Journal of Kerbala for Agricultural Sciences

The study was conducted in the fields of the Department of Horticul-ture and Landscape Engineering / College of Agriculture / University of Kerbala, Al-Hussainiya District for the winter agricultural season 2024. The study was implemented as Factorial experience according to the Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D) with three rep-licates. Two factors were added: vermicompost, a ground addition, at four concentrations (0, 2, 4, and 6 ml L-1), and boron, using a flower spray at four concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 75 mg L-1). The results showed that adding vermicompost at a concentration of (6 ml L-1) and spraying with boron at a concentration of (50 mg L-1) had a sig-nificant effect on all vegetative characteristics (plant height, diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, and number of shoot branches). The bi-lateral interactions between the two study factors had a significant ef-fect on all vegetative characteristics, especially at the fertilizer level. 6 (ml L-1 )- and spraying with boron at a concentration of (50 mg L-1 ) - which gave the highest rates of plant height of )72.20 cm( com-pared to the control treatment, which recorded )28.02 cm(, and the stem diameter was )28.496 mm( compared to the control treatment, which recorded )22.82 mm(, and the number of leaves was )210.40 leaves per plant-1 (compared to the control treatment, which recorded )98.30 leaves per plant-1(, and the leaf area was )79.37 cm2 (com-pared to the control treatment, which recorded )48.84 cm2(, and the number of branches was )9.267 branches per plant-1 (compared to the control treatment, which recorded )3.60 branches per plant-1(.

The experiment was conducted in the shade house of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala, from 1/3/2024 to 1/7/2024 to study the effects of vermicompost extract, mannitol, and riboflavin B2 on vegetative growth traits of Myrtle seedlings. A randomized complete block de-sign (R.C.B.D) with three replications was used. The factors included vermicompost extract at two concentrations (0 and 2 ml L-1), manni-tol spray at three concentrations (0, 2, and 4 g L-1), and riboflavin spray at three concentrations (0, 50, and 100 mg L-1). Results showed that vermicompost extract at concentration (2 ml L-1) significantly improved seedling height (25.770 cm), diameter (3.076 mm), num-ber of leaves (424.244 leaf seedling-1), leaf area (3.767 cm²), dry leaf weight (7.656 g), and dry vegetative weight (18.281 g). Mannitol at concentration (4 g L-1) showed outperformed effects with means of 31.922 cm, 4.097 mm, 540.444 leaf seedling-1, 4.461 cm², 9.406 g, and 21.983 g, respectively. Riboflavin at concentration (100 mg L-1) also enhanced growth traits, recording averages of 25.322 cm, 3.113 mm, 425.256 leaf seedling-1, 3.741 cm², 7.650 g, and 18.316 g re-spectively. The dual interaction of vermicompost and mannitol most improved vegetative traits, followed by mannitol and riboflavin, while vermicompost with riboflavin had limited effect. The triple intervention achieved the best results, indicating the efficiency of the combined use of the three factors.

The tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is on one of the most im-portant medicinal plants that has a useful role in the field of phar-macy. The aim of this study was production of micro propagation the tarragon plant by applying the plant tissue culture technique in establishing vegetative branch cultures. The first experiment includ-ed testing the ability of NaOCl at different concentrations and dura-tions to sterilize the explant used as a starting point for establishing tissue cultures, the second experiment included testing different concentrations of BA and NAA at concentrations of (0, 1, 1.5) mg L-1 and (0, 0.1) mg L-1 respectively for the establishment of tissue cultures, the third experiment included testing two types of cyto-kinines BA and 2IP at concentrations of (0, 1, 2, 3) mg L-1 and (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) mg L-1 respectively with presence of a fixed concentration of NAA 0.1 mg l-1 for the purpose of multiplying shoot cultures. The 1% concentration of the sterilizing substance NaOCl at the 15 minute period achieved the lowest contamination rate of 0% without affecting the vitality of the explant, The results of the second experiment included the superiority of the concentra-tion of 1.5 mg L-1 BA in achieving the highest response rate of 65%, while the concentration of 0.1 mg L-1 NAA achieved the highest response rate of 60.33%, The results of the third experiment included the superiority of BA at the concentration of 2 mg L-1 in achieving the highest rate of branch number, lengths, and fresh and dry weight of the vegetative system, which reached 35.21 branch plant-1, 4.54 cm, 3.16 mg, and 1.05 mg respectively. While the 2IP achieved the highest rates of branch number and fresh and dry weights of the vegetative system at the concentration of 0.3 mg L-1 which reached 31.05 branch plant-1, 2.83 mg, and 0.93 mg, respectively, the highest rate of branch length was at the concentration of 0.2 mg L-1 which reached 3.31 cm.

