Journal of Kerbala for Agricultural Sciences

The experiment was conducted in the laboratories of the Depart-ment of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, University of Karbala, for the academic year 2024-2025, to study the effect of the loss rate of different food types and the feeding behavior of the Sawtooth Beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, (Coleoptera: Silvani-dae). The results showed that the design of the feeding dish) affect-ed the insects feeding behavior of the Sawtooth, as the insect pre-ferred the food it was intended to eat, as indicated in the results. However, the rearing (Feeding) period had no clear effect on its be-haviour in terms of food preference, the insect consistently selected and fed on its preferred food insect. The results of the statistical analysis indicated a direct relationship between the length of the storage period and the high percentage of food loss, as the values gradually increased in all food items studied over time. The Flour food item recorded the highest percentage of food loss after 70 days of treatment, reaching 10.07%, followed by Oats at 5.52%. Regard-ing the Rice and Mung Beans food items, the analysis revealed av-erage loss rates of 4.56% and 3.2%, respectively, after 70 days of treatment. The results also showed a clear preference for the food items presented to the insect over the seven days. It was observed that some food items were more attractive to the insect than others, reflecting selective feeding behavior linked to the nature of the chemical components or nutritional value of those items.

This study aimed to isolate, identify and characterize Fusarium pseudograminearum from wheat fields in Karbala provinces, Iraq with this disease; pathogenicity assessment; genetic diversity estima-tion among these isolates and finally investigate the resistance of some commonly cultivated wheat cultivars against it. All fungal iso-lates were collected from symptomatic wheat plants during the grow-ing season of 2023, and identified through morphological features as well as molecular characteristics based on gene sequencing (ITS and TEF-1α.) F. pseudograminearum isolates analysis demonstrated 89–99% homology to global strains, which were confirmed by BLAST analysis on all retrieved isolates in the study. Iraqi isolates grouped in a single clade with very low genetic diversity and likely shared ances-tral background according to phylogenetic analysis. All isolates caused full inhibition of seed germination and seedling growth, indi-cating high virulence in pathogenicity assays. All ten wheat cultivars (Sally, Al-Tahaddi, Ashour, Abu Ghraib, Research 22, Iraq, Sabah, Ibaa 99, Latifiyah and Adnaniah) were evaluated for both percent disease incidence and severity of the pathogen categories which showed that one hundred percent (100%) incidence was the extent of susceptibility among all tested genotypes. Reported genetic uniformi-ty of the pathogen population suggests persistence of host–pathogen interactions, which underlines the need for cultivar screening to iden-tify resistant or tolerant ones. It gives us vital information about the epidemiology and management of FCR in Iraq, highlight the im-portance of breeding programs to improve F. pseudograminearum resistance.

The current study was conducted to evaluate four different levels of nitrogen fertilizers on the incidence of yellow rust disease, yield and yield components in five bread wheat varieties during the 2024/25 growing season in Sulaymaniyah. Results revealed significant differ-ences between treatments for yellow rust disease severity and the co-efficient of infection, indicating that the Adana control recorded the lowest mean coefficient of infection for yellow rust disease at 5.87. In contrast, the highest mean coefficients of infection for yellow rust disease were recorded by Hsad (120 kg N/ha). Additionally, the Sulaimani-2 treatment at 120 kg N/ha showed a 15–35% increase in yellow rust severity compared to the Sulaimani-2 control. Third ni-trogen applications changed the infection type of Baraka from mod-erately susceptible to susceptible. Furthermore, the results showed significant differences between the varieties for all the yield and its component characteristics. Baraka control had the highest spike length of 16.77 cm. The maximum awn length recorded by Baraka (120 kg N/ha). Adana (120 kg N/ha) exhibited the highest spike den-sity per square meter. The highest spike weight, grain weight per spike and thousand-grain weight were observed in the (40 kg N/ha) in the Sulaimani-2 variety. The highest grain number/spike was rec-orded by Baraka (120 kg N/ha). Furthermore, Sulaimani-2 (40 kg N/ha) had the highest grain yield with 865.50g/m², while recommend use of nitrogen fertilizer (80 kg N/ha) on susceptible bread wheat va-riety Hsad produced the lowest grain yields, at 554.45g/m².

