Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Sciences

This study was conducted to identify the polymorphism of ATP1A1 gene, distribution ratios, and its association with semen characteristics of Holstein bulls. Twenty-five Holstein bulls were used currently. Blood samples were collected via venipuncture to separate the DNA and identify the polymorphism of the ATP1A1 gene. Semen was collected using an artificial vagina for fresh evaluation. Results were showed the change of cytosine (C) nucleotide at site 15738 to adenine (A) at the exon 17 (SNP C15738A) of the ATP1A1 gene. Two polymorphisms were obtained according to this change, the first is wild (CC; allele frequency 0.84), and the second is heterogeneous (CA; allele frequency 0.16). The CC polymorphism of the ATP1A1 gene exhibited a highly significant (p<0.01) superiority for ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and mass activity, and for sperm’s cell individual motility (p<0.05), compared with the CA polymorphism of Holstein bulls. The other semen characteristics did not differ between the two mentioned polymorphisms. This polymorphism exhibited obvious semen characteristics despite stress conditions of feed shortage and poor management practices accompanied with the covid-19 pandemic. This gene can be used to predict the fertility and stress resistance of bulls before they reach sexual maturity and its reflection on the economic return of breeding these bulls at the artificial insemination centers.

Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap) is a major biotic diseases in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). In the field survey which lasted 2 year in six different geographical locations, Xap strains from the severely infected plant material collected including DuhokCcenter, around Erbil, Zaxo, south of Duhok, Akre, and Amedi. Xanthomonas was detected from infected plant material and its identity was confirmed by morphological, Microbial and Molecular Characterization. To study its genetic variability and phylogenetic relationship two important loci were targeted namely ITS region of 16s rDNA, 16S rRNA and then a PCR-RFLP was performed for PCR product of 16s rRNA loci using Hinf I, Hae III, and Rsa I restriction enzymes. The PCR-RFLP showed the genetic similarity coefficient ranging from 1.00 to 3.73, and the dendrogram grouped all tested strains in 4 clusters. The result revealed that this disease is in blooming stage in the country which was thought that has not been recorded before in pomegranate. To the best of our knowledge this is the first record of Xap. In Kurdistan/ Iraq therefore, further studies are needed to be performed to manage this hazardous bacterium.

The current study was aimed to evaluate the biological activity of mannoprotein produce from local isolate S. cerevisiae BY. The results of purified mannoprotein using gel filtration chromatography revealed higher ratio of protein to mannose reached to 87.1%. FTIR indicated the presence of C-H and O-H bands could be due to the protein and carbohydrate components, respectively.C=N band due to acylated amino sugars frequently found in glycoproteins, HPLC indicated the presence of mannoprotein to 12 kinds of amino acid.Antibacterial, anti-adhesion and anti-biofilm activities of mannoprotein were evaluated against some pathogenic bacteria. Mannoprotein showed slightly inhibition zones ranged (10to14mm) and(9to 13mm) against P.aeruginosa and S.aureus respectively at concentration of mannoprotein from 50 to 200 mg/ml.The results showed higher anti-adhesive property of mannoprorein against P.aeruginosa (51.1%) and slightly antiadhesion againstS. aureus 19% at 200 mg / ml of mannoprotein. Results of the anti-biofilm activity rises as the concentration of mannoprotein increases and reached to 51.8% against P. aeruginosa while slightly anti biofilm (19.7%) against S. aureus, at concentration of 200 mg/ml. The synergistic effect of mannoprotein with some antibiotics was studied.The combination of mannoprotein and antibiotics (Tetracycline, Gentamycin, Ampicillin and Ciprofloxacin)(1:1) at concentration 1mg/ml were studied. Results showed enhancement 26, 29, 33 and 36% of inhibition zone against P. aeruginosa while, enhancement was 20, 33, 40, and 14 % for S. aureus, respectively. The results demonstrated that mannoprotein possess antimicrobial activity in nature. Hence if co-administrated with another inhibitory agent, the mixture reduces the survival of pathogens.

