Kirkuk University Journal For Agricultural Sciences (KUJAS)

The present paper focuses on the hibernation and aestivation locations of the Stink bug Carpocoris corinus Distant,
which infests various economically important crops and plants in the fields. Then, C. corinus Distant migrated
to aestivation and hibernation sites on Safin Mountain in Erbil City from July 2023 to March 2024. It has been found that
the period of aestivation occurs beneath the plants Astragalus russelii, Euphorbia peplus L., and Thymbra vulgaris
(Thyme). Also, spend the hibernation period underneath the falling leaves of Quercus aegilops L., Quercus infectoria L.,
and Pistacia atlantica V. Kurdica. The average number of adults was 420.83 adults/10 m2 at the top of the mountain in
July 2023, while the lowest was 10.25 adults/10 m2 in March 2024. The highest number of adult insects recorded at the
top of the mountain was 66.25 adults/10 m2 in November 2023; still, the lowest number was 10.25 adults/10 m2 in March
2024, then the highest number in the middle of the mountain was 7.33 adults/10 m2 in December 2023, while the lowest
approached 3.66 adults/10 m2 in March 2024. At the mountain base, 0.62 adults/10 m2 were recorded during November
2023, which increased to 9.83 adults/10 m2 in March 2024. The existence of adults on the mountain, Safin, Korac, Bradost,
Hassan bag, Zozic, Handren, Kalander, Pearan and Sheren takes 515, 768, 1261, 576, 227, 119, 472, 270 and 752 adults/10
m2 respectively in Summer 2023. In Summer 2024, the count represented 240, 162, 374, 222, 187, 94, 243, 151, and 264
adults/10 m2, respectively.

This study investigates soil properties and agricultural suitability across five sites in northeast Sulaimani Governorate,
Iraq: Sulaimani, Sharbazher, Sharazoor, Halabja, and Qaradagh. The sites exhibit a climatic gradient, with annual rainfall
ranging from over 850 mm in Sharbazher to less than 350 mm in Halabja, affecting soil characteristics. Soil samples for
the main physicochemical properties. Additionally, soil consistency limits, aggregate stability, shear strength, and
permeability were evaluated to assess soil quality for agriculture. Organic matter content influenced soil mean weight
diameter (MWD), with Sulaimani silty clay loam having the highest MWD (0.80 mm) and organic matter (16.5 g kg-1),
while Sharazoor's silty clay had a lower MWD (0.51 mm) and organic matter (12.6 g kg-1). Enhanced organic material
improves soil structure and aggregate formation by binding clay particles, increasing aggregate stability by up to 45%.
Higher clay content and bulk density increased shear strength, particularly in Sharazoor and Sharbazher. Moisture content
influenced cohesion, with maximum cohesion at specific clay contents (471.2–523.1 g kg-1) and bulk densities (1.28–1.31
g cm-3). Increased clay and silt content reduced permeability, while a higher sand content enhanced it. Sodium content
reduced permeability by causing clay particle dispersion and pore clogging. Climatic differences significantly influence
soil properties. Lower rainfall in Halabja led to higher salinity and pH levels, while higher rainfall in Sharbazher resulted
in greater organic matter content and lower salinity. These findings underscore the importance of region-specific soil
management practices to enhance soil quality and productivity

The current experiment was conducted in the poultry fields of the Department of Animal Production, College of
Agriculture, University of Kirkuk, from 20/10/2022 to 31/1/2023. There, 120 Lohman Brown commercial laying hens,
aged 78 weeks, were employed. This research examined alterations in ovarian, and bone development by using several
mechanisms of molting The birds were split up into five experimental treatments, with four replications of each treatment.
Significant differences were observed between the treatments in both ovary weight and oviduct weight. The T1 and T3
were significantly higher than the other treatments (33.46 and 35.07 g, respectively). Moreover, the oviduct weight of the
T1 was significantly higher than the other treatments (85.18) g. Significant differences were found between the treatments
in both the tibia weight and femur weight; T1 had a higher significant difference in tibia weight and femur weight than
the other treatments (21.14, 14.44) g, respectively. The dry Tibia weight and the dry Femur weight didn’t show significant
differences among the treatments. The effect of different methods of inducing molting on tibia length, femur length, and
tibia diameter. Non-significant differences were found among the treatments in these traits. The results of this study
indicate that giving laying hens broken rice diets for a short while is a good way to induce molting and might even be a
good way to replace molting. The chickens' inability to produce eggs was likely brought on by the diet's suppression of
appetite, which also resulted in ovarian regression.

The Kurdistan Region, Iraq, is rich in wild plant species that are traditionally used as food and medicine. Due to their
chemical compounds, some of these plants are toxic, even in very low doses. Gundelia tournefortii L. is one of the wild
plant species that contains some toxic compounds, such as heavy metals. Therefore, the analysis of inductivity coupled
plasma- optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is important to determine heavy metals found in Gundelia tournefortii
L. edible parts, seeds, and soil. Furthermore, the interaction effect between plants and soil is essential for different
locations. The protocol of heavy metals analysis was investigated using ICP-OES analysis to determine some metals,
including arsenic (As), barium (Br), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg),
potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn). The highest levels of Ba, Cr, and
Ni were observed in all locations using a factorial experiment conducted in the Completely Randomized Design (CRD).
The highest concentrations of Ba, Cr, and Ni were found in Mawat (75.432, 89.520, and 138.627 mg kg-1), respectively,
while the minimum levels were found in Hazarmerd (38.522, 68.188, and 50.121 mg kg-1), respectively. It was also found
that soil contains the highest amount of all three metals: Ba (145.617 mg kg-1), Cr (232.667 mg kg-1), and Ni (254.667mg
kg-1), where Ni was the maximum.