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of adding aqueous extract of borage flowers to the drinking water of broiler chickens in the poultry farm, College of Agriculture, University of Karbala, from April 21, 2025, to May 27, 2025, at concentrations of 0,10, 20, and 30 ml/L. One hundred chicks at one 121-day-old, unsexed Ross 308 broiler chicks were used, with an average initial weight of 40 g. The chicks were randomly distributed into four experimental treatments, with 30 chicks per treatment and three replicates (10 chicks per replicate). The results showed a highly significant improvement (p≤0.05) in all productive traits of broiler chickens in faver in third treatment T3, including final weight, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production is very limited by lodging, which negatively affects grain yield and quality. Lodging resistance is a complex trait determined by the combined effects of anatomical and morphology stem characteristics influencing stem strength and flexibility. Enhanced resistance is associated with increased development of supportive tissues (sclerenchyma and collenchyma), re-duced structural weaknesses such as smaller pith cavities, and greater structural efficiency reflected by higher vascular bundle density. An optimal plant architecture is therefore defined by structural balance, including moderate plant height and regulated branching, rather than extreme dwarfism or excessive tillering. this study examined critical structural, morphological and anatomical characteristics traits of the wheat stem across fifteen wheat genotypes were evaluated using a randomized complete block design method. Significant varietal dif-ferences were found in the results, with genotypes showing stronger resistance to lodging having thicker sclerenchyma and collenchyma layers, smaller pith cavities, and higher vascular bundle densities such as in varaiety among the evaluated varieties, Hawler2, Hawler4, Slemani2, Azmar, Dink, Koya18, Maarof, and Monaliza exhibited superior performance compared with the other tested varieties. mor-phological characteristics like balanced tiller density and moderate plant height and widest stem diameter Varieties such as Arabea, Hawler2, Slemani2, Azmar, Koya18, Bakrajo, and Monaliza showed better performance than the other varieties. The combination of morphological and anatomical tests reveals the intricate mechanisms that wheat cultivators use to resist mechanical stress. For breeding efforts looking to combine increased rigidity with high yield potential, these findings offer insightful information.

The goal of this research was to investigate the impact of adding Artemisia on growth and physiological aspects of lambs. The research was conducted on a private farm located in Graw Village, within the Erbil governorate of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. The experimental phase ran from December 1, 2024, to March 10, 2025. Meanwhile, lab tests were conducted at La Vie Animal Veterinary Lab in Erbil’s English Village, at the start, middle, and end of the experiment. The lambs were randomly assigned to four different groups using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with each group containing five lambs. They are as follows: T0 (the control) received a basic diet, T1, T2, and T3 were supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% Artemisia. Our findings indicated significant variations (P < 0. 05) among the treatments and sampling times for most of the biochemical markers (blood glucose, TSP, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL). In the second month, blood glucose, TSP, albumin, cholesterol, and HDL levels generally rose in groups T1 and T2, which received 0.5% and 1.0% Artemisia, whereas triglycerides and LDL levels showed a tendency to de-crease in T1 and T2. The activity of enzymes (AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase) also showed notable differences; AST and alkaline phosphatase levels rose during the second month, while ALT declined in T1 and T2. This study concluded that incorporating Artemisia into the diet of lambs enhances growth outcomes by increasing body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio (FCR).