This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of ESBLs in E. coli and their relation to plasmid profiling patterns in a sample of patients in Iraqi hospitals. The total number of E. coli isolates 91 (49%) were collected out of 185 clinical samples. The antibiotic sensitivity test for isolates showed high resistance percentage to Nitrofurantion 95.7%, amoxicillin and Ceftriaxone to each of which 91.3% and to Ceftazidime 90.2%, while the highest sensitivity was observed against Imipenem 100%, Meropenem 99% then to Amikacin 93.5%. The Multi drug resistant (MDR) isolates were 53(58.2) % and ESBLs producers were 45 (49.5) %. Plasmid profile analysis showed nineteen different plasmid profile patterns were obtained based on molecular weight and number of plasmids content. Most β-lactamase producers had multiple plasmids, where’s single plasmid profile predominant in non-β-lactamase-producing isolates. The presence of common plasmid among the isolates increases the distribution of resistant plasmid in the community. In conclusion, ESBLs producing bacteria can transferred between species by plasmids leading to cross resistance which give a limited options for treatment.

This study evaluated the CRISP2 gene's functional single nucleotide polymorphisms, and its results may be advantageous for future population-based studies and early diagnostic discoveries, particularly in developing effective treatments. The CRISP2 gene encodes a secretory protein with a high cysteine content, which belongs to the family of cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP). SNPs are genetic variations that may affect a protein's structure or functionality. Prior to carrying out a broader population investigation, it is possible to evaluate suspected functional SNPs since it is challenging to uncover functional SNPs in disease-linked genes. As a result, using various bioinformatic prediction models, the potentially harmful three SNPs of the CRISP2 gene were predicted in this in-silico study from the neutral ones. Out of a pool of 260 nsSNPs, three SNPs (L56V, M176I, and C196R) been selected to anticipate their impacts on functions and structures along with their capability to impair protein stability. Actually, two of the three SNPs in the CRISP2 gene L56V and C196R were identified as possibly detrimental, although M176I was not. But all of these SNPs dropped significantly protein stability, per the I-Mutant suite.

This study was aimed to evaluate the influence of Human Leukocyte Antigens- G (HLA-G) gene polymorphisms on the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, blood samples were collected from 100 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 100 healthy controls. Serum levels of HLA-G in both patients and controls were measured using ELISA kit which was shown a higher significant differences (p< 0.05) in comparison between them (539.3 ng/ml and 139.3ng/ml) respectively. The frequency of the allele and genotypes in the patient groups and control groups were determined using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for 14 bp polymorhisms in exon 8 (rs66554220) while direct sequencing analysis was done to determine exon 2 (rs1130355) (G 1850 A) SNPs of human leucocyte antigens- G (HLA- G). There was statistically significant difference in all genotypes of HLA-G14-bp of exon 8 in RA patients in comparison with controls. The probability of homozygote genotype of insertion was (0.006), homozygote genotype of deletion was (0.003) and for heterozygote of insertion was (0.000) in comparison between RA patients and controls. From the results of odd ratio (OR) found that existence of homozygotes of insertion give protection effect from disease O.R= 0.44 while heterozygotes of deletion act as risk factor for disease O.R= 3.31. Homozygotes of deletion had no effect because was not found in patients groups. From the sequencing results of exon 2 of HLA-G gene found the mutation occur in position 1850 G>A which give three genotypes (GG, AG and AA). Calculations of genotypes frequency for exon 2 showed that GG and AA genotypes was associated with the disease with p- value (0.000) for both genotypes. While AG genotype showed no association with disease p value (0.449).From the results of odd ratio found that GG and AA of exon 2 gave protection effect from disease O.R( 0.29 and 0.76 ) respectively, while AG genotype acted as risk factor for disease O.R= 4.0.

A field experiment was carried out on Citrus medica at University of Baghdad - College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences. During the fall season of 2020 and spring season of 2021 in order to evaluate the effect of foliar application of Salicylic acid (0, 150, and 300) mg L-1, Magnesium (0, 10, and 20) mg L-1, and Iron (0, 5, and 10 mg L-1) on the vegetative growth characteristics of citron citrus medica L. seedlings local var. citronella grafted on one year old bitter orange. The experiment was conducted at Sept. 2020 until the first of July 2021 according to the factorial experiment within RCBD design that consisted of two factors and three replicates with45ex... un., for fall and spring season and a total of 90 seedlings. The results revealed a significant differences under the foliar application of salicylic acid in 150mg l-1 and 300mg l-1 in most of the studied traits, as treatment 150mg l-1 recorded the highest values of plant’s height for both seasons, and treatment 300mg l-1 recorded the highest leaves area, root’s number, leaves content of chlorophyll, leaves content of Mg and Fe, shoots content of carbohydrates for both seasons, respectively. While the foliar application of magnesium and iron, at the treatment of (10 Mg+5 Fe) mg l-1 recorded the highest values of plant’s height, leaves area for the spring season, and C/N ratio for both seasons, and leaves content of chlorophyll for the fall season. The (20 Mg+ 10Fe) mg l-1 treatment recorded the highest root Volume, leaves content of Mg and Fe; shoot’s content of carbohydrates, while the interaction treatments between the studied factors recorded the most significant values in all the studied indicators.

