Dijlah Journal of Agricultural Sciences

This study was conducted in the poultry field of the Department of Animal Production -Agriculture College of -University of Basrah from 19/11/2022 to 17/12/2022, to investigate the effect of feeding with different concentrations of ozone gas on some hematological and biochemical traits of broiler chickens. A total of 225 unsexed one-day-old broiler chicks of the Ross-308 strain were raised and randomly allocated to five experimental treatments, with 45 chicks per treatment and each treatment content three replicates. The chicks were fed starter and grower diets. The first treatment served as control, while the feeds for the other four treatments were sterilized with ozone gas at concentrations of 6.6, 13.32, 19.98, and 26.66 mg/kg feed for the second, third, fourth, and fifth treatments, respectively. The results showed no significant differences between the ozone treatments and the control for both hematological traits and blood biochemical parameters. Additionally, there were no significant differences between the control and ozone treatments in the concentrations of liver enzymes AST and ALT. However, there was a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in the cholesterol concentration for the fifth treatment compared to the control.

This study was conducted at the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, from 16/9/2023to 27/11/2023, to investigate the effect of age and weight of Arabian camels on the concentrations of some hormones and body morphological related to weight in both genders. Fifty blood samples were collected from male and female Iraqi camels in the Safwan area, located in the southern province of Basrah. The samples were divided into three age and weight classes for males: First class 1-3 years old and 180-280 kg, second class 3.1-5 years old and 281-380 kg, third class 5.1-7 years old and381-480 kg. For females, the calsses were: First class 1-4 years old and 120-300 kg, second class 4.1-8 years old and 301-480 kg, third class 8.1-12 years old and 481-660 kg. The results showed a significant increase (P≤0.05) in the concentrations of leptin and thyroxine hormones in male camels of the oldest class compared to the other two classes. There was a significant increase (P≤0.05) in body dimensions related to weight in male camels of the oldest age and weight class compared to the other age and weight classes. In females, a significant increase (P≤0.05) in leptin hormone concentration was observed in the oldest age and weight class compared to the other two classes. A significant increase (P≤0.05) in body dimensions related to weight was found in the oldest age and weight class compared to the younger age and weight classes for both genders. Overall means for both genders indicated that females excelled in weight-related body measures and leptin hormone, while males showed superiority in other measures, including ethroprotein hormone.

Proteusmirabilis bacteria is considered one of the species capable of causing various types of human infections, including those of the wounds, ear, gastrointestinal tract, and urinary tract. It causes different clinical diseases, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and wound infections. The aim of the study was to investigate P. mirabilisisolates and diagnose them morphologically or genetically through clinical cases and to examine the virulence factor, urease. The results showed the isolation of 20 P. mirabilis strains from 501 urine samples, middle ear infections, and skin infections. These were distributed as follows: 10 isolates (60%) from urine samples, 5 isolates (20%) equally distributed between middle ear infections and skin infections, all collected from various hospitals. The urease enzyme was genetically examined by detecting the ureC gene responsible for the diagnostic traits in P. mirabilis. Eighteen out of the 20 isolates produced the ureC gene, a 100% detection rate. The study used a specificprimer for the urease-producing enzyme gene, and after applying polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on all isolates and electrically migrating them, the result showed that 18 isolates produced the urease enzyme gene. The genetic bands appeared at a single molecular size of 317 base pairs (bp).

The interest of researchers in natural antioxidants extracted from fungi has increased due to their ability to enhance body health and prevent common diseases in modern times. These antioxidants meet most of the body's needs, from prevention and treatment to tissue and cell repair, as well as addressing oxidative stress, a phenomenon common in the present age. Agaricus bisporushas been identified as a potential cosmetic source due to its content of biologically active compounds, particularly amino acids, simple sugars, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, sterols, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The aim of this study was to develop transparent solid soap using Agaricus bisporusmushroom extract and evaluate its antioxidant activity. The transparent solid soap was produced using the traditional cold method. The results showed that the A. bisporusextract had an effect on adjusting the pH of the soap, with a pH value of 8.22, indicating the ability of A. bisporusextract to reduce the pH value of the soap compared to soap without extracts. Additionally, the A. bisporussoap demonstrated foam stability at 14.14%, whereas the control soap exhibited 45.16% foam stability. After one hour, the foam stability reached 95%. Therefore, the mushroom extract soap significantly affected the foam stability in transparent solid soap compared to the control soap, which enhances the potential use of A. bisporusextracts in improving the foaming properties of transparent solid soap. The antioxidant activity test showed that A. bisporussoap exhibited antioxidant activity at the highest concentration of 500 mg/mL with a percentage of 24.41%, compared to 0.508% in the control soap, which supports the effectiveness of using A. bisporusextracts in skincare products and transparent solid soap in particular. The control soap showed no antioxidant activity.

