Iraqi Journal of Market Research and Consumer Protection
Scientific refereed journal, accredited for the purposes of scientific promotions, issued by the market research and consumer protection center, university of Baghdad, Iraq with two numbers a year, publishes scientific research in the fields of social sciences directly related to the market and consumer and in the field of several including public health, marketing, Economics, Environment, Agriculture, Pure Sciences, and Information
Market Research and Consumer Protection Center, University of Baghdad
VISUALIZE PROPOSAL FOR TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN TRAINING EXTENSION CENTERS IN IRAQ
The research aimed to develop a visualize proposal for total quality management in training extension centers in Iraq. To achieve the objectives of the research, a questionnaire was prepared in the in view of the literature related to the subject of research and previous studies and the experts opinions and specialists in the management and agricultural extension field. The questionnaire consisted of (52) items distributed over (5) fields: (preparation, planning ,Implementation, evaluation, exchange and dissemination of experiences of the results of the application of total quality management) The study was conducted on all Iraqi governorates except the Kurdistan Region, A random sample was withdrawn from them by 50% (8 governorates) which are: Kirkuk, Baghdad, Diyala, Holy Karbala, Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf, Qadisiah, Dhi Qar, and Basra .and(149) respondents. data were collected from the respondents in a personal interview manner to indicate their approval of the fields and items of the visualize proposal. The visualize proposal concept was finalized using the following criteria: The field or item is within the final form of the visualize proposal if it obtains a weighted mean greater than the hypothetical mean of the approval scale degree used in the research, which is (3) degrees, The results showed that all fields and items remained in the final version of the visualize proposal of having weighted means greater than (3) degrees. The study recommended that the Agricultural Extension and Training Department should adopt the application of the visualize proposal in the training extension centers in order to develop their performance and thus provide services that meet the the target needs and desires.
Training extension centers, total quality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Iraqi Journal of Market Research and Consumer Protection http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A STUDY OF SOME FACTORS AFFECTING CONSUMER BEHAVIOR TOWARDS THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF FOOD AVAILABLE IN BAGHDAD GOVERNORATE
The purpose of this study is to identify some demographic factors that affect consumer behavior towards food health and safety in Baghdad Governorate. For this purpose, the descriptive analysis method was used to identify these factors and their impact by collecting information from a questionnaire that included some questions to determine consumer behavior towards food health and safety. The questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of the community, consisting of 144 individuals from the Karkh and Rusafa areas in Baghdad. The results of the study showed that there were no significant differences between males and females in their behavior towards food health and safety, it was found that the age factor affects consumer behavior and there are significant differences between the first age group (18-29 years) and the third age groups (40-50 years) and the fourth group (over 50 years). There are significant differences in the factors of family size and educational qualification, meaning that they affect consumer behavior, The percentage of bachelors was 3.48%, and the percentage of typical families of 3-5 individuals was 57.63%. It became clear that there are significant differences between the primary education category and the rest of the categories, as well as differences between the university and postgraduate categories, and that the monthly income factor has an impact on consumer behavior towards food health and safety, as significant differences appeared between the lowest income category and the rest of the categories, and there are differences between the second and third income categories.
Consumer behavior, food health and safety, demographic factors.
SOME ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS FACING THE APPLICATION OF PARTICIPATORY LEADERSHIP IN THE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SYSTEM/ IRAQ
The research aims to identify some of the administrative problems facing the application of participatory leadership in the agricultural extension system/ Iraq, through a form in which data was collected and included (36) items distributed over four areas, the research community included from the governorates of Iraq, which numbered (15) governorates with the exception of the Kurdistan region and the agricultural extension workers distributed among the agricultural directorates and extension centers who number (526) and (222) workers respectively, a random sample was taken from the governorates of Iraq with a percentage of (53%) and (8) governorates namely (Dhi Qar, Maysan, Karbala, Al-Qadisiyah, Babylon, Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk) and a proportional, stratified random sample of (51%) was taken from agricultural extension workers distributed among the agricultural directorates and extension centers in the governorates of Iraq, whose number is (307, 133) and (157, 68) Respectively, the data was analyzed using the SPSS.V28 program, The results of the research concluded that the problems related to the extension organization ranked first in terms of level of importance, achieving a weighted average of (3.31) and a percentage weight of (66.2),while the problems related to the extension director came in last place, achieving a weighted mean score of (2.67) and a percentage weight of (53.4), the research recommended the need to direct attention to the problems facing the extension director as he is the link between higher authorities and those working with him.
participatory leadership, Agricultural extension system, Administrative problems.
DETECTION OF ADENOVIRUS ASSOCIATED WITH INCLUSION BODY HEPATITIS IN CHICKENS
Inclusion body hepatitis is one of the disease that cause economic loses in poultry industry. Infection with the fowl adenovirus leads to the illness known as inclusion body hepatitis. Affected chickens showed dullness, depression, ruffled feathers and mild greenish diarrhea with low morbidity and high mortality. Seventy-five samples were collected from various areas around Iraq, including Diyala, Karbala and Tikrit, that were thought to be infected with the fowl adenovirus. The infected chickens ranged in age from 25 to 45 days. After that viral nucleic acid (DNA) was isolated from collected livers. This was followed by testing using conventional PCR by amplification of the Loop 1 gene, which yielded a positive result for the presence of fowl adenovirus. Avian species are at risk of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) infection, with subclinical infection being the most common type. The study reveals that the liver is affected by a disease that can be diagnosed through necropsy findings such as the presence of multiple genotypes such as FAdV-4, FAdV-8b and E. Molecular tools like PCR offer superior accuracy and sensitivity compared to seroprevalence techniques, which are not specific to the species or type of adenoviruses or their co-infecting illnesses. The current research aimed to clinical diagnosis of adenovirus in chickens and confirmed diagnosis by conventional PCR.
