IRAQ JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Laboratory and field studies were conducted to investigate the influence of temperature on the development of the spiny bollworm Earias insulana Boisd (Lepidoptera: Noctuidaea). Lower threshold temperature and accumulated heat units required of each stage were also studied to determine the spring emergence pattern of the adults. Results indicated that the durations of stages were varied according to the temperature degrees. Egg to pupa lasted 65.2 days at 15°C without any chance for adult emergence. The longest duration for males was 22 days at 20°C and 52 days for females at 25°C. The highest number of egg was 158.2 laid by females reared at 30°C. Sex ratio found to be affected by temerature. The lower developmental threshold temperatures were 10.7, 10.5, 12.6 and 11.2°C for egg, larva, pupa and for egg to adult stages respectively. Heat units were 74.6, 227.2 and 166.6 for egg, larva and pupa stages development respectively. Spiny bollworm need 454.5 heat units from egg to adult stage.
Result of field studies indicated that moths began to emerge by the 11th of March with an accumulation of 257.4 heat units from February Ist. Accumulation of 459.8, 535.7, 677.2, 740.1 and 767.7 day-degree were necessary for the emergence of 10, 25, 50, 75 and 90% of adults respectively. The highest percent of adults emergence was 57% during May with sex ratio (females: males) for over wintering population was 1:1.3. Result of pheromone traps were nearly identical to that obtained from heat unit accumulation. Possible application of the information in predicting adults emergence and for control management the field was discussed.

Results showed that the Flight Ability Index (FAI) of Old World Screwworm (OWS) fly Chrysomya bezziana adults which emerged from irradiated pupae with 30, 45, 60 and 75 Gy of gamma ray was not affected under Lab. conditions but it was effected under field condition. Result of mating competitiveness of adults emerged from irradiated pupae with 30 and 60 Gy of gamma rays and mated as follows:
a- Irradiated males: unirradiated males: unirradiated females.
b- Irradiated females: unirradiated females: unirradiated males.
c- Irradiated females:irradiated males:unirradiated females: unirradiated males.
Showed that males irradiated with 30 Gy and mated as in a:reduced and hav the percentages of egg hatching and havea very good competitiveness value and this dose which caused complete sterility in C. bezziana had no effect on this parameter, moreover, 30 Gy gamma rays caused an effect to females which mated as in b: Finally the results showed that irradiated males and females with 30 Gy as in c:had a very good mating competitiveness value.

Field experiments were conducted in 2001 and 2002 cotton seasons to determine the efficacy of augmentive release of Trichogramma evanescens (Westwood) for suppressing spiny bollworm Earias inslana (Boids) damages. The preliminary results of 2001 cotton season indicated the efficacy of the parasitoid in reduce infestation percentage to minmal levels. At 2002 cotton season, experimental design was applied to determine the efficacy of releasing the parasitoid at three, two and one weekly consecutive release throughout 2nd and 3rd generations of the pest. It was obvious that three releases resulted in better control than two or one release. The infestation percentage reduced down to 4.1%, after one week from the third release and the end of 2nd generation, compared with 15.2% in the control, hence the average percentage efficacies of the parasitoid were 20.51,23.71 and 33.04% for one, two- and three-times releases, consequently. At 3rd generation, the infestation percentage reduced from 22% in the control to 3.8% after three releases. The average percentage efficacies after one, two and three releases were 8.51,30.68 and 24.08%, consequently. The calculated grand average of percent efficacy of the parasitoid was 25.76 at 2nd generation, while it was 21.09 at 3rd generation

Studies were conducted to investigate the combined effect of the bioinsecticide (Agreen) and the growth regulators Cascade (Flufenoxuron) and Insegar (Fenoxycar) with two chemical insecticides Diazinon and Cruizer) against the corn stalk borer Sesamia cretica Led. and on the egg parasitoid Telenomus busseolae Gahn. (Scelionidae hymenoptera). Result indicated that these insecticides can be mixed with each other and with the seed treatment insecticide Cruizer (Thiamethxan) to achieve a better control. No significant effect was observed on parasitism or on adult parasitoid emergence from treated corn borer eggs. However, the mixture of Cascade and Agreen reduced, the parasitoid emergence percent to 73.7% compaired with 95.5% in the untreated eggs.
No influence was observed on the behavior of female parasitoid emerging from treated eggs. Therefore the integration of this parasitoid with the tested insecticides can be recommended for the control of the corn stalk borer under field conditions.