In forensic entomology, both beetles and flies are essential for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI), but they
have different roles throughout the decomposition process. Diptera, mainly flies, are the first to colonize a corpse,
which is essential for understanding early decomposition. Beetles are crucial for longer PMI estimates, highlighting
the importance of studying both in forensic investigations. Forensic entomology is a branch of forensic science that
uses insects found on corpses to help solve criminal cases and to provide important information for estimating the
postmortem interval (PMI). It is also applied to clarify other relevant details, such as the circumstances of death and
its cause. The present study was conducted to include a survey and a brief description of some forensically important
insects from goat and sheep carcasses in several governorates of Iraq. These were Altun Kopry, Daquq, and Taza in
Kirkuk; Khanaqin and Saadia in Diyala; Kalar in Sulimani; Qostappa and Shaqlawa in Erbil; and Tuz Khurmato in
Salahaddin, from January to July 2023. Seven species were identified. Three of these are part of the order Coleoptera:
Creophilus maxillosus (Linnaeus), Dermestes maculatus (Kugelann, 1792), and Necrobia rufipes (Fabricius, 1781).
Four species are from the order Diptera: Musca domestica Linnaeus, 1758; Sarcophaga africa (Wiedemann, 1824);
Calliphora vicina Rob.-Desvoidy, 1830; and Chrysomyia albiceps (Wiedemann). Taxonomic keys have been
developed for some families of these insects. Their distinctive characteristics were noted, and the adults, antennae,
and male genitalia of the species were photographed. The localities and dates of the collection were recorded

The study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of seven cultivars of pomegranate in one of the private orchards in
the city of Heet, Anbar Governorate, during the 2021 growing season. The analysis of ISSR primers revealed variability
in their ability to amplify DNA bands, influenced by factors such as nitrogenous base composition, binding efficiency,
and base sequence diversity. Primer ISSR 8932809 produced the highest number of bands (13), while ISSR 8932804
generated the fewest (6). The highest polymorphism rate (91%) was observed with ISSR 8932799, compared to the lowest
(66%) with ISSR 8932806, indicating that sequence diversity impacts binding and polymorphism rates. Genetic similarity
among cultivars varied, with Malisi and Hitawi showing the highest similarity (lowest genetic distance of 0.76). In
contrast, Shahrban and Nab Al-Jamal were the most genetically distinct (highest genetic distance of 0.12). The
dendrogram, based on ISSR UPGMA analysis, grouped the seven genotypes into two main clusters (A and B). Cluster A
included Nab Al-Jamal, Wonderful, Malisi, and Hitawi, with distinct sub-branches. Nab Al-Jamal was closest to
Wonderful (0.8 units apart) and furthest from Hettawi (2.4 units apart). Cluster B contained Seedless Rawa, Salimi, and
Shahrban, with Salimi and Seedless Rawa being the most genetically similar (0.8 units apart).

Field experiment was carried out at the research station of Field Crop Sciences Department/College of
Agriculture/University of Diyala/Republic of Iraq for the season 2023/2024. This experiment included two factors.
The first was three varieties of faba bean (local, Dutch Monash, and Spanish Fito). while second factor was the
intercropping system (faba bean+onions, faba bean only). As for onions, the local variety was used. The experiment
was conducted out according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed
that the monocropping system (with faba bean only) was significantly superior in terms of the weight of 100 seeds,
giving a value of 177 grams, while there were no differences between the monocropping and intercropping systems
(faba bean+onions) in rest of the studied characteristics. Dutch Monash was superior in plant height (cm), number of
seeds per pod, plant yield (g) and weight of 100 seeds (g) amounting to (34.3 cm, 4.7, 109.0 g, 306.0 g) respectively,
whereas the local variety was superior in Characteristics of the number of branches per plant and the number of pods
per plant, as the values reached (5.4, 6.7) respectively. The interaction between intercropping system and faba bean
varieties had different effect on the growth of faba bean varieties. The Dutch Monash variety grown in the
monocropping system presented the highest value for the plant height, which amounted to 34.3 cm, and the weight of
100 seeds amounted to 317.0 g. The same variety in the intercropping system provided the highest value of 5.0 seeds
per pod. The local variety with the monocropping system was superior to the characteristics of the number of branches
per plant, which was 6.1 and the number of pods per plant, which was 7.2. The Spanish variety, Fito, with the
monocropping and intercropping systems, contributed the lowest values for all the studied traits.

