Abstract: Maize, Zea mays L. is an economic cereal in Egypt. Numerous pests infested maize, but only a few of them caused high crop losses, such as FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda. Therefore, this study is urgent to determine: the effect of chitin synthesis inhibitors on FAW larvae, and evaluate LC90 efficiency of CSIs on maize under the field. In this study, the mortality percentage increased with increasing exposure time to CSIs. Moreover, LC50 for hexaflumuron was low (0.487 mg/L), followed by flufenoxuron (0.5712 mg/L) on the 2nd larva. On the 4th larva, hexaflumuron and diflubenzuron were more lethal than other CSIs. LC90 of all CSIs ranged between 1.3815 5.0569; and 1.024514.6923 mg/L on the 2nd and 4th larvae, respectively. Results were elucidated that the toxicity index was low by novaluron and lufenuron treatments with high resistance ratios, respectively. However, it had a high value with diflubenzuron, followed by novaluron, with a few resistance ratios when compared with hexaflumuron, respectively. In field experiments, data showed that flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron and diflubenzuron could be used as recommended insecticides to FAW control, however, chlorfluazuron, lufenuron and novaluron were the lowest ones on maize. On the response of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids to CSIs, diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron and flufenoxuron caused the lowest significant reduction in protein. Wherever, the highest significant protein value was recorded with chlorfluazuron and lufenuron. The values of chitinase, phenoloxidase and carboxylesterase indicated a clear disturbance in physiological aspects for larvae. Now, CSIs are used for developing eco-friendly FAW management.

Abstract: Duckweed grown in the water treatment unit of the Nineveh Pharmaceutical Factory contribute to reducing the level of pollution, and are used as a partial substitute for animal protein in common carp fingerling diets, in a growth experiment that lasted for 56 days, where the replacement rates reached 16.67, 33.33, and 50%, that is, a replacement rate, 0%, 2.6%, 5.2%, and 7.8% for treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4 of the total diet, respectively. The results of the statistical analysis showed that the fishes that fed the third diet were significantly superior (P≤0.05) to the other experimental diets in terms of criteria, final weight, total growth, daily gain, relative and specific growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency ratio, and protein efficiency ratio compared to the control treatment. The results showed that the highest percentage of pollutant removal from the water cleared from the treatment unit was in the spring season, which was represented by both total solids and phosphate compared to the winter and autumn seasons, while the highest percentage of nitrates was in the autumn season. It is clear from what was mentioned above that it is possible to partially replace duckweed with animal protein and that it is effective in reducing pollution of the water discharged from the process unit of the pharmaceutical factory.

Abstract: This study included one type of forest insect in the Nineveh of northern Iraq, which is plant sap suckers that infect a group of forest trees, including Populus Euphratica and P.deltoides. The results showed a variation in the killing rate resulting from treating poplar leaf nymph aphids with phenols of the study tree species according to the type of tree, concentration, and insect phase. The phenols of the Euphratica poplar leaves excelled on average, with the killing rate of the American type being 62.01 and 56.49% at a concentration of 10%, respectively. For Alkaloids, it was 47.21 and 43.3% for P.euphratica and P.deltoides, respectively. Meanwhile, terpenes were 43.21 and 37.69%. The average percentage of expulsion reached 36.89% in the nymph phase of P. euphratica at a concentration of 10%. The study showed significant superiority of the Alkaloids of Euphratica poplar and the average expulsion percentage over the Alkaloids of the other types. The average percentage of expulsion was 32.69% in the nymph phase at a concentration of 10%. The Euphratica poplar Terpenes outperformed the average kill rate over the Terpenes of the other type, with an average expulsion ratio of 29.92% in the nymph phase at a concentration of 10%.

