Is the first agric. scientific and refereed journal established in Iraq. The first volume was published in 1966. IJAS is registered in the number 137 in 1988 of the Baghdad National Library. Years ago, it was published with one issue a year. For the time being, it is published bimonthly (6 issues for a volume till the end of 2025) and monthly from January 2026. The international number of IJAS are: PISSN 0075-0530 EISSN 2410-0862
University of Baghdad, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences
CHARA CONTRARIA BRAUN EX KÜTZ (1845) (CHARACEAE): A NEW RECORD FOR IRAQ
The current study aimed to record and describes the alga Chara contraria moss for the first time in Iraq, where this algae was collected in Al-Ishaqi irrigation project and its small cement-lined branches north of Baghdad within the governorate of Salah Al-Din, Al-Sheikh Jameel village, for the year 2023-2024 during the winter. The exploratory method was used in order to obtain this algae, where the alga was placed in sterile plastic bottles, kept in formalin solution, extracted and placed on a white paper, measured the length of the alga, calculated the branches with the help of a digital camera, and measured some physicochemical changes on water samples. The results of the tests showed that the water of the project in which algae grows basal with a pH rate of 8.05 and total dissolved substances 189 mg/L and electrical conductivity of 351.5 microsimins/cm, while the total hardness recorded 140 included high concentrations of calcium 40 mg/L compared to magnesium concentration of 9.7 mg/L, while nutrients recorded high values ranging between (0.010-0.087) mg/L, (0.010-0.087), mg/L, (0.227-1.450) mg/L and (0.02-6.30) mg/L for both dissolved phosphates and sulfates, nitrates and silicates, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 ALazawy, M. R; Al-Magdamy, B. A. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF NPK, POTASSIUM SILICATES APPLICATION AND MAGNESIUM SPRAY IN ROSE PLANTS
A study was carried out on rose's transplants, orange-colored Wiener Charme variety, one and a half years old, in one of lath house of research station (B) belong to Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering / College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad, in spring and autumn seasons of 2022, and an experiment was carried out. A three-factor factorial within a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Factors included chemical fertilization (NPK) without fertilization (C0), fertilization at 100% of fertilizer recommendation (C100), and addition of potassium silicate at three levels; 0 (S0) 200 mg.L-1(S200) 300 mg.L-1 (S300). Third factor was foliar spraying with Disper Mg solution as a source of magnesium (M) at concentrations of 0 (M0) 0.75 g.L-1 (M0.75) and 1.5 g.L-1 (M1.5). Results showed that triple interaction (C100M1.5S300) excelled in vegetative traits for two seasons of study with highest increase in leaves number, leaves area and leaves carbohydrates content (106.50-113.50 leaves, 46.92-67.76 dm2 and 9.84 - 8.52%) respectively, same treatment also excelled in vase life, anthocyanin pigment, and total sugars (6.50 - 7.00 days, 274.8-311.3 mg.100 g, and 9.31– 10.17% ) respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rana Moussa Jawad; Nazik Haki Khalil https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
CONCENTRATION OF ORANGE JUICE BY USING ROTARY VACUUM EVAPORATOR TO PROTECT FLAVOR COMPOUNDS
This paper is an attempt to protect the main flavor compounds in concentrated orange juice by using vacuum evaporator technique, instead of the traditional method which causes a remarkable degradation in these compounds. The physiochemical and microbial properties of juice were monitored throughout the concentration processes. Rotary evaporator technique was used at different conditions to concentrate orange juice and comparing with traditionally heat treatment. Total soluble solid (TSS), ascorbic acid, acidity, pH, viscosity and tannins have been affected by various levels according to concentration technique and period of storage. The microbial content had never developed even throughout the storage for six months, because we have added 100 ppm sodium benzoate to the fresh juice immediately after squeezing. The main flavor compounds in fresh orange juice have been monitored throughout the various concentration processes to judged their abilities for maintaining the flavor compounds of concentrated juice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed Subhi Khattab; Tariq Nasser Musa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
GENE EXPRESSION OF NIFX IN BROAD BEAN ROOT NODULES UNDER RHIZOBIAL INOCULATION AND MOLYBDENUM APPLICATION
This study aims to investigate the expression of the nifX gene under the influence of bacterial inoculation and molybdenum application in selected cultivars of broad bean (Vicia faba L.), A field study was conducted in the winter season of 2023–2024 in the research fields of Baghdad University to evaluate the effect of Rhizobium leguminosarum inoculation and foliar application of molybdenum (Mo) on the root characteristics and expression of the nitrogen-fixing nifX gene in on broad bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivars. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a split-split plot arrangement with three replications, that included bacterial inoculation (Bo: control, no inoculation; B₁: 2 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹), molybdenum concentrations (M₀: 0 mg L⁻¹, M₁: 5 mg L⁻¹, M₂: 10 mg L⁻¹), and three broad bean cultivars (V₁: Hannaoui, V₂: Spanish, V₃: Loz). The results revealed an inverse relationship between CT values and gene expression, where both bacterial inoculation and molybdenum application enhanced nifX gene expression. The highest nifX expression levels were observed in treatments V1B1 M2, V2B1M1, and V₃B₁M₁, with the Hannaoui cultivar exhibiting peak expression at 10 mg L⁻¹ Mo, while Spanish and Loz cultivars performed optimally at 5 mg L⁻¹ Mo. Notably, the V₁M₁B₁ treatment recorded the highest active nodule count (845 nodules plant⁻¹) and root dry weight (48.935 g), highlighting the synergistic role of Rhizobium inoculation and Mo supplementation in improving nitrogen fixation efficiency and root growth traits in broad bean
