Dijlah Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Fusarium solani induced damping-off is an important limiting factor for tomato production in Iraq,
and leads to severe epidemics with large stand losses. This research aimed to test the efficacy of
organic NPK fertilizer, wood vinegar and bio-control fungus Trichoderma hamatum either sole or
coupled application against disease incidence and seedling performance. The NPK fertilizer (18 g
pot⁻¹) was the best fertilizer treatment and resulted in the highest level of germination rate (80.55%),
least seed rot incidence (19.45%) and minimum seedling mortality (9.63%). It also possessed better
growth characteristics both among all endophytes tested, such as maximum height of seedling (6.602
cm), shoot dry weight (0.7657 g) and root dry weight (0.06214 g). Among wood vinegar
concentrations, the 2% level was the most effective with germination (84.44%) and seed rot (15.56%)
both reduced and lower percentage of seedling mortality (7.04%), as well as better growth attributes
(seedling height 6.587 cm; shoot dry weight 0.7717 g; root dry weight 0.06237 g). With respect to
fungal ratios, the T3:F0 treatment (pure T. hamatum) exhibited the best performance resulting in the
highest germination percentage (91.67%), lowest seed rot incidence (8.33%) and most vigorous
growth of seedlings (height 6.785 cm; shoot dry weight 0.8460 g; root dry weight 0.07582 g). In
conclusion, T. hamatum and 2% wood vinegar combined with NPK at 18 g were observed to
substantially contribute to disease control and the improvement of seedling vigor under our
experimental condition, suggesting that these appeared promising in integrated management of tomato
damping-off.

A Laboratory experiment was carried out to study the effect of soil Inoculation with fungus
for bioremediation of soil that Contaminated with heavy metals because this problem has become of
great concern due to the adverse effects its causing around the world and the exposure of Iraqi soil in
general and agricultural soils in particular to the pollution of heavy metals. Microorganisms have
sophisticated methods that enable them to survive in the presence of heavy metals polluting the
environment. The study aimed to reduce the impact of heavy metals by used fungi because its
environment friendly. So, this study used two species of fungi Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma
hamatum which were Isolated from agricultural soil from Al- Fao city in Al- Basrah – Iraq to soil
Contaminated with three levels of copper and nickel (0.5, 1, 1.5 of critical concentration). Results
showed that these two fungal isolates differ in their efficiency in removing these heavy metals from
soil. The two Previous fungi were almost identical in removing nickel, but their suitability differed
significantly with Copper, As A. niger surpassed the level and reached 85.47%. The efficiency of
removing by fungal isolate decreased with the concentration level of heavy metals and It has effective
removal by A. niger with 53.35% at third concentration. Despite the difference in the ability of the
two fungi to treat the type of pollutant, and its good in bioremediation, as the contributed to reducing
the percentage of pollution.

With the aim of grouping similar Egyptian and Iraqi genotypes of maize into homogeneous groups
according to sowing date and plant density using cluster analysis and estimating the genetic divergence
of the studied genotypes, the hierarchical clustering technique was used. A field experiment was carried
out at Research Station A of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad,
Department of Field Crops, in the Al-Jadriya area during the autumn season of 2023. A randomized
complete block design (RCBD) was used with a split spilt-plots arrangement with four replications and
three factors. The main plots included the two sowing dates (1st August and 10th), and the sub plots
included the plant densities (70.000 and 90.000 plants ha⁻¹). Six genotypes of maize, two Iraqi and
four Egyptian (Baghdad3, Al-Maha, TW-78, TW-345, IY-355, and IY-207), represented the sub-sub
plots. The cluster analysis results showed that the genotypes differed in their clustering patterns
according to sowing date and plant density. Euclidean distances also varied depending on the clustering
pattern. The two genotypes that exhibited significant Euclidean distances were due to genetic
differences and the presence of favorable genes not found in the other studied genotypes. The cluster
analysis revealed that the Euclidean distance between the Iraqi variety Baghdad 3 and the Egyptian
variety IY-355 was 8.779 and 14.47 at the first sowing date and densities of 70.000 plants h-1and 90.000
plants h-1, respectively. In contrast, the Iraqi variety Baghdad 3 and the Egyptian variety TW-78
exhibited an Euclidean distance of 9.44 at the second sowing date and densities of 70,000 plants h-1.
At the second sowing date and densities, the same Iraqi variety and the Egyptian variety TW-345
exhibited the highest Euclidean distance of 9.58. Therefore, it is recommended to include these varieties
in crosses with the genotypes that have shown positive results. It is clear that variation is used to take
advantage of the hybrid vigor and isolations from it, and thus we conclude that this statistical technique
is a successful alternative to molecular techniques in case they are not available.

