Mesopotamia Journal of Agriculture

Macrophomina phaseolina fungi were isolated from infected grape
branches and it was identified using morphological and molecular
characteristics. M. phaseolina colonies were observed on PDA medium
with a distinct color gradient between dark gray and black, and formed
microsclerotia after 4-5 days . Molecular identification of the ITS 1,4
region of the two M. phaseolina isolates (grape1 and B66) was deposited
in the NCBI database with accession numbers OQ802810 and
PQ587052, which showed 99-100% identity with reference sequences
in NCBI. The phylogenetic tree showed a clear evolutionary affinity
between grape1 and BS6 isolates with minor differences due to
environmental or geographical diversity. Chlorite susceptibility test
revealed three growth patterns (dense, feathery, restricted). This reflects
variation in their resistance or sensitivity and in the optimal temperature
for fungal growth, with the maximum development of the two M.
phaseolina isolates occurring at 30°C. In contrast, growth was poor at
low temperatures (15-20°C) or at high temperatures (35 °C)
. The pathogenicity test showed that the two M. phaseolina isolates caused
clear disease symptoms, represented by general deterioration and
wilting of the inoculated branches.

Current research aims at knowing followed procedures in pre-planting soil
analysis by farmers between Iraq and Syria, degree of applying these
procedures by farmers, and to know the relation between the application of
these procedures and the following independent variables (education level,
years of expertise in farming, years of expertise in analysing soil, sources
of information of analysis of soil, train to analyse soil successfully).
Research included farmers in both Iraq and Syria (farmers from Nineveh
governorate / Iraq and those of Damascus / Syria). A sample was taken from
them that represented (20%). The final research sample consisted of 120
farmers, divided into 60 from Damascus and likewise from Nineveh / Iraq.
Results showed that the degree of applying pre-planting soil analysis
procedures was moderate with a descending trend. Results also showed a
morally significant relationship between the application of soil analysis
procedures and the variables (sources of information about soil analysis,
training to analyse soil). Researchers recommend the necessity of paying
more attention to enhancing knowledge and information of farmers
regarding soil analysis through training courses given by the Directorate of
Agriculture in the governorates where research took place. To train farmers
how to use appliances by themselves to analyse soil.

The research aimed to analyze both the organizational structure and the
organizational climate of the agricultural extension system environment in
Iraq. To achieve the research objectives, a questionnaire was prepared,
consisting of 32 paragraphs. The research community included all
agricultural extension managers, totaling 220, representing 100% of the
targeted research community. The research results for analyzing the
organizational structure showed that (delegating some powers to other
officials to ensure the flow and continuity of extension work) which ranked
first in terms of importance , with a weighted rate of (2.14) degrees ,while
(lack of diversity of agricultural extension approaches) came in first place
in the weaknesses ,with a weighted rate of (2.96) degrees, as for the analysis
of the organizational climate, (Adopting teamwork methods among the
formations of the extension organization) came in first place, with a
weighted rate of (2.21) degrees, as for the weaknesses, while the paragraph
(agricultural extension feel that they are under constant supervision to
perform extension work according to the rules and instructions) came in
first place in terms of importance or the respondents, with a weighted rate
of (2.58) degrees, Accordingly, we recommend that the responsible
authorities in the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Extension
and Training Department adopt the results of the research and work to take
into consideration the necessity of focusing on strengths as much as possible
and exploiting them correctly, and eliminating weaknesses.

