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
EFFECTS OF ALUM APPLICATION AND WATER QUALITY ON SOME PROPERTIES IN DEGRADED SOIL AND YIELD OF SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor L.)
Soil degradation and water scarcity are considered the main challenges that are faced the agricultural production, particularly with changing climate. The objective of this study was to study the effectiveness of alum in improving some soil chemical properties using two qualities of irrigation water . The experimental study was conducted in the Anbar Governorate / Al-Khayrat district in the fall season in degraded clay loam soil. The experimental design for the study site was the split- Block arrangement with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. This study included two factors: the main factor was water quality with river water (1.8 dS m-1) and well water (3.8 dS m-1), and the secondery factor was alum application with eight levels (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4 %) based on dry soil. The results showed that pH, EC were decreased by 12.7, 65.1%, respectively when applied 0.8% of alum at the irrigation of river water and decreased by 11.9, 61.4 %, respectively when applied 1.0% of alum at irrigation with well water as compared to control treatment. While an increase occurred in CEC of about 20.0 and 19.8% at the irrigation of river and well water, respectively as compared to control treatment.While the addition of all levels of aluminum sulfate (alum) led to a significant effect on the available nitrogen in the soil and the biological yield when treating alum a5, which reached 48.6% and 48.50, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 T. K. Obaid, J. A. Shamsullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ANALYSIS OF DUST STORMS IN ERBIL CITY-IRAQ USING SURFACE OBSERVATIONS AND GIS TECHNIQUES
Dust storms are a common phenomenon in desert and semi-desert areas, they arise when the wind blows and has the ability to soil grains transfer particles from the Earth's surface and carry them over distances determined by the wind speed and the size of the particles, when this occurs Winds with a speed between (7-8) of per second and at a height of one meter have the ability to can erode soil and transport it over long distances through wind erosion. However, the geography of the study area distant from desert regions, but it is affected by global environmental changes, like most other regions of the world. Erbil city experiences the phenomenon of dust storms, to measure the amount of dust deposition in Erbil, a special glass surface measuring one meter in length and width, equipped with glass, was used to collect dust particles. A scientific analysis of dust deposition was conducted in 2024 according to the results, the maximum amount of dust deposition recorded in Erbil city was 3.5 grams in September, and the minimum of dust deposition is recorded in May 2024 was 1.2 grams, the total area corresponding to the dust deposition in Erbil in 2024 is approximately 383km, Average dust deposition per square meter in Erbil in 2024: 28.21grams , the Total of dust deposition from Erbil city in 2024: 10.8 tons .for the comparison and analysis of the resulting data, a geographic information system (GIS) is used.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rebin Samad Abdullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
MITIGATING METHANE EMISSIONS FROM ERBIL WASTE DUMPING SITE: A GIS –BASED APPROACH TO DETECTION AND CONVERSION INTO A GREEN LANDSCAPE
This work uses Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, particularly ArcMap, to address the serious environmental issue of methane (CH4) leaks from the Kane Qrzhala waste dumping site Sub district in Erbil City, at latitudes 36°10'23"- 36°52'25" N and longitudes 43°35'32"- 44°23'43" E. The aim of this research is to identify and analyze methane concentrations in the neighborhood of the dumping site, offering significant data for environmental monitoring and mitigation techniques. "This study employs an integrated approach combining spatial data and satellite imagery. Methane emission levels were extracted from two publicly accessible platforms: earth.jpl.nasa.gov and dataspace.copernicus.eu.”, and ground measurements to map and quantify methane emissions. The findings contribute to the understanding of the spatial distribution of methane emissions, enabling targeted interventions to reduce environmental harm. Furthermore, the research investigates sustainable alternatives to reducing methane emissions by identifying that the garbage dumping site be converted into a green area and, eventually, a forest. The methane plume spanned 26.768 km² with a concentration of 3471 ppm—over twice the safety limit—posing a serious environmental and health risk and demanding urgent action to control emissions. Beyond methane reduction, the benefits of transforming the dumping site into a green space include improved air quality, increased biodiversity, and the construction of a community recreational area. Finally, this study not only extends to our awareness of the release of methane from waste disposal sites, however it also advocates for the conversion of such sites into environmentally beneficial landscapes.
Copyright (c) 2026 SHUOKR QARANI AZIZ, DALSHAD AHMED KAREEM, BALA KAWA M. SLEEM https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
RELATIONSHIP OF APOLIPOPROTEIN A-1 GENE POLYMORPHISM WITH SOME GROWTH TRAITS OF COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO L .)
The study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the polymorphisms of A, B, C, D and E of the apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1) gene with some traits (daily and total weight gain rate and feed conversion rate and efficiency) in 70 samples of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). There were significant differences in the growth traits of the genotypes A, B, C and D of the apolipoprotein A-1 gene compared to the genotype E. The results showed that the genotype C was significantly superior (p≤0.05) in the daily and total weight gain rates and reached the highest value of 0.56 and 39.42 g/fish, respectively, while the genotype E decreased to the lowest value of 0.14 and 9.50 g/fish, respectively. On the other hand, the feed conversion rate recorded highest significant effect (p≤0.05) at the genotype C and reached 5.13 Compared with the E genotype which recorded 9.6, the highest significant effect (p≤0.05) on the feed conversion efficiency trait was at the C genotype at a rate of 19.49% compared to the E genotype which reached 10.41%. We conclude from the above that the ApoA-1 gene may have an effect in improving the productive growth traits in common carp fish through its effect on the quantitative traits associated with the genetic phenotypes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Othman M. Abdulmajeed, Mohammad S. Al-Khshali, Ahmed W. Al Ameri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT AZOTOBACTER, MYCORRHIZAE, VERMICOMPOST, AND NPK SPRAYING ON PRODUCTION OF CV HALAWANI GRAPES.