This study examines the maize production function in Nineveh Governorate for the 2024 season, focusing on the impact of key production inputs on total output. Total maize output was treated as the de-pendent variable, while land, labor, and capital served as the main independent variables. Data were collected through field surveys across major agricultural districts, including Mosul, Hamdaniya, Tal Afar, Sinjar, and Al-Ba’aj. Multiple functional forms, particularly linear and double-log models, were assessed to determine the most accurate representation of the input–output relationship. The analysis revealed that the double-log specification provided the best statistical and economic fit, with all variables significant at the 5% level. Land elasticity was 0.461, indicating that a 1% increase in cultivated area raises output by 0.461%. Capital elasticity was 0.351, emphasizing its key role in enhancing productivity, whereas labor elasticity was 0.188, reflecting a smaller marginal effect. The coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.87, showing that 87% of production variability among surveyed farms is explained by the considered inputs. These results highlight the need to optimize land use, expand capital in-vestment, and adopt modern agricultural technologies to increase maize productivity in Nineveh. The study offers robust empirical evidence to guide farmers and policymakers in efficient resource allocation and economic decision-making. Additionally, it contributes to Iraq’s agricultural economics literature by providing updated, field-based econometric insights that support sustainable agricultural development strategies.

Strawberry is a high-value fruit crop rich in antioxidants and nutri-ents, yet its productivity is influenced by various environmental fac-tors, including the effects of organic fertilizers and growth regula-tors. This study aims to evaluate the effect of foliar application of different concentrations of melatonin and Carbolizer (as a source of organic carbon) on improving the chemical and quantitative traits of strawberry cv. Albion. This experiment was conducted in a plastic greenhouse in Najaf Governorate during the 2023-2024 growing season. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and two factors was used: melatonin at concentrations of (0, 1, 2 mg L⁻¹) and Carbolizer at concentrations of (0, 1.5, 3 mL L⁻¹). Plants were sprayed monthly with three applications through-out the experiment. Chemical traits (total chlorophyll content and carbohydrates in leaves) and quantitative traits (fruit number, fruit weight, fruit volume, and marketable fruit percentage) were measured. Results: The results showed a significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) of both factors individually and their interaction on all studied traits. The interaction between melatonin (2 mg L⁻¹) and Carbolizer (3 mL L⁻¹) recorded the highest values in total chlorophyll content (67.96 mg 100g⁻¹ fresh weight), carbohydrates (7.168%), fruit number (23.59 fruit plant⁻¹), fruit volume (17.49 cm³), and marketable fruit percentage (83.04%).

Controlling the freezing temperature is an essential stage in the freeze-dry process, in order to maintain the functional characteristics of food, such as viscosity, texture and physicochemical proper-ties. Hence, this study assesses the impact of tomato shape (slice, 6% juice, 14% concentrate) and pre-freezing temperature (-24 °C vs. -80 °C) on the quality of freeze-dried tomatoes powder. Both factors significantly (p<0.05) affected the physicochemical, micro-structural, and rheological properties. Slower freezing (-24 °C) im-proved lycopene retention in slices, decreased moisture in 6% juice, and lowered pH in 14% concentrate, but it also resulted in larger ice crystals and structural collapse. Faster freezing (-80 °C) produced finer micro-porosity and retained moisture. All reconstituted samples showed shear-thinning, according to rheological study; freezing at -24 °C produced increased viscosity and yield stress, indicating denser matrices. In general, both physical form and freezing rate affect product quality, with a trade-off between nutritional retention (preferred by little processing and faster freezing) and textural robustness (favored by slower freezing and greater solids).

A field experiment was conducted during the 2023-2024 growing season in Nineveh Governorate. An experiment aimed to evaluate organic fertilizer in comparison with chemical fertilization, as well as a combination of two fertilizers, with the purpose of reducing chemical fertilization due to its environmental risks and pollution. Planting began on 3 November 2023, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 36 experimental units. experiment in-cluded two factors. The first factor was three varieties of faba bean crop, including (Spanish variety LUZDEOTONO, New Zealand va-riety AGUADULCE, in addition to local variety). The second factor included four types of fertilizers: organic (15% seaweed extract), chemical (NPK), a mixture of organic and chemical, and a control treatment without fertilization. When fertilization was applied at the 3-5 true leaf stage, results showed superiority of Spanish variety in both pod length (23.46 cm) and seed count (6.37 seeds per pod). treatment combining organic and chemical fertilizers also outperformed Spanish variety in all studied traits. Furthermore, interaction between Spanish variety and organic-chemical fertilizer treatment resulted in a significant advantage for most of studied traits.