This experiment was aimed to evaluate the effect of amalgamated NPS chemical fertilizer on crop performance and nodulation of soybean (Glycine max L (Merrill)) varieties on acidic soil during 2020 cropping season. Varieties of soybean i.e “Katta” and “Korme” and six levels of amalgamated NPS chemical fertilizer were used in factorial arrangement within randomized complete block design with three replications. Nodule parameters were highly influenced (P<.001) by the main effect of amalgamated NPS chemical fertilizer levels. The highest grain yield (2390 kg ha-1) was obtained from application of 19(N) 38(P2O) 7(S), kg ha-1 .. “Katta”and “Korme” varieties of soybean were high yielder at level of 19(N) 38(P2O) 7(S), kg ha-1 combined NPS fertilizer application. Therefore, both varieties “Katta” and “Korme” with application of 19(N) 38(P2O) 7(S), kg ha-1 mixed chemical fertilizer were recommended for enhancing nodule development and seeds yield.

This study was aimed to evaluate Albizia falcataria with condensed tannin content in the diets on gas production and ruminal fermentation parameters. A completely randomized design (CRD) with fours treatment and five replications had applied in this study. The treatment in this study was fours combined of Brachiaria mutica and Albizia falcataria namely; R0: 60% Brachiaria mutica (BM) + 0% Albizia falcataria (AF) + 40% concentrate (CON), R1: 50% BM + 10% AF + 40% CON, R2: 40% BM + 20% AF + 40% CON and R3: 30% BM + 30% AF + 40% CON. The concentrate formulated using feed ingredients consists of 58% rice bran, 15% soybean cake meal, 30% corn, 1% salt, and 1% multi-vitamin minerals. The Diets samples were incubated at 39oC. The volume of gas and CH4 were recorded manually at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 48 h post-incubation. Dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), pH, N-ammonia (N-NH3), protozoa count, and microbial protein production (MP) were measured at 48 h post-incubation. The study showed that increased use of AF decreases (P<0.05) total gas, CH4, percentage of CH4, and increases the potency reduction of CH4. There is a negative correlation (R2= 0.81) between tannin condensed levels and CH4 production. Concentration N-NH3 and protozoa count was significantly (P<0.05) lower with the use of AF in treatment of R1, R2, R3 than R0 (without AF). As well as significantly (P<0.05) increased MP production. The study had concluded that the use of AF in the diet of R3 (30% BM : 30% AF) as a forage source reduced methane gas and N-NH3 by 62.31% and 25.73%, increasing MP, and without retarded the activity of rumen microbes.

This study was aimed to increasing egg production by supplementing medicinal plants Salvia officinalis L and Lavandula angustifolia L powders as antistressors in hen layer diet under high stocking density during different conditions. 240 two hundred and forty 31 weeks old hens layer were randomly divided into seven treatments with three replicates in each, reared for 16 weeks as folowings; T0 negative control normal density 24 layers, 8 layers/1.20 m2 in each replicate (7 hens/m2) fed a basal diet. T1 positive control basal diet, T2 basal diet+ 0.7% salvia, T3 basal diet+ 0.9% salvia, T4 basal diet+ 0.7% lavender, T5 basal diet+ 0.9% lavender and T6 basal diet+ 0.7% mix (0.35% salvia+0.35% lavender). From T1-T6, the stock density is 36 layers in each treatments, 12 layers/1.30 m2 (9 hens/m2). All layers were exposed in hot, normal, semi-cold conditions. The results showed productivity, hematology and immunity traits significantly improved by adding the two plants 9% lavender, 0.7% lavender, and 0.7% mixed, respectively, under stocking density led to significantly increase hen day egg production HD%, egg mass g, egg weight g, FCR for feed/1g egg, and feed/1egg were improved by 0.9% lavender and 0.7% mixed. Moreover, egg quality improved by adding the medical herbals. The yolk color was also improved colorful, particularly in 0.9% lavender. Red blood cells RBC 106 cells/mm3, PCV %, HGB g/dL, lymphocyte%, and total protein mg/dL were significantly increased by 0.9% salvia, 0.7% lavender, 0.9% lavender, and 0.7% mixed, while heterophil %, and the stress indicators H/L ratio and glucose mg/dL decreased. It was concluded that it's possible to increase the number of hens per m2 area to increase number of egg production by supplementing medical herbals salvia and lavender without any adverse effect.

