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Issue 1

Thi-Qar University Journal for Agricultural Researches

Volume: 15

Issue: 1

Publication Year: 2026

Publication Date: June 2026

Articles in This Issue

Pages 0-0

1

Effect of Tillage Systems and Levels of Nano-Micronutrients on Vegetative Growth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

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2

The Economic Effects of Agricultural Support Policy for Rice Crop in Iraq (1995–2023)

Ali Abdulmohsen Abdul-Jabbar

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The research aims to estimate and evaluate the impact of agricultural subsidies on the production of rice crop andto analyze agricultural subsidy policies in Iraq through the challenges facing the agricultural sector despite government support, during the period 1995-2023, and the study variables were (the value of rice production as a dependent variable) while the independent variables are (government subsidies, agricultural loans, deficit and surplus in the general budget of the state, inflation rate, local prices, prices). The research relied on the hypothesis that the agricultural support policy in Iraq during the period 1995-2023 had varying effects on the production of strategic cereal crops, as some measures contributed to stimulating production, while other challenges prevented the achievement of the required results, and two approaches were used in scientific research: the first includes the descriptive aspect, which in turn includes the theoretical framework and the reference presentation of government agricultural support. The second approach relies on standard quantitative analysis, which includes building the model of the study based on the theoretical relationships presented in the theoretical aspect and reinforcing them in previous studies, and then conducting the tests of the model based on the Multiple Linear Regression Model (ML OLS) using a software package (EViews), and the study reached a number of results, the most important of which are: The results indicated that the global prices of wheat had a negative impact on local production, contrary to what economic theory assumes, and the reason for this is the increase in global prices due to the increase in the prices of imported inputs used in agriculture, which raised the costs of local production and negatively affected production values, as the standard model showed its statistical significance through the value of (F)) calculated the largest of the tabular at a significance level of 5%, which confirms the correctness of the estimate. The study also recommends the development of government support mechanisms to provide farmers at the appropriate times (before and during the agricultural season) and in formulas that are appropriate to the nature of the requirements of the production process, which enhances its effectiveness in increasing rice production.

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Comparison of Some Morphological, Anatomical and Pollen Characteristics of Some Plants of the Palm Family (Aracaceae)

Raghda Hamid Ali

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This research presents a comparative study of two plant genera belonging to the family Araceae: Spathiphyllum with its two cultivated varieties (S. wallisi – Pearl Cupido and S. wallisi – Regel), in addition to the genus Anthurium represented by the species A. scherzerianum. These plants are of particular importance as they have been recently introduced to Iraq, making taxonomic and anatomical studies of them locally limited.
The morphological study revealed clear variation among the studied species in terms of plant height, length of the flowering stem, leaf dimensions, and the shape of the spathe, which provides these plants with their ornamental value. The variety S. wallisi (Regel) surpassed the other species in most vegetative and floral dimensions, and was distinguished by morphological differences in both leaves and spathe.
The anatomical study showed considerable similarities among the three species. Transverse sections of the petiole and flowering stem were characterized by a regular epidermis covered with a thick cuticle, and a cortex differentiated into two regions: an outer hypodermis containing few collenchyma tissues with chloroplasts, and an inner cortex composed of two to three layers of parenchyma cells. The vascular bundles of the collateral type contained 2–3 xylem vessels surrounded by a sheath of sclerenchyma. The peduncle differed by having an increased number of inner cortex layers (3–6 layers).
The pollen study revealed that all species possess medium-sized pollen grains of the subprolate type, with clear variation in the thickness of the exine. S. wallisi (Regel) recorded the highest exine thickness compared to the other species.

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Effect Of Frequent Thawing And Cooling On Red And Chicken Meat

Zainab A. Saud

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Cooling and freezing are important processes that directly affect the quality and safety of Meat (red and white meat, especially poultry). It is widely used in meat preservation in factories and during home storage.These methods or processes are very important in preserving meat, as they help slow down the growth
and reproduction of microorganisms inside the meat and extend the shelf life of the product, but they have a direct impacton the quality of the product. This is due to the formation of ice crystals inside the muscle tissue, which causes cell damage, which leads to an increase in the loss of protein-rich juices as well as the loss of water. This exposes the muscle tissue of the meat to dehydration and changes in taste and texture, especially in chicken breasts, making them undesirable to consumers. The more times meat is thawed and frozen using traditional methods, the more fat oxidation occurs, which affects the flavor and taste of the meat. Freezing does not kill microorganisms, but it reduces their activity and prevents their reproduction, which leads to compliance with and control of temperatures and sanitary conditions to ensure food safety, such as using the quick-freezing method, storing at low and stable temperatures, using appropriate packaging, and thawing meat under controlled sanitary conditions. This is an important factor in maintaining the quality and safety of meat and providing a safe product to consumers.

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Effect of Salt Water on Animal Health

Zainab Abdul Hussein Saud

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Reduced feed intake, poor body condition, and decreased milk production are caused by high salinity in drinking water.
We also talked about how saline water affects fish, especially how ammonia buildup can be harmful, hurt gills, and kill fish. If livestock and poultry can’t get to fresh water, too much salt in their drinking water or feed can make them sick. Researchers Figured Out How Salt Can Be Toxic. It can change the balance of sodium, dry out nerve cells, and cause cerebral edema if the person is rehydrated too quickly. The Effects Of Saline Water On Carcass Characteristics Were Also Looked At. These included lower slaughter weight and organ weights, as well as changes in tissues that were not normal. It Was Explained That Salt Toxicity Mostly Affects The Gastrointestinal And Nervous Systems. The Article Stresses How Important It Is To Give Animals Clean, low-salinity water to keep them healthy and boost productivity, and water is essential for all living organisms and is crucial for maintaining the body’s normal biological processes. Because of this, the water we drink needs to be clean and good for both people and animals. This article talked about how people are getting more and more worried about how salty water is and how it hurts animals. We looked at how much water different animals normally drink and what levels of salt are safe in drinking water. The effects of saline water on feed intake were highlighted, showing that poor water quality lowers water consumption, which leads to avoiding big financial losses

6

Effectiveness of Culture Medium Type on the Propagation of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Mohammed Hadi Tuaimah

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Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is considered one of the most important strategic crops in arid and semi-arid regions due to its high economic, nutritional, and environmental value, particularly in the Arab world. Given the limitations associated with conventional propagation through offshoots, plant tissue culture has emerged as an effective alternative for producing uniform and disease-free plants.
The culture medium plays a critical role in the success of micropropagation, as it directly influences callus induction, somatic embryogenesis, and the growth and multiplication of vegetative shoots. Previous studies have demonstrated that variations in mineral salt composition and plant growth regulator concentrations lead to significant differences in tissue responses. Among the commonly used media, Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Woody Plant Medium (WPM) have shown superior performance in promoting embryogenic callus formation and shoot proliferation.
Furthermore, liquid media have been reported to enhance initial callus growth, whereas solid media provide more suitable conditions for embryo differentiation. Continuous advancements in the formulation of culture media and the regulation of plant growth regulators represent a crucial step toward developing more efficient and standardized protocols for date palm micropropagation, ultimately improving productivity in response to increasing global demand.
This study provides a comprehensive overview of the culture media used in plant tissue culture, highlighting their characteristics as key determinants of successful in vitro propagation and their essential role in regulating growth, differentiation, and cell division in plant explants.

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Relationship Between Fat Deposition in Certain Body Organs During Pregnancy at Different Ages in Arabi ewes

Maysaa M. A. Al-Rasitmawi

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This study aimed to evaluate the effect of age (1.5, 2.5, >3.5 years) and stage of pregnancy (first, second, and third) on several physiological traits and visceral tissues in Arabi ewes, including live body weight, carcass weight, and the weights of some vital organs (heart, liver, and kidneys), in addition to visceral fat deposition (cardiac, hepatic, renal, mesenteric fat, and Fat-Tail) and the weight of filled internal organs. A total of 27 Arabi ewes were used
The results showed clear physiological responses associated with age and pregnancy, where the weights of most vital organs increased with advancing age and progression of pregnancy stages, reflecting physiological maturity and increased metabolic demands during pregnancy. A significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) was observed in fat weights around the heart, liver, kidneys, and mesentery with advancing age and pregnancy stage, along with a noticeable depletion of perirenal fat in the third stage. The findings also indicated that visceral adipose tissues differ in their dynamics; cardiac, hepatic, and renal fats were more sensitive to metabolic changes compared to mesenteric and fat-tail depots, which showed relative stability as long-term energy reserves
Pregnancy had a more pronounced effect in advanced stages on fat distribution and internal organs, with adaptive responses aimed at supporting fetal growth and meeting its nutritional requirements. these changes reflect the ability of Arabi ewes to efficiently adapt physiologically to the demands of pregnancy without evident pathological disturbances.

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Biological Control of Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Alternaria alternata on Eggplant

Shatha Fadel Abdel Sayed

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The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining two biological control agents the fungal suspensions of Trichoderma hairzenium and Trichoderma viride, and the aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum) in inhibiting the growth of the pathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata, which causes leaf spot disease in eggplant. The results showed that the fungal suspensions of T. hairzenium and Trichoderma viride inhibited the radial growth of the pathogenic fungus by 90%. Similarly, the aqueous extract of garlic and the fungicide Revus top demonstrated high efficacy in inhibiting the radial growth of the pathogenic fungus, reaching 90% for the combined treatment. The results of mixing the biological factors and their effect on the germination of eggplant seeds showed that the treatment of the fungus T. hairzenium + aqueous extract of garlic was superior, reaching 96%, followed by the treatment of the fungus T. viride and aqueous extract of garlic alone, reaching 90% and 80% respectively. The results also showed that the treatment with the fungus T. hairzenium was superior in increasing growth indicators, with the average seedling height reaching 17.6 cm. This was followed by the treatment with the fungal suspension T. virid, which increased growth indicators to 14.6 cm. The average fresh and dry weights of the shoot system were 12.22 g and 3.43 g, respectively, in the T. hairzenium suspension treatment. The average fresh and dry weights of the root system were 2 g and 1.42 g, respectively. The treatment with the aqueous garlic extract recorded averages of 2.65 g and 1.23 g for the dry and fresh weights of the shoot and root systems, respectively.

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Evaluation of the Efficiency of Fungal Filtrates in Controlling the Khapra Beetle Trogoderma granarium

Enas Asmar Ali

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This study aimed to isolate and identify fungi associated with the khapra beetle ( Trogoderma granarium) and to evaluate their potential use in biological control. The results of isolation from dead larvae and adults of the khapra beetle revealed ten different fungal isolates belonging to several genera. These included four isolates of Aspergillus spp. (A. flavus, A. terreus, A. niger, and A. parasiticus), one isolate each of Beauveria bassiana and Cladosporium oxysporum, two isolates belonging to Penicillium spp. (P. chrysogenum and P. crustosum), and two isolates belonging to Trichoderma spp. (T. asperellum and T. longibrachiatum).
These isolates were identified based on their morphological and microscopic characteristics. The biological efficiency of five fungal isolates (B. bassiana, P. chrysogenum, P. crustosum, T. asperellum, and T. longibrachiatum) was evaluated using different concentrations of fungal filtrates (25, 50, 75, 100%) to control second stage larvae and adults of insect.
The results showed that the filtrate of B. bassiana was the most effective in causing the highest mortality rates at all concentrations for both second stage larvae and adults, reaching 69.96% and 61.95%, respectively. In contrast, T. asperellum recorded the lowest mortality rates at all concentrations, reaching 47.94% and 45.97% for larvae and adults.
The results also indicated that fungal filtrates had no significant effect on the germination rate of treated grains. This indicates the potential use of these fungi as safe and effective alternatives in biological control programs for stored insects, and the use of grains as seeds suitable for planting.

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The effect of cutting and foliar application of nano-super fertilizer on some growth traits and green and dry forage yield of triticale (Triticosecale wittmack X)

Fatimah Ali Jamel

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A field experiment was conducted during the 2024–2025 winter season at the agricultural field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Karmat Ali, Basra Governorate, to estimate the impact of cutting and foliar application of nano- fertilizer on some growth traits and green and dry forage yield of triticale (Triticosecale wittmack X). The study included two factors: the first factor consisted of four genotypes (Mohannad, Liron-5, Amal-7, and Farah), labeled as G1, G2, G3, and G4, respectively. The second factor three concentrations of foliar nano-super fertilizer (0, 4, and 6 g L⁻¹), labeled as N1, N2, and N3. The experiment was conducted by using a factorial experiment under Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Growth parameters and forage productivity, including green, dry, and total green forage yield, were evaluate. The findings indicated that increasing nano-super fertilizer levels led to significant enhancements in growth characteristics and forage yield. Fertilizer level N3 (6 g L⁻¹) produced the highest plant height, number of tillers, leaf- stem ratio, green forage yield, dry forage yield, and total green forage yield (90.42 and 98.58 cm; 467.83 and 481.83 tillers m⁻²; 76.30% and 75.45%; 20.72 and 21.97 Mg.ha⁻¹; 7.395 and 8.102 Mg.ha⁻¹) for the first and second cuttings, respectively. Genotype G2 recorded the highest mean values for plant height, number of tillers, and green and dry forage yield. Significant interactions were observed between fertilizer levels and genotypes across all measured traits.

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The Effect of Genotype and Combination of Phosphorus and Potassium Levels on the Quality Traits of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd)

Wissam Abdul-Ilah Jassim

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A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station—Agriculture college —University of Basrah, during the 2024–2025 winter season to study the response of three genotypes of quinoa (Titicaca, Q12, and Q31), designated as V1, V2, and V3, to five combinations of phosphate and potassium fertilizers ((0-0), (45-60), (45-120), (90-60), (90-120)), which were designated as (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5). The experiment was conducted according to the general experimental method using a completely randomized block design (R.C.B.D.) with three replications. The results of the statistical analysis showed that the Titicaca genetic line outperformed the control in most of the studied traits (leaf chlorophyll content, percentage of protein, percentage of phosphorus and potassium in seeds) with averages of (255.0 mg100 g-1 WF,13.76, 0.32, 0.94) % for the traits respectively, compared to the control treatment (K0, P0), which recorded the lowest averages.
Fertilizer levels had a significant effect on the traits studied, with the fifth fertilizer combination (90P–120K) the highest averages for all studied traits, excelling in leaf chlorophyll content, protein content, phosphorus content in seeds, and potassium content in seeds, with averages of 254.80 mg100 g-1 WF, 14.23, 0.38, and 1.07% for the respective traits, compared to the control treatment (K0, P0), which recorded the lowest averages.
The interaction between factors had a significant effect on most traits, with combination V1 (Titicaca) and F5 (P90 and K120) exceeding the controls in leaf chlorophyll content, protein content, phosphorus content in seeds, and potassium content in seeds, with averages of 344.40 mg100 g-1WF, 14.92%, 0.42%, and 1.21%, respectively.