Avian Viruses, Inclusion Body Hepatitis, Polymerase Chain Reaction, L1 gene.
EFFECTS OF PHOSPHORUS, SILICATES AND CITRIC ACID ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF PEPPER IN GREENHOUSES
The research was conducted in a plastic greenhouse at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad - Jadiriyah Campus, during the 2021-2022 season, to study the effect of phosphorus, silicon, and citric acid on pepper plants using a factorial experiment design with three replicates. The first factor had three levels of phosphorus (P2O5): 0 kg hectare-1 (P1), 160 (P2) and 320 kg h-1 (P3),the second factor had three levels of potassium silicate 0 kg h-1 (S1), 75 (S2) and 100 kg h-1(S3), and the third factor had four levels of citric acid 0 kg h-1 (C1), 2 (C2), 4 (C3) and 6 kg h-1 (C4). The results of the statistical analysis showed the superiority of the P3S2C4 treatment in increasing plant height (160.20 cm plant-1), the P2S3C3 treatment in leaf area (631.3 dm2 plant-1), the P2S3C4 treatment in the concentration of phosphorus in the leaf (0.470%), and the treatment P2S2C1 in the concentration of silicon in the leaf (18.50 ppm). The P3S3C4 treatment is the number of lateral roots (14.27 roots plant-1). The P2S3C4 treatment is the number of fruits (48.34 fruits plant-1) and the P3S3C4 treatment is the plant yield (3.48 kg plant-1).
Capsicum annuum L., fertilizer,p2o5, potassium silicate.
EFFICIENCY OF PREDATION Exochomus nigromaculatus (COLEOPTERA: COCCINELLIDAE) ON DIFFERENT DENSITIES OF CITRUS MEALYBUG NYMPHAS Nipaecoccus viridis (HEMIPTERA: PSEUDOCOCCIDAE)
This study was conducted at the biological control laboratories of the Department of Plant Protection /College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences/ University of Baghdad to evaluate the effect of three numerical densities, 25, 50, and 100 of the first instar nymphs of the mealybug Nipaecoccus viridis, on the predatory efficiency and development and growth rates of Exochomus nigromaculatus. The results of the study showed that there was an inverse relationship between the increase of numerical densities of the prey provided and the development and growth rates of the predator. Also, in this result it was recorded that the shortest growth time of the larval stage was at 10.9 days, as well as a daily consumption range was between 24-45 nymphs/day. in addition, the four larval stage recorded the shortest growth period and was at a rate of 2, 1.8, 3.1, and 4 days respectively for each instar at a density of 100 mealybug nymphs. The longest growth time was during the larval stage which was 17.78 days, with a daily consumption range between 4-19 nymphs/day in treatment of density of 25 mealybug nymph, at this density, the longest developmental rates of the four larval stages also were recorded, which were 3.38, 2.9, 5.13, and 6.37 days respectively for each stage, a direct relationship was found between the increase the numerical densities of the preys provided and the consumption rates of the predator, the consumption rate were 217.09 and 391.41 nymphs At densities of 25 and 100 nymphs, respectively, in addition to this , Lowest dead rate was recorded at the larval stage of predator, and reached to 0.00% at densities of 100, while the value was highest at the density of 25 nymph which was 30% . Adult female predators recorded an increase in predation efficiency at a higher rate compared with males at the three mealybug nymph densities, as the daily predation range reached (15-21), (18-38), and (51-63) at densities of 25, 50, and 100, respectively, this was higher than the daily rates of predation recorded by predatory males. Adult females of predator consumed the highest number of nymphs during Within a period of ten days a higher rate than males at the same densities of prey.
Predatory efficiency, Mealybug, Nutrition, Biological control, Nymphs
EFFECT OF MICROWAVE RADIATION ON THE CONTROL OF RED FLOUR BEETLE Tribolium castaneum (HERBST).
A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of exposing the stages of the Tribolium castaneum beetle to microwaves at power levels of 540, 810, and 1080 watts and exposure times of 60, 90, and 120 seconds. The results of the statistical analysis indicated that there were significant differences between the effects of power levels and exposure times in the third and fifth instar larvae, but not in treatment of pupae and adults. The mortality rates increase with higher energy levels and exposure durations. The highest mortality rate was reached at an energy level of 1080 watts and an exposure duration of 120 seconds in both third instar larvae, fifth instar larvae, pupae, and adults, reaching 100% mortality for the insect stages respectively. The lowest mortality rate was 43.33%, 23.33%, 10%, and 16.33% for the third and fifth instar larvae, pupae, and adults, respectively, at a power level of 540 watts and an exposure time of 60 seconds.
microwave radiation, red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.
