Mesopotamia Journal of Agriculture

This field experiment was conducted during the season 2005-2006 in
Singar - Mosul city to investigate the effects of very high level (320 N, 300 P2O5)
kg ha-1, and high level (280 N, 260 P2O5) kg ha-1 of nitrogen and phosphorus
fertilizer, pinch and with out pinch, and plant seed rate sowing 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2
g/10m2 was done by hand within 3, 4, 5, 6 rows respectively in (10)m2 plot size on
seed components of Nigella sativa L. The experiment was laid out in randomized
complete block design with three replications. The results include the following.
Very high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus caused a significant increase in fixed
oil, volatile oil, protein, and phosphorus; in contrast carbohydrate was significantly
decreased, while humidity and ash cannot be affected with this factor. Pinching
nigella plants causes a significantly increasing in fixed oil, ash, and carbohydrate
of seeds while volatile oil, protein, and phosphorus were decreased significantly
when compared with non pinched plants. Increased seed rate sowing from 0.8 to
1.2 g/10m2 caused significant increasing in fixed oil when compared with 0.6
g/10m2 while decreased seed rate sowing 0.6, 0.8 g/10m2 caused significant
increases in volatile oil and ash when compared with 1.0, 1.2 g/10m2. Protein also
Increased significantly from 20.67 to 24.40 with decreased seed rate sowing from
1.2 to 0.8 g/10m2.while medium rate cause significant increase in phosphorus
when compared with lowest and highest rate, the lowest rate of see rate give the
highest percentage of carbohydrate when compared with other

This research was conducted in Horticulture dept., College of
Agriculture and Forestry, at Mosul university to test the effect of four
concentrations (0, 20, 40, and 60 mg Fe/l) and two dates of application (15/3
and 15/4) of Fe-elements used as a chelating compound Fe-EDTA; on growth,
yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) Cv. Hapil. A
factorial experiment (randomized complete block design) with three replicates,
each experimental unit contain ten plants. Data obtained from this experiment
was tested by using Duncan’s multiple test at 5% level. The obtained results
indicated that there were a significant effect of foliar spray of Fe-EDTA on most growth and yield characteristics, and the most effective treatment was 60
mg Fe/l specially when applied at the first date (15/3) which significantly
overtopped in: leaf area, number of runners/plant, dry weight of vegetative
growth, total chlorophyll content, number of fruit per plant, average yield per
plant and per unit area, total soluble solids and the content of vitamin C as
compared with control treatment.

This study was carried on Dahlia hybrida cv. Edinburgh, to compare two
propagation methods, application of paclobutrazol PBZ at 0, 10 and 20 mg/liter
and micronutrients at concentrations 0, 0.25 and 0.50 g/liter on vegetative
growth. The results can be summarized as follows: The plants propagated by
tuberous roots gave higher values for plant height, stem diameter and shoot
number when compared with plants propagated by cuttings, for two seasons,
respectively. Spraying plants with PBZ at 20 mg/liter significantly increased
stem diameter and shoot number when compared with untreated control.
Fertilization with any concentrations micronutrient caused a significant
decrease in plant height. But stem diameter, shoot number and chlorophyll
content significantly increased at concentration 0.50 g/liter. In general, plant
propagated by tuberous roots which sprayed with 20 mg/liter PBZ and 0.50
g/liter micronutrient gave a higher values for stem diameter, shoot number,
stomata number on lower leaf surface.

Soil, plant, and water (Kasnazan impoundment and well water) samples
were monthly collected from Kasnazan (10 Km north east of Erbil city) during
August 2004 to February 2005. Chemical and statistical analysis indicated that
the irrigation with well water resulted to decreases EC from 0.87 dS.m-1 to 0.49
dS.m-1, because of leaching and dilution effects. Statistically there is a positive
significant correlation (P< 0.05) between SAR value of well water and irrigated
soil with it, whereas, a negative correlation of Mg+2 concentrations observed
between well water and soil irrigated with it. On the other hand, there was high
content of Mg+2 and low content of K+1 for eucalyptus plant irrigated by well
water in comparison to that irrigated with impoundment water.