A field experiment was carried out during 1999/2000 season to produce tomato seedling under nursery environment with desert planting conditions using plastic tunnels and drip irrigation from wells for studying flowering and crop components in Karbala desert location.
Factorial experiment was conducted using two seeding dates (1/8 and 15/8) and five planting methods (direct seeding in the field, seeding with four sizes of transplanting containers; polyethylene black bags, plastic cups, Styrofoam plates and plastic plates) in randomized complete block design with 4 replications. The results could be summarized as follows:
Transplanting method increased significantly the number of days from planting to flowering, fruiting and maturity of the fruit in comparison to direct seeding. The first seeding date increased the number of days to flowering and fruiting in comparison to the second seeding date, while the second seeding date increased the number of days to fruit maturity.
The results revealed that the transplanting in bags, cups, Styrofoam plates and plastic plates significantly reduced number of fruits / plant and early yield, but increased average fruit weight in comparison to the direct seeding.
The transplanting by bags increased (not significantly) total yield in comparison to the direct seeding. The transplanting by cups, Styrofoam and plastic plates, reduced total yield in comparison to the direct seeding. The first planting date produced higher number of fruits / plant, early and total yield on comparison to second planting date, but no significant effect in average fruit weight.

Outdoor cultivation of oyster mushroom Pleurotus sajur-caju and Pleurotus ostreatus (white and gray varieties) in shaded, plastic houses was carried out to select most suitable seasons for cultivation and production. Temperature for vegetative growth and reproduction were fixed in the laboratory. Optimum temperature for mycelium growth of both species in the light and dark was 25-30°C. Temperature for P. ostreatus (Gray variety) fruiting (in presence of light) was 10-20°C, whereas temperature for P. ostreatus (white variety) and P. sajor-caju fruiting was 20-30°C. There is no fruiting of these mushrooms when incubated in continuous darkness. Production of P. ostreatus (gray variety) was recorded during December March under Iraqi climate conditions. Maximum productivity of this mushroom was in January resulting in biological efficiency 85%, while production of P. ostreatus (white variety) and P. sajor-caju was recorded during March, April, October and November. Maximum productivity of these two species was in April resulting in biological efficiency 90 and 82%, respectively. The outdoor cultivation of oyster mushroom in low-cost shaded plastic houses reduces construction and energy cost especially heating and cooling equipments.

the result of this study indicate that there is a great discrepancyp in the level of maternal antibodies against Gumboro disease by using the ELISA test for a (4957) samples, the percentage of sample with high level of immunity (45.001%) while the percentage of the sample with low level of immunity (32.459%) and (21.989%) the percentage of sample with zero level of immunity, this indicate that the different program of vaccination which is followed in parent stock cause this discrepancy in the level of immunity, which transferred from the parent to chicken and play a negative role in the vaccination programs against the disease.

Some biological aspects of the gold fish Carassius auratus (L. 1758) were studied in the Euphrates river near Al-Mussaib Power Station in the middle of Iraq, during the period of September 2002 to December 2003 .A total of 301 specimens were collected, with total length ranged between 6.2 to 25.5 cm and total weight between 10 to 175 gm. The b value obtained from length-weight relationship was volued 2.89. The age of fishes ranged from 1 to 4 years. From Von Bertalanffy growth pattern, Lo was 27.9 cm and K was 0.36. The highest mean of highet values of natural mortality rate coincides with the gonad weights at cold and warm months. The present study recorded increased values in the total length on the account of the weight of male as compared with female. Thus, the gold fish reached an optimum length in short time, although, there is increasing in the natural mortality rate of fishes increased and the gonads, were developed two months earlier compared with the same fish species in natural environment. This can be due to the thermal effluents effect of Al-Mussaib power station.

