Print ISSN: 2072-7798 | Online ISSN: 2312-8186 The International Open Access Agricultural Scientific Journal is published quarterly by the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Kufa, Iraq. The journal is recognized with a DOI prefix (DOI: 10.36077) through Crossref, USA, and is registered with the Iraqi National Library and Archives (INLA) under No. 2377 (2019). Indexed in Scopus, this journal serves as a global platform for agricultural research and scientific advancement.
Faculty of Agriculture - University of Kufa, Iraq
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The Influence of Agricultural Marketing on Farmers' Adoption of Sustainable agriculture: An applied study in the Directorate of Agriculture in Najaf
The global shift towards sustainable agriculture is crucial to ensuring food security and preserving the environment. In Iraq, specifically in Najaf Governorate, encouraging farmers to adopt Sustainable agriculture (such as water conservation, organic composting, and integrated pest management) is a key strategic objective. However, adoption rates of these practices are still influenced by a complex set of factors, among which economic viability is paramount. Agricultural marketing which includes market access, pricing, value chains, and information dissemination is assumed to be a key driver of this adoption. This research aims to examine the extent and nature of the influence of agricultural marketing factors on farmers' decision-making in Najaf Governorate regarding the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. This applied research relied on an inductive quantitative methodology. A structured, closed-ended questionnaire was designed to collect data from a random sample of 150 farmers registered with the Najaf Directorate of Agriculture. The survey measured variables related to marketing challenges (access to markets, price premiums for sustainable products, and reliability of market information) and the degree of adoption of various sustainable practices. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis to determine the relationship between marketing variables and rates of adoption of sustainable practices. To determine the apparent validity and content appropriateness of the questionnaire, the scale was presented to a sample of experts for feedback, and some modifications were made to meet the judges' recommendations.The analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between strong agricultural marketing systems and the adoption of sustainable practices. The main findings indicate the following: Market Access and Price Premiums: Farmers who had access to stable markets or received price premiums for sustainably produced commodities were more likely to invest in Sustainable agriculture.
sustainable agriculture, agricultural marketing
Copyright (c) 2025 Watheq Abdulhussein Jaber https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New horizons in the Biodiversity of Ralastonia solanacearum Associated with Tomato through Biochemical and Molecular Analysis
Current study aimed to detect the spread of new strains of bacterial wilt disease on tomato in Iraq particularly some areas of Najaf province for the agricultural season 2024. Results of the pathogenicity test of Ralastonia solanacearum on tomato for the 22 studied isolates showed that the two isolates, R. solanacearum 1 and R. solanacearum 4, outperformed the other isolates in the severity of the disease and reached 46.67% and 42.74% respectively. Based on the diagnostic keys, the results confirmed that the bacterial isolates belong to R. solanacearum. Results of microscopic and morphological examination indicated that the bacteria were Gram-negative, rod-shaped, and had the appearance of white colonies with red centers on the (TZC) medium, while in the SPA medium, transparent colonies appeared. Biochemical tests also indicated that R. solanacearum gave positive results for some tests, including Catalase test, Oxidase test, and Pectolytic test. The tests that gave negative results included KOH, Livan, Hydrolysis of Gelatein, Arginine, Starch Hydrolysis, Aesculin Hydrolysis, and Indol test. Biovar test results showed that it was from Race 3, which infects the Solanaceae family, including tomatoes. The molecular diagnosis, which was based on the 16 SrRNA gene, showed that new strains were obtained for the first time and were registered in (NCBI) with the accession numbers (PP473560 and PP473561).
Ralastonia solanacearum, tomato, biochemical tests, molecular diagnosis
Copyright (c) 2026 Nuha Abbas Ali, Saba A.K. Al-Fallooji https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Controlling of rot root pathogens on cucumber using some plant extracts and bio-control agent Trichoderma harzianum
Different fungal pathogens that cause rot root disease have a significant impact on cucumbers, which has a tremendous economic limitation on the yield of this important vegetable crop. The current study aims to examine the effect of cold aqueous extract of three plants (Acacia farnesiana, Myrtus communis and Nerium oleander) on the radial growth and the biomass of some pathogenic fungi (Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina) with the presence of Trichoderma harzianum as a bio-control agent. Fungal pathogens were isolated from root parts of infected cucumber plants that were collected from different regions of Najaf province, while the bio-control fungus was obtained from the Bio-control Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture - University of Kufa. Results of the current study showed that 20% of the cold aqueous extract of M. communis powder was superior to the rest of the studied extracts in inhibiting the radial growth of studied fungi, as the radial growth of R. solani reached 3.49cm, M. phaseolina 3.02cm, and T. harzianum 3.67cm. Thely apparent effect of the same extra extract on the growth of the fresh and dry biomass of the aforementioned fungi. The outcomes demonstrated that the 20% concentration of cold aqueous extract of M. communis also increased the percentage of seed germination and the fresh weight of cucumber plants. The cold aqueous extract of M. communis leaves and T. harzianum as a biological can be used , to inhibit the growth of both pathogens of rot root disease, thus protecting cucumber seedlings and producing healthy plants.
Copyright (c) 2025 Firas H. Al-Haidary, Akeel E. Mohammed, Usamah A. A. Alshimaysawe, Jamal H. Kadhim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biology of Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on two commercial beans in Makassar, Indonesia
Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a significant pest of legumes, exhibiting oligophagous feeding behavior. Infestation by this pest during storage can result in substantial economic losses, as its larvae consume the seed endosperm, leaving the seeds hollow and thereby reducing both their quantity and quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the biology of C. maculatus and the extent of its damage to commercial mung bean and cowpea in Makassar, Indonesia. The results showed that the population growth of C. maculatus was significantly higher in mung bean (228.22 adults) compared to cowpea (190.22 adults). This population growth also affected the average weight of the adults. For females, not significant difference was observed, with an average weight of 1.66 mg/adult in mung bean and 1.73 mg/adult in cowpea. In contrast, a significant difference was observed in males, with an average weight of 1.12 mg/adult in mung bean and 1.06 mg/adult in cowpea. The percentage of damaged beans was significantly higher in cowpea (95.16%) compared to mung bean (78.95%). Similarly, the percentage of weight loss was significantly greater in cowpea (31.69%) than in mung bean (22.65%). This damage and weight loss pose a serious storage problem, reducing both the quality and quantity of beans.