The experiment was conducted in the plant canopy of the Depart-ment of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering at the College of Agriculture - University of Kerbala for the period from 1/3/2024 to 1/7/2024 to study the effect of adding hornwort extract and spray-ing with thiamine and phenylalanine on the vegetative traits of Damask rose seedlings (Sultani variety). The experiment was con-ducted using a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) ac-cording to the factorial experiment arrangement with three replica-tions. The factors included hornwort extract at two concentrations (0 and 8 g L-1). Thiamine spray at three concentrations (0, 75 and 150 mg L-1). Phenylalanine spray at three concentrations (0, 75 and 150 mg L-1). The results showed that the treatment of the extract of the hornwort at a concentration of (8 g L-1) was outperforming in the average increase of seedling height (36.859 cm), seedling diam-eter (4.690 mm), number of leaves (38.830 leaf seedling-1) and leaf area (29.879 cm2). The results showed significant differences be-tween the thiamine spray concentrations, as the concentration of (150 mg L-1) outperforming the aforementioned traits, as it record-ed averages of (42.722 cm, 5.436 mm, 50.167 leaf seedling-1, 35.571 cm2) respectively. The results also showed significant dif-ferences between the phenylalanine spray concentrations, as the concentration of (150 mg L-1) outperforming the same traits, with averages of (37.922 cm, 4.584 mm, 40.522 leaf seedling-1, 30.262 cm2) respectively. The triple intervention achieved the best results, indicating the efficiency of the combined use of the three factors.

A study was conducted during the 2024/2025 season to determine the annual presence and population density of the wax-scale insect Ceroplastis rusci. The population density of non-Ovipositing adults was studied from September 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025, in a Fig or-chard in Al-Haidariya District of Najaf Governorate. The field sur-vey on Black Diyala Fig trees showed a clear variation in the popu-lation density of the insect throughout the year, with a sharp decline during the winter months (from the beginning of December to mid of February), where the lowest rate was recorded in December 2024 (0.54 insects/tree). The peak population density of the adult insect reached 6.98 insects/tree in September, while the numbers gradually declined as winter approached. The results showed signif-icant differences between the different months of the year. The in-sect density peaked at the beginning of the first week of October 2024, when it began a continuous relative decline. The distribution of insect numbers across different tree levels and directions was al-so studied. The results showed that the insect is widely distributed in the surveyed areas. It was found that non- Ovipositing adults in-fest the upper surface of the leaf in the lower and middle levels of the tree in the first generation and they prefer the middle level only in the second generation. The survey results showed that the insect prefers the upper part in the third generation and the winter hiberna-tion stage. The study also indicated that the insect's spread depends on the location of the trees, wind direction, and surrounding envi-ronmental conditions, which significantly impact insect spread. The possibility of utilizing these results in designing a pest control pro-gram in the area where it is widespread was discussed.

The parasitoid Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal, 1927 was reared in an artificial environment on eggs of three insect hosts of the or-der Lepidoptera, namely the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia ku-ehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the carob moth Ectomye-lois ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and the codling moth Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in order to select the ap-propriate host for the quantitative laboratory rearing of this parasi-toid. The results showed that the preferred host for rearing the para-sitoid in the laboratory was the eggs of the codling moth, because the duration of the different stages and the complete generation on this host was shorter than on the two hosts, the carob moth and the Mediterranean flour moth. The sex ratio was also the highest possi-ble and in favor of females when reared on the eggs of the codling moth, the percentage of parasitism was the highest possible on the eggs of the codling moth. The percentage of parasitism mortality was the lowest possible on the codling moth compared to the other two hosts. Therefore, it can be concluded that the laboratory rearing of the parasitoid in an artificial environment is preferable to be on the eggs of the codling moth, compared to the other two hosts.

This study was conducted in the Al-Nabhaniyah area 10 km east of Karbala city during the spring agricultural season 2024 to investigate the effect of foliar spraying with potassium sulfate and tocopherol on vegetative growth indicators. The experiment was implemented using a completely randomized design (CRD) as a factorial experiment with three factors: two cultivars of maize (Sorour and 5018), four concentrations of potassium sulfate (0, 25, 50, and 75 mg L-1), and four concentrations of tocopherol (0, 50, 100, and 150 mL-1), with three replicates. The results showed that foliar fertilization with potassium sulfate at a concentration of 50 mg L-1 and tocopherol at a concentration of 100 mg L-1 significantly affected all studied traits. The two-way interaction between the study factors was significant except for relative and absolute growth. The interaction coefficients between the cultivars and potassium sulfate concentrations 50 mg L-1 and between the cultivars and tocopherol concentrations (100 mg L-1) gave the highest rate. The two-way interaction between potassium sulfate and tocopherol was also significant under concentrations (50, 100 mg L-1) of potassium sulfate and tocopherol, respectively. The results also showed that the three-way interaction between the study factors was significant for all studied traits except for the average number of leaves (leaf/plant-1) and the relative growth rate. Also, there was a significant interaction between cultivars, Potassium sulfate 50 mg L-1 and tocopherol 100 mg L-1 for other traits.