The ecology and biology of Nabbash, Barbus barbulus were studied in Euphrates river, south of Baghdad during the period from September 2002 to December 2003. Some of water physico-chemical characteristics were measured such as water temperature, salt concentration, turbidity, dissolved oxygen concentration and total organic matter of sediments. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) and stomach contents of 293 specimens were determined. The Results indicated an increase in female numbers length and weight in comparison with those of males of the same age group. A reverse relation ship between GSI and relative condition factor (Kn) was noticed. Fishes showed clear fluctuations in their deductive consume plant sources (76.54% of the small individuals) or animal sources (75.93 % of the large Individuals). Data analysis of feeding activity and intensity showed highest values in smaller fishes.

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of various levels of supplementary vitamin C (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg vit. C/kg diet) on growth of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, L. (1758) for 24 weeks. Experimental fish (mean weight 37±3gm) were distributed randomly into 8 liter Aquarium, at a stocking rate of 5 fish Aquaria and aerated by small electric air pumps. Fish were weight biweekly. Highest, daily growth rate (4.14±0.02 gm/day) specific growth rate (6.52±0.06 gm/day%) and relative growth rate (147.64±1.22%) were obtained for fish fed on 200 mg vit. C/kg diet.

Immunoelectrophoresis analysis showed immunological cross reactions between goat and cow milk caseins which belong to ẞ-casein, however, no such reaction were observed between goat and cow ẞ-lactoglobulin and a-lactalbumin.
Systemic anaphylaxis test in guinea pigs showed strong immunological reactions between goat and cow milk proteins, injection of cow milk in animal's vein, which fed on cow milk caused 100% mortality. Same results were also obtained with injection of goat milk.
Passive hemagglutination test against goat and cow milk was used to estimate antibody titer in guinea pigs serum, which fed cow's milk. The obtained results showed that the highest titer was found against casein followed by ẞ-lactoglobulin and a-lactalbumin for cow milk proteins, while for goat milk proteins the highest titer was found against casein followed by a-lactalbumin and ẞ-lactoglobulin. The titer of antibodies against goat a-casein and k-casein was lower than that for cow milk, the behavior of goat and cow ẞ-casein was similar for both proteins.

Systemic anaphylaxis test in mouse showed that the visual effect of injection of cow casein, whey, casein fraction and bovine ẞ-lactaglobulin was strong. Similar results were found when goat casein, ẞ-casein and K-casein were injected. The visual effect of injection of ẞ-lactaglobulin and a-casein was low. No response was found when bovune and goat a-Lactalbumin was injected in animals.
Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test in mouse showed that the reaction area of cow casein injection was 0.63 cm² in comparison with 0.19 cm² for goat casein. The reaction of cow ẞ-lactoglobulin injection was 0.12 cm², while no reaction was occurred when goat ẞ-lactoglobulin, goat and cow a-lactalbumin were injected. 2
The percentage of degranulation of mast cells when treated with cow raw milk, casein, whey, ẞ-lactoglobulin and a-lactalbumin were 32.11, 100, 41.80, 90.01 and 12.73% respectivley, In comparison with 14.33, 80.19, 34.73, 39.57 and 10.86% respectively for the same proteins in goat milk.

The study showed significant differences in percentage of small starch granules in four Iraqi wheat varieties Tammoze 3, Abugraib, Rabiaah and Maxibac. Tammoze 3 gave the highest value compared to other varieties in percentage of the starch granules. Whereas the lowest percentage of the starch granules was found in Maxiback. Percentage of wheat amylase was superior in Maxiback while the lowest was found in Tammoze 3. At 90C°, the swallow values of small starch granules for all varieties were not the same, Tammoze 3 gave the highest value whereas Abugraib showed the lowest. The reverse was found in terms of the solubility of the starch granules.