STUDY OF SOME BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF RESVERATROL FLAVONOID FROM GRAPE JUICE RESIDUE
The flavonoid resveratrol was extracted from grape juice residue by boiling water and Crystalized the extract and resveratrol crystals obtained from it have an effect in the growth of some bacteria that transmit diseases through Food the resveratrol crystals(RC) superiority on the extract in inhibiting the growth of gram positive bacteria B. subtilis and S. aureus excepting B.cereus with inhibition diameter rate( 32,31.5 and 27.5)mm for crystals and 28,26 and 38.5)mm for aqueous extract (AE) respectively, gram negative bacteria were more sensitive to the extract than RC with diameter (28.5 and 14.5)mm for E.coli o157:H7 and for S.typhimurium (16 and 8.5)mm respectively while effect of crystals was higher on the growth of E.coli 28.5mm tested yeast C.albicans and S.cerevisiae sensvonoidsitivity to crystals higher than extract 33mm for both of them, RC and extract have an antioxidant effect characterized by its reducing power 90.27% and 92.64% and free radicals scavenging 92.60% and 92.29% respectively.
fla, resveratrol free radical scavenging reducing power antimicrobial.
SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT OF SOME ROSELLE PLANT VARIETIES TO SEED ROT AND DAMPING OFF INFECTION AND DISEASE BIOCONTROL
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdarifa L.) Family Malvaceae is an important crop used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutics industries. This study was carried out to evaluate the susceptibility of four different cultivars of Roselle plants against seed rot and damping off. The highest percentage of infection 56.7% was recorded in red cultivar. whereas the lowest 16.7% was recorded in white cultivar. Fusarium nygamai scored 42.5% incedence, and this is the first recored of this pathogen on the Roselle crop in Iraq. The treatment of T.harzanium + B. subtilis + NAA combination showed highely effective scoring disease severity (0.00 ,0.00)% disease infectivity and severity compared to control treatment (pathogen ) (73.30,69.67)%. respectively. T. harzanium + B. subtilis + NAA combination treatment showed the highest antagonistic activity against F. nygamai. and improved growth parameters of Roselle when increased fresh and dry weight of plant up to (9.50,3.21) g/plant respectively. Based on the change in light absorbance/ min/g plant fresh weight. The activity of poly phenol oxidase enzyme increased in plants treated with the combination T. harzanium + B. subtilis + NAA or T. harzanium + NAA or B. subtilis + NAA produced after 15 and 21 days of treatment. scoring (74.73, 47.92) and (68.76, 45.39) and (68.44, 45.06) respectively, compared to control treatment (pathogenic fungus) the activity of poly phenol oxidase was (35.49,32.09) respectively.
varieties sensitivity, Hibiscus sabdarifa L, Biological control Fusarium nygamai.
THE EFFECT VENTILATION ON THE RATE OF DOWNY MILDEW INFECTION AND THE RESIDUES OF ELITE FUNGICIDE ON CUCUMBER CULTIVATED IN GREENHOUSE.
The study was conducted at the Dujail region, north of Baghdad, during the spring season of 2022, to identify the rate of downy mildew infection and the residues of Elite (fungicide) on the cucumber cultivated in the regular greenhouses compared to the greenhouse with three ventilation openings. The regular greenhouse was sprayed with Elite pesticide, twice; the 1st treatment sprays was after 7 days of infection onset, and the 2nd spray was 30 days after the 1st treatment. The residuals of Elite were, then, estimated. In regards to the 2nd greenhouse, three ventilation openings were made after the first observation of the disease. The average temperature and a relative humidity (8˚C and 97%, respectively) were reported from the onset of the downy mildew infection on the cucumber. After 2 months, the average of the infection percentage was reported in the regular greenhouse was 1.95%, with a significant difference from the average of percentage the infection in the house of three ventilation openings, which was 1.28%. The average of the Elite residues after three days of spraying was 50, 40 and 28 mg/kg of the cucumber varieties; Mustaqbal, Jamila and Faris, respectively. On the 7th day of spraying, the average of the Eilit residue was 11mg/kg of the three cucumber varieties. The total production rate of cucumber fruits at the regular greenhouse was 1800 kg, for five times harvest, while it was 3000 kg at the greenhouse with three ventilation openings. The authors concluded that the performance of three ventilation holes into the greenhouse at the time infection onset considered a natural control strategy on the downy mildew disease of cucumber. while in the regular greenhouse sprayed with Elite fungicide, the cucumber crop can be harvested after 3d of spraying, when Elite residues were below the allowable limit (60 mg / kg of cucumber fruits).
powdery mildew, Elite residues, Ventilation openings, Greenhouse, The infection
ALPHA- LACTALBUMIN ISOLATION, PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION FROM IRAQI CAMEL MILK
alpha-lactalbumin (α-Lac) is a crucial protein in several biological procedures like a strong antioxidant and prospective cancer therapy, This study was aimed to isolate, pacificate, and characterize α-lactalbumin α-Lac from Iraqi camel milk sourced from new local camel farms in Samawah Govermanate, southern Iraq. purified step done by ion exchange chromatography through DEAE-cellulose column and gel filtration chromatography through Sephadex G-100 column, the purification fold and yield were (58.20 time and 82%) respectively. The purity of α-Lac to homogeneity was examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions (SDS-PAGE) with a single bond The molecular weight was determined by two methods and it was 14.40kDa and 14.23kDa, The quantitative and qualitative analysis using HPLC technique was without significant differences and the used of HPLC assay as an additional confirm purification step.
Camel milk, α -lactalbumin, Isolation, Purification, Characterization.