Biofertilizers are organic fertilizers that include microorganisms that fix nitrogen organically, soluble phosphate, or
produce hormones, vitamins, and other growth regulators required for plant growth. The use of biofertilizers, which are
highly effective and ecologically benign fertilizers substituted for traditional fertilizers, is an excellent way to boost crop
output while reducing nutrient loss during fertilization. Pollination of crop plants with it is a promising technique in crop
production, including sunflowers. To produce bacterial biofertilizers, strains that are appropriate for a given crop in a
specific agroclimatic zone must be chosen. Since soil properties and agroclimatic conditions differ greatly, it is essential
to isolate a variety of strains of each biofertilizer for every area. This makes increasing the supply of nutrients both
economically and environmentally appealing. When applied to seeds, seedlings, plants, or soil, it aids in mobilization of
plant nutrients for crop growth by providing any other plant nutrient needed for crop growth, such as phosphorus
solubilization or nitrogen biological fixation. In order to control a variety of root-borne infections, several biofertilizers
also function as efficient biocontrol agents. It is known to be available micronutrients such as iron, copper, zinc,
molybdenum, manganese, etc. to plants and helps in collecting water from distant areas of the crop root zone through the
process of root branching. It was found that adding biofertilizers (Azotobacter, Azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing
bacteria, Sulphur-oxidizing bacteria) to the sunflower crop led to stimulating and accelerating growth and increasing seed
productivity of this crop, besides the fact that biofertilizers are easy to apply to plants and can lower production expenses

This study was conducted in one of the private orchards in Al-Anbar Governorate / Republic of Iraq during the 2024
season, where 54 homogeneous date palm trees were selected, planted systematically at a distance of 9×9 meters. The
experiment was designed as a complete randomized block design (RCBD) with three replications. The study included
three factors: the addition of nano NPK fertilizer at concentrations of 0, 50, and 100 g palm-1, a biostimulant at a
concentration of 0 and 20mL-1, and spraying with seaweed extract at concentrations of 0, 1, and 2 mL-1. Statistical analysis
results showed that the study factors achieved good results in vegetative growth and yield characteristics for the treated
trees. The treatment with the biostimulant at a concentration of 20 mL-1outperformed all treatments in terms of leaf
chlorophyll content, which was 44.47 mg 100 g of fresh weight, and the dry matter percentage in leaves, which was
56.78%. The average fruit weight was 10.81 g, and the total yield was 103.82 kg palm-1. Meanwhile, the treatment with
seaweed extract excelled in leaf area, measuring 3.116 m², and the percentage of carbohydrates, which was 18.47%. As
for the bilateral interaction between the study factors, the interaction treatment between nano-fertilizer and seaweed extract
at a concentration of 100 gm + 2 ml L-1 outperformed the rest of the treatments in both the leaf area trait, which reached
3.254 m2 and the carbohydrate percentage, which reached 19.12%, while the treatment of nano-fertilizer and bio-fertilizer
100 gm + 20 ml L-1 outperformed in both the fruit weight trait, which reached 11.27 gm and the palm yield, which reached
108.05 kg palm tree-1. The interaction treatment between bio-fertilizer and growth stimulant 20 ml L-1 + 2 ml L-1 also
achieved the highest values in both the leaf content trait of chlorophyll, which reached 45.50 mg/100 gm fresh weight,
and the percentage of dry matter, which reached 57.98%.The results of the three-way interaction showed significant
differences among the treatments ,with the interaction treatment of nano fertilizer (100 g),the biostimulant (20 mL-1), and
seaweed extract (2 mL-1) outperforming all other treatments for the studied traits

The objective of the research is to identify the knowledge needs of the agricultural employees of the Nineveh
Agriculture Directorate in the production of green fodder derived from barley seeds in general, to arrange its poverty
according to importance and to establish a correlation between the knowledge needs of agricultural employees and certain
independent variables. The research included all the Nineveh Agriculture Directorate's agricultural employees (416)
Agricultural employees and a proportionate random sample of these employees’ members was selected in proportion
(25%) Thus, the search sample reached )104(agricultural employees. The data was collected by a questionnaire form and
the apparent authenticity of the questionnaire was extracted and its constant coefficient was calculated in alfa-kronbach
and for data analysis. using appropriate statistical means. The results showed that the percentage (50 %) of agricultural
employees have a Medium tendency to rise in the production of green fodder cultivated from barley seeds. And there's a
moral connection between the degree of knowledge needs of agricultural employees in the area of green fodder production
derived from barley seeds and the age variable - academic achievement, the number of years of agricultural career service.
While there is no moral correlation between knowledge needs and gender variables, specialization in agricultural
extension, upbringing, and sources of information on agricultural employees' knowledge needs. One of the most important
recommendations and proposals of the researcher is the preparation of training courses for agricultural employees and the
promotion of the level of knowledge of agricultural employees in the production of green feed from barley seeds through
cooperation with the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and coordination with the Directorate of Agriculture of Nineveh
and its agricultural divisions and agricultural extension and training

This study's objective was to evaluate whether rosemary oil (RO) (Rosmarinus officinalis) influenced the fattening
quality of meat utilizing by determining thirty Awassi lambs at four months of age (with determined weighs 26±3 kg).
Lambs were divided into three groups. In the first group, lambs fed a diet without rosemary oil (control, RO = 0), while
in the second (RO=200) and third (RO=400) groups, lambs fed a diet including 200 and 400 mg/kg rosemary oil for 60
days. All lambs were slaughtered in an experimental slaughterhouse after the fattening stage. The results demonstrated
that Daily weight gain was significantly higher (p < 0.05) of lambs fed RO treatments. The FCR was improved in the group
of lambs fed a diet with 400 mg/kg rosemary oil. Bigger rib-eye area and low subcutaneous fat (p < 0.05) were recorded
for lambs fed a diet supplemented with 400mg/kg rosemary oil. The conclusion pH differed from 5.76 to 5.55 after 24 h
post-mortem, which was lower than the control group. Rosemary oil had a substantial effect on the lowering of MDA
levels in the liver of lambs. Hence, it would be advantageous to attempt rosemary oil in lamb nutrition in order to improve
their meat quantity and quality.

