Journal of Kerbala for Agricultural Sciences

Spraying with nano-moringa leaf extract affects growth and yields four maize varieties

Amaal Taher ALyasari, Ali Nadhim Farhood — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was carried out in the spring agricultural season of 2023 at Ibn Al-Bitar Vocational Preparatory School in the Al-Husseiniyah area in the Holy Karbala Governorate, to study the effect of spraying nano-moringa leaf extract on the growth characteristics and yield of four maize varieties. The split-block experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plots included of four concentrations of nano-moringa leaf extract (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg L^-1) sprayed every two weeks until physiological maturity. The subplots included four varieties of maize (NadH9055, NadH362, NadH386, and NadH315). The results showed that spraying with nano Moringa leaf extract at a concentration of 400 and 600 mg L^-1caused a significant increase in the number of days up to 50% tasseling, number of days up to 50% silking, leaf area, leaf area index, number of grains per row, weight of 500 grains, and grain yield, which gave averages of (74.08 and 74.08 day), (80.42 and 80.75 day), (4643.42 and 4662.81 cm²), (2.48 and 2.49), (28.02 and 30.15 grains row^-1), (117.17 and 117.58 g), (5.06 and 5.41 Mg ha^-1). The results also showed the superiority of the NadH9055and NadH362 varieties in the number of days up to 50% tasseling, number of days until 50% silking, and number of grains per row gave averages of (66.33 and 67.00 days), (68.75 and 70.50 days), and (31.02 and 32.31 grains per row^-1) compared to the rest of the varieties. As for grain yield, the NadH362 variety excelled with an average of (6.39 Mg ha^-¹) for the rest of the varieties. While the NadH315 variety outperformed in leaf area, leaf area index, and weight of 500 grains, , it gave averages of (5409.08 cm²), (2.88), and (136.42 g) In light of the results presented, it is clear the importance of spraying nano-moringa leaf extract in improving the growth characteristics of maize, which was reflected positively in increasing the yield of four varieties of maize.

Study on metabolic response of female and male Trogoderma varia-bile (Ballion) on different host grain using direct immersion solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography mass

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is to use the technique of gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to study the metabolite profile of Trogoderma variabile using different host grains including canola, oats, wheat, and barley. Also, hydrocarbon profiling can be used as a chemo-taxonomical tool for insect species identification, especially for very morphologically similar species like T. granarium. For sample preparation insects were subjected to extraction with acetonitrile. Direct Immersion-Solid Phase Microextraction (DI-SPME) was employed, followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis (GC-MS) for the collection, separation, and identification of compounds. Additionally, insect host grains have a significant effect on the insect chemicals that are identified from T. variabile adults such as fatty acid and hydrocarbons. Results showed that insect host grains have a significant influence on the chemical compounds that are identified in females and males. There were twenty-three compounds were identified from adults reared on canola and wheat. However, there were 26 and 28 compounds detected from adults reared on oats and barley respectively. Results also showed that 11-methylpentacosane; 13-methylheptacosane; heptacosane; docosane, 1-iodo- and nonacosane were the most significant compounds that identified form T. variabile male reared on different host grains. However, the main compounds identified from female cultured on different host grains include docosane, 1-iodo-; 1-butylamine, N-butyl-; oleic acid; heptacosane; 13-methylheptacosane; hexacosane; nonacosane; 2-methyloctacosane; n-hexadecanoic acid and docosane in the female samples.

Effect of oral dosage of Spirulina platensis and silver nanoparticles on glucose, lipid profile, and liver enzymes in male rats induced di-abetics by alloxan

Saad D. Oleiwi — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetes is believed to be one of the most important challenges that are facing societies around the world. The research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of 150 mg/ml of Spirulina platensis and 10 mg/ml of silver nanoparticles Ag-NPs on the sugar level, lipid profile, and liver enzyme concentration in male rats. Diabetes was induced with alloxan and bred for four weeks. The rats were divided randomly into five groups and every single group contained five rats; M1 was the control group, M2 was a treated diabetic rat, M3 treated diabetic rats with 10 mg/ml Ag-NPs, M4 treated diabetic rats with 150 mg/ml S. platensis and M5 group with diabetic rats that were treated with 10 mg/ml Ag-NPs + 150 mg/ml S. platensis. The results showed that the group of rats infected with Alloxan (M2) caused negative effects at a significant level (P<0.05) on the blood sugar level, while the group of rats treated with Ag-NPs (M3) or S. platensis (M4) or both (M5) showed a positive effect on the blood glucose rate, which reached 292.6, 210.5, and 199.3 mg/dl, respectively, compared to the (M2) group, which was 441.8 mg/dl. The results of the lipids profile, the group with diabetes (M2) showed an increase in the level of triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and a decrease in the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). The treatment groups M3, M4, and M5 improved significantly positive blood lipid levels. The same situation applied to the liver enzymes AST, ALT, and ALP, whose values decreased significantly in the treatment groups (M3, M4, and M5) compared to the infection group (M2).

