Basrah Journal of Agricultural Sciences

An experiment for strawberry Fragaria ananassa cv. Festival in vitro
conservation of cultures for nine months was studied. Three MS medium strength
(full strength MS, ¾ MS, ½ MS, and ¼ MS) and the storage period (3, 6, and 9
months) in slowing down or reducing growth. Results showed a significant effect of
the medium salt strength, as the full strength treatment was higher by achieved the
highest percentage of viability (survival %) and storage characteristics of cultures
(N%, P%, carbohydrates%, protein %) and regeneration ability characteristics (shoots
and roots number and length). Three-month storage period achieved the highest rate
compared to the nine-month storage period, which recorded the lowest average for
the studied characteristics. The full strength treatment for three months storage period
realized the highest rate compared to treatment ¼ strength for the storage period of
nine months, which recorded the lowest rate of the studied traits. The application of
minimal strength for in vitro conservation allows strawberry cultures to remain viable
with a slow growth rate and a significant increase in the storage life of the tissues to
nine months.

This study was conducted in one of the private orchards in the district of Abu
Al-Khaseeb, Basrah province during the growing seasons 2017 - 2018 in order to examine
the effect of spraying acidic whey, enzymatic whey and magnetized and non-magnetized
whey on date palm cultivars Phoenix dactylifera L. agricultural (yellow Shwithi and Al
Khdrawi). A Concentration of 100% of the whey was applied to the fruits. The results of the
study showed the superiority of the yellow Shwithi and Al-Khdrawi regarding the
Qualitative and Productive characteristics. There was a significant difference between the
date palm cultivars regarding the length, diameter, the weight of fruit, dry matter, total and
reduced sugars and fruit content of invertase enzyme were recorded 33.45 mm, 20.89 mm,
9.302 g, 37.685%, 50.28%, 36.09% and 2347 units/kg/ CO2. The spray treatment was
characterized by enzymatic whey in most of the study treatments of fruit length, fruit
weight, total sugars and invertase enzyme. It reached 34.55 mm, 9.883 g, 56.15% and
2005.3 units/kg/CO2. The results also showed the importance of bilateral interaction
between the variety and spray treatment.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of okra
(Abelmoschus esculentus L.) seed powder (OSP) in diets on performance, carcass
characteristics, some blood parameters, and gut microbial populations in broiler chickens.
For the present experiment, 216 day old chicks were randomly divided into four groups,
each group consisting three replicates of 18 chicks in a completely randomized design. Four
diets were formulated with diet 1 as the basal diet (control), while 2, 3, and 4 were
supplemented with OSP at 1, 2 and 4 %, respectively. The results revealed that the highest
final live body weight, accumulative weight gain, and better feed conversion ratio was
achieved in birds fed with 1 or 2 % of OSP. Feed intake and carcass characteristics were
similar among groups. The highest relative weight of the spleen and cecum was observed in
the control group, while the lowest value was observed in birds fed with 4% and 2% OSP,
respectively. The longest length of the gastrointestinal tract was seen in 2% OSP compared
to other groups. Serum cholesterol and ALT activity were decreased as compared to control
diets. The group fed with 2 % OSP showed higher albumin levels compared to those fed
with 1% of OSP. The population of total bacteria and Escherichia coli in jejunum digesta of
OSP supplemented broiler chickens was reduced, meanwhile, there was an increased in
lactic acid bacteria counts as compared to control. Therefore, 1 and 2 % okra seed powder
in the diet of broiler chickens was able to improve the growth performance.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from plant extracts is considered one of the
green chemistry methods, as this method is characterized by ease, fast and low cost to manipulate.
Interestingly, AgNPs have an important role, especially in nano-medicine. Using AgNPs for cancer
therapy are an affordable way to control tumor growth and constitute a choice strategy to fight cancer
cells. First type of conventional cancer treatment is surgical treatment then radiation and chemotherapy.
However, these treatments may work for some cancer subtypes, and have various side effects, in most
cases, with high doses. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized using
Dodonaea viscosa leaves extract. The formation of these particles was confirmed through the color
change, UV-Visible Spectrophotometer displaying at 463nm.While the particles characterization was
done by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) band and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR)
spectroscopy which revealed the effective functional groups that have ability to bio-reduction silver ion
Ag+. In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) determined the crystal structure of silver nanoparticles, as
shown by the peaks at 2θ values of 38.1874, 46.2491, 57.5409 and76. 8313ο.The atomic force
microscopy (AFM) analysis showed the size and the surface properties of biosynthesized nanoparticles,
and the silver nanoparticles had an average size of 60.22 nm. Finally, scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) showed spherical shape of AgNPs and having different average diameter D1 (21.10), D2
(21.39) and D3 (11.86) nm. In vitro, the synthesized AgNPs exhibited potential anti-tumor activities
against human lung cancer (A549) and ovarian cancer (SK-OV-3) carcinoma cell lines in a dose
dependent manner with IC50 of 1.73 and 2.23µg.ml-1, respectively. Our results showed the promising
use of AgNPs as an alternative treatment for cancer cells directly and selectively on A549 cell line at
concentrations (2.000, 1.699, 1.398 and 1.301 μg /mL).