Abstract: The study used some biological control components and evaluated them against the two-spotted mite Tetranychius urticae Koch. on eggplant and pepper crops in the spring season in Salah al-Din Government, Iraq. The laboratory study included a compatibility study between the biopesticide Vertimec and the two fungi Metarhizium and Beauveria, as well as alcoholic and aqueous oleander leaf extracts. The results were positive and caused an increase in the colony area of the two fungi at concentrations below the recommended levels; the Beauveria fungus is activated by the aqueous extract of the oleander plant at a rate of 0.5 ml/l. The colony area was 29.5 cm2, while the colony area for comparison was 24.64 cm2. The sub-mixtures recommended from the compatibility results were adopted to combat eggplant and pepper fields infected with economically essential pests. The compatibility between the biopesticide Vertimec and two biopesticides, Metarism and Beauveria, showed the highest killing value, as it gave the eggplant plants treated with (Metarism+Vertimec pesticide) at a concentration of 1 ml/1 ml for the two periods after one and three days. Tthe highest corrected percentage for killing, it reached (92.33 and, 96.77) mites. As for pepper plants, the combination between (Metarrhizm+Vertemic pesticide) succeeded in sub-lethal rates (ml/1 ml/liter), which after three days were subjected to the highest kill rates of (100) % of mites. The study's findings are an effective way to combat this pest and the field of integrated management to combat it and implement sustainable agriculture using environmentally friendly pesticides.

Abstract: The study aimed to demonstrate the nutritional value of banana peels. The analysis of the chemical composition of banana peels showed that the percentage of moisture, fat, protein, ash, and carbohydrates reached 3.97, 2.90, 7.23, 9.07, and 76.83%, respectively. The total phenols in the ethanolic and methanolic extracts were 240.58 and 212.4 mg GAE/100 g, respectively, with an IC50 value of 2.39 µg/ml for banana peels. HPLC analysis revealed gallic acid, Rutin, Ferulic acid, Apigenin, Catechine, and Qurcetine in banana peels. They also contain vitamins (C, A, E, B6) and minerals (Na, P, Ca, Cu, Mg, K). Replacing cookies with different proportions of banana peels showed a change in the chemical estimates of its components. The percentages of moisture, fat, protein, ash, and carbohydrates ranged between (5.42 - 8.21) %, (23.62 - 23.87) %, (9.35 - 15.99) %, (4.39 - 5.90) %, and (50.33 -52.92) %, respectively. The substitution's effect on the cookie product's physical properties was (diameter 4.26-4.33 cm, thickness 1.45-1.62 cm, diffusion ratio 2.65-2.67). The antioxidant properties also increased significantly, as the total phenolic content ranged between 16.14−21.65 mg GAE/100 g, and the antioxidant activity ranged between 53.80−73.71% in the cookie product to which different concentrations of banana peel powder were added. Sensory evaluation of cookies with 5 and 7.5% banana peel powder revealed positive qualities.

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the quality and storability of the orange fruit cv. Diyala after 60 days of storage at 6±1°C and 90% RH under aqueous ozone at 4 mg L-1 or 15% Aloe vera gel. The fruit packaging was applied in three types: without packing, perforated plastic bags, and paper wrapping bags. The experiment was performed in a complete randomized design with three replicates. These parameters were studied: weight loss, respiration rate, moisture content, firmness, pH, juice, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, TSS/TA, total sugar, ascorbic acid, and total carotenoids. Results indicated that the lowest weight loss in orange fruits was recorded for the 15% Aloe vera + Perforated plastic bag (7.17%), the minimum respiration rate was recorded for the 15% Aloe vera + Perforated plastic bag (8.96 mg CO2 kg-1 h-1), the same treatment had the most significant effect on the moisture content (80.55%), all treatments significantly affected on the firmness of orange fruits. The aqueous ozone + Perforated plastic bag treatments were significantly superior to the control treatment on the pH value. On the other hand, the highest juice percentage was recorded from the control treatment—the total titratable acidity obtained in aqueous ozone + 15% Aloe vera (0.72%). Furthermore, 15% Aloe vera + without packaging significantly affected the ascorbic acid content of oranges. The aqueous ozone + 15% Aloe vera + fruit wrapping paper bag treatment greatly affected the total sugar and carotenoid contents.