This experiment was carried out in one of the orchards of Diyala on grape vines, during two seasons 2022 - 2023, to study the effect of adding bacterial and fungal biofertilizers , vermicompost fertilizer, and foliar applied mineral fertilizer NPK on growth and production traits on cv. Halawani grape trees. The experiment was carried out a randomized complete block design within a split plot and three factors with three replicates, using 72 trees. The first factor included the addition of biofertilizers which included: without inoculation (M0), inoculation with 400 g of fungi (M1).Inoculation with 200 g of bacterial (M2) and inoculation with both bacteria and fungi (M3). The second factor included the addition of organic fertilizer with three treatments, without addition (N0), adding 5 kg/ tree-1 (N1) and adding 7 kg/tree-1 (N2), and the third factor included foliar applied mineral fertilizer NPK as two treatment, without spraying (F0) and Spraying with 2.5 ml L-1 of fertilizer (F1). Four foliar applications were applied at 30 day intervals when leaves reached full expansion. Results showed significant impact by the triple interaction treatment M3N2F1 on production traits represented by number of clusters in vine, cluster weight, total vine yield, 100 berries weight, and total sugar, by producing highest (49.16, 63.00 vine cluster-1, 761.3, 964.8 g, 37.41, 60.71 kg vine-1 , 568.20, 679.00 g, and19.24% ,17.72%), respectively for both seasons.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hussein.A.H.AL-Mamoori , A.T.JOODY https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND CAECUM MICROBIAL POPULATION OF BROILER FED CONOCARPUS LEAF MEAL DIETS
The current study investigated the effect of Conocarpus erectus leaf meal on nutrient digestibility and cecal microbial quantification of broilers. A total of 48 Ross 308 chickens at 30 days old with similar body weights were randomly allocated into four treatments with 4 replicates of 3 birds each. The Conocarpus erectus leaf meal was supplemented to the basal diet at four levels (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%). The diets were offered to the birds ad libitum for four days, after that the birds were slaughtered at 35 days old. Birds fed the diet containing 2 % Conocarpus erectus leaf meal reported significantly higher digestibility of crude protein, dry matter, and ash than other treatment diets. Also, crude fiber digestibility was increased significantly by 2% and 1% of Conocarpus erectus leaf meal. The digestibility of ether extract declined significantly by 0.5% Conocarpus erectus leaf meal. The number of Lactobacillus spp. was similar among birds fed dietary treatments. The 0.5% Conocarpus erectus leaf meal diet increased the number of Bifidobacterium spp. The lower number of E. coli spp was reported by the 2% Conocarpus erectus leaf meal. In conclusion, the Conocarpus erectus leaf meal has a potential nutritional value that can be used as feed additives in the broiler chicken diet.
H. A. AI- Mashhadani H. A. AI- Mashhadani
Copyright (c) 2026 M. F. Al-qazzaz, A. M. Humam, B. G. M. AL Khatib, H. A. AI- Mashhadani , O.A. Aljumaili, H. N. Ezzat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
THE OPTIMAL CONDITIONS FOR TOTAL SALINITY REMOVING FROM WATER USING NEW LOCAL HALOPHILIC BACTERIAL STRAINS
This study was aimed to determine the optimal conditions for removing total salinity from an aqueous solution of known salt concentration 10% using four new bacterial strains that are tolerant to high salinity genetically diagnosed and registered in the international gene bank (NCBI). Modified nutrient broth medium (MNB) was used with the addition of 10% sodium chloride. The ability of the bacterial strains to remove total salinity was tested in terms of the decrease in total dissolved solids (TDS), where the highest removal rate was after 72 hours, at a temperature of 30°C, with an inoculum volume of 1.5% and a pH of 7. The removal rates were higher in static cultures in the same conditions compared to using the vibrating incubator at 100 rpm. The removal rate decreased when using a mixture of the cocci strain with the three other bacillus species, and the removal rates were constant when using a mixture of the bacillus strains. Total desalination rates were obtained using bacterial strains (A, B, C, and D) after applying the optimal conditions obtained from this study (94, 91, 90, and 92) %, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ahmed S. A. Salm, Elham I. AL-Shamary https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOIL COLOR AND SOME PROPERTIES OF IRAQI SOIL UNDER DIFFERENT CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Soil color a basic quality of assessing pedogenesis and climatic effects hence, may provide valuable insight into soil properties and may serve as a distinctive and straightforward measurable climatic indicator. In this study, surface horizons samples were sampled at depth 0-30 cm by using an auger in ten provinces of Iraq where the climate conditions are different. Although the different physicochemical properties such as (Soil Texture pH, EC, O.M. CEC, CaCO3) were identified in the lab section, the Munsell Soil Color Book was applied in the field to identify the soil color. The result showed a rise in (pH, O.M., CEC, CaCO3, Fed, Clay) based on the color indices BWR, TR1, and TR2 in sub-humid climate areas; however, under the same climatic conditions, EC and CaSO4.2H2O levels were lower. While Xanthization was more common in semi-arid areas, the processes of Melanization and Runification were more active in humid environments. Multiple regression analysis indicated a statistically significant relationship between BWR and CaCO3, as well as between TR1 and CaSO4.2H2O. No significant relationship was detected between TR2 and the soil properties under investigation. Furthermore, linear regression analysis between climate and the BWR soil color index demonstrated a significant association, with value R² = 0.33 at a significance level of 0.01. Research findings demonstrated that Iraqi soil climate shows direct correlation to the BWR index specifically.