Employing DNA markers allowed determining genetic diversity and
relationships amongst five apricot genotypes. In this study, two relative gene
expressions pertaining to ParARF3 gene, which could be distinguished from the
genotypes that were exposed to various concentrations of marine alga treatments. As
per our results, screening of seven primers with the DNA of 5 apricot genotypes was
done, and six primers were generated while the primer OPN–16 gave negative
results. The total quantity of fragments generated by 6 primers was 80 at an average
of 13.33 fragments ̸ primer. The highest unique percentage band depicted in U-17
touched 23%, and the total number of polymorphic bands touched 17 fragments with
the average reaching 2.83 fragments ̸ primer. The number of monomorphic lied in the
range of 5 to 10, with a total of 47 monomorphic. Primer M 32 yielded the highest
number of monomorphic bands reaching 10. Between Zaghenia and Zinni, a
maximum genetic distance value of 0.8 was reached with less similarity value of
20%. A minimum genetic distance value of 0.44721 was noted between Kaisy and
Baia while the high similarity value touched 55.3%. According to the cluster tree
analysis, the genotypes were generally split into two key groups: A and B. The Zinni
group, which included one apricot genotype, showed genetic similarity of 20% with
the other genotypes present in B group. The B group was split into two sub-clusters
B1 and B2 and the genetic similarity reached 44%. The ParARF3 relative gene
expression pertaining to Zinni genotypes was second as well as convergent with that
of gene expression for Zaghenia genotype results. Baia and Kaisy genotypes lied in
between the lowest and highest ParARF3 value gene expression exposed to Marine
Alga. These outcomes showed that RAPD markers offer an effectual alternative for
the plant species genetic characterisation

This study aims to prepper stable thermodynamically dilutable
nanoemulsion formulation of Beauveria bassiana with the lowest surfactant
concentration that could improve its solubility stability. Formulations were prepared
from oil in the water nanoemulsion region of phase diagrams subjected to
thermodynamic stability tests. We found propanetriol was the highest germination rate
at 5% and 10% concentration, 46.66 and 53.33%, respectively. Castor oil achieved a
43.00 germination rate at 1%. Tween 80 gave 54.33 % germination rate at 10%. While
Tween 20 showed a 48 % germination rate at 5%. At the concentration, 1% Term 1284
gave 43.33% rate germination. Nanoemulsion composed of propanetriol and nonionic
surfactants, with a mean particle size ranging from 25.08 to 75.35 nm, was formulated
for various concentrations of the oils and surfactants. Water in oil emulsion was
prepared using propanetriol oil, Tween 20, Tween 80, Term 1284, and water.
Nanoemulsion of 25.08, 33.75, and 75.35 nm size was obtained at a 45: 15 % ratio of
oil and surfactant, and it was found to be stable. The larger droplet size 75.35 nm of
formulation Tween 20 and the smaller size was 25.08 nm in the formulation of Term
1284. The higher viscosity value was 16 mPas of formulation Tween 80, and the
lowest value was 7.80 in the formulation of Term 1284. To demonstrate the possible
employment of these systems, they were used to formulate a nanoformulation
pesticide.

The research aims to compare the performance (PC) and specific energy
consumption (Spc.) of the hammer mill when using the T-hammer against the
(traditional) rectangular hammer. A homemade mill with four hammers was used in
experiment. 36 treatments: 2 hammer shape x 3 impact area (840, 720 and 960 mm2)
x 2 feeding rates (1500 and 3000 g min-1) x 3 replicates, with completely random
design. The results showed that there was no significant effect of hammer shape on
PC at the feed rate of 3000 g min-1, while there was an effect at the rate of 1500 g
min-1. An effect was also found for the impact area on the PC at both feeding rates
and on Spc., as an inverse relationship appeared between the impact area and mill
productivity at the feed rate 1500 g min-1. The area of 720 mm2 surpassed the area
480 and 960 mm2 at the rate of feeding 3000 g min-1, as it recorded 1215.65 g min-1
compared to 950.65 and 882.65 g min-1, respectively. There is effect of feeding rate
on PC and Spc. The traditional hammer is recommended for simplicity of design,
manufacture and performance at high feed rates compared to the T-shaped hammer.