The experiment was conducted at the May 1st Research Station during the 2024 agricultural season, to determine the optimal planting date and number of harvesting, estimating the productivity of green and dry fodder, assessing some quality traits, and examining the correlations among the studied traits in millet group-2. A split-plot design with three replicates was used, with three main plot dates (April 1, April 15, May 1) and six Harvests in the split plots. Productivity traits of wet and dry green fodder, including percentages of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber, were studied. The results indicated that Date 2 yielded an average of 11.28 tons ha-1 of wet green fodder compared to Dates 1 and 3 (5.71- and 7.63-tons ha-1, respectively). Date 2 also yielded a dry green fodder yield of 2.79 tons ha-1 compared to Dates 1 and 3 (1.45- and 1.93-tons ha-1). The total green and dry fodder yields were 67.71 and 16.73-tons ha-1, respectively. Harvest 1 yielded a higher wet and dry green fodder yield (19.72- and 4.96-tons ha-1, respectively) compared to Harvest 2 and 3. Harvest 2 and Harvest 1 also yielded higher protein content (13.22- and 12.61-tons ha-1, respectively). t. ha-1, respectively), while Date 1 had the highest carbohydrate and fiber contents (29.57 a and 21.84 a t. ha-1, respectively). Wet green fodder yield was positively correlated with dry fodder yield traits and protein and fat content (r = 0.99*, r = 0.93, r = 0.96, respectively), and negatively correlated with carbohydrate and fiber content. Millet is recommended for maximum wet and dry fodder production on the April 15 planting date.

The current study examines the phytoremediation potential of Helian-thus annuus (sunflower) and two hybrid species, Teddy Bear L and Little Becka Hybrid, for bioaccumulating and translocating copper (Cu²⁺) and cadmium (Cd²⁺) under various water types (well and tap water) and moisture depletion conditions. It was carried out at the Bakrajo Technical Institute farm in Sulaimani, Iraq, during the 2019–2020 growing season. Using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), statistical analyses including ANOVA revealed significant species and water type effects on the uptake and translocation of Cu²⁺, but moisture depletion and replicate treatments had no substantial impact on these processes. Despite some minor differences in translocation ratios, both species demonstrated similar capabilities for metal uptake and translocation. While showing that moisture depletion has little effect on metal buildup, our results emphasize the significance of species selection and irrigation water quality in phytoremediation. Further research is recommended to explore the complex interactions between environmental factors, plant physiology, and metal bioavailability in phytoremediation contexts.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in meat products have raised serious issues for scientists over the past few decades because of their highly toxic effects on human health, hence, monitoring their levels in this food are very important. The aim of this study is to estimate five kinds of PAHs Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), Ben-zo[a]anthracene (B[a]A), Benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]F), chrysene (CHR), and Indenol[1,2,3-cd] pyrene (IND) in some meat products (kabab, teka, burger, and shawarma) in local markets of the Sulaymaniyah / Kurdistan region of Iraq. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector (FLD) was applied for their analysis after validation of the technique in terms of linearity, specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy. The results show good linearity (R² = 0.9918) with the limit of detection (LOD) ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 µg kg⁻¹ and the limit of quantification (LOQ) ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 µg kg⁻¹ with recovery values ranging from 90 to 105% for the selected PAHs. Due to its carcinogenicity, B[a]P is used as a biomarker with PAH4 (B[a]P, B[a]A, CHR, and B[b]F). The highest level of B[a]P (2.56 µg kg⁻¹), PAH4 (13.65 µg kg⁻¹), and IND (2.60 µg kg⁻¹) was recorded in the shawarma sample, which exceeded the EU maximum limit of B[a]P (2 µg kg⁻¹) and PAH4 (12 µg kg⁻¹), and makes it the most contaminated type of meat product with the selected PAHs used in this study, followed by teka samples. Further research is suggested to expand the study to a wider range of samples and investigate methods for mitigating PAHs levels in these products.