We conducted the experiment in the town of Al-Bu-dhiyab, west of Ramadi on Location Gps
33.491956.43.260994during 2024's spring season on 5-year-old Ibrahimi apple trees, to study the effects of injecting
micro-Nano elements and adding seaweed extract on vegetative growth, chemical properties, and yield. The experiment
included three levels of injection: (0 - injection with distilled water only, B10+Fe20, and B20+(Fe40 mg L-1)) and the
addition of seaweed extract at four concentrations: (0 - injection using just pure water from distillation, 3, 6, as well as 9
ml L-1). Treatments were applied in three batches on March 16, with a 20-day interval between each treatment. The
following characteristics were studied: The content of chlorophyll a and b in leaves, Content of leaves in boron and iron,
Percentage of remaining fruits, Fruit fall percentage, Fruit firmness, and The percentage of total soluble solids in the fruits
T.S.S.
The findings indicated that the injectable therapy (B20+ (Fe40 mg L-1) resulted in a substantial enhancement of most
examined features. Likewise, the incorporation of seaweed extract (9 ml L-1) resulted in an extensive improvement for the
examined attributes. The interaction between the study components revealed that the injectable therapy at the
concentration of B20+(Fe40) and the addition of seaweed extracted with a level of 9 ml L-1 performed in most evaluated
features.

The aim of the current study was to extract the active compounds of seven grape varieties cultivated in Duhok
Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, for the 2023 season. The varieties included (Hejazi, Tre rash, Eayn althawr,
Superior seedless, Moon drop, Crimson, Samarkandi). The results indicated that the leaves of grape varieties contain
many active compounds, and the number and concentrations of these active compounds vary among the studied
varieties. The number of active compounds according to the sequence was Hejazi 61 with highest compound of Methyl
linolenate (6.71%), Superior seedless 36, Moon drop 33, Tre rash and Crimson 22, Eayn althawr 14, and Samarkandi
13 with 22.50 of α-Tocospiro-B . The compound Methyl palmitate appeared at its highest levels in the varieties (Tre
rash, Eayn althawr, Superior seedless, Moon drop, Crimson), with values of (16.02%, 26.53%, 21.39%, 18.29%,
32.16%), respectively. GC-MS analysis confirmed that there is a biochemical diversity in the given grapevine varieties.
Therefore, these varieties could distinguish via the highest compound appeared in GC-MS analysis

A new record of glaphyrid beetle, Eulasia nitidicollis (Reiche,1862) was found and described in Iraq. The samples
were collected during March to June 2023 from the weeds’ flowers in various locations of Erbil governorate, Kurdistan
region, Iraq. Distinctive characters of the species were mentioned: Body Oval, head, and thorax shining green.
Compound eyes are kidney-shaped, half divided by a canthus. Clypeus black rectangular shaped, posterior margin is
slightly convex, angles of anterior acute and of posterior nearly rounded. Labrum rectangular shaped, dark brown,
margins of anterior and posterior are straight. Mandible high sclerotized, apical part with three acute denticles. 1st-3rd
segments of maxillary palps cup-shaped with sparse of dark brown setae, 4th segment oval prolonged, bare. 2.3 times
as long as 3rd segment. Antenna dark brown-black, consisting of 10 antennomeres, ending by three clubs shorter than
the stem. Outer margin of the fore tibia with three strong spines. Pronotum bright green sub quadrate,1.3 times as long
as head, with dense of long pale-yellow setae. Scutellum bright green. Elytra, thin, brown, and elongated oval, surface
densely short, black, and yellow setae and sparsely punctate. Abdomen consists of six visible, ground color segments
with light greenish reflections and densely pale-yellow setae, the posterior margin is inverted V-shaped. Pygidium
exposed beyond the apices of elytra. Aedeagus yellow- dark yellow, cylindrical shaped, parameres, short, tubular
shaped, slightly expanded at the middle part, the basal piece is short and oval-shaped. The important taxonomic parts
such as, labrum, mandibles, Maxilla, antennae, protibiae and male genitalia were photographed. Localities, date of
collection and plant hosts were mentioned.

The study aimed to identify the actual responsibilities assigned to agricultural staff to improve the extension work
in the Directorate of Agriculture of Nineveh, to determining the correlation between the reality of the extension tasks
provided to agricultural employees and the variables (age, Academic achievement, job service, participation in training
courses, desire for renewal). In addition to identifying the most important proposals of agricultural employees to
overcome the extension obstacles they face while performing their work. The research population included all
employees within the agricultural sector of the Directorate of agriculture, nd its agricultural divisions, and their number
(400) employees, in the city center and the agricultural divisions, amounting to (28) divisions, , a simple sample was
extracted randomly and by (25%) Therefore, the final research sample reached (100) employees. A questionnaire form
was used to collect data consisting of three parts, the first part includes personal and functional characteristics of
respondents. The second part was a measure to determine the reality of the extension tasks provided to agricultural
employees to improve the extension work, which included 20 items. The third part included the most prominent
proposals made by the employees themselves and identified the proposals related to their work. The findings indicated
that the level of application of agricultural employees to the extension tasks is average and tends to rise, findings
indicated a significant association between the reality of the extension tasks provided to agricultural employees and
the following independent variables (age, Academic achievement, desire for renewal)

