industry and it negatively affected the average sample efficiency.

This research aimed to reduce the effect of the urban heat island phenomenon during the early evening hours to provide the best thermal comfort for the large numbers of visitors of the two holly shrines in Karbala. To achieve the study goal, the research carried out its practical side by using the environmental simulation program, ENVI- met, where it prepared two models for the study area, one of them is a model that simulates the reality, and the other is a model proposed by the research, in which the area was planted with a type of shade-giving trees to provide the highest possible shading rate in the area in an attempt to reduce the phenomenon of the urban heat island in the evening. The research concluded that the proposed model, whose results were calculated at nine o'clock in the evening, succeeded to reduce the phenomenon of the urban heat island in the study area by increasing radient heat and decreasing air temperature which improved feeling of thermal comfort.

This study aimed to evaluate the sustainable efficiency and calculate the sustainable value, opportunity cost and revenue to cost of potato production farms in Baghdad Governorate. Data were collected from a random sample of 102 spring potato producers in Baghdad governorate for the year 2022, the value-added function was estimated using three levels: economic (seeds and space), and social (education level), while environmental represented by (residual and volatile of nitrogen). Effective resources were calculated to extract the sustainability value- SV appeared on an average of 18023.15 thousand Iraqi dinars. Positive relationship with residual nitrogen and productivity, and Inverse relationship to the amount of volatile nitrogen. Whereas the average sustainable efficiency was 0.59% and has a positive relationship with productivity. The highest level of sustainable efficiency was achieved with the highest productivity of 7.4 tons/ donum, as well as residual nitrogen, where at its maximum quantity, the sustainable efficiency reached a maximum of 1.54%, although it was an inverse relationship to volatile nitrogen. The research found that, on average, the opportunity cost was 3.7 and the cost-benefit ratio was 1.09. The study concluded that as farming areas expand, the sustainable efficiency of farmers increases. It also recommended the optimal use of resources and expansion of areas to take advantage of mass production benefits. Additionally, the research emphasized the importance of using resources sustainably to avoid negative environmental impacts. This includes committing to specific dates and quantities when adding fertilizers and pesticides, as their impact on the environment is direct. Furthermore, the research highlighted the importance of participating in training courses to improve scientific knowledge and production performance.

This study was initiated to examine the tomato-infecting viruses belonging to the Tobamovirus and Potexvirus genera in Iraq. Field observations and surveys were carried out for three successive cropping seasons (2020/21 to 2022/23) in selected tomato production areas. The purpose was to identify the main viruses associated with tomato epidemics and assess the impact of different tomato cultivars on disease occurrence. A total of 700 tomato leaf samples were collected from seven governorates (Baghdad, Diyala, Babylon, Najaf, Kerbala, Nasiriya, and Basrah) and tested using pathogen-specific immunostrip kits. The survey showed a presence of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV), Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV), Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV), Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) and Potato virus X (PVX) in tomato fields in Iraq. ToBRFV secured the highest relative incidence in tomato fields (7 governorates) followed by PepMV and CymMV and PMMoV (6 out of 7 governorates) and CGMMV, TMV (5 governorates), and PVX (3 governorates). The least was ORSV (only in Basrah). To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive survey investigating Tobamovirus and Potexvirus on tomato fields in Iraq and the first report of ToBRFV, PMMoV, CymMV, ORSV, CGMMV and PepMV infecting tomato crops in Iraq.