The purpose of study is to compare the carcass characteristics and estimation of genetic parameters of two genotypes of chicks. The study was carried out, at the Kani-Graw private field – Erbil City. Two genotypes of chickens were selected which were widely raised in the region, Super-Harco commercial and local chickens. During the peak of production, each genotype was distributed to five groups, with each group including one wing-banded rooster (known sire) with five hens (dams). Three hundred fertile eggs of two genotypes were collected. 235 Day old chicks were hatched from fertile eggs, each genotype was considered as first generation to evaluate the estimate genetic parameters for carcass characteristics at 12 weeks. The results cleared that significant differences (P≤0.05) between the two genotypes, commercial chicks showed higher significant in body weight, carcass weight breast, thigh, wing and live with lower gizzard and heart than local chicks. on the other hand, no significant variation was observed in dressing per-centage between two genotypes. In relation to effect of sex, as it de-scribed that the males were more significantly (P ≤ 0. 05) recorded on all carcass traits except of dressing percentage and thigh weight. In relation to genetic parameters for carcass traits, the results showed that estimated heritability of body weight at 12 weeks, dressing percentage, heart, gizzard and liver weight were low to moderate and ranged from (0.13-0.44) and (0.14- 0.53) respectively for commercial and local chicks. The genetic and phenotypic correlation estimates among body weight and carcass characteristics (dressing percentage, heart, gizzard and liver) illustrated a close relationship between these traits. Positive genetic and phenotypic correlations were found between above mention traits from (0.18 -0.52), (0.22-0.74) and (0.09 –0.35), (0.14-0.49) respectively for commercial and local chicks

The experiment was carried out in a field of Agriculture College / University of Karbala during the agricultural season 2024 where it was in 12/4/ 2024 and finished in 10/8/2024 to study the effect of fertilizer combination included eight treatments (0, boron 1 g. L-1, 20 organic fertilizer L-ha-1, 25 organic fertilizer L-ha-1, 30 organic fertilizer L-ha-1, 20 organic fertilizer L-ha-1 with boron 1 g. L-1, 25 organic fertilizer L-ha-1 with boron 1 g. L-1 ,30 organic fertilizer L-ha-1 with boron 1 g. L-1) on growth and yield of two okra hybrids, the hybrid of okra were Sultana F1 and Gennext . The experiment was laid out in factorial within randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The means were compared by using LSD test at probability of 0.05. The results showed that the Gennext hybrid superiority upon Sultana F1 in growth and yield parameters (plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area, number of pods, average pod weight and total yield). fertilizer combination treatment T7 (30 liters ha-1 organic fertilizer + 1 g L-1 boron) showed significantly affected in all parameters com-pared with control. The interaction effect of two hybrids with fertilizer combination ,it clearly indicated that there was significant in-teraction effect in all parameters under observation (plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area, number of pods, average pod weight, and total yield), where superior interaction be-tween Gennext with T7 (30 liters ha-1 organic fertilizer +1 g L-1 boron)which was recorded (139.33cm,11 branches.plant-1, 110 leaves.plant-1 and 198.80 cm2.plant-1, 91.70 pods plant-1, 6.91 g. pod-1 and 21.95 tons. ha-1) respectively.

A field experiment was conducted during the 2022 growing season at the Qlyasan Research Center, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, to investigate the effects of foliar application of seaweed extract (SE) on the phenological, physiological, biochemical, and reproductive traits of wheat. The study involved four wheat varieties (Sulaimani-2, Rizgari, Alaa, and Hasad) and three SE concentrations (0.0, 1, and 2g L⁻¹), arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that the highest SE concentration (2g L⁻¹) significantly enhanced plant height, flag leaf area, specific leaf area, dry matter accumulation, root-shoot ratio, and relative growth rate. Reproductive parameters such as spike length, number and weight of spikes per m², spikelets per spike, grain number and weight, grain yield, biological yield, and harvest index also improved. Furthermore, increasing SE concentration positively influenced physio-biochemical traits, including soluble sugar content, total chlorophyll content, carotenoid content, and protein percentage. The interaction between SE levels and wheat varieties was significant across all traits, with Rizgari showing the most pronounced response, likely due to its superior morphological features and genetic capacity for nutrient uptake and physiological efficiency.