Copyright (c) 2026 Omar Alsalam, Y.A.A. Sabry, Abdulghafour Ibrahim Hamad, Baqi D.S. Al Maamouri, Sawsan Ahmed Mohammed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
LOCAL STUDY ON PERFLUORINATED MATERIALS AND THEIR PRESENCE IN SOME FOODS IN BAGHDAD GOVERNORATE
The objective of this study is to identify and quantify perfluorinated substances in different ready-to-eat foods found in the local markets of Baghdad Governorate. The emphasis is placed on these substances due to their extensive use in paper and cardboard packaging materials and the consequential health effects. The analysis utilized liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection equipped with electrospray ionization. The values recorded for perfluorinated materials in samples of crispy chicken and french fries were (2.41 and 4.94) micrograms, respectively. As for samples of kebab, pizza, and cake, they were (5.14, 5.80 and 7.32) micrograms, respectively, and samples taken from stored ice cream (15-30–45) days recorded (0.23, 0.42 and 2.26) micrograms, respectively. It was found that the percentage of fat and the amount of perfluorinated substances in foods are directly related, and this is clearly evident from the fact that it was not detected in the French Bread samples, and may be due to the low percentage of fat which amounted to 0.86%., compared to the samples that showed positive results.
Liquid chromatography followed by mass spectrometry
Copyright (c) 2026 Huda F. Al-Attar, A. K. Al-Darwash https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Evaluating Alternatives to Bekhma Dam: Integrated Water Resources Management for Sustainable Development in the Greater Zab Basin
The Bekhma Dam was once proposed as a massive solution to Iraq’s growing water challenges. But after decades of political delays, environmental concerns, and engineering complications, it remains incomplete. Instead of waiting for a project of such scale, this study explores more flexible and sustainable options. Using historical discharge data from the Eski Kalak Gauge Station, machine learning (XGBoost) was applied to project future water availability under changing climate conditions. The model showed a clear downward trend in discharge, indicating a dominant dry pattern in the coming decades and reinforcing the urgency of adaptive planning. In response, four upstream dam sites were identified through GIS and DEM analysis and evaluated based on reservoir capacity, topography, and regional fit. Bekhma itself was also reconsidered this time as a scaled-down version supported by those smaller alternatives. The idea is simple: by capturing floods and sediment in the upper basin, we can reduce Bekhma’s dead storage requirement and make those construction more realistic. This integrated approach could deliver the key benefits water security, storage, flood mitigation while reducing cost, social impact, and structural risk. Importantly, the study clarifies that these alternatives are not a complete replacement for Bekhma, but rather a practical and scalable support system to strengthen resilience. The study argues that combining predictive hydrology with decentralized infrastructure offers a smarter path forward for the Greater Zab Basin. Based on these findings, the study recommends adopting the proposed upstream alternatives alongside a reduced Bekhma structure to create a flexible, climate-resilient water management system.
Copyright (c) 2026 Arkan H. Ibrahim, Abdulla A. A. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICULAR AWASSI GENETIC LINES TO ADDRESS JORDAN'S FOOD SAFETY CHALLENGE
This study aimed to enhance food security in Jordan by improving meat quantity and quality in Awassi sheep through introducing two economical genomic mutations; FecB and CLPG. In this study, a group of 209 Awassi ewes were involved in the study where 10 heads were distributed to each collaborated farmer, then Half of the ewes were inseminated with mutations Carrier’s rams, while the other half was inseminated with rams carrying the CLPG mutation, After the lambing season, a genomic DNA extraction and genotyping process (FRLP) for the newborns was conducted and revealed successful introgression of the mutations, resulting in lambs carrying either the FecB or CLPG mutations. Our results showed the successful introduction of the FecB and CLPG mutations in Awassi sheep, with a considerable number of lambs carrying the mutation, in Jordan the frequencies of the mutations were almost zero but now and after introducing the carrier rams to farmer’s fields it has been increased to 0.41 (as heterozygous FecB genotype) and 0.50 for that CLPG heterozygous genotype (in the supported population). Ewes who were in the first parity their Prolificacy was elevated up to 2.5 lambs/ of those holds the FecB mutation. The new introduction of the mutation to farmer’s fields will contribute directly to the livelihood of the farmers and enhancing food security in Jordan.