EXPLORING STREPTOCOCCAL MICROBIOTA AS POTENTIAL INDICATORS FOR PROGRESSION OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES
A disturbance in the equilibrium of oral microbiota may represent a leading cause of poor oral hygiene. Dysbiosis of the microbiota is the main cause of inflammatory illnesses, known as periodontitis. Communication between Streptococcus spp. and other oral bacteria could be relevant, and therefore, indicators of different forms of periodontitis. The current study aimed to investigate the association between certain Streptococcus spp. with poor oral health and developing periodontal disorders. A total of 166 samples were collected from individuals attending Ghazi Al-Hariri Hospital for Surgical Specialties and Specialized Dental Centers in Baghdad, Iraq. S. mutans, S. sanguis, S. thoraltensis, S. infantarius, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Bifidobacterium spp. have been surveyed and identified in 166 individuals using VITEK 2 system. The results approved that the Streptococcus spp. colonisation have strong significant correlations with a certain periodontal disease alongside its relationship with other bacterial species. Mainly, infectious Streptococcus sanguis is significantly associated with gingivitis (rho = 0.239**, p= 0.002), but inversely corelated with acute periodontitis (rho= -0.165*, p= 0.034). Moreover, Streptococcus mutans is inversely associated with the chronic periodontitis (rho= -0.155*, p= 0.046) and significantly with dental caries & pulpitis (rho= 0.252**, p= 0.001). Streptococcus infantarius significantly correlates with chronic periodontitis (rho = -0.183*, p= 0.018) and inversely associated with the oral hygiene status. The findings indicate that streptococcal microbiota act as potential indicators for developing a range of periodontal diseases forms. However, the aggressive periodontitis was associated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. The findings suggest that further investigation of molecular oral microbiome is required to uncover their potency to develop the severity of oral diseases.
Dysbiosis, Oral Diseases, Periodontitis, Oral Hygiene, Streptococcus thoraltensis.
STUDY OF OXIDATION INDICES OF SOME FISH MEAT IMPORTED TO IRAQ
This study was conducted to determine the validity of three species of frozen fish imported to Iraq. A comparison was made between the status of whole fish and fillets of the same species, and then a comparison was made among the three species of fish: seabream Sparus aurata, seabass Dicentrarchus labrax and tuna Tunnus alalunga, depending on some oxidation tests of frozen fish samples, included determination of free fatty acids (FFA) mg/100 mg fat, total volatile nitrogen (TVN) mg / 100g-1 meat, peroxide value (PV) meq Kg-1 meat, and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) mg MDA Kg-1 meat. The results recorded significant differences (P<0.05)) between the case of whole tuna and the fillet of thiobarbituric acid. The results showed that significant differences (P<0.01) were recorded in the total volatile nitrogen value of whole seprim fish and fillets, while tuna fish recorded significant differences (P<0.05)) between the state of whole fish and the fillets. The results recorded significant differences (P<0.01)) in the peroxide value between the state of whole fish and fillets for cyprim fish. The results showed, based on the examinations and comparison with the local and international specifications, that the meat of the fish under study, seabream, seabass and tuna imported to Iraq is considered suitable for human consumption.
Free fatty acids, Peroxide, Thiobarbituric acid, Volatile nitrogen, Seabream, Seabass, Tuna.
THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION IN ENABLING VEGETABLE FARMERS TO FACE CLIMATE CHANGE IN IRAQ/ CASE STUDY IN BAGHDAD AND BABYLON GOVERNORATES
The aim of the research is to identify the role of agricultural extension in enabling vegetable farmers to face climate change in Iraq in general, and in each of the following research roles : ( The planning role, The role of capacity development and improvement includes:{ agricultural extension workers, vegetable farmers}, the media role, The role of coordination and partnership, The role of encouraging innovation, The role of disseminating modern technologies, The role of organizing farmers, The role of follow-up and evaluation), To achieve the objectives of the study, a questionnaire consisting of (72) paragraphs distributed over (8) areas was designed , and then its design procedures were completed in terms of honesty and consistency, the study included all the employees of the guidance institutions in the governorates of Baghdad and Babylon, numbering (267) workers, from whom a random sample was drawn stratified proportionate by (50%) amounting to (123) respondents, after the respondents were excluded from the Guidance Center in Abu gharq as a survey sample, numbering (22) respondents, the data was collected and then analyzed using the social statistical analysis software (SPSS). The research results have shown that the role of agricultural extension in enabling vegetable farmers to face climate changes at an average level with a weighted average of (2.40) degrees, and a percentage weight of (49.32%), and the research results also showed that the roles of workers in the above eight agricultural extension have received weighted circles ranging between (2.57) degrees and( 2.33) degrees, which is less than the hypothetical average of the scale of (3) degrees, we conclude from this that the role of agricultural extension growing vegetables to cope with climate change on average overall in the study area, The research recommended the need to strengthen and intensify agricultural extension work, as well as the need to coordinate with all relevant institutions to face the emerging climate changes in Iraq.
Capacity improvement, Planning, Agricultural innovation, Follow-up and Evaluation.
ANTI-FUNGAL ACTIVITY OF SOME NUTRIENTS PLANTS AND TRICHODERMA HARZIANUM AGAINST F. SOLANI CAUSED DAMPING OFF DISEASE ON CANTALOUPE.
This study was initiated at the Organic Agriculture center/ Department of plant protection– Ministry of Agriculture, to assess the efficacy of some Eco-friendly materials individually or in an integration to control Fusarium rot root disease in melon caused by Fusarium solani. Results of greenhouse condition showed that combination treatment CaSiO3 + Trichoderma harzianum + FeSO4 was the best decreased disease incidence and severity to 0.00 and 0.00 % respectively compared with control (pathogen only) caused 86.67 and 77.70% respectively but not signification differences neither CaSiO3 alone and CaSiO3+ Trichoderma harzianum treatments, besides, it increased plant fresh and dry weights compared to other combinations. Results indicated that treated plant produced after 14d and 21d of poly phenol oxidase enzyme, treatment of Trichoderma harzianum + CaSiO3 + FeSO4 showed superiority in inducing poly phenol oxidase enzyme. The change in light absorbance/ min/g. Fresh weight of melon was (88.67 ,90.33) respectively, compared to control treatment (pathogenic fungus) the activity of poly phenol oxidase was (62.80, 59.33) respectively.
