Iraqi Journal of Market Research and Consumer Protection
A peer-reviewed scientific journal, accredited for academic promotions, published by the Market Research Center Limited, University of Baghdad, Republic of Iraq, initially with two issues per year. Due to the journal's merits, the publication schedule was increased to four issues per year, as per the Ministry of Higher Education's letter No. B T4/5234 dated 5/6/2025. Scientific research in the social sciences, directly related to the market and the consumer, is published within the fields of public health, marketing, economics, environment, agriculture, pure sciences, and media.
Market Research and Consumer Protection Center, University of Baghdad
ROLE OF BIOFERTILIZER, ORGANIC MANURE AND MORINGA LEAVES EXTRACT SPRAY IN GROWTH AND YIELD OF LOCAL ORANGE TRANSPLANTS
The experiment was carried out in 2023 season of spring and autumn growth cycle in a private canopy in Al-Radwaniyah city, Baghdad Governorate, study included addition of bacterial biofertilizer at four treatments: no addition (A1), addition of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteria (A2) , addition of Azospirillum brasilense bacteria (A3) and addition of both types of bacteria (A4) and organic fertilizer (Decomposing buffalo manure) at three levels (0, 250 and 500 gm.soil-1), which are denoted by B0, B1, and B2, respectively and spray moringa extract at three levels (0, 20 and 40 gm.L-1), which are denoted M0, M1, and M2, respectively. Treatments were replicated three times (one transplant per experimental unit) at factorial experiment in a RCBD and thus number of transplants used was 108. Experimental results showed that adding two types of bacteria (A4) and buffalo manure at a level of 500 gm.soil-1 (B2) and spraying moringa extract at a concentration of 40 gm.L-1 (M2) as interaction treatment A4B2M2 gave best results in Plant height, leaf area, leaf nitrogen and phosphorus content, while gave interaction treatment A4B1M1 best results in number and weight of fruits, It reached (43.33) cm, (47.91) cm2, (2.830)%, (0.575)%, (4.33) fruit.plant-1, (544.3) gm, respectively, compared to the comparison treatment (without addition and without spraying). respectively, compared to control treatment (without addition and without spraying).
orange, biofertilizer, organic manure, moringa extract, growth, yield.
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ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF INDIGENOUS BACTERIA USING PCR AND EVALUATION OF THEIR EFFICIENCY IN DEGRADING PYROXSULAM PESTICIDE IN LIQUID CULTURE MEDIA
This study aimed to isolate and identify indigenous bacterial strains from soils contaminated with the herbicide pyroxsulam and to assess their ability to degrade the compound in liquid culture media. Soil samples were collected from wheat fields previously treated with the herbicide. Several bacterial isolates were obtained and subjected to morphological characterization and biochemical tests. Identification was further confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The most effective isolate was identified as Paenibacillus alvei based on the results. The degradation capacity of the isolate was determined at three concentrations (36, 52.6 and 112 mg L⁻¹) of the herbicide in nutrient broth. Growth of bacteria was observed for different incubations. The isolate grew in all herbicide concentrations. These demonstrates unequivocal the potential of the isolate to degrade pyroxsulam and thus its applicable potential in the bioremediation of polluted soil.
Paenibacillus, bioremediation, Diagnosis.
CONSUMER RESPONSE TO TELEVISION ADVERTISING AS A FACTOR INFLUENCING IMPULSE BUYING
This study addressed consumer response to television advertising as an influencing factor in impulse buying. The research aimed to determine the impact of advertising on consumer purchasing behavior and the factors influencing impulse buying. A field study was conducted on a random sample of (187) respondents from the city of Baghdad. Observation and questionnaires were used as research tools. The results were statistically analyzed, and several conclusions were reached, the most important of which is that television advertising has an impact on consumer impulse buying through the use of various persuasion methods and the provision of product information. There are also internal factors influencing this, such as personality and needs, and external factors in terms of offers and discounts on products. It was found that there is a significant correlation between television advertising and the factors influencing impulse buying.
television advertising, impulse buying, influence
STUDY THE CORRELATION BETWEEN AFLATOXIN B1 AND MALE INFERTILITY IN IRAQI PATIENTS
The purpose of the investigation was to identify aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in the blood serum and seminal fluid of 50 of patients from Iraqi male who suffering from infertility include (oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia) with 16 fertile males as control depending on seminal fluid profile examination. The HPLC technique was used for AFB1 detection of the samples (serum and semen). The results showed that all the patient and control were gave positive detected of AFB1 50/50 (100%) and 16/16 (100%) respectively, in the serum at mean (81.08 ±3.95) ng/ml at range (114-60) and (8.31 ±0.63) ng/ml at range (5-12), respectively. Also detected AFB1 in the seminal fluid of patients at mean 39/50(78%) ng/ml at range (37-0), but not appear of AFB1 in any sample of control. There were highly significant differences (P≤0.01) between the mean level of AFB1 in the infertile male patients and control.