This study was carried on Dahlia hybrida cv. Edinburgh, to compare
two propagation methods, application of paclobutrazol PBZ at 0, 10 and 20
mg/liter and micronutrients at concentrations 0.00, 0.25 and 0.50 g/liter on
vegetative growth. The results can be summarized as follows: Plants
propagated by cuttings gave best results for flowering time and inflorescence
stalk while plants propagated by tuberous roots gave best results of
inflorescence number and inflorescence diameter. Plants sprayed with 10, 20
mg/liter PBZ gave best results of flowering time in the second season and
inflorescence diameter in first season. Spraying plants with micronutrient at
concentration 0.50 g/liter gave best results of inflorescence number and
diameter. In general, plants propagated by cuttings treated with any
concentrations of PBZ and micronutrients gave best results of flowering time,
but the largest number of inflorescences/plant 12.88 obtained when plants
propagates by tuberous roots were treated with 20 mg PBZ/liter and 0.50 g/liter
micronutrients in first season, but the largest number 6.77 inflorescences/plant
obtained in the second season when plants werenot treated with PBZ.

This study conducted at the field of the department of soil and water
sciences /College of Agriculture and Forestry / Mosul University to study
the effect of surface and sub – surface (15cm), soil using of nitrogen
fertilizers Urea and Sheep manure and both in the presence and absence of
sulphur on the available and P uptake by corn plants (Zea mays L.) . Urea
and Sheep manure each alone or mixed with each at equal rate ( 80 kg
N.D-1) and two levels of sulphur (Zero and 2.5 Ton D-1 ) before seeds corn
(Zea mays v.106) planting which was done at Spring (April 1st)
2004.Available P was determind weekly,lasted for seven weeks,started
from the 7th day of germination. The results indicated that addtion of both
fertilizers (Urea and Sheep manure ) with sulfure significantly dominated
over other treatments in the available and P uptake in both methods of
application in all stages. Also available and uptake P significantly increased
with time of fertilizers soil contact both methods of application. The sub –
surface of urea and sheep manure with sulphur in the 7th week gave the
highest amounte of available and uptake P.

This study was conducted to study the effect of using some food additives like
ascorbic acid, nitrate and nitrite, sodium phosphate, lactic and acetic acid with different
concentrations upon some chemical and quality properties of local basturma during storage
within open climate temperature from march to june. The results of the study revealed that
the value of pH was decreased in most of the treatments during storage period with
increase in some treatments at the last month of storage. Treating with vitamin C with
different concentrations resulted in the decrease of peroxide value, free fatty acids
(FFA) and amino nitrogen during the storage period and decrease of pH from April till
June. When nirate and nitrite were used , an increase of pH value, peroxide value, FFA and
amino nitrogen during the storage were risen. The compact treatment {Vitamin C + nitrate
and nitrite} increased significantly pH value in comparison with the control. It was found
that the highest value of pH was 6.7 and 6.8 when sodium phosphate was added in
concentration of 0.3% during May and June, respectively . The treatment with acetic and lactic acids resulted in a decrease of pH value, peroxide value and amino – nitrogen and an
increase in the free fatty acids .

This study was conducted to study the effect of using some food additives like
ascorbic acid, nitrate and nitrite, sodium phosphate, lactic and acetic acid with
different concentrations upon some chemical and quality properties of local basturma
during storage within open climate temperature from march to june. The results of the
study revealed that the value of pH was decreased in most of the treatments during
storage period with increase in some treatments at the last month of storage. Treating
with vitamin C with different concentrations resulted in the decrease of peroxide
value, free fatty acids
(FFA) and amino nitrogen during the storage period and decrease of pH from April
till June. When nirate and nitrite were used , an increase of pH value, peroxide value,
FFA and amino nitrogen during the storage were risen. The compact treatment
{Vitamin C + nitrate and nitrite} increased significantly pH value in comparison with
the control. It was found that the highest value of pH was 6.7 and 6.8 when sodium
phosphate was added in concentration of 0.3% during May and June, respectively .
The treatment with acetic and lactic acids resulted in a decrease of pH value, peroxide
value and amino – nitrogen and an increase in the free fatty acids