Trichoderma harzianum, Fusarium solani, Calcium silicate CaSiO3 and iron sulfate FeSo4
THE EFFECT OF YOGHURT FORTIFIED WITH NANO-ZINC ON SOME NUTRITIONAL INDICATORS FOR EXPERIMENTAL MICE
The research aimed to develop therapeutic products by producing yogurt fortified with nano-zinc and studying the effect of feeding this product on some vital indicators of laboratory mice. One of the most important results reached is that nano-zinc has a clear role in reducing daily and final weight gain in a way that is directly proportional to the amount of nano-zinc added compared to the C+ positive control group, it also significantly reduced (P>0.05) the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and bad fats low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and a significant increase (P≤0.05) in the values ​​of good fats high density lipoprotein (HDL). The results also showed a significant decrease (P>0.05) in the blood sugar content. Glucose and the effectiveness of the liver enzymes glutamic oxaloacetic ransaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvi transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphotase (AIP) compared to their levels in the C+ positive control treatment fed a high-fat diet. Nano-zinc also improved the efficiency of the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells (WBC) and maintaining the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) within normal limits.
Yogurt, Nano-zinc, Liver enzyme levels, Blood lipids, Blood glucose levels, White blood cells
ESTAMATION OF THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS OF PURSLANE (Portulaca oleraceae L.) PLANT EXTRACTS
The chemical composition of both the leaves and stems of the Portulaca oleraceae L was evaluated the protein content of the leaves was slightly higher than the stems in Portulaca oleraceael, content of leaves were 4.025%, was slightly higher than stems 3.952%, as for the percentage of total fat, it turned out that the leaves contain a higher fat percentage than the stems and was as follows: The proportion of total fat content in leaves 0.4998% was higher than stems 0.3 68%. the moisture content in the leaves and stem was 71.6% and 82.7 % In addition, the fibers, ash and carbohydrates in leaves and stems as estimated at 3.0183% and 2.6613%, 6.1 %, and 4.4 %, 14.7 and 5.9 respectively. The total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids evaluated, it was noted that the alcoholic extract of the leaves had highest content of total phenols and total flavonoids, followed by the alcoholic extract of the stems and then the aqueous extract of the leaves, and the lowest content of total phenols were 98.448, 88.909, 70.689, 25.286 ppm respectively, and the flavonoids were 22.26, 18.22, 16.99, 13.45 mg / 100 respectively. The Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH method, where the antioxidant activity was measured and several concentrations were taken (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250) mg/ml and the removal rate of free radicals was calculated, the best removal rate was foe the leaves alcoholic extract at 150 mg/ mL with 100% of removal rate, followed by the stems alcoholic extract with 98.32% removal rate as well as leaves equeous exract in removal rate was 96.65% Finally, the stems aqueous extract had removal rate 84.10% in the same concentration. 150 mg/ml, which is the best concentration that gave a 100% removal rate.
Phenolic Compounds, Portulaca Oleraceae L, Ash, Total flavonoid, plants
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS OF Cuscuta sp AND ITS ASSOCIATED BACTERIA
This study was conducted at the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering Sciences/ Plant Protection Department, University of Baghdad ـــ Jadriya, with the aim of isolating and diagnosing bacteria molecules from samples of Cuscuta sp.(stems and seeds) intruding on different plants, diagnosing Cuscuta sp. molecules and testing the effect of bacteria in the germination of Ocimum sp. and Cuscuta sp. seeds .The results of isolating and diagnosing bacteria from samples of Cuscuta sp.(stems and seeds) intruding on the plants Conocarpus, Chenopodium and Cynanchum showed the obtaining of three types of bacteria B1,B2 and B3 sequentially .The results of testing the efficiency of three types of bacteria that were isolated from the Cuscuta sp. (B1,B2 and B3) showed that the isolation of B2 bacteria had a significant effect in raising the germination rate of seeds of Cuscuta sp. and Ocimum sp. and did not differ significantly with the two comparative coefficients, while it differed significantly with isolates B1 and B3 .The results of the nucleotide sequence analysis of the two samples showed that Sample 1 belongs to the type Cuscuta reflexa and was recorded in the Gene bank under the serial number (OQ746922)and was recorded for the first time in Iraq .and the results also showed that the sample 6 belongs to Cuscuta campestris and was registered in the Gene bank under the serial number (OQ746927) .The results of the nucleotide sequence analysis of the isolates of bacteria B1,B2 and B3 showed that they belonged to Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Achromobacter xylosoxidans sequentially and were deposited in the Gene bank under the accession numbers OQ976982, OQ976981 and OQ976979 On the relay .
Conocarpus, Chenopodium, Cynanchum, Cuscuta sp.