Tobacco is one of Indonesia’s major plantation commodities, with
Madura tobacco holding a distinctive position in the national market. Its
sensory quality is influenced by various factors, including the type of land
where it is cultivated. This study examined differences in quality
attributes and nicotine presence between Madura tobacco grown on paddy
field (Sawahan) and on dryland (Tegalan). An experimental approach was
applied, combining organoleptic assessment and a simple qualitative
nicotine test. The organoleptic evaluation involved 15 purposively
selected participants who met three criteria within the past decade: active
smokers, tobacco farmers, and native Madurese. Five quality indicators,
including texture, taste, color, aroma, and combustibility, were rated on a
1–9 scale. The presence of nicotine was assessed using turmeric extract
as an acid–base indicator, enabling a rapid visual detection in field
conditions. The results showed that Tegalan tobacco scored higher on four
sensory attributes (texture 7.67, color 6.07, taste 6.93, aroma 6.87,
combustibility 7.30) compared to Sawahan tobacco (texture 5.80, color
8.2, taste 2.13, aroma 2.67, combustibility 3.60). The qualitative test
confirmed the presence of nicotine in both types, indicated by the
development of a reddish-brown coloration. These findings suggest that
land type substantially influences the sensory quality of Madura tobacco,
while simple field-based methods can be employed for rapid nicotine
screening, offering practical value for farmers and local stakeholders.

The study was conducted during the 2023-2024 agricultural season on the
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in infested orchards in Diyala Governorate,
from the beginning of March to the end of November 2024. The aim was
to conduct a molecular diagnosis of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. The
results of the study confirmed the initial recording of two strains of the
insect in Diyala Governorate. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used
to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, one of the most
conserved regions in many organisms. The gene sequences of the PCR
products were analyzed using the Sanger method. They matched to global
strains and registered in the National Center for Biotechnology
Information's Global Gen Bank. The evolutionary tree was drawn, and the
genetic divergence values between them and the global strains were also
evaluated using MEGA11. For the first time in Iraq, the study recorded
two strains of the insect, which were deposited under serial numbers
PQ496644 and PQ522231, respectively. The results also confirmed the
existence of varying matching rates between local strains and many strains
recorded in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Greece, as indicated by
genetic divergence values. The strain with serial number PQ496644 was
most similar to the Greek strain, and both strains belonged to the species
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.

South Sulawesi, Indonesia, has emerged as a testing ground for phytobiotic
feed additives (PFAs) adopted in response to the 2018 national ban on in feed
antibiotic growth promoters. Up to now system-wide sustainability evidence
remains fragmentary. Using a modified Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries
(RAPFISH) protocol termed RAPPhytoFeed, 60 stakeholders (farmers,
extension agents, feed mill representatives, policy makers, and academics)
across four high density poultry districts were participated in the present study.
Multidimensional scaling ordination produced sustainability indices for five
dimensions: ecology (77.7 ± 0.5), economy (62.3 ± 0.1), social (56.5 ± 0.5),
technology (55.0 ± 0.3), and institution (49.6 ± 0.0). Monte Carlo stress values
(<0.075) and R²>0.96 confirmed ordination stabilsystemity. Leverage analysis
showed feed conversion ratio efficiency, wastewater quality, local raw material
access, trained workforce, and policy support as the most influential attributes.
While ecological and economic gains are recognised, low institutional
readiness and uneven technical capacity constrain broader uptake. We conclude
that Indonesia’s antibiotic-free poultry transition will hinge on coordinated
investment in laboratory services, farmer training, and market incentives for
AGP-free meat. The RAPPhytoFeed tool offers a rapid, stakeholder-centred
lens that can be replicated in other emerging livestock hotspots to guide policy
and private-sector decisions on phytobiotic scale-out.