The study included studying the cytotoxic effect of the aqueous extract of beet roots "Beta vulgaris" on the lung cancer cell line A549,using six diluted concentrations of the aqueous extract of the plant roots (7,8 , 31,25 , 62,5 , 125 , 250 , 500 ) (μg/ml) and for three periods of exposure (24,48,72) hours.The quantitative estimation of the active compounds of the aqueous extract of the plant was calculated,as it was found that the aqueous extract of beet roots contains many active compounds,they are (Saponins-Tannins -Phenols -Flavonoids -Glycosides).The study showed that the concentration causing inhibition of normal cell proliferation REF by the aqueous extract of the plant 50% ( Ic50) was 6.35 mg/ml.The aqueous extract of beet roots was tested to detect the cytotoxic effect of the aqueous extract and all concentrations used on the lung cancer cell line A49.An increase in the percentage of cancer cell growth inhibition has been observed for all exposure periods (24,48,72) hours,with significant differences at the probability level (p≤0.05) and compared with the control,where the percentage rate of inhibition at the lowest concentration ranges (μg/ml 7.8) (4.661±1.864), (5.640±2.743), (6.584±4.159) respectively,and the rate of inhibition increased at the concentration (μg/ml 500) (90.250±1.409) (92.743±1.252) and (94.738±1.416) respectively .

The current study aimed to determine the effect of adding different levels of Eucalyptus camaldulensisleaves phenolic extract to drinking wateron somebloodbiochemical parameters and histological characteristics of broiler chickens.A total of 144 unsexed birds, one day old,42 gweightwere used in this study. The birds were distributed into four experimental treatments, with three replicates (12 birds each replicate). The first treatment was control without addition, the second, thirdand fourth treatmentswere added 50, 75 and 100 mg/liter of eucalyptus leaves phenolic extract to drinking water respectively.Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)activities were significantly (P≤0.05) decreased in the third and fourth treatments compared to control treatment. A total protein and globulin concentrationswere significantly(P≤0.05)increased inthefourth treatment compared tothe other treatments.The results showed that there were no significant differences inthealbumin concentration among the different treatments. Cholesterol was significantly (P≤0.05)decreased inthe second, thirdand fourth treatmentscompared to control.Triglycerides and Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)were significantly (P≤0.05) decreased in the second and fourth treatments compared to other treatments.High density lipoprotein(HDL)was significantly (P≤0.05) increased in the third and fourth treatments compared to other treatments. On the other hands, Low density lipoprotein(LDL)was significantly (P≤0.05) decreased in the third treatment compared to the second andcontrol treatments.The results showed that there were no differences, changes, and inflammation in the liver tissue of broiler chickens. It can be concluded that eucalyptus leaves phenolic extract was improved blood biochemical parameters without negatively affectingonliver tissueof broiler chickens

The experiment was appliedin College of Agriculture,University of Wasit. Theaim of study wasto estimate theeffect of organic nutrients on the growth and yield of fenugreek plant. The experiment was conducted within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates and the averages were compared according to the L.S.D. test at a probability level of 5%.The experiment included 6 treatments, which are adding organic nutrients Disper Humic to the soil at a level of 3 kg/ha-1and King Life Fruit spraying on the leaves at a concentration of 2 g/L-1either alone or in combination with half the recommended chemical fertilizer.The first addition of both nutrients was 20 days after planting, which is the same period between one addition and another. As for the chemical fertilizer, the first addition was 20 days after planting and the second was a month after the first addition. The results were compared with the chemical fertilization treatment and the treatment without fertilization.The results of the experiment showed that the T2 treatment (100% chemical fertilizer) was superior in most of the characteristics of vegetative growth, yield and its components. This is obvious because chemical fertilizers are rich in mineral elements, quickly dissolve and more readily absorbed, but they are fertilizers that have health and environmental effect.Therefore, the focus of our research aims to find a fertilization program that is friendly to the environment and human health and gives results close to the results of chemical fertilizer. Our research showed that the T6 treatment (adding King Life Fruit + Disper Humic in three batches + 50% chemical fertilizer). The results close chemical fertilization with insignificant differences for most of the studied characteristics, but it was superior in the characteristic of Trigonelline compound accumulation.

