Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Sciences

This study was aimed to investigate the complete chloroplast (plastome) genome of Salvia multicaulis for the first time in Iraq and surrounding countries. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. Then, phylogenetic analysis was performed. Accordingly, the closely related species were aligned and compared. The circular quadripartite plastome length was 151,373 base pair (bp) includes Large Single-Copy (LSC) region with 82682 bp, and Small Single-Copy (SSC) region with 17,682 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,592 bp. The complete GC content of the plastome was 38 %. The phylogenetic tree analysis shows that there were two distinct clades. The first clade comprises of the taxa from center-west Asia/ mediterranean region. The second clade includes the East Asia taxa. The S. multicaulis was located on the first clade as a sister group to S. officinalis and S. yangii. Consequently, the analysis of the five clustered species demonstrated that the intergeneric spacers regions were highly variable compared to the coding region.

A field experiment was carried out at field of College Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad, during spring season 2022 to study the effect of adding humic acids to the soil and foliar applied amino acids and alcoholic sugars on the concentration of some nutrients in potato tubers and their availability in the soil. The experiment was faetorial with split-split plot arrangement within randomized complete block desigen with three replicates the experiment included three factors, The first was the addition of humic acids to the soil at three levels(0, 20, 40) Kg ha-1 Asymbol of it (H0,H1,H2), And the second factor foliar applied amino acids (0,250,500) mg L-1 A symbol of it (A1,A2,A3), the third factor foliar alcoholic sugars with concentrations (0, 20, 40) g L-1 A symbol of it(S1,S2,S3). The number of treatment was 27, The results indicated Single factors For level 40 Kg humic acid ha-1, 500 mg L-1 amino acid, 40 g L-1 alcoholic sugars gave a significant increase availability of N,P,K,Fe,Mn in soil and concentration of N,P and K in tubers. The bilateral interactions between treatments highest levels gave a significant increases in availability of N,P,K,Fe and Mn in soil and concentration of N, P and K in tubers. The triple interaction at concentrations (40 kg ha-1, 500 mg L-1, and 40 g L-1) gave the best results for all studied traies.

This study was aimed to investigate effect of a field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research and Experiments Station College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad in the spring season of 2023 with the aim of studying the effect of two factors. The first factor is the bioinoculation at three levels (without inoculation , Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Glomas mossae). The second factor is three levels of phosphate rock (without addition, 50 and 100%) of half the fertilizer recommended equivalent used in the study. The treatment were distributed in a factorial experiment according to a completely randomized block design. the single inoculation of bacteria and fungi and the addition of phosphate rock have affected all the studied properties, while the double interaction of the biological and fungal inoculum treatments and the 50% level of phosphate rock equivalent to half the recommended fertilizer showed the highest averages for NPK properties in the corn rhizosphere, which reached (64.23, 20.24, 246.92 mg. kg-1 soil), respectively in comparison to the control treatment that gave the lowest averages in all the above traits which reached (48.71, 9.65, 176.07 mg kg-1 soil).

Various concentrations of plant growth regulators added to MS (Murashige & Skoog) media were used to multiply chrysanthemum shoots. pH, sugar and licorice extract. Before being used as attest material, using the ex vitro obtained plant, a nodal piece was sterilized with 1.0% mercuric chloride (HgCl2) for five minutes.MS medium supplemented with BA at a lower concentration (1.0 mg.l-1) showed the best results when compared to other concentrations (8.7 shoots/explants, 7.5 cm, 17.1 leaves/explants and 4.0 nodes/explants)were studied. The average shoot length, nodes per explants, leaves per explants, and number of shoots per explants were all greater in the medium containing 30 g.l-1 sucrose, with values of 6.0 shoots per explants, 4.83 cm, 14.2 leaves per explants, and 3.6 nodes per explants, respectively Results showed that the effect of licorices extract gave the highest response percentage at concentration 50 ml.l-1 (13.5 shoots /explants, 8.5 node/explants, 3.5 leaves / explants and 4.82cm) respectively. It was shown that media with a pH adjustment of 5.7 produced the maximum nodes per shoot, leaves per shoot, average length of shoot, and number of shoots per explants (3.3 nodes per shoot, 14 leaves per shoot, 5.77 cm and 6 shoots per explants, respectively).Concerning the root formation stage, the concentration (0.1 mg.l-1) IBA with 1/4 MS salt strength gave the highest value for all parameters. While, the acclimatization stage showed the culture media supplemented with soil + Peat moss (1:1) gave the highest response percentage 100%. The best treatment was recorded at 1/2 MS salt strength with (2.5 mg.l-1) licorices extract for most characterize.