ANTI- PYOCYANIN AND ANTI- HEMOLYSIN IMPACT OF SOME NATURAL AND COMMERCIAL PROBIOTICS AGAINST MULTIDRUG- RESISTANT Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-pyocyanin and anti-hemolytic efficacies of lactobacilli probiotics isolated from natural and commercial sources against pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Two isolates of P. aeruginosa (P50 and P78), which were determined as multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, were obtained from one hundred-thirty samples, including burn, wound, ear, sputum, and urine, collected from patients attending a number of hospitals in Baghdad, including Al-Karkh Hospital, Al Kadimyia Teaching Hospital, and Medical City Hospitals (Al-shahid Ghazi Al-Hariri Hospital for Surgical Specialties, Baghdad Teaching Hospital and Burns Specialized hospital) during the period of October and December 2022. The direct antibacterial effect of undiluted CFCS (cell-free culture supernatants) of Lactobacillus isolates and their anti-pyocyanin and anti-hemolytic were assessed. The antibacterial effect of a natural isolate of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) was higher than that of other isolates. The findings revealed that spontaneously isolated lactobacilli outperform commercially isolated lactobacilli regarding probiotic characteristics. All Lactobacillus isolates showed a strong anti-hemolytic and anti-pyocyanin effects against P. aeruginosa at 100 µg/ml, but this effect is not confirmed due to their antimicrobial activity against both strains of P. aeruginosa. Also, both isolates of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) (natural and commercial) did not show an anti-hemolysin effect against both isolates of P. aeruginosa P50 and P78. The findings supported using probiotics instead of antibiotics to treat antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria and, consequently, various disorders linked with this pathogenic bacterium.
Pyocyanin, Hemolysin, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Probiotics.
التأثير المضاد للبيوسيانين والهيموليسين لبعض المعززات الحيوية الطبيعية والتجارية ضد عزلات الزائفة الزنجارية المقاومة للمضادات الحيوية
THE EFFECT OF USING DIFFERENT RATIOS OF FISH BY-PRODUCTS (INTERNAL ORGANS) ADDED TO THE STOMACH POWDER ON SOME FEED EVALUATION CRITERIA AND PROTEIN FOR COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO L.)
This study was conducted in the fish hatchery of Al-Suwayrah/ Department of Animal Resources/ Wasit/ Al-Suwayrah district, Iraq. 200 common carp fish with an initial average weight of 52 ± 0.00 grams per fish were fed on four experimental diets with two replicates each. The results showed that treatment T2 outperformed, followed by treatments T3 and T4, compared to the control treatment. The reason for the superiority of the second treatment may be attributed to the presence of a (33%) ratio of fish by-product powder, indicating the potential for replacing animal protein powder with fish by-product powder, along with 25% of stomach powder. This enhanced the nutritional value of the treatment, and the fish accepted the feed, which may be well-balanced in essential amino acids content. Based on the above-mentioned results, it is now possible to use stomach powder and fish by-products (internal organs) at a ratio of 33% as a partial substitute for animal protein in the diets of common carp fish in Iraq.
Feed conversion, efficiency, fish offal, Common carp fish.
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT RATIOS OF FISH BYPRODUCTS ADDED TO FROZEN AND DRIED ARTEMIA ON SOME FEEDING PARAMETERS AND PROTEIN CONTENT IN COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO L.)
The experiment was conducted in the Fish Laboratory for Postgraduate Studies at the University of Baghdad, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences. A total of 140 fish were used and reared for 70 days. The fish were randomly distributed into seven experimental groups. These groups included the addition of dried Artemia to the second, third, and fourth groups at a rate of 50% of fishmeal powder. Fish internal organ powder was added to the third and fourth groups at rates of 25% and 50%, respectively, of fishmeal powder. Frozen Artemia was also added to the fifth, sixth, and seventh groups at a rate of 50% of fishmeal powder, and fish internal organ powder was added to the sixth and seventh groups at rates of 25% and 50%, respectively, of fishmeal powder. The results showed that Treatment T6 exhibited superiority in feed conversion efficiency, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, apparent digestibility coefficient of the diet, apparent digestibility coefficient of protein, protein intake, and fecal appearance time. This indicates better utilization of added food, especially frozen Artemia at 50%, and fish by-products (internal organs) at 25%. Therefore, it can be concluded that using frozen and dried Artemia at 50% and fish by-products (internal organs) at 25% can be a good alternative to imported fishmeal in the feeding of common carp, contributing to the improvement of the studied traits.
Artemia, Fish by-products, Feed conversion efficiency.
EXTRACTION AND PURIFICATION OF LACCASE ENZYME FROM TERMITE GUTS
This study was conducted at the University of Baghdad, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, with the aim of extracting laccase enzyme from the bowels of termites. The concentration method was used by precipitation (with ammonium sulfate) with gradient saturation rates from 30% to 80%. The results showed that the highest effectiveness was at the saturation rate of 80%, reaching 5.991 units/mg, dialysis reaching 3.763 units/mg, and gel filtration reaching 7.644 units/mg. m and ion exchange amounted to 5.867 units/mg. The results of purification by gel filtration showed one distinct protein peak, and the ion exchange chromatography technique was used, as three protein peaks appeared, peak (1) representing the protein, and peak (2) representing the bound protein and it represents the laccase enzyme. After measuring the activity, one peak appeared, with an enzyme yield of 32.192. % and the number of purification times is 15,355. ​
Laccase, Extraction, Termite guts, Purification.
