Kufa Journal for Agricultural Sciences

Stevia rebaudiana is a plant that can produce a natural sweetener and is used as a natural medicine. This research aims to study the growth and production of stevia plants under shade and liquid organic fertilizer from banana waste using an automated drip irrigation system. This research used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) method with a nested pattern (Nested Design) consisting of two factors. Namely, the first factor was the influence of shade consisting of two levels, namely the use of 50% shade (F1) and no shade (F2). The second factor was a liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) consisting of four concentrations, namely: 0 ml L-1 (P1), 20 ml L-1 (P2), 40 ml L-1 (P3), and 60 ml L-1 (P4). Each treatment was repeated five times so that there were 40 experimental units. Each experimental unit consists of four plant samples, so the total plant samples were 160 plants. The results showed that providing shade significantly increasing plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of flowers, and fresh weight of leaves. Meanwhile, giving LOF significantly increasing plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and number of flowers. Based on research results, the best treatment for stevia cultivation is 20 ml L-1 LOF fertilization in 50% shade.

This research was carried out in one of the private orchards located in Al Khalis District, Diyala Governorate for the agricultural season 2020–2021 on apple trees (Ibrahimi cultivar), which were newly planted in the region. The experiment included the study of two factors. The first factor included three levels of nano-iron Fe (0, 15, 30) mg.L-1 and the second factor included three levels of chitosan (0, 250, 500) mg.L-1. A factorial experiment with three replications was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The averages were compared using Duncan's polynomial test at a probability level of 0.05 after the findings were statistically processed using the statistical program (SAS,2003). The studys' findings demonstrated that nano iron therapy at a concentration of 15 and30 mg.L-1 was significantly in leaf area, total chlorophyll, nutrient level (N P K) in leaves, fruit set, total number of fruits, fruit weight, percentage of total soluble solids, and total yield per plant compared to the control treatment. The results also showed a significant superiority of the chitosan treatment at a concentration of 250 and 500 mg.L-1 in all studied characteristics compared with control treatment. The interaction treatment between nano iron at a concentration of 30 mg.L-1 and chitosan at a concentration of 500 mg.L-1 led to a significant superiority in all characteristics compared with the other treatments.

This study was conducted at rice research station in Al-Mashkhab/Najaf, Iraq, to determine the best rice genotypes based on grain yield and selection index. Seven genotypes were planted using a three-replicates in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 2021 and 2022. Mean squares of genotypes were significant for all traits at 1% probability in both seasons. FA1 and Furat1 outperformed the other seven genotypes in tiller number and grain yield. Heritability broad sense (H2BS) and predicted genetic improvement were high for most traits except plant height and panicle length, which were low. FA1 and AF2 genotypes had the greatest selection indices in both seasons. The genetic and phenotypic path coefficient analyses demonstrated a substantial direct influence of tillers on grain yield owing to the genetic and phenotypic link between grain production and its components. Furat genotype had the lowest grain yield and tiller coefficient of variation. m-2, although genotype (FA1) had somewhat higher coefficient of variation than Furat. Thus, rice breeding programmers should use tillers and grains as selection indicators. Future experiments might assess the effectiveness of these improved genotypes under diverse conditions.

This research aimed to measure technical efficiency in light of constant and variable of return to scale, the scale efficiency, resources level that achieving economic efficiency, surplus and deficit for broiler projects using the data envelope analysis (DEA) program as well as measuring the super efficiency using the Super Efficiency Measurement (EMS). The research relied on the primary data obtained from the questionnaire, which included 36 projects in Baghdad and 30 projects in Al-Qadisiyah governorate, representing 15.5% and 16.75% of the total projects in the two governorates, respectively. The research was divided into two stages; the first one included measuring technical and scale efficiencies, while in the second stage, the projects that achieved full-scale efficiency were separated from the inefficient sample projects using DEA to measure the efficiency of using productive resources. The results showed that broiler projects in Baghdad governorate achieved technical efficiency in according to constant and variable of return to scale and scale efficiency amounted to an average of (83.30%, 92.02%, and 95.40%), respectively, while in Al-Qadisiyah governorate it reached (96.74%, 83.15%, 92.45%). ) respectively. The research concluded that there is a surplus in the use of resources, which indicates that breeders are far from achieving economic efficiency. Accordingly, the research recommends the need for optimal use of the quantities of inputs based on the prices of these inputs, as well as following a production policy aimed at increasing economic efficiency.