Due to its reputation for receiving little rainfall, Jordan's Al-Mafraq region (where the sheep is reared) is susceptible to droughts and water shortages and poor range. Estimating genetic and environmental factors for growth traits in purebred Awassi sheep in Al Mafraq (semi-arid region) was the goal of the study. The study's data came from 3481 lambs born at the National Centre for Agricultural Research's (NARC) Al-Khanasri livestock and rangeland research station in Jordan over a 15-year period (2009–2023). Birth weights (BWT), weaning weights (WWT), and average daily gain from birth to weaning (ADG) were the traits under study. While genetic parameters were estimated assuming the mixed model using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method process using the ASReml program, the environmental effects were estimated using the SAS program's General Linear Model (GLM) technique. BWT, WWT, and ADG were significantly impacted by the year of birth, dam weight at lambing, parity, lamb sex, and method of birth; however, the examined growth traits were not significantly impacted by the dam's age (P > 0.05). BWT, WWT, and ADG had heritability estimates of 0.38±0.05, 0.21±0.05, and 0.16±0.05, respectively, and corresponding repeatabilities of 0.41±0.05, 0.39±0.06, and 0.32±0.05. Environmental correlations ranged from negative (-0.20) between BWT and ADG to high (0.98) between WWT and ADG, while phenotypic correlations ranged from negative (-0.011) between BWT and ADG to high (0.98) between WWT and ADG. The estimated genetic correlations among the traits under study were high and strongly positive, ranging from 0.54 between BWT and ADG to 0.99 between WWT and ADG. To sum up, the findings ought to be used to a genetic selection program that aims to enhance Awassi sheep's growth performance.

This study aimed to investigate and evaluate the efficiency of intercropping garlic plants with tomato and their root secretions in controlling the cause of Fusarium wilt disease by using alternative methods to the use of chemical pesticides, and the experiment was carried out in the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences/University of Baghdad. Garlic root secretions were extracted and their effectiveness in inhibiting radial growth was studied at several concentrations. The concentration of 30 µl.ml-1 showed the highest rate of inhibition, reaching 96.3%, compared to the control treatment, which amounted to 0%, and this result confirmed the ability of garlic root secretions to inhibit pathogenic fungi. The effect of planting garlic with tomatoes on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) populations was also studied, and an increase was found in the numbers of these beneficial bacteria. Intercropping significantly, in contrast to monocropping, which increased by a small percentage in the fruit-setting stage and then continued to decrease in the late fruit stage. In the pot experiment, the results of using two treatments of intercropping garlic with tomato plants and watering with garlic root secretions showed a significant reduction in the percentage of infection and disease index, reaching 58.3% and 25%, respectively. The results showed the effectiveness of the treatments used in increasing the concentrations of defensive compounds such as the enzymes Peroxidase, PAL, and the content of phenols, as the FGR treatment recorded an increase in the induction and accumulation of these compounds when detected in tomato leaves, which amounted to 39 Δ absorbance.min-1.g-1, 31 nM.mi-1.g-1, and 5.47 mg of catechol.g-1, respectively.

This study was aimed to investigate genetic diversity of nine Iraqi date palm cultivars (Phoenix dactylifera L.), two of them were propagated by tissue culture tiqneque. The variation in GC content in the ITS1 region was recorded at (52–53%) with an average of (52.7). The data suggests that transitions have a lower frequency compared to transversions in this region, where the overall bias R for transition/transversion has been estimated at (0.661). The aligned sequences associated with internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) showed intraspecific variation, and the matched sequences enabled the identification of all cultivars studied as haplotypes. Phylogenetic trees constructed using distance-based ''neighbour-joining'' (NJ) and ''maximum parsimony'' (MP) techniques provided strong evidence for the independent structure of the considered accessions. Tests of molecular evolution reveal that the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) evolved in accordance with a precise neutrality paradigm. In a population predicted to be in equilibrium after the 6th generation, suggesting a recent demographic expansion in the Iraqi date palm population.