high performance liquid chromatography, infertility, oligozoospermia. mycotoxins
ENHANCING THE ECONOMIC AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLACKBERRY GROWN IN SOILLESS CULTURE BY FOLIAR APPLICATION OF POTASSIUM SULFATE
Blackberry plant is an important subject for scientific research because of their economic importance and their high content of nutrients and antioxidants essential for human health. The study was conducted at Research Station A, affiliated with the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, during the 2022-2023 agricultural season, aiming to improve the vegetative growth of the thornless blackberry variety grown in soilless cultivation systems using organic substrate from local plant waste (licorice root) (C3) and imported coconut waste (C2) compared to field soil (C1). as well as foliar application of Potassium sulfate (S) at three concentrations (0, 2.5, 5) g l-1, with 5 sprays every 20 days in a factorial experiment designed with complete randomized blocks and three replicates. The averages of the treatments were compared using the least significant difference (L.S.D.) test at a probability level of 5%. The results indicated that the treatment with cocopeat substrate and 5 g l-1 of potassium sulfate (C2S2) had the highest concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, total carotenoids, and total phenols at 2.497%, 0.530%, 537.44, and 10.62 mg 100g-1, respectively. Meanwhile, the treatment C2S1 excelled in plant height at 228.31 cm, single leaf area at 45.26 cm², and number of lateral branches at 5.31 branch shrub-1. The plants in the licorice root substrate with 5 g l-1, of potassium sulfate (C3S2) showed the highest concentration of sulfur at 1.2% and chlorophyll at 173.69 mg 100g-1 fresh weight, while the treatment C3S1 had the highest potassium concentration at 1.982% and a number of lateral branches at 5.31 branch shrub-1.
Blackberry, Organic substrate Soilless Culture systems, potassium sulfat.
MANAGEMENT AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF SOIL PROPERTIES OF AL-SWEIRA MODEL FARM IN WASIT GOVERNORATE
This study was carried out on a model farm in Al-Sweira. The spatial distribution of physical and chemical soil characteristics and mapped using geostatistical method to ease the map exportation procedure in the geographic information system researches. Physical and chemical soil properties were measured. Distribution of soil particle sizes and some chemical characteristics (soil salinity, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, carbonate mineral content, total nitrogen, above ground biomass), Clay content and Soil salinity showed high soil variation in comparison to other soil properties in the spatial distribution maps prepared using IDW method in ArcMap protocol, also, above ground biomass showed a relationship to land use where the more land used in agriculture, the highest biomass found in the upper horizon. Soil Organic Carbon and soil organic matter showed lower spatial variation due to the low component of them in soil. CEC has correlated to clay content distribution in the upper horizon of soil pedons, where it also showed high spatial variation in soil. Total nitrogen was measured and showed low and medium ranges of where spatial distribution explains the variability in this property. Using geotechniques is feasible to explain soil variability and spatial distribution of soil properties to explain soil forming factors and processes, hence, it is a suitable method to map soil properties and understand soil variability. Land suitability for grain crops was mapped for this farm, the most extensive suitability class was Class S3, moderate suitability.
soil variability, geotechniques, soil properties, spatial distribution.
THE EFFECT OF USING PSYLLIUM SEED (Plantago ovata) POWDER IN BROILER DIETS ON SOME QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CARCASS AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MEAT
This experiment was conducted in the poultry field of the Poultry Research Station / Department of Livestock Research / Office of Agricultural Research for the period from January 13 to February 23, 2023. In this experiment, 300 one-day-old Ross308 chicks were used, with an average weight of 38.1 g. The chicks were distributed randomly upon the chambers at 10 birds for each replicant and in five treatments, and Plantago ovata seed were used in the diets at 0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1% for each of the T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. No significant differences were observed between the treatments for both the dressing percentage and the relative weights of the liver, heart, gizzard and neck. It also showed a high significant increase (P≤0.01) in the relative weight of the chest in treatments T3 and T4 compared to treatment T2. Treatments T2, T4 and T5 recorded a high significant increase (P≤0.01) in the relative weight of the thigh piece compared to the control treatment and the treatment T3. It is noted that there was a high significant increase (P≤0.01) in the relative weight of the drum stick for each of the treatments T1, T2 and T5 compared to the treatments T3, T4. The results showed a high significant decrease (P≤0.01) in fat oxidation indicators (malondialdehyde, peroxide value, free fatty acids) in all treatments of the experiment compared to the control treatment during the first period of meat storage. A high significant decrease (P≤0.01) in the concentration of total volatile nitrogen in treatments T4, T5 compared to the control treatment. A high significant increase (P≤0.01) in water holding capability of treatments T3, T4 and T5 compared to the control treatment. A high significant decrease (P≤0.01) in fat oxidation indicators (malondialdehyde, peroxide value, free fatty acids) in T3, T4, T5 compared to the control treatment in the second period of storage. A high significant decrease (P≤0.01) in the concentration of total volatile nitrogen in treatments T3, T4 and T5 compared to the control treatment. As for water holding capability of meat, the results showed a high significant increase (P≤0.01) in treatments T3, T4 and T5 compared to the control treatment. We conclude from this study that using Psyllium seed powder in diets by 0.4-1% may improve the physiological and immune-tissue characteristics of broilers.
Broilers, Psyllium seed powder, lipid oxidation indicators, carcass qualitative characteristics.