Copyright (c) 2025 Asra Asra, Wardani Syahrani, Bhintang Maharani, Laila Al Atsariyah, Ravindra Chandra Joshi, Eirene Brugman, Ito Fernando, M. Bayu Mario https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Characterization and Biocontrol Potential of Entomopathogenic Bacteria in Jatropha curcas Rhizosphere Against Spodoptera litura
Spodoptera litura causes significant damage to plants and disruption the production process of Jatropha curcas seeds up to 70% if not controlled in attacks above the economic threshold. S. litura control is now beginning to be constrained by S. litura resistance. The suspected resistance is due to the usage of synthetic pesticides that not controlled. entomopathogenic bacteria are important biocontrol of S. litura pests that support sustainable plantations. J. curcas plant is an alternative biodiesel producer with a potential seed oil content of 47.58%. Currently, the exploration of local entomopathogenic bacteria from the rhizosphere J. curcas hasn't been done. This study uses exploration and descriptive methods by analyzing data characterization of entomopathogenic bacteria through analysis using the website PBSTAT-CL 2.1.1 https://apps.pbstat.com/reports/pbstat-cl/. The effectiveness of bioassay in analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software, with probit analysis (lethal time 50) LT50. This research obtained 34 isolates of entomopathogenic bacteria rhizosphere J. curcas with 6 groups of characterization. The maximum cophenetic distance at 0.7 from isolates. Effectiveness from all isolates reached 100% mortality and the analysis results of LT50 probit fastest for 31,645 hours.
Copyright (c) 2026 Erfan Dani Septia, Faza Abdurahman Fiddin, Maftuchah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Growth Response of Siames Orange (Citrus nobilis L.) Explants on MS Media with the Addition of BAP and NAA in Vitro
The cultivation of Siamese orange (Citrus nobilis L.) in Kampar Regency has the main obstacle, namely the attack of diplodia disease caused by Botryodiplodia theobromae. This disease causes plant death and decreased citrus production. In vitro culture techniques can be carried out as an effort to produce disease-free seeds through the use of meristems as explant, in vitro culture will speed up the multiplication process and produce lots of seeds. This research aims to investigate the effect of interaction BAP NAA on MS medium on growth of Siamese orange explant. The study was carried out at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Riau University and arranged to two-factor factorial randomized group design, which is BAP with four levels concentration 0, 1, 3, and 5 ppm and NAA four levels concentrations 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 ppm with three replications. The results showed that the treatment without BAP and 0.1 ppm NAA had the best effect on plantlet formation as indicated by the root emergence time of 17 DAP (days after planting) and 1 ppm BAP and 0.1 ppm NAA treatment had the best effect on callus formation. Siamese orange (Citrus nobilis L.).
Copyright (c) 2025 Fetmi Silvina, Murniati, Isna Rahma Dini, Wisyuni Eka Oktaria https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Growth and Yield of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) under Shade and Liquid Organic Fertilizer of Banana Waste
Stevia rebaudiana is a plant that can produce a natural sweetener and is used as a natural medicine. This research aims to study the growth and production of stevia plants under shade and liquid organic fertilizer from banana waste using an automated drip irrigation system. This research used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) method with a nested pattern (Nested Design) consisting of two factors. Namely, the first factor was the influence of shade consisting of two levels, namely the use of 50% shade (F1) and no shade (F2). The second factor was a liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) consisting of four concentrations, namely: 0 ml L-1 (P1), 20 ml L-1 (P2), 40 ml L-1 (P3), and 60 ml L-1 (P4). Each treatment was repeated five times so that there were 40 experimental units. Each experimental unit consists of four plant samples, so the total plant samples were 160 plants. The results showed that providing shade significantly increasing plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of flowers, and fresh weight of leaves. Meanwhile, giving LOF significantly increasing plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and number of flowers. Based on research results, the best treatment for stevia cultivation is 20 ml L-1 LOF fertilization in 50% shade.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aif Al Zulfa, Adinda Nurul Huda Manurung, Ega Elman Miska, julio Aria Nugraha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Improving agricultural Extension services provided to Beekeepers in the holy Karbala governorate
The research aims to improve agricultural extension services provided to beekeepers in Holy Karbala Governorate, Iraq. A random sample of 100 beekeepers in the governorate was taken. A questionnaire was prepared, including six main areas: suggestions for improving the agricultural extension system, improving the marketing, improving the equipment, improving the innovation stimulation, improving the policies and the enabling environment, and improving the financing. The results have shown a high level of agreement among beekeepers on the suggestions of improving the Agricultural Extension Services (AESs) provided to them. Consequently, this high level of approval and satisfaction with the suggestions presented in the research must be matched by an organized process to put these suggestions into actual practice by decision-makers. This will significantly and effectively contribute to solving the problems faced by beekeepers and achieving the desired economic, social, and environmental aims of beekeepers in Holy Karbala Governorate.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muntadher Y. Al- Saadi, Ali Lateef Jasim Al-Mashhadani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) on the Longevity and food consumption of Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) workers
The study was ‎carried out at the apiary and in the ‎laboratory of the Bee Research ‎Department, Plant Protection Research ‎Institute, Agricultural Research Center, ‎Ministry of Agriculture, Giza, Egypt, ‎during the year, 2023. Honey bee workers, the supporting force of the colony, and a measure of the queen's efficiency, as the increase in the size of the colony population and the presence of age sequence, are evidence of the efficiency of the queen and the goodness and efficiency of the pasture. The absence of natural nectar or pollen sources may force beekeepers to use alternatives, some beekeepers may resort to feeding bees with things that are not suitable for human use as a result of poor storage, long-term storage, or heat treatment of honey, which increases the levels of HMF. Accordingly, the level of HMF content in the fresh clover honey sample was estimated using a spectrophotometer, which was estimated at 1.92, it was divided and exposed to heat to reach HMF levels of 40 mg/Kg، 80mg/Kg, 200mg/Kg, 400mg/Kg, 700mg/Kg, 3700mg/Kg. The experiment was conducted on newly hatched bees inside small cages, containing 100 workers. The results obtained show that food consumption is inversely proportional to the levels of HMF in honey which are recorded as 7.02±0.07 for fresh honey and 1.78±0.30 for honey with HMF level of 3700 mg/Kg, the proportion of longevity is also directly proportional to its proportion HMF (33, 27, 24, 24, 18, 15 and 9 days for fresh honey, 40mg/Kg، 80mg/Kg, 200mg/Kg, 400mg/Kg, 700mg/Kg, 3700mg/Kg, respectively). Therefore, using honey with HMF High in feeding bee colonies is not recommended as an alternative in scarce pasture or during the winter season.