Huda Majeed. Hameed. AL Hamdani Huda Majeed. Hameed. AL Hamdani
Ayad Waleed. Abdulla. ALjuboori Ayad Waleed. Abdulla. ALjuboori
Copyright (c) 2026 Huda Majeed. Hameed. AL Hamdani, Ayad Waleed. Abdulla. ALjuboori https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ADDING LEMON VERBENA (ALOYSIA CITRIODORA) LEAVES POWDER TO THE DIET AND ITS EFFECT ON THE PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER
This experiment was conducted to compare the addition of different levels of Aloesia citriodora leaf powder and the antibiotic oxytetracycline to the feed on the productive performance of broilers. The experiment was conducted in the poultry field of the Department of Animal Production at the College of Agricultural Engineering. Sciences - University of Baghdad (Abu Ghraib) during the period from 10/29/2022 until 12/10/2022 for a period of 42 days,. In the study, 300 one-day-old unsexed broiler chicks (ROSS 308) were used. The chicks were randomly distributed among five treatments and five replications. One replicate contained 12 chicks, and the treatments were as follows: T1: control, T2: diet with the addition of oxytetracycline powder at a rate of 250 mg/kg feed, the treatment of T3, T4, and T5 diets with the addition of Aloysia Citriodora leaves powder at a rate of 1, 1.5 and 2%, respectively. The results showed that there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in favor of the T2 treatment, which did not differ significantly with T1, T3, and T5 compared to the T4 treatment for both the characteristics of average body weight and weight gain, and both the treatment T2 and T3 achieved a significant increasing (P<0.05) for the feed intake, it did not differ significantly with T1 and T5 compared with the T4 treatment. As for the characteristic of the feed conversion ratio, the enhancement was in favor of the T2 treatment, which did not differ significantly from treatments T1, T3, and T4.
Zahraa Amer Al-Bahadli Zahraa Amer Al-Bahadli
Huda Qasim Al-Hamdani Huda Qasim Al-Hamdani
Copyright (c) 2026 Zahraa Amer Al-Bahadli, Huda Qasim Al-Hamdani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
SOIL SUSTAINABILITY BY ADDING MOLASSES FACTORY RESIDUAlL, SILICATE- SOLUBIlLIZING BACTERIA AND MINERAL FERTILIZER ON THE AVAILAbILITY OF SOME NUTRIENTS IN THE SOIL
A field experiment was conducted in a loam soil at the research station of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad, during the autumn season 2023 to find out the effect of adding molasses residual, silicate- solubilizing bacteria, mineral fertilizers and their interactions on the availability of N, P, K, Si and organic matter in the soil after harvesting the cauliflower crop. The experiment was conducted in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The first factor included three levels; no addition mineral fertilizer M0 and adding 50% of the fertilizer recommendation (150 kg N ha-1, 65.5 kg P ha-1 and 124.5 kg K ha-1) M1 and adding 10 liters ha-1 of potassium silicate fertilizer M2 with adding 100% of the fertilizer recommendation for comparison. The second factor included adding biological and organic fertilizers at three levels the first level; no addition B0 and The second level included adding silicate- solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus mucilaginosus) B1. The third level included adding date waste at a level of (10 Mg ha-1) B2. The results showed the significant effect of adding molasses factory waste, silicate- solubilizing bacteria and mineral fertilizer to the soil. The interaction treatment M1 B2 achieved the highest values ​​in the availability of N, P and organic matter
Iman. Qasim Mohammed Iman. Qasim Mohammed
Copyright (c) 2026 Linda. K. Sfayyih, Iman. Qasim Mohammed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST FERTILIZER AND PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON SOME CHEMICAL PROPERTIES, GROWTH, AND FLOWERING OF CAMELLIA JAPONICA PLANT
This experiment aimed to improve the growth and flowering of Camellia japonica by applying vermicompost fertilizer (0%, 7.5%, 15%) and its symbols V0 ,V1,V2 sequentially, and foliar application plant growth regulators (salicylic acid in concentration 0,100,200 mg L-1 and its symbols S0,S1,S2 and gibberellic acid in concentration 0,150,300 mg L-1 and its symbols G0,G1,G2 resleetively). The plants were cultivated under a shade net structure of the Department of Horticulture and Garden Engineering - College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad .Using randomized Complete Block Design(RCBD). The V2S2G2 treatment showed significant improvements in vegetative and flowering growth indicators. plant height reached 95.3 cm, and 120.5 cm, and chlorophyll content was 252.7 mg100-1 g and 280.8 mg100-1 g, respectively, in the two seasons. The carbohydrate percentage was59.4% and 66.1%. Flowering indicators included improved dry matter percentage in flowers (11.96% and 12.18%), The concentration of anthocyanin dye also reached248.8 and 257.5 mg L-1 dry weight. The percentage of magnesium was 0.59% and 0.63%, and iron concentration was 123.8 mg kg-1 and 131.4 mg kg-1 in both seasons.