PROBLEMS FACING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION WORKERS AS FACILITATORS IN PROVIDING EXTENSION SERVICES TO RURAL YOUTH IN BAGHDAD GOVERNORATE
The current research aims to identify the problems facing agricultural extension workers as facilitators in providing extension services to rural youth in the Baghdad Governorate. The research community included all agricultural extension workers (138) respondents (regardless of their specializations), and included workers in the Directorate of Agricultural Extension and Training, and its affiliated formations {extension centers (2), extension farms (2)}, workers in the Agricultural Extension and Training Department in the Baghdad Agriculture Directorate, the Baghdad / Al-Karkh Agriculture Department in Abu Ghraib, and the Baghdad / Rusafa Agriculture Department, workers in the agricultural divisions in Baghdad/Al-Rusafa, (5 divisions), workers in the agricultural divisions in Baghdad/Al-Karkh (13 divisions|). Twenty (20) respondents were excluded from the research sample to conduct the initial test to measure the stability of the questionnaire. The initial questionnaire test was performed on a random sample of the agricultural divisions affiliated with the Baghdad Agriculture Directorate (Karkh/Rusafa), the Department of Agricultural Extension and Transfer Technologies, and the Extension Department in the Directorate, consisting of (20) respondents. The research data was collected using a questionnaire which included (42) items distributed over four areas: (financial and material problems, administrative and organizational problems, problems related to the work environment and relations, and problems related to the application of electronic agricultural extension services). Collected data was analyzed using the statistical analysis program SPSS, as well as using manual analysis using the Cronbach coefficient, the weighted mean, the percentage weight, and the hypothetical mean. The results of the research showed that the problems related to the work environment and relations came in first place, with a weighted mean of (3.60) degree and a percentage weight of (90.00) degree, then the problems related to the application of electronic agricultural extension services came in last order with a weighted mean of (3.39) degree and a percentage weight of (84.75) degree. Therefore, the researcher recommends the necessity of making efforts by agricultural extension institutions and relevant responsible authorities to prepare training programs to develop the capabilities of workers in the field of collective and participatory work to facilitate the provision of extension services to rural youth and provide support from through financial and moral incentives to achieve the facilitation role.
facilitation role, extension service, rural youth, Agricultural mentors, Guidance centers.
INHIBITION ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT OF BIOSYNTHESIZED OF CUNPS BY AN ECO-FRIENDLY TECHNIQUE USING PLANT EXTRACTS AGAINST Staphylococcus aureus
The study investigated the Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) of CuNPs biosynthesis using aqueous Myrtus communis and Nerium oleander leaves extracts against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria isolated from Al-Madaen Public Hospital in Baghdad-Iraq. Ten concentrations (50.0 to 0.09) mg/ml of CuNPs were prepared to determine MIC values for each extract concentration against S. aureus bacteria. Various techniques were used to characterize CuNPs, and UV-visible light was used to screen the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for CuNPs in scope from 200 to 600 nm. The Cu Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the nanoparticle's size and surface feature. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to determine nanoparticle crystalline morphology and size. The results revealed that CuNPs of M. communis, MIC values varied from 0.09 mg/ml in well 10 of samples 1 and 2 to 0.3 mg/ml in well 8 of sample 4, whereas in the case of CuNPs of N. oleander, the MIC values were found to range from 0.09 mg/ml in well 10 of sample 2 to 0.7 mg/ml in well 7 of sample 1. In the case of mixed CuNPs, prepared from extracts of both plants, the values varied from 0.3 mg/ml in well 8 of sample 4 to 3.1 mg/ml in well 5 of sample 1. However, regarding M. communis alcoholic extract, MIC values ranged from 0.09 mg/ml in well 10 of samples 2 and 4 to 0.1 mg/ml in well 9 of samples 1 and 3. For N. oleander alcoholic extract, MIC values ranged from a minimum rate of 0.09 mg/ml to a maximum rate of 3.0 mg/ml in well 10 of sample 4 and in well 5 of sample, respectively. Finally, the MIC values of the mixed alcoholic extract of M. Commines and N. Oleander varied from 0.3 mg/ml in well 8 of sample 2 to 0.7 mg/ml in well 7 for samples 1, 3, and 4.
MIC, CuNPs, S. aureus, M. communis, N. oleander.
EFFECT OF FOLIAR SPRAY WITH ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL AND ORGANIC FERTILIZATION WITH MUSHROOM COMPOST ON GROWTH OF ASWAD DIALA FIG TRANSPLANTS
This study was conducted at Research Station of College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, during 2023 growing season to investigate the effect of alpha-tocopherol and levels of organic fertilization with spent mushroom compost (SMC) on some vegetative growth traits of two-year-old Aswad Diala fig transplants planted in 30 cm plastic pots. The experiment included spraying alpha-tocopherol at four concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300 mg L-1) and fertilizing transplants with three levels of spent mushroom compost (0, 1, 2 kg per transplants). The experiment was designed under a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The results showed significant increases in all studied traits. Spraying alpha-tocopherol at concentrations of 300 and 200 mg L-1 significantly exceeded the control in leaf elemental content (mg), chlorophyll a and b, dry weight, and leaf fresh weight. Meanwhile, transplants fertilized with spent mushroom compost at ratios of 3:1 and 2:1 excelled in mentioned traits.
spent mushroom compost, Black Dialy fig, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b.
STUDY THE IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION ON AGRICULTURAL SOILS IN SOUTHERN IRAQ
This study was conducted to determine the effect of pollution with hydrocarbons and total heavy metals in soil sites near oil fields in southern Iraq over several distances (center of the field, after 250 meters, after 500 meters) and its relationship with the physical and chemical properties of the soil. The values of petroleum hydrocarbons were higher than the critical limit of 10 mg kg-1, especially in soils close to the source of pollution, and it decreases as we move away from the pollution, up to a distance of 500 meters, and it becomes less polluted. As for the values of heavy metals, especially lead, cadmium, and nickel, they were higher than the critical limit for all distances. The results of the study showed the effect of hydrocarbon pollutants and heavy metals in The oil fields were based on the values of electrical conductivity, where the results ranged between (16.9 - 98) ds m-1, where the highest value of conductivity was in the North Rumaila field and the lowest value in the Nasiriyah field, while the values of the calcium element ranged between (13.75-37.5) mmol L-1.The highest value was in the North Rumaila field and the lowest value was in the Nasiriyah oil field. As for the magnesium element, the results ranged between (16.25-87.5) mmol L-1, where the highest value was in the Nahran Bin Omar field and the lowest value was in the Nasiriyah oil field. As for the sodium element, the results ranged between (105-750) mmol L-1, where the highest value was in the North Rumaila field and the lowest value was in the Nasiriyah oil field. As for the potassium element, the results ranged between (0.46-3.46) mmol L-1, where it was The highest value was in the North Rumaila field and the lowest value in the Nasiriyah oil field.