This study aimed to evaluate the extent of soil pollution with selected heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium
(Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) and to assess the impact of gases and volatile
emissions from brick factories in Al-Hay District, Wasit Governorate. Soil pollution was quantified
using the Contamination Factor (CF) and the Degree of Contamination (Cdeg), while measured
concentrations were compared to international standards (WHO, 2007), which classify soils as polluted
when Pb, Cr, Cd, Co, and Ni exceed 100, 200, 3, 10, and 50 mg kg⁻¹ soil, respectively four sampling
sites were established at distances of 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 m from the pollution source, with an
additional reference site at 3000 m. Soil samples were collected from two depths (0–30 cm and 30–60
cm) in both southeastern and northwestern directions. The data were analyzed statistically using
analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Least Significant Difference (LSD) tests to identify
significant differences between sites and depths.Results indicated that soils in the southeastern
direction, particularly at 500 m and the surface layer (0–30 cm), recorded the highest concentrations of
all studied heavy metals. Concentrations at the first depth consistently exceeded those in the deeper
layer (30–60 cm), reflecting accumulation of airborne pollutants in the topsoil. The CF values for Pb,
Cd, Co, Cr, and Ni at the southeastern site (500 m, 0–30 cm) were 8.66, 10.55, 14.40, 21.22, and 11.90,
respectively, indicating very high pollution, while the northwestern sites exhibited significantly lower
CF values. Similarly, the Cdeg values reached 66.73 and 60.37 at the two depths of the southeastern
site, confirming a very high degree of contamination These findings demonstrate that brick factory
emissions have a substantial spatial impact on soil quality, with the southeastern downwind direction
being the most affected. The study highlights the importance of monitoring industrial emissions,
providing critical insights for environmental management and soil protection in regions affected by
brick manufacturing.

A study was conducted to evaluate the groundwater quality and the extent of its contamination with heavy
metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Co) in the eastern part of Wasit Governorate within the areas of Badra and Zarbatia for
21 systematic wells, including 7 wells in Zarbatia lands and 14 wells in Badra lands. Groundwater samples from
the wells were collected during four seasons starting from 15/8/2024 to 15/3/2025 for the study area, then placed
in plastic bottles, and heavy metals (copper Cu, lead Pb, cadmium Cd, chromium Cr, cobalt Co) were measured
using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The water quality was then evaluated according to the adopted
standards to determine the risk of heavy metal contamination in the study area, during the four seasons, and
according to Iraqi and international water quality standards and criteria.
The ranges of total concentrations of the five studied heavy metals (copper Cu, lead Pb, cadmium Cd, chromium
Cr, cobalt Co) in well water were (0.093–0.486), (0.089–0.605), (0.09–0.175), (0.169–0.483), (0.091–0.147) mg
L⁻¹, respectively. Natural factors such as rainfall, floods, and geological formations, in addition to human
activities such as agriculture, mining, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and human waste—whether industrial,
military, or domestic—affected the supply of heavy metals to groundwater. The results showed that cadmium
ion exceeded the limits of the World Health Organization, the United States Environmental Protection Agency,
and Health Canada but remained within Iraqi standards. Chromium and lead exceeded all international and Iraqi
standards, while cobalt ion was within Iraqi limits, and copper concentrations were below the internationally
permitted limits but exceeded Iraqi standards .
Therefore, research and studies on heavy metals for these wells in Badra and Zarbatia should be given attention
to assess the level of contamination and seek appropriate solutions