The experiment was carried out in the shade of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape / College of Agriculture / University of Kerbala for the period from (1/3/2024) to (1/11/2024). To evaluate the response of citrus rootstocks to soil-applied humic acid and foliar application of CPPU on vegetative growth traits of six-month-old seedlings, a 3×3×3 factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates. Treatments included humic acid (0, 3 and 6 g L-1), CPPU (0, 5 and 10 mg L-1), and three citrus rootstocks (Rangpur, Macrophylla, Sour Orange). The humic acid soil addition treatment 6 g L-1 significantly outperformed the control treatment, recording the highest averages for plant height (37.04 cm), stem diameter (5.075 mm), number of leaves (197.74 leaves plant-1), number of branches (4.330 branches plant-1), leaf area (422.86 cm2), dry weight of the vegetative system (13.110 g), and dry weight of the root system (5.755 g). The spraying CPPU at 10 mg L-1 also showed superiority, achieving notable increases in the same traits an averages of (32.40 cm, 5.036 mm, 197.07 leaves plant-1, 4.354 branches plant-1, 397.15 cm2, 12.633 g, 5.637 g). The results also showed significant differences between the rootstocks, with the Rangpur rootstock achieving the highest values in most of the traits under study. Moreover, the combined treatments, particularly the triple interaction (Rangpur + humic acid at 6 g L-1 + CPPU 10 mg L-1), significantly enhanced several vegetative growth traits.

This work studied the Comparative Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Conocarpus erectus Leaf Methanolic Extract and Its Nanohybrid Composite Against Fusarium proliferatum. antifungal properties of a methanolic extract of Conocarpus erectus leaves and a hybrid nano-methanolic extract solution against F. proliferatum, along with its zearalenone synthesis. A 1.5 ml concentration of the methanolic ex-tract of Conocarpus erectus leaves showed an inhibitory effect on fungal development, resulting in a growth rate of 4.067 mm. The op-timal concentration of the hybrid nano-extract solution was 20 mg/ml, resulting in a fungal growth rate of 0.773 mm, in contrast to the control treatment, which exhibited a growth rate of 5.017 mm. This concentration also reduced the amount of zearalenone produced by the fungus to 16.10 ppb compared to the control treatment, which amounted to 98.92 ppb.

In this research, tomato plants were used to assess the effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) on the decomposition dynamics and agronomic properties of poultry manure through combined physicochemical and biological evaluations, supported by LC-MS metabolite profiling. Control treatments, consisting of untreated manure, exhibited low microbial activity, restricted nutrient availability, and elevated levels of phytotoxic compounds such as butyric acid, phenol, and indole, particularly at manure concentrations exceeding 40%.In contrast, NAC-treated samples demonstrated enhanced microbial diversity, accelerated organic matter breakdown, and significant suppression of toxic short-chain fatty acids. LC-MS analysis revealed the appearance of sulfur-containing metabolites, including free thiols, indicating the establishment of a redox-buffered environment that improved nitrogen bioavailability and mitigated oxidative stress. These changes correlated with a remark-able increase in plant biomass—exceeding tenfold compared to the control—and eliminated growth inhibition even at high manure concentrations. Furthermore, NAC contributed to heavy metal de-toxification via thiol-mediated chelation, ensuring root zone safety and improved soil health. Overall, this study establishes NAC as an effective additive that transforms raw poultry manure into a stable, nutrient-rich, and environmentally safe fertilizer. The integration of physicochemical and biological assessments with LC-MS diagnostics provides strong evidence for the role of biochemical modula-tion in enhancing manure quality. This approach offers a scalable strategy to improve crop productivity while minimizing environ-mental risks, thereby supporting sustainable organic agriculture.

A field experiment was conducted in the field of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala, in Al-Husseiniya District, Kerbala Gover-norate, during the autumn season 2024-2025, with the aim of studying the effect of adding potassium fertilizer and spraying ro-selle extract on the growth and yield of two turnip cultivars. The experiment was carried out according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates according to the factorial arrangement of three replications. The first factor included seven fertilization treatments (control potassium 100 kg K₂O ha-1, potassi-um 200 kg K₂O ha-1, potassium 100 kg K₂O ha-1 + spraying roselle extract at a concentration of 4 mg L-1, potassium 100 kg K₂O ha-1 + spraying roselle extract at a concentration at 8 mg L-1, potassium 200 kg K₂O ha-1 + spraying roselle extract at a concentration of 4 mg L-1, and potassium 200 kg K₂O ha-1 + spraying roselle extract at a concentration at 8 mg L-1), and symbolized as T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7 respectively. While the second factor included two culti-vars of turnip plants, a local cultivar (A) and an Iranian cultivar (B). The results showed significant differences between the fertilizer treatments, as treatment T7 was outperformed in plant height (55.62 cm), number of leaves (21.60 leaf plant-1), dry weight of the vege-tative system(217.02g), total root weight (323.7 g), and marketable root weight (281.2 g). As for the cultivars, the local cultivar (A) was significantly outperformed in plant height (51.62 cm), number of leaves (18.58 leaf plant-1), dry weight of the vegetative system (193.02 g), total root weight (303.1 g), and marketable root weight (273.5 g).