honeybee, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), mortality, longevity, hoarding behavior
Copyright (c) 2025 Rasha Mohamad Ahmed Farag, Wael Mahmoud Marzouk, Marwa Mohamed Ahmed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Histological and chemical Susceptibility of some Potato cultivars Infected with new Strains of Pectobacterium carotovorum
The potential losses of potato yield due to soft rot disease caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum constitute a major threat to this crop, as the pathogen adapts to environmental and nutritional changes resulting in genetic patterns that are more virulent in infection of plant tissue. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the tissue and chemical sensitivity of some potato varieties infected with this bacteria. Results confirmed that the bacterial isolates belong to P. carotovorum according to diagnostic keys, microscopic and morphological examinations that indicated the bacteria is Gram-negative grew on the differential medium Yeast extract-dextrose-CaCO3 (YDC) as a yellow to cream colonies, convex, shiny, and circular. While on the D-3 agar medium, the colonies were white to cream, and on the Nutrient Agar medium (NA) was cream to shiny white. The outcomes of the biochemical tests indicated that P. carotovorum isolates gave positive results for some tests including Catalase and Hydrolysis of Gelatin. Other tests such as Oxidase, Starch hydrolysis, voges-proskauer, phynelalanen, and methyl red were negative. The isolates were molecularly diagnosed based on the 16 S rRNA gene, as new strains were obtained for the first time in the Iraq, which were deposited in GenBank (NCBI) under the accession numbers PP824981, PP824982, and PP824983. The highest percentage of infection and severity with the disease were recorded in Elmundo variety, which reached 42.10 and 22.14%, respectively. The results of the sensitivity test of some potato varieties to P. carotovorum showed that the highest rotted tissue was in Elmundo variety, which reached 4.98cm, compared to the control which reached 0.00cm. Based on the percentage of carbohydrates, protein and fats, Burren variety outperformed other studied varieties significantly reaching 8.44%, 1.17 mg/g and 0.15 mg/g, respectively, compared to the control treatment which reached 16.81%, 3.92 mg/g and 1.81 mg/g, respectively. While for phenols, flavonoids, nitrates and organic acids, Volare variety outperformed the other varieties, reaching 6.67 mg/g, 1.61 mg/g, 0.21% and 0.10%, respectively, compared to the control which reached 18.31 mg/g, 3.24 mg/g, 0.27% and 0.22%, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2024 Saba A.K. Al-Fallooji, Akeel E. Mohammed, Bashar K.H. Al-Gburi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of Flood Vulnerability among Smallholder Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria.
Flooding significantly impacts livelihoods, poverty, and human populations. This study assessed flood vulnerability among smallholder farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. Specifically quantifying flood vulnerability at the farmer level and identifying vulnerability levels across three zones. The study employed Principal Component Analysis, Multiple Correspondence Analysis, and the Farmers’ Vulnerability Index, with post-estimation tests confirming result reliability. Findings revealed varying vulnerability levels across zones. Zone A exhibited the highest vulnerability with a Farmers' Vulnerability Index (FaVI) of 0.914, followed by Zone C (FaVI: 0.646), while Zone B showed notably lower vulnerability (FaVI: 0.174). These results highlight the heterogeneous nature of flood risks and adaptive capacities within the state. High vulnerability in Zones A and C primarily stemmed from elevated exposure and sensitivity to flooding, coupled with lower adaptive capacities. On the contrary, Zone B's lower vulnerability resulted from higher adaptive capacity, despite moderate exposure levels. The study recommends prioritizing flood mitigation strategies such as improving drainage systems, constructing flood barriers, and enhancing adaptive capacities, such as subsidized fertilizers and relief from NGOs, particularly in Zones A and C, while maintaining and strengthening effective practices in Zone B. These findings provide a foundation for policymakers and stakeholders to develop localized approaches to flood management and agricultural resilience in Niger State.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nofiu Babatunde Nofiu, Siti Aisyah Baharudin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Inhibitory effects of Punica granatum L. peels extract on antioxidant enzymes, reproductive and life history characters of cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus F.