In order to investigate the possibility for in in vitro fast regeneration of
Dianthus caryophyllus, different concentrations of Kinetin (Kin), 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy
Acetic Acid (2,4-D) had been tested for induction of callus by leaves and stems explant
using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. After two months in culture, response callus
in the induction rate, fresh and dry weight, texture and color were evaluated. MS
medium that contained 4.5 mg.L-1 2, 4-D was suitable for callus induction with leaf
explants. The combination of 0.4 mg.L-1 Kin and 2.0 mg.L-1 2, 4-D also demonstrated a
wonderful induction of callus on stem explants. In addition to the culture medium
complemented by Kin and 2, 4-D, the influence of Zeatin at various concentrations (0.0,
0.4, 0.8 or 1.0 mg.L-1) was assessed. In MS medium that contained 0.4 mg.L-1 Kin+ 2.0
mg.L-1 2,4-D+ 1.0 mg.L-1 Zeatin, rapid callus induction and also more callus proliferation
from stem explants were detected. Results indicate on callus induction that, Zeatin was
more successful than Kin or 2, 4-D, but other combinations directly developed a shoot.
Callus obtained from stems explant was friable, white and yellow, while callus from leaf
explants was green.

This study was conducted in the animal field of the Al-Kafeel Company from
November 2019 till May 2020 to investigate the possible association between growth
hormone (GH) and thyroxine (T4) with the growth traits in Awassi and Karakul sheep. The
total number of animals which used in the study was 60 lambs, 28 (13 males and 15
females) from Karakul and 32 (18 males and 14 females) from Awassi. Blood samples were
collected at birth, weaning, and six months of age, and both GH and T4 concentrations were
measured. Results showed higher values of T4 for Karakul as compared with Awassi at
birth and weaning. Karakul breed was also exhibited significantly higher values of GH over
Awassi breed only at weaning, while, no significant differences were observed at birth and
six months of age. Karakul lambs showed higher weights as compared with Awassi lambs
at all studied periods. A highly significant (p < 0.01) positive correlation was observed
between T4 concentration and the weight of lambs at most studied periods. Whereas, GH
did not exhibit any correlation with growth traits measured in both breeds. The elevated T4
might be one of the reasons for superiority of Karakul over Awassi breed in live body
weights. This high correlation between T4 and growth traits could be used in the early
selection of lambs to improve the weights of sheep at marketing.

A very important breakthrough in saffron cultivation and production was
achieved by Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of
Kashmir (SKUAST-K) when the university developed a production system module in
saffron which brought substantial increase in productivity of saffron during last two
decades. The adoption of the technology was observed to have a very significant impact on
the social dynamics of the saffron producing region demanding its ex-ante and ex-post
evaluation vis a vis non adopters of the technology. With this in mind consumer surplus
model and propensity score matching methods were employed on a sample of 447
respondents of which 286 were adopters and 161 non-adopters (control group) drawn from a
population of 753 saffron growers in the saffron belt of Jammu and Kashmir producing 99%
of the total saffron production in the country. The results revealed that average productivity
of the spice increased from 2.57 kg.ha-1 to 6.05 kg.ha-1, with 1-2 kg.ha-1 in the first year to
10-12 kg.ha-1 in fourth year against control group, however, the investment cost estimates
recorded increase of 5.9% under ex-ante and 13.6% under ex-post evaluation while adopting
new technology, which however, got compensated through realizing higher productivity and
increased employment to the tune of 40.6 and 28.3 per cent man-days/ha respectively under
ex-ante and ex-post evaluation. The results further revealed, NPV, BCR, IRR of Rs. 399
crores, 110, 154% against Rs.249 crores, 69, 134% respectively under ex-ante and ex-post
evaluation of the technology

A total of 14 specimens of Cobia Rachycentron canadum (L.) were caught
from Iraqi marine waters during the period from October 2019 till May 2020. Two parasitic
helminths (One species each of nematode and acanthocephalan) were isolated from
alimentary canal of the cobia. These are the adults of Iheringascaris inquies (Linton, 1901)
Deardorff & Overstreet, 1980 and Serrasentis sagittifer Linton, 1889. The record of these
worms, from this fish, is considered as the first record in Iraq. Adequate description of both
I. inquies and adult S. sagittifer from cobia for the first time in the Arabian Gulf is given.

