Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a significant air pollutant known to have adverse effects on crops productivity and plant health, and it is widely recognized as a phytotoxic atmospheric pollutant, which results in reduced photosynthesis, growth inhibition, accelerating leaf senescence, as well as yield losses in many plant species. Wheat Triticum aestivum is considered one of the sensitive staple crops to air pollution particularly by tropospheric ozone. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine how EDU contributes to the evaluation of the effects of ozone phytotoxicity on the growth and yield of two wheat cultivars, Triticum aestivum vars. Ceyhan-99 and Adana-99. Three levels of ozone were applied during daylight hours: ambient ozone concentration (control), 50 ppb and 60 ppb, in addition to three levels of ethylene diurea (EDU) control, 200 ppm and 300 ppm during anthesis stage. The findings show that tropospheric ozone has a negative impact on both wheat varieties as vegetative and productive traits., on the other hand foliar EDU spray act as a protective agent against ozone-induced damage in various wheat plant characteristics which studied during the research.

This study was aimed to isolate and diagnose Klebsiella pneumoniae, which causes respiratory infections in sheep, and to study the genes present in Klebsiella pneumoniae responsible for taking iron from the host, involved collection 100 nasal cotton swabs from respiratory infected sheep from several fields located in Al- Anbar province. Identifying and isolating Klebsiella pneumoniae by using routine diagnostic techniques (Gram stain, culture on plate and biochemical tests) followed by using the Vitek2 system. Out of the 100 samples collected, the Vitek2 system's results showed 7 (7%) of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates and other bacterial isolates were obtained. And to confirm of K. pneumonaie isolates using PCR (16S rRNA gene); the results showed positive for all Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates 7(100%) and molecular detection was done for some virulence genes of iron acquisition genes (siderophores synthesis genes entB gene, ybtS gene and iron uptake system Kfu gene), siderophore the results showed entB gene positive for 7(100%) isolates, and ybtS gene positive for 4(57%) isolates, and the result of kfu gene (Klebsiella ferric iron uptake) showed positive for 4(57%) isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility test for K. pneumoniae, which targeted 14 antibacterial drugs, the results showed that all 7 isolates (100%) were susceptible to both Imipenem and Meropenem. Moreover, the seven (100%) isolates shown resistance to Tetracycline, Pipracilline, and Cefixime. The study's conclusion is that respiratory tract infections were more common in one-year-old sheep than in older livestock. Additionally, K. pneumoniae showed greater susceptibility to Imipenem, Meropenem, Ciprofloxacin, and Trimethoprim than to other antibiotics.

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of seed priming and planting dates on the growth of two soybean cultivars. The study was carried out during the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 in the fields of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) within split-split plot arrangement, with three replications and three factors. The main factor included seeding dates (June 1st, June 15th, and July 1st), the sub-plot included two soybean cultivars (Lee 74 and Shaimaa), and the sub-sub plot included seed priming treatments (gibberellic acid, KCl, and seaweed extract) along with two control treatments (soaking in distilled water and dry seeds). The results showed superiority of the June 15th planting date, which achieved the highest average for seed count per pod, 100-seed weight (grams), and total seed yield (kg ha-1). The Shaimaa cultivar exhibited the highest average in all mentioned traits above. The seaweed extract seed priming treatment excelled in seed count per pod and 100-seed weight, while the KCl treatment outperformed in total seed yield. Overall, the June 15th planting date along with the Shaimaa cultivar showed superiority, along with the seaweed extract seed priming treatment.

This study was conducted to investigate the genotype variations in the ovocalyxin-32 (OCX-32) gene polymorphisms and its effect on productive performance and egg quality traits. A total of 100 prepubertal local hens were used, each housed individually in numbered cages. Blood samples were collected for molecular analysis, starting with DNA extraction, followed by PCR amplification. Subsequently, sequencing analysis was performed. Then the A22385462>G SNP was identified, and it had high significant difference(P≤0.01) in the genotypes distribution percentages. The mutant genotype GG outperformed the AG and AA genotypes, of 45.48%, 42.47%, and 2.4%, respectively. Weekly assessments were conducted to evaluate the influence of this SNP of the different genotypes on productive traits and the results indicated it had high significant differences (P≤0.01) in weekly feed consumption The mutant GG genotype significantly outperformed the AA genotype with (687.57g) in week 11, and superiority in feed consumption (P≤0.05) during weeks 12 (686.68g) and 13 (687.96g), while the hybrid AG genotype surpassed AA genotype with 671.76g in week 13. In the average sexual maturity weight, statistically significant differences (P≤0.05) were observed, though the AG genotype exhibited a higher mean 1438.30 g compared to the AA genotype. This study revealed a significant effects of the A22385462>G SNP polymorphisms on productive performance and no significant differences observed on qualitative traits of egg in the local chickens.