The cowpea beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is a common and extremely polyphagous pest of legumes and exploits various different stored grain legumes, including some of the most economically important stored grains. This work aimed to test the insecticidal effect of the peel extract of pomegranate by observing the survival, biochemical parameters (Superoxide dismutase (SOD.), Catalase (CAT.), glutathione s-transferase (GST) activity), and demographic characters of the Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) a pest of stored crops. Sub-lethal concentration (LC30) effects were evaluated on the susceptibility of stored cowpea grains in two generations of C. maculatus. The cowpea weevils were reared on cowpea to investigate the life table characteristics under 28 ± 2 ºC, 65 ± 5 %, and RH 16:8 h (L: D) conditions. The number of eggs laid and the number of emerging adults were determined at least in LC30 concentration in both generations. Life table characteristics (r, GRR, R0, λ, and T) were significantly reduced in LC30 concentration, especially in generation 2, compared with the control treatment. Exposure to pomegranate peel extract led to changes in antioxidant enzymes and increased CAT, SOD, and GST activities of cowpea weevil (females and males) in the first and second generations of the examined. These variations can result in survivorship and energy skill conduction during oviposition, likely mechanisms complex with herbal extract toxicity. This result can contribute to finding a new method to control stored pests such as cowpeas.
Toxicity, Generation, Pomegranate, Enzyme, Sublethal effect
Copyright (c) 2026 Sienaa Al-Zurfi, Ayad Alsendi, Srwa K. H. Bandyan, Haneen H. Naji, Sundus R. Alasadi, Ali A. Kareem https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Feeding Behavior and Host Plant Preferences of Episyrphus balteatus‎ (DeGeer) ‎ and Ischiodon scutellaris ‎(Fabricius) ‎ in Southern Punjab, Pakistan
During the present study, 300 adults along with 30 larvae of Episyrphus balteatus and 212 adults along with 25 larvae of Ischiodon scutellaris were collected from 15 and 13 host plants, respectively from Bahawalpur, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The adults of these two species were found mostly on all vegetables and crops together hovering for nectar and oviposition site. For studying the occurrence pattern and foraging behavior of hoverflies fields were studied systematically and adults were collected using hand nets along with photographs in the field. The data was analyzed using modern tools of data analysis SPSS23. These species were found to be frequent visitors of flowering plants and aphid-infested plants, which was later confirmed in our data that they have a strong relation to aphid colonies for oviposition to provide a healthy diet and enough nectar to develop their eggs. Owing to this, both flies possess a variety of host plants and hence were dominant and abundant in most of the vegetative fields. Moreover, it has also been brought into being that March is most preferred for both species in which the highest number of specimens were collected and observed in the field due to the availability of flowering crops and vegetables in the studied site. Exploring host-plant relation and their foraging ecology in deep molecular ecology is highly recommended, because feeding behavior and host plants preferences are highly corelated, plant traits effect on the feeding behavior of insect pests and their predator. In addition nutritional quality of plants, plant associated factors and sometimes availability of prey or other predator influence the feeding behavior of many insects. By learning the dynamics of these natural enemies and host plants, our study shows the possibility of improving biological control strategies. This insect-host plant relationship is a promising solution to sustainable pest management, highlighting the significance of ecosystem-based approaches in agriculture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Roshan Ali Jamali, Samiullah Soomro, Awais Ahmed, Ghulam Jaffar Kanhar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolation and identification fungi contaminated onion bulbs, detection Aspergillus spp. toxins, and inhibiting its growth by Moringa oleifera extract
The study aimed to isolate and diagnose fungi contaminating onion fruits and secreting mycotoxins, and to study the effect of Moringa oleifera extract on the growth of the fungus Aspergillus niger. The results of isolating fungi from onions showed the presence of the following fungi: Aspergillus niger, Fusarium sp., and Rhizopus stolonifer. It became clear that there was a predominance of the fungus A. niger, then the fungus Fusarium sp., followed by the fungus Rhizopus stolonifur, as their frequency rates reached 53.33, 36.66, and 10.00%, respectively, while the occurrence rate reached 83.33, 50.00, and 33.33%, respectively. In this study, molecular diagnosis of the fungus A. niger was carried out using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genetic markers, and the results of chemical analysis using thin layer chromatography (TLC) showed that 9 of the 16 isolates were A. niger, isolated from onions, produced ochratoxin A with a production rate of 56.25%. The moringa extract inhibited the growth of the fungus A. niger, as the percentage of inhibition increased with increasing concentration, and the highest percentage of inhibition was at a concentration of 15%, which reached 47.32%. The percentage of inhibition was at concentrations of 5 and 10 (12.82 and 26.15%).
Usamah A. Alkarim A. Almunam Alshimaysawe
Copyright (c) 2024 Sadeq Mohammed Ali, Rafid M. AbdulAali, Usamah A. Alkarim A. Almunam Alshimaysawe, Ahmed Mohammed Ali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Performance of some Durum Wheat Cultivars in the Presence of Yellow Rust Disease Under Rain-Fed in Sulaimani, Iraq
Yellow rust, also known as stripe rust, is a significant disease that affects wheat in Iraq. The current study was conducted to study host-parasite interaction of some durum wheat cultivars with the new yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) (Pst) races at adult plant stage in the field during the growing seasons, 2021 to 2023 under rain fed conditions in Sulaimani. Furthermore, Agricultural characteristics of the tested durum cultivar were also determined in the presence of the disease. The findings revealed that most durum wheat cultivars were moderately susceptible to susceptible to yellow rust disease under Sulaimani environmental conditions. The mean coefficient of yellow rust infection ranged from 1.73 in Ofanto to 23 in Cham-5. However, some cultivars, such as Cham-1, Fadda-98, and Ofanto, displayed moderate resistance response to the disease, while others, like Bhuth-5 and Acsad-65, showed moderate susceptibility. Yellow rust parameters (Diseases severity, infection type and coefficient of infection) were higher in 2023 season compared to 2022 in most of the tested cultivars. Additionally, the moderate resistant cultivar cv. Fadda-98 displayed distinct in some plant traits compared to other durum wheat cultivars, such as plant height (101.12cm), awn length (14.21cm), number of grains per spike (60.22), grain weight per spike (2.92g), biological yield (2292.4 g/m2), and grain yield (783.13). The study finding enhances wide cultivation of cv. Fadda-98 in the hot spot of yellow rust lands in Iraq.