This study was aimed to evaluated the antibacterial activity on Cymbopogon citrates ( C. citrates ) leaves extract and assessment of its effect on fimA and papC genes in Escherichia coli ( E.coli )isolates. Rotery apparatus were used to prepare aqueous and methanolic extract; total phenolic content and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were conducted to determine the active compounds in the extract. The results showed that the methanolic and aqueous extracts contain seven flavonoids derivatives ( Catechine , Chlorogenic acid , Ferulic acid , Gallic acid , P-Coumaric acid , Qurcetine and Kaempferol ) in varies ration were identified on the basis of matching retention time with the standards. The total phenolic contents were 19.56 and 47.45 mg/g in 50 mg/ml, in aqueous and methanolic extracts respectively. The antibacterial activity of C. citrates leaves extracts showed that the aqueous extract was less effective than methanolic extract in concentration 16 mg/ml. Moreover, the result of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed that the methanolic extract on E.coli isolates was 16 mg/ml, while the MIC values of aqueous extract were 32 mg/ml. C. citrates methanolic leaves extract had antibiofilm activity, which inhibits 90% and 100% of the biofilm formation of E. coli in concentrations 16 and 32 mg/ml respectively. The result of the gene expression revealed that there is a decrease in the expression of the fimA and papC genes.

Aim of this study was to identify and characterize the entomopathogenic nematode Metarhabditis rainai, which was isolated from soil samples carried out from Alrashdya at (33˚25ˈ13.4̎ N 44˚21ˈ45.3̎ E) Baghdad- Iraq and was illustrated by both morphological and molecular aspects. All specimens of M. rainai were cultured, identified and described using some morphometric criteria based on standard available key. Selected specimens (Zah, IQ2 OR960470 isolate) of this species were characterized by the body length of male was ranged from (377.49 – 563.89 μm), the body length of female was (857.44 – 1111.7 μm) and the body length of juvenile was (419.28 – 757 μm). Using partial 18S rRNA gene sequences, molecular characterization was performed on selected specimens of this species. The 18S-rRNA sequence of the Zah, IQ2 OR960470 isolate showed a sequence homology ranging from (88.50% to 100%) with the 18S rRNA sequence of M. rainai found in the NCBI database. The phylogenetic tree has been created to separate M. rainai species from closely related genera and species. Metarhabditis rainai Zah, IQ2 OR960470 isolate marks the first record of M. rainai in Iraq.

The research aims to study the impact of the green economy on achieving sustainable agricultural development in Iraq for the period (2003-2022). The research used quantitative methods in analyzing GDP, green GDP, investment allocations for the agricultural sector, environmental allocations, cultivated areas and water imports of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to distinguish the impact of these variables on agricultural GDP. The parameters were estimated using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag-ARDL framework. The results found that each of the green GDP, investment allocations, and environmental allocations came positive and consistent with the logic of the economic theory, while cultivated areas came positive but not significant. Rivers water flow had a negative signal due to the significant decline during the study period. The research found that the green GDP has the largest effect in agricultural GDP, and its impact is clear in advancing the development process. The research recommended the need to follow scientific methods and modern methods to reduce toxic and greenhouse gas emissions, which greatly affect pollution and agricultural production.

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of substituting different proportions (10%, 20%, 30%) of wheat flour and Amber rice with enzymatically modified starch on qualitative and sensory characteristics of biscuits and cupcakes. The results showed a decrease in the thickness of wheat biscuits with an increase in the substitution percentage . The 30% substitution showed a significant difference compared to the others. Conversely, there was an increase in the diameter of biscuit samples, ranging from (42.00-48.30 cm), as well as the spread factor. The 30% substitution treatment showed a significant difference compared to the others. As for rice biscuits, the diameter and the spread factor values increased with increasing substitution rates. Sensory evaluation for rice and wheat biscuits indicated that substitution rates of (0, 10 and 20)% achieved similarity in aroma , taste, symmetry of form, and crumb color. However, substitution rates of 30% for both products showed a darker color, more hardness, and the development of an acidic flavor . As for the cupcakes, the specific volume decreased with increasing substitution rates. The highest values for wheat cakes were recorded at substitution rates of 10% and 20%,being 3.19 and 3.00 cm3 /g respectively. The lowest values were recorded for WC3 and RC3 (2.60 ,1.61cm3 /g). The sensory evaluation for the cupcakes samples showed no significant differences as compared to the control sample in term of moisture, texture smoothness, crumb color, and crust color. Substitution at 10% and 20% showed similarity in terms of symmetry of form, crumb homogeneity, aroma ,taste and moisture. However, the 30% substitution rate resulted in a noticeable decline in product acceptance due to a decrease in volume , texture smoothness, reduced crumb homogeneity, as well as a darker color and an undesirable flavor