To evaluate the state of pollution with some heavy elements (lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, mercury, iron) and how to treat it in a highly efficient and low-cost way, and to achieve this goal, a field study was conducted to determine the impact of the Al-Ahdab oil field in Al-Ahrar district -Wasit Governorate on soil pollution with heavy elements in the areas surrounding the field, where soil samples were collected from three sites 500, 1000 and 1500 m from the pollution source in addition to the fourth site (comparison). Soil samples were collected at two depths of 30-0 and 60-30 cm from thesoutheastern and northwestern parts. Where the sunflower plant was planted on 3/15/2023 in an area of 5 * 10 = (50) m2 in the contaminated soil of the Al-Ahdab oil field to show the extent of the plant's ability to reduce soil pollution with heavy elements. After 60 days of plant growth, the plant was completely uprooted with the roots and the plant was disposed of, which was considered polluted due to its absorption of heavy elements. The heavy elements in the soil were estimated before and after planting the plant using the Atomic Absorption device. The study showed that planting the sunflower plant achieved the best results in reducing the amount of pollutants in the soil at the lowest cost and for a large area of soil compared to the previously usedchemical techniques, which were very expensive and for a limited amount of soil and not an area. The study showed that the sunflower plant led to a reduction in the percentage of pollution with heavy elements to 35-30% for only one season, which means thenecessity of planting the plant for more than one season to completely purify the soil from pollutants on the one hand and increase soil fertility on the other hand, especially since the sunflower plant is one of the strongest plants in fixing nitrogen inthe soil and reducing pollutants by reducing the movement and transfer of pollutants in the soil and reducing the horizontal and vertical migration of pollutants that cause groundwater pollution.

The study was conducted to detect the fungi present in the soil of nurseries and flower and ornamental plant selling places in Wasit province. Four main sites were selected from the center of the province (Al-Jihad district, Al-Rabie district, Al-Ja'fariya district, and Al-Anwar district) and random samples were taken from the soil of the nurseries. The results showed the isolation of many fungi belonging to six genera, which were identified to the genus and species level based on their taxonomic characteristics. These genera were (Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, Rhizoctonia solani, Aspergillus flavus, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Pythium aphanidermatum).The results showed that the highest frequency and appearance rate for isolated fungi from nursery soils were for the fungus Rhizoctonia solaniin the Al-Rabie neighborhood, with a frequency rate of 35.12% and an appearance rate of 50%. The lowest frequency and appearance rate for fungi was the fungus Alternaria alternatain the Al-Anwar neighborhood, with a frequency rate of 4.15% and an appearance rate of 5.25%. The results of the test of the pathogenicity of isolated fungi from nursery soils showed that fungi differ in their ability to cause disease, affecting the germination rate of radish seeds. The fungus Pythium aphanidermatumcaused complete seed death with a percentage of 0% compared to the control treatment, which was 100%, while the fungus Aspergillius flavus achieved the lowest percentage in preserving the seeds, with a germination rate of 80%. Laboratory results showed that the treatment of the Fusarium oxysporumfungus recorded the highest reduction rate in the germination rate, which was 10% compared to the control treatment, which was 100%. The leastpathogenic fungus was Aspergillus nigerwith a percentage of 70%

This study investigated the impact of feeding common carp (Cyprinus carpio) with a diet incorporating eucalyptus leaf meal as a prebiotic. Common carp used in the experiment were sourced from Al-Bahaafish farm at Alseeba, south of Basrah. The live fish were transported in nylon bags to the Fish Laboratory at the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah. A total of 12 aquariums, each containing five fish with an initial average weight of 17.84 ± 1.02 g, were utilised for the study. Each treatment was replicated three times. The fish were fed artificial feed for 56 days at a rate of 3% of their body weight, supplemented with varying levels of eucalyptus leaf meal –meal-0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% –designated as the control group, T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The results of the experiment indicated improved growth rates and the best feed conversion ratio in the T4 group compared to the other treatments. In T4, the final average weight reached 52.22g, with a weight gain of 34.29 g, a daily growth rate of 0.611 g/day, a specific growth rate of 1.906%/day, and a feed conversion ratio of 2.147. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in growth rates between T4 and all other treatments, confirming its superior performance.