Copyright (c) 2026 K.I. Jawasreh, M. S. Albreiki, M.S. Al-Brzinji, A. H. Al-Amareen, I. M. Al-Rawashdeh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EXPRESSION OF GH GENE POLYMORPHISMS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH GROWTH TRAITS OF LOCAL, EXOTIC BREED AND THEIR RECIPROCAL CROSSBRED CHICKENS USING MOLECULAR MARKERS
This study was aimedto characterize by using two genetic groups of chickens, which were Kurdish indigenous chickens (KK) and commercial Super Harco chickens which bred particularly for dualpurpose (SS),Four combinations were produced by diallel crossing between the two genotypes which are (KK, KS, SK, and SS).. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GH genes were identified between genotypes. Additionally, assessment oftheir belong to genotypes relationships with growth efficiency (body weight (BW) at hatching and 3,6,9, 12 weeks of age was carried on. The four genotypes were detected by using polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) techniques by specific primers and restrictase for GH gene.Our data showed that the AA genotype had more values in KK and SK chickens while AB genotype were more in values in KS. The genotype BB was only more in SS (0.56) birds and no values in KK (0.04), KS (0.25) and SK (0.09) birds. The analysis of chi-square test indicated that SK, SS, males and femaleswhich arein (HWE) Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p<0.05). The statistical analysis showed that significantcorrelations (p < 0.05) between the GH and the following parameters: BW at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks of age, it was determined that the hetrozygotes AB genotype values were superior in BW (39.00± 0.37 kg) and (38.50± 0. 70 kg) in KS * Male and KS * Female respectively at hatching. On the other hand, KK * Female with AA genotype had the lowest body weight (31.60e ± 0.50, 219.00e ± 2.45, 456.60g ± 1.64, 752.00e ± 1.70 and 1087.00g ± 1.48) kg at day one, 3,6,9 and 12 weeks of age respectively compared to other genotypes. Based on the findings of this study, we proposed that in pure and crosses lines chicken population selection programs, a candidate gene marker for chicken growth characteristics could be the GH gene.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lajan Salahaldin Ahmed, Mohammed Sulaiman Abdullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF IMPACT OF SOME MONETARY POLICY INDICATORS ON THE FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL TRADE IN IRAQ FOR THE PERIOD 2021-1990
This study aims to examine impact of monetary policy indicators on the agricultural foreign trade in Iraq. In addition, it seeks to examine the causal relationship between these indicators and analysis of the short and long-term effects of economic indicators (exchange rate, inflation rate, wide money supply, and interest rate) on agricultural foreign trade in Iraq for the period 1990-2021. The researcher used econometric analysis using the modern ARDL co-integration methodology. The results showed that the exchange rate had a negative multiplier effect on agricultural exports, reaching (-0.004) at a 2% significance level, and that annual inflation had a negative impact on agricultural exports, reaching (-0.004) at a level of significance of 2%. The level of significance is 1%. As for the broad money supply, increasing money would increase the purchasing power of everyone who owns it, and it reached (2.54) at the level of significance of 5%. As for the interest rate, a rise in the interest rate would reduce the volume of loans and investments and thus affect It had a negative impact on agricultural exports and amounted to (-0.17) at a significance level of 1%. The results of the analysis showed that the exchange rate has a clear impact on agricultural imports, as it amounted to (0.003) at a significance level of 1%, and in comparison, with the interest rate, which amounted to (0.01), which was not significant. As for the broad money supply, as it reached (4.41) at a 5% significance level, the increase in the money supply will be pushed to reduce the value of the currency, which will lead to an increase in agricultural imports. As for the annual inflation rate, which reached (-0.0008), it is not significant, and it is recommended.
Copyright (c) 2026 Miqdad Jassim Abd , Basim H. H. Al-Badri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
POTENTIAL OF CHEMICAL ELICITORS TO ENHANCE PRODUCTION SECONDARY METABOLITES IN INDUCED CALLUS FROM HYOSCYAMUS NIGER LEAVES
Hyoscyamus niger have the main pharmaceutical tropane alkaloids and glycosides in their tissues. The study aimed to enhance the biosynthesis of these compounds by tissue culture techniques. Callus cultures were established from leaf explants on MS medium. Three chemical salts were added separately in different concentrations to the culture medium to evaluate their effects on callus growth and content of pharmaceutical compounds. The results demonstrate that copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) decreased callus weights, while the aluminum (Al) did not exhibit any significant effects, compared to the control treatment. However, the HPLC assay proved that the chemical stress caused beneficial effects in promoting the production of alkaloid and glycoside compounds in callus cultures. Succinctly, the highest concentration of Cu (36 mg/L) caused a significant increasing in the content of hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and hyoscyammoside-A. Whereas, Al and Cd at low concentration (5 mg/L) produced the varying significant increasing in the substances of tropane alkaloids and glycosides, compared to the other treatments and the control. These finding concludes that application of chemical elicitation in certain concentrations offer advantageous visions for developing the conditions that related with biosynthesis of medicinal compounds in H. niger.
Copyright (c) 2026 M. A. Khalaf, A. J. Taha, A. S. Abed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
FACTORS AFFECTING THE MARKETING SURPLUS OF WHEAT IN BAGHDAD PROVINCE USING THE REGRESSIVE ECONOMETRIC MODEL
The research aims to study and identify the most important economic and social factors affecting the marketing surplus of wheat farms in Baghdad Province for the agricultural season 2023 using the regressive regression model. The data were obtained through a questionnaire prepared for this purpose and the study relied mainly on the raw data of a random sample of a total of 150 wheat farmers in the province distributed over the various agricultural units of Baghdad Province. Results showed that the marketing surplus of the wheat in Baghdad province is sold through three channels; the first is marketing to the state by 57%, the second is marketing to wholesalers by 40%, and the third is marketing to brokers by 3%. Results also displayed that the marketing surplus of wheat crop in Baghdad is positively affected by a set of variables, namely the amount of production of the getter, the average selling price per ton, and the efficiency of marketing services, while the marketing surplus is related to wheat is negatively affected by variables of in-kind deductions, family consumption, and loss of harvest and collection. The study recommended the need for nutritional awareness for individuals in rationing wheat consumption from the farm, as well as encouraging the establishment of an efficient marketing system by governmental and non-governmental organizations to market wheat production.