Ban Mohammad Ali Abood Ban Mohammad Ali Abood
Copyright (c) 2026 Hawraa Kazem Anid , Ban Mohammad Ali Abood https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EVALUATION OF THE INHIBITION ACTIVITY OF SOME LOCAL PLANTS EXTRACT TOWARD THE STAPHYLLOCOCCUS AUREUS
The study attempted blocking a pure gelatinase generated by S. aureus using local plant inhibitors. One hundred local isolates of S. aureus, identified through biochemical testing, underwent initial as well as secondary testing for identifying actively gelatinase-producing S. aureus isolates. From these isolates, forty-four exhibiting the highest hydrolysis capacity in the first screening (with a Z/G ratio over 10 mm) were chosen for secondary screening. S. aureus R54 demonstrated the highest specific enzyme activity, recorded at 12.3 U/mg protein. Identified through the Vitek test, this isolate exhibited the highest gelatinase activity. Optimal conditions for gelatinase production via submerged fermentation were determined as follows: medium 1 as the most effective production medium, 2% fructose as the best carbon supplier, as well as A mixture containing 2% extracted yeast with 0.5% nitrogen from peptone . The optimum pH as well as temperatures had been 9 as well as 37°C. Following 24 hour incubating, this specific activity attained 54.3 U/mg. Gel filtration chromatography using Sephadex G-150 purified enzyme, resulting in a 1.2-fold enhancement in purity and An enzyme yielding 98.2%. An isolated enzymatic demonstrated its optimum efficiency at 37°C as well as maintained stable at this temperature.The isolated enzyme had peak activities at pH 9.0 also maintained stable at pH 7.0. The maximum rate of pure enzyme specificity seen with gelatin. Gelatinase was suppressed by local plant extracts, with avocado extract completely inhibiting 100% of gelatinase activity. It also exhibits antibacterial action against S. aureus R54.
Copyright (c) 2026 Raid M. Sabeh, sahar I.H. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
A COMPARATIVE ECONOMIC STUDY OF IMPORTED INFLATION IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN GROUP OF ARAB COUNTRIES FOR THE PERIOD (1990-2022)
The research aimed to compare imported inflation in the agricultural sector in Iraq and Jordan, where data collected for time series for the period (1990-2022) and using ARDL model. The results showed a positive and significant relationship between imported inflation and both the price index of agricultural imports, agricultural product, population, agricultural trade openness and exchange rate in the short and long terms in Iraq, the variables were significant in the short term in Jordan, but in the long term some variables were not identical to economic logic, It turns out that there is a long-term equilibrium relationship between the dependent variable and some illustrative variables because not all variables have a long-term equilibrium relationship. The research recommended doing more researches and studies on inflation in the agricultural sector in Iraq and Jordan and more Arab countries and searching for other economic variables affecting inflation in the agricultural sector and reducing inflation rates that affect the agricultural sector which reflects positively on the Iraqi and Jordanian economies; Also supporting agricultural products prices and providing a subsidy for agricultural inputs for the purpose of increasing local production, developing the local economy and reducing imported inflation resulting from the increase in food and agricultural imports.
Tiba Khalaf Al-Jbouriy Tiba Khalaf Al-Jbouriy
Basim Hazam Hameed Al-Bahri Basim Hazam Hameed Al-Bahri
Copyright (c) 2026 Tiba Khalaf Al-Jbouriy, Basim Hazam Hameed Al-Bahri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
TESTING BRIGHTNESS ADJUSTED DUST INDEX (BADI) TO DETECT DUST STORMS IN CLOUDY WEATHER OVER IRAQ, CASE STUDY
Dust storms are frequent in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world; they are a significant environmental hazard that impacts human health, agriculture, transportation, and ecosystems, and their frequency and intensity are being magnified by climate change and unsustainable land management practices. This study presents testing and validation of a Brightness Temperature Adjusted Dust Index (BADI), designed for enhanced detection and monitoring of dust storms, particularly under cloudy conditions. The proposed BADI integrates brightness temperatures from three Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) thermal infrared bands: band 20 (3.66–3.84 µm), band 31 (10.78–11.28 µm), and band 32 (11.77–12.27 µm). The efficacy of the BADI was rigorously assessed through its application to several dust storm events over Iraq, including those occurring on April 9, 20, 2022, and March 03, 2022, all characterized by significant cloud cover. Validation involved a comparative analysis with real-time RGB dust storm imagery, derived from MODIS thermal bands (B29, B31, and B32), and corroborated with in-situ meteorological data from 13 stations across Iraq. Results consistently demonstrate that the BADI exhibits superior accuracy in delineating the spatial extent and density of dust storms, even when obscured by cloud cover. Furthermore, the BADI showed strong congruence with the real-time RGB dust storm images and perfect agreement with the ground-truth meteorological observations. These findings affirm the BADI as a highly effective tool for precise and timely monitoring of large-scale dust storm phenomena, representing a significant advancement in atmospheric remote sensing capabilities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed Mutab Jassim, Thaer Obaid Roomi, Yaseen Kadhim Abbas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF BARLEY PROLAMIN HYDROLYSATE TO INHIBIT ACE I CAPACITY
