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). The international number of IJAS are: PISSN 0075-0530 EISSN 2410-0862
University of Baghdad, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences
ANATOMICAL STUDY FOR SUBGENERA PRUNUS L. AND CERASUS PERS. (ROSACEAE) LEAVES IN KURDISTAN REGION-IRAQ
Mature leaves fully expanded, undamaged were used in this study for leaf anatomy (blade, midrib and petiole) for 12 taxa of subgenera Prunus and Cerasus (P. cerasifera Ehrh., P. domestica subsp. domestica L., P. domestica subsp. syriaca (Borkh.) Janchen ex Mansfeld, P. domestica subsp. insititia (L.) C. K. Schneid, P. domestica subsp. italica (Borkh.) Gams ex Hegi, P. armeniaca var. armeniaca, P. armeniaca cv. Saeede Meraime, P. microcarpa var. pubescens (Bornm.) Meikle, P. microcarpa var. microcarpa, P. brachypetala (Boiss.) Walp., P. mahaleb L. and P. cerasus L.). Also trichome length and frequency on areole part of leaf blade for each taxon were measured. All taxa were characterized by bifacial mesophylls which consist of palisade parenchyma in the upper side and spongy layer in the lower side. The investigated taxa divided according to the number of palisade parenchyma layers in three groups. The shape of midrib, petiole transverse section and shape of the vascular bundles were important diagnostic values used for identifications of taxa. The leaves of all investigated taxa of subgenera Prunus and Cerasus have unicellular trichomes with different shapes kinds present on leaves blade of all studied taxa. Mostly the trichomes in abaxial side areole longer than the trichomes in the adaxial side, also the frequency of trichoms in the abaxial face was significantly higher than in the adaxial face.
leaf blade, midrib, petiole, trichomes, SEM.
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PHYTO-SYNTHESIS OF CdO NPs BY CRUDE EXTRACT OF POLYGONUM MULTIFORUM
The goal of this research is to detect flavonoids in Polygonum multiforum and use these extracts in the phyto-synthesis of (CdO NPs) Nano-particles (CdO, CdO2) and characterize them. The HPLC examination yielded five compounds: Emodin (29.55%), followed by Aloe-emodin (24.52%), Chrysophanol (19.24%), Rhein (16.61%), and Physcion (10.06%). Two techniques were utilized to synthesize NPs, and the average size (by AFM) was (83.26 and 86.14) nm for the first and second procedures, respectively. SEM analysis revealed that process 1 produced Nano-rod particles with diameters ranging from (20-50) nm, whereas procedure 2 produced hexagonal Nano-plate crystals with a single Nano-scale size (20-100) nm. TEM pictures showed the same characteristics. For processes 1 and 2, the FTIR analysis showed prominent bands at 524 and 532.4 (1/cm), respectively. This was ascribed to stretching vibrations in Cd-O.
CdONano-particles; flavonoids; phyto-synthesis; HPLC; Emodin.
STUDY OF THE MINERALOGICAL STRUCTURE OF MAIN DOWNSTREAM DRAIN SEDIMENTS AND ITS IMPACT IN BEHAVIOR OF NICKEL AND COBALT
This study was conducted to determine the nature of the mineral structure and properties of carbonate minerals of the sediments of the Main downstream and their effect on the chemical behavior of nickel and cobalt in five areas of Baghdad Governorate: Abu Ghraib, Al-Radwaniyah, Al-Yusufiyah, Al-Mahmoudiyah, and Al-Latifiyah. The results showed a difference, to the clay minerals of the water stream sediments. The presence of clay minerals such as mica, smectite, true chlorite, and swollen chlorite was observed in varying proportions, and the latter appeared more at the end of the study area. While a decrease in the percentage of kaolinite minerals was observed, a difference was observed in the quantity and properties of carbonate minerals, and the active part of them increased at the end of the study area. The chemical behavior of nickel and cobalt also varied in association with clay and carbonate minerals. The association of nickel with carbonate minerals was greater than that of clay minerals, with a percentage of 53.7, 40.8, 38.9, 40.0, 53.3%, while the association of cobalt with clay minerals was greater than that of carbonate minerals, with a percentage of 49.4, 45.9, 55.4, 45.17, 44.1%, after extracting the association images for each element using the successive extraction technique in all five study areas, respectively.
X-ray diffraction; clay minerals; successive extraction; carbonate minerals
ROLE OF PHOSPHORUS, SILICON, AND CITRIC ACID IN ANATOMICAL TRAITS OF PEPPER PLANT CULTIVATED IN PLASTIC GREENHOUSE
This study was aimed to investigate effect of phosphorus, silicon, and citric acid on anatomical traits of pepper, This research was conducted at research stations, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Jadiriyah Campus, during 2021-2022 season. The study employed factorial experiment within randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The first factor included three levels of phosphorus (p) ( 0, 160, and 320 kg Ha-1 P2O5), the second factor included three levels of potassium silicate (s) ( 0, 75, and 100 kg Ha-1), while the third factor included four levels of citric acid (c ) ( 0, 2, 4, and 6 kg Ha-1). The results revealed that the P3S2C3 treatment had a significant increase in lateral root diameter (10.10 mm), P1S3C4 increased epidermis root thickness (30.93 µm), P3S3C2 led to increased root vascular bundle and stem,leaf cuticle thickness (284.9 µm, 6.63 µm, and 5.63 µm, respectively), the P1S2C4 treatment exhibited increased stem vascular bundle thickness (279.9 µm), The P1S2C2 showed increases in mesophyll thickness (106.03 µm), The P2S3C showed increases in leaf area (631.3 dcm2 plant-1) and P3S3C4 showed increases yield of plant (3.48 kg plant-1).