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Importance of Nutrition in facilitating ruminant physiological processes and productive performance

Hanan Waleed Kasim Agwaan, Nahed Sharif Omar

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The manner in which we control ruminant nutrition directly affects the productivity and general well being of these animals. Alongside that of production, reproduction, and the yield of milk and/or meat, an optimum nutrition has beneficial impacts on crucial physiological processes required for general well being. The objective of this systematic review is to compile recent studies in this area on the benefits that could be associated with the diet of ruminants (sheep, goats, cattle etc.) regarding their physiological well being and productivity. This document really emphasizes the value of critical dietary nutrients like energy sources, proteins, minerals, vitamins and feed additives. The role of feeding methods, such as supplements, fodder quality and frequency of feeding is also discussed. In summary all of the above leads to higher production levels and better adaptation to disease resistance. Recent advances in nutritional engineering, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and phytogenic substances, which hold considerable promise for the enhancement of physiological responses, are also presented in the article. It is also highlighted in the paper that specific dietary plans that respond to individual animals' condition based on their age, physiological status, and production goal are of significant value in managing ruminants more effectively. There is considerable progress to be made, nevertheless, concerning the application of scientific discoveries into practice, especially in regions where lack of resources exist. All of the above leads to higher production and adaptation to disease resistance. It is also highlighted in the paper that the latest nutritional engineering technologies such as probiotics, prebiotics and phytogenic substances hold immense potential for enhancing physiological responses. The review also reiterates the significance of the individual feed regime in effective ruminant management (age, condition and production of animal). However despite significant advances, it is still not feasible to implement all experimental results on
farm (especially in areas lacking funding) but a lot of ground was covered. In conclusion this study highlights the importance of sound nutrition in improving performance and physiology of the ruminant. In turn, welfare, production and economics of the animal is greatly improved. Ruminants (which supply the world with meat, milk and fibers) form a vital part of the world's food system but their nutrition greatly influences physiology and productivity. It was the objective of this systematic study to assess the improvement in the performance and physiology of the ruminant via its nutrition.

13

Assessment of the Biodegradation of Common Pesticides in the Water and Soil Pollution in Different Sites in the South of Thi Qar City, Iraq.

Aly.aa Huss.ein Talib

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In this study, a number of soil and water samples were collected from different locations in the city of Thi Qar for chemical and physical analysis, in addition to tracking the accumulation of pesticides used in pest control in the study area. The results showed that the studied soil had a clayey texture and a relatively medium to high cation exchange capacity. The soil pH was generally neutral, and both true and apparent density were within normal limits. The soil did not contain calcium carbonate, and its organic matter content was moderate. The water samples were characterized by low salinity and a pH close to neutralThe results of the pesticide accumulation study showed no residue of organophosphate pesticides, which is attributed to their rapid decomposition in the soil. For chlorine-based pesticides, traces of accumulation were observed at low and varying levels. Their concentration was highest in the 35-60 cm subsurface layer compared to the layers above and below it. The highest accumulation rate was recorded in the Al-Fadhiliya area, reaching 2.857 ng/ml for Endrin and 188 88 ng/ml for Dieldrin. As for the water samples, the concentration of chlorine-based pesticides was at its lowest, ranging between 6-8 ng/ml at the three locations.

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The Effect of riser Height in a Fixed Sprinkler Irrigation System, Irrigation Interval, and Addition of Emulsified Spent Engine Oil Conditioner on growth and yield of Barley Plant (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Ali Mohammed Mahdi

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Role of Phosphorus Application and Cutting Management on Physiological Morphological Traits and Yield of Triticale (X Triticosecale wittmack L.)

Mohammed H. Faris Al-Shuwaili

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At the University of Basra/Karma Ali Agricultural Research Station/College of Agriculture, an experiment was carried out in the field (latitude 30°57' and longitude 47°80') on a silty loam soil during the winter planting season 2024–2025 in order to determine the impact of adding phosphorus and Cutting and non-cutting on the triticale growth characteristics, yield, and components. phosphate fertilizer in four levels (P0=0, P1=40, P2=80, and P3=120 kg P ha-1) were used in the study. The randomized complete block design with three replicates was used to carry out the experiment in accordance with the factorial experiment technique. On October 20, 2024, the Farah variety's seeds were sown. Studies have indicated that growth characteristics, yield, and each of its components increased as phosphate fertilizer levels increased. The highest average plant height, No. of tillers, spike length, No. of spikes, No. were achieved at the level of 120 kg N ha-1, which was 102.26 cm and 580.3 tillers m-2, 13.431 cm and 527.1 spikes m-2. The highest average plant grains per spike, and grain yield were achieved at the level of 80 kg N ha-1 which was 52.08 grains per spike-1 and 3.68 tons ha⁻¹.

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Effect of Using Different Ratios of Green Algae Powder (Haematococcus spp.) in Fish Diets on Growth Rates of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Mahmood Shakir Hashim

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The effect of adding different percentages of green algae powder (Haematococcus spp.) on the growth rates and survival rates of common carp fingerlings (Cyprinus carpio) was studied. Three diets were prepared: the first and second contained green algae powder, and the third was a control containing commercial fish protein. These diets were used to feed 99 fingerlings distributed among 9 plastic containers with a capacity of 25 liters, in 3 treatments (1, 2, and 3) distributed with three replicates for each treatment, with 11 fingerlings placed in each replicate. Treatments 1 and 2 contained 3% and 6% dried algae powder, respectively, while treatment 3 (the control) contained the commercial protein. Relative and qualitative growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and survival rates were calculated. Treatment 2 recorded the highest relative and qualitative growth rates and feed conversion ratios at 76.87%, 1.854%, and 2.375%, respectively. Treatment 1 recorded the highest survival rate at 95%. Significant changes (p < 0.05) were detected across the experimental treatments.

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Green synthesis of silver Nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract and studying their activity against Alternaria alternata Associated with Potato Early Blight

Iman Mohammed Abbo

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Alternaria filamentous fungi are worldwide. Most Alternaria species are widespread in both natural and human dominated habitats. Alternaria was the most prevalent plant pathogen in a global assessment of soilborne fungi. Aims of the study: The goal of this study is to assess Alternaria alternata antifungal activity of Azadirachta indica ethanolic leaf extract and silver nanoparticle activity. It was also the goal of the study to isolate the active phytochemical components of the extract and find out what concentrations of the extract were necessary to prevent fungal growth. Methods: Alternaria alternata, a phytopathogenic fungus, was used to assess the antifungal properties of neem (Azadirachta indica). Three plant extract dosages (25, 50, and 100 mg/ml) were tested on A. alternata by quantifying the fungal mycelial growth inhibition zone using the disc diffusion method on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Plant extracts' minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were ascertained. The extract was used for silver nanoparticle preparation with concentrations of 6, 12 and 18 mg/ml with distilled water as a negative control, which then was used to study the inhibitory effect on plant pathogenic fungi. The AgNPs were characterised by UV spectrum analysis. Results: Plant extracts had an inhibitory impact on A. alternata that varied between 37±0.8 and 52±1.2 and 100 mm. Major chemicals that are biologically active, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, are present in neem plant extracts. Plant extracts had MICs and MFCs of 17 36, respectively. The high inhibitory zone of silver nanoparticles (72±1.2 mm) on A. alternata was shown in a of 18 mg/ml, followed by a concentration of 12 mg/ml with an inhibition zone (63±1.1 mm). While the smallest inhibition zone (50±1 mm) was shown in 6 mg/ml of concentration. Conclusion: This research demonstrated that the beneficial phytochemicals found in neem extract (Azadirachta including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and terpenes were critical in preventing the pathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata from growing. Confirming the high efficacy of neem extract as a natural antifungal agent, the inhibitory impact increased with increasing extract concentration. Also, silver nanoparticles enhanced the crude neem extract's effectiveness against plant pathogenic fungi.

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Callus proliferation, morphological and somatic embryogenesis responses of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to salinity stress in vitro

Radhwan Abd Baqer

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Plant tissue culture is a unique tool for studying plant responses to stress at the cellular level and monitoring their development under controlled conditions. The current study aimed to investigate the callus response wheat exposed to salt stress and to monitor the development of the callus into somatic embryogenesis. The study involved using mature seeds as explants to induce callus by culturing them on MS medium supplied with a concentration of 6 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) for four weeks in the dark under controlled conditions. The callus formed was then exposed to levels of NaCl salt (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM) for four weeks in nutrient MS medium free of 2,4-D in the dark. After that, the cultures were transferred to fresh MS medium free of 2,4-D containing the same salt concentrations for four weeks in the light. The results of the study indicated that the response of the callus tissue to salt stress conditions varied according to the concentration of NaCl, where the concentration of 50 mM caused the best response of the callus tissue with regard to growth parameters (fresh and dry weight), stimulation of somatic embryogenesis and their differentiation into plantlets, as it achieved the highest rate of growth and number of somatic embryos and plantlets compared to the other treatments. While high concentrations of NaCl caused a deterioration in callus growth and development parameters, as embryonic callus differentiation decreased, the number of somatic embryos decreased, and necrosis occurred when treated with 150 mM NaCl, despite this, the callus cells were able to survive under the influence of salt stress, which indicates their ability to acquire the ability to withstand induced stress in their growth medium.

Keywords

Plant tissue culture; Wheat plant; callus induction; Somatic embryogenesis; Salt stress

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Age-Dependent Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in the Liver of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Manar Hussein Naema

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Heavy metal pollution in the Tigris River presents considerable ecological and health hazards. This study measured the levels of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) that built up in the livers of Cyprinus carpio of different ages (3 months vs. 6 months). Twenty samples were obtained from the Tigris River in Wasit Province. Liver samples underwent wet digestion and were subsequently analyzed using ICP-OES. The results showed that there were big differences based on age (P < 0.05). Adult fish (6 months) had the most Pb (0.218 ppm) and Cd (0.184 ppm), while juvenile fish (3 months) had much lower levels (Pb: 0.035 ppm; Cd: 0.008 ppm). In a number of adult specimens, metal concentrations exceeded international safety thresholds (0.3 mg/kg for Pb and 0.05 mg/kg for Cd). The study shows that the liver of C. carpio is a good way to tell if metals are building up in the environment, and that age is a key factor in bioaccumulation. This shows that eating fish from contaminated areas could be bad for public health.

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Comparison of disc seeder performances under zero and minimum tillage systems

Ahmed I. Abed

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A field experiment was conducted in Bashiqa District, Nineveh Governorate, during the season of 2024–2025 to compare the performance of the disc seeder in two farming systems: Zero-Tillage and Minimum Tillage, under heavy clay soil (H.C.S.) and light sandy soil (L.S.S.). Both fields were planted with wheat in the previous season using conservation agricultural practices. The study assessed the impact of these factors on draft force, which represents the tractor's energy requirements, as well as their effect on crop components such as thousand-grain weight (TGW), number of spikes, Grain Number per spike, and total grain yield. The results showed that minimum tillage resulted in the lowest draft force at (7.20 kN), while zero-till resulted in the highest values for Grain Number per spike (33.5 grains.spike-1), Spike Number per m-2 (336 spike.m-2), and total grain yield (3674 kg.ha-1). The light sandy soil (L.S.S.) reported lower values of draft force (9.02 kN). In contrast, the heavy clay soil (H.C.S.) reported higher values in Grain Number per spike (33.5 grain.spike-1), Spike Number per m2 (308.5 spike.m-2), TGW (33.5 g), and grain yield (3475.5 kg.ha⁻¹). Which therefore, using conservational agriculture technique under heavy soil is more productive than utilizing this system in a light soils.

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Synergistic Effect of Metformin and Fenugreek Extract in Improving Metabolic Disorders in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes

Ahmed Mahdi Hassan

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This study seeks to investigate the effects of fenugreek extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum) alone and in combination with metformin on type 2 diabetes-induced by highFat diet in rats. A total of 205 male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into five groups, and diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ). There were five groups includ-ing control, diabetic untreating group treated with metformin (200 mg/kg), fenugreek extract (100 mg/kg) and metfor-min + fenugreek extract. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were performed through biochemical analyses. Insulin signaling markers (PI3K, GLUT4, IRS-1) and inflammatory markers (STAT3, IL-6, Caspase-3) gene expression were assessed. Combination group (130.54 ± 7.23 mg/dL) have a significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBS) compare to the metformin (180.61 ± 10.34 mg/dL) and fenugreek (200 ± 9.21 mg/dL) groups. Also was HbA1c significantly changed, the combination group had a significantly lower value (5.50 ± 0.21%) than those receiving metformin (6.80 ± 0.30%) and fenugreek (7.24 ± 0.31%), respectively. The HOMA-IR index, which indicates sensitivity to insulin, was lower than in the combination group (3.01 ± 0.35). The expression of PI3K, GLUT4, and IRS-1 was the most increased in the combination group, implying better glucose uptake and insulin re-sponse than control and monotherapy compared to interaction data. Synergistic anti-inflammatory action was demon-strated by substantial reductions in the inflammatory markers such as STAT3 0.90 ± 0.08, IL-6 1.06 ± 0.03, and Caspa-se-3 0.93 ± 0.04 after combining metformin and fenugreek in the combination group..

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Biological Control of Tomato soil borne fungi by Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma harzianum

Ghufran abbas Muhammad aldouri

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The current study aimed to assess Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma harzianum antagonistic potential against major soil-borne pathogen fungi in vitro, such as Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria solani, Pythium aphanidermatum, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. A. niger and T. harzianum fungal inoculants prepared on millet seeds were used to inoculate the sterilized soil, which was made using gypsum-based soil and sterilised with polyethylene and formalin. To assess the impact of the fungus on plant growth, Super Queen tomato seedlings of comparable height were cultivated in the sterilized pots with three replicates per treatment. The present study demonstrated that T. harzianum highly effective on the vegetative length and root length as compared with control, while the lowest vegetative and root length were in the treated with pathogenic fungus. Furthermore the combination T. harzianum with pathogen fungus highly increased vegetative and root length. These results show that T. harzianum has strong antagonistic activity against F. oxysporum and greatly reduces its harmful effects. This leads to better vegetative growth and biomass accumulation in tomato plants grown in a greenhouse. In general, T. harzianum was the best biocontrol agent tested in this study.

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Zooplankton as Bioindicators for Assessing the Ecological Status of Kiteiban Canal on Shatt al Arab, Basra, Iraq

Mhmood A. Chaloob

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Abstract

This study assessed the ecological status of the Kiteiban Canal, one of the irrigation canals connected to the Shatt Al Arab River in Basra, southern Iraq, using zooplankton communities as qualitative bioindicators. Zooplankton samples were collected seasonally from three sampling stations representing upstream, midstream, and downstream sections of the canal. Species composition, frequency of occurrence, and dominance patterns were analyzed rather than numerical density, and taxa were classified according to their ecological tolerance into tolerant, moderately tolerant, and sensitive groups.
The results revealed a clear dominance of pollution tolerant taxa, particularly Rotifera (Brachionus, Bdelloidea, Asplanchna), Protozoa, and Nematoda across all stations, indicating organic pollution and nutrient enrichment. Moderately tolerant taxa such as Cladocera (Daphnia, Moina) and some rotifer genera showed limited to moderate occurrence, while sensitive taxa, including Calanoida, Harpacticoida, and Ostracoda, were weakly present or absent, especially at the midstream station. Spatial variations in community structure reflected differences in environmental stress along the canal, with the highest degradation observed at Station 2.
The findings demonstrate that qualitative analysis of zooplankton community structure is an effective and ecologically meaningful approach for assessing environmental stress in irrigation canals. This study highlights the value of zooplankton as reliable bioindicators and provides a scientific basis for future monitoring and sustainable management of freshwater resources in the Shatt Al Arab system.

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Effect of nano-ferltizer on growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Wurood Jasim Mohammed

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Abstract

Nano-fertilizer offers new agricultural chemicals and tools for improving crop productivity. One of the most important applications of nanotechnology in this field is plant fertilization. The study aimed to estimate nano-ferltizer on the growth and yield of Cucumis sativus. Three levels of nano-fertilizer have been used, including 1.5, 3, and 6 g/L with a local variety of cucumber. The results showed that foliar application of nano-fertilizer significantly (P≤0.05) increased the number of leaves (plant-1), plant length (cm), leaf area (cm2), fruit length (cm), and fruit diameter (cm) when using a 6 g/L concentration compared to control plants. As well as the number of fruits (plant-1), weight of fruit, plant yield (kg), and total number of fruit have recorded the highest values when using 6 g/L concentration showed a significant difference with the other treatments, while no significant difference was observed between control treatments, which differed significantly from treatment 1.5 g/L. The study concludes that foliar application of nano-fertilizer significantly increased the number of leaves (plant-1), plant length (cm), leaf area (cm2), fruit length (cm), and fruit diameter (cm) when using a 6 g/L concentration compared to control plants.