This research was aimed to identify the social and economic factors influencing the adoption of integrated pest control using pheromone traps to control the pests on palm trees in four governorates (Babylon, Karbala, Baghdad, and Wasit). The research is conducted with a sample of 340 farmers using of questionnaire. The research conducts the PROBIT model, to evaluate the suitability of the model we used McFadden R2 and Likelihood Ratio-LR test, Hosmer & Lemeshow goodness of fit test, Wald test to judge the significant correlation. The results showed a significant correlation at 1%, among (age, damage to animals and bees, orchard location, land type and control costs) and at 5% between (education level, return). The study also showed that the degree of risk ranged between 3.4 - 3.5 degrees for chemical pesticides that are used by farmers in the study area for the five environmental categories. The study recommended to implementing the integrated pest control program in the palm sector, the need to increase financial and guidance support for the program because of its positive impact on the social economic aspect of farmers.

The research was conducted to evaluate the link between agricultural trade openness and Iraqi agricultural development through the use of annual time series data from (1990–2021). This research that focuses on the Iraqi case study, as a developing country that opens up to the Global industry, and aims to identify the position of openness in facilitating agricultural development. The Research question centers around the effects of agricultural trade openness to agricultural growth or vice versa. The analysis is based on the examination of the secondary data utilizing statistics such as ARDL (Auto Regressive Distributed Lag) and co-integration analysis. The relevance of the findings results in understanding the complex causal relationship between agricultural trade openness and agricultural growth. The research conclusions indicate that the high agricultural trade openness index means that the Iraqi economy is highly dependent on the outside world, which weakens the economic and political ability to confront fluctuations in economic activity. The impact of the agricultural trade openness policy in Iraq depends on the performance of the economy in general and the quality of imported goods in particular. The co-integration test of the ARDL model shows the existence of a long-term balanced relationship between the dependent variable. The research recommends the need to enhancement the competitiveness of major agricultural products and adopts encouraging policies to enhance export. It also highlights the importance of developing effective agricultural policies that provide the necessary support to farmers, to adapt to the changes resulting from trade openness.

During the field trips in the gardens of the University of Baghdad at Al-Jadriya region and the gardens of the University of Al-Mustansiriya during the two growing seasons 2020-2021, a new species belonging to the family Euphorbiceae , genus Euphorbia was observed and recognized E.maculata L. which did not recorded for the Iraqi flora, and it was collected from different regions and studied morphologically, the characteristics of the procumbent stems, and leaves which were distinguished for their green color , elongated shape, and the presence of red spots in the middle of the leaf. The study also dealt with the characteristics of the epidermis and the stomatal complexes, as the sunken stomata and being recessed and of diacytic, anomocytic and anisocytic types, as well as the epidermis were distinguished by the presence of glandular and non-glandular hairs. The research also dealt with the characteristics of the flower, fruit and seed, as well as the characteristics of the anthers and pollen grains . A number of samples for the species in the university herbarium in the College of Science, University of Baghdad, and the number was given(50472) and (50473) .

This study was aimed to assess the risk of soil erosion in 32 watersheds of Sulaimani province, Kurdistan/Iraq, based on Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, GIS and RS data. The annual precipitation data were used to generate the rainfall-runoff erosivity factor using the previously developed equation for the region. The soil erodibility factor was estimated using soil particle size distribution data. The topographic factor was generated using a digital elevation model from a sentinel 2. The cover-management factor was determined by using Google Earth Engine with Landsat7 and Landsat8. While the soil erodibility and vegetation factors did not show high spatial variability across the province, rainfall erosivity showed an increasing trend from south west to north east of the region, ranged from 73 to 632 MJ mm ha-1 h-1. The results showed that the average annual soil loss for the different watersheds ranged from 2.12 to 62.05 t ha-1 y-1. The results also indicated that the main factors governing soil erosion in Sulaimani province are rainfall intensity, rugged topography, steep slopes, and sparse vegetation.