Copyright (c) 2026 S. M. Abdul-Hameed, Zuhal R. Kadhim Kadhim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ROLE OF FOLIAR APPLICATION WITH PLANT EXTRACTS, AND ADDING HUMIC ACID IN GROWTH OF Calendula officinalis AND ITS CONTENT FROM ZEAXANTHIN AND LYCOPENE
The research was conducted at Research Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad during fall seasons of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 with the aim of studying the effect of foliar application with Moringa extract, yeast suspention, and adding humic acid on the vegetative and flowering growth of marigold plant and its content of plant pigments. A factorial experiment including three factors in (RCBD) with three replicates . First factor was foliar application with Moringa leaf extract at concentrations 4,6,8 % (M1,M2,M3), as well as yeast suspension at a concentration 5 and 10 g .L-1 (Y1,Y2), in addition to the control treatment (Y0), and Adding humic acid to the soil at concentrations 0 and 5 ml l-1 (H0,H1), respectively. The results showed a significant superiority for the interaction treatment M3Y2H1 in leaf area, plant and flower dry weight, and the content of Lycopene and Zeaxanthin for both seasons. It reached 75.92 dm², 23.81 g plant-1 , 0.520 g flower plant-1 , 22.95 µg g-1, and 47.27 µg g-1, respectively, for the first season, and 68.27 dm², 22.03 g plant-1, 0.477 g flower plant-1, 17.63 µg g-1, and 44.26 µg g-1, respectively, for the second season compared to the control treatment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saja N. Al-Badri Al-Badri , Hussein A. Al-Amrani Al-Amrani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HSP70 GENE EXPRESSION FOR FIVE SPECIES OF ROSA L.
This study was aimed to compare and evaluate the increasing or decreasing levels of Hsp70 gene expression of five species of Rosa L, 1735 (the most popular ornamental plant that extended throughout the global with high economic value and great cultural importance), Rosa canina, Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia, Rosa hybrida and Rosa xanthine through total RNA extraction from plant leaves for the five species then reverse-transcribed to complementary DNA (cDNA) then amplified by RT-qPCR technique as a relative quantitation method .The results demonstrated that gene expression of HSP70 was varied between two seasons, spring and summer seasons. The highest gene expression of HSP70 for the R. canina in summer season was recorded at 1.0000 gene fold and 22.950 Ct value as compared with other treated species show low fold of gene expression (0.0012 - 0.0983) gene folding . Our conclusion is that HSP70 elevated levels of gene expression is crucial for heat stress tolerance precisely in R. canina enabled to maintain maintain vegetative growth and flowering throughout the year
Copyright (c) 2026 Liqaa A. Jazaa , Bushra M. J. Alwash https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF THREE OKRA HYBRIDS TO SPRAY WITH BRASSINOLIDE AND THIDIAZURON ON SOME GROWTH AND YIELD TRAITS UNDER PROTECTED CULTIVATION CONDITIONS
This experiment was conducted at one of the plastic houses at the research station of College of Agriculture - Anbar University at Ramadi city, Al-Bu’itha region, during Tow season 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, to determine the response of three okra hybrids (V1, V2 and V3) to application of growth regulators Brassinolide (BR) (T0, T1 and T2) and Thidiazuron (TDZ) (T3 and T4) to various growth and yield characteristics. The experiment was conducted using RCBD Within split plot design and three replicates, The hybrid Abeer exhibited a significant superiority over other hybrids in plant height (107.80 and 111.62 cm), number of lateral branches (8.37 and 9.71 branches plant-1), number of leaves (128.39 and 133.21 leaf plant-1), leaf area (206.2 and 211.6 cm2), pod weight (5.18 and 5.17 g), and plant yield (294.2 and 512.6 g plant-1). The results indicated that treatments T2 (application of Brassinolide at a concentration of 0.2 mg L-1) and T4 (application of Thidiazuron at a concentration of 2 mg L-1) exhibited superiority across all evaluated traits. Moreover, the interaction between experimental factors positively influenced traits in treatments V1T2 and V1T4, Which demonstrated a synergistic effect.