This study was designed to investigate the influence of pre-estrus (PE) synchronization and post-mating (PM) vitamins AD3E treatment on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes raised at four Iraqi provinces. Seventy six Awassi ewes were randomly divided within each province into two groups. The first group (n=15, except for Karbala, n= 11) were im injected with five AD3E injections (150 IU / dose), biweekly interval. The 1st injection was 1.5 months PM, while the 2nd and 3rd injections were at the time of progestagen-impregnated vaginal sponges insertion. The 4th injection was at the time of the vaginal sponge’s removal, whereas the 5th injection was 14 days PM. The control group (n=5) was intramuscularly injected with 5 ml normal saline at similar periods. The AD3E groups exhibited higher (P≤0.01) fertility and conception rates as compared to the control groups in Al-Najaf and Karbala provinces. Higher (P≤0.01) lambing rate and liter size were noticed in AD3E groups than those of the control group for all provinces. In conclusion, pre-estrus synchronization and post-mating vitamin AD3E treatment improved the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes.

Two experiments were conducted to study the efficiency of the ovine follicular fluid (OFF) and the age of ewe on in vitro nuclear maturation of Awassi sheep oocytes (Experiment 1) and the subsequent stages of early embryos and their quality (Experiment 2). The OFF has been added to the basic maturation medium (TCM-199) with three different levels (A: 0% (Control group), B:15%, C:25% and D:50%) while the ages of the ewes were determined into two main groups (> 2 and 1-2 year). In the first experiment, across the two age groups, matured oocytes in C solution achieved the highest (p=0.006) rates of metaphase-II (85.70 and 82.35 % respectively). In the second experiment, oocytes belonging to > 2 and 1-2-year ewe age groups (C Solution) achieved the highest (p=0.001) rates of fertilization (23.17 and 30.73% respectively). Similar trend applies to the cleavage stage, the rates reached 35.14 and 41.27% respectively (p=0.01). No significant differences were noticed at the different stages of cleavage (2-4 cell, morula, and blastocyst). The resulting embryos of B (> 2-year ewe age group) and C solution (1-2-year age group) achieved the highest (p=0.04) rates of Type1 embryos (69.56 and 76.92% respectively). A significant difference was noticed in type2 embryos (p=0.02), embryos of the first and second age groups (Solution D) achieved the highest rates (46.15 and 33.33% respectively). It can be concluded that the adding of 25% OFF to the maturation media led to significant improvement in the rates of maturation, cleavage and type1 embryos of sheep oocytes.

This study was carried out to evaulate the effect of organic fertilization on the growth of common carp Cyprinus carpio cultured in rice fields and its effect on rice production as well as the possibilitd reducing the feed provided to fish. Four fields with an area of 100 m2 were cultured Yasmine rice represented four treatments. Common carp fish were cultured in it with a weight of 100 g/fish and a culture density of 100 fish/field. In the first treatment, organic manure was added without providing fish feed, second treatment, organic manure was added with fish feed, the third treatment without adding organic manure with fish feed, and the fourth treatment without adding organic manure and without providing fish feed. The results of the statistical analysis rate showed that T2 showed a significant increased(p≤0.05) in relative and specific growth in T2 compared to all treatments followed by T3. The results of the statistical analysis of the characteristics of the rice yield showed the number of dahlias, number of grains / dahlia, weight of 1000 grains and grain yield, showed a significant difference (p≤0.05) in T2 and T3 compared to T1and T4, while there were no significant differences(P>0.05) between treatments for the weight of 1000 grains trait. the study concluded that it is possible to apply the fish farming system in rice fields in Iraq by using organic fertilization (cow waste) and adding supplementary feed, as the T2 treatment gave the best growth for fish and rice.