This study was aimed to determine effect of foliar application of growth regulator benzyl adenine, adding organic fertilizers and thinning on some physical and chemical properties of date palm fruits Cv. Mejhoul, The experiment was carried out according to a randomized complete block design with three replicates and three factors: foliar application of benzyl adenine at concentrations (0, 100, 150 mg L-1) and symbolized B0, B1, B2, and adding organic fertilizer at levels (0, 1 kg humic acid + 150 g seaweed extract for every tree, 2 kg humic acid + 300 g seaweed extract for every tree) symbols F0, F1, F2 and thinning at two levels (without thinning, removing 10 cm from tips of flower spikes and removing central area of branching from peduncle) symbols T0, T1 and included 54 experimental units, results showed superior treatment B2 increasing average fruit weight, fruit flesh weight, seed weight, and percentage of total, reducing, and non-reducing sugars, 30.82 g, 28.95 g, 1.80 g, 63%, 58.38%, and 4.62%, respectively. Treatment F2 gave highest average fruit weight, flesh weight, seed weight, total and reduced sugars, 29.16 g, 27.42 g, 1.76 g, 59.75%, 55.30%, respectively. Treatment T1 was significantly superior in increasing fruit weight, fruit flesh weight, seed weight, and percentage of total, reduced and non-reduced sugars, with values 31.80 g, 30.06 g, 1.75 g, 63.31%, 58.81%, 4.49%. T1 B2 F2 interaction had the highest average fruit weight, fruit flesh weight, seed weight, and percentage of total and reducing sugars. with values of 36.68 g, 34.46 g, 2.21 g, 72.55%, and 67.97%, respectively.

The study was conducted to study the impact of rice straw and sugarcane bagasse residues, as well as biofertilization (Azospirillum and Trichoderma), on the growth, flowering, and quality of two hybrids of roses. The experiment included three main factors: the varieties (Pink-Martini and Brighton), five organic media factors including rice straw at two levels (2 and 4 kg/m2, sugarcane bagasse residues at two levels (2 and 4 kg/m2), in addition to a control treatment without additives. The third factor represented biofertilization by adding Azospirillum and Trichoderma. The results indicated that the applied treatments led to better results in most of the studied characteristics. Overall, the results showed that using rice straw or sugarcane bagasse residues as a source of organic fertilizers, along with biofertilization, improved the growth, flowering, and quality of roses. The results also showed that the triple interaction between the treatments exhibited superiority, with treatment A2B1C1 showing the highest percentage of phosphorus (0.38%), flower count (11.25 flowers per plant), and treatment A2B1C2 in the floral stem diameter and its longevity on the plant (3.57 cm2 and 28.33 days). The study recommends the use of the Brighton hybrid with 4 kg of rice straw and biofertilizer (Azospirillum) to achieve optimal overall growth, flowering, and quality. This combination yielded the best results in the study.

Staphylococcus aureus is among the bacterial pathogens responsible for the global occurrence of cow mastitis. This study used the Vitek II system, morphological, cultural, biochemical, and identification of SpA and rpoA genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to isolate and identify pathogenic bacteria S. aureus from raw milk samples. The study included collecting fifty milk samples from mastitis-affected cows from various sites within the Baghdad governorate included:(Abu Ghraib,Mahmudiyah and Radwaniyah) .The samples were streaked on a plate of Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) to detect the presence of S. aureus, and the plates were then incubated at 37°C for a whole day. 12 out of 50 samples tested positive for S. aureus, according to the data. The results showed the isolates had the highest resistance rate (100%) to Benzylpenicillin, Amoxicillin , Ampicillin/SulbactamPiperacillin/Tazobactam , Cloxacillin ,Oxacillin, Azithromycin ,Clarithromycin, Erythromycin , and Clindamycin, and showed the prevalence of antimicrobial sensitivity to Ciprofloxacin , Moxifloxacin , Norfloxacin, Linezolid Teicoplanin, Vancomycin, Rifampicin, Trimethoprim/ Sulfamethoxazole. The SpA sequence analysis demonstrated 99% and 100% identity of the samples, confirming the results of the biochemical and culture characterisation. Additionally, the SpA and rpoA genes were present in all isolates.