This research aimed to assess the economic sustainability of cow's projects in a comprehensive framework that considered economic and social dimensions. The research problem focuses on cow breeding in marginal areas with harsh climates, including high temperatures and low rainfall, resulting in limited grazing resources and poor conditions. Family-operated farms often neglect scientific management, leading to low economic performance and sustainability. Consequently, the added value from these operations is minimal. Data was collected from 72 cow farms in Baghdad province in 2023. The global evaluation methods were used of four indicators to reflect economic sustainability: profitability, liquidity, stability, solvency and repayment, i.e. 17 financial ratios were calculated within these indicators, showing that the profitability ratios were all positive, but they varied from one indicator to another, in small fields P1 reached 14.813, which indicates the capacity of the project and the possibility of the present value of cash flows from primary coverage, while in the medium fields, the liquidity ratios were high in L1, which amounted to 17.172, which is a good indicator where whenever increased whenever it indicates the ability of the fields to meet current obligations and debts through assets in this category, Stability ratios in large fields amounted to S1 0.877, S2 amounted to 42.791 and S3 amounted to 0.005 that the decrease in this ratio is evidence of the availability of capital to cover the debts of the project, and that the RC, which represents the ability to repay ratio, amounted to 0, i.e. there are no debts within this category, The aggregate performance index was calculated, and the calculation of ZA, which is the American aggregate index, and ZE, the European aggregate index, Divide the fields into four groups according to performance, where the aggregate indicator in the first quarter or the poorly performing field (Quarter Y1) varied 3.459, and in the fourth quarter or the well-performing field (Quarter Y4) amounted to 168.691, The research concluded that sustainability indicators must be included in financial evaluations to assess the validity and feasibility of projects over time. Moreover, certain ratios used in America or Europe may not be applicable in Iraq due to differences in data or their unsuitability for animal production projects. This leads us to distinguish whether feasibility or project sustainability should be viewed as a measure of opportunity cost, as suggested in European literature, or as a measure of family well-being, as indicated in American research.

This study was conducted to investigate the susceptibility of three local pomegranate varieties (Salimi, Khadrawi, and Shukar) to infestation by the pomegranate fruit worm Ectomyelois ceratoniae during different fruit maturity stages, as well as to identify some chemical characteristics of these varieties and their role in the infestation process. The results revealed variations in infestation percentage among the studied varieties, with Shukar being the most susceptible (50.18% infestation rate) and Salimi the least susceptible (35.47%). Infestation percentage also varied by maturation stage, with ripe fruits showing the highest infestation (72.11%) and unripe fruits the lowest (25.44%). Chemical analysis revealed a positive correlation between infestation percentage and carbohydrate content, while total phenols, tannins, and protein content showed a negative correlation with infestation as the fruits matured.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of adding mixture of medical plant to broiler diets on some physiological traits under heat stress conditions. 300 Ross308/Portuguese broiler chicks were used with initial weight 48.91 g, and randomly distributed about five treatments with four replicates for treatment (15birds/replicate), and the treatments included: T1(control treatment), T2, T3, T4 and T5 to which a mixture of mint, cinnamon and astragalus powder was added as 2, 4, 6 and 8 g/kg diets respectively. The birds reared under heat stress conditions until 42 days. from results show a significant improvement(P≤0.01)in core body temperature and internal organs weights in the birds of all supplementation treatments compared by T1, Also significant increase(P≤0.01) was observe in some tissues measurements as in jejunum and the immune response, Also significant increased(P≤0.05) in glucose, HDL, AST, ND, IBD, and Fabricius index, As well as significant decreased(P≤0.05) in triglycerides, VLDL, and Atherogenic Index(AI), while there were no significant difference between the treatments in blood proteins, PCV, Hb, Cholesterol, LDL, and ALT.

