In the presented research, four recorded species of the genus Silene belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae attained as newly added species to science in the Iraqi flora. The current work involved the study of the morphological features of the vegetative and floral parts of these new species recorded in Iraq. The newly identified species were S. muscipula, S. nocturna, S. latifolia, and S. sedoides, belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae. The collected samples of the different landraces came from separate locations in the Northern Iraqi Mountains. The study also recorded information on locations, longitude, latitude, and collection dates. The diagnosis of four species and their naming relied on flora from neighboring countries, such as the Flora Iranica and Flora of South Africa. After confirmation, the description assessment of vital parts of the new plant species included the shape, leaf venation, length, shape, and calyx tube venation, the modification shapes, appendages of coronal scales petals, and pistil structures. The plant part images of the different landraces also enhanced the morphological characteristics of these new species under study.

Keywords: Caryophyllaceae, Silene, taxonomy, morphology

Key findings: The latest investigation studied the morphological characteristics of four newly registered species belonging to the genus Silene L., with the record of these new species also added to the Flora of Iraq.

Durio testudinarius is an indigenous durian species classified under the Malvaceae family, primarily distributed within the Borneo region. It has a specific feature of bearing fruit from the main trunk. Understanding its genetic diversity is crucial for its utilization. This study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of five D. testudinarius accessions from West Kalimantan. A sample of D. testudinarius from five West Kalimantan populations, six Durio species (D. graveolens, D. acutifolius, D. lanceolatus, D. dulcis, D. kutejensis, and D. oxleyanus) and 17 Durio species NCBI dataset underwent genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis using DNA barcoding markers from three chloroplast regions (matK, rbcL, and trnL-trnF intergenic spacer) and a nuclear DNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region. The ClustalW alignment of the five D. testudinarius accessions revealed limited nucleotide variation in the chloroplast regions but significant variation in the ITS region, relating to genetic variation in the nuclear genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that D. testudinarius is genetically more similar to D. beccarianus, which confirms that they flower on the trunk. This DNA barcoding data improves genetic libraries and assists conservation and breeding programs by revealing D. testudinarius and related species’ genetic variation.

Keywords: Chloroplast marker, ITS spacer, nucleotide variation, species phylogenetic

Key findings: This research offers valuable insights into genetic variation by providing DNA barcoding sequence data on four barcodes for D. testudinarius from West Kalimantan. This contribution enriches existing DNA libraries, supporting conservation efforts and plant breeding programs.

The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis. Jacq) is classifiable into two types based on its fruit color pigmentation—virescens, and nigrescens. Virescent fruits are green at the early stage, and then turn bright orange after ripening. Meanwhile, the nigrescent fruit color is dark purple during fruit formation and soon becomes red and purple after ripening. The heredity of virescent traits is favorable in detecting the ripeness of oil palm fruit bunches. The presented study determined the genetic structure characteristics of oil palms in the Nigerian and Angolan populations based on the Virescens (Vir) gene sequence. The 202 palm landraces used included 172 from Angola and 30 from Nigeria (1X and 5X). The young tissues of each palm served for DNA extraction. DNA analysis used a single fragment of a Vir gene, totaling 180 bp of DNA sequence. The results showed that a specific haplotype was prominent in the Nigerian and Angolan populations. The average genetic distance of the population was 0.0031 ± 0.0010. However, the highest genetic distance resulted in the Nigerian population 1X (0.0058 ± 0.0022). The lowest one was in the Angolan population (0.0024 ± 0.0012). The landraces were similar in several haplotypes; however, the Angolan population had more haplotypes than the Nigerian population. The Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic tree showed that landraces clustered based on their haplotypes, but this classification did not match the population.

Keywords: Nigerian and Angolan oil palm (E. guineensis), diversity, fruit color, genetic distance, Vir gene, DNA sequencing

Key findings: The results indicated that fruit color-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) characterized the oil palm (E. guineensis) diversity; however, it did not form a cluster in the population.

The development of sorghum breeding must continue with an assessment of genetic parameters in developing sorghum lines. Hence, the presented study sought to estimate the genetic variation, heritability, and gain in the selected F3 populations obtained by crossing the sorghum parental genotypes ‘Bioguma-1’ and ‘Gando keta.’ The study transpired from June to October 2022 in the experimental field of Citayam Depok, Indonesia. Plant materials consisted of 160 lines from 18 selected genotypes in F2 using an augmented experimental design, with ‘Bioguma-1’ and ‘Gando keta’ as checks and parents. Based on performance, the selection of sorghum lines G01 (4-1), G02 (1-5), G03 (3-3), G04 (3-4), G05 (3-6), and G06 (3-8) proceeded for evaluation in the next generation for seed weight traits and similarity traits to cultivar Bioguma-1. The predicted genetic gain in the F4 populations will further enhance seed weight compared with the F3 populations and parental lines by 33.3% and, consequently, the superior sorghum genotypes for releasing as new cultivars with high yield components, broader stem and panicle diameter, and shorter plant.