Copyright (c) 2026 Meaad L A Al-Dulime Al-Dulime , Omar H. M. Almohammedi Almohammedi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
SYSTEMATIC REVISION OF PICRIS L. (ASTERACEAE-CICHORIEAE) DISTRIBUTED IN THE RAWANDUZ (MRO) DISTRICT OF KURDISTAN REGION-IRAQ
The present research provides the first comprehensive and integrated taxonomic revision of Picris spp. distributed in the Rawanduz (MRO) district- Kurdistan Region- Iraq, a region where members of the genus have long been considered taxonomically challenging. Two species, the biennial to perennial Picris strigose and annual Picris kotschyi, were documented and examined using detailed morphological, micro-morphological, and anatomical analyses. Plant Materials were collected from natural populations representing different elevations, and a wide range of diagnostic characters were evaluated, including vegetative and reproductive morphology, trichome structure, achene features, ecological preferences, and geographical distribution within Iraq. Anatomical investigations, based on transverse section of stems, leaves, and peduncles, revealed several traits of diagnostic value, such as stomatal type, leaf thickness, vessel arrangement, vascular bundle number, and variation in the indumentum of vegetative and reproductive structures. Notably, the distinction between the two species was strongly supported by the number and structure of glochidiate hooked hairs, heteromorphism versus homomorphism of the achenes, peduncle morphology at fruiting, and the presence or absence of persistent basal collars. These features, when combined, provide reliable and consistent discrimination criteria, particularly in cases where flowering-stage materials alone are difficult to separate. The study also reports new local records for both species within the MRO district, including Halgurd mountain and Safin mountain, contributing to the regional understanding of Picris biogeography. Based on limited population sizes, habitat disturbance, and observed anthropogenic threats, both species are assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) in Iraq according to IUCN criteria. Overall, this work offers the most detailed and updated taxonomic account of Picris in the Kurdistan Region and highlights the importance of integrating morphological and anatomical evidence in resolving complex species boundaries.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nawroz Salam Aman, Rubar Hussein Muhammed-Salih https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
DETERMINANTS THAT FACING THE TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT APPLICATION IN TRAINING EXTENSION CENTERS
This study was aimed to investigate facing the total quality management application in training extension centers of Iraq. This study was conducted on all Iraqi governorates except the Kurdistan Region, A random sample was withdrawn from them by 50% (8 governorates). The sample included agricultural managers and extension employees working in the training extension centers and their affiliated farms in the governorates included in the research sample, included 149 respondents. Data were collected from the respondents by personal interview method during the period 9/7/2023-5/9/2023. The results showed existence of could be determinants that face the application of total quality management in the training extension centers, as the financial determinants came in the first place with a weighted mean (4.135) degrees and a percentage weight (82.69) degrees, and the determinants related to employees in the extension centers training, came in the last order with a weighted mean (3.46) degrees and a percentage weight (69.188) degrees, and the researchers recommended the need to take these determinants into account by the Department of Extension and Agricultural Training to reduce and address them To facilitate the process of applying total quality management in training extension centers.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ihsan Radhi Hassuny, Bayan Abdul Jabbar Ridha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER AND POLLINATIONS TREATMENTS ON LEAVES CHEMICAL CONCETRATION AND YIELD OF" BARHI" DATE PALM
This study was aimed to investigate the response of "Barhi" cultivar trees to sheep manure, pollinator's and number of pollinations. This experiment was carried out during 2022 and 2023 seasons at one of "Barhi" palm orchards propagated by tissue culture, grown in Al-Dawwar date palm station affiliated to Ministry of Agriculture. ten-year-old Barhi cultivar. Factors of experiment included addition of three levels of sheep manure, 0 (M0), 20 (M1) and 40 kg,tree-1 (M2), as well as two pollinators cultivar, Ghanami Akhdar (P1), and local cultivar (P2), while pollinations number were three times; once (N1), Two pollinations (N2) (2 days after first pollination) and pollination three times (N3) (3 days after first and 3 days after second). 54 date palm trees were utilized in factorial experiment; treatments were replicated three times in RCBD. The results showed that manure (40 kg.tree-1) (M2) was significantly effective in leaf potassium concentration 1.488 and 1.531 % , leaf chlorophyll concentration 1.568 and 1.723 mg,100g-1 , fresh weight 9.42 and 12.36 kg and tree yield 47.10 and 61.80 kg for both seasons respectively. Pollinators did not significantly effect on leaf potassium and chlorophyll concentration while local cultivar pollinator (P2). significantly increased bunch weight 7.82 and 10.59 kg and highest fruit yield weight 39.11 and 52.95 kg for both seasons respectively.Results also showed that pollinations number did not significantly effect on leaf potassium and chlorophyll concentration while pollination three times (N3) gave highest bunch weight 7.91 and 11.31 kg .
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed A. Shakir Shakir , M. R. Abood Abood https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF BROADLEAF WEED HERBICIDES AT DIFFERENT PLANTING DISTANCES ON WHEAT CROP
This study was aimed to evaluation of broad leaf herbicide season 2022/2023 at this research included two factors, the first: weed pesticides with four levels (control, 2, 4-D, Cranstar and Lintor) and with the recommended concentrations for each herbicide. The second: planting distances: which are 15 and 30 cm between the lines. The research was carried out using within factorial experiments complete randomized block design (RCBD), sowing took place on 11/15/2022, with a seeding rate of (100) kg . h-1 for Sham 6 cultivar, the herbicides were sprayed by a dorsal sprayer with a capacity of 16 liters on 11/2/2023, and on 3/25/2023 the weed characteristics were studied, and on 5/27/2023 the yield characteristics were studied and the obtained results were summarized as follows: Significant increases in the number of broad weeds, fresh and dry weight of broadleaf weeds at a distance of 30 cm between lines compared with a distance of 15 cm. The distance 30 cm significantly increased the characteristics of plant height and spike length compared with the distance 15 cm. A significant increases in grain yield occurred at the distance 15 cm between the lines compared to the distance 30 cm. The herbicides achieved a significant decreases in the number of broadleaf weeds and their fresh and dry weight compared with the control treatment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jassim, A. Hayawi Hayawi , A. S. H. Al-Mafrajy Al-Mafrajy, Muhammad, A.W. Taha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
IMPACT OF SESAME HULLS ON GROWTH AND BLOOD PROFILE IN AWASSI LAMBS
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary sesame hulls (SH) on the growth and blood profiles of growing lambs. Twenty-four lambs (initial body weight = 21.8 ± 1.35 kg; age = 75 ± 2.5 days) were randomly assigned to 3 diets. Diets with no SH (CON), 75 g/kg SH (SH75), or 150 g/kg SH (SH150), for 120 days, with 10 days adaptation period, followed by 110 days for data collection. The dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and metabolizable energy intake were greater in the SH75 and SH150 diets than in the CON diet. Conversely, the group SH150 exhibited the highest values (P < 0.05) of ether extract intake. Lambs fed diets containing SH showed greater final body weight, total gain, and average daily gain than those fed the CON diet. Notably, the gain cost was lower for the SH75 and SH150 groups than for the CON diet. Blood parameters did not vary in response to the SH supplementation. Sesame hulls could be an alternative nutritional feed ingredient for growing lambs due to their nutritional value and cost-effectiveness.