This study assessed the attitude of extension experts in Kwara State towards PA as well as the constraints limiting dissemination of PA information to farmers. Data were obtained from 113 extension experts using a three-stage sampling technique and analysed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Results showed that 54% of respondents were male, while 46% were female. The mean age and years of education were 40.41 ± 6.61 years and 15.69 ± 2.85 years respectively, with an average annual income of ₦169,369.37 ± 85,731.60. The findings revealed that 55% of attitudinal statements reflected a positive disposition towards PA, while 45% were negative. A significant positive relationship between respondents’ attitudes and selected socio-economic characteristics was observed at p= 5% significant level. The main constraints include unavailability of PA technologies in rural areas (x̄ = 2.58), limited availability of PA materials in local languages (x̄ = 2.53), farmers’ low literacy level (x̄ = 2.50), and lack of collaboration among extension stakeholders (x̄ = 2.55). It was concluded that most extension experts had favourable attitudes towards PA, but dissemination of PA information is limited by several challenges. The study recommends increased farmer education on PA, improved collaboration among stakeholders, and enhanced access to PA technologies in rural communities.

This research was conducted to determine that it was essential to in-vestigate the impact of fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-graecum L.) seed extract spraying on wheat, barley, oat and fenugreek plant on plant height, chlorophyll content and shoot dry weight in plastic house during December 30th, 2024 to April 24th, 2025 at Grdarasha Research Field, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Sala-haddin University – Erbil. For the aqueous extracts, four concentra-tions were used: 0, 25, 50 and 100% with three replicates and a completely randomized design (CRD) were used. The results found that significant differences between plant species for all parameters and the fenugreek seeds aqueous extract at 100% concentration give the highest efficiency in this study. Also, for the interaction be-tween treatments, plant height statistically increased for barley by 50, 100%, chlorophyll and shoot dry weight in fenugreek plant at all concentrations. A laboratory experiment using a completely randomized design with four replicates was conducted at the same college to evaluate the germination and viability parameters of plant seeds and radicle and plumule characteristics. Findings showed that fenugreek and barely plant seeds were stimulated with using fenugreek extracts than other. Fenugreek seeds aqueous extract concentrations increased from 25 to 100%, the effect of allelopathic mate-rials for all germination parameters was increased. For the interaction between treatments, it gave the lowest number for all parameters studied by wild oat plant and 100% of fenugreek extract.

The study evaluated the effect of graded levels of fennel seeds pow-der (Foeniculum vulgare) on behavior, growth performance, lipid profile and blood biochemical parameters in quails. A total of 64 quails were divided into to four treatments with four replicates in-cluding (16 quails for each treatment). Birds in the first treatment were fed standard diet without fennel seeds powder (T1: control), while birds in the T2, T3 and T4 were fed standard diet supplement-ed with 4, 8 and 12 gram per kilogram (g/kg) fennel seeds pow-der (FSP) respectively. During 30 days, behavior traits of birds were recorded using erected cameras. Growth performance and blood pa-rameters were measured. The results showed that the addition fennel powder were significantly improved behavioral characteristics in-cluding eating, drinking, and Wall & ground picking, Otherwise sit-ting, standing, and aggressiveness behavior among experimental treatments reduced significantly at study period compression with control diet. Additionally, were no significant differences observed in wing & leg spreading, preening, IBW, FBW, and BWG among experimental treatments. However, fennel seeds powder was significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). Quails fed fennel powder had improved lipid profile than control. Regarding blood parameters glucose reduced significantly (P≤ 0.05) in T4. It could be concluded, that fennel seeds up to 8 g/kg have stimulatory effect, improving behavior, feed conversion ratio, improved lipid profiles as well as some blood biochemical parameters on Japanese quails. However, the highest level of fennel seeds (12 g/kg) had similar results as at concentrations of 4 and 8 g/kg.