The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of local barley (class Ibaa 99), an underutilized plant, as a potential functional ingredient in blood pressure (BP) treatment and health promotion. For this purpose, the ability barley prolamin isolates hydrolysate (BPIH) to inhibit Angiotensin-converting enzyme I (ACE I) was studied. Prolamin was extracted from barley, then digestion by pepsin and the effect of successive purifications using gel filtration sephadex [GF-(G25)] technology on the efficiency of ACE I inhibition capacity was studied. The results showed the efficiency of the pepsin in hydrolyzing barley prolamins, and the percentage of degree hydrolyses (DH %) increased with time. The ACE I inhibition value increased in parallel with the increase in DH %, reaching the highest value (81.44%) after 8 hours. In addition, inhibition capacity value increased after purification of BPIH using GF-(G25) to reach 88.74% in the first purification then 92.36% after the second 1. Increase inhibition was proportional to rise concentration of low M.Wt peptides of the BPIH, as the M.Wt of the peptides was less than 3.484 kDa in the first step of GF-(G25) and less than 1.470 kDa in the second step of GF-(G25), with an increase in concentration the hydrophobic amino acids (A.As) in these peptides (33 , 52.4%), respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Firas Abed Abadi, Jasim Muhaysin Naser https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
PRACTICES OF VEGETABLE FARMERS TO FACE CLIMATE CHANGE IN IRAQ / CASE STUDY IN BAGHDAD AND BABYLON PROVINCES
The study was aimed to identify the reality of vegetable farmers practices to face climate change in Iraq in general and in each field of research. To achieve the objectives, a questionnaire consisting of (75) items distribute over (3) areas are designed, after completing its design procedures in terms of validity and reliability, it is presented to a stratified random sample of (128) vegetable farmers in the reality of (82) farms from Baghdad province and (46) farms from Babylon province, the data are collected and then analyze using the social statistical analysis program (SPSS), The research results have show the practices of vegetable farmers to face climate change were of medium importance, as all areas of planting vegetables to face climate changes in a weighted range of (1.93-1.68), which is lower than the hypothetical average of (2) degrees, With a percentage weight between (64.33 - 56%), the research recommended the need to intensify extension and preparation efforts to enable vegetable farmers to face climate change.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mahdi Najm Rakhit, Ahmed Hamdan Lafta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC, PHOSPHATE FERTILIZATION AND SPRAYING OF L-GLUTAMIC ACID ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF COWPEA
A field experiment was carried out in summer season 2024 at one field of the Agricultural Engineering Sciences College, University of Baghdad, in order to study the impact of organic and phosphate fertilization plus foliar application with the L- glutamic acid, on growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split-plot arrangement and three replicates. The experiment consist three factors, three levels of organic fertilizer (cattle manure) at rates 0, 20, and 40 Mg ha⁻¹; three levels of phosphate fertilizer in the form of diammonium phosphate (DAP, 20% P) at a rate 0, 75 and 150 kg ha⁻¹, and foliar aaplication of L-glutamic acid at concentrations 0, 134, and 267 mg L⁻¹. The results revealed that the combined treatment 40 Mg ha⁻¹ organic fertilizer, 150 kg ha⁻¹ phosphate fertilizer and 267 mg L⁻¹ L-glutamic acid foliar application significantly improved the plant growth parameters (number of leaves, plant height, leaf area, dry biomass and number of root nodules). This treatment also resulted in the maximum number of pods, branches, chlorophyll concentration, green pod yield and N,P% in seeds.
Copyright (c) 2026 Maaqi M. Tareq, Nabil J. Kadhim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF ROUGHAGE TO CONCENTRATE RATIO ON QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF VEAL CARCASSES
This study was conducted in the animal farm of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences/ University of Baghdad/ Iraq, from 23 march 2014 to 23 may 2014 to investigate the effect of two levels of roughage to concentrate ratio on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of Holstein Friesian veal’s, by studying the traits of three major muscles (longissimus dorsi LD, biceps femoris BF and semimembranosus SM). Two equal groups of Holstein Friesian veal’s were used. Each group was consilted of five veal’s at eight months old and weighted 228.800 ± 21.221Kg and 227.800 ± 9.167 Kg respectively. Lean chemical composition were studied with characteristics (pH, WHC, TVN, TBA, P.V, FFAs, myoglobin concentrations Mb and protein solubility PS). The results were confirming that a high effect of the diets contents on the muscles properties especially the fat contents. The muscle location had a strong effect too on muscle properties. LD muscle was in high difference always with the other two, in spite of the differences among all kinds of muscle in all traits.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rabeea M. Mahmood, Amera M. S. Alrubeii, Natik Alkudsi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS AFFECTING THE EFFICIENCY OF BUFFALO MILK PRODUCTION IN BAGHDAD GOVERNORATE