Effect of NPK combinations on some growth and yield indicators of two varieties of roselle plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

Maryam Maitham Ali Al-Baik, Abbas Ali Hussein Alamery — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was carried out during the 2022 agricultural season in one of the experimental fields affiliated with Ibn Al-Bitar Vocational Preparatory School, located in Karbala Governorate, to study the effect of NPK combinations on the growth and yield traits of two varieties of Roselle plant. The experiment was carried out in with three replicates, according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors. The first factor included combinations of NPK fertilizers and according to the as follows: C0= 0 NPK kg ha^-1, C1= 50,25,25 NPK kg ha^-1, C2 = 75,50,50 NPK kg ha^-1, C3 =100,75,75 NPK kg ha^-1, C4 = 125,100,100 NPK kg ha^-1, C5 = 150,125,125 NPK kg ha^-1, C6 = 175,150,150 NPK kg ha^-1. The second factor was two varieties of Roselle plants: white (W) and red (R). The results showed that the red variety excelled in most of the studied traits, such as growth traits, plant height 173.27 cm, leaves number 295.65 leaf plant^-1, leaf area 3.48 m²,total chlorophyll content in leaves 6.61 mg g^-1, fresh weight 2188.57 g plant^-1, yield characteristics, number of nuts 137.65 nut plant^-1, total nut yield 6298. 44 kg ha^-1 and total yield of calyx leaves 1558.01 kg ha^-1. C5 and C6 combinations were superior in plant height (189.05 and 195.05 cm), leaves number (331.0 and 348.0 leaf plant^-1), chlorophyll a ( 6.10 and 6.45 mg g^-1), chlorophyll b( 4.23, and 4.72 mg g^-1 , Total chlorophyll(10.36 and 10.96 mg g^-1), number of nuts (141.90 and 143.30 nut plant^-1), total nut yield (6815.82 and 7090.42 kg ha^-1), total yield of calyx leaves(1769.68 and 1967.81 kg ha^-1 and fresh weight (2845and 2969 g plant^-1) respectively. The C6 treatment was significantly superior to the C5 treatment in the characteristics of chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, fresh weight, total nut yield, and total yield of calyx leaves.

Investigation of the distribution of some Gastrointestinal Helminths and protozoa in free-ranging dogs in Karbala province

Islam alkhafaji — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stray dogs in urban and rural areas. From October 2022 to March 2023 80 fecal samples, which examined by using simple zinc sulfate flotation and Lugol’s solution staining then examined by macroscopically and microscopically for the presence of worm eggs and protozoal oocysts. The overall prevalence of infected dogs in this study is to identify the gastrointestinal parasites and Protozoa in stray dogs. The current study includes seven genera of intestinal helminths and protozoa as follows: three cestodes (Taenia sp. 12%), four nematodes (Toxocara canis 56%, Toxoascara canis. 16%) and two protozoa (Giardia sp. 20% and Cryptosporidium sp. 8%) from all fecal samples of dogs were collected from different regions of Kerbala. The results of high rates of infection were during winter months. The high prevalence of intestinal helminths in the dog’s population suggests the need for more efficient control measures. The high predominance of T. canis, and Giardia spp. suggested that dogs could play an active role in the transmission of zoonotic parasites in this area of Iraq. Educating the dog hunters and increasing their health awareness should be considered in the control program.

The results of the present study provide relevant ‘‘baseline’’ data for assessing the effectiveness of future control strategies against canine parasitic infections.