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of farming of two fish species on growth traits of cultured fish and some yield components of rice crop. The field was divided into four fields planted with rice seedhing, the area of each field was 100 m², after which two species of fish were released: the common (Cyprinus carpio) and the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in rice fields, four experimental treatments were used that were cultured with rice and fish, the first treatment included the culture of common carp alone, while the second treatment, the grass carp was cultured alone, the third treatment, The common carp and grass carp were cultured together by 50 fish each, and in the fourth treatment, the common and grass carp were cultured by 75 and 25 fish, respectively. The total weight gain and the relative, specific, and daily growth rate of the experimental fish were calculated, as well as some rice production traits. Results of the statistical analysis showed significant differences (p≤0.01) for the total weight gain and the daily, relative and specific growth rate for all treatments,T3 show asighificant differences (p≤0.01) compared to therest treatments, and the T4 showed asighificant dffercuce (p≤0.01) in compansion with T1. Results of the statistical analysis of the characteristics of the rice yield showed: as the T2 was significantly (p≤0.01) superior to osherd treatments, followed by the T4, which outperformed the T1 and T3 treatments. In the same traits, the T3 treatment outperformed the T1.

This study was conducted to identify the genetic diversity indicators of the secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) gene in flock of local ewe's sheep in middle of Iraq. The sample was made up of 48 ewes and the duration of the study was six months. Genetic polymorphisms were identified and four SNPs (4) variants were obtained. The average allelic abundance (Na) was 2.00, the average number of alleles affected (Ne) was 1.0539, Shannon Guide (I) 0.1163. The average allelic abundance was equal in all the variations studied (2.00) and the number of alleles affected was higher in SNP2 and SNP3, both at (1.0425) compared to SNP1 (1.0211) and SNP4 (1.1096). Obs-Hom and (0.9479) are very close to Exp- Hom and (0.9492). The individual's evidence of persistence within the Fis clan of the G, A, C and T allels of local sheep were -0.0367. The Fit's aggregate stability manual obtained according to SPP1 gene analysis is also -0.0367. Therefore, we can conclude that there is no genetic drift that causes genetic differentiation of the local sheep's sample and this may be due to the large number of rams used by matting, thereby creating an appropriate variation in flock.

This study was aimed to inducing genetic variations for drought tolerance in vitro for callus three varieties Ebaa265, Ebaa99 and Bouhoth244 of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) using plant tissue culture technique. An experiment was conducted in plant tissue culture laboratory at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad during the years 2022-2023 .The experiment included the use of colchicin at concentrations of (0,2.5,5 and 7.5) mg.L-1 and for a soaking periods of (0,4,8 and 12) hours, and mannitol at concentrations of (0,2,4 and 6) g.L-1 using MS media. The results showed that there were significant differences in the average dry weight of callus before and after colchicin treatment at a concentration of 7.5 mg.L-1 for a soaking period of 12 hours and with mannitol 6 g.L-1 and the comparison treatment. The dry weight of callus before colchicin treatment reached 40.30 mg in the variety Ebaa265, was significant different of the average dry weight of callus after colchicin treatment reached 92.65 mg within the variety Bouhoth244.The PCR-RAPD with five primers (OP-A06,OP-A07,OP-A08,OP-B01 and OP-B02) examination revealed differences in the number of resulting bands and their molecular weights in colchicin treatments and the comparison treatment, in light of the results. It could be concluded that colchicin has the ability to cause genetic variations and increase the tolerance of vegetative growth to drought stress resulting from treatment with the compound mannitol in Barley.

This study was aimed to investigate the role of glycine betaine, salicylic acid, and potassium in supporting soybean plants grown under water stress. A field experiment was conducted at Wasit Governorate during the autumn seasons of 2022 and 2023. randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot using arrangement and three replications, conditions treatments of water depletion levels of 30%, 45%, and 60%. Water treatments were allocated to the main plots, While the treatments, which included A0 (control treatment) of dry seeds and distilled water spray, A1 (50 mmol L-1 Glycine betaine seed soaking), A2 (300 mg L-1 salicylic acid spray), A3 (50 m mol L-1 Glycine betaine seed soaking and 300 mg L-1 salicylic acid spray), A4 (7.2 g L-1 potassium spray), A5 (50 mmol L-1 Glycine betaine seed soaking and 7.2 g L-1 potassium spray), and A6 (combination of the above treatments), were assigned to the subplots. The results indicated non significant differences among irrigation treatments at 30% and 45% water depletion in plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content in the second season, plant dry weight, membrane stability, potassium content and seed yield in both seasons. However, plants subjected to irrigation at 60% water depletion showed higher average proline content (2.7 and 2.8) µmol g-1.The interaction between plant support treatments and irrigation was statistically significant in plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and plant dry weight.