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A Study of Pediculosis Capitis Infestation (Head Lice) among School Girl\'s Students in Al-Fuhud District of Thi-Qar Province in Iraq

Widyan Gataa Washel, Muna Abdlwahed Bunian

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Abstract

One of the most prevalent parasite illnesses in the globe, head lice cause health issues in schools and a great deal of concern in parents of school-age children. The infestation peaks between the ages of 6 and 12.
The current study included conducting a visual examination for the detection of head lice on 709 female students from two primary schools in different areas at the economic and social level in Al-Fuhud district / Thi-Qar province. The current study showed a total infection number of 48 in all of the two schools.
The results showed differences in head lice infestation according to factors such as age and social and familial factors for the same school, with similar results when comparing both schools. The number of infections in Al-Mukhtar Al-Thaqafi School was 25 and the number of infections in Imam Al-Muttaqin School was 23.
Improving living standards, awareness and education, and the use of appropriate treatment methods can significantly reduce lice infestation.

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Response of Two Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars to Levels and Application Methods of Phosphorus Fertilizer in Desert Soils

Salam Hameed Abdulla

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Abstract

To investigate the effect of phosphorus fertilization on growth traits and yield of two wheat cultivars grown in desert regions, a field experiment was conducted in the Al-Lahis area, Basrah Governorate, during the 2025 winter season. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using a split-split plot layout with three replications. The main plots included two wheat cultivars (Babel and Baghdad), the sub-plots comprised three fertilizer application methods (soil application, foliar spraying, and combined soil and foliar application), and the sub-sub-plots included four phosphorus fertilizer levels. The results showed that the Baghdad cultivar outperformed in most of the studied traits, achieving the highest plant height (84.43 and 80.60 cm), number of tillers (300.03 and 268.58 tillers plant⁻¹), and flag leaf area (30.35 cm²). The P3 level recorded the highest grain yield (3.736- and 3.805-tons ha⁻¹) and harvest index (35.14% and 32.6%). The treatment combining Baghdad cultivar with foliar application resulted in the highest grain yield (3.073 tons ha⁻¹). Moreover, the combination of Baghdad cultivar with the P3 level produced the highest plant height (95.06 and 93.94 cm), number of tillers (383.33 and 379.78 tillers plant⁻¹), flag leaf area (42.39 cm²), and grain yield (3.926 tons ha⁻¹).The highest values for plant height (96.47 and 98.74 cm), number of tillers (438.00 and 470.67 tillers plant⁻¹), flag leaf area (48.57 cm²), and grain yield (4.367 tons ha⁻¹) were recorded under the treatment combining the Baghdad cultivar with foliar spraying and P3 fertilizer level.

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Blueberries: Medical Benefits and Environmental Needs: Article Review

Qusay T. Salim

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Abstract

The increasing challenges of the modern era, such as psychological stress, environmental pollution, and climate change, have increased the need for increased awareness of returning to nature. Scientific research has increased on the natural compounds found in plants that hav
e a positive impact on human health. Among these plants, which are of great importance at the present time due to their positive health effects and high economic benefits, is the blueberry fruit, which has effects on cardiovascular health, brain health, immunity, blood sugar regulation, digestive health, skin benefits, prevention of chronic diseases, and combating signs of aging. This positive effect results from its high content of flavonoids, phenols, vitamins, fiber, and minerals. All of these compounds reduce the toxic effect of free radicals in the body resulting from modern living conditions. The economic factor is no less important than the health factor, especially in light of the increasing population density, the lack of job opportunities, and the weak financial returns of most plant crops. This plant is characterized by a high selling price and abundant yields if the necessary cultivation conditions are provided. This is the second aspect that will be focused on in this article. This review highlights the medical importance of blueberries and discusses the key environmental requirements for their successful cultivation, particularly in non-traditional and arid regions

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Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to Ascophyllum nodosum Extract under Water Deficit Stress: A Structured Review and Evidence Synthesis

Yahya Fadhil Abbas

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Abstract

Tomato productivity is highly sensitive to episodic and chronic water deficit, while seaweed-derived biostimulants based on Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE) have emerged as promising tools for stabilizing plant performance under drought. However, agronomic and mechanistic evidence remains scattered among formulation-specific experiments.
Materials and Methods: This manuscript was prepared as a structured narrative review and evidence synthesis of peer-reviewed literature published between 2010 and March 2026. Tomato studies under water deficit were prioritized and interpreted alongside companion mechanistic studies dealing with related abiotic stresses and stress-signaling responses.
Results: Across the representative evidence base, ANE treatment was consistently associated with improved leaf water status, stomatal regulation, chlorophyll retention, photosynthetic performance, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant protection, membrane stability, fruit set, yield, and water productivity. Response magnitude depended on formulation, dose, application route, and integration with nutrient management. Molecular studies further indicate transcriptional and metabolic priming, delayed senescence, and preservation of photosynthetic machinery.
Conclusion: ANE is a credible component of climate-resilient tomato production, but future Q1-grade studies should standardize extract characterization, cultivar background, irrigation thresholds, and reporting endpoints, and integrate omics data with agronomic validation

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Therapeutic Potential of Mastic and Pomegranate Peel in Helicobacter pylori Eradication and Gastrointestinal Repair: A Comparative Review

Ghenaa H.Abdulkreem

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Helicobacter pylori is a Gram negative bacterium with a spiral shape that has evolved to colonise the gastric mucus layer due to its various virulence factors, including urease and CagA/VacA cytotoxic proteins. This results in consistent chronic inflammatory processes within the stomach, as well as, progressive damage to stomach tissue due to these processes. Persistent infections are characterised by greater secretion levels of pro inflammatory cytokines, such as IL 1β and TNF α, and the establishment of oxidative stress due to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (through reactive oxidative stress, ROS), causing an imbalance between damage and repair processes within the digestion tract. Although effective strategies for eradicating the bacteria have emerged based on the use of triple/quadruple antibiotic regimens, increasing rates of bacterial resistance, which is highest to clarithromycin/metronidazole, have limited the sustained success of complete eradication of infection. As a result, there continues to be increased interest in identifying natural agents that contain high levels of bioactive secondary metabolites to provide dual therapeutic strategies for targeting the bacteria and supporting the healing of tissue. Mastic gum has a wide variety of mono and diterpenes, such as α pinene, β myrcene and Linalool, as well as triterpenoid acids like Masticadienonic acid and Isomasticadienonic acid which have been shown to inhibit H. pylori growth through disruption of the cell membrane and inhibition of urease activity. Similarly, these compounds have been proven to reduce expression of virulence factor genes and reduce inflammation by inhibiting the NF κB pathway. On the other hand, Pomegranate Peel (Punica granatum) is also rich in polyphenolic compounds with high concentrations of ellagitannins (Punicalagin and Punicalin) as well as ellagic acid and gallic acid, which both exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, these compounds inhibit bacterial growth through protein precipitation, bacterial enzyme disruption, neutralization of free radicals, and reduction in oxidative stress. Lastly, Pomegranate Peel promotes mucosal repair via stimulation of epithelial cell proliferation and enhancement of the amount of mucosal protective mucus produced. Both Mastic Gum and Pomegranate Peel exhibit antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects through complex biological mechanisms. The chemical structures of the terpenes in Mastic Gum and the polyphenols in Pomegranate Peel are significantly different. Thus, the bioactive patterns of Mastic Gum and Pomegranate Peel vary considerably. Mastic Gum has more of a direct bactericidal effect, while Pomegranate Peel is bacteriostatic but has a more pronounced cellular protective effect. Bioavailability and intestinal absorption of the active compounds may also vary with respect to their in vivo effectiveness. Furthermore, the dosage and type of extract

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Effect of adding Versol soil conditioner and emulsified lubricating oil on mean weight diameter and erosion of sandy soils using different moisture and rainfall conditions

Dhuha Salim Jameel

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Abstract

This study comprised two experiments: A field experiment and a pot experiment ,the field experiment was conducted at the Al-Burjasiya Research Station, Al-Zubair District, during the 2023-2024 winter season, on a sandy loam soil, to demonstrate the effect of the soil conditioners Vertisol and emulsified lubricating oil on the weighted diameter and soil erosion. The experiment included the use of soil conditioners: Two soil conditioners, Vertisol, at levels of 10, 20 and 30% were symbol C1, C2 and C3 respectively, calculated as the weight of the soil at a depth of 1 cm of sandy soil, as a suspension at a ratio of 1 part soil to 6 parts water, added directly to the surface of the experimental units. The second conditioner is used lubricating oil mixed with water, it was emulsified by adding a synthetic emulsifying agent (an anionic surfactant), it was added at levels of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5%, were symbol O1, O2, and O3 respetively, of the soil weight, to a depth of 15 cm, in addition to the control treatment C0. The moisture and rainfall treatment factor included four treatments: irrigation and re-irrigation after 50% of the available water has been lost to the soil's field capacity (R1), irrigation equal to the highest rainfall (R2), and the average rainfall treatment (R3). R2 and R3 were derived from 41 years' rainfall data for previous years. They were added as standard irrigation treatments equivalent to rainfall. In addition, a direct rainfall treatment for the study year (R4) was applied. R.O. water was used as a substitute for rainwater. Irrigation and re-irrigation were carried out in treatments R2 and R3, based on the highest frequency of rainfall in a given month. The results showed that the addition of soil conditioners generally led to an increase in the weighted mean diameter (MWD) with significant differences between the addition levels. The Vertisol C3 soil treatment and the emulsified lubricating oil O3 treatment recorded the highest MWD values, respectively, with significant differences compared to the control treatment. Regarding the moisture treatments, treatment (R1) recorded the highest MWD value, with significant differences compared to the other treatments, reaching 4.553 mm. Conversely, the lowest MWD value was recorded in treatment (R3), at 3.878 mm. The results also showed a significant advantage of soil conditioners in reducing soil loss through erosion compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the moisture treatment (R3) recorded the highest values for soil loss through erosion. While the lowest values for soil loss through erosion were observed in treatment (R1).

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Anaerobic fermentation of cow dung and its effect on the growth and nitrogen and phosphorus content of (Zea mays L.) grown in sandy soil under Basra governorate conditions

Zainab Kadhim Hasan

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Abstract

Agricultural residual (especially animal) accumulates in enormous quantities, leading to pollution of soil, water, and air negatively impacting the environment and human health. Since this animal residual is often rich in essential nutrients for crop growth and soil productivity that are either already poor or depleted due to a lack of scientific management, this study aimed to conduct anaerobic fermentation of the daily accumulated cow dung at a cattle farm station to produce liquid organic fertilizer. This was achieved by storing the cow dung in a locally designed, fixed tank-type anaerobic digester(as bioreactor). The results showed that the cumulative production of liquid organic fertilizer during the 28-day period of anaerobic fermentation reached its peak so, this 28-day period represents the time required for the complete anaerobic decomposition of cow dung in the digester, main chemical features of this fertilizer pH, EC, organic-C and organic matter were measured after anaerobic fermentation in anaerobic digester these features were 3.60,13.44 dSm-1, 544.42gkg-1 dry matter of cow dung and 893.78gm kg-1 dry matter respectively additionally the content of the two essential nutrients ,total nitrogen and phosphate were determined 26.88gm N kg-1 and 14.34 gm P/kg-1 dry matter cow dung respectively. An agricultural experiment was conducted in plastic pots containing an air dried sandy soil obtained from the Al-burjasiya region studied soil was treated with either half or full chemical doses as traditional recommendation (NPK fertilizer) or the produced organic fertilizer from anaerobic digester, then planted with local variety corn(Zea mays L. ) seeds . Experimental treatments were designed as C.R.B.D and statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variables (ANOVA) with the SPSS ,the datas were compared using t-test at a significance p ≤ 0.05 to show differences among average treatments. The results showed that treatment full chemical dose (NPK) was superior when have supported with produced organic fertilizer led to in a significantly( p ≤ 0.05 ) increase at main most of the plants parameters growth as plant height of shoot and root dry weight and the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus uptake were 111cm plant-1,10 gm plant-1, 6.25 gm plant-1 ,140 mg kg -1 and 33.11mg kg -1 as compared to half dose were 55cm plant-1 , 5 gm plant-1, 2.3 gm plant-1, 20.32 mg kg -1 and 1.32mg kg - for parameters growth respectively as well as studied soil sustainability indicators based on the soil\'s content of N and P-available A sustainable parameters soil after planting which were99.86 mg kg-1 soil and 59.86 mg kg-1 soil compared elements (N and P) 06 in soil after 60 days planting ,so encouragment soil protection and sustainability from nutrient depletion in future then maintaining soil fertility as a resource for agricultural purposes.

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Optimizing Lettuce Growth Protocols in Controlled Environments via Light Quality Manipulation, Hormonal, and Nano-Interventions.

Ola Adil Assi

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Abstract

This laboratory study conducted at the College of Science University of Wasit investigated the effects of light wavelengths nanomaterials and hormonal treatments on the germination of lettuce seeds where the results revealed a strong photoblastic response with a maximum germination rate of 85.00 percent under red light compared to 50.33 percent in darkness and a minimum of 13.33 percent under far-red light and the inhibitory effect of far-red light was significantly reversed by red light as a final 10-minute exposure to red light stimulated germination to 73.67 percent while for chemical and nano stimulation the highest germination rates were recorded at 80.33 percent using Gibberellic acid at 150 ppm and 75.00 percent using nanomaterials at a concentration of 0.05 which leads to the conclusion that lettuce seed germination is highly dependent on the light spectrum and chronological sequence of exposure while hormonal and nano-interventions effectively enhance the overall germination potential.

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Association between Nutritional Status and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Obesity

Abeer majeed Saleh

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Abstract

Obesity state is related to a persistent low-grade inflammatory, and both body composition and diet impact low-grade inflammation. This cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the relationship between energy intake from food variables, inflammatory markers, and obesity in adult subjects. A total of 110 participants were included in the study, including those with class I obesity (n = 44) and class II obesity (n = 66).Anthropometric measurements, body composition, energy intake, and dietary micronutrients, also hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured. Spearman’s correlation, t-tests, effect sizes (Cohen’s d), and relative risks were calculated. Participants with Type II obesity were older (52.2 ± 5.1 vs. 42.6 ± 3.3 years, p < 0.0001) and had higher BMI (36.8 ± 1.2 vs. 33.6 ± 0.9 kg/m², p < 0.0001). Waist and hip circumferences, WHR, fat mass, and VFI were significantly higher in Type II obesity (all p < 0.0001), while FFM significantly not correlated (37.7 ± 5.2 vs. 49.2 ± 5.5 kg, p = 0.163). Energy intake ≥2500 kcal/day increased fat mass (45.4 ± 2.4 vs. 42.2 ± 1.1%, p < 0.0001, d = 1.53) and fat-free mass (50.0 ± 4.7 vs. 41.9 ± 1.1 kg, p < 0.0001, d = 2.20). Age correlated strongly with hs-CRP (ρ = 0.995), IL-6 (ρ = 0.952), and TNF-α (ρ = 0.942, all p < 0.0001). Higher vitamin C, vitamin D, and fiber intake were inversely associated with inflammatory markers (p < 0.05). Obesity severity and higher energy intake are linked to elevated systemic inflammation, while adequate micronutrient and fiber intake may mitigate this inflammatory burden.