The experiment was appliedin the greenhouses of the College of Agriculture, University of Wasit, Iraq.The study aimed to investigate the effect of interactionsbetween some amino acids and salt stress in stimulating some antioxidants of Capsicum annuum. The experiment was appliedaccording to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The averages were compared using the least significant difference (LSD) with 0.05probabilities. The included six six treatments, which werecombinations of , drainage water (5 dSm-1) and amino acids (tryptophan and arginine at a concentration of 50 and 100 ppm). The results showed that the superiority of treatment of river water amino acids acids ) in the vegetative growth characteristics represented plant height height (30.97, leaf area (24.332, chlorophyll percentage in leaves (64.93) and dry weight (14.33) g. Antioxidant enzymes (Catalase and Peroxidase) increased in T4 treatment (5 dSm-1).

A field experiment was conducted on 3/12/2023 in one of the agricultural fields affiliated with the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences at the University of Baghdad / Al-Jadriya, with the aim of determining the budget, water needs, and yield coefficient of sunflower and yellow corn plants under field conditions. The experiment was carried out at a rate of 6 * 6 m2 for each crop, and the moisture was based on the two methods of gravity and the use of sensors. The depth of irrigation and the change in storage were calculated, and the optimal time period for irrigation was calculated. Daily evapotranspiration. The amount of actual evapotranspiration was also calculated, thus finding the crop coefficient Kc. It was found from the results of the result of the plant height and disc area for the sunflower plant that the highest height was 237 cm, while the lowest height was recorded at 180 cm. This was for the sunflower plant. As for the yellow corn plant, the highest plant height was recorded at 238 cm, the lowest height was 189 cm. As well as results of of water use, it was found that adopting the water budget method has good results in monitoring the crop’s waterneeds

The experiment was applied in the Field Crops Department at the College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad for the 2023 season. The study aimed to study the effect of soil covers s on the apparent density of the the soil the depth of the sandy soil and the effects on the growth and and yield the white corn according to the factorial experiment according to the decision of the complete random complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor is covers (wheat straw, white polyethylene, sand, control). The second factor is irrigation methods (irrigation in ponds, irrigation). It also includes measurements of the apparent density of the soil randomly in the depths of the soil where the root mass of the plant is distributed white corn (0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50 cm) measurements during the growing season. White corn is planting for the fall season on 20/7/2023 at a depth of 5-10 cm after preparing the land for agriculture. The data of the moisture description curve the irrigation schedule is based on the addition of irrigation water when 50% of the available water is used up and the apparent density measurement before planting and after harvesting

The experiment was conducted in the laboratory, plastic column (Plexiglas) and its length is 55 cm was used. The soil was packed to height 50 cm and was used a special technique to pack the soil. The fuel oil was applied at two depths, the first was spraying on the surface and the second at 25 cm depth. A water constant head was 3 cm and maintained throughout the duration experiment. The ponded water depth was measured in soil column over time and the advanced wetting front was also measured. The infiltration readings was taken for columns, for two types of textures and for two depths with fuel oil treatment until reaching to the bottom of soil column at a depth50 cm. The surface application led to increasing time which took for reach to end of the column at concentration 4%. On the other hand, the time under subsurface application took longer to reach to end of the soil column with compared to surface application. Both the surface and subsurface additions led to a better fit for the cumulative ponded water depth with time