The present investigation was conducted to study four types of olive
oil (Iraqi , Syrian,Turkish and Spanish) packed in glass bottles. The olive oil
samples had been collected from local markets in Nineva province (Mosul
city). The study aims at estimating and analyzing some of the factors affecting
the quality of the oils , such as peroxide value, free fatty acids, refractive index,
saponification value, relative density, and iodine value after storage in darkness
for four months at 10, 20 and 30 ◌ْ C . The results showed a significant
increasing in peroxide number during storage period in all types of olive oil .
The oils stored at 20 and 30 ◌ْ C provided the highest increase in peroxide
number than those stored at 10 ◌ْ C . The highest increase was noticed in Iraqi
samples , Followed by Syrian , Turkish and Spanish, respectively . The results
showed that the highest increasing of relative density and saponification value
for oils were noticed at 30 ◌ْ C . The figures were indicated increasing of free
fatty acids percent with progress in storage period at 10 , 20 and 30 ◌ْ C, and
the relationship between refractive index with iodine number for Iraqi, Syrian ,
Turkish and Spanish of olive oil types .

This study deals with the blends of hydrogenated soybean oil to low
iodine value (HS), with Soybean oil (SB), in ratio 20:80,40:60,60:40,80:20%
fat to oil. Each blend was divided in to tow groups , the first one was saved
under frizzing and the others was interesterified. Characterizations of these
blends were done Which include Fatty Acids (FA) , FA in position sn2 and Tri
Acyl Glycerol (TAG) composition, physical and chemical properties which
include melting and slip melting points, penetration force, solid fat index (SFI),
iodine value, refractive index, trans fatty acids (TFA) ratio and oxidative
stability. Obtained results of these characterizations compared among esterified
and non interesterified blends.The factor interesterefication reaction affecting
on the properties of the blends were studied. The results showed that the
reaction factor affected on most TAG ratios, some TAG were appeared, and
others disappeared, the largest influence of reaction in the 2nd and 3ed ratio of
blending , The results showed that the interesterefied fats has fatty acids'
random distribution. The reaction affected on all physical and chemical
characteristics, except iodine value and total FAs ratio, the results showed that
there was some decrees in the means of TFA in SB with HF blends , Also
showed that peroxide number with increasing time of storage for the blends
before reaction is less than after reaction.

266 samples from the herd of college of Agriculture, Duhok
University, were analysed during the lactation period. Total solids precentage was 12,26-23,92% with an awerage of 17,29% in morning milk,
while in evening milk it was 9,66-24,62% with an average of 17,89%. Total
solids percentage inereased at the end of lactation period. Fat percentage
was between 2,00 8,00% with an average of 5,59% in morning milk and
3,00-7,80% with an average of 6,15% in evening milk. Lactose percentage
was 1,33 8,77% with an average of 4,79% in morning milk and 1,53-6,86%
with an average of 4,36% in evening milk. Protein percentage was 1,25-
9,95% with an average of 5,34% in moring milk, in evening milk it was
2,32-9,67% with an average of 5,67%. Non protein nitrogen percentage was
0,026-0,178% with an average of 0,089% in morning milk, in evening milk
it was 0,026 0,187% with an average of 0,096%. Ash percentage was 0,30
1,56% with an average of 0,89% in morning milk while in evening milk it
was 0,30-1,60% with an average of 0,87%. About physicochemical
preperties of sheep´s milk, most samples were not clotted by alcohol test,
alotted samples were excluded. No clotting was observed during boiling
test. The clotting time of milk was 25-1200sec. With an average of 104 sec.
In morning milk. in eveninf milk it was 30-540sec. with an average of
106sec.

The pH value of yoghurt during storage at 40C for 1, 7, 14 days, was
4.54, 4.32, 4.12 for samples made of morning milk and 4.59,4.29 and 3.57 for those made of evening milk, respectively. Sensory evaluation indicated that
yoghurt made of morning milk was better than that of evening milk. The
microbiological test indicated that the total aerobic bacterial count in samples
during storage period was 1.84, 5.64 and 7.02 ×105 cfu/g , yeast and moulds
count was 0.060, 0.176 and 0.316× 105cfu/g, respectively, for morning milk,
after cold storage for the same periods, while the samples made of evening
milk contain from aerobic bacteria was 1.63, 2.34 and 5.28× 105 cfu/g, yeast
and moulds count was 0.001, 0.100 and 0.254×105 cfu/g, respectively, for the
same periods and storage temperature. All samples of yoghurt were free from
coliform bacteria.