Keywords: Bioguma-1, Gando keta, genetic gain, segregating populations, Sorghum bicolor

Key findings: The sorghum’s promising F3 lines revealed wide genetic variations and high heritability for plant height, wet and dry panicle weights, and seed weight traits. Several F3 lines selected for further studies in the next generation were on seed weight traits and their similarity to the parental cultivar Bioguma-1. In F4 populations, the expected genetic gain will further enhance seed weight compared with the F3 populations and parental lines and release them as superior sorghum cultivars.

Potato virus M (PVM) is one of the most widespread and economically damaging viruses worldwide, along with X, Y, S, A, and L. Therefore, outcomes of the monitoring surveys carried out in potato fields during this study showed numerous disease symptoms visible on potato plants, such as boat-shaped curling of leaf tips, mosaic twisting, leaf swelling, striped mosaic along the veins, and spotted mosaic. The diseased sample collections from potato plants and the molecular and genetic identification progressed based on the PVM protein coat (CP) gene. The results revealed that the boat-shaped curling and mosaic symptoms were PVM’s typical signs. The isolates’ identification continued through PCR product sequencing, and their submission in the NCBI database received a PP235793.1 tag and the name PVM-Uz-AY1. The phylogenetic analysis of the identified isolates showed that the said isolate was 98% related to the isolate GQ469609.1, and the rest to isolates, such as VF-Nevsky2 (LC511899.1), FE-Queen_anne10 (LC511893.1), and KC479342.1. Those located on other phylogenetic branches were KF561611.1, KF561603.1, and KF561608.1, which appeared to share 99% homology. In addition, the study identified the virus using the Real Time-PCR method, obtaining reliable results.

Keywords: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), PVM, isolate, RT-PCR, CP gene, PVM-Uz-AY1, primer, phylogenic analysis, Uzbekistan

Key findings: PVM-Uz-AY1 isolate of the PVM infecting potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) succeeded in identification using RT-PCR. The nucleotide sequence study of the CP gene responsible for this virus’ protein coat was intensive. The construction of a phylogenetic tree of the PVM-Uz-AY1 isolate occurred based on the bioinformatic analysis, determining the evolutionary origin of the virus.

The Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) is one of the most economically significant viruses from the Luteoviridae family that infects most crop plants of the family Poaceae. The presented study sought to molecularly identify BYDV in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and evaluate the genetic diversity of its CP (coat protein) gene concerning other strains worldwide. Plant samples collected from proso millet fields in the Navoiy Region, Uzbekistan, incurred BYDV-PAV RT-PCR for the CP gene. The results authenticated the presence of a BYDV-PAV strain in the collected samples. The identified nucleotide sequence of BYDV-PAV isolate T-UZB2 proceeded to deposit in the GenBank database. BLASTN analysis of this sequence showed the highest genetic similarity (98.75%) with the Pakistan PAV-type isolate PK3 (JX473288.1). Phylogenic analysis and multiple sequence alignment revealed that four mutation events (268G>A, 440A>C, 450A>C, and 464C>T) involving the BYDV-PAV isolate Pk3 Pakistan have considerably contributed to the evolutionary history of PAV T-UZB2 Uzbekistan haplotype. SMV identification can help control pathogens and reduce their impact on the soybean crop in Uzbekistan.

Keywords: Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) survey, barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), RT-PCR, CP gene, phylogenic analysis, Navoiy Region, Uzbekistan

Key findings: The BYDV-PAV isolate detection in Uzbekistan occurred by RT-PCR in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.). The nucleotide sequence of the coat protein gene of this isolate reached recognition. Phylogenic analysis revealed its close relationship with the Pakistan PAV-type isolate PK3 (JX473288.1).

This study conducted in 2020–2021 sought to determine the impact of NPK fertilizer with three levels (F₀: 0, F₁: 900 g, F₂: 1300 g) and three levels of pruning at the ratio of P₁: 5, P₂: 7, and P₃: 9 leaves/bunch, to improve the fruit and quality of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cv. “Khastawi,” held at the Al-Zahfaraniah Palm Station, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq. Executing the study as a factorial experiment (3 × 3) within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) had three replications. Every two date palms as an experimental unit setup came from 54 trees aged 16 years and, as much as possible, homogeneous in growth characteristics. The experimental results showed that NPK fertilization at the F₂ level was superior in all studied traits, including fruit set, weight, width, length, volume, seed and bunch weights, and total yield. The pruning treatment (P3) was significantly superior by giving the highest fruit set, width, and length values, whereas F₀ and P₂ treatments gave the lowest average for these traits. Furthermore, the interaction of F₂P₃ provided the highest rates in fruit weight, length, volume, seed, and bunch weights, and total yield, while the F₀P₁ treatment gave the lowest values.

Keywords: Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), NPK fertilization, pruning, fruit trait, fruit yield, fruit quality

Key findings: The studied traits increased significantly, especially the qualitative fruit traits and the yield of the date palm Khastawi cultivar, especially when adding the NPK fertilizer at a concentration of 1300 g and keeping nine leaves for each bunch.