chemical properties, hydrocarbons, toxicity, soil pollution
DETERMINATION OF FFA,s AND PHYSIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF COOKING OIL WASTE TRAETED WITH CRUDE LIPASE FROM CARP FISH
The aimed of this study was to used the partial purified Lipase from the intestinal treat of Carp Fish in treating cooking oil waste in order to reduce averment pollution from it, and to produced fatty acid and glycerol. Cooking oil waste samples were collected from local restaurants in the Kut City, Iraq. The sample treated with the partially purified enzyme at different concentration (0.25, 0.5, 1) % with an enzymatic activity about 100 unit \ gm for (2, 4, 6) hrs. The concentration of fatty acids for untreated and treated cooking oil with Lipase were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The physical and chemical properties of cooking oil were studied before lipase treatment Acidity number, density, refractive index, surface tension, impurity percent and viscosity. The result showed highly enzyme activity to hydrolysis ester bond at ph 7 and 40°C for 4 hr for all enzyme concentration and all test.
Lipase enzyme, Glycerol, Acidity, Fat waste.
OPTIMAL CONDITIONS OF WEISSELLICIN PRODUCTION FROM A LOCAL ISOLATE OF WEISSELLA CIBARIA
Optimal conditions of weissellicin production from a local isolate of Weissella cibaria were studied. The sources included carbon sources, nitrogen sources, salts, temperature, pH, incubation time, and inoculum size. The best conditions for producing weissellicin from bacteria were fructose 15%, peptone 0.5%, yeast extract 0.5%, acidic di potassium phosphate 0.15%, incubation temperature of 37°C, pH 5, incubation duration of 48 hours, and initial inoculum volume 1 x 109 cells/ml. Peptone was studied at different concentrations. The best concentration was 1.5%. The yeast extract concentration was also investigated. the best concentration was 1%. The concentration of fructose 2.5% was the best. These concentrations achieved obtaining weissellicin of about 0.848 mg/ml.
Bacteriocin, weissellicin, Weissella cibaria, peptone.
EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE OF SOME EGYPTIAN VARIETIES OF MAIZE AT HIGH PLANT DENSITIES AND LATE DATES IN THE FALL SEASON IN IRAQI ENVIRONMENT (YIELD AND ITS COMPONENTS)
A field experiment was carried out at Research Station A of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad - Department of Field Crops in the Jadriya region for the fall season (2023) with the aim of evaluating the performance of some Egyptian varieties and comparing them with two local varieties of maize at high plant densities and late planting dates. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used in a split-spilt plots arrangement with four replications and three factors. The first factor included planting dates (1st and 10th August), the second factor included plant densities (70 and 90 thousand plants ha-1), and the third factor included varieties (Baghdad 3, Al -Maha, TW-78, TW-345, IY-355 and IY-207). The results showed that the plants planted on the first date of 1stAugust excelled by giving the highest rate of number of ears plant (1.13 ear plant-1) and Individual plant yield (180.72 gm plant-1), while the traits of number of grains ear and weight of 100 grains were not significantly affected. The traits the number of grains ear-1 and Individual plant yield were significantly affected by increasing plant density, as the density exceeded 70,000 plant ha-1 with their highest mean reaching (613.3 grains ear-1 and 178.04 gm plant-1) respectively, while the traits of number of ears plant and the weight of 100 grains were not significantly affected. The varieties differed significantly in the mentioned traits, with the exception of the number of ears. The Iraqi variety Baghdad 3 had the highest mean of grains number per ear (642.0 grains ear-1), and the Egyptian variety TW-78 gave the highest mean weight of 100 grains and individual plant yield, which reached 31.64 gm and 178.05 gm plant-1 sequentially. The binary interaction (planting dates ×plant density) did not appear significant in the mentioned traits, while the results showed the response of the varieties to delaying the planting dates from 1st to 10th August for the mentioned traits with the exception of the number of grains per ear and the weight of 100 grains. The interaction of varieties and plant densities did not show significance for the mentioned traits, while the three-way interaction (planting dates × plant densities × varieties) showed significance for the weight of 100 grains and individual plant yield.
Densities, Maize, Sowing dates, Varieties.
RESPONSE OF SOME GROWTH TRAITS OF SUNFLOWER CROP TO PLANTING DISTANCES, TRIFLURALIN AND DATURA ROOT EXTRACT.