This study showed that the addition of certain compounds separately such
as KH2PO4 , K2SO4 , corn steep liquor or yeast extract had affected gibberellic
acid production from wild strain of Fusarium moniliforme. Corn steep liquor at the
concentration 0.25 gm/L gave 92.31 mg/L of gibberellic acid, while potassium
sulphate at the concentration 0.20 gm/L gave 91.95 mg/L of gibberellic acid,
potassium dihydrogen phosphate gave the highest production where reached 93.48
mg/L especially at the concentration 0.5 gm/L, at the concentration 1.5 gm/L yeast
extract gave 93.15 mg/L of gibberellic acid. The initial pH for highest production
of gibberellic acid was 5.5 . The optimal incubation temperature to produce
highest yield of acid was 30° C.

Two local strains of Fusarium moniliforme, were isolated from leaves
and roots of maize plant. The two strains were compared for gibberellic acid production. The production of gibberellic acid by the local strain (1) was higher
than strain (2). The strain (1) of F. moniliforme was chosen for the later
experiments. The effects of culture components and conditions were studied at
aiming to improve gibberellic acid production by the local strain (1). The
optimum incubation period for the highest production of gibberellic acid was 9
days. The glucose, as a carbon source, gave the highest production of
gibberellic acid reached 91.13 mg/liter especially at the concentration 2%.
Ammonium nitrate, as a nitrogen source, gave the higher production of
gibberellic acid reached 94.55 mg/liter and at the concentration 3 gm/liter. The
technology of the spectrophotometer was used for the quantitative evaluation
for gibberellic acid in the samples and at the wase longitude of 254 nanometer.

The effect of carrot juice at different doses on mitotic index (MI)and
micronuclei (Mn) formation was studied in white mice bone marrow cells . The
counter effect of juice was also studied against the effects induced by
cyclophosphamide (Cp) . Results indicated that carrot juice (0.1 , 0.25 , 0.5 )
ml administered orally had no effect on MI and formation of micronuclei ,
while Cp (50 mg / Kg body weight ) lowered the MI from 6.34 (The normal
level ) to 1.97 after 24 hr , and increased the micronuclei from the normal level
(1.48) to 13.06 . Different combinations of juice and mutagen such as using
juice before mutagen (Ca/Cp) , or juice after mutagen (Cp/Ca) and using juice
with mutagen (Ca+Cp) , had different effects , all of them were able to restore
the MI to the natural values especially after 6 days . The level of Mn remained
elevated compared to the natural values especially in using Cp/Ca and Ca+Cp
treatments .

The by – products of corn starch industry were used for preparation of
media to propagate some fungi , and these were corn steep water (S) and gluten
after extraction of soluble fraction (G) . These by – products were used after
suitable treatments , and used to prepare mixed medium (GS) . The by –
products contain most of the essential requirements for fungal growth . They
have been used to cultivate Aspergillus niger , Asp. flavus , Penicillium spp and
the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii . The growth was recorded by measuring
the colony diameter for moulds grown on solid media and biomass for liquid
media . For yeast the viable count was determined , all these measurements
were run in comparison to Sabouraud media (Oxoid ) as a standard medium
.The results indicated that the GS solid medium was superior to support the
fungal growth , followed by (S) medium . then the standard medium , and finally the gluten medium with significant statistical differences (P<0.05) for
the three moulds . Growth in liquid media (Biomass) showed that steep water
medium (S) was the best to support the growth. Shaked cultures gave higher
biomass and differ from static cultures significantly (P<0.05) . Growth of S .
boulardii in liquid media was better in shaked cultures than static cultures with
significant differences (P<0.05) for different media .