Lavender (Lavandula stoechas L. and Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) is an important aromatic crop valued for its essential oil, and sustainable strategies are needed to enhance its productivity under semi-arid conditions. This study investigated the effect of foliar application of Aloe vera leaf extract (ALE) at 0, 40, 80, and 120 ml L⁻¹ on vegetative growth, yield components, and essential oil percentage of the two species grown in Erbil, Iraq, using a randomized complete block design with three rep-lications. Plants were sprayed at 15-day intervals, and essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC–MS. Results showed that ALE significantly improved plant height, shrub diameter, number and length of inflorescences, flowering verticillasters, inflorescence yield, and essential oil yield compared with the control. The highest values were generally obtained at 80 and 120 ml L⁻¹, with essential oil yield reaching 29.9 kg ha⁻¹ in L. stoechas L. and 27.9 kg ha⁻¹ in L. angustifolia Mill., indicating a dose-dependent response with saturation at higher concentrations. Overall, foliar application of ALE proved effective in enhancing vegetative growth, floral productivity, and essential oil accumulation, highlighting its potential as a natural biostimulant for sustainable lavender cultivation.

A field experiment was carried out during winter season 2024–2025 winter season at Sumel and Zakho locations in Duhok Province, Iraq, to assess the effects of plant population density and weed control methods on weed infestation, growth, yield, and seed quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The experiment was arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications, including three plant densities (26.66, 33.33, and 44.44 plants m⁻²) and five weed control treatments (weedy check, Kordiclofen, Dimpex, Matador Pro, and hand hoeing). Moderate plant density (33.33 plants m⁻²) significantly reduced narrow-leaf weed density to 35.2 and 9.33 weeds m⁻² at Sumel and Zakho, respectively, compared with the lowest density. Selective herbicides Dimpex and Matador Pro achieved near-complete control of narrow-leaf weeds, reducing densities to ≤1.33 weeds m⁻² and dry weights to as low as 0.52–5.63 g m⁻². Broad-leaf weed density was not significantly affected by plant density; however, Kordiclofen and hand hoeing reduced broad-leaf weed density to 4.22–7.33 weeds m⁻² and dry weight to 10.09–21.29 g m⁻² across locations. Seed yield was significantly influenced by both factors, with the highest mean yields recorded at 33.33 plants m⁻² (358.089 kg ha⁻¹ at Sumel and 362.29 kg ha⁻¹ at Zakho). The maximum yields (469.28 and 478.23 kg ha⁻¹ at Sumel and Zakho, respectively) were obtained from the combination of moderate density and hand hoeing. Biological yield peaked at 1415.77–1431.10 kg ha⁻¹ under high density combined with effective herbicide control. Protein content was significantly improved by weed management, reaching up to 24.94% with hand hoeing, compared with about 20.5% in the weedy check.

A field survey was conducted in 27 locations across five districts in Sulaimani and Halabja (July 2024) to evaluate the incidence and se-verity of major fungal diseases affecting tomato plants. Thirty-one fungal isolates were obtained and identified as Rhizoctonia, Aspergil-lus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Cladosporium based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The isolates showed wide variation in their effects on tomato seed germination, such as highly stimulatory isolates (Iso.7, Iso.8, Iso.19, Iso.20, and Iso.21) enhanced germina-tion and seedling vigor, whereas strongly inhibitory isolates (Iso.2, Iso.5, Iso.6, Iso.13, and Iso.15) suppressed germination completely. A quick pathogenicity test on seedlings narrowed the selection to six pathogenic isolates for further study. Two in vitro techniques were used to assess the antifungal activity of four plant extracts (ginger, Al-sahbah, garlic, and willow). Garlic exhibited the highest inhibition of colony growth in the first technique (0.25–0.75 ml), followed by ginger and Al-Sahbah. In the second method, the different rates of water and alcohol with plant extracts also suppressed fungal growth. Al-Sahbah showed the highest activity and caused complete inhibition of several isolates. Garlic showed the least amount of overall activity in alcohol extracts; however, ginger was very effective. These results show the potential of various plant extracts, especially Al-sahbah and ginger, as strong natural antifungal agents for managing pathogenic fungi; however, the kind of solvent, plant extract species, and fungal isolate all had significant effects on the degree of inhibition.