The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of the College of Agriculture, University of Wasit, located at a longitude of 45°50′33.5′′ E and a latitude of 32°29′49.8′′ N, during the 2023 autumn season. The study aimed to investigate the effect of moisture depletion, soil conditioners, and transpiration inhibitors on some physical properties of soil cultivated with sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The experiment was carried out using a split–split plot design (RCBD) with three factors.The first factor was moisture depletion at two levels: 50% and 75% of available water. The second factor was soil conditioners, including two types, zeolite and perlite, along with a control without any amendment. The third factor was the transpiration inhibitor (Orslic) and a control without inhibitor. Sunflower seeds (Flamy variety) were sown on 1/8/2023 using the drilling method and harvested on 25/11/2023. All experimental units were irrigated twice before germination, based on the 50% moisture depletion level and the volumetric moisture content obtained from the soil moisture characteristic curve. Irrigation depths were calculated using soil moisture measurements and the water balance equation. Soil moisture content was determined after each irrigation and before the subsequent irrigation, according to the moisture depletion levels used in the experiment (50% and 75% of available water), to schedule irrigation throughout the growing season
The main results can be summarized as follows:1.The plots irrigated at 50% moisture depletion significantly outperformed those irrigated at 75% moisture depletion in reducing soil bulk density at the end of the season, with a value of 1.121 g·cm⁻³ compared to 1.176 g·cm⁻³ for the 75% treatment. Similarly, the 50% moisture depletion treatment significantly increased total porosity, reaching 55.493% compared to 54.089% for the 75% treatment. This treatment also exceeded the 75% treatment in saturated hydraulic conductivity, recording 1.14 and 1.09 cm/h, respectively. Additionally, soil aggregate stability was higher under the 50% moisture depletion treatment, at 27.2% compared to 25.9% for the 75% depletion level.
Treatments amended with zeolite significantly outperformed those with perlite and the control in reducing soil bulk density at the end of the season, with values of 1.093 g·cm⁻³ compared to 1.111 and 1.242 g·cm⁻³ for the perlite and control treatments, respectively. Zeolite also significantly increased total porosity (57.999%), saturated hydraulic conductivity (1.18 cm/h), and soil aggregate stability (28.1%) compared to perlite (55.98%, 1.15 cm/h, 26.6%) and the control (50.39%, 1.01 cm/h, 24.9%)

Male infertility is a major health concern and is often accompanied by abnormal semen parameters. The detection and understanding of these abnormalities are critical in the improvement of fertility treatments and outcomes. This study aims to compare semen quality between men with infertility and healthy controls, focusing on sperm count, motility, morphology, and other important semen parameters.A cohort of infertile men and healthy control donors were evaluated for semen parameters. Semen volume, sperm count, motility, vitality, and morphology measurements and the analysis were performed by using standardized laboratory procedures. The statistical differences were determined by applying independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and descriptive analysis.The semen volume in men with a diagnosis of infertility was significantly reduced compared to the control group (1.17 ± 0.50 ml versus 3.39 ± 0.56 ml, p < 0.0001). The sperm count in infertile men was also significantly lower (8.15 ± 4.02 x10⁶/ml versus 79.33 ± 9.20 x10⁶/ml, p < 0.0001). Moreover, sperm motility and vitality were significantly reduced, with motility being 24.75 ± 10.10% and active sperm at 1.73 %, compared to controls (76.26 ± 9.05% and 21.33 %, p < 0.0001). Abnormal sperm morphology was increased in infertile men (91.03 ± 3.25% vs. 10.46 ± 3.97%, p < 0.0001), while normal morphology was significantly lower. Semen morphology parameters (Q2 and Q3) showed wide variability within the infertility group, though differences between groups were not statistically significant.Men with a diagnosis of infertility showed significant semen-quality anomalies, presenting decreased sperm count, motility, and vitality, and an increased incidence of atypical sperm morphology. Our findings underline the necessity for developing better diagnostic tools in terms of DNA integrity assessment and tailored therapeutic interventions for male male infertility. Further studies are required on large populations to investigate the clinical consequences of these observations.

The study was donein the winter of 2023-2024 in the wooden canopy of the College of Science/University of Al-Qadisiyah with the aim of investigating the effect of some microorganisms on the Root Extracellular Traps of the root environment of lettuce plants. The study included the isolation of two types of fungi, one of which is pathogenic, which is Aspergillus niger, which was isolated from soil samples by dilution series, and the other is a beneficial fungus, which is Trichoderma spp. It was also isolated from the soil by dilution series. Five seeds were planted per pot at a depth of 1.5 cm in 2 kg plastic pots filled with a mixture of soil and peat moss (1:1). After the lettuce sprouted, each seedling was transferred to a separate plastic pot. Extracellular DNA was isolated and extracted from the lettuce roots with and without fungi in the laboratories of Al-Qadisiyah University/College of Science. The results showed that deoxyribonucleic acid secreted from the root border cells is indeed present, as the DNA is secreted in the root periphery. The laboratory results confirmed the presence of mitochondrial DNA, plastid DNA, and plant DNA in lettuce Lactuca sativa. Real-time PCR technology was used to detect the amount of extracellular DNA secreted for each treatment. Trichoderma spp.Results similar to the condition of the plant without addition, while the percentage of extracellular DNA decreased in the presence of the fungus Aspergillus niger