lateral roots; epidermis; vascular bundle; mesophyll; mineral nutrition
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC VARIABLES ON AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT IN IRAQ FOR THE PERIOD 1990-2020
This research aimed to study the effect of some economic variables (agricultural output, interest rate, agricultural exports, and imports) in determining the volume of agricultural investment in Iraq during the period (1990-2020) by conducting a dynamic econometric analysis of the data collected from its secondary sources. The Error Correction Model (ECM) was employed, and the statistical analysis was performed using EViews 12 software. The results revealed a positive and significant long-term relationship between the explanatory variables and the dependent variable, agricultural investment. Its equilibrium value in the long term is one unit, and 7% of the divergence from the equilibrium between the long term and the short term can be adjusted during the same period. The agricultural domestic product and agricultural exports for the previous year have a significant positive effect on agricultural investments, whereas agricultural imports have a negative sign. There is no effect of the interest rate on agricultural investments. The results also showed that there were no structural changes in the model variables during the study period.
Investment, agricultural imports, cointegration, interest rate, ECM.
AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF RURAL WOMEN IN IMPROVING FARM INCOME AND LIVING STANDARDS.
This study aimed to determine the contribution of women in diversifying sources of farm income, thereby improving the standard of living of the rural family, through their work in various primary and secondary agricultural production activities. Rural women in Iraq constitute a large part of the family's farm work. In addition to her paid work on other farms. Despite the significant role of rural women's contribution to production processes. However, the percentage of their participation in some agricultural operations is less than that of men due to their limited control over production and marketing decisions. This is reflected negatively in their ability to generate income. The research used cross-sectional data for a random sample that included (384) women from separate rural areas in Baghdad governorate to determine the effect of the working hours of women and men in addition to the number of animals owned by women on the size of the total farm income through the use of the OLS model, the ordinary least squares method with the double logarithmic formula. The results showed that increasing the number of working hours for women positively affects the increase in farm income. Moreover, the size of the parameters of women's work in animal production activity (0.16) and industry (0.15) were more influential than men's work (0.08(. As for the plant production side (0.26), its effect was less than that of men due to the existence of some activities that are specific to women rather than to men. Therefore, the research recommends the need for programs related to developing the skills of rural women in all agricultural activities, providing health and educational care for women, and empowering women financially and technically to increase their contribution to income generation and improve the standard of living for the family.
Farm labor, secondary agricultural activities, rural women empowerment, food industries, off-farm labor.
EVALUATING SLOW RELEASE FERTILIZER PREPARED BY LOADING PHOSPHORUS ON SURFACE MODIFIED NANO SYRIAN ZEOLITIC TUFF
This study was aimed to assessment of using nano Syrian zeolitic tuff (NSZT) as carrier to produce slow release phosphate fertilizer was executed. phosphate salt was loaded to modified nano-zeolite by HDTMA-Br (hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide) surfactant application. Two main treatments (SMZ1, SMZ2), making approximately monolayer (83%) and bilayer (190%) real coverage of external cationic exchange capacity respectively. Phosphate was loaded on SMZ to prepare slow release fertilizer (SRF1, SRF2) respectively. Surface characteristics were conducted by using XRD and SEM techniques. Adsorption/ release experiments and incubation column were studied. Results showed that Langmuir isotherm was better to give good estimation of phosphorus sorption about nature of homogeneity. Phosphate release time into water solution from SRFs increased as surface modification ratio increased. Elovich model was good tool to predict the phosphate release ratio coefficient which was independent of HDTMA-Br modification coverage ratio. After 40 days of incubation experiment in columns, soil effect dropped up the leached phosphate in the flux less than 10% of the initial P loading concentration. Incubation column experiment confirms expectations about the anion exchange mechanism between phosphate and bilayer on NSZT.
Nano Syrian Zeolitic Tuff NSZT, Suface modification, Column study
ANISE YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS WITH VARYING SOWING DATES, PLANT DENSITIES, AND NITROGEN FERTILIZERS IN SULAIMANI REGION- IRAQ
To improve both the quantity and quality of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) seeds, a field experiment was conducted in the fall season of 2021-2022 at two locations: Qlyasan Agricultural Research Station and Kanipanka Research Station. The experiment was designed as factorial experiments (2×2×3) within Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) using 3 replicates, the first factor was two sowing dates (20th Oct. and 20th Nov), the second factor was plant density (50 and 100 plants m-2), and the third factor was the application of Nitrogen (15 and 30 kg ha-1 as well as control). The mean results of the both locations indicated that the highest seed yield of 2759 kg ha-1 gained by the combination of the Oct. 20 sowing date within 100 plants m-2 density and the application of 30 kg ha-1 as urea 46% nitrogen, while the highest essential oil yield of 31 kg ha-1 occurred with the combination of the sowing date of Oct. 20 with 100 plants m-2 and 15 Kg ha-1 nitrogen. The Kanipanka location outperformed the Qlyasan location by 91.50% and 46.60% for the characters' seeds yield and essential oil yield, respectively.