The study aimed to find association between GH, IGF-I and PRL loci with body weight traits in local quail. Three hundred of three lines of local quail were used in the study. The
molecular results showed polymorphism for all loci. The five, four and five alleles for GH,
IGF-I and PRL locus, respectively were recorded. The allele D of GH, allele A of IGF-I and
allele E of PRL locus have positive effect on growth and carcass traits in local quail lines.
Based on the results, the CDCDCE genotype of all loci in desert quail significantly gives
highest average daily gain (4.75g/ bird/day) and live body weight (208.18 g / bird /day) at
marketing age. While the BDBCBE genotype in brown quail gives highest carcass weight
(143.55g/bird) and dressing percentage (78.87%). These results show the possibility of rapid improvement and increase of local quail meat production through the selection of distinct alleles and genotypes that affect the growth and production of local quail meat

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of drinking ionized water on histological changes, bacteria count, and some hematological parameters of Japanese quail. A total of 200-42-day-old female Japanese quails were divided into five treatments four replicates each treatment (40 birds/replicate). The birds of each treatment were divided into four replicates. The pH level of drinking water of the first treatment was 7, whereas the pH levels of drinking water of other treatments were 8, 9, 6, and 5 respectively. The results showed that villi height, crypt depth, and mucous layer thickness of the duodenum were increased (P<0.05) in T4 and T5. The normal histological structure was observed in the microscopic section of the liver of the treated group. Also, the pH9 of drinking water showed large vacuoles in the epithelial layer which support the lymphoid follicles in the section of the bursa. There were thickening and degeneration changes in the capsule with lymphocyte aggregation in birds that received pH9 of drinking water. The levels of pH of drinking water affect WBC, Hb, and PCV. Drinking acidic ionized water increased the number of Lactobacilli bacteria and decreased the number of Coliform bacteria.

In present study, we assessed the role of kaolin [(Al2Si2O5(OH)4), an inert clay], for treatment of common carp, Cyprinus carpio experimentally infected with Pesudomonas aeruginosa. Fish were experimentally challenged with P. aeruginosa (LD50= 2±0.2×109 CFU/ml), in untreated water or water treated with addition of kaolin at levels of 4, 6 and 8g/l (G1, G2 and G3 respectively). Over the 5‐day course of kaolin treatment led to significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved of survival (100%) in treated groups (G2 and G3) as compared to untreated fish (infected group; 75% survival). Considerable changes were observed in blood parameters, leucocyte count recorded significant increase (P≤0.05) in G2 and G3 relative to C- and C+ groups. Erythrocyte count, Hb content and HT(%) reported significant decrease (P≤0.05) in all treated groups (G1, G2 and G3) related to C- group. Globulin level registered significantly increased (P≤0.05) in G2 and G3 than C+ group. The current study strongly recommends that treatment of common carp infected with kaolin at 6 and 8g/l improves survival, hematological and biochemical profile, against P. aeruginosa. Future complete molecular studies are required before application of kaolin as a treatment in aquaculture.

This study was aimed to evaluate the Aqua program in calibration and validity and its use in simulation to study the productive and water characteristics of maize crop.. The experiment was conducted in two irrigation methods, sprinkler irrigation and surface irrigation, and two cultivation methods are borders (lines) and furrows (lines and then furrows) and for two cultivars of maize, a hybrid (unlocal) and a local variety. The results that sprinkler irrigation reduced water consumption compared to surface irrigation, as it reached (558.38) mm for sprinkler irrigation, and (668.79) mm for surface irrigation. While the method of furrows after borders outperformed the borders only in improving growth characteristics and increasing productivity, and the hybrid (unlocal) cultivar outperformed the local cultivar. The various experimental parameters were also calibrated using Aquacrop program, and it was found that the program gave a good convergence between the simulated and field values, as it gave R2 values that ranged between (0.71-0.92) and RMSE between (0.12-23.76) for all studied traits.