Copyright (c) 2026 Belal S. Obeidat, Mustafa M. Shdaifat, Mohammad K. Aloueedat, Linda Alyahya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EFFECT OF SEED PRIMING AND PLANTING DATES ON SOME GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS OF TWO CULTIVARS OF SOYBEAN
A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of seed priming and planting dates on the growth of two soybean cultivars. This study was conducted during the summer seasons 2022 and 2023 at the fields of the Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) split-split plot arrangement was employed, with three replicates and three factors. The main factor included planting dates (1/6, 15/6, and 1/7), the second factor included two soybean cultivars (Lee 74 and Shaimaa), and the third factor included seed priming treatments (Gibberellic acid, KCl, and seaweed extract as well as two control treatments (soaking with distilled water and dry seeds). The results showed the superiority of the 15th June planting date, with the highest average plant height and crop growth rate. The Shaimaa cultivar exhibited the highest average in leaf area and crop growth rate, while also outperforming in plant height. The seed priming treatment with seaweed extract excelled in leaf area and crop growth rate, while the KCL treatment excelled in plant height. Overall, 15th June planting date and the Shaimaa cultivar showed superiority, along with the seaweed extract seed priming treatment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohsen, M. S , Saudi, A. H https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY SUSTAINABILITY OF SUNFLOWER BY INFLUENCE OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION AND BACTERIAL BIOFERTILIZATION
A field experiment was conducted during the spring season of 2024 at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad, to study cultivation sustainability of sunflower influenced by nitrogen fertilization and bacterial biofertilization. A split-plot arrangement within randomized complete block design with three replications was used. The main plots received 0, 25, 50 and 75% of recommended nitrogen, while the sub-plots were sown with seeds inoculated with Azotobacter chroococum, Azospirillum brasilense, their mixture and without inoculation, in addition to application of recommended nitrogen fertilization (200 Kg N ha-1) for later comparison with fertilizer combinations. The Findings showed that application 75% of recommended nitrogen fertilizer was significantly superiority in the leaf area (50.21 dm2), fertility rate (71.95%) and seed productivity (5.577 Mg ha-1). Also, there was a significant increase in the vegetative growth when seeds were inoculated with bio-fertilizer mixture, which led to an increase seeds number (1347.6 seeds head-1) and seed productivity (5.406 Mg ha-1). Significant interaction influence noted on most measured parameters. Regarding the comparison of fertilizer combinations with application of 200 kg N h-1, it was observed that the inoculating seeds with bio-fertilizer mixture or alone reduced about 25% of nitrogen fertilizer recommendation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dhuha Kadhim Resen, Aws Ali Mohammed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
AN INTEGRATION APPROACH TO REDERIVE THE GREEN AND AMPT WATER INFILTRATION EQUATION AND ITS EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION
The approach of the Green and Ampt (1911) for describing water entry into unsaturated porous media was critically appraised .Theoritical revision was made of a previous mathematical approach, to give it complete rigor in describing water flow for rectangulary abrupt water content profile. Rigorous rederivation of this equation yielded a straightforward and complete interpretation of the suction head at the wet front tw. The suction head tw at the wet front is given as the integral of the suction-head- t dependent hydraulic conductivity function K (t) with the upper limit of the integral being the suction head t0 at the initial water content q0. Furthermore, tw is shown to be a constant of the flow process even when G-A rectangular abruptness does not hold. The equation is shown to be the hydraulic conductivity K (q1) of the wet region behind the wet front which is a function of the constant averaged water content of the wet region. For experimental data of cumulative infiltration with time, both the G-A and two –term Philip equation were fitted by nonlinear regression. The G-A equation gave better fitting than Philip equation for certain soil texture, but both equations gave a very well fitting (%1error). G-A parameter K1 gave a very good agreement with the measure hydraulic conductivity for all soil studied. The other parameter tw was calculated from the fitted parameter a and show values correlated to soil texture in expected .Abruptnen of soil water transient profile was tested using soil moisture probes-GS3.
Copyright (c) 2026 S. N. Abdel Al-Hassan, M. I. Aoda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
STUDY OF HYBRID VIGOR, COMBINING ABILITY AND SOME GENETIC PARAMETERS IN OKRA.
This study was aimed ot investigate, hybrid vigor and combining ability in some traits of okra. to during 2021 and 2022 seasons, at private field located in the Mahmoudiya district of Baghdad, using the 7-line × 3 tester method. In the second season, the genotypes (parents and hybrids) were compared in varietal trait using Randomized Complete Block Design ( RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed significant differences among the parents and crosses for most of studied traits. Hybrids O4×O2 and O10×O3 emerged as standouts, achieving the highest yield in the plastic house, with yields 927.80 kg and 892.60 kg, respectively. Hybrids O5×O1, O6×O2, and O8×O3 produced the highest numbers of pods. Hybrid O4×O2 exhibited the most significant positive values for hybrid vigor, reaching 54%, in plastic house yield. Certain parents exhibited a positive and significant general combining ability in the desired direction for the measured traits. Furthermore, hybrids O4×O2 and O10×O3 demonstrated a positive and significant specific combining ability in plastic house yield.