A plastic pot experiment was done in a private nursery in Baquba, the center of Diyala
Governorate, during the 2024-2025 growing season. Using three replicates and two variables in a
randomized complete block design (RCBD), the experiment aimed to determine the effect of
sunflower residues from three parts (roots, stems, and leaves) on the germination and growth
characteristics of wheat seedlings under salt stress. Concentrations of 0, 6, 9, and 12 dS/m⁻¹ of NaCl
were used. The results showed a significant decrease in the average values of the studied traits with
increasing concentrations of NaCl, particularly at 12 dS/m⁻¹. This concentration led to a decrease in
germination percentage (46.2%), plant height (53.2%), and the number of branches per plant (19.6%),
as well as in the other studied traits. The results indicated that adding sunflower residues to the soil
yielded the best results for the studied traits, especially the leaf residues, as they showed the greatest
increase in germination percentage and number of branches per plant. Branching in the plant is 8.8%
and 37%, respectively.

A field study was conducted during the spring season of 2024 to evaluate the effect of soil amendments
and transpiration inhibitors on the water requirements of the peanut crop (Arachis hypogaea L.) under
surface drip irrigation conditions in Wasit Governorate, adopting the calculation of actual water
consumption based on 50% depletion of available water. The study included four types of soil
amendments (biochar, peat moss, perlite, and a control without amendment) and three types of
transpiration inhibitors (okra extract, potassium silicate, and a control without inhibitor). The results
showed the superiority of the biochar treatment combined with okra extract in reducing actual water
consumption, recording the lowest value of 353.6 mm compared with the control treatment, which
recorded 712.6 mm. This was accompanied by a clear reduction in the number of irrigations and the
amount of irrigation water at all growth stages. This treatment also led to a significant decrease in crop
coefficient (Kc) values, reflecting improved water use efficiency and reduced water loss without
negatively affecting plant growth. Overall, the results indicate that soil amendments, particularly
biochar, effectively contributed to reducing water requirements, while okra extract outperformed
potassium silicate in limiting water loss through transpiration. The interaction between soil
amendments and transpiration inhibitors proved to be more effective than using either alone, achieving
water savings of up to about 50% without harming plant growth. These findings highlight the
importance of adopting integrated water management techniques to enhance water use efficiency and
support the sustainability of peanut cultivation in water-scarce environments.

Amrasca biguttula is a significant pest affecting okra crops. This study investigated the seasonal
population dynamics of both nymphs and adults, alongside the molecular identification of the species.
Results indicated that the highest densities of nymphs and adults reached 29.83 and 8.19 insects per
leaf, respectively, recorded during the last week of October and the first week of. November.
Conversely, the lowest densities were recorded in the first week of September, with 0.88 nymphs and
0.15 adults per leaf. For molecular diagnosis, A. biguttula specimens collected from okra plants across
seven different locations in Basra Governorate were genetically characterized by sequencing the
mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) barcode region. PCR amplification and sequencing
confirmed that all isolates belong to the same species, with accession numbers ranging from LC843363
to LC843369 in the GenBank database. These isolates exhibited 100% sequence identity with
previously reported A. biguttula isolates from Pakistan and India.

Zea mays is ranked second in the world after wheat in terms of cultivated area, which may
reach about 166 million hectares, while it is ranked first in terms of production from the total global
grain production. The aim of study was the effect of four different levels of sulfur at different
application times on the growth and yield of plants. The results showed that increasing the levels of
sulfur fertilizer in the soil led to an increase in some growth and yield characteristics, and that the
highest average leaf area in was achieved in the treatment of adding sulfur at the level of 1500 kg ha-
1 in the experiment,. The same treatment also achieved the highest average plant height, which
compared to the control level. The treatment of adding sulfur at the level of 1500 kg ha-1 achieved
the highest average number of grains per ear, compared to the control. The same treatment achieved
the highest average weight of 500 grains. The highest average leaf chlorophyll content, compared to
the control treatment. The same treatment achieved the highest average stem diameter, compared to
the control treatment.