Abstract: The research aimed to identify and characterize six samples of P. chrysogenum isolated from pomegranate fruits in Duhok City – Iraq. The study used morphological, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region anitsd PCR-RFLP markers. The morphological examination revealed consistent characteristics across all six samples, indicating their classification as P. chrysogenum. The macroscopic features showed dense, blue-green colonies with a velvety texture, revealing brush-like conidiophores and distinctive conidia structures. Molecular analysis of the ITS region showed an approximately 600bp band that confirmed the morphological identification, providing additional support for the presence of P. chrysogenum in the pomegranate samples. The obtained sequences using 28S rRNA partial gene of 1200bp showed a high degree of similarity with known P. chrysogenum reference sequences, further validating the identification. Furthermore, the enzymes Rsa I, Hae III, and Alu I were chosen to study the restriction site amplification of the affected ITS region of all examined P. chrysogenum. The results showed significant identical amplified bands among the studied isolates. This study may pave the way for the distribution of P. chrysogenum pathogens in Duhok City and highlights the importance of integrating molecular and morphological techniques for accurate identification.

Abstract: The present study is intended to assess the type and content of 16 specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bottled drinking water available in Iraqi local markets (The study included eight local brands, one tap water sample, and three imported brands). The evaluation is conducted using gas chromatography, and the results are compared against the standards set by US Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization. The results indicate that most of the samples of bottled drinking water in Iraqi local markets contained  polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) compounds, sample 1 contained ∑PAHs High (2.21 µg/L) and highest content of Acenaphthylene and Anthracene of concentrations 0.445 and 0.325 µg/L respectively , sample 5 contained ∑PAHs Low (0.99 µg/L), the presence of the naphthalene compound (2 rings) was observed in most of the study samples, and sample 1 contained the highest concentration (0.275 µg/L), the content of tricyclic compounds (3 rings) prevailing in most samples 31.25%, quaternary compounds (4 rings) 18.75%, five-cyclic compounds (5 rings) 12.5%, hexacyclic (6.25%). The absence of compounds such as Dibenzo (A, H) anthracene, Chrysene, Benzo (A) Pyrene, Benzo (G, H) Perylene and Benzo (K) Fluoranthenen in all the samples is a positive finding. While the compounds Anthracene, Phenanthrene (3 rings), and Benzo (A) Anthracene (5 rings), were present and did not conform to the standard specifications of US Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization in more than 50% of studied samples.

Abstract: In this study, experimental work was undertaken to investigate the engineering factors that influence the agricultural residual chopping machine's performance for producing unconventional feed. The research was conducted at the Textile Agriculture Laboratory, Al-Rasheed Municipality, Baghdad- Iraq. Two types of chopping knives (smooth edges and serrated), two feeding speeds (5.5 and 9.5 rpm), and two types of agricultural Residuals (corn stalks and palm fronds) were used for investigation. The technical parameters evaluated comprised productivity, total required power, cutting efficiency, and fuel consumption. The moisture content of corn stalks was 56% and palm fronds 34%. The results showed that the serrated knife was the most effective achieving the highest productivity of 109.60 kg.h-1, the minimal total power consumption of 7.00 kW, and the lowest fuel consumption of 2.22 l.h-1. Additionally, the lower feeding speed of 5.5 rpm resulted in the highest cutting efficiency at 66.90%, the lowest power requirement at 7.20 kW, and the lowest fuel consumption at 2.28 l.h-1. Among the materials used, corn stalk exhibited the highest cutting efficiency at 72.41%, the lowest total power requirement at 7.00 kW, and the lowest fuel consumption at 2.22 l.h-1.

Abstract: The study used 20 Awassi lambs with an average weight of 25.65 ± 3.29 kg and ages between 4-5 months. The lambs in all groups were fed the basal diet without any additives in the first group (control). In the second group, lambs were fed a basal diet in addition to 30 g/lamb of raw fenugreek seeds (RF); in the third and fourth groups, lambs were fed a basal diet with heat-treated (HF) and germinated seeds (GF). The results showed insignificant differences in final body weight and daily gain, feed efficiency was lowered in all fenugreek treatments as compared control, the lambs fed with (HF) had better feed efficiency within fenugreek treatments. Dressing percentage was higher (P≤0.05) in GF (52.47%) as compared to control (49.32%) and RF (48.98%). Back fat thickness decreased in all fenugreek treatments compared to the control. Tail and total fat were not affected significantly with treatments. Fat percent in ribs 9-10-11 was higher (P≤0.05) in RF and HF groups (35.19 and 32.15%) as compared with control (25.32%), while the value in GF (27.32%) was close to the control. In addition, germination and heat treatments of fenugreek seeds led to an alteration in chemical composition and change in bioactive compounds compared to raw seeds. The most critical change observed is the decrease in oxalate compounds in the heat-treated fenugreek compared to other treatments. In conclusion, fenugreek seeds in 30 g/lamb daily had a detrimental effect on productive performance, and treated with heat or germination reduced the adverse impact of raw seeds.