Medicinal plant, Pimpinella anisum L., Seed yield, Essential oil%, and Essential oil yield.
ESTIMATION OF VARIABILITY-CORRELATION AND PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS FOR YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF FABA BEAN GENOTYPES
Four genotypes of faba bean Vicia faba L. (Aknadcge, FlIP-17-078FB, FLIP-17-072FB and Fiedo were carried out during 2020-2021 winter season in year under four levels of phosphorus (0.0 18,36 and 54 Kg ha-1) at the farm of field crops department, college of Agricultural Engineering science, University of Duhok, the experiment unit ranged in factorial within randomized complete block design with three replications. The result show significant effect of faba bean genotypes for all studies traits except plant height and main branches per plant and number of seed per plant, while the phosphorus level exhibited highly significant effect on all studies traits except plant Height and main branches the interaction between genotypes and phosphorus levels show significant effect for days to flowering, pod length, 100 seed weight and number nodes per plant and the rest traits exhibited non-significant. The fedo genotypes was superior in pod weight, 100 seed weight, number of nodules plant-1 and number of pods plant-1. The seed yield gave positive correlation with number of nodules plant-1 (0.742, 0.751) phenotypic and genotypic and positive correlation with 100 seed weight (0.673 and 0.694).
BIOCHAR-SUPPLEMENTED IN VITRO CULTURE OF MUSA ACUMINATA VAR. BARANGAN TO CONTROL CONTAMINATION AND ENHANCE REGENERATION
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of coconut shell-derived biochar supplementation in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium to suppress contamination and enhance regeneration efficiency. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 11 biochar concentrations (0–5 g/L) was used, each with three replicates. Parameters observed included contamination and browning onset, browning intensity, propagule formation time, fresh weight, shoot number, and shoot height. Results showed that biochar significantly delayed contamination and browning. The 2 g/L treatment yielded the best results: 13.8 days after culture (DAC) for contamination and 12.67 DAC for browning. The lowest browning intensity (score 1.41) occurred at 5 g/L. Propagule formation was fastest at 3 g/L, while optimal shoot multiplication and height were observed at 2 g/L. These benefits are attributed to biochar’s ability to enhance nutrient availability, adsorb phenolics, stabilize pH, and regulate endogenous hormones. However, concentrations ≥4 g/L reduced culture performance, likely due to osmotic stress and media imbalance.
biochar, tissue culture, contamination control, browning, micropropagation.
EFFECT OF DIETARY PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF FERMENTED POTATO PEELS POWDER ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MICROBIAL PARAMETERS OF BROILERS
The experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary replacement of fermented potato peels powder (FPPP) with Kiwi juice or probiotics with yellow corn on pre- and post- storage of meat oxidation for 30 days, physiological and microbial of broiler. A total of 231, day old broiler chicks (Rose 308) were used. The chicks were randomly distributed to seven treatments, with 3 replicate per each (11 chicks/ replicate): 6 males and 5 females. Chicks in the first treatment were fed on an ordinary diet and it was considered as a control treatment (T1). The T2, T3 and T4 treatments were considered as replacement treatments in which the (FPPP) by Kiwi juice was replaced by yellow corn at level of 6, 12 and 18% respectively. The T5, T6 and T7 treatments were used (FPPP) by Iraqi probiotics replaced by yellow corn at level of 6, 12 and 18% respectively. Significant differences (P≤0.01) were showed among treatments in the oxidation indices so that all the replacement treatments were superior in the oxidation value as compared with control at pre- and post - meat storage period. No significant differences was found in glucose concentration, total protein, uric acid and liver enzymes. The histological in Ileum showed superiority (P≤0.01) in crypt depth of T3, T6 and T7 while T6 significantly (p>0.01) villus length and the mucosal layer thickness as compared with T1. Excluding data of T1 and T2 groups, all treatments have a crucial role in increasing beneficial bacterial count.
potato peels, kiwi, probiotics, meat oxidation.
FULL DIALLEL ANALYSIS OF PEA CULTIVARS FOR SEED WEIGHT AND ITS COMPONENTS UNDER KURDISTAN REGION-IRAQ CONDITION
The present study was carried out at Grjan Agricultural Research Station and Qaladze Agricultural Research Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences-University of Raparin, Kurdistan Region-Iraq, during the growing seasons 2020 and 2021. According to the full diallel mating system using five pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars (Legacy, Rainer, Topaz, P11, P13) with 20 F1 crosses. The genotypes were planted in a RCBD with 3 replicates. Highly significant mean squares due to genotypes for all traits were recorded in both locations. The mean squares due to the GCA were highly significant for all of the traits except for number of days to 50% flowering which was significant at Grjan, but at Qaladze it was highly significant for number of days to maturity, pod length, seeds weight pod-1, and 100-seed weight. The mean squares due to SCA were highly significant for all of the traits except for 100-seed weight which was significant and was not significant for number of seeds pod-1 and seeds weight pod-1 at Grjan, but at Qaladze it was highly significant for all of the traits except for significant pod length, and it was not significant for seeds weight pod-1. The highest positive heterosis value for seeds weight plant-1 at Grjan was 177.445% recorded by the diallel cross 3×4, while at Qaladze it was 210.431% recorded by the diallel cross 1×3. The reciprocal cross 5×3 had the maximum heterosis value for seeds weight plant-1 at 78.300%, while at Qaladze it was 199.713% recorded by the reciprocal cross 5×2. The maximum positive GCA effect values for most of the traits were recorded by the parent P13 at both locations. The dominance gene effect controlled the inheritance of most of the traits of both locations.