Response of maize grown in calcareous soils to levels of agricultur-al sulfur, thiobacillus bacteria and nano-zinc

Emad Adil Obayes Al-Taee, Abbas Ali Hussein Alamery — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted in spring season of 2022 according to a randomized complete block design with three replications (RCBD). The experiment included three factors. The first included three levels of agricultural sulfur (0, 1500, and 3000 kg ha^-1). The second factor included two levels of thiobacillus bacteria, which are the control treatment (no addition) and the treatment with bacteria. The third factor included three concentrations of nano-zinc (0, 50, and 100 mg L^-1). The results showed an excellent level of sulfur (3000 kg ha^-1) in the grain yield (8.06 Mg ha^-1), the percentage of nitrogen in the grains (1.72%), the percentage of phosphorus in the grains (0.53%) and the percentage of protein in grains is (10.79%), and the percentage of sulfur in grains is (0.270%). As the results showed that the second factor was superior when adding thiobacillus bacteria in the weight of 500 grains and the total grain yield (154.64 g and 7.52 Mg ha^-1, respectively). As for nano-zinc, the third level (100 mg L^-1) excelled in percentage of nitrogen (1.62%), phosphorus (0.41%), protein (10.79%) and sulfur (0.239%) in Grains, and the weight of 500 grains (155.53 g), with the exception of the total yield characteristic in which the level excelled (50 mg L^-1) with an average of (8.01 mg L^-1). The interaction between the three factors also gave a positive effect on most of the traits under study.

The effect of spraying with marine algae extract and adding Humax on growth traits of the roots of two varieties of pomegranate seed-lings

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted for the period from 20/3 to 20/9/2023 to study the Effect of spraying marine algae extract and adding Humax on the growth traits of the roots of two varieties of pomegranate seedlings. The experiment was implemented relying on the completely randomized block design (RCBD) as a factorial experiment of three factors: the first was pomegranate varieties (Wonderful and Slimi), the second was marine algae extract with three concentrations (0, 1.5, and 3 ml L^-1), and the third was Humax with three concentrations (0, 0.25, and 0.50 g L^-1), comprising three replicates of each. On September 20 2023 measurements were taken and the results were analyzed according to the statistical design used, and the averages were compared according to the selection of the least significant difference and at the level of probability 0.05, and the most important results reached: The variety Wonderful was significantly superior to the Slimi variety in most root traits studied except the root diameter trait. The treatment of the marine algae extract at a concentration of 3ml L^-1 showed significant superiority for all root traits studied, The Humax treatment at a concentration of 0.50 g L^-1 showed significant superiority for all the root traits studied. The binary interaction between the varieties and the marine algae extract significantly affected all studied traits, as the variety Wonderful, when treated with 3ml L^-1 increased in most root traits, while cultivar Slimi recoded highest average in the root diameter. The binary interaction between the varieties and Humax was significantly effective; when treating the variety Wonderful with 0.50 g L^-1 of Humax increased all root traits significantly. The binary interaction between marine algae extract and Humax significantly affected all root traits. Treating seedlings with 3ml L^-1 of marine algae extract and 0.50g L^-1 of Humax.

Effects of rosemary enriched diet on physiological parameters in common carp Cyprinus carpio L reared in cages culture

Samad Omar, Siraj Abdulla, Ayub Anwar, Ayub Anwar — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The current study investigated at how rosemary leaf powder supplementation influenced the growth performance, carcass composition, hematological and biochemical parameters, stress hormones, and heat shock proteins of cage-reared common carp. Nine cylindrical cages of 0.2 m³ (radius = 25 cm, height = 100 cm) were randomly allocated to hold 54 juvenile common carp C. carpio (mean weight=18.18±0.08 g). Three groups of fish were fed a control diet (C) as well as diets containing 1.5% and 3% rosemary powder, respectively. The addition of 3% rosemary resulted in a substantial enhancement in growth parameters and feed consumption. The levels of WBC, Hb, MCHC, RBC, and Hct were significantly elevated by the addition of rosemary to experimental fish. A rosemary-supplemented diet resulted in higher levels of TG, urea, total protein, albumin, lipase, amylase, ferrum, and globulin. However, the addition of substantially reduced the levels of ALT cholesterol, creatinine, and glucose. The value of cortisol, T3, and T4 were considerably reduced with the addition of rosemary to diets of experimental fish. HSP70 and HSP90 levels in fish feed diets administered rosemary increased significantly as supplementation amount increased. According to the findings of this investigation, adding rosemary leaf powder, particularly at a concentration of 3%, in the diet improved growth parameters, hematological and biochemical parameters, and be able to reduce stress responses, thyroid hormone levels, and other stressors that fish exposed in cage culture system.