Yield of stand affected by different characteristics of a tree or the stand ,
correspondingly ,the height is one of the important factor effects the quality and
quantity of the yield , for that this investigation was conducted in order to estimate
growth of height for Populus nigra stands grown at Zakho Region depending on
age ( A) , diameter at breast height (dbh) and density of stand . Forty five
samples will be selected randomly from stands with different densities and ages .
Data analyzed and mathematical models driven for many equations connect the
studied variable of stands with the height by using regression system then constructing on the resulted precision measurements of the equation , the
followings were selected:
H =-12.12 + 8.50(A) 0.5
H = -2.08 + 1.74(A) + 0.14(SP ) 2
H = 1.27 + 2.132(D) – 0.75EXP(SP)
The coefficient determination coefficient (R2) of above equations were
(90.3, 91.02 ,91.33) with standard error (0.88,0.86,0.84) respectively. Resulted
equations enable us to estimate average stand height at any age or density then
different tables and graphics prepared to illustrate the development of stand height
growth which is widely used by forest managers in order to predict the mean
stand height also to estimate average growth annual growth in the height of stand
through first driven of equations links the height with the age .

In 2005 , a crossed used by Line × Tester among ten genotypes of
Triticum durum are Atra-S , Crezo , Berch-1 , Azeghar-2 , LD-357-E , Sham-3 , Cimeto as male and Bakrajo-1 , ACSAD-65 and Om-Rabea-3 as female . In
following year the seeds of the ten parents and their crossed were grown in the
research farm of the college Dohok University using RCBD with three
replication to study the genetic behavior of the yield and components . General
and specific combining ability were estimated and heterosis . A significant
differences between genotypes were shown for all the characters . some
variation were found between the general combining ability effects , and the
testers , however the parent (ACSAD-65) was superior to others . Crosses
(Bakrajo-1×Crezo) , (Om-Rabea-3×Sham-3) exhibited significant specific
combining ability effects in a desirable direction for all characters . Ratio of
general to specific combining ability components were less than one for all
characters . A broad sense heritability value was higher in all characters , while
the heritability in a narrow sense was low . The average degree of dominance
values was greater than one indicating a presence of over-dominance . Some
hybrids were superior to others .

Afield experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of varieties,
nitrogen fertilizer levels and their application dates on growth characters of corn
(Zea mays L.). The split -split plot design in RCBD with three replications was
used. The experiment included two corn varieties (Buhooth 106 and Tallar) and
four nitrogen fertilizer levels (0,80,120,160 kg N/ha) and three application dates
of fertilizer (half of recommended level was added at sowing and other half after
30 days from sowing, half of recommended level was added at sowing and other
half after 60 days from sowing, one fourth of the quantity was added at sowing
and half after 30 days from sowing and the last quarter after 60 days from sowing.
The varieties ,nitrogen fertilizer levels and application dates, represented as main
plot , sub plot and sub-sub plot, respectively. The result indicated that the varieties
Buhooth 106 was significantly superior than Tallar variety for grains yield and
components with the exception of number of rows per ear and harvest index
.Tallar variety was significantly exceeded than Buhooth 106 in crude protien ,
oil yield and percentage .Increasing nitrogen fertilizer rates caused continuous
increase in all grains yield and components and continuous singnificant
increase in grain quality with the exception of oil percentage.Application dates
of nitrogen affected significantly all grains yield and components. Partitioning
nitrogen to three batches gave higer grains yield and components , crude
protien and oil .

The factorial pots experiment was conducted in order to investigate the
effect of some herbicides ( Basagran , 250,500 , Glyphosate , 565 , 1250 ,
Gesagard , 1250 , 2500 cm3 a.i /ha) and unweeded check treatment which
applied with different frequency of application ( one , two , three times )which
take 20 days interval on control of fieldbind weed in summer season 2006 at
Salah Aldeen prov . CRD design with three replicates was used . The
significant result showed that all herbicides used were superiority on plant
growth if it compared with unweeded cheek treatment . On other hand , two
times or three times duration application of herbicides had more effect on plant
length than one time of application . However, unsignificant result of different
herbicides frequency had been on number of buds, no-capsule , and no-of seeds

Pots experiment was carrid out at Salah aldeen prov. in 2006 summer
growing season to investigate the effect of herbicide doses (150, 300, 450
cm3a.i/ha) application time (15 , 25 , 30 days intervals ) and frequent
application ( without application , one , two , three time of application ) on
growth of bind weed . Data wrer collected at 25th October . CRD design with
three replicates was used as a factorial experiment. Unsignificant result had
seen on all growth characteristic of plant with the different time of herbicide
application . While the third dose of herbicide was significantly superior than
other doses . The more frequency of herbicide application had significant effect
on reducing plant length , dry weight , number of buds , and number of branch .
The interaction two or three time of application at dose 450cm3 a.i/ ha with
every 15 , 25 or 35 days duration had markedly effect on plant growth which
all plants was control .