Abstract: This study was done in Molecular Biology and Plant Tissue Culture labs at the research center, College of Science, Duhok University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, from August 2021 to September 2023. Shoot tips were used as an explanation in this study. Optimal sterilization was achieved when 70% (v/v) ethanol was used for 2 minutes, then explants were soaked in 2.5% (v/v) of NaOCl for 20 minutes. The better medium for initiation was MS supplied with 1.0 mgL-1 BA + 0.05 mgL-1 of NAA, which increased shoot number to (2.60), BA at 2.0 mgL-1 + NAA at 0.5 mgL-1 gave (2.60) number of nodes. At the multiplication stage, a combination of BA at 6.0 mgL-1 + NAA at 1.0 mgL-1 produced the best numbers (2.50) shoots/ explant, the highest number (2.06) of nodes produced on (MS) medium contained both BA at 2.0 mgL-1 + NAA at 2.0 mgL-1. However, there was no significant difference between MS and WPM media regarding multiplication rate. In vitro, roots were developed when WPM contained 0.5 mgL-1 IBA. An autoclaved mixture of peat moss and loam at a ratio (1:0.5) (v: v) was used for plant acclimatization with an 80- 85 % survival rate. Twenty-four SRAP primers were used to test the uniformity and stability of micro-propagated plants. No polymorphism was found, indicating the genetic stability of micro-propagated plants.

Abstract: The study examines the complex relationship between growth hormone (GH) and thyroid hormones in hypo and hyperthyroid conditions in premature male rats, concentrating on the physiological impacts of hormonal alterations and genetic effects. It was done in an animal housing facility at the University of Mosul Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. A study of 50 male rats, 30 days old and weighing 160 ± 5g, was conducted over 21 days. The first control group (G1) received normal saline subcutaneously. The second group (G2) induced by growth hormone deficiency via sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (SDDT) subcutaneously, the third group (G3) were given a growth hormone drug (Norditropin) subcutaneously, while fourth group (G4) induced hypothyroidism by Propylthiouracil (PTU) orally, and the fifth group (G5) induced hyperthyroidism by (Levothyroxine) orally. This experiment showed that thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) has a high significance value at p>0.05 in G4 and G2 compared to G1. However, Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxin (T4) are significant in G3 and G5. Regarding Reverse Triiodothyronine (rT3) in G3 and G4 display highest level in contrast to the other groups. Thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) and Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) were greatest in G4, whereas growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 were highest in G2 and G5. The gene expression results showed that GH and IGF-1are up-regulated in comparison to the rest of the groups by using a modified conventional PCR with the formula. In conclusion, one hormonal agent system may significantly affect other hormonal activities, stressing the need for a complete endocrine approach. 

Abstract: A study was done during two consecutive seasons of 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 to study the effects of humic acid (HU 4, 8, and 12 kg/hectare) as the main plot and BM (Azotobacter chrococum, Azospirulm Brasiliense, and Bacillus polymaxa) and algae extracts (ALG) as the subplot as well as their interactions on plant growth. The design of the experiment was a split plot, including 16 treatments and three replicates. The results showed that the growth parameters, fruit yield measurement, and oil production were noticeably enhanced using humic acid and biostimulants (BM and ALG). In this concern, the high-rise values were obtained by utilizing the high level of HU (12 kg/hectare) with bio-fertilizer (BM + ALG) application compared with control during both seasons. Also, GCMS analysis of the volatile oil revealed that HU and a mixture of bacteria and algae extract had improved the primary volatile oil components of coriander (Linalool - α-Pinene - γ-Terpinene - P-Cymene - Geranial Acetate).