Triticum turgidum L. var. durum, yellow rust disease, Agricultural characteristics, Fungal diseases.
Copyright (c) 2025 Emad M. Al-Maaroof, Sarkawt H. Salih Ali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Adding Potassium and Organic Fertilizers on the Soil NPK Content and the Productivity of maize (Zea mays L.)
The integrated use of organic and mineral fertilizers is a practical and good way to preserve and sustain soil fertility, which results in increased availability of nutrients in the soil and their absorption by plants, thus increasing crop productivity. Due to the fixation of potassium in the soil, it is necessary to work to increase the vitality of agricultural soil by adding fertilizers. Organic potassium is an important means of increasing the availability of macro- and micro-nutrients. Current research was carried out in a private farm in Deir Ezzor province during the summer season of 2022 with the aim of studying the effect of adding potassium, organic fertilizer, and their interaction, on the soil content of NPK and the productivity of maize (Gouta 82 variety). A factorial experiment was conducted according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment included two factors: the first was potassium fertilizer (potassium sulfate: 0, 100, 150, 200 kg K.ha-1) and the second was organic fertilizer (sheep manure: 0, 15, 20, 25 tons.ha-1). Results showed that the fourth level of potassium fertilizer was significantly superior in soil content of mineral nitrogen, available phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium. The values ​​were (N: 8.27, P: 12.07, K: 267.81 mg.kg-1), and the fourth level of organic fertilizer was significantly superior to the studied soil indicators (N: 8.97, P: 12.90, K: 262.79 mg.kg-1), while the values ​​decreased in the control. In the studied plant characteristics (plant height, leaf surface area, grain yield), there is a superiority of the fourth level of potassium and organic fertilizers separately. At the remaining levels and in the control, the values ​​in potassium fertilizer were (180.98 cm, 6147.90 cm2, 7.49 tons.ha-1) respectively. In organic fertilizer, plant characteristics reached (183.49 cm, 6191.50 cm2, 7.72 tons.ha-1) at the fourth level. The interaction of the two fertilizers also had a positive effect on all soil indicators studied, as the interaction of the fourth level of potassium fertilizer with the fourth level of organic fertilizer achieved significant superiority over the rest of the interaction treatments and over the non-fertilized control (N: 9.60, P: 13.76, K: 288.27 mg. kg-1). Likewise, with regard to plant characteristics, interfering the third levels (150 kg/ha) and fourth levels (200 kg/ha) of potassium fertilizer with the fourth level (25 tons/ha) of organic fertilizer achieved the best results (186.92 - 188.20 cm, 6296.15 - 6343.98 cm2, 8.32- 8.36 tons.h-1).
Copyright (c) 2024 Mohammad Ahmad AL-Sheikh, Omar Abdullah Abdulrazzak , Taha Hammadi Al-Khalifa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Determinants of Value addition to Plantain among small-scale Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria
Value addition has been reported as a panacea for poverty among small-scale farmers. However, the factors that determine its use among plantain farmers are unclear. Therefore, this study focuses on the variables that affect plantain value addition among small-scale farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. Using a three-stage sample procedure, a structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 120 plantain farmers—44 value adders and 76 non-value adders. Descriptive statistics and the Heckman two-stage model were used to analyze the data. The majority of the plantain value adders (70.5%) were female, whereas the majority of non-value adders (81.6%) were male. About 56.8% of the value adders processed plantain into plantain flour, while 29.6% were engaged in the production of both roasted plantain and plantain chips. The Heckman two-stage model's outcome showed that the decision to add value to plantain is influenced by the availability of processing equipment, gender, farm size, access to training, and proximity to market while the amount of value added to plantains was positively influenced by processing equipment, farm size, education level, access to training, and plantain output. The study further revealed that poor processing facilities, inadequate finance, and a low level of awareness (mean = 3.6) were the most identified constraints faced by the farmers. The study therefore recommends that farmers should endeavor to process plantain flour, as it is seen to be more profitable and economical.
Copyright (c) 2024 Abraham Falola, Mobololaji Omolabake Musa, Ridwan Mukaila, Adetunji Olanrewaju, Taiye Hassanah Subair https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Improving Productivity and fruit Quality of Barhee date Palm by Foliar Application of GA3 and NAA
The field experiment was designed to evaluate tested treatments to select which suitable treatment should be recommended to be used for Barhee date palm trees grown at Alexandria desert road near El-Sadat city, Egypt. GA3 and NAA were used in concentrations (25, 50 and 75 mg.L-1) individually and the mixture of each equal doses. Experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The obtained results revealed that the treatment GA3 + NAA (75 mg.L-1) was distinguished in the yield components (Bunch weight, retained fruits, fruit weight, yield /palm) and physical properties of the fruits (fruit weight, flesh weight, fruit length and width). In addition, application of GA3 + NAA at 75 mg.L-1 showed the highest values in physical characteristics of shees fruits (shees fruit weight, length and width). However, low fruit chemical properties of seeded fruits (TSS, TSS/Acidity ratio and sugar content, carotenoids) were observed in bunches treated with GA3 + NAA at 75 mg.L-1.