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Comparative Histological and Histochemical Study of Sweat Glands in the Eyelid and Abdominal Regions of Female One-Humped Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

SARAH BASIL BASEETA

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Abstract

The skin of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) is an extensively adapted structure for desert living and contains one of the most specialised integumentary systems. Thermoregulation of dromedary camels is thoroughly investigated; however, there is little information about the histologic and histochemical characteristics of sweat glands located in the anatomical divisions of the body, primarily in the female dromedary. Therefore, this study provides a comparative histological and histochemical description of sweat glands located in the eyelid and abdominal skin of the female dromedary camel. Skin samples were obtained at a local abattoir in the Almuthana Governorate, Iraq, from 6 apparently healthy adult females. Polyester wax (paraffin) was used as an embedding medium, and paraffin-embedded samples were sectioned into 5.0 μm thick sections for staining with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome (MT), and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reagents. Morphometric measurements included the number of sweat glands in a microscopic field. In the two sampled regions, both contained a two-layered, coiled, apocrine tubular sweat gland, lying within a dense, irregular collagenous connective tissue capsule and lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. The glands are closer together in relation to space occupied by glands when comparing the two sets of glands. The presence of positive glycoproteins as secretory substances of the sweat glands in both the eyelid and abdominal regions was confirmed by PAS staining. Additionally, Masson’s trichrome staining revealed abundant collagen in the dermis of both body regions. These results provide baseline data to

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Effect of Foliar Spraying with Calcium and Boron on the Qualitative Characteristics of Local Orange (Citrus sinensis L.) Fruits

Haydar Hasan Jadoo

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Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the 2025 season in a local citrus orchard in the Salman Pak area / Al
Mada'in District / Baghdad Governorate / Iraq, on 15 year old local orange trees (Citrus sinensis L.). The study aimed to investigate the effect of foliar spraying with calcium (Ca) and boron (B) on fruit quality traits. The experiment was designed according to a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) as a factorial experiment with two factors: calcium at three levels (0, 100, 200 mg L⁻¹) and boron at three levels (0, 30, 60 mg L⁻¹), with three replications per treatment and two trees per experimental unit. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was performed using Genstat 12th edition, and results were compared using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at a probability level of 0.05. The results showed highly significant differences for both calcium and boron factors and their interaction in all studied quality traits. The interaction Ca₂×B₂ (200 mg Ca L⁻¹ + 60 mg B L⁻¹) recorded the highest value of total soluble solids (TSS) at 12.40%, compared to 9.80% in the control treatment, an increase of 26.5%. This interaction also recorded the highest percentage of total sugars at 7.10% compared to 5.20% in the control. Conversely, the Ca₂×B₂ interaction recorded the lowest percentage of total acidity (TA) at 0.65% compared to 0.98% in the control, leading to a rise in the TSS/TA maturity index to 19.08 compared to 10.00 in the control, an increase exceeding 90%. Vitamin C showed a marked increase, reaching 58.90 mg 100 mL⁻¹ under the Ca₂×B₂ interaction compared to 42.50 in the control. Juice percentage increased from 38.50% to 49.10%, and fruit weight increased from 148.5 g to 202.6 g, while fruit volume increased from 185.0 cm³ to 256.0 cm³. These results confirm a clear synergistic effect between calcium and boron that surpasses the effect of each individually in improving the quality of local orange fruits. These findings contribute to the development of practical recommendations for foliar nutrition aimed at enhancing production quality and improving market value.

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Serological Study of Herpesvirus Infection of Local, Shirazi and Himalaya Breed in Baghdad City

Mustafa Jamal Majeed

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Abstract

Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is one of the most common viral pathogens affecting domestic cats worldwide, which a major cause of upper respiratory tract disease and ocular disorders. Infection often results in lifelong viral latency with periodic reactivation, leading to recurrent clinical manifestations and continuous viral spread among feline populations. Clinical signs commonly include conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, nasal discharge, sneezing, fever, and respiratory distress. Despite the clinical importance of FHV-1, data regarding its seroprevalence and associated clinical findings in cats from Baghdad / Iraq, remain limited. Therefore, we have designed this study. Methodology: This research was conducted in Baghdad between November 2024 and April 2025, which involved 150 cats suspected of FHV-1 infection from different urban areas. Cats of three breeds (Local, Shirazi, and Himalayan) were included. Clinical examination was performed, and demographic data such as age, sex, breed, and location were recorded. Oropharyngeal and nasal swabs were collected, besides serum samples were analyzed for FHV-1 IgG antibodies using a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLI) instrument. So, clinical parameters including rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and pulse rate were measured, and statistical analysis was conducted to assess associations. Results: Out of 150 cats, 20 (13.3%) were seropositive for FHV-1 antibodies. Seropositivity was observed across all breeds and age groups, with no significant association detected. Male cats showed significantly higher seropositivity than females. CLI-positive cats exhibited significantly higher rectal temperature and respiratory rate compared with seronegative cats, while pulse rate differences were not statistically significant.

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Paraquat-induced Oxidative Stress, Immune Response and The Protective and Therapeutic Role of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide in Rats

Ali Mohammed Sameen

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Abstract

Paraquat, a widely used herbicide, is known for its high toxicity due to its ability to react with and damage cell components by generating oxygen-free radicals, leading to an immune imbalance. Conversely, elevating levels of NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), a precursor to NAD+, can enhance oxidative and thus immune balance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oxidative paraquat as well as the protective and therapeutic role of nicotinamide mononucleotide in some immunological and oxidative stress markers in rats. Fifty female rats were randomly divided into five groups of ten rats each: a control group, one group received a dosage of paraquat; another received a dose of either nicotinamide mononucleotide or paraquat followed by nicotinamide mononucleotide (therapeutic effect); the last group received a dose of nicotinamide mononucleotide followed by paraquat (protective effect). Blood samples were collected after the treatment period ended, and tests were performed for several immunological and biochemical markers. After analyzing the data using ANOVA one way and Tukey's post hoc test for multiple comparisons. The results showed that paraquat exposure led to an elevate indicators of both oxidative stress, increased MDA(p<0.001) and decreased catalase enzyme(p<0.001), and the inflammatory immune response, TNF-α (p<0.001) and IL-1β(p<0.0001). A decrease in interleukin-137(p<0.0001), complement, C3(p<0.0001) and C4(p<0.001), and T cells, CD8 and CD4, (p<0.001) was also observed. In contrast, the antioxidant NMN reversed this effect by reducing oxidative stress and contributing to a decrease in the inflammatory response. The therapeutic group showed a significant improvement compared to the control group, but the effect was more pronounced in the protective group in most of the studied indicators. These results suggest that paraquat induces an immunological impairment associated with oxidative stress and nicotinamide mononucleotide; it has an effective ability to reduce its harmful impact and restore immune homeostasis, especially when given protectively.

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Nutritional Determinants and Surgical Interventions for Vaginal Prolapse in Ruminants: A Comprehensive Review

Jinan Abdul Aziz Bannai,

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Abstract

In ruminants, VP is a serious and important reproductive disease, which is a major problem for veterinary practitioners and livestock producers around the world. This review summarizes the multifactorial nature of VP, moving away from the mechanical understanding of VP and towards a more integrated biological understanding of VP. It examines the complex interactions between hormonal changes in late gestation (estrogen/relaxin axis) and the metabolic factors responsible for subclinical hypocalcemia and Dietary Cation-Anion Difference (DCAD) disorders. The paper outlines multiple surgical procedures from the conservative approach of the Buhner technique to the more permanent cervicopexy of the Winkler and assesses their biomechanical effectiveness. In addition it stresses the importance of the optimization of nutritional profile after surgery and genetic selection as two factors to prevent recurrence. This review will act as a guide to minimizing the economic costs and welfare of affected ruminants by combining surgical skills with metabolic control.

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The Anti-Diabetic Physiological Mechanisms of Medicinal Plant: A Review

Maryam I. Salman

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Abstract

Diabetes leads to an increase in blood sugar levels, which in turn affects vital organs in the body such as the heart, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. The number of people affected by diabetes is noticeably increasing worldwide, which in turn reflects the urgent need to use medicinal plants as an alternative treatment to chemical drugs, as they are safe, inexpensive, and little side effects. Many medicinal plants possess anti-diabetic properties through their bioactive compounds, which have physiological mechanisms capable of lowering blood sugar, including the following mechanisms. chiefly by promoting both insulin secretion and sensitivity, decreasing glucose absorption, and inhibiting oxidative stress. The Intent of this study is to appraisal the physiological mechanisms of plants displaying antidiabetic features.

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Modeling and Prediction of Power Loss in Agricultural Tractors Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM): A Study on the Effects of Drive Type, Tillage Depth, and Operational Speeds

Baneen Abdulhakeem Mohammed

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Abstract

This research aims to develop a predictive model for power loss in agricultural tractors resulting from slippage and rolling resistance, utilizing Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Field experiments were conducted using two tractors with different drive systems (two-wheel drive, 2WD, and four-wheel drive, 4WD), equipped with a three-furrow plough. Tests were performed under varying operational conditions, including tillage depth (10, 15, 20, 25 cm), forward speed (1.90-5.35 km/h), and engine speed (1250, 1500, 1750 rpm). Drawbar pull was measured using an electronic load cell, while theoretical and actual speeds were determined employing a fifth-wheel technique and encoder sensors. The results demonstrated a strong positive correlation between increases in tillage depth, forward speed, and engine speed, and the rise in power loss. Forward speed exhibited the greatest influence (325%), followed by tillage depth (183.3%), and then engine speed (12.1%). The four-wheel drive (4WD) tractor consistently showed higher efficiency and lower power loss compared to the two-wheel drive (2WD) tractor across all tested conditions. A mathematical predictive model was developed using Design-Expert software, achieving a high coefficient of determination (R² = 0.9801), which confirms its accuracy in estimating power loss based on the studied operational variables. This model provides a practical tool for engineers and operators to optimize the adjustment of operational parameters, thereby contributing to fuel economy and enhanced energy efficiency in agricultural operations.

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Parasites and the Microbiome: A Complex Relationship and Health Impacts in human and plant

Sarah Kamal Naser

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Abstract

Pathogens are foreign entities, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and their main goal is to survive and pass. They contrast with microbiota, of commensal microbes in the human body, in that they may devise adaptive ways of avoiding biochemical and cellular defenses, there are millions of microbes in the gastrointestinal tract and their interaction with the host, parasite, and microbiota determines parasite success and disease outcome. The knowledge of this host-parasite-microbiota axis may result in new treatment modals of intestinal parasitic infections. Suppression of soil-borne pathogens and parasites, such as Nematodes that parasitise plants (PPN), are inhibited by disease suppressive soils, which may be of microbiological origin. They are resistant to conventional approaches to management and pose a great threat to agricultural produce. Synthetic microbial community development as a PPN biocontrol methodology could lead to the requirement of using fewer nematicides and fertilizers since the connection between plant-beneficial microbial communities and disease suppression mechanisms can be well comprehended. This examines the relationship between parasites, gut microbiota, host defense and immune response.

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The Impact of Group versus Individual Housing of the Performance of Karadi Calves in Sulaymaniyah Governorate Prior to Weaning

Amanj Raouf Salih

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Abstract

Early housing arrangements have a significant impact on the wellbeing, health, and development of dairy calves. There is little information on how native Karadi calves in Iraq's Kurdistan Region react to various home configurations. The performance, health, behavior, and hematological parameters of Karadi dairy calves were assessed in this study in relation to individual, pair, and group housing from birth to 18 weeks of age. The study, which involved fifteen females newborn Karadi calves, was carried out at the University of Sulaimani, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Animal Science Farm during February and June 2025. Three housing treatments were randomly allocated to the calves: group, pair, and individual housing. Weekly measurements of body weight and withers height were made, clinical health factors were routinely noted, and monthly blood samples were taken to evaluate immunological and hematological markers. With treatment as fixed factor, the data were examined using least squares ANOVA. According to the results, there were no significant differences in body weight and withers height between the treatments throughout the preweaning phase. On the other hand, group-housed calves showed a significantly greater body weight compared individually-housed calves starting at week 11. In later development stages, pair housing produced the tallest withers. With relatively brief variations in fecal scores, clinical health markers were largely low during all treatments, indicating good general health condition. According to hematological research, pair housing was linked to increased counts of monocytes, granulocytes, lymphocytes, and total white blood cells at many time periods, indicating improved immunological response in both individual and group housing

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Hygienic Conditions of Poultry Slaughterhouses in Sulaymaniyah Province

Mohammed M. Mohammed

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Abstract

This cross-sectional study, conducted from March to May 2025 in two municipal poultry processing plants in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq (Sulaymaniyah and Ranya), evaluated hygiene practices and microbiological hazards. A total of 192 samples—including 144 tissue samples and 48 inner-carcass swabs—were collected from both commercial and backyard poultry. A 12-point checklist and worker surveys assessed hygiene compliance, while microbiological analyses determined total bacterial count (TBC), total coliform count (TCC), and the presence and resistance profile of Escherichia coli. Hygiene conditions were generally satisfactory, with 80% compliance in handwashing and 100% daily cleaning. However, notable gaps included suboptimal sterilization of knives post-evisceration (72% in Sulaymaniyah and 60% in Ranya) and inadequate prevention of floor-water contamination (68% and 64%, respectively). TBC and TCC varied significantly by cut, poultry type, and location (p < 0.05), with domestic poultry showing higher contamination. Inner-carcass regions in Sulaymaniyah showed lower TBC (up to log10 4.30) and TCC (log10 3.22) than outer-carcass areas. E. coli was detected in 86.45% of samples, with statistically significant variation by location (X² = 5.38, p = 0.020). Alarmingly, high antimicrobial resistance was observed, with E. coli isolates showing extreme resistance to ampicillin (98.79%), amoxicillin (95.78%), levofloxacin (94.57%), and several other antibiotics. The study highlights critical hygiene lapses and widespread multidrug resistance, particularly in backyard poultry. Key interventions should prioritize knife sterilization, water contamination control, HACCP-based monitoring, staff hygiene training, and integration of antimicrobial stewardship with surveillance programs.

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Role of organic fertilizer, ascorbic and salicylic acids applications on chemical components of leaves of olive Olea europea L. cv.Khesta

Aya Jassim Mohammed, Dhia Ahmed Taain

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Abstract

The experiment was conducted in the fabric canopy of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, College of Agriculture, University of Basra, for the growing season 2024-2025 to determine the efficiency of organic fertilizer, ascorbic and salicylic acids applications on chemical components of olive leaves . A factorial experiment was designed with two factors: the first was soil application of organic fertilizer (Green Gold), rich in seaweed and amino acids, at three levels (0, 3, 6) ml.l‾¹, and the second was spraying with ascorbic acid at concentrations (50, 100) mg.l‾¹ and salicylic acid at concentrations (150, 300) mg.l‾¹, in addition to the control treatment 0 mg.l‾¹ in a Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D.) with three replicates for each treatment. Results of the study showed that the organic fertilizer soil application treatment of at two concentrations (6 ml. l‾¹ and 3 ml. l‾¹) was superior to the control treatment (0 ml.l‾¹) in increasing a leaf content of total total soluble carbohydrates, vitamin C, proline and total phenols. The spraying treatment with 100 mg. l‾¹ ascorbic acid and 300 mg. l‾¹ salicylic acid was superior in increasing a leaf content of total total soluble carbohydrates, vitamin C, proline and total phenols, thus improving leaf chemical characteristics.