This study was conducted in two distinct phases at the University of Baghdad's College of ‎Agricultural Engineering Sciences at the first phase was conducted in the laboratories of the ‎Department of Food Science and lasted six months. The second phase will be conducted from ‎December 26, 2023, to January 30, 2024, in the poultry field, Department of Animal Production - ‎Abu Ghraib to determine the effects of adding powdered shiitake mushrooms of the local variety to ‎broiler feed on production efficiency. The study used 200 ROSS 308 broiler chicks sexed with an ‎average initial weight of 45 grams at 1 day of age. There were a total of four treatments, to each of ‎which fifty chicks were randomly assigned. Each treatment was conducted in five replicates with 10 ‎birds each. T1, T2, T3 and T4 were the three treatments with different amounts of shiitake ‎mushrooms in the feed: 0, 2, 4 and 6 g‏/‏kg, respectively. These were a starter, grower and finisher ‎diet tailored to the specific needs of the birds at different points in their life cycle. The results of ‎this study showed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio when using 2 or 4 ‎g/kg shiitake mushrooms in the diet for broilers. However, there were no significant differences in ‎the dressing percentages and major cuts of the carcass.‎

This study was carried out in the laboratories of the Plant Protection Department, Ministry of Agriculture, to isolate bacteria associated with cucumber roots from greenhouses in Baghdad, Salah al-Din, Sulaymaniyah, and Basra, and to evaluate their ability to inhibit Rhizoctonia solani, the causal agent of cucumber root rot, on Potato dextrose agar ( PDA) medium. A total of 12 bacterial isolates were obtained from healthy cucumber root-associated soil. These isolates varied in type depending on collection site and environmental conditions. All isolates demonstrated high inhibitory activity against R. solani, with fungal colony diameters ranging from 1.17 to 6.63 cm and inhibition rates between 26.3% and 87.0% compared to the control. Molecular identification using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed on three isolates: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Bacillus rugosus. Their nucleotide sequences were submitted to the GenBank database under accession numbers PP935479.1, PP935461.1, and PP934669.1, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of native bacterial isolates as biocontrol agents against cucumber root rot.

The major objective of the study was to employ molecular approaches to detect antibiotic resistance and identify microorganisms from dairy products. The different dairy products might be contaminated with different germs, so the handlers are at high risk of diseases. Therefore, knowledge of the identification and antibiotic resistance profiles of these bacteria will be vital for food safety and for treatment of diseases caused by them. A total of 113, 69, 47 and 37 different bacteria isolated from four kinds of dairy products namely cheese, hard cheese, soft cheese and yogurt were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium correspondingly. The species were subsequently identified utilizing genotype (molecular) approaches including polymer chain reaction. In addition, the bacteria were studied for their susceptibility towards germicide chemicals utilizing disc diffusion and Vitek 2 system methods. Antibacterial susceptibility test findings demonstrated that various isolates had variable sensitivity levels against several drugs. For example, 55 of 69 S.aureus, 11 of 47 B.cereus, and 26 of 113 E. coli isolates are resistant to common antibiotics (various drugs: clindamycin, tetracycline, rifampicin, erythromycin, vancomycin, and ampicillin). Some isolates were resistant to various kinds of drugs, phenomena called multidrug resistance.

The study was included clinical and molecular study of Klebsiella pneumoniae from upper respiratory tract of cats in 150 (with and without) respiratory signs of (60 local breed and 90 different breed) and both sexes (male70 and female 80) with different ages including more than one year ( 85) and less than one year (65) attended in veterinary clinics and Baghdad veterinary hospital in Baghdad city at the period from October 2023 to September 2024. The 150 nasal swabs were cultured on macConkey and Klebsiella chrom agar, then the bacteria were examined by Gram stain with different biochemical and antimicrobial study using Vitek-2 analysis. In addition, the molecular detection of 16S r RNA gene of K. pneumoniae. The results of clinical study showed increasing with signs of fever (76.2%) and sneezing (61.9%) for K. pneumoniae. The total isolation rate was 21 (14%). The DNA of bacteria was extracted and the positive products (21) of K. pneumoniae was successfully amplified by using specific primers at 260 bp of 16S r RNA gene of K. pneumoniae. The isolates of K. pneumoniae were highly resistant to Ampicillin (71.4%) and Piperacillin (66.6%) while were sensitive (100%) to Ceftolozan. The infection rate of bacteria was significantly increased at age group less than one year and females. A significant increase was observed in Himalaya than other breeds. The highest percentage of infections by K. pneumonia appeared in December (76.9%) . The results of sequencing of the (5) isolates of K. pneumoniae showed homology with strains in gene bank. The results of phylogenetic study revealed that the local isolates of K. pneumoniae of variable origins, these confirm their importance as primary pathogens of many diseases due to their widespread in the environment and their ability to infect humans and different animals.