Three tests of phylogenetic including likelihood-joining tree, neighbour-joining
tree, and minimum evolution tree have been used based on sox3 gene. Phylogenetic analysis
was used to detect the genetic affinity and common ancestors for selected species that
belong to the same or different families. This study showed the most appropriate methods
for testing the genetic affinity among species and the methodology of each test according to
the requirement of molecular applications. Secondary RNA predicted structure and
minimum free energy were also included in this study because of their contribution to the
detection of the orthologous gene and variance in RNA folding among species related to the
different families. The genetic distance in the studied populations was calculated to know
the most appropriate way to find out the genetic similarity among the studied species. The
low distance-variance value of each group indicated significant genetic affinity among the
species of the same family, this result is more consistent with the test of maximum
likelihood tree indicating the validity of this test to measure the genetic affinity among
species that have common ancestors.

This research aimed at a proposal to regulate the relationships among extension,
research and educational agricultural institutions in Sulaymani Governorate, by diagnosing the
personal variables of the respondents, and identifying the reality of organizing relationships
between these institutions, leading to preparing a proposed model for organizing relations between
them. The research population included the agricultural organizations represented by (Agricultural
Extension Directorate, Agricultural Research Directorate, Agricultural Colleges and Institutes),
and a proportional stratified random Sample of 15% was chosen from all organizations, the total
of the instructor sample is 85 respondents. The proposed model was prepared according to the
following procedures: literature and forms, expert observations, review of research and articles,
conducting field visits, documents and records. 3 fields, 12 elements and 168 paragraphs were
developed, all of which formed the initial formula of the model. The model was presented in its
initial form to a group of experts in the field of agricultural extension and management, and after
taking their observations into account; the model now includes 3 fields, 12 elements and 148
paragraphs. The research found that there is no process of organizing the relationships between the
studied institutions, and showed that all respondents agreed on the paragraphs of the proposed
model. And recommends its application in real agricultural work in Sulaymani province.

Breeding, preserving, and successfully rearing young animals resistant
to various environmental influences is one of the main parameters of effective
livestock management. The study aimed to study the indicators of natural resistance
and the growth rate of calves under the influence of dietary supplements. The
studies were carried out on four groups of black-and-white calves, 10 heads each, at
the age of 2-5 months. The dairy calves of the control group were fed according to
the ration adopted on the farm (basic ration, including cereal-legume hay, whole
milk, milk replacer, concentrates, chalk, salt). In addition to the main diet, the
animals of the experimental groups were given a dietary supplement. At 2-3, 3-4,
and 4-5, months of age, calves were given 12-23, 19-38, and 23-47 g.head-1 of
dietary supplement per day, respectively. The article deals with the effect of a forest
biomass supplement on the morphophysiological parameters of calves. Biochemical
blood analysis and the features of metabolic processes in the bodies of animals are
studied. The results indicated that the use of a dietary supplement at a dosage of 30
g/head of cattle per day contributes to the highest increase (9.9%) in live weight
gain of experimental animals and an improvement in natural resistance parameters
(bactericidal activity of blood serum, phagocytic activity of neutrophils). Based on
the data of biochemical and haematological blood tests, the authors conclude that
the inclusion of a dietary supplement in the diet of calves has a positive effect on
the indices of natural resistance and the course of nitrogen metabolism.

Seven peas (Pisum sativum L.) varieties different originated, i.e, X07P54,
X06PWY, NDPO80138-B-2, CA1P, L020140, Wt6803 and Mir were studied.
Biochemical assessment of fresh aboveground biomass and seeds of peas varieties
were done. At the beginning of flowering stage the NDPO80138-B-2 and X07P54
were reported high levels for crude protein (22.33% and 21.87%), crude fibre
(25.94% and 25.76%) and crude ash (10.39% and 9.47%). In technical maturity with
high crude protein and crude fibre contents NDPO80138-B-2 (21.59% and 21.38%),
X06PWY (19.95% and 21.36%), X07P54 (19.78% and 20.57%) and CA1P (19.60%
and 22.53%) were distinguished; by calcium CA1P (2.09%), and by phosphorus
Wt6803 (0.54%). More significant variability in phosphorus content (21.27%) and
Ca:P ratio (25.65%) in fresh biomass was observed. The lowest coefficient of
variation was found for crude fibre (5.43%), crude ash (7.81%) and crude protein
content (9.00%). The variability of parameters in technical maturity was found low
and ranges from 2.34% for crude protein to 9.27 for phosphorus. The green mass
yield is positively correlated with the calcium content (r = 0.581), phosphorus (r =
0.316) and crude ash (r = 0.077) and the seed yield positive correlated with calcium
content (r = 0.79). The relationships found between qualitative indicators could be
used in the breeding programs of peas.