Combining ability, heterosis, heritability, gene action, Pisum sativum, genetic analysis.
DISTRIBUTION OF CLICK BEETLES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTROL MEASURES IN POTATO FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
The studies were conducted at the Aragatsotn region of the Republic of Armenia during the years 2021-2024. Four species of click beetles (family Elateridae) belonging to the order Coleoptera of the class Insecta were recorded. The most widespread species was the sowing click beetle (Agriotes sputator L.), making up 56%. The steppe click beetles (Agriotes gurgistanus Fald.) accounted for 25% of the total population. The striped (Agriotes lineatus L.) and dark (Agriotes obscurus L.) click beetles were relatively less common, constituting 14% and 5%, respectively. Based on the analysis of the damage caused by wireworms to the tubers of different potato varieties it can be concluded that the Impala and Arizona varieties are more resistant to the phytophagous pest. These varieties are recommended for cultivation in potato farms. Nuprid (0.2 L/t), Kruiser (0.2 L/t), and Force (15 kg/ha) demonstrate high biological efficacy against wireworms, showing effectiveness comparable to the standard variant, Prestige (1.0 L/t).
Wireworms, Resistant potato varieties, Biological efficacy, Systemic insecticides, Beetle community
EFFECT OF SOME NUTRIENTS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND LEACHING REQUIREMENTS ON SOIL QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF SORGHUM GROWN IN A SALT -AFFECTED SOIL
A field experiment was conducted at the research station of the Ministry of Agriculture in Abu Ghraib area –Baghdad, Iraq, to study the effect of applying some nutrients management practices and leaching requirements on some soil quality indicators and sorghum productivity under saline soil conditions. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design )RCBD( with split split plot arrangement and three replicates. Treatments included 7 nutrients combinations :(Control” F0”, NPK” F1”, NPKS” F2”, NPKS + micronutrients”F3”, NPKS+ micronutrients+ Nano silicon” F4”, NPKS+ micronutrients + Nano silicon + calcium and magnesium nitrate” F5”, NPKS + micronutrients + Nano silicon + potassium humates” F6”, two leaching requirements: standard leaching requirements (L1) and doubled leaching requirements (L2) ) and two sorghum varieties: Al-Khair synthetic variety (C1) and Rabeh synthetic variety(C2). The results showed that fertilizer treatments had a very important role in the availability of nutrients in the soil, where treatment F6 exceeded other treatments in flowering stage in increase the availability of (N,P and Si) (48.0, 32.43and 17.45 mg Kg-1) respectively, as well as in after harvest stage treatment F6 exceeded the other treatments in increase the availability of (N,K,Fe and Si) (26.9, 293.8, 3.21 and 15.49 mg Kg-1) respectively. Doubled leaching requirements (L2) exceeded (L1), which led to reducing the amount of NaCl salts in the soil for the depth of (25-50 cm). Proper nutrients management practices could improve soil properties, increase the availability of nutrients, and improve plant tolerance to abiotic stress such as soil salinity.
soil chemical properties , available soil nutrients ,( Sorghum bicolor L.), grain yield
EVALUATION OF CO2, CH4, AND O3 GHGs FROM SATELLITES AGAINST GROUND-BASED MEASUREMENTS OVER SULAIMANI City, KR, IRAQ
This study was conducted from December 2021 to July 2022, except May 2022, and aimed to evaluate and validate CO2, CH4, and O3 GHGs in 13 different locations over Sulaimani city, Kurdistan Region-Iraq by means of remote sensing techniques from Sentinel 5 Precursor (S5P)/ TROPOMI and Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) satellites against ground-based measurements by using a portable gases analyzer via three types of sensor heads, GSS for the nominated gases of CO2, CH4, and O3. The Inverse Distance Weight (IDW) interpolation methods were used to map the CO2, CH4, and O3. The results of ground measurements showed high variability in some greenhouse gas concentration values and ranged between 285-508 ppm, 0-17000 ppb, and 0.25-64 ppb for CO2, CH4, and O3, respectively, in different locations and months. Satellite-predicted values for CO2, CH4, and O3 ranged between 416 - 418 ppm, 1858.99 - 1908.26, and 15.13 - 16.96 ppb, respectively, among the studied locations during the study periods. The RMSE ranged between 0.5 - 92.75 ppm, 99.11 – 2593.05 ppb, and 0.08 – 48.87 ppb for CO2, CH4, and O3, respectively.
greenhouse gases, satellite remote sensing, validation, ground measurement.
PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIP ANALYSIS OF THREE SPECIEOF ROSA L.,1735 CULTIVATED IN IRAQ BASED ON ITS, matK and trnT-trnL PRIMERS
This study was investigate to demonstrate the phylogenetic relationship among three species of Rosa that are R. canina L.,1735, R. damascene Mill. and R. centifolia L., cultivated in Iraq by using three primers of ITS, matK and trnL. With regard to the nuclear ITS sequencing reaction results showed that the identified identities of the investigated samples were R. canina, R. damascena, and R. centifolia the presence of seven nucleic acid variants (g.392G>T, g.439G>A, g.442T>G, g.458C>T, g.477C>T, g.495T>C, and g.496C>T) of R. canina sample, one nucleic acid variant (g.15A>C) in R. centifolia sample compared with the referring sequences respectively (GenBank acc. no. MT796505.1 and MZ230175.1). Sequencing reaction results for the matK amplicons revealed that the samples under investigation were R. canina, R. damascena, and R. centifolia. This finding suggested the presence of two nucleic acid variations (g.165C>T and g.687G>T) of the R. centifolia sample compared with the referring sequences (GenBank acc. no. MZ261886.1). These amplicons be could quickly and accurately identify the biological diversity of a larger genotype of Rosa sequences.
Molecular identification, rosaceae, plastid primers.
THE DETECTION OF PHZS AND PHZM GENES IN PYOCYANIN FORMING AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTING PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA CLINICAL ISOLATES
This study was aimed to detect the phzS and phzM genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates that form pyocyanin and resist antibiotics. The study was conducted by collecting 240 samples from different clinical sources (burns, wounds, urinary tract, and ear infections) at Medicine City laboratories Baghdad-Iraq. Only 140 samples were diagnosed as P. aeruginosa, with the major identification depending on morphological characteristics, biochemical tests, the Vitek 2 compact system, and molecular detection of the 16S rRNA gene responsible for this bacterium. Identified isolates were investigated for hemolysin, protease enzymes, and pyocyanin production. The genes phzS and phzM, involved in pyocyanin production, were investigated, and the isolates' sensitivity to 12 antibiotics was also tested. The results showed that all the isolates were able to produce hemolysin, 80% of the isolates were protease enzyme producers, and 72.15% produced pyocyanin. The presence percentage of the phzS gene (90%) was higher than that of the phzM gene (70%), and only the isolates that possessed the two genes producing pyocyanin, while those that contained one of the genes phzS or phzM did not. The highest levels of antibiotic resistance were for colistin (100%) and ceftazidime (97.14%), while the least were for imipenem (26.42%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (22.85%). The isolates producing pyocyanin are more resistant to antibiotics than those unable to produce it.
pyocyanin genes, virulence factors, pathogenic bacteria, antibiotic resistance.
ASSESSMENT OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF IRAQI CAPPARIS SPINOSA L. FLOWER EXTRACT
This study was aimed to explain the effect of the crude extract and the flavonoid extract of Capparis spinosa L flowers as an antioxidant in vitro and the effect of the flavonoid extract as an antioxidant in the tissues of kidney cells. Different concentrations(7.5, 15, 30, 60, 150, 300, 600) µg/ml of the two extracts were selected to determine the antioxidant activity in vitro by using DPPH 1,1 Dyphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical. The results showed the efficiency of the flavonoid extract on the crude extract, and it was the highest at concentrations of 150, 300, and 600µg/ml, as it gave 100% compared with the crude extract, which gave 40%, 67%, 75% and for the same concentrations. The flavonoid extract was also used at a concentration of 50 mg per kg, to estimate the antioxidant activity on kidney tissues after the creation of free radicals ( reactive oxygen species ROS) inside them by mefenamic acid. The results showed that the used extract has an anti-oxidant effect. The flavonoid extract of the caper plant led to a statistically significant decrease in the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), in addition to a significant increase the level of glutathione (GSH). This study confirmed a possibility of using the flavonoid extract of the caper plant C. Spinosa in medical applications and in the treatment of different types of diseases caused by free radicals
caper, ROS ,MDA , GSH,extract ,flavonoid
USE OF RAPD IN DETERMINING THE GENETIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOME SPECIES OF FAMILY PLANTS CUCURBITACEAE GROWING IN IRAQ
This research was done to conducted to determine TEN taxa of the Cucurbitaceae family were studied using the RAPD approach to examine taxonomic relationships and genetic diversity, including Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Laganaria siceramia L.C.V. local, Laganaria siceramia L.C.V. Syria, Cucumis sativus, Cucumis melo, Cucumis melo flexuosus, Citrullus lanatus, Citrullus colocynthis, Luffa cylidrica, DNA of fresh leaves was extracted using modified protocol of Kit due, invested DNA Marker based PCR technology using the RAPD Marker using Thirteen RAPD primers of (Operon) technology biologging to (Bio-RP1, Bio-RP2, Bio-RP3, Bio-RP4, Bio-RP5, Bio-RP6, Bio-RP7, Bio-RP8, Bio-RP9, Bio-RP10, UBC-13, OPC-12) sets. , where explained the relationship between taxa on the basis of the appearance and disappearance of the bands and showed that differences in the location on the genomes of the studied cultivars on the agarose gel .As the primers generated (92) total bands resulting from (225) binding sites ,including (92 ) polymorphic binding sites distinct for the cultivars under study . To determine the interspecific among the investigated taxa, cluster analysis of the diversity matrices was carried out.
molecular taxonomy, markers, genetic diversity, Cucurbita, Cucumis, Citrullus, Luffa.