The Maillard reaction is a non-enzymatic reaction that occurs between reducing sugars and
free amines in food products. This reaction alters sensory properties and leads to adverse health
consequences due to the production of mutagenic compounds and the resulting lysine deficiency.
Numerous attempts have been made to control the Maillard reaction in recent decades. Estimating
Maillard reaction products (MRPs) in children's biscuits involves quantifying specific compounds,
such as furosene and HMF, using analytical techniques like chromatography. Key factors influencing
MRP levels include processing conditions (temperature, humidity and pH), storage duration and
conditions, and ingredient composition (fat and protein content). The presence and accumulation of
these products, particularly during storage, are crucial for assessing potential health effects on
children.

Plant pharmaceutical compounds, which play a major role as renewable sources of medicinal
compounds. These compounds that medicinally very important for many aspects such us modern
medicine discovery and the therapy of numerous diseases. Therefore, there is an urgent need to
manufacture plant-derived on a commercial scale using unconventional methods to reach the needs of
the pharmaceutical. This review article highlights the current advancements and future approaches for
the production of medicinal compounds using different techniques like plant cell, tissue and organ
culture and genetic engineering represents a transformative approach to reach the growing demand for
these valuable compounds. It is also summarizing the advanced in vitro culture techniques, such as
micropropagation and bioreactor systems, provide controlled environments that improve the yield and
quality of medicinal compounds. All these modern techniques overcome the limitations of both
seasonal and environmental changes which is associated with regular agriculture. In this article, we
also reviewed the progress of metabolic genetic engineering techniques which has optimizes the
production of pharmaceutical compounds by enabling very precise manipulation of biosynthetic
pathways.

The experiment investigated the effects of planting dates, irrigation water quality, and potassium
fertilizer levels on wheat growth, yield, and selected soil chemical and physical properties under saline
irrigation conditions. The study was conducted during the 2024–2025 agricultural season in Al-Akhd
area, Al-Rifai District, Dhi Qar Governorate. The field was prepared using standard plowing and
leveling practices, and the experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)
with a split–split plot arrangement and four replications. Planting dates were assigned to main plots,
irrigation water quality (fresh and saline) to subplots, and potassium fertilizer levels (0, 60, and 120 kg
ha⁻¹ as potassium sulfate) to sub-subplots. Wheat cultivar Nazar was planted on two dates, while
recommended nitrogen and phosphorus rates were applied uniformly. Potassium was added according
to treatment levels. Results showed that the early planting date (November 1) numerically exceeded
the late date in most traits, including number of spikes and grains per spike, although differences were
not statistically significant. Planting dates had no significant effect on plant height, 1000-grain weight,
or harvest index. Potassium fertilization had a significant positive effect on number of spikes, grain
yield, 1000-grain weight, and harvest index, with increases observed as potassium levels increased
from K0 to K2. However, the number of grains per spike decreased significantly with higher potassium
levels. Fresh irrigation water showed numerical superiority over saline water in most traits, though
differences were generally non-significant. The highest grain yield was obtained under early planting
with fresh water, while the lowest occurred under late planting with saline water. Overall, potassium
fertilization was the most influential factor in improving wheat performance under saline irrigation
conditions.

This study was conducted to isolate and identify the Fusarium oxysporum fungi, the causal agent of
wilt in the ornamental plant Zambia Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, in Basra Governorate. The study involved
morphological and molecular identification of the fungus, testing its pathogenicity on Zambia plants,
and identifying the most effective biological control agents against it. These agents included the fungi
Trichoderma viride, T. longibrachiatum, an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves, and an
alcoholic extract of M.oleifera leaves. The results showed that F. oxysporum caused a severe infection
rate85.5%, Invitro T. viride exhibited 93.7% inhibition of the pathogen, and T. longibrachiatum 96.2%.
The aqueous extract of M.oleifera leaves showed 56.2% inhibition against the pathogen. The results
also indicated the superiority of the alcoholic extract of M.oleifera leaves, which demonstrated 98.7%
inhibition against the pathogen. In-vivo experiments the pots experiment, the aqueous extract gave the
best results fordisease resistance, reached 33.3%, while the alcoholic extract reached 62.5%.
Treatments using the fungi T. longibrachiatum and T. viride were similar in reducing the severity of
infection, at 41.2% and 41.6% respectively.