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Gross Morphology of the Thyroid Gland in Immature Male Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in AlMuthanna province

BANEEN SALIH SOUDY

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Abstract

The present study was carried on morphological and morphometric characteristics of the thyroid gland in camel. The thyroid gland was consisted of two entirely separated lobes with isthmus and appeared as smooth elongated oval shape with rounded cranial, narrow caudal end it located on either side of the trachea. The gland is connected by an isthmus on the ventral side. The isthmus extends along the ventral side of the trachea, close to the level of the second and third segments. The size of the gland depends on the animal's age and physiological state, the gland is reddish-brown in color. The right lobe of the gland lies on the dorsomedial side of the trachea, extending from the first to the eighth segment. Similarly, the left lobe lies on the medial side of the trachea, extending from the sixth to the seventh segment. The trachea is connected to the lobes via the medial part. Furthermore, the lobes have convex lateral surfaces, and their dorsal and ventral borders are also convex.

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DETERMINATION OF THE LEVEL OF ZINC, SELENIUM, ARSENIC AND MERCURY IN SOME MARINE SPECIES FISH

Wedyan Merzah obeid

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Abstract

The present study assessed the concentration of Zinc (Zn) , Selenium (Se),Arsenic(As), and Mercury(Hg) in skeletal muscles of six marine fish species. Thirty (30) marine fish collected, including three fresh species (Pampus argenteus, Epinephelus tauvina, and Acanthopagrus latus) from Al- Faw region, Basrah, Iraq, and three imported frozen species( Sparus aurata, Scomber scombrus, and Mullus surmuletus)obtained from markets in Baghdad ,five samples each species .Analysis of elements was conducted by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, while mercury was determined by the cold vapor technique. The results showed noticeable differences in the concentrations of the examined heavy metals among the studied species Zinc concentrations were highest in Pampus argenteus (4.508 ppm) and lowest in Epinephelus tauvina (1.834 ppm), while Selenium levels were highest in Scomber scombrus (0.066 ppm) and lowest in Epinephelus tauvina (0.024 ppm). Arsenic concentrations reached the highest value in Epinephelus tauvina (1.792 ppm), whereas the lowest level was observed in Scomber scombrus (0.051 ppm). Mercury levels were below the detection limit (0.005 ppm) in all examined samples .Although arsenic showed significant variation among species, zinc and selenium did not differ significantly. All recorded values were within internationally accepted safety limits, indicating that the examined fish species are safe for human consumption with respect to the analyzed elements

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Smart Cellular Factories": How does biotechnology use plant cells to produce the medicines of the future?

Mohammed A. Mohammed

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Abstract

The transformation of plant cell cultures from basic research tools into industrial pharmaceutical production platforms represents one of the most significant achievements in modern biotechnology. This comprehensive review examines the multifaceted biotechnology strategies employed to optimize plant cell cultures as cellular factories for high-value pharmaceutical compounds. We analyze the integration of genetic engineering, metabolic pathway recon-struction, cellular process optimization, and bioprocess engineering that colle-ctively enable sustainable, scalable production of complex natural products. The review addresses fundamental challenges including low productivity of wild-type cultures, genetic instability, metabolic burden, and pathway complexity, while presenting innovative solutions through CRISPR-based genome editing, synthetic biology approaches, systems metabolic engineering and advanced technologies.

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Response of bread wheat crop to tillage systems and chemical herbicides in areas with moderate rainfall .

Salim .H.Antar

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Isolation and Identification of Mycotoxin-Producing Fungi in Raw Coffee

Neamah Khalaf Hamzah

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Abstract

This study aimed to isolate and identify mycotoxin-producing fungi in raw coffee beans and to evaluate the chemical properties of the coffee. The results indicated significant differences (p )...0 < in the studied characteristics, including the chemical composition of the coffee bean samples. Moisture content ranged from a maximum value of 12.53% in treatment T6 to a minimum value of 9.78% in T0 at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05, with T3 and T6 recording 11.48% and 12.53%, respectively. Regarding protein content, T4 exhibited a significant superiority (p ≤ 0.05), recording 13.59%. For lipid content, T4 surpassed the other treatments, registering the highest value. As for ash content, T4 recorded 5.11% at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05, while the lowest ash content was observed in T3 at 4.33%.

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Functional and physiological role of vitamin D3 in blood, lipid, aortic, and liver tissues induced by Triton x 100

Fattah Faleh Hamdan Ahmed

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Abstract

This study was conducted in the Central Laboratories Research Building of the College of Agriculture and the Animal House of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Tikrit University. The study took place from25/2/2024 until 15/4/2025. Its aim was to evaluate the health benefits of Vitamin D3 in male albino rats after injection of 0.25 ml of Triton X 100 into the peritoneal layer. The abdominal wall was inoculated, and the animal was given an oral dose of vitamin D 0.5 ml/ml once daily for 21 days, continuing the treatment until the end of the experiment. After the experiment, the animals were dissected for biological analyses, including blood counts, liver enzymes, lipid profile, and histological analysis of the liver and coronary arteries. The blood test results for the group treated with vitamin D3, compared to the infected group and the healthy group, showed a significant difference, indicating an improvement in the animals' health. The platelet count results were as follows: (PLT 103/L 892.0±31.4 b) Recording a highly significant increase with a significant difference (P<0.05) However, the results for cell size

51

Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems: Benefits and Toxicological Concerns

Sarmad Mohammed Hashim

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The emergence of nanoparticles as a potential form of drug delivery system is because of its distinct physicochemical characteristics such as small size, high surface area, and surface characteristics that are tunable. These characteristics make it possible to achieve better solubility of drugs, targeted delivery, controlled release and better bioavailability. Liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and metal-based nanomaterials are examples of nanoparticle-based carriers that have shown a high potential in overcoming biological barriers, including the bloodbrain barrier and the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, they have been extensively studied in cancer and cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. Nevertheless, even with these benefits, there are significant toxicological issues when it comes to the use of nanoparticles. Their minute size enables them to engage with cellular constituents with the probability of triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and organ toxicity. Particle size, shape, surface charge, composition and dose are some of the factors that play a significant role in altering the bio-distribution, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity profile in the body. The build-up in essential organs like liver, kidneys and lungs can cause undesirable effect and long-term safety and clearance processes have not been well studied. Thus, it is necessary to have a balanced appraisal of both the therapeutic advantages and the possible hazards of the nanoparticle-based delivery systems of drugs. Nano-toxicology, surface engineering, and biocompatible materials should be advanced and will play a pivotal role in enhancing safety and clinical translation. It can be recommended that future studies be aimed at optimization of nanoparticle design,

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Histological and Histochemical Study of the Duodenum structure and cellular distribution of paneth cells in Dogs and Sheep

Abdul-mahdy H. Mahdy

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One of the most important parts of the small intestine is the duodenum where digestion, absorption and mucosal immunity occur. The goal of this research was to determine the histological and histochemical characteristics of the duodenum in dogs and sheep; as well as the cellular localisation of Paneth cells in both animal species. Tissue samples were obtained from clinically healthy adult dogs and sheep. Samples were processed using standard histological techniques. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for routine histological evaluation and also stained with PAS histochemistry to demonstrate mucopolysaccharides and other cells types present. The duodena of both dogs and sheep each have four layers: mucosa; submucosa; muscularis externa; and serosa; The duodenal villi of dogs were tall and leaf shaped, while those of sheep were short and thick. The second difference was in the thickness of the muscularis mucosae of dogs and sheep, where that of dogs was thicker than that of sheep. The muscularis externa was larger in sheep than in dogs. Also, the results of this study found that Paneth cells were more reactive in duodenum of dogs than in the duodenum of sheep according to PAS stain reactivity. In conclusion, these differences illustrate that sheep require prolonged mixing of coarse plant material with mucus for secretion, while dogs require rapid enzymatic digestion of proteins and fat.

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The Role of Vegetable Oils as Antioxidants and Their Nutritional Components: Review

Alya Jameel Ali Alsaad

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The sources of vegetable oils are diverse, and because of this diversity, their uses are numerous and varied. However, the nutritional and health sectors remain the most common due to their beneficial nutritional and health benefits. Vegetable oils are considered healthy because they contain many antioxidants, including fat-soluble vitamins such as tocopherols and phenols, in addition to unsaturated and essential fatty acids, and important vitamins and minerals. They also provide the body with energy, vitality, and stamina. The importance of vegetable oils lies not only in their low saturated fatty acids and harmful cholesterol content but also in their role in protecting body cells and improving the health of the immune system, digestive system, skin, eyes, and liver. This is because most vegetable oils are rich in antioxidants and many vitamins, especially fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, D, and K). The importance of essential fatty acids lies in their crucial role in compensating for deficiencies in these essential fatty acids in the body resulting from surgery, malnutrition, or following a specific diet. Among the most important of these acids are Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids play a crucial role in enhancing the function of the immune system.
This study dealt with several well-known vegetable oils, highlighting their significant medicinal and health benefits, as well as their diverse applications in various fields, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fitness. The study also clarified the antioxidant and essential fatty acid content of these vegetable oils, noting their importance in growth and maintaining overall health.

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Economic Analysis of the Optimal Production Scale for Cucumber Production in Nineveh Governorate, 2025

Assad Ibrahim Alhayali

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Abstract

The study aimed to estimate the optimal production volumes and economic areas for cucumber production in Nineveh Governorate, using the districts of Mosul, Hamdaniya, Tel Keif, Tal Afar, Al-Baaj, and Al-Hadar as an applied model. This was achieved by estimating cost functions and analyzing economies of scale, as well as measuring the economies of scale realized by the crop producers through calculating the elasticity of the average cost function and the coefficient of the estimating function, The study relied on field data collected using a questionnaire administered via random sampling. The sample size consisted of 100 farms, distributed across both surface and drip irrigation systems. To determine the optimal yield for cucumbers, cubic cost functions were estimated as the most suitable for the field data and consistent with economic and statistical logic. The results showed that the optimal yield was approximately 7.2 tons in surface-irrigated farms, While yields reached approximately 15.5 tons in drip-irrigated farms, the results also showed that the majority of cucumber farmers in the study sample were unable to achieve optimal production volumes in both irrigation methods. This reflects production deviations from the economically efficient level. In light of these findings, the study recommends the implementation of applied agricultural extension programs based on cost function analysis and farm classification according to efficiency levels, with the aim of transferring expertise from efficient farms to less efficient ones, reducing waste in key production inputs, and improving the overall economic efficiency of cucumber production.

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Effect of planting date and seaweeds extract on growth and forage yield of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Anhar Mahmood Alshummary

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Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2023-2024 in an agricultural field in Al-
Zubair district (20 km west of the center of Basra Governorate), located in the far southeast of Iraq at latitude
30°.28´N and longitude 47°.05´E which has sandy loam soil and well-water irrigation to determine the impact
of three planting dates (15/September, 1/ October , and 15 /October), and four concentrations of seaweed
extract (0,6, 12, and 18 g L-1),on forage growth , yield and quality of alfalfa. A split-plot arrangement with
three replications, a completely randomized block design (R.C.B.D.) was used. The planting of alfalfa at the
date of 1 / Oct gave the highest plant height, branches number per plant ,forage and dry weigh for the four
cuts . All of the features under study were improved by increasing the concentration of seaweed extract, with
the largest improvement occurring at the highest concentration (18 g L⁻¹). The combination of 1st Oct × 18 g
L⁻¹ gave the highest values for the majority of the growth and yield measures, indicating significant impact

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Evaluation of the Efficacy of Organic Acids and Some Bacteria in Controlling Wet Blister Disease Caused by the Fungus Hypomyces perniciosus on the Edible Mushroom Agaricus bisporus

Aya Mohammed Mohsen Al-Jubouri

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Abstract

This study was conducted at the edible mushroom production farm, Al-Kalsa Agriculture – Tikrit University. It aimed to evaluate the efficacy of organic acids and some bacteria in controlling wet blister disease caused by the fungus Hypomyces perniciosus on the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus. Seven bacterial isolates were obtained from the covering layer used in several Iraqi mushroom farms. Isolates A4, A5, and A7 showed the highest activity. The inhibition ratio of the pathogenic fungus in the inhibition zone reached 2.2, 1.8 and 1.5 cm, and these are the most efficient isolates in inhibiting the pathogen. The bacterial isolates A4, A5 and A7 were molecularly identified as Priestia aryabhattai strain Aya-4, Frateuria aurantia strain Aya-5 and Pseudomonas fluorescens strain Aya-6 and were recorded with accession numbers PP320436.1, PP320435.1 and PP320438.1, respectively, at the NCBI site. The results showed an inverse relationship between the growth of the pathogenic fungus H. perniciosus and the edible fungus A. bisporus with increasing concentrations of the tested organic acids. The results also indicated that the effect of organic acids in inhibiting the growth of H. perniciosus was greater than their effect on A. bisporus. Propionic, lactic, and acetic acids at a 5% concentration exhibited the highest inhibitory effect compared to the other acids. When studying the effect of three types of bacteria and organic acids on the overall infection severity of two strains of A. bisporus under conditions of infection with H. perniciosus, the results showed a significant decrease in infection severity for all types of organic acids and isolated bacteria in both the white and brown strains. Citric and propionic acids showed the lowest reduction in infection severity, at 5.9% and 5.98%, respectively, in the brown strain, while F. aurantia showed the lowest severity. The infection rate was 3.54% in the white strain of the edible mushroom A. bisporus, compared to infection rates of 94.39% and 97.17% in the H. perniciosus treatment of the brown and white edible mushroom strains, respectively. The results also showed a significant increase in fruiting body weights for all organic acids and isolated bacteria in both the white and brown edible mushroom strains

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An Econometric Study of the Impact of Government Support on the Development of Agricultural Investment In Iraq during the period (1995–2022)

Elaf Taha Hameed

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This study conducts an econometric analysis of the impact of government support on the development of agricultural investment in Iraq during the time period (1995-2022), in light of the structural and financial challenges facing the agricultural sector, which negatively affected its contribute to food security and economic development. The problem stems from the weak efficiency of government support policies and the lack of clarity regarding their actual effectiveness in stimulating agricultural investment in the medium and long term. The study aims to examine the nature of the relationship between government support directed to the agricultural sector and agricultural investment, and to assess its role in promoting sustainable agricultural growth. The study is based on key hypotheses asserting the existence of a statistically significant positive relationship between government support and agricultural investment, in addition to the significant effect of selected macroeconomic variables such as agricultural GDP and public agricultural expenditure. An econometric methodology was adopted using annual time-series data, employing linear regression models, unit root tests and cointegration analysis.
The results indicate that a 1% increase in government support leads to an increase in agricultural investment of approximately (0.35–0.45%). Moreover, the finding confirm the existence of a long-term equilibrium relationship among the study variables. However, the results also reveal inefficiencies in the allocation of support in certain years due to economic volatility and institutional instability. Accordingly, the study recommends restructuring agricultural support policies by directing them towards productive and technological investment, enhancing transparency, and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural spending, thereby contributing to achieving sustainable agricultural development and reducing dependence on food imports.

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Effect of zeolite on some physical and water properties of soil cultivated with chickpeas

Esraa Hussein Mohammed

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Abstract

Undisturbed surface soil samples were collected from two sites in Nineveh Governorate, northern Iraq: one with a clayey texture and the other with a silty clayey texture. The soil was transported and placed in 8 kg pots, ready for chickpea planting. Natural soil amendments, specifically zeolite at 1% and 2% levels, were added to the pots to determine their effect on soil water properties during the 2024-2025 growing season. Different percentages of available water were used: 25%, 50%, and 75%, under varying soil separation conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of zeolite on soil physical properties under different levels of water stress, varying percentages, and varying clay separation levels. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed. The results showed that zeolite had a clear effect on increasing the upper and lower limits of plasticity with changing the percentage of zeolite, as a percentage of 2% had higher limits in raising the lower and upper limits of plasticity. The levels of available water contributed to explaining these values. The results showed that using 50% led to an increase in both the lower and upper limits, and at different textures with a high percentage of clay to the first location, in a clear increase in the plasticity index compared to the other location. Therefore, using zeolite at a percentage of (25, 75)% had a lesser effect than 50%, which gave the best results. More than 1% achieved the best results and crop growth as a vegetative and root system was excellent compared to the other treatments.