Studying the effect of the pesticides Tondexir and Emamectin benzoate on some biological aspects of the southern cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus

Sundus Yaseen Shneen, Muna Ibrahim Jassem, Kiaser Abdulsajjad M. Hussain — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Tondexir and Emamectin benzoate pesticides on the southern cowpea beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus. Experiments were conducted using three different concentrations (1, 1.5, 2) ml/1 liter (distilled water) of Tondexir and Emamectin benzoate on 10 selected insects (5 males, 5 females) placed on 10 grams of treated cowpea seeds. The results showed that Tondexir effectively eliminated C. maculatus, achieving a 100% mortality rate after 5 days at a concentration of 2 mL. In contrast, the biopesticide Emamectin benzoate showed high mortality rates for adult southern cowpea beetles, reaching 100% after one day at the same concentration. This confirms the effectiveness and superiority of Emamectin benzoate compared to the control group, which did not show any fatalities. Different concentrations of pesticides had varying effects on spawning rates, with significant differences observed between the treatment and control groups. These results indicate the effect of the pesticides Tondexir and Emamectin benzoate on the egg-laying process of the Southern Cowpea beetle. The study showed that different concentrations of Tondexir and Emamectin benzoate did not lead to egg hatching, while the control group showed a high hatching rate of about 90-93%. This confirms the ability of these pesticides to combat the southern cowpea beetle. In conclusion, the study highlighted the effectiveness of Emamectin benzoate in combating the Southern Cowpea beetle, as the pesticide Emamectin benzoate showed superior results. It also greatly affected egg productivity and hampered the egg-hatching process. These results indicated the possibility of using tondexir and Emamectin benzoate as effective substances to control Callosobruchus maculaus in Cowpea crops.

Effect of pre-and post-partum feed supplementation of Maraz does on the productive performance of their offspring

Aram Omer Hamad, Kasim Omer Aziz — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the impact of maternal pre-and post-partum feed supplementation, under farm conditions, on goat kid's growth, follicle traits and fiber production. The design of experiment was supplementation from 2 months pre-partum to 2 months post-partum with 3 nutritional groups (8 does each). The first does group (GI) was fed black barley at 250 g/doe/day (traditional farmer’s practice), whereas does of the second (GII) and third (GIII) groups were fed concentrate diet at 500 and 750 g/doe/day, respectively. Results revealed that birth weight from GII and GIII was significantly (P<0.05) higher by 22% (2.3 vs. 1.8 kg) than that of GI. Weaning weight and marketable live weight traits, growth rates, follicle traits except primary follicles, and fiber characteristics were significantly (P<0.05) higher in (GIII) followed by (GII) and then (GI). Moreover, goat kids of the GIII attained significantly (P<0.05) 37% (16.9 vs. 10.7 kg) and 26% (16.9 vs. 12.5 kg) more marketable live weight compared with GI and GII, respectively. Also, goat kids of the GIII produced 32% (813.3 vs. 553.3 g; P<0.05) and14% (813.3 vs. 703.3 g; P>0.05) higher fleece weight than that of GI and GII, respectively. Additionally, body weight traits, growth rates, and fiber characteristics were significantly (P<0.05) affected by sex of birth. In conclusion, supplementation with an increased level of feeding concentrate pre-and post-partum of Maraz goats showed a significant (P<0.05) positive effect on productive performance of their kids in comparison to the traditional farmer’s practice.