This study was aimed to isolate and identify fungi contaminating raisin samples and evaluate the effectiveness of bacteria in inhibiting fungal growth and reducing toxin levels. The isolation results the fungus A. flavus was the most frequent and appeared in the samples, reaching 54.5 and 44.4%, respectively. The results showed that all isolates of A. flavus had the ability to produce aflatoxin B1, as confirmed by the ammonia vapor test. The isolate with the highest toxin production was identified through nucleotide sequences deposited in the World Genomic Organization's Gene Bank under accession number OR192858. The results demonstrated the ability of the live bacteria Bacillus licheniformis to inhibit fungal growth, reaching 94.4%, compared to 72.56% for the killed bacterial filtrate. The toxin concentration was 62.11 ppb in the toxin-producing isolate treated with bacteria, while it was 285.866 ppb in the toxin-producing isolate without bacteria. An 85.65% reduction in toxin levels was observed compared to the control, which registered 0%, with a toxin concentration of 41.08 ppb in the bacteria-treated toxin-producing isolate, while it was 285.866 ppb in the untreated toxin-producing isolate.

Deploying drones in agriculture improves resource management and crop monitoring by providing real-time data on insect infestations, plant growth, soil conditions, and irrigation requirements. This study highlights the weather hazards for launching and flying agricultural drones in Iraq. The ten most popular drones for agriculture were chosen, and the weather limitations were determined. Hourly climate data (wind speed, temperature, precipitation, and visibility) in file format NetCDF were used for the period 2004–2023. The Python programming language was used to perform analyses on climate data and calculate the percentage of flight ban frequency due to weather hazards during the study period. Using ArcGIS v.10.8, maps were created of the percentage frequencies of weather hazards for each climate element, as well as for the total elements in Iraq annually and seasonally. The results showed that the worst area for launching and flying agricultural drones in Iraq is the northern region, especially in the winter, spring, and autumn seasons, as the highest percentage of preventing drone flying during the year reached 54.8%, and the percentage was 64.2% in winter, 46.7% in spring, and 51.2% in the autumn. The worst area for launching and flying Don during the summer was in the southern region and reached 40.3%.

This study presents a detailed morphology and taxonomic study of Polysiphonia subtilissima collected from Abdul Rehman Goth, Karachi coast, Pakistan. Polysiphonia is a filamentous heterotrichous red algae, characterized by its branching structures and attachment mechanisms. P. subtilissima is notable for its broad salinity tolerance and wide distribution across marine and freshwater ecosystems. This research provides an in-depth examination of the internal and external structures of P. subtilissima, contributing to its systematic study and documenting its first recorded occurrence in Pakistani coastal areas, bordering the northern Arabian Sea. The findings enhance the understanding of the species taxonomy and its ecological role in the region.

This study was aimed to investigate the impact of protein enzymatic hydrolysate extracted from waste of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) on some bacterial growth. Two type protein concentrates were prepared from defatted carp fish waste powder, the first at pH 2/4.5 and the second at pH 12/4.5. They were hydrolysed by pepsin enzyme lyophilized powder ≥ 2500 units/mg conc.1.5gm/100gm protein concentrates for (30, 60, 90, and 120) minutes. The obtained hydrolysates characterized in term of color, amino acids, minerals elements, degree of hydrolysis, solubility in addition to bacterial growth promotor and biomass production properties. The whiteness of acidic and basic protein concentrates were (68.62 and 67.09) %, respectively, their content of essential amino acids were (35.73 and 34.5)%, respectively, they contained similar concentrations of mineral elements. The highest degree of hydrolysis for the concentrate was acheived after 120 minutes of enzymatic reaction time, being (50.8 and 52.4)%, their solubilities were increased with increasing enzymatic reaction time, and highest values were recorded at pH 2 and 10. Number of colonies and biomass of Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was in alternative media higher than commercial medium (MRS) .