This study compared honeydew honey and blossom honey from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, looking at their physical makeup, molecular structure, heat behavior, flow properties, and antioxidant power. The researchers used a range of methods—like electrical conductivity tests, NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and antioxidant as-says—to get a full picture of each honey type. They found that honey-dew honey had much higher mineral content and electrical conductivi-ty than blossom honey. While blossom honey was richer in simple sugars like glucose and fructose, honeydew honey contained more complex carbohydrates. Blossom honey also showed more crystal formation due to glucose, while honeydew honey had a more disordered, amorphous structure. Honeydew honey held onto more bound water, had a stronger reaction to heat, and became runnier than blossom honey at low mixing speeds. It also contained more HMF—a freshness marker—and significantly higher antioxidant activity.In plain terms, each honey has its own personality. Blossom honey is sweeter and more prone to crystallizing, while honeydew honey is richer in minerals and antioxidants, making it potentially more valuable for health-focused uses and for verifying honey’s true origin.

A 35-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc-loaded montmorillonite clay (Zn-MMT) on growth performance, physiological responses, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and bone mineralization in Ross 308 broiler chickens. Zn-MMT was prepared by ion ex-change of sodium montmorillonite with zinc sulfate solution, yielding 78.5 mg Zn/g. A total of 300 one-day-old male broilers were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0, 40, 80, 120, or 160 mg supplemental Zn/kg feed, with six replicates of ten birds each. Dietary supplementation with 80–120 mg Zn/kg as Zn-MMT significantly im-proved final body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio, while reducing feed intake. Hematological parameters, including erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and total leukocyte count, were significantly enhanced (P < 0.01). Zn-MMT also increased serum total protein, albumin, and globulin, while decreasing cholesterol, glucose, ALT, and AST levels compared with the control group. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, increased with Zn-MMT supplementation, whereas malondialdehyde levels decreased. Antibody titers against Newcastle disease and infectious bursal disease viruses were highest at 80–120 mg Zn/kg. Tibia ash, Zn, Ca, and P contents also im-proved, with a breakpoint for tibia Zn deposition estimated at 103.2 mg Zn/kg. Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive relationships among growth performance, immunity, antioxidant status, and bone mineralization. Overall, supplementation with 80–120 mg Zn/kg as Zn-MMT enhanced growth performance and health status in broiler chick-ens.

Crown Gall is a soil-borne bacterial disease caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens, leading to significant economic losses across numerous plant species. This study aimed to investigate and evaluate the efficacy of certain biological agents and chemical pesticides in controlling this pathogen. In vitro results demonstrated that the biological agents Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus thuringiensis exhibited high antagonistic activity against A. tumefaciens. Specifically, T. harzianum outperformed other treatments with an inhibition rate of 86.41%, showing no significant statistical difference compared to B. thuringiensis. Furthermore, the chemical pesticides Nordox 75 WG (at 1.25 g/L) and Beltanol (at 1 ml/L) proved highly effective, achieving a 100% growth inhibition rate of the bacteria. The findings of this study suggest that integrating biological and chemical products can effectively suppress Crown and Root Gall disease in rose plants, thereby enhancing productivity and minimizing economic losses.

This study aimed to determine whether banana male plantlets could remediate contaminated soils by absorbing and retaining zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni), two elements that are often used in phytoremediation. Bioconcentration factor in roots (BCF1), shoots (BCF2), bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC), and translocation factor (TF) were calculated. Available Ni and Zn in soil increased proportionally with addition level but remained within FAO/WHO permissible limits in most treatments. BCF₂ sapace Ni accumulated predominantly in roots and stayed mostly below acceptable levels, Zn accumulated more in shoot tissues (particularly leaves), surpassing allowed limits at the highest addition level (T4). Root metal uptake was verified by BCF1 values for both metals. The results revealed that Zn was more efficiently translocated to the shoots than Ni, with greater BCF2, BAC exceeded 1 in several treatments, and TF values. Transfer from roots to shoots was weak in Ni. With its ability to efficiently absorb and store Ni and Zn, as well as its high effectiveness in transporting Zn to shoot tissues, the banana male plant is an attractive option for phytoremediation, especially in soils that are contaminated with Zn. However, since leaves accumulated high Zn concentrations proper post-harvest biomass management is important.