The rseearch has been carried out to the detremine the co gnitive level of ndoor Vegetable Farmers in Al-Mahmoudiya district of Scintific Recommendations concering the Use of Agricultural Pesticides and protection form their Dangers. In order to achieve the research objeective, a scale was prepared to measure knowledge level wich comprised of 26 recommnedations.
Data were collected form a smple of 200 farmers by using a Questionnire. Results revealed that the cognitive deggrees of researched farmers of these recommendations ranged between 14-43 degrees, with a medium of about 32.39 degrees by using connitive scale its maximum degree is 52 and the minimum is Zero. And according to the stages of the farmers dealing with the pesticide (before spray, during spray, after spray), the medium of their cognitive degrees with the recommendations reached 7.42, 10.4 and 14.57 degrees successively. These results were conducted by cognitive scales which their maximum degrees are about 16, 16 and 20 successivly.
The research revealed that the cognitive level of Indoor Vegetable Farmers in AL-Mahmoudiya district of Scientific Recommendion form concerning the Use of Agricultural pesticides and protection form their Dangers is described as medium and in need to development.

This study investigated the farmers of the National program for developing tomato planting in Iraq in the provinces Kerbala\', Najaf & Basrah during winter season 2001-2002. The nature of the agricultural land property by the farmers was renting, and in particular, in Najaf and Basrah provinces. This property constituted a percentage of 60%, While the nature of property in Kerbala province was a reform and contract, which constituted a percentage of 37.4%, its area was ranging between 50-100 Donums for the one property with a percentage of 74.4% of the whole properties. Meanwhile the average of the cultivated area with tomato crop reached 8.1 Donums for the three provinces.
All the farmers of tomato in the provinces that included in the investigation used the modern irrigation technology; the drip irrigation, which is recommended by the National program for developing tomato planting. All the research samples; the farmers of tomato were carrying out the irrigation for long times that reached more than 16 hour/day. This constitutes a cost and a loss in using water and fuel. In addition, this long period of the crop irrigation prepare suitable conditions for disease infections (insect and fungous). The farmers of tomato in Basrah continued irrigating their crop for the months March, April and May for getting high additional production on these months. Also they can obtain relatively high prices due to the ending of the season or lack
of production in the other provinces. There is a family settlement of the farmers in there fields, since the whole research samples were provided with modern building and even some farmers\' families possessed more than one modern building with a percentage reached 15.6%. About 33% of these buildings were constructed after 1991, and in particular, in Najaf and Kerbala\' provinces. The possession percentage of sprinkling and protection appliances by the farmers of tomato reached 100, and 84% of them had modern pick up vehicles used for the agricultural purposes. The percentage of their possession to electric and diesel pumps was 16.9%, and each of the sample members have a well or more to use it to irrigate their fields. 27% of these wells have been installed in Najaf province after 1994. There was a high percentage of loss quantity in tomato crop by the research sample due to the infections by (fungous and insect) diseases, its average reached 14.5% for the one donum of crop production. The average of a donum production by Basrah farmers was less than the general average of the donum production of the three provinces with a percentage amounted to 22.8%. The relativity importance of the changing cost of the donum production average of tomato reached 69.1% of the total cost average. The average percentage of the marketing costs reached 4.5% of the total costs average, and the average percentage of the production costs reached 95.5% for the entire tomato farmers. All the analyzed economic measurements indicated that tomato farmers in the three provinces Kerbala\', Najaf and Basrah had achieved an economic revenue which was consistent with the exerted level of management and organization by the farmers. And the positive indications for those measurements assist to make the farmers to continue to do their production action for the coming seasons.

The research aimed determination some of change that caused from the National program for developing the Irrigation techniques at the Agriculture System of farmers contracted with the program to carry out there search Baghdad province has been chosen for this purpose and group of 75 farmers selected using the techniques of irrigation by sprinkling randomized and proportionally.Using standard for the level of changes in the agricultural system consisting of 75 former items and 81 items distributed on the four agricultural system elements, the inputs, process, outputs and feedback.
A measuring degree of the criterion of 100 has been defying and distributed its elements, areas, Domains and the measuring device items and question are used as an instrument collect interview personality. The research has came conclusion that the program made changes in farming systems of farmers 100% contracted with the program. The changes degrees between 36-54 degree with mean about 43.7 degree of standard that high degree is 100 and the low degree is Zero. The change is caused in all elements of agricultural system. The changes which happened in the agricultural system were suitable in light of the short period of program.