The study aimed to identify the reasons behind farmers’ reluctance to using protected cultivation in Baghdad province / Al-Karkh and ways to address them. The study community included vegetable farmers who stopped using protected cultivation, distributed among the agricultural divisions affiliated with the Baghdad / Al-Karkh Agriculture Department during 2023. A stratified random sample belonging was chosen namely112farmers. To achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire was prepared consisting of 21 items divided into two areas of reasons and 12 suggestions of treatments. To measure these reasons and treatments, a four-level scale was developed, consisting of four levels according to the importance (strongly agree, agree, somewhat agree and disagree). The following weights were given 4, 3, 2and 1, respectively. Data was collected from farmers during December 2023 and January 2024, and the data was analyzed using the statistical program (SPSS). The results revealed that the reasons for farmers’ reluctance to continue using the protected agriculture for vegetables were of high importance, as the areas of reasons received weighted averages of 2.785-3.50, and this score exceeds the hypothesized mean of 2.5 degrees, With a percentage weight of 69.62 - 87.5%. The results of the study also showed that there was high approval by farmers for all the proposed treatments to ensure their using of protected cultivation to grow vegetables in Baghdad province / Al-Karkh. It can be concluded the importance of adopting the results of as a working basis for the purpose of farmers continuing to use protected cultivation for vegetables.

The field experiment was carried out during 2021-2022 in the Lower Al-Jazeera region at Anbar - Iraq. The study aimed to find the effect of conservation tillage and coverage practice on water use and consumption of crops in gypsum desert soil in two seasons using two cover crops (Barley and Mung bean). The experiment was carried out on abandoned land, so the covering (straw) was added when planting barley, and then the barley residual was kept when planting Mung bean. Non-inversion tillage was used by the digger plow. Randomly four treatments, tillage covering T.C, tillage no-covering T.NC, no-tillage covering NT.C, and no-tillage no-covering NT.NC was distributed on 12 experimental units by using RCBD design. Irrigation under sprinkler system. Results showed a significant effect of the T treatments on water consumption (ETa) in the winter season in the Mid-stage, with a difference of 16% from the NT, and for the C treatments in the Div-tage, with a difference of 37.6% from the NC. In the Inti-stage of the summer season, the T and C treatments used significantly less water by 18% and 13% compared to the NT and NC treatments, respectively. While in consumption ETa, showed a significant difference for T treatments by 6% less than NT in the Inti-stage and for C treatments in the Dev-stage by 13 % less than NC. The interference treatments T.C least and NT.NC higher used and consumed.

A total of 58 Leuciscus vorax samples were collected from the Main Outfall Drain, inside the borders of the central Iraqi province of Al-Qadisiyah, throughout the extended period from the beginning of January to the end of December 2022. Several traditional fishing methods were adopted. The results indicated that the males ratio were 44.83% (26 individuals) of the total number, while the females were 55.17% (32 individuals), with the total gender ratio that was 1:1.23. Results indicated that the highest food activity was observed from August to November. The lowest was in February and December, at a level of 75. It was noted that the highest level of feed density was in October (14.71) and the lowest was in December (11). Fish ranked first in the overall importance of nutrients for L. vorax species during the study phases, with 52.97% for fish less than 20 cm long and 95.93% for individuals longer than 20 cm. The study concluded that L. vorax was predatory in its feeding behavior, with variations in food items consumed depending on the length of the fish.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of blue panic (Panicum antidotale Retz.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth around palm trees on insect pests. Four experimental treatments were employed to develop fodder around date palms in the field: alfalfa, blue panic, combination of alfalfa and blue panic, and a palm monoculture without any fodder. Each treatment consisted of six replications, resulting in a total of 24 date palms examined. Insect pests were collected monthly utilizing light and pitfall traps from January to December 2020. A one-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the effect of fodder treatments on the number of pests collected. Additionally, an ANOVA with repeated measures was used to analyze the impact of time on the quantity of insects collected across various fodder treatments. Each of these analyses was performed through SAS version 9.2. The study's findings demonstrated that most palm pests, such as Oryctes elegans, Phonapate frontalis, Sphenophorus parumpunctatus, Xyleborus perforans, and Tenebroides mauritanicus, significantly decreased with the introduction of fodder cultivations around the examined date palms. Additionally, the data demonstrated a highly significant difference over time and the fodder treatments on several insect pests, including P. frontalis, X. perforans, and O. elegans.