This study was performed to determine whether active optical sensors could develop an algorithm for N recommendation for the potato crop (Solanum tuberosum L.). The experiment was conducted in Maine State, (USA) during the growing season of 2018-2019. Six N rates (0-280 kg ha-1) were applied on eleven locations under a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with four replications. Data of normalized difference vegetation index-(NDVI) were collected via active sensors, GreenSeeker-(GS), and Crop Circle-(CC). Sensors measurements collected at the 20th of the leaf stage were significantly associated with tuber yield, where the exponential model exhibited a better fit for the regression curve. Conventionally, 168 kg N ha-1 produced the maximum potato yield. The N rate computed based on in-season sensors reading reduced by about 12-14% from the total N rate that growers use to apply based on the conventional approach. Studying potato cultivars separately in the same soil properties can improve the algorithm accurately.

A field experiment was carried out at Agricultural Researchs and the Experiments Station in Wasit province during 2019-2020 season. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of three factors, the first being biofertilizer at three levels (without addition , a combination of Bacillus megaterium + Glomus mosseae and complet combination of G. mosseae, Azotobacter chroococcum, B. megaterium and Azospirillum brasilense). the second factor was three levels of vermicompost (without,3,6 Mg ha-1).The third factor included three levels of triple superphosphate (0, 40 and 80%) of the fertilizer recommendation. The treatment were distributed in a factorial experiment according to a randomized complete block design. Results showed that the bilateral interaction between the biofertilizer added in an integrated form and vermicompost at the level of 6 Mg ha-1 had a significant effect on all studied properties, while the triple interaction between the biofertilization treatments added as an integrated combination with 6 Mg h-1 of vermicompost and 80% of the mineral fertilizer recommendation showed the highest averages for the studied traits (flower disc weight, disc weight with leaves, pink disc diameter, total yield, nitrogen and phosphorous content of fruits), which reached 2.524 kg, 4.353 kg, 35.10 cm, 75.71 Mg ha-1, 4.237%, 0.727% respectively in comparison to the control treatment that gave the lowest averages in all the above traits, which amounted to (1.081 kg, 1.624 kg, 25.10 cm, 32.43 Mg ha-1, 1.893%, 0.210% ) on the sequence.

This study was conducted to investigate certain characteristics of the purified Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL). The results revealed that the molecular weight was 180 kDa by gel filtration and Native-PAGE. The optimal pH and temperature for enzyme activity were 7 and 40 °C respectively. The enzyme activity was stable against pH values range of 6-8. The enzyme retained 79% of its total activity after incubation for one hour at 50 °C and retained 7% (lost 93%) of its activity at 70 °C. The entire activity was completely lost when the enzyme was incubated for 1 hour at temperatures over 70 °C. Carbohydrate content of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 24.61%. Km, Kcat and Vmax were estimated with phenylalanine as substrate, the values were 0.021 mM, 20.67 sec-1 and 4.13 mM/min respectively.

In the present study, Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity was detected in different parts of grape plant (leaves, pulp, whole seeds and defatted seeds) extracts. The results revealed that the whole seed possess highest PAL activity (69.44 U), followed by defatted seed (44.22 U), whereas extracts of leaves and pulp gave the lowest activity values (22.77 and 5.11 U, respectively). The optimum conditions for crude PAL extraction achieved using 50mM potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7) at mixing ratios of (1:7) for 1 h. extraction time. PAL was shown to precipitate out at the saturation range between 20-90%. For further purification, gel filtration chromatography using Sephadex G-200 column (1.5×70) and ion exchange chromatography using DEAE- Cellulose (DE 52) column (3.2× 10) were applied. The specific activity, number of folds and yield of purified PAL was 1157 U/mg, 19.94 and 15.32 % respectively.

The study aimed to estimate the cost efficiency and to know the most important social and economic factors affecting the production of broiler chickens in the Baghdad governorate. Using the random parametric analysis (SFA) based on the greatest possibility (ML) method. To determine the factors affecting the cost inefficiency function. The study relied on primary data from its field sources according to a questionnaire prepared for this purpose in Baghdad Governorate for one production year (2022). Data were collected randomly from (64) projects out of a total of (546) projects, with a rate of (11.72%). The results indicated that all the explanatory variables confirmed a prior prediction of the economic theory, as all the coefficients estimated for the cost of fodder, chicks, medicines, vaccines, and chicken meat production gave positive parameters indicating agreement with the assumption that the cost function increases directly with the input prices. The average cost of broiler breeding projects in the sample area was estimated at 1.04, which is about 4% more than the minimum cost set by the limits. Breeders can achieve an additional profit of up to 12.2% if the optimum efficiency is reached, so breeders must develop their agricultural skills in managing the use of inputs to achieve the lowest possible cost efficiency.