This study aimed to estimate the efficiency of buffalo milk production and address the most important economic and social factors that affect the production of buffalo milk in Baghdad Governorate. A random sample of 96 out of a total of 1600 breeders was taken at a rate of (6%). The stochastic production frontier function was estimated using the maximum likelihood (ML) method between the total milk production and the quantities of production inputs, which included (total production, the quantity of dry fodder, green fodder, concentrated fodder, the number of hours of human work, medicines, vaccines, and energy) in the efficiency model, and social factors such as the family members, experience, education, number of reproduction, and age were included in the inefficiency model. The estimated parameters gave the expected signal and were statistically significant below the 5% level, except for dry food and energy. The total elasticity of productive factors was about 1.0868, which is greater than the correct one, which reflects increasing returns to scale. The average technical efficiency in the study area was (76.6%), and the efficiency ranged between (43% - 100%). This average indicates the possibility of increasing technical efficiency at a rate of (23.4%) if the causes that lead to low efficiency are addressed. In light of these results, we can conclude that there is a possibility of increasing the production of buffalo milk. This study suggests buffalo breeders should replace older buffaloes with new females, and adhere to necessary medications and vaccines to maintain the herd's health
Copyright (c) 2026 Fahad S. Hamad, Zahra H. Mahmood https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EVALUATION OF ANTI-OXIDANT AND ANTI-BACTERIAL FUNCTIONALITIES OF COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO) ENZYMIC ELASTIN HYDROLYSATE
This study was amid to assess the radical scavenging activity, reducing power and total antioxidant capacity of elastin enzymatic hydrolysate (EEH) which prepared by treating common carp bulbus elastin extract with elastase for 10 hours at 40 C°. Aliquots of reaction solution were taken every 2 hours to point out the optimum degree of hydrolysis based on the highest antioxidant value. The hydrolysate which obtained after 8 hours hydrolysis was chosen to be evaluated for improving minced beef meat shelf-life based on the bacterial contents and lipid oxidation under refrigerated storage (4 C°/ 10 days). This study included 6 groups: group C without EEH addition, groups EEH1, EEH2 and EEH3 with 50, 100 and 150 mg EEH/ 100 gm meat, in addition to group A (100 mg ascorbic acid/ 100 gm meat) and group B (100 ppm of BHT) for comparison. The antioxidant activity of elastin hydrolysate was proportional to the time of hydrolysis, where the highest radical scavenging activity (RSA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were achieved after eight hours of hydrolysis (21.44 % and 205.41 mg equivalent ASC/ 100 ml respectively). While the highest value for reducing power test was after ten hours of hydrolysis (0.422 nm). The results indicate that the concentration of elastin hydrolysate was an effective factor in reducing the peroxide value (PV), Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and total volatile nitrogen (TVN) during storage period. Meanwhile, the pH value was increased with increasing the concentration of elastin hydrolysate, while the free fatty acid (FFA) values varied during storage when the EEH3 group was recorded the least FFA value. The bacterial contents of minced meat were declined with increasing the concentration of EEH, where EEH3 group recorded the lowest count of TPC, S. aureus and Salmonella as compared to A, B and C groups. In conclusion, the fish enzymatic elastin hydrolysate is a promising natural antioxidant/ antibacterial as a good alternative for synthetic compound.
Copyright (c) 2026 A. M Kadhim, K. A Shakir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
PREPARATION OF PEPTIDE HYDROLYSATES FROM BETA CASEIN ISOLATED AND PURIFIED FROM IRAQI CAMEL MILK
The current study aimed to isolate and purify the Beta Casein (β-CN) protein from Iraqi Camel milk by urea, and ion exchange chromatography using a DEAE-Cellulose column, and gel filtration by using a Sephadex-G100 column, determining the molecular weight (M.wt) of protein isolate by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of the denaturant Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS). Enzymatic hydrolyzates were prepared using both pepsin and trypsin enzymes and their mixture (1:1), then the degree of hydrolysis (DH) was estimated after incubation for 8 h. and compared with bovine protein and standard proteins, the elution of β-CN using a DEAE-Cellulose column showed the appearance of two separate peaks, and their molecular weight was 24 KDa and 20 KDa Respectively. The Sephadex-G100 gel filtration technique also showed the appearance of a single peak whose molecular weight was 24 KDa compared to β-CN, which weighed 23 KDa. The results showed that the highest degree of decomposition was 52.32% by using a mixture of pepsin and trypsin. The results indicate that the protein β-CN separated from camel milk can be highly purified using ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration techniques, and peptide hydrolysates can be prepared from it.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sharaf. Ali. Hadi. Al-Shaikh, Kifah. Saed. Doosh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EVALUATION OF SIX ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CONTROLLING COTTON APHID AND POTENTIAL USE IN THE ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is one of the most widespread pests worldwide on host plants, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, in open fields or under greenhouse conditions. Their damage is not only caused by sucking the juice from plant tissue but also by their ability to transmit many viruses. In this study, A. gossypii individuals were collected in the seasons of 2022 and 2023 in order to conduct a series of bioassay experiments to evaluate six essential oils, which were Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Lavender (Lavandula coronopifolia), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), and Anise (Pimpinella anisum), toward A. gossypii adults in different concentrations under laboratory conditions. Results showed that all tested essential oils had varying effects on A. gossypii adults. The most effective essential oil was Cloves, with an LD50 of 2.98, followed by Thyme and Lavender, with LD50 at 3.28 and 4.40, respectively. While other essential oils, Rosemary, Coriander, and Anise, had fewer effects against A. gossypii. The results suggested that Clove, Thyme, and Lavender essential oils, at the corresponding doses, can be used as insecticides as a safe alternative to synthetic pesticides in both IPM and organic approach farms to manage A. gossypii.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alaa Salim, Qasim Ahmed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ROLE OF ADDING POWDERED SUMAC FRUIT, RED PEPPER, AND THEIR MIXTURE ON ORODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS
This study was aimed to investigate the role of adding powdered sumac fruit, red pepper, and their mixture on the productive performance of broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted in the poultry field, from October 26, 2021, to December 7, 2021 (42 days). Two hundred one-day-old non-sexed Ross 308 broilers were used, , with an initial average weight of 37 grams per chick.. The experiment consisted of four treatments with five replicates (10 chicks/replicate).During the experimental period, the birds were fed three types of balanced feed containing protein and energy. The starter feed was provided from day one to day 14. The grower feed was provided from day 15 to day 28. The finisher feed was provided from day 29 to day 42.Powdered sumac, red pepper, and their mixture were added at rates of 0.5%, 0.5%, and 0.5% to treatments T2, T3, and T4, respectively, while the control treatment (T1) received standard feed without any additives. Significant improvement was observed in live body weight in favor of the T4 treatment (mixture addition) and in total weight gain compared to the control treatment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Thamer Hassan Moussa, Bushra Saadi Rasoul Zangana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MESORHIZOBIUM STRAINS FROM WILD AND CULTIVATED CHICKPEA NODULES IN THE KURDISTAN-IRAQ
The study was conducted to investigate symbiosis and node-forming ability of Mesorhizobium bacteria in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) growth under challenging environmental conditions. Nodules were collected from wild and cultivated chickpeas in the Kurdistan Region. Endophytic bacteria associated with their roots were isolated and characterized. All the 30 isolates, were found to be gram-negative with smooth, circular colonies. Most isolates (80%) were mucoid, while 20% were not and produced green colonies on bromothymol blue. Half of the isolates 50%) grew best in alkaline pH (6.6-10.5), 26.6% thrived in acidic pH (3.5-5.5), and 20% preferred neutral pH. Regarding salt tolerance, 63% of the isolates grew well in 0-4% NaCl, while 6.67% tolerated up to 6% NaCl. In terms of temperature, 56.67% grew better in the range of 15-35°C, while 36.67% thrived in 25-40°C. Some isolates had slow growth in alkaline conditions, producing blue colonies, while fast-growing isolates in acidic conditions yielded yellow colonies. This research provides insights into the adaptability of these bacteria under harsh conditions of high pH, salinity, and extreme temperatures. The outcomes offering a pathway to improving chickpea resilience and productivity in marginal lands of the Kurdistan Region and similar sites worldwide, through utilizing indigenous candidate rhizobia for adverse environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ashti Sleman Abdulla, Nariman S. Ahmad , Bahman Bahramnejad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT ALLELOPATHIC MULCHES ON WEED AND YIELD OF WHEAT IN Iraq
Afield study was conducted in winter 2023–2024 at the Plant Protection Directorate, Abu-Ghraib, Baghdad, Iraq using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replication to investigates the effects of corn or sorghum mulch alone and in combination with half dose of Time line trio herbicide on weed management, soil moisture content and wheat yield. Results indicated that using corn or sorghum mulch with 50% herbicide provided higher significant results in all test parameters just like full herbicide rate .The reduction in weed density was 95.22 and 93.20%at 60 DAS, and 91.13 and 92.32% of weedy check at 90 DAS, and the reduction in weed dry weight at 120 DAS was 98.71 and 98.91%of weedy check, respectively. Grain yield was 5.66 and 5.65 t/ha, Biological yield was17.80, 17.58 t/ha respectively. Both mulch treatments affect significantly soil moisture content. This approach could be used for weed management with the objective of conserving environment and promoting sustainable agricultural system.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sama B. Al-Hashimi, Tamara A. Ali, Arwa A. Tawfiq https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
CLAY MINERALS IN SOME IRAQI SOILS NORTH AND SOUTHE AL- HANDIA DAM
Four soil pedons along the Euphrates river were chosen, two of them were north of Al-Handia Dam ( Jurf Al-nasr and Um-Aruk), when the other two pedons ( Al-Tubar village and Almishkhab) were chosen south of Dam, in order to study the impact of the location of Al-Handia Dam on the distribution and characteristics of clay minerals in Euphrates river sediments. Infrared technique has been used to diagnosis and characterized the clay minerals in studied soils. Results showed the dominance of chlorite, mica and kaolinite minerals within sediments of Euphrates river north of Al-Hindiyah Dam, while montmorillonite and (M-S) interstratified minerals were dominant south of Dam. Also, results showed that the dam construction has affected the process of sorting and deposition of sediment particles in the Euphrates river, depending on the sizes of these particles and their specific gravities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Istabraq H. Al- Mamoori , Salman Khalaf Essa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATION OF NEW CROSS-LINKED AND MODIFIED POTASSIUM POLYACRYLATE AS SOIL AMENDMENTS