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Detection of Carotenoids concentrations and their associated genes in sweet pepper plant (Capsicum carotenoids L.)

Ghada saad salih

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Abstract

The color of fruit and the concentration of carotenoids are significant traits for both consumers and breeders among the diverse cultivars of the genus Capsicum. The study aimed to measure the carotenoid concentration and their related genes in sweet pepper plant. Methods: Eight Imported sweet pepper fruits were collected from local Iraqi markets in Baghdad Governorate used for extraction of carotenoids by High- performance Liquid chromatography (HPLC). B-carotene related genes(Ccs and Lcyb) were measured by Polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Results: beta-carotene concentrations in the studied sweet pepper sample recorded was 160.98 μg/ml. The gel electrophoresis for 2% agarose indicate presence of Ccs gene in 2(25%) studied pepper samples with 450 bp. The gel electrophoresis for 2% agarose indicates presence of Lcyb gene in 6 (75%) studied pepper samples with 320 bp. Conclusion: HPLC analysis revealed correct identification and quantification of β-carotene in sweet pepper samples. The chromatographic peak from the extract matched the retention time of the standard β-carotene solution, indicating the presence of this pigment in the samples. Quantitative investigation showed β-carotene as a significant natural source of carotenoids with nutritional and antioxidant benefits.
The discovered genes may contribute to β-carotene biosynthesis and accumulation in sweet pepper fruits, confirming genetic heterogeneity in carotenoid production among examined samples

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Seed Yield and Phenolic-Flavonoid Response of( Nigella sativa L.) Under Graduated Salinity Stress Levels Analyzed by HPLC

Hiba Jomaa Al-Fahdawi

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Abstract

The field experiment was carried out at Al-Dour District in Salah Al-Din Governorate, Located in Iraq (34.62° N, 43.67° E; 102 m above sea level) during 2025–2026 growing season. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of four levels of salinity (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) on seed yield components and subsequent analysis of the phenolic-flavonoid profile in the resulting seeds of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) by HPLC-DAD. The results indicated that all the growth and yield parameters were significantly reduced with salinity stress in a progressive manner and the effect of the salinity treatments was enhanced by the natural background salinity of the experimental field soil, which was a clay loam with the background salinity value of 2.8 dS m⁻¹. The total seed yield dropped significantly with the high concentration (150 mM) treatment producing 241 kg ha-1 while the control (0 mM) produced 680 kg ha-1 (reduction rate 64.6%). In addition, the plant height, capsules per plant, seeds per capsule and 1000 seed weight were also negatively influenced. Total phenolics content (TPC) on the other hand, was significantly up-regulated from 18.3 to 31.7 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW (mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry weight). In the same way, the total flavonoid content (TFC) increased from 12.1 to 22.4 mg QE g⁻¹ DW (mg quercetin equivalent/gram dry weight). Distinct quantitative jumps have been observed for all of the separated compounds when salinity was increased, as obtained by chromatographic analysis (HPLC-DAD). The highest amount of chlorogenic acid was observed, which varied from 1.24 to 3.18 mg g⁻¹ DW (156.5% increase rate). Meanwhile, quercetin was dominant, which increased from 0.87 to 2.41 mg g⁻¹ DW (+177.0%). There was a steady significant increase in the remaining identified phenolic compounds (caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, kaempferol, luteolin, rutin and naringenin) demonstrating that salinity is not only responsible for an increase in total percentage of phenolics, it also has a qualitative and selective effect on the phytochemical composition of the seeds. The study showed clearly that the plant has a metabolic trade-off and when under stress, it shifts its energy and vital resources to synthesise protective phenolic and flavonoid compounds to tackle salinity stress rather than vegetative growth and seed formation processes.

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Evaluation of the efficiency of soil bacteria in promoting plant growth in hydrocarbon-contaminated soil

Eman H. Gatea

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Abstract

Petroleum is a significant source of soil pollution in addition to being a vital energy resource for promoting economic growth. Because petroleum is carcinogenic, its toxicity can have a negative influence on the environment in addition to having severe impacts on humans and animals. As a result, its removal from the environment raises concerns. The impact of rhizobacteria on soybean growth and tolerance in a medium influenced by petroleum hydrocarbons (crude oil) was examined. This study evaluated the effects of introducing plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterial strains into soybean seeds in a crude oil-impacted medium. The rhizobacterial strains included in this investigation were tested according to standard protocols for characteristics that support plant growth, such as phosphate solubilization and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity. The modified root elongation assay was used to measure the strains\\' ability to elongate plant roots and shoots. Using the biochemical test and Vitech system as a confirmed method, the isolates were determined to be Bacillus sp., Rhodospirillum, and Pseudomonas. The findings demonstrated that, in comparison to uninoculated seeds, seeds inoculated with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) demonstrated notable vegetative development at different concentrations of petroleum crude oil (1, 5, and 10 ml). At a concentration of 1 milliliter of oil, the inoculated seeds\\' root and shoot lengths were 12.5 and 5.2 cm (Bacillus), 6.4 and 1.6 cm (Rhodospirillum), 5.6 and 4.4 cm (Pseudomonas), and 0.8 and 1.4 cm (uninoculated). In the oil-impacted medium, the highest Tolerance Index (TI) for PGPR-inoculated soybean was recorded for B. sp. (2.06 to 1.71), Rhodospirillum (0.57 to 0.61), and Pseudomonas (0.80 to 0.69). This work suggests that B. sp. could be employed as a crude oil-tolerant rhizobacterium (PGPR) to reduce the detrimental effects of oil on plants and so encourage plant growth in the soil impacted by this pollutant.

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Effect of the ketogenic diet on weight, liver and kidney function

Mahmoud Ahmed Mohammed

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Abstract

This research was performed at the laboratories of the Food Science Department and the animal facility of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Tikrit University, from January 10, 2025, until November 15, 2025. The objective was to examine the impact of a ketogenic diet on the biochemical properties of laboratory white rats subjected to diets comprising fats from diverse sources, including rice oil (T2), animal fats (T3), hydrogenated vegetable oils (T4), ghee (T5), and olive oil (T7), over periods of 28 days and 21 days, respectively. The results indicated a substantial difference (p < 0.05) in the initial weights of the rats, which ranged from 284 to 326.25 g. The animals' weights diminished markedly by the conclusion of the experiment, with the greatest weight increase in treatment T2 recorded at 267.50 g, in contrast to 380.00 g in the control group at T1. The findings indicated a notable elevation in ALT enzyme concentration, peaking in treatment T6, which involved coconut oil supplementation, whereas treatment T3, comprising animal fats, had the lowest levels. The findings indicated a notable elevation in ALP enzyme levels across all treatments relative to the control group. Treatment T4, involving the administration of hydrogenated oils, produced the highest concentration, whereas treatment T2, utilizing rice oil, resulted in the lowest concentration. The findings indicated a notable elevation in ALP enzyme levels across all treatments relative to the control group. The findings demonstrate that administering different oils to rats influenced renal function. All treatments demonstrated a statistically significant elevation in creatinine concentration (p < 0.05) relative to the control sample T1, which recorded a value of 0.53 g/dl. Conversely, creatinine levels in treatment T2 considerably diminished to 0.47 mg/dl, representing the lowest figure among all treatments. Treatment T4 exhibited the highest creatinine level across the regimens. The findings indicated a considerable increase in urea levels in treatments T2, T5, T6, and T7, although treatments T3 and T4 exhibited a decrease, with levels of 27.67 and 28.33 g/dl, respectively. Treatment T2 produced the highest urea concentration, whilst treatment T3 exhibited the lowest, in comparison to the control treatment T1. The table indicates a substantial reduction in uric acid levels across all treatments T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7, with values of 4.17, 3.73, 3.43, 3.17, 2.73, and 7.13, respectively, in contrast to the control therapy T1, which recorded a level of 5.30.

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Elemental content response of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) seeds to metallic and nano-iron within Nineveh Governorate

Maryam Abdul Qadir Al-Badrani

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Abstract

Broad beans are considered a strategically important legume crop globally due to their high nutritional value. However, their productivity in calcareous soils (such as those found in Iraq) is negatively affected by the reduced availability of micronutrients, particularly iron, and the high pH and calcium carbonate content, which fixes the element and prevents its absorption,
Iron chlorosis is the biggest challenge for growing broad beans in alkaline calcareous soils. The high pH and the presence of calcium carbonate convert iron from its available form to a non-absorbable form, hindering chlorophyll formation and causing yellowing of the leaves and reduced yield.

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Alpha-lactalbumin protein in milk: Nutritional Properties and Vital Role in Human Health : a Review

Najla Hussen. Al Garory

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Abstract

Whey protein (WPI) comes from cheese, casein, and Greek yoghurt. A major source of functional proteins and peptides for the worldwide food industry. We can separate α-La, a globular protein, from whey protein isolate (WPI) utilising methods such acid precipitation, gel filtration, and membrane separation. α-lactalbumin dominates breast milk whey, followed by lactoferrin and immunoglobulins. In cow's milk, β-lactoglobulin is the main protein. Babies can not get enough of the amino acids tryptophan and lysine, as well as other physiologically active peptides, from this food. Some studies have shown that improving gastrointestinal health, immunological responses, and development by adding certain proteins, such α-lactalbumin, which includes important amino acids, to infant formula may also boost the absorption of vital trace elements like zinc and iron. Babies who are given formula may reap benefits comparable to those who are breastfed thanks to all these perks. The production of functional meals makes use of α-lactalbumin, which contains several peptides that include antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and mineral-binding capabilities. The review focuses on the nutritional benefits and features of α-lactalbumin, and also delves into its prospective uses for infants.

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Fungitoxicity and Inhibitory Activity of Nerium oleander Leaf Extracts Against Fusarium solani

Nour Al-Huda Khudair Samir

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Abstract

The results of this study demonstrated the effective role of biochemical compounds extracted from the leaves of Nerium oleander L. as a natural alternative for inhibiting the growth of the pathogenic fungus Fusarium solani (T18TAL-Rashaed), through a comparison between aqueous and alcoholic (95% ethanol) extracts. In this study, a pure fungal isolate was used, obtained from the Scientific Research Authority, Agricultural Research Center in Iraq, and registered in the international GenBank database affiliated with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
The laboratory experiment conducted in the Plant Laboratory, College of Science, University of Wasit, revealed variation in the results depending on the type of extract and the concentration used. Four concentrations were prepared for each extract (5, 10, 15, and 20%). The alcoholic extract showed qualitative superiority over the aqueous extract, achieving complete inhibition (100%) at concentrations of 10%, 15%, and 20%, whereas the highest inhibition percentage recorded for the aqueous extract did not exceed 33.80% at a concentration of 20%, compared with the negative control treatment (6.42%).
The results further indicated that the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the alcoholic extract was 10%, which resulted in complete inhibition of fungal colony growth. This variation in the results confirms the high efficiency of the alcoholic solvent in extracting phenolic compounds, alkaloids, resins, glycosides, and tannins, which were qualitatively identified as possessing antifungal activity from the plant leaves, compared with the aqueous solvent. Therefore, the alcoholic extract can be considered an effective biological option for fungal control

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Morphological Responses of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars to Water Stress under Field Conditions: A Review Study

Sajid Hamid Essa

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Abstract

This review summarizes recent findings regarding the morphological, physiological, and yield responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars to water deficit stress under field conditions. Wheat is one of the world’s major cereal crops and provides nearly 35% of global calories and protein; however, its productivity is increasingly threatened by drought and climate change, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iraq. Water deficit stress causes abscisic acid accumulation, stomatal closure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and reduced photosynthetic activity, ultimately accelerating leaf senescence. Drought conditions also reduce plant height, tiller number, flag leaf area, and total dry matter accumulation due to restricted cell division and elongation. Grain yield is severely affected, especially during flowering and grain-filling stages, where reduced CO₂ availability negatively influences pollination and kernel development. The review highlights the importance of drought adaptation strategies, including drought escape, drought tolerance, and drought avoidance, in wheat breeding programs. Furthermore, field-based evaluation of morphological traits and drought indices such as the Standardized Soil Wetness Index (SSI) and Stress Tolerance Index (STI) is recommended for identifying drought-tolerant wheat cultivars. Long-term yield stability can be improved through efficient irrigation management and the selection of genotypes with high water-use efficiency.

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Effect of levels of organic fertilizer (compost) prepared from the Conocarpus plant on the vegetative characteristics of two radish varieties (Raphanus sativus L.) grown in sandy loam soil.

Shirin S. Al-Shewaili

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Abstract

The.study showed that adding different levels (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5) tons/dunum of local compost prepared from the Canocarpes Lan cifolius plant led to a significant increase when added to two varieties of local and Indian radish plants. An increase was observed in the morphological characteristics of both varieties, with a significant increase at the significance level of (0.05) in height, number.of leaves, leaf surface area, dry vegetative mass, and root weight. Both varieties were grown in.sandy loam soil. A significant difference was found in the response of the two radish varieties to increasing levels of organic fertilizer, with a difference of (0.05 p) between them, according to the studied growth criteria and characteristics shown in Table No. (3). Significant interactions were recorded between the varieties and levels of organic fertilizer, and significantly in the growth characteristics of the two radish varieties grown, and the extent of the response of some radish varieties to these levels of organic fertilizers in sandy loam .

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Effect of phosphate fertilization and spraying with seaweed extract on growth and yield of Rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)

Sundus Kamil Alhilfi

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Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during the 2023/2024 winter season at the Research Station of the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah , to determine the growth, yield, and quality response of rapeseed to three phosphorus levels (35,70, and 105 kg ha-1),and spray with three concentrations of seaweeds extract (4, 8, and 12 g L⁻¹). The results showed that 135 kg P ha-1 gave of the highest seed yield (2.147ton ha-1). Spraying plants with 12 g L-1of Sea weeds extract produced the highest ,yield (1.896ton ha-1), which was significantly higher over all other treatments. It can be concluded that application of Phosphorus with 105 g L-1 achieving maximum, seed yield and its components under the environmental conditions of Basrah province

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Isolation and Molecular Identification of Lipase-Producing Yeasts from Marine and Oil-Contaminated Environments in Basra, Iraq

Waad Blaasm Abd Alsada

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Abstract

Lipases are hydrolytic enzymes with important applications in biotechnology, food processing, biodiesel production, and environmental remediation. This study aimed to isolate and identify lipase-producing yeasts from environmental samples collected from marine and oil-contaminated sites in Basra, Iraq. A total of 80 soil and water samples were collected from different locations, including oil-contaminated soils, seawater, pond and swamp water, and agricultural soils. Yeast isolates were purified and initially characterized using macroscopic and microscopic features, followed by preliminary biochemical identification using the VITEK-2 system. Molecular identification was performed by PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer ITS region of ribosomal DNA .
ITS-based analysis confirmed three lipase-producing yeast isolates belonging to two species: Cyberlindnera jadinii and Candida parapsilosis WISP1 and Candida parapsilosis WISP3. The isolates showed positive lipolytic activity on Spirit Blue Agar supplemented with olive oil, as indicated by clear zones around the colonies. Lipase activity was further supported using modified Rhodamine B olive oil agar, where orange fluorescent halos were observed under ultraviolet light. Sudan Black B staining also indicated intracellular lipid accumulation in the tested yeast isolates under nitrogen-limited and carbon-rich conditions. These findings provide preliminary qualitative evidence that selected environmental samples from Basra contain yeast isolates capable of producing extracellular lipase under the tested screening conditions. Further quantitative enzymatic assays would be required to evaluate lipase production efficiency.