A field experiment was conducted in the field of College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad during the spring season 2021, aiming to study the effect of Datura root extract and Trifluralin on accompanying weeds and some growth traits of sunflower (Flami variety). The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split-plot arrangement with three replicates. The main plots were the distances between rows (60, 75,90) cm, the subplots consisted of four weed control treatments: (T1) Trifluralin application at rate 2.4 L ha-1, (T2) Datura root extract application at 18 L.ha-1 M (T3) Trifluralin application at 1.2 L.ha-1 + Datura root extract application at 9 L.ha-1 , (T4) weedy treatment . The distance 60 cm recorded lowest dry weight of weeds (89.93 g.m-2), highest inhibition percentage (55.81%), and highest leaf area index (0.46). The distance 90 cm achieved highest plant height, leaf area, crop dry weight, and stem diameter, reaching 195.09 cm, 754.6 cm-2, 241.55 g.m-2, and 2.53 cm, respectively. The treatment T1 achieved highest of inhibition percentage, plant height, leaf area, leaf area index, dry weight of sunflower plants, and plant stem diameter of 78.37%, 204.29 cm, 805.60 cm-2, 0.43, 265.62 g, and 2.60 cm, respectively. The interaction effect was significant in the traits under study. The distance 60 cm with treatment T1 achieved low weed dry weight 38.68 g.m-2, high inhibition percentage 81.00 %, and high leaf area index 0.51. the distance 90 cm and T3 achieved high means of plant height, leaf area, dry weight of sunflower plants, and stem diameter, reaching 212.93 cm, 833.90 cm-2, 307.25 g.m-2, and 2.73 cm, respectively. The results confirm the integration between the effect of distance between lines, herbicide, and the extract in improving the crop traits.
sunflower, Datura extract, planting distances, growth indicators of sunflower, trifluralin.
USE OF POSTBIOTIC OF LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM IN PROLONGING THE SHELF LIFE OF SOFT CHEESE
This study was included the manufacture of 6 treatments of soft cheese by adding the probiotic of Lactobacillus Plantarum and its metabolic products. as well as, its dead cells after killing them by heat until they curd in121ºfor15minutes. Two concentrations of 5 and 10% have been used for each addition, and comparing these treatments with a control. The results showed that an increase in bacterial numbers in the control treatment and in the number of coliform bacteria, with the appearance of yeasts and molds as the storage period progressed toward 24 days. However, it was noted that in the treatment of cheese containing the probiotic Lactobacillus Plantarum and its metabolites, the bacterial numbers were lower and more stable, such that no clear development was observed in their numbers during a period of 24 d when stored at 7±1oC. It was also recorded that these treatments were free of cold bacteria, coli bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Thus, these results were reflected in the chemical properties of these treatments in terms of pH, total acidity, dissolved nitrogen, and the degree of fatty decomposition. Their values were lower in the fortified treatments compared to the control treatment, which showed a clear deterioration after 10 days of preservation at 7±1 oC.
Probiotic, L. Plantarum, Postbiotic, soft cheese, shelf life.
PHYTOREMEDIATION OF SOIL CONTAMINATION WITH SOME HEAVY METALS (NI, CD, PB) USING OLEANDER PLANT.
A biological experiment was conducted according to a completely randomized design (CRD) in woody canopy using phytoremediation technology to reclaim soils polluted with some heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Pb) biologically by planting Oleander plant. Based on calculation of global environmental pollution indicators, with three factors and six replicates, namely soil contamination with three heavy elements: Pb, Cd, and Ni, and four combinations: Pb + Cd, Cd + Ni, Ni + Pb, and Pb + Ni + Cd. with two element levels: 0 and 120 for Lead, 0 and 10 for Cadmium, and 0 and 70 mg kg-1 for Nickel, using Loamy Sand soil. The coefficients were coded as follows: N, C, P, CN, NP, CP, CNP, and O. Results showed an increase in values of Bio concentration factor (BCF) of root system of Oleander plant for Nickel for treatments N, CN, CNP, and PN treatments reaching 22.93, 19.87, 18.16, and 17.78, respectively, and it decreased in rest of treatments. Highest values for Cadmium were in C, then CN, CP, and CNP treatment, reaching 3.20, 2.65, 2.37, and 2.18. Thus, Oleander plant is considered one of plants that accumulate Cd. BCF was low for Pb, values of BAC increased with increasing concentrations of available heavy metals in soil. Values of TF for Cd, Ni, and Pb are lower than value of one.
bioreclamation, standards, plant pollution.
EFFECT OF SEED STIMULATION BY ALPHA-AMYLASE ENZYME, STIMULUS TEMPERATURE DEGREE AND SOWING DATES ON SOME YIELD CHARACTERISTICS OF SORGHUM
This study was conducted at Research Station A, Department of Field Crops, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad, in Al-Jadriya for the fall season of 2023. The study aimed to investigate the impact of seed priming with alpha-amylase enzyme and induced temperature on yield traits of sorghum. A randomized completely block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement with three replications and two factors was employed. The first factor included planting dates (June 25, July 15, and August 5) denoted as D1, D2, and D3, respectively, in sequence. The second factor included enzyme priming treatments (0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg L-1) denoted as T1, T2, and T3, respectively, in sequence, along with a control treatment (distilled water) denoted as T0. The results showed that the plants grown in the second date (D2) had the highest rate of number of grains per head (5345 grains head-1), grain yield per plant (141.37 gm plant-1), and total grain yield (10.094 tons ha-1), while the first date (D1) excelled with the highest average weight of 500 grains (16.48 gm). The results indicated that treatment T2 was superior with the highest average for the number of head grains (4835 grains head-1), grain yield per plant (132.94 gm plant-1), and the total grain yield (9.492 tons ha-1). The interaction between planting dates and stimulation parameters showed significant in the aforementioned traits, with the exception of weight 500 grain.
Alpha-amylase enzyme, priming temperature, Sorghum bicolor L., wide environmental range, yield traits.