This manuscript systematically investigates the use of different methods of the magic square (MS) as an indicator of well-being, which is a formal system of relationships necessary to deal with conflicting social and economic goals. An application of the new concept is presented using economic data on the Iraqi agricultural sector. The study also aimed to know the nature of the relationship between variables such as the role of the agricultural sector, represented by the growth rate of agricultural domestic product, the unemployment rate, the inflation rate, and growth rate of the agricultural trade balance in Iraq, using time series data represented by the period (2004-2021). The study used modern descriptive and quantitative methods represented by the autoregressive model. (VAR) and analysis of response functions and analysis of variance, after conducting the time series stability test using the extended Dickie-Fowler test. Study variables using the effect test and the maximum value test, and from here the autoregressive model was adopted to study the relationship between the Kaldor variables. Square variables like the role is far from ideal, because the Iraqi economy is a rentier economy, that is, it depends on the oil sector and neglects other sectors such as agriculture and industry. The manuscript recommends encouraging local agricultural companies to invest money in national food security projects, such as food industries, or the production of agricultural production inputs of good quality Providing them with facilities, developing an atmosphere of constructive competition between them, and removing technical obstacles that appear in their work.

The study aimed to investigate the feeding effect of synbiotic fermented milk fortified with Aloe Vera gel (AVG) on leptin concentration and insulin resistance in obese male rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced by a high- fat diet (HFD). Twenty-eight rats were divided into 4 groups: control group (SD-C) received the standard diet, control group of HFD (HFD-C) received HFD, and two experimental groups that were given HFD but with an additional oral dose of fermented milk with Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (HFD-B) or yogurt (HFD-Y) which were supplemented with 5% AVG. Body weight, BMI, and Lee index were measured, along with serum levels of some biochemical parameters. The results showed that in comparison to the body weight of the SD-C group (63.91%), there was no significant difference (p≥0.05) with that of the HFD-B group (66.71%). However, the body weight of the HFD-C and HFD-Y groups increased significantly. This was accompanied by a significant increase in the value of BMI and Lee-Index for the HFD-C group, 0.82 and 0.33 respectively, compared with the rest of the groups, but these values of the HFD-B group did not differ significantly compared to the values of the SD-C group. The serum biochemical parameters of the HFD-B group were the closest to the SD-C group despite being fed on a high fat diet. While they were the highest in the HFD-C group. In conclusion, the synbiotic effect of fermented milk supplemented with 5% of AVG might participate in the increase in insulin sensitivity and decreased leptin resistance, which is promising for future applications in functional food products.

The research was carried out in two distinct plastic greenhouses. The first location was at the University of Anbar, College of Agriculture first research station. The second location was in Heet city, Aldolab village during the growing season of 2022-2023, with the goal of investigating the effect of spraying with seaweed extract(2 and 4 ml L-1), amino acid "arginine" (100 and 200 mg L-1), and growth regulator brassinolide (0.05 and 0.10 mg L-1)on the quality of fruits of Albion strawberry plants under protected environment conditions. in addition to the control treatment of spraying with distilled water only for the three factors. A factorial experiment with three factors was conducted according to the randomized complete block design (RCBD). Spraying with seaweed extract, arginine and brassinolide had a significant effect on all the traits of the quality of the studied fruits, the concentrations of seaweed extract (4 ml L-1), arginine (200 mg L-1), and brassinolide (0.01 mg L-1) contributed to the best results for the traits (percentage of total sugars, the ratio between sugars and acidity, total soluble solid, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid). The values were (7.34 and 6.59%, 6.83 and 6.64%, 7.11 and 6.35%), (20.61 and 14.60, 17.99 and 14.17, 18.66 and 13.39), (9.25 and 8.34%, 8.87 and 8.24%, 9.10 and 8.34%), (59.57 and 48.91 mg 100 g-1, 53.81 and 43.02 mg 100 g-1, 52.34 and 42.98 mg 100 g-1), (50.95 and 57.73 mg 100 g-1, 50.18 and 56.37 mg 100 g-1, 50.39 and 55.96 mg 100 g-1), for the two sites respectively. On the other hand, the above treatments led to lowering the ratios of total acidity in fruits at both sites were (0.38 and 0.48%, 0.40 and 0.49%, 0.40 and 0.51%), respectively.The interaction between the two and three factors had a significant effect on most of the studied traits depending on the type of trait studied.

A sample of 50 Iraqi buffaloes heifers and their dams were used in the study, which was conducted in Baghdad (Al-Dhahab Al-Abyad/Abu Ghraib village area, 20 km west of Baghdad, and Al-Fadhiliya site, 20 km northeast of Baghdad) from the production season of 2021–2022. Following factor adjustment, the study's findings are as follows: The study reveals that an increase in milk supply by one kilogram per day leads to a significant increase in weaning weight for calves, with daily milk production accounting for 18% of their weight at weaning. The study found a positive correlation between weights at a young age and later weights, including weight at weaning, significantly influenced by udder milk production. Weight weaning had a significant association with fat percentage and protein percentage. The study used damsweight at birth to predict animal weights in buffaloes, and weight at weaning and six months of age to approximate real weights. The Brody and Logistic functions were accurate in estimating calves' weight up to six months old, with potential for extension to a year. Growth functions, focusing on sigmoid growth curve, are also available.