This study, conducted at the College of Agriculture, University of Kirkuk, in autumn during the growing season of
2023, aimed to examine the effect of heat accumulation on the growth and productivity of nine maize genotypes three
different planting dates (July 5, July 15, and July 25). A split-plot design with a randomized complete block design with
three replicate was used to analyze the impact of planting dates and genotypes on various heat accumulation stages, aiming
to estimate genetic parameters variance, phenotypic variance, and expected genetic advance for each growth stage.
The findings indicated that the various planting dates had a substantial impact on heat. In early heat accumulation
phases (VE, V2, and V4), The expected genetic advance values for these stages were notably high, with percentages of
29.175%, 19.077%, and 18.283%, respectively the initial date (July 5) showed strong heritability rates, suggesting the
possibility of improving genetic characteristics by selection at these periods. Meanwhile, these values were lower in stages
such as V6 and V8, with heritability values of 0.571 and 0.572, respectively. For the second date (July 15), heritability
values were high in most stages, suggesting a significant influence of genetic factors, with moderate to high genetic
advance in early stages but low in later stages like V12 (9.900%) and V14 (4.256%). For the third date (July 25), genetic
and phenotypic variance values were moderate across most stages, reflecting notable genetic and phenotypic variation.
Heritability values were high in almost all stages, except for the final stage(V14), which had a moderate value of 0.457627.
The expected genetic advance values were moderate across most stages, suggesting the potential to improve genetic traits
at certain stages

The study explored the effectiveness of plant-derived powders, specifically from tobacco and rosemary, in managing
black carpenter ant populations. To evaluate their efficacy, three different concentrations 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% were tested.
The results revealed that the most effective concentration for both plant powders was 2.5%. While higher concentrations,
such as 5% and 7.5%, were also tested, they led to excessively high mortality rates among the ants, which, although
seemingly advantageous, proved impractical for sustainable ant control. This is because excessively high mortality rates
may disrupt ecological balance or lead to overuse of resources, reducing long-term applicability. Interestingly, tobacco
powder at the 2.5% concentration stood out as the most effective treatment, demonstrating superior ant control compared
to rosemary powder. This suggests that the chemical composition of tobacco contains active compounds, particularly
potent against black carpenter ants. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate concentrations to
maximize efficacy while minimizing potential ecological risks or unintended consequences. The study underscores the
potential of natural, plant-based solutions as an alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. With increasing concerns over
the environmental and health impacts of conventional pesticides, plant powders such as those derived from tobacco offer
a promising, eco-friendly option for pest management. Additionally, their natural origin may reduce the likelihood of pests
developing resistance, a common issue with synthetic chemicals. Overall, the research demonstrates that tobacco powder,
particularly at a 2.5% concentration, can serve as an effective and sustainable tool for controlling black carpenter ants.
Further studies could investigate the long-term impacts, application methods, and the potential for integrating such plantbased solutions into broader pest management strategies. These insights pave the way for developing environmentally
conscious approaches to pest control.

The pots experiment was conducted in the Khabat Technical Institute/ Erbil Polytechnic University/ Kurdistan
region/ Iraq, 2022-2023, to study the Effect of soil treatment with pathogenic fungi on the growth parameters and
production of wheat varieties. A factorial experimental design was applied in a random complete block design (RBCD)
with three replications. The first factor represents five varieties of wheat (Adana, Hawler 2, Hawler 6, Jehan, and
Pakistany), the second factor represents two soil types (full control and natural soil) and two types of pathogenic fungi
(Pythium aphanidermatum and Alternaria alternata). The fungi Pythium aphanidermatum had the most influence on
the growth characteristics as the plant height was 65.734 cm, number of tillers 3.866, leaf area (LA) 353.576 cm2, leaf
area index (LAI) 7.07, dry matter 5.09 g per plant, crop growth rate 0.033 g plant-1 day-1, while A. alternate fungi
showed less effect than P. aphanidermatum. For wheat varieties, Hawler 2 recorded the best results on the growth
characteristic, and the interaction treatment of A. alternata with the Hawler 2 variety gave the best results in terms of
growth and yield characteristics. The full control had the most influence on the yield characteristics and recorded the
heights. of spike plant-1 6.86, No. of seed spike-1 10.53, 1000 grain weight 52.66 g and grain yield 44.93 g plant-1, as
well as the highest value of the yield components among the varieties was the Hawler 2 variety, the interaction between
the full control with the Adana variety achieved the highest result of No. of spike plant-1 and grain yield g plant-1

Fire blight, a bacterial infection, is caused by Erwinia amylovora, is pivotal in pear (Pyrus communis) that is a
deciduous woody fruit-bearing plant that is classified within the Rosaceae family, under the subfamily Maloideae, and
is part of the Pyrus genus. This fruit tree is known for shedding its leaves annually and thrives in temperate regions.The
pathogen Erwinia amylovora is widely distributed in numerous countries where apple and pear cultivation is prevalent,
affecting various plant species within the Rosaceae family, especially those in the Maloideae subfamily. Cultivating
resistant cultivars against fire blight is highly feasible. This study utilized seven distinct primer combinations (MdEEaN, MdE-EaK3, MdE-EaK5, MdE-EaK4, FRMB31M87, FRMb32MO4b, and FRMb32M27) to evaluate fire blight
resistance presence in pear cultivars, yielding positive results in six regions in Kurdistan, Iraq. A diverse selection of
examined cultivars exhibited band sizes ranging from 135 to 200 bp. The research effectively identified distinct genetic
markers linked to resistance development against fire blight within specific pear cultivars. In Duhok, Harame Sherain
landraces showed positive results with all primers, while Pazie also displayed positivity except with primer MdEEaK5, while Hawaller, Qazam, and Buharie landraces had positive outcomes in all primers except with primer MdEEaK5, whereas Doshawe from Saylaman and Gollawie from Halbja exhibited positive results except with primer
FRMB31M87. Additionally, the study recognized certain pear landraces lacking essential genes for fire blight
resistance, making them vulnerable to the disease. These findings underscore the critical role of genetic factors in
determining a specific level of resistance against fire blight.