THE EFFECT OF ADDING BLACK MACA BY ORAL METHOD TO IMPROVE SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF FRESH SEMEN IN AWASSI RAMS
This study was conducted with the aim of demonstrating the effect of adding black maca to improve semen quality at different concentrations by oral for Awassi rams. The study included tests of fresh semen. 12 rams of the Awassi breed were used, with three rams. adults aged 2.5-3.5 years for each group, The semen was collected using an artificial vagina for sheep and goats at the rate of one ejaculate/ram/week, for a period of 12 weeks. The semen of the rams (pooled semen) was mixed in order to eliminate individual differences between the rams. The sample was divided equally among the experimental groups using Tris diluent with a dilution ratio of 1:20, and the rams were dosed with different concentrations, which amounted to (10g, 20g, 40g Maca Black\Ram\Week), which are represented by (T1, T2, T3) treatments, respectively, compared with the control group without the addition of black maca (0 g). The necessary tests were performed to evaluate the semen in terms of ejaculate volume, individual and mass activity, concentration, and testosterone. The results of the experiment showed that adding and dosing 20 grams of black maca powder to Awassi rams had a significant effect on some characteristics of fresh semen, as individual sperm motility increased, accompanied by a significant increase (p<0.05) of ejaculate volume, concentration, mass activity, testosterone in all the different treatments. Compared with the control group. It can be concluded that adding black maca at a concentration of (20 g) to the treatment (T2) led to improving the semen characteristics of Awassi rams.
Awassi rams, fresh semen, maca black, Testosterone.
USING EVAPORATIVE COOLING AND PACKAGING TO STORE GREEN PEPPER
Green bell peppers, a staple in kitchens worldwide, are notorious for their short shelf life. Fortunately, a simple technology of an evaporative cooling system can offer a promising solution to extend their freshness and reduce spoilage. Extensive studies have been conducted to measure the shelf life of crops during cold storage by using different techniques, that control relative humidity. Evaporative cooling, air speed, and packaging used to store green pepper and compared with sustainability methods and non-packaging. The aim of the study was prolonging shelf life for at least seven days. The characteristics included weight loss (%), temperature (oC), relative humidity (%), and shelf-life (days). An air cooler with a volume of 2000 cu ft/s was used. An evaporative air cooler and the box are assemblage by a thermal insulating tube. The temperatures and humidity inside and outside the box were measured using the Arduino system using the DHT-22 temperature and humidity sensor. By measuring the percentage of weight loss and the storage period, evaporative cooling increased the green pepper’s shelf life by extending the crop’s life and reducing the percentage of weight loss when using evaporative cooling and packing. It was noted that there was a strong relationship between the decrease in the percentage of weight loss and packing.
Packaging, temperature, weight loss, sustainability, postharvest loss.
FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF DEFATTED WHEAT GERM PROTEIN ISOLATE
The research examined the functional properties of defatted wheat germ protein isolate (DWGPI) and compared it with commercial casein. The results of the chemical composition of samples raw wheat germ RWG, defatted wheat germ DWG and DWGPI showed that DWGPI was higher than RWG and DWG in protein content (86.18) %, and DWG was higher in carbohydrate content (58) %, while the highest percentage of fat and moisture reached (11.8, 9.5) % in the RWG sample. respectively. In addition, the functional properties of wheat germ protein isolate (DWGPI) were compared with commercial casein protein. The solubility at different levels of pH for both samples showed that the highest percentage of solubility at pH 12 was (70.5, 65.6) %, respectively, and the lowest percentage of solubility at pH 4 was (13.3, 12.8) %, respectively. While the highest ability to emulsify was (86, 83) % at pH 12 and (75, 65.6) % for emulsion stability for both protein isolate and casein samples, respectively. While the highest value of foaming ability was at pH 12, about 82% and 74%, and the lowest value was at pH 4, about 12% and 8% for protein isolate and casein, respectively. As for foam stability at different pH levels and times, the highest value at pH 12 was (90, 84, 73, 72) % for protein isolate and (87, 75, 64, 60) % for casein, and the lowest value was at pH 4. The highest value for water absorption at pH 10 was (6.36, 11.1) ml water/gm protein, and the lowest value at pH 4 was (1.49, 2.05) ml water/gm protein for protein isolate and casein, respectively. While the fat holding capacity of the protein isolate was (1.74) ml oil/gm protein and for casein (1.32) ml oil/gm protein.
Chemical composition, protein ISOLATE, functional properties, casein, foam stability.
THE EFFECT OF STORAGE TEMPERATURE ON THE FLOWERING AND MARKETING LIFE OF ROSE FLOWERS TREATED WITH ORGANIC AND BIOFERTILIZERS
The research was conducted in the Care and Storage Laboratory, Department of Horticulture and Garden Engineering at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences- University of Baghdad, Jadriyah, during the growing season 2022-2023 to determine the effect of storage temperature on the flowering and Vase life of rose flowers treated with organic and bio-fertilizers. The experiment was conducted after completing all measurements related to both vegetative and flowering growth. Flowers were harvested at the half-open bud stage (when 3 of the sepals leaves are open), which is the appropriate stage for harvesting flowers. The flowers were placed in similar containers with equal volumes of distilled water supplemented with 5 gl-1 an aspirin tablet containing the active substance salicylic acid. The containers were stored for 5 days in refrigerators at a temperature of ±4°C and then continued storage at room temperature until the end of the vase life. The average results for the treatments showed that treatment T5 gave the highest relative fresh weight and water uptake rate at 110.1% and 3.647 g per stem per day, respectively. Treatment T14 showed the lowest water loss rate at 2.44 g stem-1 day-1, followed by treatments T7 and T30. Treatment T6 showed the highest vase life for stored flowers at 12.33 days, followed by treatments T23 and T14. The control treatment had the lowest values for all treatments included in the study.
Bio-fertilization, flower storage, vase life.