Field experiment on sunflower was conducted during the season 2006 at
Al Rashidia field-Mosul city to determine the effect of sowing dates{ 27
March(S1), 20 April (S2) and 10 May (S3) } with leaves defoliation { non defoliation(Dl),defoliated 4 (D2) and 8 (D3) leaves / plant } at stage pale yellow
of back head. It used randomized complete block design as split-plot with three
replications. The result showed that 27 March of date sowing had a significant
superiority on leaf area, no. of seeds / head, wt. of 1000 seeds and oil yield,
while defoliation of 4 or 8 leaves had exactly opposed effect except the leaf
area. Higher oil and seed yield had reached at(S1), (S2) with (D1) interaction.
However, linear relationship was seen between defoliation levels and yield
reduction percentage.

This study was conducted in Telafar region, Mosul governorate during
agriculture season 2002-2003 to study the effect of three plow types (mold
board, chisel and one way disk) with two plowing depths (10-15 cm) (15-20
cm) and two sprinkler irrigation systems (center pivot and solid set) on growing
and production properties of corn (plant height, number of ears plant, number
of rows/ear, length of ear, ear diameter, number of grain/ear, weight of 100
grain and grain yield). Randomized complete block design (split-split plot
design) was used and the results analyzed statistically. The results showed that
the mold board, chisel and one way disk plows with the two plowing depths
and with center pivot irrigation system surpassed in plant height and number of
ear/plant properties. The mold board plow with the depth (10-15 cm) and center
pivot irrigation system surpassed in number of rows/ear, and the one way disk
plow with (15-20 cm) depth and center pivot irrigation system surpassed in
grain yield property and its yield was 11.02 ton/ha

Results of studying nourishment preference of the greater wax moth
worms on wax combs that vary in their pollen, honey, and metabolic wastes of bees in addition to the appearance ( dark and white ) combs and elasticity of
wax base showed that the consumption of these substances varied. The study of
modified multiple range Duncan's test at p=0.05 showed that the optimum
nourishment,optimum time for transformation from larvae to mature insect ,
and largest number of eggs laid by females were of the dark colored combs that
contain pollen and honey which reached (12.84gm/treatment, 32.57 days ,
2039.0 eggs) respectively , and the lowest nourishment was for combs with non
elastic basic wax averaging ( 5.84 grams / treatment , 47.43 days , and 56.0
eggs ) respectively , The statistical analysis of the simple correlation coefficient
(r) has also revealed that theresults were significant between nourishment and
both the number of eggs laid and time of transformation from larvae to mature
insect throughout the study period at p= 0.01 while the correlation between the
number of eggs laid and time of transformation from larvae to mature insect
was less significant at p= 0.05.

Three levels of microwave energy low ,medium& ,high. 260,520 and 780
w, respectively were used to control three species of the saw-toothed grain
beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis L.,Red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum
Herbst,the Khapra beetle Trogoderma granarium Evert in Store Products ,viz.
Jrush ,Burglar and Habia at three exposure periods 1,1.5 and 2 minutes. The
results showed that the highest mortality percentage occupied in Oryzaephilus
surinamensis 75.67%,followed by Tribolium castaneum which was 68.64%
while the lower was 66.29% in case of Trogoderma granarium. Highest energy
level gave 100% mortality percentage ,while the medium level gave 99.63%
percentage whereas only 10.98% percentage was recorded with low level.The
highest percent mortality in Burglar 71.48% while the lower was in Habia
67.9%. Exposure periods of 1.0,1.5 and 2 minutes gave 75.18 , 68.64 and
66.79% mortality percentage, respectively . The temperature produced was
almost similar in three products ; 69.77 ,73.88 and 72.77 °C while that of
control treatment was 25.33°C.The temperature of microwave energy level
were 87.08, 62.41 and 31.83°C for high ,medium and low, respectively