The study was conducted in the Entomology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Forestry Sciences, College
of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, to study and identify the fungi associated with some forest tree seeds.
The identified fungi were Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., Rhizopus sp., Fusarium sp., Macrophomina
phaseolina, Phoma sp. and Alternaria sp. The results of the isolation showed that the highest isolation rate was recorded
for the fungus Rhizopus sp. (46.66%) on the seeds of (Pinus eldarica), as well as Penicillium sp. at the same rate on the
seeds of Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens). The lowest isolation rate was recorded for the
fungi Alternaria sp., Fusarium sp. and Macrophomina phaseolina (6.66%) on the seeds of Eldarica pine (Pinus eldarica)
Brutia pine (Pinus brutia) and Eastern arborvitae (Biota orientalis). The effect of different concentrations of natural pine
resin showed that the fourth concentration (40%) had a significant effect in inhibiting all fungi. The highest inhibition rate
was recorded for the fungi Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp. at the fourth concentration, reaching 100% for both fungi. The
lowest inhibition rate was recorded for Macrophomina phaseolina, which was 0% at both the first and second
concentrations, which did not differ significantly from the control treatment.

For millennia, nature has provided medical chemicals, and several contemporary medications have originated from
natural sources. Historically, plants have functioned as traditional herbal cures for many maladies, and their unique natural
ingredients have impacted the formulation, discovery, and development of new medications. The identification of novel
molecular targets from proteins has increased the demand for distinctive chemical diversity. Bioactive compounds are
crucial for human health owing to their many biological effects, including antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiallergenic,
anti-inflammatory, antimitogenic, and antibacterial activities. These compounds may assist in the prevention and treatment
of noncommunicable diseases, such as autoimmune, inflammatory, cardiovascular, oncological, metabolic, and
neurodegenerative disorders. A collaborative research investigation is discovering these components and establishing their
advantageous health impacts. An essential component of several drug development initiatives has been the investigation
of natural sources for new physiologically active metabolites.
Many currently recognized lead compounds for medicinal treatments are natural chemicals or their derivatives.
Ethnomedicinal research is essential for identifying novel pharmaceuticals derived from indigenous medicinal flora. Green
medicines are gaining prominence and significant relevance due to the unparalleled abundance of chemical variety and
natural products, which provide extensive prospects for novel therapeutic discoveries, either as pure chemicals or as
homogeneous plant extracts. Consequently, the demand for herbal medicines and various natural products derived from
diverse plant species has steadily risen in recent years. To put it briefly, medicinal plant species are more than just
extractable and exploitable chemical factories. Instead, they could have enhanced human health, prolonged human
lifespans, and formed contemporary society as symbiotic partners.

During 2022/2023 growing season, the plastic pot experiment was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering
Sciences, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq to identification the effect of application
20 g kg-1 soil Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (Glomus intraradices) once time before planting, also application five levels
of phosphors (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160) kg ha-1 once time before planting on broad bean plant growth, nutrient uptake and
total yield. The experiment performed in completed randomized design (CRD) with three replications in silty clay soil.
Before harvested the plant height and chlorophyll intensity was measured and then the plants were harvested to measured
shoot dry weight, root dry weight, root colonization, pods numbers per plant and yield per plant and after the N, P, K, Fe,
and Zn were measured in shoot plant. The results showed that the 160 kg phosphors per hectare with mycorrhiza caused
significantly increase, chlorophyll intensity, shoot and root dry weight, nitrogen, phosphor and potassium content in shoot
system with the value of (82.67 cm, 48.90 SPAD, 16.90 g, 7.70 g , 53.10 g kg-1, 14.77 g kg-1, and 39.50 g kg-1) respectively,
while the interaction treatment of P level 80 kg P ha-1 with mycorrhizal inoculation gave the highest values of root
colonialization, Fe and Zn content which were (68.00%, 378.33 μg g-1 and 293.00 μg g-1) respectively. On another hand,
mycorrhizal inoculation with 120 kg ha-1 phosphorus recorded the significantly highest values for number of pods per
plant and plant yield were (30.90 pods plant-1 and 721.17 g plant-1) compared with control.