This research was aimed to analyze the impact of the Iraqi dinar exchange rates for the period 1990-2020 on the imported quantities of rice crop, and to measure the price elasticity of demand for this crop. The (ADRL) model was applied to measure the impact of these prices in addition to the (international price).After conducting the statistical tests (Dickie Fuller test) to examine the stability of the time series of the studied variables included in the model, which stabilized after taking the first difference for them, the results of the analysis showed that international prices had a weak effect on the imported quantities of rice crop, and that these quantities increased at an annual growth rate 6% more than the increase in the annual growth rate of foreign prices amounting to 2%, because the rice crop is one of the basic food crops in the Iraqi consumer list and that it is included in the items of the ration card distributed to individuals and therefore it is imported by the state to meet the need regardless of the rise in its prices. The private sector also imports high-quality brands regardless of prices. As for the equilibrium exchange rate, which is usually higher than the nominal exchange rate adopted by importers in obtaining foreign currency from unofficial markets, the higher the exchange rate, the lower the quantity imported, and the fixation of the nominal exchange rate for many years had a positive impact on the quantities imported by The government, so it is necessary to set an exchange rate for the Iraqi dinar that takes into account the purchasing power towards importing basic food commodities on which the community depends entirely for nutrition.

This experiment was aimed to study the effect of the interaction of herbicides and varieties with different types of foliar nutrition in production the highest yield for three wheat varieties. A field experiment was carried out at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad / Jadiriyah for two seasons, as the seeds of the first season were sown on 13/12/2018 and harvested on 15/5/2019, and the seeds of the second season were sown on 4/12/2019 and harvested on 10/5/2020. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used in the arrangement of split plots, the nutrition included the main plots, while the varieties with herbicides treatments occupied the secondary plots with three replications. The treatment of V3H3 was significantly superior in achieving the highest average in the grain yield value 4.75 and 5.10 ton h-1 for the two seasons, respectively. As for the nutrition, treatment F3 gave the highest average in the grain yield amounted to 4.74 and 4.69 ton ha-1 for the two seasons, respectively. It could be concluded that V3H3 the best treatment to compete with the weeds by giving it the highest yield. Also, It is noted that the leaves feeding treatments all led to a significant increases in the yield and some of its components despite the normal fertilization treatment was the best treatment by giving it the highest grain yield and a significant increases in two of the yield components.

Tow field experiments were conducted during the seasons of 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 at the experimental farm Etay El-Baroud research station to investigate the effect of foliar application with gibberellic acid (GA3) at 50 and 100 ppm and the chitosan (CS) at of 100 and 200 ppm, in addition, to control for each to Giza Red onion. The results showed significant and positive effects of the examined concentrations of GA3 or CS on all the studied characters except leaves number and shape index, in both seasons. Concerning the interaction effect, all of the studied characters were enhanced significantly in all treatment combinations between GA3 and CS levels. The treatments of GA3 (50 ppm) with CS (200 ppm), GA3 (100 ppm) with CS (100 ppm), and GA3 (100 ppm) with CS (200 ppm) were found to give the highest mean values for all characters, in both seasons without significant differences among them. Also, the results revealed some kind of synergistic effect between GA3 and CS where the combined application was found to be more effective in onion plants performance thane the single ones that gave the ability to reduce the used doses of GA3 by 50%, which, consequently, reduce the expected hazardous of using gibberellins.

A field experiment was conducted at the Grdarasha Research Field station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University – Erbil using randomized complete block design (RCBD) during the years 2019-2021 to study the effect of five levels 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g of dust metals of Erbil steel factory (size 2mm mesh) in combination with compost of solid waste management and sorting of Akre district-Duhok province on growth, yield and chemical composition of Gundelia tournefortii L. The results indicated that powdery metal dust and compost fertilizer significantly increased length, diameter, fresh weight and dry weight of edible portion, and thus escalated the total yield of this plant for the two growing seasons. The highest value (669.07g/m2) of total yield was recorded by application 20g of dust metals combined with compost fertilizer in the second year. Chemical composition of edible portion also affected by fertilizer application Fe%, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Hg and Pb ppm. The results reviewed that the addition of mineral dust as nutrients and compost fertilizer significantly enhanced the concentration of these above elements in edible portion. The maximum response was obtained with the high levels of mineral treatments for all studied elements as compared with control.