DETECTION OF SOME BIOFILM FORMATION GENES AND THEIR ROLE IN ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF UROPATHOGENIC Escherichia coli
This study was aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation and some type 1 fimbriae adhesion genes. A total of 120 urine specimens were obtained from different patients with UTIs during October 2022 to February 2023 from several Baghdad hospitals. Morphological, biochemical and molecular tests were utilized for identifying E. coli isolates. The results were shown that only 80 (66.7%) of isolates were identified as E. coli. Twelve antimicrobial discs were utilized for evaluate the ability of E. coli isolate to resistant these antimicrobials. The results revealed that 98.8% of isolates were resistant to Ampicillin (AMP), followed by 81.3, 77.5, 72.5, 70, 60 and 58.8 of isolates were resistant to Cefepime (FEP), Ceftazidime (CAZ), Tigecycline (TGC), Ciprofloxacin (CIP), Trimethoprim - Sulfamethoxazole (SXT) and Aztreonam (ATM), respectively. All isolates were sensitive to Fosfomycin (FOF) and Amikacin (AMK) as well as the majority of isolates (97.5, 72.5 and 43.8%) were sensitive to Imipenem (IMP), Nitrofurantoin (NIT) and Piperacillin- tazobactam (TZP). A 50 isolates were selected as multi-drug resistant isolates. The biofilm formation of E. coli was measured using microtiter plates. The majority of isolates (55%; n=44) were moderate biofilm producers, while 38.75% (n=31) were strong producers and 5 (6.25%) were weak producers. The molecular detections of fimH and fimA genes were performed with specific primers using PCR technique. The results indicated that all isolates carry both the fimH and fimA genes.
MONITORING AGRICULTURAL DROUGHT IN REGIONS OF IRAQ USING REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUE
The phenomenon of drought is one of the most significant environmental and climatic extreme events; it is more complex in terms of measuring, monitoring, and identifying the possible effects and hazards associated. The remote sensing index, which included the Vegetation Health Index (VHI), was used to describe the geographic and temporal distribution of the springtime agricultural drought. VHI can be calculated based on the Temperature Condition Index (TCI), Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from MODIS Terra satellite data. The outcomes showed that the droughts in the years 2001–2002, 2008–2009 were the most extreme in twenty-two years. The drought years 2001-2002 were followed by the drought-free years 2002/2003,2008/2009. The years 2017-2018 show this phenomenon distributed mostly in the south and southwest bearing. According to the findings, the southwest and western regions are more vulnerable to drought. The results of the drought index VHI indicate that the country is facing non-uniform cycles of drought for all types of droughts. Also, the results showed that there is a negative significance between rainfall and extreme, severe, and moderate drought, even if there was no substantial negative link between rainfall and dryness. It is recommended to adopt the VHI index to monitor the desiccation of vegetation in semi-arid areas with little access to surface meteorological information.
vegetation health index, temperature condition index, normalized difference vegetation index, GIS, drought indices
INHIBIOTORY EFFECT OF TRYPTOPHAN ON BIOFELIM DEVELOPMENT AND VIABILITY IN METHICILLIN RESISTANT Staphylococcus aureus
This study was aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of tryptophan against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). A 326 samples were obtained from patients attending Al-Karama hospital\Baghdad city with various infections including: blood, vagina, acne, nasal cavity, wounds, gums and skin. Only 100 isolates were identified as S. aureus, according to conventional and molecular methods. Detection of mecA and icaAD gene was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the results showed 70% of isolates harbored mecA gene (MRSA) and 61% of isolates harbored icaAD gene. The results of detecting quorum sensing (QS) genes, include agr1, agr2, agr3 and agr4, using PCR were revealed, that 27. 14%, 18. 6% and 41. 43 of MRSA isolates were carrying agr1, agr2 and agr3 genes, respectively. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of different concentrations of tryptophan were estimated using colony-forming unit (CFU) assays. The findings revealed that the FSA96 isolate was showed greater ability to resist 2mg/ml of tryptophan in percentage 25. 6% than other isolates (FSW61, FSW69 and FSB76 in percentage (16, 16. 25 and 16. 7) % respectively. The biofilms were showed significantly decrease in their percentages (2.17, 1.64, 3.63 and 1. 49) % at concentration 2 mg/ml of tryptophan for FSW61, FSW69, FSB76 and FSA96 isolates. The present study examined the role of QS (agr1 and agr2) genes in the production of biofilm icaAD gene for three selected MRSA isolates using qPCR. The results indicate the significant influence for the expression of icaAD gene which is associated with the expression of a QS genes (agr1 and agr2) which significantly downregulated after being treated with 2. 0 mg/ml of tryptophan compared with the control that expressed. The results indicate the significant differences for the expression of icaAD gene which is associated with the expression of a QS genes (agr1 and agr2) when showed down regulation after being treated with 2.0 mg/ml of tryptophan compared with the control that expressed.