This study was carried out in Al-salam station for Dairy cattle, from January/11/2016 to January/11/2017, on 50 Holsein cows to study the effect of DRB3 gene information and estimate gene substitution, breeding value, dominance deviation which leads to genetic variation for services per conception and days open depending on DRB3 gene information. the results show a significant impact (p<0.05) of gene polymorphism on both traits, cows with AA genotype were better than cows with AB, BB respectively, also cows with AA genotype were better than cows with AB, BB genotype in breeding value for both traits, the variance value tended to additive variance at the expense of dominance variance for both traits, the effect was positive for the genetic replacement of the A allele compared to the B allele for both traits. This supports the selection of the A allele when it is present in homozygotes or heterozygotes for genetic data used in breeding programs and its importance for both traits.

This study aimed to obtain seedlings of the Roselle plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), take leaf discs from these seedlings, and induce callus, and also test the possibility of regenerating the plant from the callus induction, root formation and finally acclimating the plants resulting from regeneration to different media (peatmoss, sand, and peatmoss + sand 1:1). A high percentage of germination rate and callus induction (100%) were obtained. The length of the hypocotyl was (10.8 cm), the number of roots (12 roots/ explant), and the length of the roots (10.0 cm) at a concentration of (1.5 mg.l-1 ) BA, in addition to obtaining high percentages of fresh weight and dry weight of callus (36.537 g and 10.100 g), respectively, when the leaves discs were cultured right and in the dark for a period of time (15 days) in the culture medium supplemented with (1.5 mg.l-1 ) of benzyl adenine, (4 mg.l-1) of 2,4-D, and (0.3 mg.l-1 ) of NAA, with the addition of (0.5 mg.l-1) of gibberellin acid. The resulting callus was yellowy-white in color and its consistency was compact and had a very intensive as compared with the other concentrations. For plant regeneration test, the concentrations of BA (2 mg.l-1) and NAA (0.2 mg.l-1) gave the highest mean length of shoots (8.9 cm), number shoots (5 shoots/explant), number of leaves (13 leaves/ explant) length of roots (15 cm) and number of roots (17 roots/ explant) as compared with other concentrations. At the end it has been shown that the acclimatization process on the different cultural media, petmoss gave the best results compared to other media, and the success rate was 100%.

The global shift towards sustainable agriculture is crucial to ensuring food security and preserving the environment. In Iraq, specifically in Najaf Governorate, encouraging farmers to adopt Sustainable agriculture (such as water conservation, organic composting, and integrated pest management) is a key strategic objective. However, adoption rates of these practices are still influenced by a complex set of factors, among which economic viability is paramount. Agricultural marketing which includes market access, pricing, value chains, and information dissemination is assumed to be a key driver of this adoption. This research aims to examine the extent and nature of the influence of agricultural marketing factors on farmers' decision-making in Najaf Governorate regarding the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. This applied research relied on an inductive quantitative methodology. A structured, closed-ended questionnaire was designed to collect data from a random sample of 150 farmers registered with the Najaf Directorate of Agriculture. The survey measured variables related to marketing challenges (access to markets, price premiums for sustainable products, and reliability of market information) and the degree of adoption of various sustainable practices. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis to determine the relationship between marketing variables and rates of adoption of sustainable practices. To determine the apparent validity and content appropriateness of the questionnaire, the scale was presented to a sample of experts for feedback, and some modifications were made to meet the judges' recommendations.The analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between strong agricultural marketing systems and the adoption of sustainable practices. The main findings indicate the following: Market Access and Price Premiums: Farmers who had access to stable markets or received price premiums for sustainably produced commodities were more likely to invest in Sustainable agriculture.

Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a significant pest of legumes, exhibiting oligophagous feeding behavior. Infestation by this pest during storage can result in substantial economic losses, as its larvae consume the seed endosperm, leaving the seeds hollow and thereby reducing both their quantity and quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the biology of C. maculatus and the extent of its damage to commercial mung bean and cowpea in Makassar, Indonesia. The results showed that the population growth of C. maculatus was significantly higher in mung bean (228.22 adults) compared to cowpea (190.22 adults). This population growth also affected the average weight of the adults. For females, not significant difference was observed, with an average weight of 1.66 mg/adult in mung bean and 1.73 mg/adult in cowpea. In contrast, a significant difference was observed in males, with an average weight of 1.12 mg/adult in mung bean and 1.06 mg/adult in cowpea. The percentage of damaged beans was significantly higher in cowpea (95.16%) compared to mung bean (78.95%). Similarly, the percentage of weight loss was significantly greater in cowpea (31.69%) than in mung bean (22.65%). This damage and weight loss pose a serious storage problem, reducing both the quality and quantity of beans.