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Enhancing the sustainability of some Triticum aestivum L. varieties through the application of different types of nutrients

Wadhah Thabit Abed Al-Dahi

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Abstract

experiment was conducted in Mosul during 2025 season. It was implemented using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 45 experimental units of 2 m² each. The experiment included two factors: the first factor involved three bread wheat varieties (Arabia, Benko, and Pharaonia), and the second factor involved the type of fertilization, which included five types (control, humic, amino acids, neutral NPK, and a mixture of fertilizers). Fertilization was applied one and a half months after germination. The experiment aimed to compare the varieties used and the types of fertilization applied to reduce use of chemical fertilization. results showed that the Arabia variety was superior in terms of number of spikes. m-2 (336.84), grain yield (3154.95 kg/ha), harvest index (41.07%), and gluten content (32.22%). While the Benko variety excelled in the number of branches (8.52), the Pharaonia variety excelled in plant height (134.84 cm), flag leaf area (35.98 cm²), and number of spikes. m-2 (113.95), and biological yield (13308.3 kg. ha⁻¹). Regarding fertilization, the mixed fertilizer treatment was superior in all studied traits. In a two-way interaction, the Arabiya variety, under the mixed fertilizer treatment, excelled in grain yield and number of spikes m⁻².

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Impact of Milking Frequency on Lactation Performance and Milk Component Yields in Crossbred Friesian Cows in Al-Shatrah City

Muayad Abdulwahid Jaber Al-Fayad

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This study was conducted in Al-Shatrah District, Thi-Qar Province, Iraq, from 1 October 2022 to 31 July 2023, in two private dairy farms to evaluate the effect of milking frequency (once vs. twice daily) on daily and total milk yield, major milk components (fat%, protein%, lactose%), and the yields of fat, protein, and lactose in crossbred Friesian cows (Friesian × AL-Janoubi local breed) raised under the environmental conditions of southern Iraq.A total of 33 lactating cows were used (16 milked once daily and 17 milked twice daily; all hand-milked) at the beginning of lactation, differing in age and parity, and suckling calves of both sexes.Milking frequency significantly affected (P ≤ 0.05) daily and total milk yield. Cows milked twice daily produced significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) daily and total milk yields (8.48 and 2552.02 kg, respectively) compared with cows milked once daily.Milking frequency significantly affected (P ≤ 0.05) certain milk components. Cows milked once daily showed a significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) fat percentage (3.77%) compared with cows milked twice daily. No significant differences were observed in protein% and lactose%, although numerically higher values were recorded for cows milked once daily.Milking frequency also significantly influenced (P ≤ 0.05) fat, protein, and lactose yields. Cows milked twice daily produced significantly higher amounts of fat, protein, and lactose (7.76, 7.84, and 11.70 kg, respectively).

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The impact of spraying the growth regulators \"Gibberellin and Seasol\" on some growth indicators and chemical content of local Pomegranate seedlings

Jamal Abdul Redha

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Effect of potassium polyacrylate on protein pattern changes in Canary palm (Phoenix canariensis L.) offshoots growing under oxidative stress conditions

Tibah S.J. ALwhely

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The experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of superabsorbent polymer (potassium polyacrylate) and drought stress levels (irrigation intervals) on changes in the protein pattern of Canary Island date palm offshoots. Twenty-seven three-year-old Canary Island date palm offshoots were selected and grown in pots. The study included a two-factor experiment. The first factor involved treating the Canary Island date palm offshoots with the polymer compound at three different concentrations (0, 100 g, and 150 g per offshoot), applied to the root zone. The second factor included treating the offshoots with different irrigation intervals (one irrigation every 2, 10, 30 days). The treatment continued for a full growing season, after which samples were taken from the offshoot leaves and the samples were dried using the freeze-dryer technique (Lyophilization technique). The protein was extracted from the samples and protein migration was performed on Polyacrylamide gel using the Slab-Electrophoresis method in the presence of SDS teratogenic agents. The molecular weights of the proteins were estimated and plotted using a special computer program, PhotoCapt Mw. The study results showed clear differences between all the study conditions, with the protein bands exhibiting varying characteristics in terms of size, area, and height depending on the treatment. The protein profile results also indicated that all the offshoots shared the same protein bands on polyacrylamide gel. The molecular weights of the proteins in the first band ranged from 221.223 to 248.864 kDa, while the molecular weights of the proteins in the second band ranged from 147.379 to 170.902 kDa. This similarity in the molecular weights of the protein bands in all the studied offshoots suggests that they originate from a single plant species. The study results also showed that the appearance of protein bundles with low molecular weights may be due to a mechanism the plant uses to cope with the stresses it is exposed to. These proteins increase with the increase in the stress period, and these proteins can be considered a type of osmotic protein whose appearance increases under stress conditions and are called osmotic protection proteins. The proteomic analysis results clearly show that the studied treatments (especially the drought treatments) significantly affected gene expression in the seedlings and caused the emergence of new protein bands. This indicates that the treatments stimulated the cells to synthesize new proteins that support growth and development indicators in plants growing under drought stress. Furthermore, the treatments had a clear effect on changing the positions of the protein bands and varying their molecular weights, suggesting that the treatments activated gene expression and the synthesis of new proteins that may play a role in improving plant growth and drought resistance.

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Identification, extraction, purification, and application of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in foods.

Nawras Mohammad Al-Timeme

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Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid composed of four carbon atoms. GABA represents a point of convergence between traditional food science and modern health and wellness While gamma-aminobutyric acid is produced naturally by the body, this production process decreases as one ages. This implies that GABA can be taken as a supplement food. GABA is produced in many organisms including plants, animals, and various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Some actions of gamma-aminobutyric acid include enhanced sleep, decreased blood pressure, glucose reduction, relaxation, and neuroprotection. It is clear from the above analysis that the increased interest in GABA production worldwide is based on an intention to increase food safety and improve human health status. Lactic acid bacteria form one of the key groups responsible for GABA production. These bacteria assist in preventing food decay, fighting pathogenic bacteria, and stimulating the growth of beneficial microflora in the digestive system. From the viewpoint of food industry applications, GABA shows its huge capabilities for enriching functional properties of food while preserving all other sensory qualities and technical parameters. An example of such application is the use of GABA in the development of functionally enriched aged cheese.

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Histological Effect of Mint extract and Metoclopramide on Mammary Gland Tissues

Nahla Abbas Hussein

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Plants are considered a rich source of phytochemicals with significant medicinal value. Among these, spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) stands out as an important natural source of polyphenols known for their diverse biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of both metoclopramide and spearmint extract on the histological structure of the mammary gland, using hematoxylin blue staining. The study was conducted from October 27, 2025, to November 27, 2025, in the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Tikrit University, in collaboration with the laboratories of the College of Science .The study included twenty-eight female mice, which were divided into four equal groups and maintained under normal conditions. Group A1 served as the control group and included lactating females that received no treatment, with free access to food and water. Group A2 was treated with a 10% spearmint solution, while Group A3 received a dose of 2 mg of metoclopramide. Group A4 was subjected to a combined treatment consisting of 2 mg of metoclopramide along with 10% spearmint extract .The histological results revealed clear changes in the mammary glands of the treated groups, including an increase in the size of lobules and alveoli, as well as dilation of their lumens compared to the control group. The combined treatment group showed a more pronounced increase in the number of these structures, along with elevated secretory activity, as indicated by the accumulation of secretory materials within the alveoli. This was accompanied by a noticeable reduction in adipose tissue.

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Comparative Histopathological Effects of Semaglutide and Liraglutide on the liver, kidney, and abdominal aorta in High- Fat- Induce Obese Male Albino Rats

Inas Muajal Nayef

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Semaglutide and liraglutide are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)–based diabetes drugs. Semaglutide possesses a longer half-life. Utilizing relatively lower doses. Then the aim of the study is to compare the beneficial metabolic effects of these 2 drugs in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD), aiming to deepen our mechanistic understanding of their energy homeostatic functions. This study used 30 albino male rats, obtained from the animal house of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Tikrit University, from January 1, 2025, to March 21, 2025. The experiment was divided into six groups: Group 1 (G1): Control group that received the standard diet throughout the experiment. Group 2 (G2): Fattened control group that received the special diet throughout the experiment. Group 3 (G3): obese rats with low doses of semaglutide (0.5 mg/kg). Group 4 (G4): obese rats with high doses of semaglutide (1.0 mg/kg). Group 5 (G5): obese rats with low doses of liraglutide (0.2 mg/kg). Group 6 (G6): obese rats with high doses of liraglutide (0.4 mg/kg). The present study indicated that semaglutide and liraglutide have a protective and histological effect against the pathological changes associated with obesity, with a relative superiority of higher doses in reducing inflammatory damage and cellular degeneration and improving the microstructure of the studied organs

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Effects of Different Sodium Nitrate Treatments on Rat Serum and Their Impact on CAT2 Gene Expression

Narmeen Abdullah Ali Al-Sabaawi

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This study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) on CAT2 gene expression in Wistar albino rats as a molecular indicator of oxidative stress. A total of 32 female rats, aged 35–60 days and weighing 60–100 g, were randomly divided into control and treatment groups and maintained under standard laboratory conditions throughout the experimental period. Sodium nitrate was administered orally once daily using gastric gavage at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.06 mg/kg body weight, while the control group received distilled water only. Molecular analysis revealed dose-dependent alterations in CAT2 gene expression. Low concentrations induced significant upregulation of CAT2 expression, reaching up to 3.4-fold change, indicating activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Conversely, higher concentrations or prolonged exposure resulted in marked downregulation in some groups, reaching 0.1-fold change, suggesting oxidative stress–induced depletion of endogenous antioxidant systems. These findings indicate that sodium nitrate exerts dual biological effects depending on concentration and exposure conditions, and confirm the importance of CAT2 as a reliable biomarker for oxidative stress assessment.

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The Role of Oxidative Stress in Causing Mitochondrial Dysfunction

R.A.Hussein

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Mitochondria are vital organelles involved in ATP synthesis via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The term oxidative stress refers to the condition of imbalance between ROS production and the antioxidative capacity of an organism. This review aims to outline recent findings regarding the mechanisms underlying oxidative stress-caused mitochondrial dysfunction. Specifically, the following topics will be discussed: damage to ETC, mtDNA mutations, depolarization of mitochondrial membranes, and mitochondrial apoptosis.
Methods: A systematic review of scientific articles was performed using Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for papers published between 2010 and 2024. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines (2020), a total of 58 peer-reviewed articles were used after their screening and analysis. These were clinical randomized controlled trials, in vivo animal studies, and in vitro experiments. Results & Conclusions: There is sufficient evidence that mitochondria-mediated OXPHOS leads to the formation of ROS, resulting in a feedback cycle in which ROS damage to ETC causes further ROS production. The key targets include Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase), mtDNA (D-loop region), cardiolipin, and mPTP. ROS damage to mitochondria can underlie various pathologies, including neurodegenerative, metabolic, cardiovascular diseases, and aging. Thus, targeting mitochondria via MitoQ, SS-31, SkQ1 may represent an effective approach.

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The Role of Plant Microbiome in Enhancing Environmental Stress Tolerance: A Review

Gulzar Noori Wahab

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The plant microbiome represents a complex and integrated biological system that plays a fundamental role in supporting plant growth and enhancing plant adaptability to a wide range of environmental stresses, including both biotic and abiotic factors. Plant-associated microorganisms significantly contribute to improving nutrient acquisition from the soil through processes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and increased availability of essential mineral elements, thereby promoting plant growth and improving overall physiological performance.
Moreover, the plant microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating plant hormonal balance through the production of growth-promoting compounds such as auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins, which positively influence root development and overall biomass accumulation. In addition, it contributes to reducing oxidative stress induced by harsh environmental conditions by activating antioxidant defense systems and minimizing reactive oxygen species accumulation, thereby maintaining cellular integrity.
Furthermore, the plant microbiome enhances plant tolerance to drought, salinity, and temperature extremes by improving water use efficiency, maintaining ionic homeostasis, and protecting cellular proteins and membranes from damage. It also strengthens plant immune responses against pathogens through mechanisms such as induced systemic resistance (ISR), biological competition, and the production of antimicrobial compounds.
Based on the findings presented, the utilization of the plant microbiome represents a promising strategy for advancing sustainable agriculture. It contributes to reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, improving crop productivity, and strengthening global food security in the face of increasing climate change and environmental challenges.

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Grain peptides and their role as antimicrobial agents, and their applications in food

Sheren Fadhal Abbas

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The study showed that grains are a staple food in many cultures around the world and are considered a key component of the human diet. Grains vary, these are whole grains such as rice, wheat, barley, corn, and oats, and legumes such as beans and lentils. to legumes such as beans and lentils. Grains are of great importance in terms of their nutritional value, health benefits, and impact on ecological balance. Nutritionally, grains are important as they are a rich source of proteins, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins (such as B vitamins), and minerals (such as iron and magnesium). In addition, grains contain bioactive components such as phenols and flavonoids that support human health. The dietary fiber in grains helps improve digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce cholesterol levels. Consuming grains from a health perspective helps regulate and prevent many chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Whole grains contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the body and improve immune system function. Grains also contribute to preventing digestive problems such as constipation and help maintain a healthy weight due to their ability to promote a feeling of fullness for longer periods. The study indicated that grains and legumes play a vital role as an ideal environment for many microbes, such as bacteria and fungi. While some microbial species offer benefits, such as improving fiber digestion or producing beneficial substances for the body (like probiotics), there may be a risk of harmful microbes contaminating grains during storage or processing. Therefore, it is important to adhere to hygienic grain handling and storage methods to minimize the risk of microbial contamination. Grains have numerous applications in food. They are primarily used in the production of bread, baked goods, pasta, dry cereals, and snacks. They can also be used in soups, juices, and beverages, and serve as dietary supplements.
Grains contribute to the production of health supplements such as cereal powders and fortified meals. Within the framework of nutritional enhancement, grains are used in the production of innovative food products such as plant-based protein alternatives, including meat substitutes. Grains are not merely a source of energy; they play a significant role in improving overall health by providing essential nutrients. A balanced grain diet promotes healthy bodily functions and contributes to the prevention of many diseases

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Spatial Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution and Physicochemical Characteristics of Al-Gharraf River Water in Al-Rifai City, Dhi Qar Governorate

Mohammed O. Toban

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Al-Gharraf River faces increasing environmental challenges due to population growth and intensive industrial and agricultural activities. This study aimed to assess surface water quality and heavy metal pollution levels in Al-Gharraf River as it flows through Al-Rifai City, southern Iraq. Water samples were collected from four different sites along a 20 km stretch (before, within, and after the city) to estimate physicochemical characteristics (pH, EC, TDS, TH, SAR) and heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe). The results showed spatial variations in the values of the studied variables, with a gradual increase in salt and heavy metal concentrations downstream, particularly within urban areas. Analyses revealed that the concentrations of most heavy metals, especially lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and iron (Fe), exceeded the permissible limits according to World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) and Iraqi Standard Specification (IQS, 2009). This deterioration in water quality is primarily attributed to the direct discharge of untreated sewage, industrial wastewater, and agricultural runoff laden with pesticides and fertilizers. The study concludes that the river water in the study area suffers from chemical pollution that poses a potential threat to public health and the environment, necessitating the implementation of urgent strategies for treatment and pollution reduction

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Analysis of the combined effect of irrigation water salinity, humic acid and potassium fertilizer on soluble calcium dynamics, soil pH and wheat plant height (Triticum aestivum L.)