The aim of this study was determining its suitability for reuse, especially in agricultural irrigation. Water samples were collected from multiple sites including hospitals, treatment plants, industrial zones, universities, and slaughterhouses, and analyzed using atomic ab-sorption technology after standard calibration curves were prepared to ensure measurement accuracy. The analysis focused on five common metal elements known for their environmental and health impact, namely: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu). The results were showed that the iron concentration ranged from 0.000077 to 0.01603 mg/L, which is less than the maximum allowable for drinking water according to the World Health Organization (0.3 mg / l). For lead, the concentrations ranged from 0.000721 to 0.007151 mg/L, and are also within the safe drinking limits (0.01 mg / l), although they vary between sam-ple sources. In contrast, cadmium concentrations have been shown exceeding the permissible limit (0.003 mg / L) in several locations, especially in industrial areas and some university discharges, raising environmental and health concerns that warrant intervention. Zinc recorded low levels ranging from 0.000074 to 0.00848 mg/L, which are below the recommended limits for irrigation (2.0 mg/L) and drinking (3.0 mg/L), indicating no immediate environmental risk. The highest copper concentrations were recorded at the Tel Rumman drainage site (0.204 mg/L), which is close to the irrigation guideline limit (0.2 mg/l), but still within the Safe Drinking range. Spatial and functional analysis of the distribution were showed that industrial and university sources significantly contributed to raising cadmium and copper levels, while residential and medical sources showed relatively low levels. Geographically, the southern and western areas of the city tend to record the highest concentrations, attributed to the intensity of industrial activities and increased population pressure.

This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary restriction on certain production and microbial traits of broiler chickens. A total of 210 one-day-old, unsexed Ross 308 commercial hybrid chicks, with an average initial weight of 40 g, were used in the study. The experiment was divided into seven experimental treatments, each consisting of 30 birds, with three replicates per treatment (10 birds/replicate), yet. The final results of the experiment showed a highly significant improvement (P≤0.01) in final body weight and weight gain, as well as a significant difference (P≤0.05) in feed consumption and overall feed conversion efficiency and production index values. Additionally, a considerable superiority (P≤0.05) was observed in the dressing percentage and the logarithmic counts of Lactobacilli bacteria, along with a significant decrease in E. coli bacteria across all restricted treatments when compared to the control treatment. Treatments T3 and T2 achieved the best results among the restricted treatments.

A pilot study was conducted during the winter season (2023–2024) to investigate the effects of residual weeds (Sorghum halepense L.) and weeds (Xanthium strumarium L.) on some growth and yield characteristics of wheat cultivars and different plant density traits in Diyala Governorate, Al-Muqdadiyah District, within a June-spreading zone. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) with three distinct replicates, 3 in-dependent sub-groups, using three wheat crop varieties (Aba99, Sham6, Al-Fayyadh), preferring the effect of the residues of the two types of weeds, the first (weed (Sorghum halepense L.) uses C4 herbaceous plants) used (weed (Xanthium strumarium L.) ex-ploits C3 species) and the third factor with the quantity of seeds (40 kg.dun-1, 50 kg.dun-1). The results showed no significant differences between the varieties in the number of seedlings, number of spikes, and harvest index, while the Sham 6 variety was early and gave the lowest number of days to 50% spike bunch, reaching (97.08) days, while the Abaa 99 variety recorded the highest number of days, reaching (101.63) days. The comparison treatment without adding weed residues was superior and recorded the highest average for the total yield trait, which amounted to (4925.0 kg.ha-1), Because of its superiority in the number of total branches (372.83 branch. m2) and the number of spikes (337.39 spikes. m2). It also excelled in the harvest index trait, and the treatment of adding C3 weed residues recorded the highest average for the number of days until 50% of the ear cluster, which amounted to (100.17) days. Meanwhile, the seed quantity of 50 kg.dun-1 was superior in the number of days to 50% ear development, the total number of seedlings, and the number of earlings, and recorded an average of (100.14 days, 349.50 seedlings .m2, 312.17 seedlings. m2) respectively, and there were no significant differences between the seed quantity in the total yield characteristic.