Greenhouse farming has become an increasingly vital component of
modern agriculture, providing a controlled environment that supports crops
year-round. A field experiment was conducted to test the effect of shading
photovoltaic panels and covering the soil with polyethylene on indoor air
temperature and relative humidity. The experiment examined the impact of
shading on cucumber production during the autumn and spring seasons of
2024-2025 in the Talkaif district of Nineveh Governorate, North Iraq.
Statistical analysis was adopted to analyse the experimental data. Fully
mulching substantially reduces soil evaporation, and, combined with
shading, helps reduce temperature variations inside the greenhouse. The
temperature variations in the shaded greenhouse, with black mulch for the
soil in both seasons, ranged from 5.9 to 11 o C. The temperature variations
in the shaded greenhouse, which used white mulch, ranged from 6.2 to 13.9
°C in both seasons. The shading with photovoltaic panels of both types and
the mulching colors achieved a surplus in cucumber crop yield in the
autumn season compared to the conventional greenhouse, ranging from
+20.56 to +42.12 g. plant -1 . Although there was no increase in cucumber
crop yield in the spring, the yield was higher than in the autumn. When
comparing the yield in the shaded greenhouse for the same spring season
with the conventional greenhouse, the results ranged from -121.15 to
+26.05 g.plant -1 . The increase in energy compensated for the decrease in
cucumber crop yield, amounting to +112.74 kWh. Autumn season -1 and
+116.98 kWh. Spring season -1 , respectively.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of black soldier fly larvae
(BSFL) as a protein source in the diet of breeder quails and its effect on
productive and reproductive performance. A total of 120 quails, aged 49
days (80 females and 40 males), were used in the study. The birds were
randomly assigned to four treatments, with each treatment consisting of
five replicates and six birds per replicate (four females and two males).
The treatments were as follows: the first group served as the control
(without BSFL), while the second, third, and fourth groups were
supplemented with BSFL meal at levels of 5,10 and 15% respectively.
The results obtained at the end of the experiment indicated no significant
differences in the studied productive traits among all treatments
compared to the control group. These qualities included the percentage
of egg production, average weight, mass, feed consumption and
conversion ratio as well as the amount of change in live body weight. In
addition, the study showed no significant changes in the reproductive
performance of breeder quails in all treatments, including the
percentages of fertility and hatchability from total eggs and fertilized
eggs as well as embryonic mortality; all were compared to the control
group. The present results suggest that black soldier fly larvae can be
utilized as a protein in the diet of breeder quails at inclusion levels of up
to 15% of the total feed components without a negative role on
production or reproductive performance.

This study investigated the effect of potassium polyacrylate on the
sustainability of urea fertilizer applied at different growth stages and its
subsequent impact on wheat yield. The experiment was conducted in 5
kg pots using a split-plot design with three replicates during the 2024-
2025. The main plots comprised three urea application timings (AS):
AS1: 33% at emergence, + 33% at tillering, + 34% at elongation. AS2:
25% at emergence + 25% at tillering + 25% at elongation + 25% at
booting. AS3: 20% at emergence + 20% at tillering + 20% at elongation
+ 20% at booting + 20% at emergency inflorescence. The sub-plots
included four concentrations of potassium polyacrylate (Po): Po1: 0 kg
ha⁻¹, Po2: 25 kg ha⁻¹, Po3: 50 kg ha⁻¹, Po4: 75 kg ha⁻¹. The urea
application timing AS2 and 50 kg ha⁻¹ concentration (Po3)
outperformed other treatments in most studied traits, including plant
height (105.83-109.00 cm), chlorophyll content (0.757-0.753), flag leaf
area (53.04-59.40 cm²), number of tillers (438.0-418.9 tillers m⁻²),
number of grains per spike (66.92-69.00 grains spike⁻¹), and grain yield
(7.425-7.154 tons ha⁻¹). The interaction treatment AS2Po3 recorded the
top mean grain yield of 7.767 tons ha⁻¹, which did not significantly
differ from AS2Po4, AS1Po3, AS1Po4, and AS2Po2 (7.733, 7.500,
7.400, 7.333 tons ha⁻¹). These findings underscore the critical role of
potassium polyacrylate in enhancing water absorption and preserving
general nutrients, particularly urea (as a nitrogen source).

This study evaluated the effects of varying stocking densities and
dietary energy-protein levels on broiler performance, carcass traits, organ
weights, and economic outcomes. A total of 360 straight-run Cobb 500
chicks were used in a 3 × 3 factorial design with three stocking densities
(4, 8, and 12 birds/m²), three energy levels (2825, 2784, and 2744 kcal/kg
ME), and three crude protein levels (18.26%, 20.26%, and 22.26%). Each
treatment was replicated five times. Growth performance parameters—
average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed
conversion ratio (FCR)—were measured, along with carcass yield and
organ weights. No significant differences were observed in ADG, ADFI,
live weight, or carcass characteristics among treatments. However, the
combination of 12 birds/m² and the highest protein level (22.26% CP,
2744 kcal/kg ME) resulted in the lowest FCR, indicating improved feed
efficiency. Organ weights were not significantly affected by treatments.
These findings provide insights into optimizing broiler productivity under
different rearing conditions.