Effect of different fertilizer treatments on the chemical content of tubers of three spring potato cultivars

Ola Hamzah Mahmood, Jassim Jawad Jader Alnuaimi , Ali Hassan Al-Zubaidi — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The field experiment was carried out in the Musayyib project area, which is located 35 km north of Babylon Governorate, during the fall growing season of 2023 according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD), to determine the effect of biofertilization four levels (0 without adding + full fertilizer recommendation, addition 10g of a mixture of four types of bacterial fertilizer + half the fertilizer recommendation, addition 10g of fungal biofertilizer (mycorrhizal) + half the fertilizer recommendation and addition 10g of a mixture of bacterial and fungal biofertilizers + half the fertilizer recommendation) which is symbolized by (B0, B1, B2 and B3 respectively) and nanofertilizer at two levels (0 + full fertilizer recommendation and 2g L^-1+ half the fertilizer recommendation) and denoted by the symbol (N0 and N1, respectively) in the growth and yield of three potato varieties (Rashida, Sifra and Arizona), denoted by the symbol (V1, V2 and V3 respectively). The results showed Arizona variety excellence the rest of the other varieties in the tubers’ content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and starch. The biofertilization treatment (adding 10g of a mixture of bacterial and fungal biofertilizers) also had a positive effect on the tubers’ content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and starch compared to the control treatment. The nano-fertilizer addition treatments also had a clear effect on the tubers’ content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and starch compared to the control treatment. As for the interaction between the study factors, there were significant differences in most of the study traits.

Assessment of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) Cultivation under Two Irrigation Systems in Central Iraq

Yaseen Hatif, Kareim A. Ghazal — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted in the Abbasiya area of Najaf Governorate, located in the Middle Euphrates region during the winter season of 2022-2023. The primary focus of the study was to evaluate the performance of two irrigation systems, nano-irrigation, and subsurface drip irrigation, on broccoli plants grown in clay soil. The experimental design followed a Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD). Nano-irrigation demonstrated several advantages over subsurface drip irrigation. It exhibited a reduction inater con-sumption and lower energy requirements for water pumping opera-tions. Notably, the root length of broccoli plants was significantly greater under the nano-irrigation system, with an increase of 18.2 cm compared to the drip irrigation system. The use of nano-irrigation resulted in better water use efficiency and energy efficien-cy, leading to improved root development in the broccoli plants. The study results indicated that nano-irrigation offers benefits in terms of water conservation and plant growth promotion, ultimately leading to increased overall productivity. This makes nano-irrigation an appealing option for improving water use efficiency in agriculture, particularly in regions that face water scarcity. Moreo-ver, there was no significant difference in yield between the nano-irrigation and subsurface drip irrigation systems.

Assessment of the efficiency of ozone application for post-harvest microbial disinfection of some fruits and vegetables

Hero A. Sideeq, Hewa A. Mohammed — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The treatment of ozone is widely used for post-harvest fruit and vegetable processing because of its high activity and safety. As opposed to the gaseous form, the aqueous form is more active. The technique and commodities are major factors in determining the ozone efficiency ratio. Fresh products are a source of pathogen organisms such as Fecal coliform (FC) that are considered a threat to quality and health. This study applied to evaluate the quality and safety of some fruits such (as apples and oranges) with some fruit vegetables like (tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, cucumber, and squash), as well as some vegetables such as (lettuce, and arugula) by detection ratio of FC microorganisms. These classes of products were exposed to (3 mg/L) aqueous ozone for 5 minutes. Overall, these concentrations improved entire products. Ozon application lowered the overall activity of contaminants about 25 times from 2792.26 to 105.96 RLU/cm² after processing. Most of the commodities as eggplant, lettuce, apples, and orange were disinfected and other products significantly decreased. The system is capable of inactivating about 6935.3 relative light units (RLU/cm²) of FC in an ideal situation

Comparative effects of humic acid and charcoal on soil, growth, and biomass properties of lupine (Lupinus albus L.)

Rabar Fatah Salih, Shakir Bahaddin Shakir, Ako Hussein Mahmood — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Recently, charcoal and humic acid application in soils is a burgeoning area of research due to its profound impact on soil properties and crop yields. Charcoal contributes to improved soil structure, enhanced water-holding capacity, and increased carbon sequestration while humic acid, a component of organic matter, enhances nutrient retention and availability, fostering healthier plant growth and long-term soil health. The experiments were conducted on November 20, 2022, at Grdarasha Research Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Iraq. Two organic sources (humic acid and charcoal) were used to improve soil chemical properties, growth, and biomass characteristics of white lupines. Humic acid at the levels of (0, 10, and 15 g m^-2), respectively along with 1 kg m^-2 of charcoal. Results showed that essential elements and heavy metals in soil were increased and improved with adding humic acid and charcoal, and then well-affected root ability to uptake nutrients. The great values of germination rate, leaf number (LN), and fresh and dry shoot weights were found when charcoal was stirred to the soil (83.33%, 15.67 LN plant^-1, 10.91, and 2.24 t ha^-1), respectively. While the longest root length was recorded when humic acid applied at rate of 10 g m^-2 (24.22 cm), it was true about the enhancement of cluster roots. Despite that, humic acid at the rate of 15 g m^-2 caused to improve fresh and dry root and shoot weights, which were compared to control treatment. The final results indicated that by adding humic acid (H), and charcoal (CH) could improve soil chemical properties, and then may affect positively microorganisms, which can promote plant growth by transforming, solubilizing, and mobilizing soil nutrients. As well, lupinus seemed as phytoremediation (uptake) in case of some heavy metals.