EQUIREMENTS OF THE EXTENSION SERVICE TO ENHANCE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT OF VEGETABLES IN BAGHDAD PROVICE
The research aims to identify the requirements for achieving the competitiveness of the local agricultural product of vegetables in the province of Baghdad, and for the purpose of achieving the goal, five areas have been identified to identify the requirements for achieving the competitiveness of the local product of vegetables in the province of Baghdad and included (training extension service providers, extension activities provided to vegetable growers, and technical requirements to achieve the quality of the local agricultural product of vegetables, government legislation and laws, and gain consumer satisfaction), and with reference to previous studies and the subject of research, a questionnaire was used to collect this data. A random sample of employees working in agricultural extension was taken in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Training and its center, and the Department of Agriculture of Baghdad, Karkh and Rusafa and its agricultural departments, numbering (114) employees. The results showed that there is agreement on the importance of the requirements that have been studied as requirements of great importance to the respondents for develop their capabilities, where the requirements of gaining consumer satisfaction came in first place according to the degree of importance to the respondents with a weighted average (3.782) degree. While the requirements of government legislation and laws came in last place according to the degree of importance for the respondents, as they were with a weighted average of (3.692) degrees. The researcher recommended the need to take into account these requirements by the relevant agricultural departments, especially the Department of Agricultural Extension and Training, by subjecting its employees working in agricultural extension to intensive training programs to enable them to carry out their duties in how to guide and educate vegetable farmers with specifications and standards to enhance the competitiveness of the local product and the preparation of extension activities provided to vegetable growers that enhance the quality of the agricultural product and the application of government legislation and laws and their application of the requirements of gaining consumer satisfaction.
Agricultural consulting services, marketing extension, consumer satisfaction
WATER SCARCITY AND IMPACT ON SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR AND TOOLS TO ADDRESS IT IN IRAQ (Review Article)
The study aims to use some strategies such as water footprint and water trade to confront the challenges of water scarcity to promote sustainable development in the agricultural sector and its development. In recent years, Iraq has been suffering from water scarcity due to the lack of water releases in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers as a result of their reduction by upstream countries such as Turkey and Iran. Water revenues in 2022 amounted to about 25.5 billion cubic meters after reaching about 93 billion cubic meters in recent years. Which requires working on proper water management, involving all stakeholders in making the necessary decisions, drawing up appropriate agricultural policies, and making use of water footprint concepts to determine which crops can be grown that need small amounts of water and have a good economic return that does not conflict with the level of self-sufficiency as well as using Virtual water trade to enhance water and food security and achieve sustainable development in the agricultural sector. Therefore, the government is requested to develop a plan to program water uses, determine the best ways to manage the water crisis, and name a high-level committee that takes responsibility for all water-related decisions.
sustainable agricultural development, integrated management, Water footprint, virtual water.
EVALUATING THE EFFICIENCY OF SOME NANOPARTICALS IN INHIBITING THE GROWTH OF SCLEROTINIA SCLEROTIORUM (LIB) DEBARY, THE CAUSE OF EGGPLANT WHITE MOLD DISEASE IN LABORATORY CONDITIONS
This experiment was applied in the Plant Diseases Laboratory/ Postgraduate Studies/ Department of Plant Protection /College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences/ University of Baghdad. Four isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib) DeBary were collected from infected eggplant grown in different greenhouses in Baghdad Governorate. The pathogenicity of isolates was studied in greenhouse conditions, and the results showed that all isolates were pathogenic. All isolates were identified molecularly using the specialized primers SSFWD, the isolate SR7 was registered at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under accession numbers OR711897.1. The enzymatic activity of the isolates was tested, and isolate SR7 was the most active. The effect of silica, copper and magnesium oxides as nanoparticales on the growth of fungal hyphae of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib) DeBary was tested at two concentrations of 0.2 and 0.5 g/L in laboratory conditions. The nanoparticale copper oxide was superior in both concentrations with an inhibition rate of 100%, with significant differences from the nanoparticale silica and magnesium oxides, where the inhibition rate in the first concentration reached 36.3 and 50.5%, respectively, while in the second concentration it reached 61.1 and 64.2%, respectively.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, , Pathogenicity, Nanoparticales Nano copper oxide.
STUDY THE BIOLOGICAL EFFECT AND NANO PREPARATION OF OLEANDER PLANT NERIUM OLEANDER ON THE HAIRY GRAIN BEETLE Trogoderma granarium EVERTS (COLEOPTERA: DERMESTIDAE)
Cereal crops, including wheat (Triticum aestivum), are among the most important vital and strategic crops in the world because they contain important food sources of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and other nutrients. Stored grains are affected by many insect pests, causing significant economic losses in grain weight that may reach 10% in one storage season. One of the most dangerous stored insects that infest grains is the hairy grain beetle (Trogoderma granarium). The insect is known for its resistance to various liquid and gaseous chemical pesticides, as well as its ability to withstand long periods of drought and high temperatures. This adaptability has facilitated its spread across different countries and enabled it to conquer new geographical areas. Several methods have been employed to combat this insect, with chemical control being the most prominent. However, the use of chemical pesticides has resulted in negative environmental impacts and challenges in addressing the various roles insects play. Due to the economic significance of the hairy grain beetle and the need to minimize reliance on harmful chemical pesticides, plant extracts and nano-preparations of iron from the leaves of the oleander plant (Nerium oleander) were utilized. These compounds have shown high effectiveness in controlling the Khabra insect in both laboratory and storage environments, while also being environmentally safe.
Nerium oleander, proteins, pesticides, insects.