This study evaluates the impact of thermal shock on agricultural land cultivated with wheat, tomato, and
cucumber in Sulaymaniyah province, northern Iraq, over a 30-year period (1993–2023). Thermal shock, defined
as sudden and significant fluctuations in temperature, was analyzed using annual average data, which ranged from
a low of 16.42°C in 2012 to a high of 20.66°C in 2019. The study examined cultivated area records for the three
crops to assess the influence of thermal variations on agricultural productivity and land use. The findings reveal
that wheat, a staple crop in the region, demonstrated notable resilience to thermal fluctuations. The cultivated area
for wheat increased steadily from 25,300 dunams in 1993 to 35,000 dunams in 2023, despite exposure to varying
degrees of thermal shock. In contrast, tomato and cucumber crops exhibited significantly higher sensitivity to
temperature variability. Tomato cultivation, which peaked at 8,500 dunams in 2000, experienced a drastic decline
to 140 dunams by 2023, particularly during periods of elevated average thermal shocks. Similarly, cucumber
cultivation experienced substantial fluctuations, with a peak of 450 dunams in 2012, which decreased sharply to
100 dunams by 2023. However, climate change was not the only reason for the decrease in agricultural areas, as
the spread of greenhouse cultivation contributed to the decrease in field agricultural areas. These results underscore
the contrasting levels of vulnerability among different crops, with wheat benefiting from inherent resilience
mechanisms, while tomatoes and cucumbers are more susceptible to adverse climatic conditions. The study
highlights the critical need for implementing climate-resilient agricultural strategies tailored to mitigate the effects
of thermal shocks. Such interventions are essential for ensuring the sustainable cultivation of sensitive crops and
supporting the long-term economic stability of the agricultural sector in Sulaymaniyah

Calcareous soils in Kurdistan pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity due to low fertility
and poor structure. This study investigates the effect of soil amelioration practices, specifically organic matter
(OM) and ash applications, on fungal and bacterial communities to improve soil health and functionality. The
objective was to evaluate the diversity, phylogeny, and functional roles of soil microbes under varying levels
of OM (0–6 t/ha) and ash (0–4 t/ha). Using 16S and 28S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis,
microbial diversity and evolutionary relationships were assessed. The results demonstrated that high OM levels
(6 t/ha) significantly enhanced microbial diversity, supporting nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Azotobacter
chroococcum) and beneficial fungi (Trichoderma reesei). Ash applications influenced microbial composition,
promoting resilient species such as Xanthobacter sp. and Sphingomonas sanguinis. Phylogenetic analysis
confirmed close genetic relationships within microbial genera, reflecting their adaptability to calcareous soil
conditions. Beneficial microbes played key roles in nutrient cycling, plant growth promotion, and soil
resilience. In conclusion, integrating OM and microbial-based approaches can improve the fertility and
biological health of calcareous soils. While ash can condition soil, its long-term impacts on microbial
communities should be monitored. It is recommended to adopt regular OM applications and bio-inoculants
containing Pseudomonas and Trichoderma to sustainably enhance soil productivity. These findings provide a
foundation for tailored soil management strategies in the agricultural landscapes of Kurdistan.

The aim of the research is to demonstrate the importance of agricultural planning and open green spaces in the
sustainable development of Duhok Governorate, through reviewing the relevant scientific literature and studies,
lessons learned from international experiences in the field of agricultural planning, modern trends in the field of
extension work on a global scale, and the characteristics of agricultural extension in directing the provision of services.
Agricultural and urban planning have strong impacts on the environment, green spaces, the economy and the form of
the city The concept of Urban green space is open space areas reserved for parks and other "green spaces", including
plant life, and the environment. Most urban open spaces are green spaces, but occasionally include other kinds of open
areas. Lack of sustainable agriculture has a negative impact on the city in regard to envrinment, economy and social
aspects. This study tries to find out the obstacles of sustainable agriculture in Shindokha area to achieve sustainability
and the factors that can improve the agricultural lands, to become more affective and to increase production through
conducting a qualitative research approach. Qualitative data collection methods vary using unstructured or
semistructured techniques. Individual interviews with stake holders, houses honors in Duhok city and
participation/observations which are going to be used to collect data about Duhok city.in the result findings the
agricultural sustainability, urban agriculture are one of the most effective interventions for improving our social,
psychological and economic future for individuals, communities, states, and the country as a whole. Having a greener
community is very crucial that enables a city to be more attractive and solves many social issues, especially for those
who want to get use of their times and will not waste it.

The purpose of the research was to investigate the effect of yeast supplemented with selenium or zinc on the antioxidant
profile of local Iraqi goats. The study utilized seventeen female goats with an average body weight (BW) of 37.5 ± 2.5 kg
and an average age of 2-2.5 years. The animals were randomly assigned to three groups: group I contained five goats,
while groups II and III contained six goats. The control group (Group I) was not treated, while Group II was given a dose
of selenium-supplemented yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae-selenium) at 0.03 g/kg/BW. Group III was offered a dose of
zinc-supplemented yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae-zinc) at 0.2 g/kg/BW. The samples were administered orally to the
animals for 45 days after being dissolved in 30 ml of distilled water. The changes in the level of liver and antioxidant
enzymes were determined by collecting blood samples from the jugular vein on the first day and the 45th day. The result
showed the Y+Se and Y+Zn treatments significantly reduced malondialdehyde, AST, and ALT in comparison to the
control treatment (P < 0.05). However, the GPx levels of the animals that received the treatment diets increased. In both
treatment treatments, there was a significant decrease in Creatinine and Urea. The treatments exhibited decreased
indications of globulin and albumin in comparison to the control treatment. In conclusion, the results suggest that the
serum antioxidant activity of goats was not only improved but also the lipid peroxidation was reduced by dietary yeast
supplemented with selenium (Saccharomyces cerevisiae-selenium).