Copyright (c) 2025 Samy El-Kosary, Ayman Shaban, Abdelrahman G. Haseeb https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The kinetic behaviour of Difenoconazole fungicide in the Clay loam soil using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Pesticide contamination has become a central issue across the worldwide because of the overuse and misuse of pesticides in agricultural fields. The present study was conducted to explore the kinetic behaviour of Difenoconazole in the clay loam soil. This investigation has been performed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results demonstrated that Difenoconazole is subjected to the first order model, registering 0.01 Mg kg-1 as a rate-breaking dawn constant K, compared to the second order that has recorded 0.015 mg kg/mins. In contrast, the distribution coefficient of Difenoconazole reached 1.53 mL g-1. This indicates that Difenoconazole has a high ability to move between the soil and its aqueous. Interestingly, According to the model study, has been observed that Difenoconazole followed the Langmuir model instead of the Freundlich model. The aL/KL value was 0.166 and the bF value was 0.159. This indicates that Difenoconazole moves on the non-regulator surface. Based on the Langmuir model, it takes 55.9 minutes for the first reaction order and 642 minutes for the second reaction order to degrade 50% of the initial concentration.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hassan Abdul Wared Musa, Mohammed Hamza Abass, Alaa Hassan Al-Farttoosy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The effect of Magnesium in the nature of the mineral Composition and its effect in the chemical Equilibrium forms of Potassium in the soil
Studying the effect of adding magnesium in the dispersion of clay and its effect in the chemical equilibrium forms of potassium. A laboratory experiment was carried out on two types of soils, the first is clay S1 and the second silt clay S2. The soil was incubated with magnesium at two concentrations: 25 and 100 mmol Mg2+.L-1. The results of the X-ray diffraction analysis showed that there was a change In the diffraction intensity of clay minerals and to the two concentrations, The X-ray diffraction analysis results also showed that the predominance of minerals in the two soils was Smectite > Kao. = Mica > Chl. In the first, the second was Smectite > Mica > Kao. > Chl. the results also showed that adding magnesium to the soil contributed to an increase in soluble and exchangeable potassium by 5.517, 28.276, 12.215, and 48.188% and a decrease in non-exchangeable potassium by 11.421 and 28.274% compared to the comparison treatment Mg0 and for the two concentrations of 25 and 100 mmol Mg2+. L-1, respectively, for clay soil, while in silt clay soil, the values of soluble and exchangeable increased by 15.789, 55.263, 20.800, and 37.200%, and non-exchangeable potassium decreased by 12.466 and 20.000% for the two concentrations of 25 and 100 mmol Mg2+.L-1, respectively, compared to the comparison treatment Mg0.
Keywords: X-ray diffraction; forms of equilibrium; Clay minerals
Copyright (c) 2026 Mansour F. M. Al-Kilaby, Abdul Baqi D.S. Al Maamouri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The effect of public saving on agricultural and fishing investments for the government and private sectors in Iraq for the period 2005-2021
The target of the manuscript is to quantify and examine the effects of public saving on agricultural and fishing investments for the government and private sectors and economic growth in Iraq for the period 2005-2021. Econometric tools were used to clarify the impact (autoregressive model with distributed lag periods). The findings show that there is cointegration relationship between public saving (S) independent variable, government investments in agriculture, and fishing (GI) dependent variable, private sector investments in agriculture, fishing (PI) dependent variable, and economic growth (GDP) dependent variable, Moreover the value of the error correction parameter significant Generally speaking at the degree of negative (1%) and (5%) for all variables. The results indicated that there was a significant and positive short-term relationship between (S) and (GI) at a significance level (5%), in addition to the absence of a lengthy effect between the two elements that during the study period. There is also no substantial impact of public saving on private investment in agriculture, forestry, and hunting during the research period, neither in the short term nor in the long term. The results also showed that there is a significant and positive short-term relationship between (S) and (GDP), and the presence of a long-term favorable impact at a substantial degree (5%), which means that increasing public saving by one unit results in a rise in GDP of (0.001577). Conversely, a decrease in public saving by one unit leads to a decrease in GDP by the same amount, assuming other factors remain constant. This report suggests that the Iraqi government be given more authority through its economic policies in driving savings and employing it towards investment in the agriculture industry to boost and diversify agricultural output.
Copyright (c) 2024 Saad A. Hammad, A.D.k Al-Hiyali, Mustafa Fadel Hhamad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Growth and Production of Three Varieties of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) under Various Composition of Planting Media and Concentration of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF)
The study aimed to determine the interaction between the composition of planting media, varieties and concentration of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) that affects the growth and production of melon plants. The research was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, under greenhouse conditions. This study used a split-split plot design and there were 27 treatment combinations that were repeated 3 times. Each replication consisted of 3 experimental units, so there were 243 experimental units. The treatment used in the main plot was the planting media, which consisted of 3 compositions of planting media, soil : trichocompost = 1:1, soil : trichocompost = 1:2, soil : trichocompost = 2:1, and sub plots were 3 types of melon varieties, namely: Glamour F1, Rio F, Noni F1, while sub-sub plots the concentration of LOF, that are : without LOF (control), 5 mL.L-1, and 10 mL.L-1. The results of this study brought the conclusion that the combination of planting media treatment with a ratio of 1 soil : 2 trichocompost, on Noni F1 variety with an additional concentration of LOF 5 mL.L-1 produced the best average yield on production which is 0.9 kg plant-1