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS OF FUNGI CAUSING MELON CUCUMIS MELO L. ROOT ROT DISEASE, AND TESTING THE EFFICIENCY OF K2HPO4 AND TANNIC ACID IN INHIBITING THE FUNGUS RHIZOCTONIA SOLANI IN VITRO
This study was conducted Plant diseases laboratory in the agricultural protection Directorate / Ministry of Agriculture for the purpose of molecularly diagnosing fungal isolates obtained by isolating them from different areas of melon Cucumis melo L. growing fields in Iraq and testing the chemical factors K2HPO4 and Tannic acid in inhibiting the growth of the fungus. The most pathogenic R. solani in the laboratory. The phenotypic diagnosis was confirmed by molecular diagnosis of isolates F8, F19, F23, F28, and F34 through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology for DNA amplification and nucleotide sequencing of the nitrogenous bases of the genetic material of the isolates. The electrophoresis results showed that bands with a molecular weight between 500 and 750bp were obtained, and the results of the nucleotide sequences of the nitrogenous bases of the genetic material of the isolates were F8 and F34, R. solani, F19, Fusarium oxysporium f.sp. ciceris, F23 Macrophomina phaseolina and semi fungs F28 Pythium aphanidermatum and have been registered in NCBI GenBank (National Center Biotechnology Information) under Accession numbers PP342522.1 (F8), PP342523.1 (F34), PP342524.1 (F19), PP342526. .1 (F23) and PP342527.1 (F28), and were compared with closely related global isolates recovered from GenBank. The isolates F8 and F34, R. solani, F19 is Fusarium oxysporium f.sp. ciceris and F28 Pythium aphanidermatum first registration in NCBI on Melon in Iraq. The results of testing different concentrations of K2HPO4 and Tannic acid showed that they inhibited the growth of the fungus R. solani. The concentrations were 10 g.100 ml-1 and 1.5 g.100 ml-1, respectively, completely inhibited the growth of the fungal colony. with a significant difference from the comparison treatment for both agents. It was noted that as the concentration of K2HPO4 and Tannic acid increased, the percentage of inhibition increased.
Melon, Root Rot, Rhizoctonia solani, K2HPO4, tannic acid.
MOLECULAR DETECTION OF MAREK’S DISEASE IN IRAQI POULTRY FARMS
Marek’s disease is a highly contagious, immunosuppressive, lymphotropic, and economically effective illness of avian species, mainly chickens, caused by a herpes virus known as Gallid herpesvirus 2 of the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. In this study, the prevalence of Marek’s disease in different Iraqi governorates was investigated using highly specific and sensitive primers. The results revealed that twelve farms out of the total 50 tested were positive for Marek’s virus representing 24%. The highest rate of infected farms was recorded in Baghdad with 4 farms (23.5%) followed by Diyala, Wasit, and Karbala at infection rates of 2(25%), 3(27.3%), and 3(100%) farms respectively. In addition, the study showed that the infection was recorded in two time periods during the study duration: the first one from February through April, and the second one from August through November. The affected bird's age was also analyzed, with an inconclusive rate. In conclusion, this study provides molecular evidence of Marek’s disease circulation within Iraqi poultry farms even under a vaccine control strategy.
Marek’s Disease virus, Real-time PCR, Iraq.
INTEGRATION OF BIOFERTILIZER WITH CHEMICAL FERTILIZER TO IMPROVE SALT TOLERANCE IN WHEAT CROP
This study was done to estimate the PGPMs (Rhizobium ciceri CP-93, Azospirillum brasilense, Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescence, Bacillus megaterium, Lysinibacillus fusiformis) under salinity stress for three levels 4 dS/m, 8 dS/m and 12 dS/m pot experiment were carried out in Plant Protection Directorate/ Ministry of Agriculture / Abu-Ghreeb/ Baghdad. Using wheat cultivar IPA 99 In 2022-2023 season according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Several combinations of biofertilizers were used alone and with 25% chemical fertilizer, in addition to chemical fertilizer treatment at a concentration of 25% and 100% for comparison. Results of pot experiment showed that best treatment was (Rhizobium ciceri CP-93 + Azospirillum brasilense + Trichoderma harzianum + Pseudomonas fluorescence + Bacillus megaterium + Lysinibacillus fusiformis) with 25% of chemical fertilizer which recorded significant increase in harvest index, grain number per spike and number of spikelet’s/ spike in all level of salinity comparison with other treatment.
Bacteria, Biofertilizer, IPA 99, Salinity, PGPMs.
THE ROLE OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS IN THE INDUCTION OF CALLUS TREATED WITH HARMEL SEEDS EXTRACT AND THE REGENERATION AND ROOTING OF VEGETATIVE GROWTHS OF BARLEY VARIETIES IN VITRO
An experiment was conducted in the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad during the years 2022-2023 using Plant Tissue Culture Technique. The variables three varieties of barley: Ebaa265, Ebaa99 and Bouhoth 244; 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) at concentrations: (0,1.5,3 and 4.5) mg.L-1 for callus inducation; BA (Benzyl Adenine) at concentrations: (0,1,2, and 3) mg.L-1 for regeneration and IBA (Indole Butyric Acid) at concentrations :(0,1,2, and 3) mg.L -1 for rooting ,using MS (Murashige and Skoog) media. Measurements has taken on average of the weight wet and dry of the callus and number and length shoot and root. Done results revealed significant differences in all treatment. Thus, obtaining plants with a higher quantity and quality of food that meets the consumer’s need and increases the marketing value of the varieties.
2, 4-D, BA, IBA, Plant Tissue Culture, consumer.