This study was carried out to investigate the phytoremediation potential of six different plant species (Melia azedaracch ,Punica granatum,Cupressus arizonica, Platanus orientalis and Platanus orientalis) in the city of Erbil mitigating heavy metal emissions of an oil refinery. The research assesses photosynthetic pigments, heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, As, Pb, Co, Hg and Se) from an oil, and biochemical attributes in leaves, highlighting their responsiveness to contamination. Variations in metal levels between control and polluted sites underscore the refinery's impact, while reduced photosynthetic pigments indicate potential ramifications for plant vigor. The intricate interplay between pollution levels and plant physiology is explored, offering crucial insights for effective environmental management strategies. Metals like Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury, commonly found in food, pose health risks due to human activities. The research underscores the significance of plants as indicators and reducers of pollutants, emphasizing the potential of phytoremediation in addressing environmental challenges. The findings contribute valuable information for developing sustainable approaches to combat pollution, particularly in industrial settings.

This study was aimed to investigate German chamomile extract's active ingredients and their antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) which was previously isolated from root canals. Chamomile hydroalcoholic extract was obtained by maceration process. Phytochemical tests and thin layer chromatography (TLC) used to detect active ingredients in the extract. Agar well diffusion method was used to compare antimicrobial effect of 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 4 extract's concentrations (100mg/mL-400mg/mL) against E. faecalis. Chamomile's anti-biofilm effect against E. faecalis biofilm was tested by microtiter plate assay with ELISA reader. Phytochemistry showed that, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenolic chemicals were abundant. TLC revealed presence of phenolic compounds including; caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and others, and flavonoids such as; apigenin, catechin, and others. Agar well diffusion showed higher inhibition zone diameter for 200mg/mL, 300mg/mL, and 400mg/mL chamomile in comparison to 3% NaOCl. The extract showed strong E. faecalis biofilm inhibition by all its concentrations, while moderate inhibition exerted by NaOCl. It can be concluded that German chamomile extract appears rich antimicrobial and effective inhibitor against E. faecalis biofilm.

This study was aimed to estimate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by Myrtus communis L. on the expression of the adhesion genes fimH and fimA in isolates of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). The biosynthesized-ZnO NPs was characterized through several techniques including UV–vis spectral analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). For determination of MIC and sub-MIC of ZnO NPs, only 7 multi-drug resistant (MDR) and strong-biofilm producer E. coli isolates (harbored both fimH and fimA) were selected based on our previous work. Microtiter plate method was utilized and the results indicated that only three isolates (C1, C2 and C23) with MIC and sub-MIC (125 and 62.5 µg/ml), respectively, were selected for further experiments. Quantitative Real Time PCR was utilized for determining the gene expression of fimH and fimA in three isolates (C1, C2 and C23), with and without treatment with ZnO NPs. According to the results, the relative expressions (2-ΔΔCt) of fimA gene in C1, C2 and C23 isolates of E. coli were downregulated in 0.51-fold after treated with 125 µg/ml of ZnO NPs, while the relative expressions (2-ΔΔCt) of fimH gene in C1, C2 and C3 isolates of E. coli were upregulated in 4.42-fold after treated with 125 µg/ml of ZnO NPs.

This study was aimed to estimate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by Myrtus communis L. on the expression of the adhesion genes fimH and fimA in isolates of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). The biosynthesized-ZnO NPs was characterized through several techniques including UV–vis spectral analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). For determination of MIC and sub-MIC of ZnO NPs, only 7 multi-drug resistant (MDR) and strong-biofilm producer E. coli isolates (harbored both fimH and fimA) were selected based on our previous work. Microtiter plate method was utilized and the results indicated that only three isolates (C1, C2 and C23) with MIC and sub-MIC (125 and 62.5 µg/ml), respectively, were selected for further experiments. Quantitative Real Time PCR was utilized for determining the gene expression of fimH and fimA in three isolates (C1, C2 and C23), with and without treatment with ZnO NPs. According to the results, the relative expressions (2-ΔΔCt) of fimA gene in C1, C2 and C23 isolates of E. coli were downregulated in 0.51-fold after treated with 125 µg/ml of ZnO NPs, while the relative expressions (2-ΔΔCt) of fimH gene in C1, C2 and C3 isolates of E. coli were upregulated in 4.42-fold after treated with 125 µg/ml of ZnO NPs.