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhlizha Azhari Nur, Elkawakib Syam'un, Muh Farid BDR https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Main pollen sources for honeybees Apis mellifera L. in some regions of Iraq
Abstract The current study was conducted in Al-Kafeel apiaries, traveling between Babylon and Baghdad to collect weekly pollen from 10/30/2021 to 10/30/2022. To collect and know the sources of nectar and pollen in the research area. The annual average amount of pollen collected was 654.3 gm/hive/year. The highest amount of pollen collected was obtained during March. The most abundant target pollen, clover, was collected in May, and beans in February (69.3, 68.35) gm/hive, respectively. As for non-target pollen, the highest collection was recorded in March, 212.32 gm/hive. The highest bee density (12.09 and 11.65) frames/hive was recorded for May and April, and the lowest (3.49 and 3.733) frames/hive, was recorded for November and December. The density of bees was positively related to pollen collected in the field, whether total, targeted, or non-targeted. The nutritional value and amino acids of the pollen collected were analyzed.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hassanain M. A. Badgat, Mushtaq T. K. Al-Esawy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolation and identification of the microorganisms associated with some nymphs and adults of the dubas insect (Ommatissus lybicus) and evaluation of their effectiveness in the laboratory
The study aimed to isolate and diagnose the fungi associated with the Dubas insect and test their effectiveness in resisting this insect under laboratory conditions. The pest is feeding on leves of date plam tree. That couse dameg to dates. The results showed the presence of fungi associated with the samples of Dubas nymphs and adults in all samples included in the survey, as there was a difference in the percentage of frequency and presence of the fungi, as the Aspergillus fungus excelled with the highest percentage of appearance and frequency of 57.14 and 48.13%, respectively. The results of the pathogenicity test of the fungi isolated from Adults and nymphs of Dubas under laboratory conditions, the T2 (Penicillium sp.) fungus isolate in sample No. 1 was distinguished by giving it a high mortality rate of 6.58% , followed by the T1 (Aspergillus sp.) fungus isolate in the same sample, where its rate reached 4.49% compared to the control treatment in which only distilled water was used, as its rate reached 0.75%. The results of the identification of fungal isolates pathogenic to Dubas insects showed that 4 fungal isolates excelled in the pathogenicity test in the laboratory, and according to the taxonomic keys, they belonged to the species Aspergillus funigatus, A. versicolor, Penicillium janthinellum, and P. amrantiogriseum.
Dubas, entomopathogenic fungi, Ommatissus lybicus
Copyright (c) 2024 Mohammad Abd Ali Tami, MuhsenAedAli Muhsen, Ali A. Kareem https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Soil Pulverization Index and Forward Speed for Agricultural Machinery on Some Soil Properties for Compacted Soil Depths
In one of Agriculture college fields – Basrah University in Garmit Ali campus an experimental filed conducted in silty clay loam soil to study the effect of soil pulverization index and forward speed for agricultural machinery on some soil properties for compacted soil depths. The soil was tilled by moldboard by different speeds to get on three soil block its pulverization index 53.52, 21.06 and 7.55mm (P.I1,P.I2 and P.I3). Then the tractor passed on these pulverized soil blocks with three forward speeds of 0.49, 0.74 and 1.05m.s-1 (S1, S2 and S3). After that, measured soil penetration resistance (P.R.), dry bulk density (ρb­) and total porosity (f) on four soil depths 0-5, 5-10, 10-15 and 15-20cm (D1, D2, D3 and D4). The results indicated that the S1, P.I1 and D1 gave a lower P.R (2.07, 1.96 and 0.66 Mpa respectively) and ρb (1.13, 1.11 and 1.00 Mg.m3 respectively) and a higher f (57.48, 58.10 and 62.35% respectively). The interaction between these factors gave different indicators. Where, the S2P.I1, S1P.I1 treatments had the lowest values for P.R (1.85 and 1.86 Mpa respectively) and (1.09 and 1.10 Mg.m3 respectively) and the highest values for f (59.05 and 58.54 %respectively). Additional that, the S2P.I1D1 and S1P.I1D1 reached lower values for (0.88 and 0.91 Mg.m3 respectively) and higher values for f (66.82 and 65.75 %respectively).
Copyright (c) 2026 Dheyaa S. Ashour https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Estimating Chilling and Growing Degree Hours Related to Deciduous Fruit Production in Kurdistan Region-Iraq
This study was carried out to estimate the annual chilling and heat accumulation in Kurdistan region-Iraq using three different models; chilling hours (CH), chilling units (CU) and chilling portions (CP), as well as estimating the accumulated growing degree hours (GDH) using the ChillR Package, Version 0.72.8 based on daily maxima and minima temperatures of 170 locations for 40 years (1983-2022) downloaded from NASA. The results showed that in Kurdistan region, the chilling hours with 7 classes ranged from 335 CH in Shahreban (Diyala) to 1083 CH in Amedi, Deraluk, Dinarte, Kani Masi, and Shiladize (Duhok), and Barzan (Erbil), with an average of 886 CH. The chilling units (CU, Utah Model) with 6 classes ranged from 507 CU (Shahreban, Diyala) to 1135 CU (Hizawa, Duhok), with an average of 927 CU. However, the chilling portions with 7 classes ranged from 30.0 CP in Shahreban to 58.3 CP in Ahmad Awa, Khurmal, Penjwin, Sirwan, and Zalm (Salaymaniyah), with an average of 49.5 CP. Growing degree hours with 7 classes ranged from 1136 GDH Choman, Galala, Haji Omaran and Samilan (Erbil) to 8564 GDH in Shahreban, with an average of 3256 GDH. All models were strongly correlated with location parameters, the highest strong correlations were found between each CP and GDH with AAT. The observations emphasized that both CU and CP models are more accurate than CH model for estimation of chilling and growing degree hours (units) in Kurdistan region-Iraq.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ibrahim Maaroof Noori https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EFFECT OF FEEDING SYNBIOTIC FERMENTED MILK ON LEPTIN AND INSULIN RESISTANCE IN OBESE RATS