This study was carried to investigated Two types of new grafted polymers were prepared through chemical blending (mixture of the crosslinked mixture polymerization) of potassium polyacrylate (KPA) and 2-amino acetic acid (glycine) with calcium nitrate to give graft polymer type-1 (KPA-g-CaGY). As well as reaction of potassium polyacrylate (KPA) with calcium nitrate and chitosan polymer to give graft polymer type-2 (KPA-g-CaCS), grafting polymers has been characterized by FT-IR, 1HNMR spectroscopy and compared with the pure potassium polyacrylate. The prepared polymers were used after confirming their diagnosis and physic-chemical properties in trying to reclaiming the desertification and saline soil in (Abu Ghraib-Baghdad in July 2023) by planting Iraqi sorghum type-70. Physical properties were test (before/after planting) by XRD of (KPA-g-CaGY) showed cross linked as crystal type-1, while KPA-g-CaCS showed cross linked as amorphous type-2 compared with KPA. In addition (SEM) Scanning Electron Microscopy of the modified polymer gave clear micrographs of the type-1 (KPA-g-CaGY) and type-2 (KPA-g-CaCS), this reinforces our claim that the polymer remains in the land after planting, after more than four months, and does not change or degradation, and enhances the use of the land for more than one season without adding the polymer to it. In addition to the equilibrium swelling percentage has been investigated in media (well water pH=8.5 and tap water pH=6.9), KPA-g-CaCS shows higher uptake of water compared with KPA and PAK-g-CaGY, suggests more hydrophilicity absorption at different times.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zahraa Ahmed Majied, , Zainab A. Jabarah, Samira Nasir Hasoon Al-Hassoon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF FASN AND ANXA9 GENE POLYMORPHISM ON GENETIC VARIATION, QUANTITATIVE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF LAMB'S WEANING WEIGHT
The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of FASN AND ANXA9 gene polymorphism on genetic variation, quantitative and economic influences, and the extent of their contribution to the variation in the weaning weight of Awassi lambs based on the genetic polymorphism of their dams. New equations were designed and modified to calculate the contribution of both genes to the weight and price of the lambs. The contribution of both genes to the heritability of lamb's waning weight and the expected quantitative and price values to be inherited by the next generation were also estimated. Results revealed that the AA genotype of the FASN gene was superior to its hetero genotype AT counterpart in price and quantitative values. Moreover, the FASN gene was superior to the ANXA9 gene in both counterpart values. In conclusion, The FASN gene can be adopted as linked to the lamb's weight. It is considered an influential and effective gene in the studied trait and can be relied upon in selecting the dam ewes in the sheep flocks.
Yasseen Abdulsalam Husain ALmaamory ALmaamory
Copyright (c) 2026 Riyadh Hamad Senkal, Omar Sadeq Hameed Al-Jubori, Yasseen Abdulsalam Husain ALmaamory ALmaamory, Talal Anwer Abdulkareem Ahmed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF EXTRACTION METHODS ON FUNCTIONAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF RICE AND WHEAT STARCH
This study was aimed to investigate the impact of starch isolation methods from wheat (Buhooth 22) and rice (Anbar ) on the chemo physical , functional properties and final yield of starch .The starch isolated from wheat using three different methods (Dough ball (DB),Batter method( BM) , Alkaline method),and from rice using Alkaline extraction (NaOH 0.15%) .The obtained results showed that the yield of the isolated starch for wheat ranged from (42.6-63.0)% ,and the highest percentage achieved using alkaline isolation (NaOH 0.15%) was 61% and 63% for DBS , As for rice the highest yield was 72.30%,while the lowest yield for wheat using alkaline solution (0.50% NaOH) was (42.6)% . Amylose percentages in wheat starch reached to 55.3% in case of using 0.10% NaOH and it dropped gradually with increasing the NaOH concentration .The resistant starch percentages ranged from (0.06-0.73)% in the starch samples with significant difference among the isolation methods and also between rice and wheat samples .The results of SEM revealed that the isolation methods influenced the starch granules morphology and the chemical and functional characters as well.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zina H. Abdel Mahdi, Khalida A. Shakir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
IMPACT OF LEAD ACETATE ON GROWTH PARAMETERS AND BEHAVIOUR IN BUNNI MESOPOTAMICHTHYS SHARPEYI
A total of 100 fingerlings of Bunni, Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi weighing between 10-15g were used in the current experiment. The experimental fish treatments involved adding different concentrations of lead acetate exposure as follows: T1 control treatment ; T2 and T4 exposed to 0.2mg/l and 0.4mg/1 of lead acetate with complete replacement of water aquarium every two days and added lead acetate continuously in the same proportion. T3 and T5 exposed to lead acetate of 0.2 and 0.4 mg/l in first time only without adding the above percentage of lead acetate with complete replacement of water aquarium every two days. , Results showed after 30 days of exposure that the total weight gain ranged between -5.14g to 3.69g in T2 and T1 respectively.Values of Relative growth rate (RGR) ranged from -38.64-30.59% in T2 and T1 respectively, while the values of specific growth rate (SGR) ranged between -0.0018-0.0039 % / day respectively in the same treatments. The study found that higher concentrations of lead (0.4 mg/l) and continuous exposure had the most detrimental effects on the weight loss, feed intake and the behavior of fish.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdulmutallab J. Al-Rudainy, S. A. Mustafa, N. M. Salman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF SOME AJUGA IVA LEAF EXTRACTS ON CERTAIN BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE GREATER WAX MOTH (GALLERIA MELLONELLA L.).