An experiment was conducted in one of the laboratories of the College of Agriculture - University of Kufa, to evaluate the effect of thyme oil and temperatures (10°C, 20°C, and 30°C) on the concentration of Ochratoxin A (OTA) produced by Aspergillus niger in Almonds stored for one and two months. The results showed significant differences in toxin concentrations according to the type of treatment, the treatment with fungus only, recorded the highest con-centration (74.68 µg kg-1) compared to the control treatment, which recorded a concentration of (5.39 µg kg-1), confirming the strong toxigenic potential of the fungus to produce the toxin. In contrast, the treatment combining of thyme oil with the fungus significantly reduced the toxin concentration (32.40 µg kg-1), indicating the effectiveness of the oil as an antifungal and toxin reducer. It was also found that increasing the storage temperature significantly increased OTA concentrations, with values of (12.9, 29.4, and 35.1 µg kg-1) at 10, 20, and 30°C, respectively. Extending the storage period from one to two months also resulted in a significant increase in the toxin level (from 20.3 to 31.4 µg kg-1). The highest value was recorded in the treatment with fungus only at 30°C for two months (124.8 µg kg-1). Therefore, these results confirm that thyme oil can serve as an effective natural strategy for reducing the risk on contamination of Almonds with Ochratoxin A, especially under suboptimal storage conditions.

This study examined 15 traditional cheese samples produced in ru-ral villages of the Qaladiza district in Sulaymaniyah province, along with one control sample produced under strict hygienic standards in a controlled dairy facility. All samples underwent detailed physico-chemical analysis, with a particular focus on biogenic amine content and a direct comparison between the village-produced cheeses and the laboratory control. Tyramine, 2-Phenylethylamine, Cadaverine, Histamine, and Spermidine were found in the cheese. The results showed that there are significant differences (0.05p) in the chemical characteristics of the laboratory and the traditional Pesta cheese within the different ripening periods (0, 90, and 180) days, the cheese was hard cheese due to their contents of moisture (21.23-36.20) % and fat (29.25-43.06) % at six months of ripening. The study showed very low BAs levels less than the permissible limits at treatments T2, T4, T7, T8, T9 and T15 and read to (183.15, 138.87,22.84,253.94, 233.12 and 191.6) mg/kg respectively while no BAs detection in the T5, T6 and T10 and although the T1, T3, T11, T12, and T14 contain high level of some BAs and were (925.82, 837.97, 585.56, 379.04, and 420.5)mg/kg respectively but still under than the permissible limits, Spermidine was the highest and Tyramine was the lowest (1374.32-0.35)mg/kg respectively so concluded this type of cheese needs more interest manufactured and ripened under high hygiene conditions. Several parameters, including pH, Acidity, and sodium chloride and fat concentration, have also been linked and have role to the formation of BA in cheese.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different iron liquid fer-tilizer treats and applications methods on broccoli growth and yield. The results shows that lower concentrations of ferox (1 ml L-1) ap-plied by foliar and fertigation methods recorded significantly higher values of plant height, leaf count, chlorophyll content, stem diameter, and shoot weight relative to the control treatments. These positive dif-ferences in growth parameters translated into improved overall crop performance and increased yields when compared with the compari-son groups. In contrast, increasing the concentration of ferox beyond 1 ml L-1 demonstrated a noticeable decline in growth values, confirm-ing poorer outcomes than the control in some cases and indicating possible toxicity effects at higher doses. This reduction was especially pronounced with the 2 ml L-1 concentration, where foliar application produced significantly lower growth compared with both the control and the fertigation method. Therefore, the best comparative results were consistently obtained at 1 ml L-1, which maximized productivity and enhanced yield, providing greater economic benefits relative to the control and other treatments. Conversely, excessive ferox concentrations caused nutrient imbalances and increased costs, showing negative differences when compared with comparison transactions. The controlled experiment at Bakrajo Technical Institute’s multi-span greenhouses during the 2024-2025 season under CRD design confirmed that precise fertilizer management is critical for optimizing broccoli growth, ensuring maximum efficiency, economic gains, and sustainable crop production.

This study evaluated a polyherbal mixture (PHM) and trace elements as alternatives to antibiotics in poultry production, focusing on performance, carcass composition, lipid profiles, and intestinal morphology under heat stress conditions. The experiment lasted 40 days and used a 2 x 3 factorial design, with trace elements at 0 and 5 g/kg and PHM at 0, 25, and 50 g/kg. Adding varying levels of PHM to the diet significantly increased the relative weight of the Bursa of Fabricius at 5% (P<0.05). However, it did not affect other organs, small intestine length, ceca, average weight gain (AWG), or feed intake (AFI) (P>0.05). PHM-treated groups also showed lower mortality rates in heat-stressed chickens. Additionally, the inclusion of PHM and trace elements did not significantly alter liv-er enzyme levels, glucose, uric acid, or lipid profiles compared to the control group (P>0.05). However, the group receiving 5% trace elements experienced a notable reduction in triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein levels (P<0.05). Salmonella sp. and E. coli O157:H7 were found in the control and trace element groups but not in the cecal digesta of the PHM groups. The PHM extract demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against these strains and E. coli ATCC at 20 mg compared to other antibiotics. In conclusion, PHM contains bioactive components with antibacterial properties against E. coli and Salmonella species. It reduces these pathogens in the cecal content of heat-stressed chickens, im-proves feed intake, and lowers mortality rates. Thus, PHM is an effective antibacterial agent for chickens, helping to reduce microbial resistance.