ESTIMATING THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE CORN STEM BORER, SESAMIA CRETICA LED. (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) TO SOME MAIZE VARIETIES
A field study was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Baghdad to assess the susceptibility of maize varieties (Baghdad, Fajr and Maha) to the corn stem borer, Sesamia cretica. The results showed that the varieties differed in their susceptibility to the corn borer, with a significant difference between the Baghdad variety, which was the most susceptible variety, and the other varieties. The highest infestation rate was 30.49% on the Baghdad variety, and the lowest infestation rate was 9.84% on the Maha variety. The highest percentage of dead heart was 17.63% on the Baghdad variety, and the lowest percentage was 12.57% on the Maha variety. The results showed that the Baghdad variety had the highest percentage of loss in plant height 16.86% , number of larvae 2.90 larvae/plant, number of tunnels 5.86 tunnel/plant, tunnel length 15.79 cm/tunnel, and percentage of excavated area 11.01%. The lowest percentages were for the Maha variety, which were 10.5%, 1.57 larvae/plant, 3.81 tunnel/plant, 9.24 cm/tunnel, and 6.51%, respectively.
Corn stem borer, excavated area, Maize varieties, Damage assessment
REPLACING SOYBEAN MEAL WITH Azolla pinnata AND ITS EFFECT ON SOME RUMEN CHARACTERISTICS AND BLOOD PARAMETER
This study was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences at the University of Baghdad. It lasted from November 15, 2022, until January 15, 2023. to determine the effect of replacing soybean meal with Azolla plant in the concentrated diet at a rate of 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% on the properties of rumen fluid, the number of bacteria and protozoa, the coefficient of digestion of nutrients, and some blood properties for Awassi lambs. Twenty Awassi lambs were used, their weights ranged between 18 and 19 kg and their ages ranged from 3 to 4 months. They were housed in individual cages and fed a concentrated feed at 2.5% of body weight in the morning meal while roughage (barley straw) was provided freely. The results showed that there were significant differences in the pH value of treatment T4 at the time of zero withdrawal of rumen fluid, as it was recorded at 7.74, while there were no significant differences between the treatments for the concentration of Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3-N) and Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA). The results showed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in the numbers of bacteria and protozoa in the rumen fluid of the T2 treatment compared to the control treatment.
Azolla plant, a wassi lambs, rumen fermentation, digestibility, blood parameters.
EXTRACTING AND IDENTIFYING SOME ACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM POMEGRANATE SEEDS AND BANANA PEELS AND THEIR INHIBITORY EFFECT ON SOME MICROORGANISMS
The study aimed to extract phenolic and flavonoid compounds from pomegranate seeds and banana peels by microwave technology, where the percentages of phenolic compounds in pomegranate seeds and banana peels were 40.60 and 32.27 mg GAE/g dry weight, respectively, while the flavonoid compounds were in pomegranate seeds and banana peels 2.48 and 17.8 mg catechins/g dry weight, and they were diagnosed using a High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) Technique device, and it was found that there is a number of phenolic compounds included (galic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic and ellagic acid), while flavonoid compounds included (catechins, quercetin, coumarin, and myricetin). and the inhibitory activity of the plant extracts was tested against a number of bacteria Escherichia coli (E.coli), Bacillus cereus(B.cereus), Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa), at three concentrations 3, 7and 10% which reached the highest inhibitory effectiveness of pomegranate seed extract and according to the order of its effect on bacteria as follows P.aeruginosa, E. coli, and finally B. cereus, as the diameter of the inhibition halo at a concentration of 10% reached 21 mm against P.aeruginosa bacteria, and pomegranate seed extract didn't show any inhibitory activity against S.aureus bacteria. Banana peel extract showed lower inhibitory efficacy than pomegranate seed extract, as the diameter of the inhibition halo against P.aeruginosa bacteria at a concentration of 10% to 11 mm, while the extract didn't show any inhibitory activity against B. cereus bacteria at any concentration. Pomegranate seed extract exceeded the highest concentration of phenolic substances in addition to containing a higher concentration of phenolic compounds and flavonoids diagnosed and had the highest inhibitory effectiveness against bacteria and molds.
Phenol, flavonoid. Microwave. Mold. Bacteria
EFFECT BIOCHEMICAL OF HEAT STRESS ON PLANT
Heat is one of the main environmental stresses that limits the growth, development and production of plants at the global level as a result of the negative effects it causes at different plant levels. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), is one of the biochemical effects of heat produced under aerobic conditions inside plant cells, in normal conditions they regulate cell signals and growth and there is a balance between is formed and is destroyed. However, under of various stresses including heat, this balance is disturbed and leads to the occurrence of disorders in the physiological processes of the plant and the destruction of cell components. The use of chemicals such as osmotic protection compounds, plant hormones, signaling molecules, nutrients, in addition to agricultural practices such as the optimal planting date, irrigation water scheduling, and seed priming process have contributed to reducing the harmful effect of heat and increasing the effectiveness of antioxidants in plants to counter the negative effects of ROS in shade of climate change.
Climate change, Heat stress, Biochemical effects, Free radicals
EFFECT OF DIETARY CALCIUM PROPIONATE SUPPLEMENTATION PRE- AND POST-PARTUM ON MILK YIELD PERSISTENCY OF IRAQI BUFFALOES AND SOME PRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF THEIR CALVES
This study was conducted to explore the effect of dietary calcium propionate (CP) supplementation on milk yield persistency (MYP) of Iraqi buffaloes and some productive traits of their calves (birth and weaning body weight, weight gain, and body measurements at birth and weaning). The experiment was executed at the Ruminant Research Station, Abu-Ghraib belonging to the Directorate of Animal Resources, Ministry of Agriculture from 10th May 2022 to 4th January 2023. Fifteen Iraqi dairy buffaloes; 6-7 years old were used and divided equally into three groups. The first group was regarded as the control group (T1) without any supplementation, whereas, 100 and 150 g of CP were added to the concentrate diet of the second (T2) and third (T3) groups. respectively for three experimental periods (7 hr. pre-partum and 24 hr. and 7 days’ post-partum). The T2 group exhibited the higher (P≤0.05) MYP (1.153 ± 0.12 kg/kg) than T1 (0.831 ± 0.08 kg/kg) and T3 (0.819 ± 0.07 kg/kg) groups. On the other hand, higher (P≤0.01) calves’ shoulder length was observed in T1 group (91.60 ± 1.88 cm) compared with T2 (81.60 ± 0.92 cm) and T3 (77.60 ± 2.85 cm) groups. In conclusion, adding of CP (100 g) to the concentrate diet of Iraqi buffaloes pre- and post-partum enhanced the MYP of Iraqi dairy buffaloes.