Fatima Abdul Ridha Jawa

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A pot experiment was conducted in one of the fields belonging to the Department of Soil Science and Water Resources at University of Sumer /Dhi Qar Governorate, using a silty clay loam soil, to study the combined effect of irrigation water salinity, humic acid, and potassium fertilizer on soluble calcium dynamics, soil pH, and wheat plant height. The experiment was designed according to the RCBD design, with three replications. The experiment included three factors: the first factor was irrigation water salinity at three levels (1, 2, 3, and 6 dS.m-1) obtained from a drain east of Al-Rifai city, symbolized by the symbols S1, S2, and S3. The second factor is potassium fertilizer at two levels (150 and 250) kg K. ha-1, symbolized by K1 and K2 respectively. The third factor was humic acid, which was added in different ways: soil addition (HT), foliar addition (HF), combined addition (HFT), and no addition (H0). The quantity is divided into three stages of growth: branching, elongation, and flowering .
Wheat seeds were planted on November 15th, 2025. Soluble calcium ions, soil pH, and plant height were measured at the end of the experiment (harvest stage). The results showed the following:
Adding salinity to the irrigation water significantly affected soluble calcium levels, with the highest value recorded at level S1 (6.62 mmol kg⁻¹ soil) and the lowest value at level S3 (6.12 mmol kg⁻¹ soil). Salinity also affected soil pH, with the highest value recorded at level S3 (7.86) and the lowest at level S1. Furthermore, it affected average plant height, with level S1 recording the highest average plant height at 67.58 cm. Potassium addition did not significantly affect soluble calcium levels or soil pH, but it significantly affected average plant height at level K2. Humic acid addition showed that HFT treatment resulted in the highest soluble calcium levels, soil pH, and plant height.
As for the two-way interaction treatments (S*K, S*H, and K*H), they recorded a significant effect on all the measured traits, while the three-way interaction (S*K*H) also recorded a significant effect on the studied traits in both the values of soluble calcium, where the treatment S1K1HFT recorded the highest value, which reached 7.06 mmol kg-1 soil, and in the average plant height as well, as the average height reached 70.67 cm, while the treatment S3K2H0 recorded the highest value in the soil pH, which reached 8.06.

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Isolation and diagnosis of the bacteria causing gingivitis in humans and testing for their drug sensitivity

Samah H. Khalaf

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The study aimed to isolate and identify the bacteria causing gingivitis. 100 samples were collected from patients with gingivitis during the period from September 2024 to January 2025. Samples were taken from the gingival area using sterile cotton swabs, The samples were diagnosed phenotypically and microscopically, as well as biochemical testing.To confirm the diagnostic results,use the Vitek-2 Compact System The antibiotic susceptibility testing for bacterial isolates was conducted using disk diffusion method, According to CLSI M100 35rd2 The results showed that the highest isolation rate for bacteria causing gingivitis was for for S. aureus (28%), followed by S. epidermidis (19%), S. haemolyticus (14%), and St. sanguinis (10%). The lowest isolation rate was for St. thoraltensis (5%), All bacterial isolates showed high sensitivity to the antibiotic ofloxacin. Most isolates showed resistance to the antibiotics azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin.

84

Article Review of Immunogenic Responses to Escherichia coli Infections

Muna B. Aldeen

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85

A comparative study of the effect of plant part source and growth regulator in tissue culture propagation of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivar Barhi

Hassan A. Faisal

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Abstract

This research was conducted in the Tissue Culture Laboratory, College of Science, University of Basrah, from March 2024 to October 2025, to investigate the effect of plant part source (apical bud, flower bud) and treatment with the growth regulator dimethylallylamino purine (2ip) at four concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mg L⁻¹) added to the medium of both the terminal bud and the flower parts cultured separately. The results showed that the treatment with the plant part source (flower bud) and the cytokinin (2ip) treatment at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mg L⁻¹ were significantly superior in recording the highest values for the studied traits (percentage of initial callus induction, time required for embryonic callus appearance, fresh and dry weight of embryonic callus, time required for embryo emergence, and number of embryos), the embryos (as measured by treatment with the terminal bud and cytokinin (2ip) at a concentration of 3 mg.L-1) showed the lowest values for the traits studied above. The interaction between the two study factors had a significant effect on most of the studied traits.

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Silage Quality and Nutritional Evaluation of Narbon Vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.) Genotypes Harvested at Two Growth Stages

Saya Fatih Karim

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This study evaluated the influence of Narbon Vetch (Vicia narbonensis) genotypes, harvesting stages and their interaction on silage fermentation characteristics, nutritional composition, Fleig points and silage quality under controlled conditions of sulaimani governorate. Narbon vetch were planted according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial experiment (4 х 2), first factor was four genotypes (G1:ICARDA2384), (G2:ICARDA2383), (G3:ICARDA2380), and (G4:ICARDA2816)] of Narbon Vetch, and second factor was harvesting at two different growing stages (FS: flowering stage and RS: reproductive stage) to making silage, the crop harvested and chopped, then put in polyethylene bags and stored for 50 days. The results showed that the differences among genotypes are significant; G3 and G4 had higher dry matter percent, lower pH, higher lactic acid concentration, and superior Fleig scores, resulting in good to very good quality of silage in compare to G1 and G2 which was produced silage with poor fermentation and lower quality. Harvesting at flowering stage enhanced fermentation and Fleig points in comparison with the reproductive stage. The interaction between genotypes and harvesting stage significantly influenced most quality traits. The highest silage quality was obtained by interaction (G4хFS) and (G3хRS), on the other hand (G2хRS) interaction resulted in very poor silage quality.

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Microbiological evaluation of yogurt stored in different types of containers over various time periods

Hadya Hassan Dabas

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From February 22, 2025, until September 10, 2025, this study was carried out at the labs of the University of Tikrit's Department of Food Science, which is connected to the College of Agriculture, and the Department of Chemical Engineering. In order to investigate the impact of storage in plastic, glass, and aluminum containers on the microbiological content of yogurt samples held for 1, 14, and 21 days, milk samples were collected from the Shirqat district.
According to the study's findings, samples kept in glass containers had the lowest microbial concentration, at 15.53 log CFU/ml, while samples kept in plastic containers had the highest microbial content, at 17.11 log CFU/ml. Plastic was determined to be better in terms of microbiological counts during the 14-day storage period, which had the highest microbial count across all treatments in the statistical comparison of storage durations. Additionally, a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was found across the treatments; the treatment kept in glass jars had the highest lactic acid bacteria count (9,089 log CFU), whereas the treatments kept in plastic and aluminum containers had lower counts.
Additionally, the results revealed that samples kept in aluminum containers had the highest concentration of coliform bacteria (5.97 log cfu/ml), whereas those kept in glass containers had the lowest level of coliform bacterial contamination. The numbers in the plastic-stored sample were in the middle of the two previously described samples. The results showed no growth in any of the samples after 1 day of storage. On day 14, however, the samples kept in plastic exhibited the greatest levels of mold and yeast, with levels of 2.27 and 1.78 log cfu/ml, respectively, followed by those kept in aluminum. Day 21 has the most content when comparing the findings across storage periods.

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An Environmental Study on the Impact of Surface Water Salinity on Agricultural Activity in Thi-Qar Governorate"

Hasanain Ali Al-Kinani

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This study aims to assess the impact of salinity, sodium Hazard and some physical and chemical properties of irrigation water on agricultural activity in three selected main sites in the Thi Qar governorate in southern Iraq, the Euphrates River, the jabayish marshes, and the Gharraf River. Water samples were collected during the summer seasons of 2025, and the study included determining water quality indicators, including electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved salts (TDS), (pH), chloride ions (Cl−) , sulfate (SO4−2), sodium (Na+) , potassium (K+) , bicarbonate (HCO3−), magnesium (Mg+2) , calcium (Ca+2), in addition to the sodium absorption ratio (SAR( .
The results of the study showed a clear spatial and temporal contrast between the three sites. The values of electrical conductivity, total dissolved salts, chloride, sulfate, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium ions often exceeded the permissible limits for irrigation water, indicating high salinity and potential risks to agricultural use .While the values of both the pH and (SAR) were within acceptable levels, reflecting the reduced severity of alkalinity and the danger of sodium.
The water of the Euphrates River recorded greater increases in salinity and concentration of dissolved elements, while the waters of the AL-Gharraf River and the jabayish marshes showed moderate fluctuations reflecting the impact of seasonal changes, surface runoff caused by agricultural activity and local environmental pressures. These results confirm the vulnerability of surface water resources in the study area to Salinization and chemical pollution, and the negative effects on soil fertility and crop productivity . Accordingly, the study recommends the need for continuous monitoring of water quality and the application of integrated management programs to reduce the risk of salt pollution , and encourage the cultivation of plants that are not sensitive to high salt concentrations .the study also provides comprehensive data supporting sustainable agricultural planning and Water Resources Management in southern Iraq.

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Impact of Milking Frequency on Lactation Performance and Milk Component Yields in Crossbred Friesian Cows in Al-Shatrah City

Muayad Abdulwahid Jaber Al-Fayad

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Abstract

This study was conducted in Al-Shatrah District, Thi-Qar Province, Iraq, from 1 October 2022 to 31 July 2023, in two private dairy farms to evaluate the effect of milking frequency (once vs. twice daily) on daily and total milk yield, major milk components (fat%, protein%, lactose%), and the yields of fat, protein, and lactose in crossbred Friesian cows (Friesian × AL-Janoubi local breed) raised under the environmental conditions of southern Iraq.A total of 33 lactating cows were used (16 milked once daily and 17 milked twice daily; all hand-milked) at the beginning of lactation, differing in age and parity, and suckling calves of both sexes.Milking frequency significantly affected (P ≤ 0.05) daily and total milk yield. Cows milked twice daily produced significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) daily and total milk yields (8.48 and 2552.02 kg, respectively) compared with cows milked once daily.Milking frequency significantly affected (P ≤ 0.05) certain milk components. Cows milked once daily showed a significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) fat percentage (3.77%) compared with cows milked twice daily. No significant differences were observed in protein% and lactose%, although numerically higher values were recorded for cows milked once daily.Milking frequency also significantly influenced (P ≤ 0.05) fat, protein, and lactose yields. Cows milked twice daily produced significantly higher amounts of fat, protein, and lactose (7.76, 7.84, and 11.70 kg, respectively).

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Impact of Milking Frequency on Lactation Performance and Milk Component Yields in Crossbred Friesian Cows in Al-Shatrah City

Muayad Abdulwahid Jaber Al-Fayad

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Abstract

This study was conducted in Al-Shatrah District, Thi-Qar Province, Iraq, from 1 October 2022 to 31 July 2023, in two private dairy farms to evaluate the effect of milking frequency (once vs. twice daily) on daily and total milk yield, major milk components (fat%, protein%, lactose%), and the yields of fat, protein, and lactose in crossbred Friesian cows (Friesian × AL-Janoubi local breed) raised under the environmental conditions of southern Iraq.A total of 33 lactating cows were used (16 milked once daily and 17 milked twice daily; all hand-milked) at the beginning of lactation, differing in age and parity, and suckling calves of both sexes.Milking frequency significantly affected (P ≤ 0.05) daily and total milk yield. Cows milked twice daily produced significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) daily and total milk yields (8.48 and 2552.02 kg, respectively) compared with cows milked once daily.Milking frequency significantly affected (P ≤ 0.05) certain milk components. Cows milked once daily showed a significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) fat percentage (3.77%) compared with cows milked twice daily. No significant differences were observed in protein% and lactose%, although numerically higher values were recorded for cows milked once daily.Milking frequency also significantly influenced (P ≤ 0.05) fat, protein, and lactose yields. Cows milked twice daily produced significantly higher amounts of fat, protein, and lactose (7.76, 7.84, and 11.70 kg, respectively).

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A Study on the Working Efficiency of a Disc Opener for a Zero-Tillage Seeder and its Effect on Specific Mechanization and Agronomic Indicators under Varying Environmental Conditions

Thakir J. M. Dlem

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Abstract

This study was aimed to determine the effect of a seeder equipped with disc openers on some mechanical indicators and grain yield under different environmental conditions. The field study was conducted in three different sites located within Ninawa Governorate, which were Tel Kaif (A), Mahlabiyah (B), and Zummar (C), during the winter season of 2024-2025 through utilizing a zero-tillage seeder with disc opener seeder. This seeder was investigated under 15% and 20% soil moisture contents. The soil texture of the fields in the three sites were silty loam, sandy loam, and clay loam in site A, B and C, respectively. The experiment was designed using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a split-plot arrangement with three replications for each treatment. The studied traits included Draft Force, Noise, Vibration, and Total Grain Yield. The interaction between site C and the highest moisture content recorded the highest significant values for Draft Force (13.02 kN) and Noise (92.00 dB). Conversely, the same site with both moisture contents recorded the highest vibration values (3.5, 3.00 m sec⁻², respectively). However, site A with both moisture contents recorded the highest total grain yield (4213, 4020 kg ha⁻¹, respectively).

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Effect of salicylic acid on water stress tolerance of two cultivars of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under two agricultural systems.

Zainab Hameed Abdullah alkhalidy

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Abstract

The field experiment was conducted in Tel Kaif district, Nineveh Governorate Iraq(36.491° N, 43.120° E), located approximately 20 km northeast of Mosul city center , during the 2023–2024 growing season to study the effect of salicylic acid foliar spray on the growth and yield of two bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars: Denk and Ozkan, under two farming systems—conservation and conventional agriculture. The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, using three spray concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 100, and 200 mg·L⁻¹). The results showed that spraying at a concentration of 200 mg·L⁻¹ led to significant increases in grain yield, number of spikes, spike weight, spike length, and 1000-grain weight. Meanwhile, the concentration of 100 mg·L⁻¹ gave the highest values for biological yield and number of tillers. The Denk cultivar outperformed in most of the studied traits, particularly in plant height, grain yield, and harvest index, while the Ozkan cultivar showed superiority only in 1000-grain weight. Regarding the farming systems, the conventional system resulted in higher tiller number and biological yield, while conservation agriculture performed better in plant height, spike length, and spike weight. The triple interaction between the Denk cultivar, conservation farming, and 200 mg·L⁻¹ salicylic acid achieved the highest grain yield (1483.05 g).

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Impact of injecting eggs with Ascorbic acid and Glucose on lengths of Digestive Tract parts of Japanese Quail

Zainab A. Saud

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Abstract

This study was conducted to demonstrate the effect of injecting Japanese quail eggs with ascorbic acid and glucose and their mixture on the length of the parts of the digestive tract. Six hundred fertilized eggs were purchased from one of the private hatcheries in Baghdad/Iraq. Distribute the eggs into four equal groups (150 eggs for each), then injected with nutrient solutions as follows: First group (T1): without injection (control), the second group (T2): 0.1 ml ascorbic acid, 1% concentration, the third group (T3): 0.1 ml glucose, 1% concentration, and the fourth group (T4): A mixture of (0.1 ml ascorbic acid + 0.1 ml of glucose). Each group consists of 3 replicates (50 eggs) per replicate. After hatching, the birds were fed two diets, starter and final, for 6 weeks. The results of the study showed a significant increase (P≥0.05) in most of the lengths of the parts of the digestive tract. This indicates a positive indicator of improvement and increase in absorption in the digestive tract and the development of its ability to perform.