Prevalence Study of the Intestinal Protozoal Parasitic Infections Rates at Babylon and Kerbala Cities

Riyadh Hatim Haddawee — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Intestinal protozoa are parasites transmitted by the consumption of contaminated water and food and mainly affect children and older people and cause considerable health problems. They are leading to causes of outpatient morbidity in developing countries due to diarrhea. The aim of this study was invetigation the prévalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia parasites at Kerbala and Babylon cities in 2022. The research was conducted during the period starting from 1/1/2021 until 31/12/2021 in the provinces of Babylon and Kerbala. The Imam Al-Sadiq Hospital in Babylon and the AlHusseini Hospital in Karbala were taken. Data were collected in both hospitals to detect the spread of the disease (E.histolytica) and they were taken. Considering the percentage of injuries for age groups and gender of the injured during the months of the year. Results of this study showed that rates of intestinal parasitic infections at the Hospitals of Babylon City at Imam Sadiq Hospital, while the total infection rates was 6.58% While the total infection rate with the same parasite at Al-Hashimiya Hospital was 29%. At Hospitals of Kerbala city, the total infection rate at Al-Hussein Hospital was 21.37% While the rate of infected people at Al-Husseiniya Hospital was 26.4% The results of infection rates with Giardia lamblia in the current study showed the following:- At hospitals of Babylon city the total infection rate was 14.3% When it reached Imam Sadiq Hospital, the infection rate was 1.72% While the rate of infection in Al-Hashimiya Hospital was: 1.69% At hospitals of Kerbala city the infection rate was in Al-Hussein Hospital 1.83% While the rate of infected people was at Al-Husseiniya Hospital 2.21% The total infection rate was .4..% as the infection rate was in Al-Hussein Hospital 1.83%, while the infection rate in Al-Husseiniyah Hospital was 2.21%.

Temperature influence variation on extracted oil yield from exported white sesame seed Characterization

Sheraz Zuher Karem, Safea Sabir Taha — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study was conducted to find out the effects of various temperatures on the physiochemical and extraction characteristics for oil extracted from white sesame seeds, specifically looking at the yield of extraction, physical analysis, and chemical aspects of the sesame oil that was produced. Using petroleum ether as a solvent, the oil output from sesame seeds was evaluated throughout a temperature range of 100-250°C. Extracted sesame oil had a little aroma, was clear, and had a golden hue; at room temperature, its oil content ranged from 57.49% to 40.79 %. Sesame oil's physical properties were assessed by measuring its density, specific gravity, moisture content, and refractive index. At 250°C, the refractive index reached its maximum, which was in the range of 1.468 to 1.473. At 250°C, the specific gravity was the greatest, however it ranged from 0.9 to 0.98. At 250°C, the moisture content was the lowest, yet it varied from 0.0014% to 0.35%. At 250°C, the density dropped from 0.950 to 0.690 g/cm³, a decline that was temperature dependent. Sesame oil's chemical evaluation included measures for acidity, free fatty acid concentration, iodine, peroxide, and saponification. A possible indicator of oil deterioration or contaminants is the fact that acid value and free fatty acid content rise with increasing sample levels. Differences in unsaturation levels were suggested by the varying iodine values. The peroxide value rose as the sample concentration rose, suggesting that the oxidation potential rose as well. Variations in triglyceride content or source were reflected in the saponification levels, which likewise showed some fluctuation.