A field experiment was conducted at the Grdarasha Research Field station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University – Erbil using randomized complete block design (RCBD) during the years 2019-2021 to study the effect of five levels 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g of dust metals of Erbil steel factory (size 2mm mesh) in combination with compost of solid waste management and sorting of Akre district-Duhok province on growth, yield and chemical composition of Gundelia tournefortii L. The results indicated that powdery metal dust and compost fertilizer significantly increased length, diameter, fresh weight and dry weight of edible portion, and thus escalated the total yield of this plant for the two growing seasons. The highest value (669.07g/m2) of total yield was recorded by application 20g of dust metals combined with compost fertilizer in the second year. Chemical composition of edible portion also affected by fertilizer application Fe%, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Hg and Pb ppm. The results reviewed that the addition of mineral dust as nutrients and compost fertilizer significantly enhanced the concentration of these above elements in edible portion. The maximum response was obtained with the high levels of mineral treatments for all studied elements as compared with control.

This study was aimed to characterize Roseomonas mucosa isolate using molecular genetics and determination some bacterial virulence factors such as capsular, biofilm formation and antimicrobial susceptibility. By using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, the molecular characterization of the R. mucosa was done by using 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Capsular detection was examined using nigrosin pigment. While Congo red agar and microtiter plate using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader methods are used to determined bacterial isolate capability to produce a biofilm. The molecular characterization shows the bacterium that isolated from catheter of a dialysis Iraqi patient is belong to Roseomonas mucosa. The isolated R. mucosa strain showed resistant to Amoxicillin, methicillin, carbapenemes, bacitracin and Sulfamethoxazole. While it was susceptible to tobramycin, levofloxacin, colisitin sulphate, doxycycline, azithromycin and cephalexin. The results show R. mucosa was encapsulated. Furthermore, it has the ability to form weak biofilm. The findings suggest that in spite of this genus seems to have an overall little pathogenic potential for humans, Roseomonas sp. in particular, R. mucosa may be substantial pathogens in individuals with underlying medical complications.

This study was aimed to evaluate the response of common bean cultivars to NPS fertilizer. Results revealed that the main effect of NPS rates, and cultivars highly significantly affected 50% days to flowering, number of primary branches per plant, pods per plant, hundred seeds weight, above-ground dry matter biomass, and grain yield. Nasir cv. provided highest for all the studie parameters, among NPS rate, 100 kg ha-1 recorded the highest results for the 50% days to flowering, the number of primary branches per plant, pods per plant, hundred seeds weight, above-ground dry matter biomass, and seeds yield. The interaction effects of NPS rate and cultivars highly significantly influenced days to 90% physiological maturity, plant height, total and effective nodule number, and the number of seeds per pod. Thus, cultivar Nasir interaction with 100 kg ha-1 NPS rate resulted in higher total and effective nodule number, seeds per pod, and the less for plant height which was recorded highest result for Red Wolaita with 100 kg ha-1 NPS rate. This study was revealed that cultivar Nasir with the optimum amount of NPS fertilizer application, the common bean can produce a more effective nodule that is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen for plant nourishment under acidic soil..It can be concluded as the combined use of 100 kg ha-1 NPS with cultivar Nasir results in higher grain yield and soil fertility improvement through nitrogen fixation for succeeding crops.

Using the policy of price has a significant impact to developing the production of a particular crop by increasing productivity, which is eventually reflected in achieving high rates of self-sufficiency of the crops. The research objective is to identify the most important economic and social effects that will result from cancelling or reducing this subsidy Using the Cost-Benefit Analysis. The results showed that the ratio of return to cost in the case of reducing subsidies for corn farmers about 0.92%, which indicates that the one dinar invested in the cultivation of the corn under the subsidy policy achieves about 0.92 dinar, which is higher than the ratio of return to costs In the absence of this policy, that reached 0.65%. This indicates that the subsidy policy, even in reducing it, will lead to a reduction in farmers' losses by 27%. This is an incentive for the government to continue providing support to farmers to continue the production process. The study recommended that there is necessarily need to reorganize the strategy of providing support to farmers and find appropriate mechanisms for implementing the government policy to ensure that all corn farmers benefit from this support.