The presented research carried out in the growing season of 2020 at the Department of Horticulture and Landscape, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, Iraq, investigated the impact of mineral (chemical) and organic (birds) fertilization and foliar application of the humic acid on the active substances of the moringa (Moringa oleifera) plant leaves. The treatments included an organic fertilizer (300 g plant^-1), mineral fertilizer DAP (225 g plant^-1), and humic acid (3000 ppm). The experiment ran in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that adding organic and mineral fertilizers and foliar application of humic acid affected and increased flavonoids significantly in moringa plant leaves, such as, six flavonoid components, i.e., catechin, quercetin, luteolin, rutin, apigenin, and kaempferol, amounting to 73.83, 21.51, 3.344, 20.55, 7.53, and 2.09 μg L^-1, respectively, compared with the control treatment (2.56, 3.22, 1.304, 2.25, 1.88, and 0.29 ppm, respectively).

Keywords: Moringa Moringa oleifera L., organic and mineral fertilizers, humic acid, flavonoids, leaf chemical composition

Key findings: The addition of organic and mineral fertilizer and foliar application of humic acid significantly affected the leaf chemical composition by increasing the active elements in the leaves of the moringa plant, such as various flavonoids, i.e., catechin, quercetin, luteolin, rutin, apigenin, and kaempferol.

Pea (Pisum sativum L.), a highly nutritious vegetable, is extremely sensitive to salt stress conditions. A pot study evaluated four pea genotypes (Samrina Zard, Climax, Ambassador, and Green Arrow) by exposing them to control, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.0 dS m^-1 by applying NaCl, Na₂SO₄, MgSO₄, and CaCl₂ salts. The pots under a completely randomized design (CRD) layout had four replications. Immense genetic variations occurred among the pea genotypes under salt stress. Samrina Zard showed better physiological (transpiration and photosynthesis rates, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and chlorophyll) and morphological traits (shoot/root length, shoot/root dry weight, number of leaves per plant, and leaf area). Genotype Samrina Zard significantly maintained the highest percentage of shoot length (14.54%), root length (28.28%), shoot dry weight (19.58%), root dry weight (36.36%), number of leaves (27.24%), and leaf area (21.59%) at a higher level of salinity 7 dS m-¹ compared with the control and all other treatments. In contrast, the Ambassador genotype was categorically salt-sensitive based on the least percentage increase in shoot length (22.42%), dry weight of shoot (67.57%), dry weight of root (59.59%), number of leaves (47.69%) and leaf area (23.72%). However, salinity reduced the physiological attributes in both genotypes. Regardless of salt treatments, Samrina Zard performed better than Ambassador regarding photosynthesis (48.07%), transpiration rate (18.76%), stomatal conductance (45.42%), water use efficiency (55.88%), and chlorophyll contents (29.44%). According to study findings, Samrina Zard performed best against salinity stress.

Keywords: Pea (Pisum sativum L.), genotypes, salt stress conditions, genetic variation, morphological and physiological traits, plant growth, leaf area, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance

Key findings: This study focused on screening pea genotypes against salinity. The genotype Samrina Zard performed better in saline-sodic soil. Genotype Samrina Zard revealed best suited to arid and semi-arid regions with insufficient freshwater resources.

Brackish water used for irrigation in shortage of appropriate soil-water-crop practices often constitutes salinity in the soil profile. Canal irrigation water is scarce to aid agriculture; thus, a supplementary water supply requires accessibility from drainage water. In Pakistan, groundwater is brackish because of elevated levels of electrical conductivity (EC), residual sodium carbonates (RSC), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). But these waters can benefit well for irrigation during the primary phase of saline-sodic soil’s reclamation, if employing appropriate management practices, such as, chemical and organic amendments. A pot trial procedure ran under environmental conditions at the research area of the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, to assess the effect of sodic water with various amendments on sorghum and berseem fodder crops. The pot experiment comprised seven treatments, including T₁ = Control having canal water with SAR 0.1 and EC 0.2 dS m^-1; T₂ = Sodic water with SAR 15; T₃ = Sodic water (SAR 15) + Gypsum; T₄ = Sodic water (SAR 15) + H₂SO₄; T₅ = Sodic water (SAR 15) + compost; T₆ = Sodic water (SAR 15) + FYM; T₇ = Sodic water (SAR 15) + poultry manure, with three replicates under complete randomized design (CRD) by sowing sorghum “JS-88” and berseem “Hisar Berseem 1” cultivars taken from the Fodder Research Institute (FRI), Sargodha. The agronomic and fodder quality attributes were maximum in T₃ treatment in sorghum compared with other concentrations and berseem. In both crops, mineral nutrients were variable, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were maximum in T5, compared with others.

Keywords: Fodder crops, berseem, sorghum, chemical and organic amendments, brackish water, canal water, gypsum

Key findings: The application of sodic water alone as irrigation impaired the properties of soil, agronomic, and mineral nutrients, and quality parameters of fodder crops. The safe determination that sodic water usage with gypsum amendment proved superior to all other alterations being the most extensively used amendment due to its less cost, general obtainability, and more supply of calcium (Ca²⁺) for an extended period, tailed by leaching of salts by improving sodic soils.