Copyright (c) 2026 Maha. M. Habib, Kadhim D. H. Al-Jubouri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
IMPACT OF SPATIAL ENVIRONMENT ON DESIGNING THE URBAN PLANT LANDSCAPE FOR THE RIVERBANK AT ABU NU'AS SITE WITHIN BAGHDAD CITY
The study aimed to investigate the impact of location on the nature of the natural landscape along riverbanks and how the design of this landscape changes based on site-specific variables by establishing a theoretical framework that incorporates the principles of plant element design, considering these influences in the design of urban vegetative scenes. Subsequently, the study seeks to validate this theoretical framework along the banks of the Tigris River in Baghdad, focusing on the case study of Abu Nu’as, a site of cultural and natural significance for the city's residents. Among the key findings of the study is that the efficiency of designing urban vegetative scenes along riverbanks is enhanced through the use of local plant species that are adapted to the natural and cultural environment. This improvement is seen in both aesthetic and functional values of the riverbank due to the visual and functional characteristics possessed by these plants. Planting the appropriate species in designated locations contributes to achieving visual openness, especially with the neighboring areas and the roads perpendicular to the riverbank.
Copyright (c) 2026 T. A. Kadhim. Al-Mashhadani , S. N. Jasim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
RESPONSE OF INDUSTRIAL POTATOES TO BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS AND BRASSINOLIDE IN ABSORBING ELEMENTS AND SOME QUALITATIVE TRAITS
ABSTRACT The experiment was carried out at southwest Baghdad during fall season 2021 and spring season 2022 on the industrial potato of Arsenal hybrid, and the experiment carried out using randomized complete block design with in split plot arrangement with three replicates (4 × 3 × 3). Bio-fertilizer distributed within main plots and interaction between phosphorus levels and Brassinolide growth regulator within sub plot. Bio-fertilizers included Aspergillus niger fungus alone and Bacillus Megaterium bacteria alone and the combination between them add the control and phosphorus treatment of three levels of 0.100, 200 kg P2O5 ha-1 and Brassinolide spraying of three levels of 0, 0.1, 0.2 mg L -1, The results showed a significant effect of the triple interaction among study factors, where the interaction between fungal and bacterial Bio-fertilization and phosphate fertilization 200 kg h-1 and spraying at a concentration of 0.1 mg L-1 with Brassinolide growth regulator had a significant effects, it gave the highest significant value in the percentage of phosphorus, potassium and iron concentration of leaves for both seasons and nitrogen percentage for the fall season with (0.45, 0.51 and 1.74, 1.74%, 130.00, 138.67 ppm and 1.31%) respectively, while the combination between fungal and bacterial Bio-fertilization and, phosphate fertilization 200 kgP2O5 h-1 and spraying at a concentration of 0.2 mg L-1 with Brassinolide growth regulator had the highest nitrogen percentage in the spring season 1.30% as well as produced the highest dry matter percentage, starch and protein in tubers for both seasons (21.00, 21.83 and 14.72, 15.64 and 1.79, 1.87%) respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abbass AL Shammery, I. J. Abdulrasool2 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
EVALUATION OF OLEANDER PLANTS CONTAMINATION GROWN IN CALCAREOUS SOIL CONTAMINATED WITH SOME HEAVY METALS (NI, CD, PB) ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL POLLUTION STANDARDS.
A factorial pot experiment was conducted according to a completely randomized design (CRD) in greenhouse to evaluate contamination of oleander plant with some heavy metals, based on calculation of international environmental pollution indicators and effect of heavy metals on growth of oleander plant , with three factors and six replications. soil was treated with three heavy metals: Pb, Cd, and Ni, and four combinations: Pb + Cd, Cd + Ni, Ni + Pb, and Pb + Ni + Cd, with two levels of each element: 0 and 120 for Lead, 0 and 10 for Cadmium, and 0 and 70 mg kg-1 for Nickel with six time periods used for sampling: 40, 80, 120, 160, 200 and 240 days after planting, using sandy loam soil. Treatments symbolized as TNi, TCd, TPb, TCd,Ni, TNi,Pb, TCd,Pb, TCd,Ni,Pb, and TO. Results showed an increase in values of bio concentration factor (BCF) of oleander root system for Ni in TNi, TCd,Ni, TCd,Ni,Pb, and TNi,Pb treatments, reaching 0.9, 0.43, 0.50, and 0.77, respectively, and decreased in the rest treatments. Highest values were for Cd in treatment C, which reached 1.57, while it was less to other treatments. Values are lower from one for, oleander plant is considered one of plants that accumulate Cd. Values of BCF were low for Pb. Values of BCF increased with increasing time periods. Values of the bioaccumulation factor (BAC) increased with increase in concentrations of available heavy metals in soil. Values of biological transfer factor (TF) for Cd, Ni, and Pb decreased below value of one. Heavy metals added to soil significantly affected values of plant heights, and plant dry weight.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dhay Mahdi Salih, Kadhim Makke Naser https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/