agr gene, ica gene, QS gene, antibiotic resistance, crystal violet
PHYTOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF Hellenocarum amplifolium GROWN WILDLY IN SULAYMANIYAH, IRAQ
This study investigated the phytochemical composition and biological activities of Hellenocarum amplifolium from four regions in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraqi Kurdistan: Hawraman, Qandil, Penjwin, and Sharbazir. The plant specimens were harvested during the pre-flowering phase, specifically between April and May 2021. Chemical analysis revealed that the Hawraman samples contained the highest levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and bioactive compounds (e.g., gallic acid, quercetin, kaempferol), while Qandil samples were richest in essential oils (e.g., linalool, limonene, α-pinene). Hawraman extracts exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity and provided significant protection against ochratoxin A-induced cytotoxicity. The extract also demonstrated notable antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli at 5000 µg/mL, surpassing some reference antibiotics. These findings highlight H. amplifolium as a promising source of antioxidative and antimicrobial compounds. The study aimed to profile the plant’s phytochemicals, evaluate its antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and assess its protective effects against OTA-induced cytotoxicity.
EFFECT OF MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM INFECTION ON ND VACCINE IN BROILER CHICKENS UNDER VARIOUS TREATMENTS
This study aimed to investigate the effect of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection on Immune organs and Immune response of ND vaccine in broiler chickens .210 day- old Broiler chicks were randomly assigned to seven equal groups as following G1: control was not received any treatment, G2: only M. gallisepticum infection, G3: only ND vaccine, G4 ND vaccine and M. gallisepticum infection , G5: ND vaccine and M. gallisepticum infection and treated with probiotic G6: ND vaccine and M. gallisepticum infection and treated with Glycyrrhizic Acid by drinking water, G7 : ND vaccine and M. gallisepticum infection and treated with tylosin by drinking water. Blood samples were collected at 1st, 5th, 10th, 16th, 25th, 27th and 35th day for immunological tests and histopathological examination of spleen and bursa of fabricious at the result revealed the highest level of the ND antibody titers in G5, G6, G7,G1 and G3 respectively. Histopathological analysis of the spleen organ revealed necrosis in G4, white pulp hyperplasia in G6 and G7 while the lesions of bursa indicate that severe hyperplasia in M. gallisepticum infection group. The study concluded that probiotic and glycyrrhizic acid reduce effect of M. gallisepticum infection on immune response and immune organs.
Poultry, vaccine, molicutes, bursa of fabrecious, herbal
EFFECT OF ADDING ANNATTO (Bixa orellana) SEEDS EXTRACT AND TOCOTRIENOL TO SEMEN EXTENDER ON CRYOPRESERVED SEMEN OF HOLSTEIN BULLS
The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of adding various concentrations of annatto alcoholic extract of (Bixa orellana) and tocotrienol on characteristics of cryopreserved semen of Holstein bulls. Collected semen were pooled and diluted with tris egg yolk extender, then equally divided into five groups as following: Control group (C) with tris extender only, T1 contain 150 mg annatto seed extract/ 25 ml extender, T2 contain 200 mg annatto seed extract / 25 ml extender, T3 contain 3 Mm tocotreinol /25 ml extender and T4 contain 4 Mm tocotreinol/25 ml extender. All groups were subjected to a cryopreservation protocol. The parameters of semen assessment including: Motility, viability, abnormality, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DNA fragmentation Index (DFI). All the previous parameters were done for both cooled and frozen semen after 48 hrs, 3 and 6 months. The results showed that there were a significant differences (p≤0.05) among the treatments in the percentage of sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity compared with the control group, also there were significant differences in sperm total abnormalities, MDA, TAC concentrations and DFI percentage among all the treatments after all cryopreservative periods compared with the control group..
Alcoholic extract,Tris extender ,sperm quality, bulls.
RELATIONSHIP OF THE LEPTIN GENE POLYMORPHISM ON THE PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE IN LOCAL AWASSI LAMBS
This study was conducted at the Animal Farm of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad during the period from 22/1/2022 to 2/4/2022. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of leptin gene polymorphism on the weight gain, digestibility and rumen fermentations of Awassi lambs. Forty Awassi lambs were selected at age 4-5 months, with an initial weight mean of 25.4 kg, and distributed randomly in individual pens. The results showed that there were three variations in SNP (G>A), GG, GA and AA it was 66.67, 30.56 and 2.7%, respectively, and the differences between them were highly significant (P≤0.01). No significant differences of leptin gene polymorphism were noticed on the percentage of volatile fatty acids (acetic, propionic and butyric) as well as on the percentage of ammonia nitrogen at all times (0,3 and 6 hours). There were highly significant differences (P≤0.01) in pH of the rumen fluid in GG variations at the times of 0 and 6 hours compared with GA it was 6.78 ± 0.03 and 6.76 ± 0.02, respectively. The results also showed that there were no significant differences in the leptin gene polymorphism on digestibility and weight gain. It can be concluded that the study of genetic variations of leptin gene had no effect on the performance of Awassi lambs.