Gamma rays 30 and 40 Grays with 0.2% of the chemical mutagen Ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) and their combinations were used on the dry seeds of both Ekwadelgi and Keorisii broad bean cultivars. As a result of recultivation of M1-M3 generations in the same field, heavy wilt incidence was observed on M3 progeny. The most pathogenic wilt causal agent (Fusarium avenacium) was identified and used for soil infestation during M4-M6 generations. The selected mutant lines from M6 progeny were thoroughly evaluated for productivity and some agronomic traits during M7-M9 generations. Two mutants namely K762 and E357 were developed to new broad bean cultivars (Tuwaitha and Taqa 357 respectively). The second cultivar was characterized by having terminated growth (Topless inflorescence). The productivity of these new cultivars was investigated in M11-M14 in comparison trails with the registered cultivar (Babil) and the local cultivar. Results indicated that Tuwaitha was surpassed Babil cultivar. However, both Babil and Tuwaitha cultivars were outyielded the local cultivar and were surpassed the local cultivar in many agronomic traits such as weight of 100 seeds, number of pods/plant, pod lengths and wilt resistance. Both cultivars were registered by The National Committee of Registration and Release of Agricultural Cultivars in Iraq/Ministry of Agriculture (No. 16 on 10/6/2001)

A rapid, accurate and highly sensitive HPLC was used to estimate the residue of the herbicide glyphosate in water without any interference with other organic compounds. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) proved to be the best solvent for extraction the glyphosate residue even the lower concentrations. The extraction was carried out on reversed solid phase with 0.005 ppm as detection limit. Glyphosate residues in Al-Radhwania, Abo-Ghraib, Khan Dhari, Garmma and Zuobaa water were 0.05, 0.13, 0.17,18 and 0.09 ppm respectively.

Pregnant awassi ewes (n=17) were used to determine serum level of T and T, starting at the last 3-4 days of pregnancy and continued at 2,6,10,14,18 weeks and 22 weeks post lambing (PL).

Fuel consumption per unit area (F) which means the number of kilograms or litters of fuel required to plow an area of hectare (10000m²) or donum (2500m²) of soil is widely used as parameter to evaluate the fuel consumption in the field in order to determine the quantity of the fuel required to plow a certain area of soil and hence the cost of the required fuel.
To evaluate this parameter, Zetor tractor (6901), was used to carry out the experiments. The tractor was provided with four cylinders engine. The engine stroke and cylinder bore are 110 and 102mm respectively. Engine compression ratio is 17:1 and the fuel injection pump was of in-line type. The experiment parameters used to carry out the tests were engine speeds of 1250,1500,1750 and 2000rpm, forward speeds of G3h, G4h, GIL and Gsh (four forward speeds for each engine speed) and three plowing depths (10,15 and 20 cm) to lead the tractor engine.
Results showed that the engine speed of 1500 rpm gave the lowest fuel consumption per unit area (F.), ie. as F, is lower as the tractor performance is better, less fuel consumption per unit area, while the engine speed of 1750rpm became second. The highest engine speed (2000rpm) had lower F, than the lowest engine speed (1250 rpm), thereupon the tractor should be used at higher engine speed rather than lower speed for greater fuel saving and therefore lower cost. The highest tractor forward speed for each engine speed and shallow plowing depth (10cm) gave the lowest Fa. The addition of 300kg to the tractor driving wheels improved the fuel consumption per unit area; it reduced Fa further for all engine speeds, tractor forward speeds and plowing depth. However, the lowest Fa (9.5kg/ha) was recorded with engine speed of 1500rpm, highest forward speed (0.85 m/sec), this forward speed was obtained with engine speed of 1500rpm and gear ratio of Gsh, plowing depth 10cm and the added weight of 300kg. This combination of parameters would save about 61% from the total fuel consumption and cost requirement of plowing one hectare compared with the combination parameters of the slowest engine speed (1250 rpm), lowest forward speed (0.32 m/sec), deepest plowing depth and without addition of 300kg to the tractor driving wheels.