Timber trading and pricing are primarily influenced by the mechanical and physical properties of wood. Different
parameters of the wood including compressive strength, hardness, and wood density determine the quality of the timber.
This study investigates the mechanical and physical characteristics of five selected tree species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis,
Populus nigra, Melia azedarach, Paulownia tomentosa and Gleditsia triacanthos. The samples were sourced from the
Agricultural Engineering College, and prior to the tests, confirmed to be free from defects and diseases. Mechanical testing
revealed that the direction of applied force, whether parallel (P0) or perpendicular (P90) to the wood grain, significantly
impacts compressive strength. The compressive strength values ranged from the highest for Eucalyptus camaldulensis
(55.4 MPa) to the lowest for Paulownia tomentosa (25 MPa). Hardness values varied across species, with the highest
observed in Gleditsia triacanthos (2758 N) and the lowest in Paulownia tomentosa (1016 N). The study classified the
wood hardness into four categories: Very Soft Wood, Hardwood, Softwood, and Medium Hardwood, based on
compressive strength. Eucalyptus camaldulensis exhibited the highest density (0.9 g/cm³), while Paulownia tomentosa
had the lowest (0.3 g/cm³). Moisture content also varied, with Eucalyptus camaldulensis showing the highest moisture
content (77.21%) and Gleditsia triacanthos the lowest (48.1%). The findings suggest that Paulownia tomentosa is
particularly suited for the wood carving industry. At the same time, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Gleditsia triacanthos
offer stronger timber, making them more suitable for diverse structural applications

The wear and the friction in machinery components due to environmental factors, such as soil, humidity, and
agricultural chemicals, lead to performance degradation and increased maintenance costs. Wear-related failures contribute
to over 50% of machinery breakdowns, with key components like combine harvesters and rotary plow knives having
limited lifespans. This study examines wear types in agricultural machinery, key influencing factors, and resistance
strategies. Several researchers have studied various wear mechanisms in agricultural equipment and proposed advanced
resistance strategies, highlighting the need for innovative materials and protective solutions to enhance durability.
Advanced materials like HARDOX 450 steel and tungsten carbide coatings have improved wear resistance by up to 50%,
while increasing tungsten carbide content from 50% to 60% enhances durability by 25%. Plasma transferred arc (PTA)
welding and powder welding (PW) further strengthen surfaces and extend equipment lifespan. Additionally, antioxidantenriched lubricants and anti-wear additives reduce friction and wear by 20%, improving efficiency and lowering
maintenance costs. Microscopic analyses confirm structural enhancements in coated surfaces, reducing crack propagation.
Future advancements in composite materials, nanocoating, and self-healing smart technologies offer promising solutions
to further enhance the durability and performance of agricultural machinery. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that
hybrid wear-resistant coatings, combining ceramic and metallic reinforcement, provide superior protection against
abrasive and impact wear. The use of biodegradable lubricants and eco-friendly surface treatments is gaining interest due
to their lower environmental impact and enhanced tribological properties. Additionally, AI-driven predictive maintenance
systems and sensor-based monitoring technologies are being integrated to optimize wear detection and prevention,
ensuring longer equipment lifespan and reduced operational costs. The continued advancement of material science,
tribology, and smart manufacturing technologies is expected to revolutionize the efficiency and sustainability of
agricultural machinery in the coming years. Several researchers have conducted studies on various wear mechanisms in
agricultural equipment and proposed advanced resistance strategies, emphasizing the effectiveness of multi-layer coatings,
nano-enhanced lubricants, and intelligent monitoring systems in mitigating wear-related failure.

This experiment was undertaken on one of the private farms in the village of Kani Sard in the Sharbazhir district near
the Sitak area, which is approximately 35 km northeast of the centre of the Sulaymaniyah Governorate - Iraq. It was
designed to study the effect of adding biostimulants and non-fertilizers, individually and in combination, on 54
homogeneous fig trees ( Ficus carica L. C.v Al-Waziri), three years old, grown under the plastic house. In addition, the
treatments consisted of control, added organic fertilizer (Bio Health) at three levels (0, 15, 30) gm. tree-1 into the soil, and
sprayed with Nano Calcium at three levels (0, 75, 150) mg. L-1 on the trees. A randomized complete block design (RCBD)
with three replications was performed in a factorial. Several basic characteristics were assessed, including leaf area,
chlorophyll concentration, leaf dry matter content, fruit size, fruit weight, total soluble solids content, and total acidity
content. The results revealed that treatments, including combining the two greatest concentrations of organic fertilizer and
Nano Calcium, were optimal, confirmed progress leaf area, chlorophyll content, and improved leaf dry matter content.
The quality of the fruits also significantly increased in terms of size, weight, and total soluble solids content (TSS), which
reflected positively on the taste and storage quality, while total acidity decreased, which made the fruits more appealing
for consumption.

Accessibility to a clean drinking water resource is vital for humanity. Sources of clean water need to be preserved well
and local government authorities need to make sure that the clean water is delivered to community individuals without
any contamination. This research aims to assess the health risks to humans associated with the concentrations of Cd, Pb,
Zn, and Fe in drinking water samples from tap water and other sources within as Sulaymaniyah city. We analyzed key
physicochemical parameters to assess risk and found that most drinking water sources met World Health Organization
(WHO) standards. However, some samples indicated potential bioaccumulation risks of heavy metals, particularly high
lead concentrations at site 31 G. Exposure assessment was evaluated for carcinogenic risk within the study area and the
collected samples. The TTHQ (Total Target Hazard Quotient) level for children resulting from exposure exceeded that of
adults. which indicates a higher risk for children. Lack of proper environmental monitoring of such risks may lead to
irreversible outcomes, especially in sensitive community groups in the future.