weight gain , digestibility , rumen fermentations
INFLUENCE OF INDIVIDUAL AND SYNERGISTIC ADDITION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA SEEDS AND LEAVES POWDER TO BROILER DIETS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE
This study was conducted at the poultry farm\Abu Ghraib, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, for the period from 12-10-2022 to 22-11-2022 lasted for 42 days to study the effect of individual and synergistic addition of Moringa oleifera seeds and leaves powder to broiler diets on growth performance. 210 one day old unsexed broiler chicks (Ross-308), randomly distributed in to seven treatments with three replicates per treatment and 10 chicks per replicate as follows: T1 (control treatment) without additive, T2: 1% seeds powder, T3: 2% seeds powder, T4: 1% leaves powder, T5: 2% leaves powder, T6: 0.5% seeds powder + 0.5 leaves powder, T7: 1% seeds powder + 1% leaves powder. The results indicated a significant superiority (P≤0.05) for the T4 treatment in the average live body weight and weight gain compared to control treatment T1 at the first week, as well as the T1 and T4 outperformed the T3 in the same trait at the fourth week, and the T4 recorded a significant superiority in the amount of feed consumed compared to control treatment T1 and T3 at the first week. Also, the T1 and T2, followed by T4, outperformed the rest of the other treatments in the average of feed consumption at the sixth week, while no significant differences appeared between all the treatments in the feed conversion throughout the experiment period. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that the addition of Moringa seed and leaf powder did not have a significant effect on cumulative growth performance, and it is considered safe at the levels used.
seeds powder, leaves powder, broiler, feed consumption
EFFECT OF ADDING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DAMASCUS FLOWERS WATER (ROSA DAMASCENA) TO BROILER CHICKENS DRINKING WATER ON CARCASS AND HISTOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Through previous studies, we have found only a small number of studies that have discovered the effects and importance of rose water for animals. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of various concentrations of aqueous extract of damask flowers water on body weight, carcass weight and measurements, and some histological characteristics of the jejunum and large intestine of broiler chickens. The commercial Ross308 broiler chicks were randomly divided which it number is 250 chicks into 5 groups at the first day (50 Chicks for each group). The chicks were fed a starter diet from the age of 1-10 days, a growth diet from the age of 24-14 days, and a finishing diet from the age of 25-42 days. In treatment T1 plain water was used without adding (the control treatment), while in treatment T2 and T3, damask flowers water was added to the drinking water at a rate of 5% and 10% for 24 hours, and in treatment T4 and T5, damask flowers water was added to the drinking water at a rate of 5% and 10% for a period of 24 hours. 5% and 10% for 12 hours only, respectively. The results showed that in both coefficients T2 and T5, there was a statistically significant increase in some of the main and secondary carcass qualities of the coefficients under study, while there was a varying effect of the transaction on some histological qualities of the broiler carcasses under study.
weight gain, feed consumption, water consumption
EFFECT OF BIRTH NUMBERS AND PREGNANCY PERIODS ON SOME BLOOD PARAMETERES OF AWASSI EWES
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of birth number, pregnancy stage (pre- and post-pregnancy), and their interaction on selected blood parameters in local Awassi ewes under grazing conditions. The experiment involved 33 local Awassi ewes, divided equally into three groups: the first group consisted of ewe lambs, the second group included ewes with one previous birth, and the third group comprised ewes with multiple births (2–3). Birth number showed no significant effect on any of the blood parameters. However, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hemoglobin (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly higher at mid-pregnancy (12th week) compared with the 4th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. Serum total protein and cholesterol levels were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) during the pre-pregnancy period compared with other stages. Serum calcium levels were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) during the pre-pregnancy period and at the 4th week of pregnancy compared with the other stages. Phosphorus concentrations increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) at the 4th week of pregnancy compared with all other study periods. However, no significant interactions were observed between birth number and pregnancy stage. In conclusion, the pre-pregnancy period had a critical impact on certain blood parameters of local Awassi ewes.
previous births, blood attributes, Hb, PCV, MCHC ,Sheep.
EFFECTIVENESS OF MARINE FUNGI AS FEED ADDITIVE ON NATIVE CHICKEN PERFORMANCE
This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of marine fungi as a feed additive on the performance of native chickens. One hundred and eighty unsex one-day-old native chickens were used in this study. Chickens were kept for ten weeks and given a treatment supplemented with the dietary marine fungi (1, 2, 3, and 4 ml/kg) in a ration consisting of yellow corn, rice bran, fish meal, soybean meal, coconut meal, L-lysine, methionine, and CaCO3. The data collected were feed consumption, body weight gain, carcass percentage, mortality rate, and feed efficiency. The results showed significant (P<0.05) decreased feed consumption and increased mortality with adding marine fungi. They did not affect the body weight, carcass percentage, and feed efficiency. The highest mortality occurred in a group of chickens supplemented with marine fungi as much as 3 ml/kg. It was concluded that marine fungi could be added to the ration as much as 1 ml/kg from the beginning of keeping to improve the performance of native chickens effectively and increase the chicken’s immunity. It is suggested to mix marine fungi extract into the drinking water. Thus, its active compounds might be absorbed more effectively to improve the performance and produce healthy poultry products.