This study investigated the length-based stock assessment parameters and
reproductive biology of Oreochromis niloticus in the River Nile (Aswan,
Egypt), aimed to identify strategies for sustainable yield. The TropFishR
package in R is used to visualize and assess the stock status of O. niloticus
in this work. A total of 739 fish were analyzed, with males representing
75.2% and a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.33. The gonadosomatic index
revealed two distinct spawning seasons: March-April and September.
Growth parameters for the stock were L∞ = 33.61 cm, K = 0.339/year,
and Ф = 2.85. Total mortality (Z) was calculated as 4.03 year⁻¹, with
natural mortality (M) at 0.586 year⁻¹ and fishing mortality (F) at 3.44
year⁻¹, resulting in an exploitation rate (E) of 0.85. These results indicate
that the stock is severely overfished, with an F curr /F max ratio of 1.9. It is
recommended that fishing pressure be reduced and that strong, evidence-
based management techniques be implemented to support the
maintenance and restoration of spawning biomass.

The walking catfish Clarias batrachus is popular and affordable in
Southeast Asian countries. The development of breeding technology for
this species is ongoing, with sperm cryopreservation being a key aspect
of study that supports its breeding program. Cryopreservation is an
essential method in fish breeding, particularly for sustaining breeding
initiatives that supply larvae throughout the years. However, this process
can lead to oxidative stress, which may decrease sperm quality due to
structural and physiological damage, including DNA fragmentation.
Adding an antioxidant to the freezing medium could help mitigate these
negative effects and maintain sperm quality. This study aims to evaluate
the effectiveness of various types and concentrations of antioxidant on the
quality of C. batrachus sperm post-cryopreservation. Four types of
antioxidants were tested: ascorbic acid, Myoinositol, alpha-tocopherol,
and Butylated Hydroxytoluene, each at concentrations of 0, 20, 40, and
60 mg/L. Ringer solution, 5% DMSO and 5% egg yolk were used as
extender and cryoprotectants, respectively. Sperm samples were stored in
liquid nitrogen for 2 weeks, after which sperm quality was analyzed. The
results showed that both the type and concentration of antioxidant had a
significant effect (p<0.05) on all measured sperm quality parameters.
Ascorbic acid at a concentration of 40 mg/L produced the best results,
achieving 62.33% motility, 66.00% viability, and 61.67% fertility.
Electrophoresis analysis showed no DNA fragmentation in any of the
treatments, indicating that the genetic structure of sperm remained intact.
Ascorbic acid at 40 mg/L is the most effective antioxidant for
cryopreservation of sperm C. batrachus.

A field experiment was conducted during the spring growing season of
2022–2023 at the research stations, College of Agricultural Engineering
Sciences, University of Baghdad. The study aimed to evaluate the
impact of foliar application of eco-friendly fertilisers on the field
performance and the quantitative and chemical yield characteristics of
potato plants (Arizona hybrid). The experiment included two factors:
the first involved foliar spraying with four treatments—water only, 5
mL L⁻¹ shrimp shell extract, 5 mL L⁻¹ dried fish extract, and 5 mL L⁻¹
, respectively. The second 3 , and F 2 , F 1 , F 0 coded as F — sardine extract
factor included spraying with three concentrations of organic silicon: 0,
, respectively, along with their 2 , and Si 1 , Si 0 1, and 2 mL L⁻¹, coded as Si
interactions. The research was implemented as a factorial experiment
following a Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D.) with three
) resulted in the 1 replications. The results indicated that treatment (F
highest values for the number of aerial branches, marketable plant yield,
number of tubers, tuber weight, and total soluble solids
resulted in tubers with the highest yield, dry 1 (T.S.S.).Treatment Si
2 Si 1 matter content, and specific gravity. The interaction treatment F
yielded the firmest 2 Si 2 produced the highest number of tubers, while F
tubers.