This study examines the daily variations and interactions of aerosol optical depth (AOD), total
vertical ozone (O₃), and UV index (UVI) in 2021 to assess their impact on surface UV radiation. The
findings indicate that aerosol loading has a major impact on UV transmission, and that greater AOD
values diminish surface UVI by increasing scattering and absorption. However, when solar radiation
is significant, aerosol absorption may indirectly contribute to ozone generation by boosting lower
troposphere temperature. Total vertical ozone continues to serve an important protective role by
reducing UV light, and seasonal ozone depletion is regularly related with increased UVI levels. Spring
was characterized by moderate to high UVI, as well as increases in AOD and O₃, indicating enhanced
photochemical activity. In contrast, summer has reduced aerosol and ozone loads, resulting in generally
steady ultraviolet (UV) values that are mostly controlled by humidity and cloud cover. Winter, on the
other hand, is distinguished by a consistent reduction in UV light, little photochemistry, and decreased
aerosol concentrations. UV radiation has been demonstrated to correlate with both aerosol optical
characteristics and ozone column height, indicating its value as an indicator for monitoring air quality,
detecting climatic feedback mechanisms, and calculating the danger of human UV exposure. During a
dust storm, the number of aerosols in the atmosphere increases dramatically. These particles in the air
help to absorb and disperse sunlight. As a result, the AOD increases considerably during a dust storm.

The current study was done to evaluate the efficiency of imaging techniques, determine the
accuracy and reliability of artificial intelligence models in the early detection of various types of
environmental stresses, and study the possibility of combining imaging techniques and artificial
intelligence into an integrated system that can be used in agricultural practices, particularly for wheat
(Triticum aestivum L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) crops. The plants were divided into four groups
according to environmental stress factors. The control group included unstressed plants; the second
group included plants exposed to water stress (drought). The results of the visual spectrum analysis of
water stress images showed that the yellow color intensity of wheat plants was measured at 12.62% on
day (10) and a burn rate of 9.71% for the same day. In oat plants, the intensity was 0.91% on day (10)
and a burn rate of 10.82% for both plants. The results of the thermal image analysis of water stress in
both plants showed an increase in the intensity of red color and the development of leaf reddening. This
intensity began to appear in the image (F.bmp) at 0.93% and reached its maximum in the image (J.bmp),
recording a color intensity of 10.58% in wheat plants. In oat plants, the intensity began to appear in the
image (F.bmp), recording 3.17%, and reached its maximum in the image (J.bmp), recording 10.82%,
and indicating deterioration in the physiological condition of the plants. Based on the above, oat plants
showed greater sensitivity to the three types of stresses compared to thermal imaging. The study
demonstrated that thermal imaging technology was more effective in early detection of stresses in both
plants. The results of combining imaging and artificial intelligence techniques using PlantDoc AI and
Plantix for both plants and all stresses also showed that both programs provided confidence levels
ranging from 70-96% for wheat plants and 60-97% for oat plants, enhancing the accuracy of early
detection of stresses to which plants are exposed.

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of foliar application of nano
fertilizer (phosphorus) at different concentrations of the nano fertilizer and varying concentrations of
garlic extract, and their interactions on the vegetative growth traits, chemical content, and active
substances of the pepper plant Capsicum annuum. This study was done in the fields belonging to the
College of Science at Al-Qadisiyah University during the spring agricultural season of 2024/2025 from
the period of 20/9/2024 to 25/11/2024. The experiment was designed including 36 experimental units
with three replications. The first factor consisted of four concentrations (0, 2, 4, 6 g/L) of nano
phosphorus fertilizer, in addition to a control treatment, while the second factor involved concentrations
of the extract (0, 15, 20 g/L). The results showed that the use of nano fertilizers and garlic plant extracts,
and the interaction between them at different concentrations, led to a significant increase in most of the
studied vegetative growth traits of the plants, and the increase was greater with the increase in the
concentration of the nano fertilizer, such as plant height. Foliar application of the nano fertilizer resulted
in a significant increase in the average plant height, stem diameter (cm) of the plant, number of leaves
(leaves/plant), average fresh yield of leaves (g/plant), leaf area (cm), average dry yield of leaves
(g/plant).