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of bacterial soft rot disease in onion crops in Karbala Province, assess its pathogenicity, determine the susceptibility of the most common onion cultivars, and evaluate the effect of selected biogenic agents and chemical pesticides on the pathogen for control purposes. Pathogenicity tests of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum revealed that isolate Pcc7 was the most virulent, inducing the largest necrotic area (62.62 mm) within 72 hours, followed by isolates Pcc5 and Pcc2, with lesion sizes of 58.22 mm and 40.1 mm, respectively.The evaluation of five onion cultivars for susceptibility to soft rot showed that the Local Red cultivar was significantly more susceptible to P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, producing the largest lesion size of 21.2 mm, followed by Texas Early Grano with 9.6 mm.
The results also indicated that both melatonin and glutathione exhibited potent inhibitory effects on P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc7) in vitro, achieving 100% inhibition at a concentration of 1.0 mg/L. In terms of chemical control, three pesticides—Beltanol, Ganger, and Oxyride—demonstrated high efficacy in inhibiting bacterial growth. Both Beltanol and Ganger achieved complete Inhibition (100%) at the highest tested concentration (1.0 mL/L).

To study the effects of supplementing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) and weight at slaughter on growth performance and carcass characteristics, sixteen weaned Awassi male lambs were used (4–4.5 months) and averaged 29.2 kg in weight. The lambs were di-vided equally into two groups. The first group was considered as a control (C), while the diet in the second group (T) was supplemented with 5 g of yeast/lamb/day, and all lambs were slaughtered from each group at 40 and 45 kg. Results revealed that lambs fed 5 g of yeast/lamb/day in T groups reached their target slaughter weight faster than lambs in C groups (61.13 vs. 72.75 days). The daily gain in weight was numerically higher, and the feed conversion ratio was better in the T groups compared to the control. Moreover, dressing percentages based on live and empty body weight, shrinkage, rib-eye area and fat thickness were not significantly affected by supplementing yeast. It was noticed that lambs slaughtered at 45 kg had a substantially (P<0.05) larger rib-eye area and a higher percentage of subcutaneous fat and dressing based on live and empty body weight than lambs slaughtered at 40 kg. Lean and fat content were numerically higher in the rack cuts in lambs fed yeast than in the control. However, lean content de-creased and fat increased with increasing slaughter weight from 40 to 45 kg. In addition, neither yeast supplementation nor slaughter weight had a significant effect on non-carcass fats.

A factorial field experiment was conducted during the 2024-2025 growing season at the research station of the College of Agriculture, University of Kufa, under green shade cloth (60% light transmission) to investigate the effects of organic materials and foliar plant extracts on vegetative growth and volatile oil yield of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.). The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with three replications. Two factors were examined: organic material type [wheat residues (O1), mushroom residues (O2), and control (O0)] applied at 5 tons ha⁻¹, and foliar plant extracts [moringa extract (E1), hibiscus extract (E2), and control (E0)] applied at 10 ml L⁻¹. Results demonstrated that wheat residues significantly increased leaf number (3,505 leaves plant⁻¹), shoot dry weight (40.54 g), and branch number (44.59 branches plant⁻¹) compared to other treatments. Hibiscus extract enhanced plant height (42.11 cm) and branch number (45.70 branches plant⁻¹), while moringa extract maximized leaf number (3,233.3 leaves plant⁻¹). For essential oil characteristics, mushroom residues produced superior oil yield (1.26%) and refractive index (1.746 nm). The interaction O2×E0 achieved the highest oil yield (1.41%), indicating significant synergistic effects. These findings suggest that strategic selection of organic materials combined with appropriate foliar extracts can substantially enhance rosemary production systems for commercial cultivation

Researchers have not yet definitively established the optimal light-ing program and dark period initiation for improving the welfare, health, and performance of commercial broilers. Therefore, this study aims to examine how different lighting schedules at various ages affect key factors, including growth performance and mortality rates, in broiler chickens. 400-day-old Ross chicks were assigned to four experimental groups using a completely randomized design. Each group consisted of five replicates with 20 chicks in each. The experimental groups were as follows: T1 was exposed to 24 hours of continuous light, while the other three groups experienced a dai-ly dark period of five hours. Specifically, T2 began its dark period after the first week, T3 after the second week, and T4 after the third week. The broiler chickens in the T2 experimental group showed significantly better performance compared to the other groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, all experimental groups that experienced 5 hours of darkness demonstrated an improved feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), with no significant changes observed in feed intake or mortality rates (P > 0.05) over the 42 days. In conclusion, providing 5 hours of darkness after the first week of age significantly im-proved the feed conversion ratio without decreasing feed intake. Chickens subjected to this lighting regimen also showed better weight gain compared to those kept under continuous lighting pro-grams. Therefore, it is recommended to raise broiler chickens on a 19-hour light and 5-hour dark (19L:5D) schedule following the first week of age to promote optimal growth and health.