The current experiment was carried out at Animal Production Department field (College of Agricultural and Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Abu-Gharieb), the end target of this experiment was to pass the crucial period of newly hatched chicks during last period of incubation till the end of first week of age via combined them, so, a prototype cardboard box was designed and manufactured locally, consist of two parts, the outer cover, and the bottom part. Every 4 cardboard boxes were put together to consist a set of combined on farm hatching process with spot brooding via shredded the outer cover of cardboard box to form a circle spot brooder with 4 cardboard box bottom in it, 1800 fertile hatching eggs were used after candling at 18 ED (Embryonic Day), 600 fertile eggs were exposed to on farm hatching procedure to represent first treatment, distributed into three pens with cardboard boxes set without food wrapping film coat, and 600 fertile eggs used in second treatment via placing them into cardboard boxes set coated with food wrapping film, the third treatment consisted of 600 fertile eggs stated in conventional hatchery baskets till end of incubation. The results showed that were insignificant differences between treatments in the percentage of hatchability of fertile eggs, while significant differences between treatments were happened in late embryonic and live pipped embryo percentages. The same insignificant differences were noticed in external and internal chick's qualities, except the significant increase in relative weight of bursa. The previous results revealed that using cardboard boxes set without covering it could be a useful way to replace hatcher cabinet without any significant differences between two hatching systems, and that would be rising the incubation capacity utilization to 17 times per year instead of 13 to 14 times, leading to add values to increasing the number of batches hatch during the year.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin, boron, and Chlorella vulgaris algae on the antioxidant enzyme activity and nutrient status of date palm trees under environmental stress conditions. The study was conducted during the growing season in 2024 at Fadak Date Palm Station, located in the Karbala desert, on Phoenix dactylifera L. ' var. Sayer' trees. With A total of 54 uniforms were seven -year -old palms chosen for the experiment. Melatonin was applied to three concentrations (0, 50 and 100 mg L⁻1) as foliar spray, while boron (in the form of boric acid) were sprayed at two concentrations (0 and 500 mg L⁻1). In addition, Clorella vulgaris algae were incorporated in the soil in three concentrations (0, 100 and 200 ml L⁻1). The results demonstrated that melatonin and boron play an important and dynamic role in increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase) under drought-induced stress conditions, which improves the nutrition and physical condition of the palms and eventually reflected in fruit quality. In addition, the soil application of Chlorella vulgaris at varying levels increased sharply nitrogen and potassium content in palm leaves. These factors combined alleviate environmental pressures on date palms in desert conditions.

The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station A, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad – Al-Jadriya, on aloe vera plants during the spring season of 2023, starting from April 19, 2023, to October 19, 2023. The objective was to investigate the individual and interactive effects of soil application of vermicompost and foliar spraying with Spirulina algae extract on the content of certain elements, carbohydrates, protein, and some bioactive compounds within the Aloe plant. The experiment was implemented according to a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a Split-plot arrangement and three replicates. The results indicated the superiority of the two-way interaction treatment involving the addition of 15 tons ha⁻¹ of vermicompost to the soil in conjunction with foliar spraying of Spirulina extract at a concentration of 8 g L⁻¹ in the content of the dried leaves for each of the following: nitrogen percentage (0.463 %), phosphorus (0.133 %), potassium (2.79 %), calcium (215.7 ppm), total carbohydrates (5.65 %), protein (2.89 %), and both aloin compound (271 mg plant⁻¹) and aloinmodin compound (172.57 mg plant⁻¹), as well as phenylalanin and cinnamic acids (39.73 mg 100 g⁻¹ and 54.47 parts per million, respectively), total phenols (136.90 mg 100 g⁻¹ of dried gel), and total flavonoids (106.5 mg 100 g⁻¹ of dried gel).

The study aimed to detect the genotype of the FABP gene T>A: 3499 in a sample of 41 buffaloes to investigate the relation between this genotype and several productive traits. The study was conducted from October 1st, 2024, to January 30th, 2025, at the Ruminant Research Station in Abu Ghraib. By detecting the genotype of the FABP gene at the T>A: 3499 site, two genotypes, TT and TA, were identified. Their distribution ratios were 80.49% and 19.51%, respectively (P≤0.01). The allelic frequencies for the T and A alleles were 0.90 and 0.10, respectively. Significant differences (P≤0.01) were found in body length, Heart girth, and body temperature during the 2nd month of the study. Regarding milk production and composition, the first month was represented by milk density, the 2nd month by the daily milk yield (DMY), and the 3rd by DMY and density. The TA genotype showed superiority over the TT genotype for heart girth, milk density in the first month, DMY in the 3rd month. In conclusion, the study of genetic structures in the FABP gene: T>A: 3499, the resulting changes can be used in the process of genetic improvement of Iraqi buffaloes performance.