Calcium propionate, Milk yield persistency, Buffaloes
RESPONSE TWO APPLE TRANSPLANTS TO ADDITION VERMICOMPOST FERTILIZERS AND SPRAYING WITH ASCORBIC ACID ON SOME VEGETATIVE GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS.
In order to investigate effects of vermicompost fertilization and ascorbic acid spray on some distinctive vegetative growth of two apple transplants (Ibrahimi A1 and Sharabi A2) grown in plastic bags of 29cm diameter, experiment was carried out at research station in College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, during the growing season of 2022. 162 transplants were used in investigation, which also included fertilizing the soil with vermicompost at three different rates (0, 1, and 2 kg per transplant), and spraying the transplants with ascorbic acid at three different rates (0, 150, and 300 mg/L). The treatments were allocated romly based on the Roomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), and the experiment was designed in the split plot order of three replicates. Results showed the stem diameter was the only typical vegetative property where the two apple types did not significantly vary, with variety A2 being superior by a given stem diameter of 3.83mm. Vermicompost fertilization at a level of 2 kg per transplant-1 was preferable for all attributes examined, and for ascorbic acid spray treatments, a concentration of 300 ml was used. L-1 performed better at growing plant height, stem diameter, shoots number, and vegetative growth dry weight.
Ascorbic acid, Vermicompost, plant’s height, Shoots Length.
PRODUCTION OF NANO-BETAGLUCANS FROM BAKING YEAST Saccharomyces cerevisiae AND STUDYING SOME OF ITS PROPERTIES AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SOFT CHEESE
The inhibitory activity of the extracted and nano-betaglucan compound was estimated against pathogenic bacteria, as the average diameter of the inhibition zone at a concentration of 200 mg/mL gave the highest inhibitory activity for all types of isolates with significant differences at a probability level (P≤0.05), of which we singled out of Gram-positive bacteria when converting it into a nanocomposite. The results showed that there was no growth inhibition zone for lactic acid bacteria. The cytotoxicity of betaglucan nanocomposite was estimated, as it was observed in the Microculture Tetrazolium Test (MTT) that there were significant differences between the viability of cells in the Human dermal Fibroblast cell line (HdFn) (control treatment) and the concentrations of betaglucan nanocomposite at a probability level of 0.05, as the number of cells decreased. The presence of anticancer activities of the nanocomposite betaglucan produced in this study in the human breast cancer cell line Michigan Canner Foundation-7 (MCF-7), whose concentrations increase, the number of cells decreases, starting from (0) to (200) µg/mL. The nanocomposite betaglucan was added to the curd of soft cheese in proportions of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5%. All these treatments were subjected to chemical, microbial and sensory tests. The results were: A significant decrease in the percentage of moisture compared to the comparison treatment, the chemical indicators of soft cheese were monitored, which included (fat, protein, acidity and pH). Soft cheese models with added nano-betaglucan manufactured in general were characterized by a decrease in the number of bacteria, yeasts and molds contaminating the cheese compared to the comparison treatment during the storage period. The aforementioned results were generally reflected in the sensory evaluation results, as the highest scores were given for taste, flavor, texture, color, and appearance. on soft cheese samples (treatments T2, T3, and T4) respectively, compared to the control treatment (T1).
Nano betaglucan, Soft cheese, Saccharomyces cerevisiae
THE EFFECT OF BIOFERTILIZER AND AGRICULTURAL SULFUR LEVELS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD AND QUALITY OF BROCCOLI
A field experiment was conducted in an experimental field affiliated with the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadriya, during the fall season of 2022. Split plot arrangement in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) of three replicates was used comprising three levels of sulfur (0, 500, and 1000 kg ha-1) symbolized by S0, S1, and S2 forming the main plots, added to the soil before planting before two months, while the subplots were the bio-fertilizers represented by B0 and B1. Results showed the superiority of the second level of agricultural sulfur, giving the highest traits involving the plant height reaching 79.2 cm, chlorophyll content that was 91.1 SPAD, total yield was 44.0 mg ha-1 and protein content was 18.38%. The biofertilization was also superior in giving the highest traits involving the plant height was 80.2 cm, chlorophyll content was 98.9 SPAD and flower disc diameter was 23. 53 cm, total yield was 43.6 mg ha-1 and protein content was 18.94%, the concentration of the active substance sulforaphane in flower disc was 38.1 mg kg-1 fresh weight. For the binary interaction, the treatment of biofertilization with the third level of agricultural sulfur was superior, giving the highest values for the qualities in the plant height was 81.5 cm and the flower disc diameter was 23. 92 cm and the total yield was 45.7 mg ha-1, the percentage of protein in the amount of 19.31% and the concentration of the active substance sulforaphane in flower disk was 47.8 mg kg-1 fresh weight.
Agricultural sulfur, Biofertilizers, Broccoli