The study aimed to investigate the feeding effect of synbiotic fermented milk fortified with Aloe Vera gel (AVG) on leptin concentration and insulin resistance in obese male rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced by a high- fat diet (HFD). Twenty-eight rats were divided into 4 groups: control group (SD-C) received the standard diet, control group of HFD (HFD-C) received HFD, and two experimental groups that were given HFD but with an additional oral dose of fermented milk with Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (HFD-B) or yogurt (HFD-Y) which were supplemented with 5% AVG. Body weight, BMI, and Lee index were measured, along with serum levels of some biochemical parameters. The results showed that in comparison to the body weight of the SD-C group (63.91%), there was no significant difference (p≥0.05) with that of the HFD-B group (66.71%). However, the body weight of the HFD-C and HFD-Y groups increased significantly. This was accompanied by a significant increase in the value of BMI and Lee-Index for the HFD-C group, 0.82 and 0.33 respectively, compared with the rest of the groups, but these values of the HFD-B group did not differ significantly compared to the values of the SD-C group. The serum biochemical parameters of the HFD-B group were the closest to the SD-C group despite being fed on a high fat diet. While they were the highest in the HFD-C group. In conclusion, the synbiotic effect of fermented milk supplemented with 5% of AVG might participate in the increase in insulin sensitivity and decreased leptin resistance, which is promising for future applications in functional food products.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohanad Abbood Alhamid, Sharaf Ali Al-Shaikh, Aseel Shaker Al-Baldawy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Microbial colonization and water Quality evaluation in Drinking water Distribution systems: A study in Sulaimani city
The present study aimed to study the factors affecting biofilm formation in drinking water distribution system. Our Results reveal that most pipe surfaces in water distribution systems are colonized by microorganisms. Heterotrophic bacteria, coliform, and Enterobacteriaceae have been isolated and enumerated from the biofilm in distribution systems. Also, this study investigates some safety aspects of drinking water in some locations in Sulaimani city. The safety parameters covered some physicochemical parameters that affect biofilm formation, and the results were ranged as follows; pH between 7 – 7.7, Electrical conductivity (EC) between 239– 942 μS cm -1, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) between 673 and 201 mg.L-1, Nitrate (NO -3 ) between 1.10 - 4.90 mg.L-1, Ammonia (NH 3) between 0.06-0.44 mg.L-1, total Phosphate (PO4) between 0.0 – 0.44 mg.L-1, Sulfate (SO4) between 11-97 mg.L-1, Iron (Fe) between 0.02-0.07, Biological Oxygen Demand ( BOD) between 0.09- 0.040 mg.L-1, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) between 0.11- 0.76 mg.L-1, Temperature(temp.) between 12-27 oC, turbidity is < 1 for all samples of drinking water, taste, odor and color are in satisfactory limit. In this study, the physicochemical values except free chlorine are found within the permissible limit of the World Health Organization (WHO), and all the water samples do not pose any water quality problems regarding physicochemical parameters.
Keywords: CCME Water quality index, physical-chemical properties, treated wastewater.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jihad Abdulla Manuchar, Taghreed A.W. Nashi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Light and Darkness on Callus Induction and Plant Regeneration of Roselle Plant Leaves (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Cultured on Right and Reverse Orientation
This study aimed to obtain seedlings of the Roselle plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), take leaf discs from these seedlings, and induce callus, and also test the possibility of regenerating the plant from the callus induction, root formation and finally acclimating the plants resulting from regeneration to different media (peatmoss, sand, and peatmoss + sand 1:1). A high percentage of germination rate and callus induction (100%) were obtained. The length of the hypocotyl was (10.8 cm), the number of roots (12 roots/ explant), and the length of the roots (10.0 cm) at a concentration of (1.5 mg.l-1 ) BA, in addition to obtaining high percentages of fresh weight and dry weight of callus (36.537 g and 10.100 g), respectively, when the leaves discs were cultured right and in the dark for a period of time (15 days) in the culture medium supplemented with (1.5 mg.l-1 ) of benzyl adenine, (4 mg.l-1) of 2,4-D, and (0.3 mg.l-1 ) of NAA, with the addition of (0.5 mg.l-1) of gibberellin acid. The resulting callus was yellowy-white in color and its consistency was compact and had a very intensive as compared with the other concentrations. For plant regeneration test, the concentrations of BA (2 mg.l-1) and NAA (0.2 mg.l-1) gave the highest mean length of shoots (8.9 cm), number shoots (5 shoots/explant), number of leaves (13 leaves/ explant) length of roots (15 cm) and number of roots (17 roots/ explant) as compared with other concentrations. At the end it has been shown that the acclimatization process on the different cultural media, petmoss gave the best results compared to other media, and the success rate was 100%.
Copyright (c) 2025 Khetam A. Rasheed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genetic Parameters and Selection Indices of Grain Yield trait and Its Components for Genotypes of Rice
This study was conducted at rice research station in Al-Mashkhab/Najaf, Iraq, to determine the best rice genotypes based on grain yield and selection index. Seven genotypes were planted using a three-replicates in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 2021 and 2022. Mean squares of genotypes were significant for all traits at 1% probability in both seasons. FA1 and Furat1 outperformed the other seven genotypes in tiller number and grain yield. Heritability broad sense (H2BS) and predicted genetic improvement were high for most traits except plant height and panicle length, which were low. FA1 and AF2 genotypes had the greatest selection indices in both seasons. The genetic and phenotypic path coefficient analyses demonstrated a substantial direct influence of tillers on grain yield owing to the genetic and phenotypic link between grain production and its components. Furat genotype had the lowest grain yield and tiller coefficient of variation. m-2, although genotype (FA1) had somewhat higher coefficient of variation than Furat. Thus, rice breeding programmers should use tillers and grains as selection indicators. Future experiments might assess the effectiveness of these improved genotypes under diverse conditions.
Heritability, Path coefficient analysis, Selection index, coefficient of variability, Rice genotypes
Copyright (c) 2025 Saddam Hussein Abbas, Hamzah Mohsin Kadhim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0