Next-generation sequencing-based detection reveals Erysiphe necator-associated virus 1 in okra plants

Mariam hashem Al-helu, Xu Zhongtian, Jun-Min Li, Adnan A. Lahuf — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Erysiphe necator is a devastating fungal phytopathogen that has caused powdery mildew on several genera within the Vitaceae family worldwide. In the current investigation, next-generation sequencing of RNA extracted from the okra crop, besides the bioinformatics analysis, was operated to examine the virome associated with the okra crop. Although E. necator fungus was not identified in the okra tissues, the mycovirus-related sequence of Erysiphe necator-associated virus 1 was detected. This mycovirus sequence showed a high similarity ranging between 80.38-93.48% and 100% coverage with the four distinct global isolates of the Erysiphe necator-associated virus 1. This genomic data postulates comprehension of the existence of the mycoviruses in plant hosts without their primary host, the fungus. To our knowledge, this is the first identification of Erysiphe necator-associated virus 1 in Iraq

Effects of natural and chemical rooting stimulants on some root traits of two varieties of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cuttings

Sajjad Majid Amin Al-Zubaie, Kadum Mohammed Abdullah — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The experiment ran from the middle of February until the start of November 2023 under the plant canopy of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape, College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala. The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D.) as a factorial experiment, with two pomegranate varieties (Yamani and Bashkan) as the first factor and various combinations of natural and chemical rootings as the second factor. These included extracts of moringa leaves (M0, M1) and licorice roots (L0, L1) at concentrations of 0 and 15 g L^-1 each, as well as indole butyric acid at a concentration of 0 and 10 mg L^-1 (B0, B1). The majority of the root features of the resultant seedlings demonstrated that, overall, the Bashkan variety outperformed the Yamani variety; however, this superiority varied when combined with other rooting combinations. Between the rooting stimulant combinations utilized in the study, the cuttings' dipping results differed. When it came to the quantity, size, and fresh and dry weight of the root system, indole butyric acid in combination with B1M0L0 performed better. It resulted in 250.000 root seedlings^-1, 2.270 cm³, 20,680 g, and 6,650 g, respectively. In contrast, the B0M0L1 licorice root treatment demonstrated superior root length, reaching 38,100 cm. Both the percentage of rooting and the average root diameter were the largest in the combination including both extracts, B0M1L1, reaching 5.170% and 1.603 mm, respectively. Given that natural extracts have outperformed chemical radicals in the majority of the rooting qualities under study—such as licorice root extract and moringa leaf extract—it is possible to conclude from the aforementioned results on their suitability for usage as an alternative.

Investigation of the role of curcumin against the toxicity induced by bisphenol a on the reproductive system in male rats

Majid Hamid Rasool , Ali J. Al-Nuaimi, Juman Khaleel Al-Sabbagh — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor and an environmental pollutant; it can produce free radicals, which cause damage in various tissues. Curcumin has been demonstrated to help with a variety of male reproductive diseases, as well as to scavenge free radicals and function as an antioxidant. The aim is to estimate the protective role of Curcumin against the toxic effect of BPA in male rats by determining the levels of antioxidants and sexual hormones, before and after treatment with this herb. The effect of curcumin as a protective role against BPA on the oxidative stress parameters showed that Curcumin could decrease MDA concentration and at the same time increase the concentration of both catalase and SOD. Also, the results revealed that Curcumin could increase the concentration of LH, FSH, and testosterone as compared to the BPA-treated group.

Effect of nano-foliar spraying with G-power Ca organic fertilizer and spraying stages on some yield and seed quality characteristics of corn (Zea mays L.)

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted in the spring of 2022 in one of the trial fields connected to Ibn Al-Bitar Vocational Preparatory School. This field was north of Karbala Governorate. We wanted to find out what happened to maize yield and seed quality when different amounts of G-power Ca were sprayed at different times. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used with three replications and two factors. The first factor includes different concentrations of the nano fertilizer G-power Ca (0,2,4,6) ml L-1 L-1 for all. The second set of factors includes three different times for foliar spraying: 20 days after planting, 40 days after planting, and 60 days after planting. It was found that the foliar spray treatment with G-Power Calcium at a concentration of (6 ml L-1) was much better at increasing the number of rows per ear (row ear-1) and the number of grains in a row (grain row-1). It was also much better at increasing the weight of 500 grains (g), the concentration of nitrogen in the grains (%), and the percentage of protein in the grains (%). It also gave them the highest averages for all of these traits.