The present study aims to identify and characterize the chemical compounds
present in the extracts of cactus pear Opuntia dillenii (OD) fruit which grow in southern Iraq
and offer different health benefits. The physicochemical properties of the fruit juices (pulp and
peels) were investigated. Fruit pulp and peel extracts carried the symbols: hexane pulp extract
(HPuE), hexane peel extract (HPeE), ethanolic pulp extract (EPuE), and ethanolic peels
extract (EPeE). The activel compound screened by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
(GC-MS). HPuE and HPeE contained 40 bioactive compounds and 60 bioactive compounds
were detected in EPuE and EPeE. The scavenging activity of DPPH free radicals records a
high level of inhibition ranging from 34.8 to 90.3% for EPeE and from 32.9 to 89.9% for
EPuE, while hexane extracts scavenging activities (HPeE and HPuE) were 24.9-78.9% and
20.7-73.3% respectively at concentrations of 20 – 80 µg.ml-1 this activity has received
considerable attention because of their physiological functions

The study aims to measure the comparative and competitive advantage of
red meat production in the Kokjali region of Nineveh through some measures derived
from the policy analysis matrix. The study relied on the primary data collected
through the questionnaire form for a random sample of (100) fields included (5610)
imported calves in the Kokjali district of Nineveh Governorate for the production
year 2018. The sample was distributed into three categories according to the number
of calves. The sample was divided into three categories, according to the number of
calves, the first category of fields contains 25-49 calves and their number reached 35
fields, and the second category represents fields that contain 50-74 Calf has reached
48 fields, and the third category represents the fields that contain 75 calves or more
and reached 17 fields. The results of the study indicated that the measures of
protection and indicators of comparative advantage showed that there is no
government support to protect red meat production in the domestic market for the
year 2018 and this is clear from the nominal protection coefficient of the outputs
0.263. The same is the case with the nominal protection coefficient of inputs 1.212, as
the results of the study showed that there is no government support. In addition, the
measure of the special costs ratio indicated that the red meat product system has
international competitiveness 0.004. Finally, the value of the local resource cost
factor 0.131 indicated that the Kokceli area has a comparative and competitive
advantage for the production of red meat, as the coefficient appeared to be less than
the correct one.

Ozone efficacy (approximately of 600 Mg.hr-1) was evaluated against Red
Flour Beetle’s (RFB, Tribolium castium (Herbst)) eggs, larvae, pupae and adults at
different temperatures (35, 40 and 45 ° C) and exposure times (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 hours)
under laboratory. The control treatments included above thermal levels without ozone
at the mentioned exposure periods. The results indicated ozone effectively suppressed
hatching with increasing temperature. The hatch egg rates was reduced to 0 % in the
treated treatments after 10 h at 45° C. However, mortality rates of RFB were increased
with maximizing of the exposure time to ozone. After 10-h exposure to ozone at the
lowest temperature 35˚ C, complete mortality (100%) or few survivals of RFB were
recorded in the susceptible stages (larvae and adults). Also, the complete mortality of
adults and larvae resulted after an exposure to ozone at 40 ° C for 10 hours, compared
than the high survival rates at the pest’s stages at 30 and 40° C, even after 10 hours of
monitoring time. However the exposure time which is required to 100% mortality was
decreased to 4 hours at 45 ° C, comparing to the thermal treatment only (control) which
needed more time (6 h) for 100% of mortality. In conclusion, ozone application showed
the efficacy on the mortality at all stages of RFB and the temperature was a potential
factor enhancing the application of ozone for RFB control

The study included the analysis of (341) samples from eight pedons cover
most of the prevailing sub great soil groups in Iraq, which are (Typic Torrifluvents,
Typic Torrients, Typic Gypsiorthids, Typic Calciorthids, Aquollic Salorthids, Typic
Chromoxerects, Typic Xerrochrepts and Typic Calcixerects) to study the pedogenetic
distribution of total and bioavailable content of the manganese, zinc, copper, and iron
also its relationship with some soil properties. Results showed significant differences
between the studied regions of total content of microelements, the bioavailability
content also showed a significant deference between the studied regions. The physical
and chemical soil properties clearly affected on their content of micronutrient and 77%
of the studied samples were below the critical limit for zinc, but 65% of the studied
samples were under the critical limit for iron. This refers to the response of the
cultivated crops in such sub great soil groups to the addition of Zn and Fe fertilizers,
also pedogenetic distribution of the content of these microelements showed a decrease
with depth and compatible with the distribution of each of the separated clay and
organic matter and decrease with the increase in the soil content of calcium carbonate