The current investigation examined the impact of different doses of Sage extract on the complete blood count, body weight, and repro-ductive performance of Saanen goat does administer weekly over a 12-week period. Blood was collected third from 15 Saanen goat does and divided into three groups of five replicates. Fifteen adult Saanen goat does, aged 1 to 1.5 years and averaging 72 kg in body weight, were utilized in this investigation. T1 was administered 2 ml of distilled water per head, T2 received 40 mg/kg, and T3 received 80 mg/kg. The findings imply that after two months, Sage essential oil drenching at the tested levels did not substantially change the haematological parameters of Saanen does. Over the course of three months, Sage essential oil drenching significantly increased body weight in Saanen does, especially at the T2 level, by the end of the measurement, the effects were statistically notice-able. Although there were no notable variations in the size of the litters (T1:2.0, T2:1.6, and T3:1.5) or the rates of twinning, T2 showed the best reproductive results, with 100% conception and fertility rates (compared to 80% in T1 and T3) and 0% barrenness (compared to 20% in controls).

The identification of insect pests has become importance as assess the biological impacts of global climate change and try to protect species diversity in the face of accelerating habitat destruction. This study focuses on the morphometric and molecular identification of the gall wasp Diastrophus mayri (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) on oak trees in Erbil Province, Iraq. Twenty oak stem galls were collected from November 2024 to April 2025. Genomic DNA was extracted from adult wasps, and a partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene (~500 bp) was amplified by using PCR with universal primers. Sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed 100% identity of the sampled wasps with D. mayri (Accession Number: DQ012639), distinguishing them from related species like D. turgidus (92.63% identity) and D. rubi (91.94%). Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood methods further validated the species identification. This work represents the first molecular confirmation of D. mayri (Accession Number: PV299164) in Iraq's Kurdistan region and underscores the efficiency of DNA barcoding for accurate cynipid identification, overcoming limitations of morphological methods.

This research aimed to investigate the biodiversity of Rhizoctonia solani in the Al-Sharia area of Karbala Governorate and to study the host range of high-pathogenicity fungal isolates. It also aimed to determine their Anastomosis groups. The isolation and identification results showed the presence of several pathogenic fungi be-longing to six genera of fungi associated with plant roots and stem bases: Rhizoctonia sp., Alternaria sp., Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Macrophomina sp., and Colletotrichum spp. Rhizoctonia sp. was the dominant species, with an incidence rate of 85% and a frequency of 47.3%. The results showed that all tested Rhizoctonia spp. isolates exhibited high pathogenicity, reducing seed germination rates. The germination inhibition percentage rangedfrom 12% to 100%, while in the control treatment it was 0.00%. Isolates R2K1, R2K12, R1K13, and R2K15 completely prevented germination, with 0.0% germination in their respective treatments. Mean-while, an isolate of R. solani from cucurbit plants was characterized by high virulence and a broad host range. It infected various plant species, including tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, basil, grapes, alfalfa, onions, spinach, barley, celery, and chard, with a 100% infection rate.

The experiment was carried out in one of the nurseries located in the Al-Issa area / Kufa district Al-Najaf Governorate for the season 2020-2021, the aim of studying the effect of spraying with humic acid at a concentration (0,5,10) ml L-1, and spraying with salicylic acid at a concentration of (0,50,100) mg L-1 and them interaction in the growth and vegetative characteristics of Citrus reticulata (mandarin) seedlings. The experiment was carried out as a factorial experiment in randomized completely block design (RCBD), with three replications and (9) plants for each replicate. The individual results of the two study factors showed a notable rise in the superiority of humic acid applied at concentration 10 mL L⁻¹ and salicylic acid supplied at 100 mg L⁻¹,in the characteristics studied ( Seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, number of branches, total chlorophyll content of leaves and percentage of car-bohydrates in leaves),and the interaction treatment between them at a concentration of (10 ml L-1 + 100 mg L-1), in the characteristics studied (Seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, number of branches, total chlorophyll content of leaves and per-centage of carbohydrates in leaves) compared with other treatments and the comparison treatment, reached (31.80 cm,4.89 mm, 43.47 leaf seedlings-1,11.81 cm2, 3.19 shoot seedlings-1,126.52 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight,12.54%) respectively.