This study was conducted to determine the effect of treating the food of third-instar larvae of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) with ethanol and hexane extracts of Ajuga iva leaves at concentrations of 5%, 7.5%, and 10%, and their impact on the biological aspects of the insect. The results showed that the 10% concentration achieved the highest larval mortality rate, with an average of 51.84% for both extracts, while the lowest mortality rate was 19.17% at the 5% concentration, and 3.33% in the control treatment. Additionally, there was a reduction in the percentage of larvae that pupated, with the ethanol extract being more effective in reducing the number of pupae its reached average 61.68% and 82.53% for the ethanol and hexane extracts, respectively, compared to 96.70% in the control treatment. The highest rate of pupal deformities was observed when treated with the 10% ethanol extract. It was also noted that the ethanol extract significantly prolonged the larval and pupal stages. The results also indicated that the 10% ethanol extract had the highest impact in reducing the adult longevity, reduced the number of eggs and laid by females reduced the egg hatch rate.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alaa N. Al-Zubaie , Hind I. Al-khazraji https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EVALUATION OF EFFICIENCY OF SOME PLANT EXTRACTS AGAINSTPATHOGEN VAIRIMORPHA(NOSEMA) CERANAE INDIGESTIVE OF HONEY BEES
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of some plant extracts of yerba mate Ilex paraguariensis and Cinnamonum cassia against the pathogen Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae in the digestive system of workers of the global honey bee Apis mellifera L. at different concentrations, and showed The results of the laboratory study showed that the alcoholic extract and powders of mate and cinnamon plants at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3% were efficient concentrations and had no side effects on bees. The alcoholic extract of mate at a concentration of 3% was more efficient than the rest of the other concentrations and reached 2070, 1980, 1730, 1390,1080 and 70 x 103 spores / ml respectively with a reduction rate of 97%, The alcoholic cinnamon extract, at a concentration of 3%, was more efficient than the other concentrations, reaching 2600, 2350, 2260, 2190, 1750, 1390, and 1140 x 103 spores/ml respectively with a reduction rate of 56% after 1,3,7,14,21, and 28 days respectively. Yerba mate powder at a concentration of 3% was more efficient than the rest of the other concentrations, which reached 2470, 2240, 2080, 1750, 1460, and 1020 x 103 spores / ml respectively with a reduction rate of 61%, and cinnamon powder at a concentration of 3% reached 2530, 2440, 2280, 2050, 1920, and 1810 x 103 spores/ml respectively with a reduction of 33% after 1,3,7,14,21, and 28 days respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed Shakir Manjy, Kamila Ward Shaher https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION OF MEDIUM COMPOSITION FOR MELANIN PRODUCTION BY LOCAL ISOLATE OF STREPTOMYCES ATROVIRENS TA4
Melanin pigment has broad applications in medicine, cosmetics, and agriculture. In this study, Streptomyces atrovirens TA4, a soil isolate was used for the first time to produce bioactive melanin pigment. This work mainly focuses on media optimization and using statistics to obtain optimum concentrations of the medium composition for maximum pigment production. Starch casein broth was the best melanin pigment-producing medium (127.6 mg/L ) among 8 tested media. Central composite design analysis using (Design-Expert-13), a statistics-based method, revealed casein as the most significant factor affecting melanin production with an F-value of 1878.8 and the model exhibited good fitting, with a correlation coefficient of 0.88. An experimental model was generated according to the values of response resolved in the designed experiment and the R2 value was 0.8174. The suggested optimal concentrations of (starch, casein, KNO3 and Nacl) were (20 g\L, 3 g\L, 0.5 g\L and 1 g\L), respectively. The model's accuracy was determined and results showed that the melanin pigment yield was 123 mg\L which was Approximately matches the predicted value (109 mg\L).
Copyright (c) 2026 T. S. A-Rubaye , K. J. Luti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING OFF-FARM LABOR SUPPLY IN BAGHDAD GOVERNORATE
This research aimed to examine how farmers are impacted by risk by estimating the off-farm labour supply model. The study used a qualitative response model to determine the extent to which independent factors influence the dependent factor, using the Probit model. Information was collected randomly from 134 farms it included all crops grown in it of the agricultural divisions of Baghdad Governorate's Karkh and Rusafa sides for the season 2021/ 2022. The research found that the size of the agricultural family is directly proportional to the probability of participating in work outside the farm, as its parameter was 0.015. Also, the higher the educational level of the farmers, the greater the likelihood of participating in work outside the farm. Farm by 0.364. It is also noted that the inverse proportion between the size of the total holding and the percentage of participation in work outside the farm reached 0.011. Likewise, when animal income based on the availability of farm animals increases, it is inversely proportional to the probability of participation in work outside the farm. Therefore, the research recommends reviewing agricultural holding laws, preparing land use maps, reforming small agricultural holding laws and systems, and developing risk management strategies by providing adequate financing and banking facilities.
Zahraa M. Ali Al-Haboobi Zahraa M. Ali Al-Haboobi
Copyright (c) 2026 Zahraa M. Ali Al-Haboobi, Eskander. H. Ali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/