The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of silver nanoparticles, synthesized from strawberry fruit extract, in inhibiting the growth of fungi responsible for spot and blight diseases in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The research identified 18 species of fungi linked to these symptoms on tomato foliage, notably Alternaria alternata, Alternaria solani, Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Scytalidium lignospora, using molecular ITS1-ITS4 gene analysis. The characterization of silver nanoparticles, with a size of 61.87 nanometers, proceeded through ultraviolet-visible and zeta potential measurements. Findings indicated these biosynthesized silver nanoparticles hindered the growth of all tested fungi. Notably, they exhibited greater efficacy against Cladosporium, with its growth inhibited by 86.4%. Inhibition percentages for other pathogenic fungi ranged between 75.06% and 81.11%.

Keywords: Tomato (S. lycopersicum L.), nanotechnology, plant diseases, silver nanoparticles

Key findings: The study found biosynthesized silver nanoparticles effectively inhibited the growth of various fungal pathogens responsible for spot and blight diseases in tomato (S. lycopersicum L.). Their notable efficacy against Cladosporium reached an inhibition rate of 86.4% and demonstrated a correlation between nanoparticle concentration and effectiveness.

Four species of Salvia L., S. palaestina, S. spinosa, S. compressa, and S. multicaulis, sustained scrutiny by the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) fragments (ITS1, 5.8S rRNA gene, and ITS4) analysis with Ocimum basilicum to identify and explore their phylogenetic relationship based on many morphologically investigated properties. The analysis of the phylogenetic tree revealed that Salvia L. is a polyphyletic genera, indicating varying degrees of genetic relatedness among Salvia spp. and clearly distinct from Ocimum basilicum. This genetic differentiation is highly consistent with the obtained morphological data, which provide valuable insights into the evolutionary relationships between both genera and among Salvia spp. The observed genetic diversity highlights the reasons beyond morphological modification, including the number of biotic and abiotic environmental factors. Several characters, such as the calyx shape, corolla shape, and stamen features, revealed valuable taxonomic importance of the infrageneric and interspecific differentiating. The newly recorded ITS sequences attained the NCBI GenBank deposit to enrich the species database for more future investigations. The ITS markers represent the most preservative and useful taxonomic tools. Breeding approaches can employ genetic divergence and broad taxonomic phylogeny for Lamiaceae genera.

Keywords: Salvia, Ocimum, species, morphological traits, ITS, phylogenetic tree

Key findings: Morphological analysis of four Salvia spp. and Ocimum basilicum revealed many features of significant taxonomic importance. Molecular analysis based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer regions (nrITS) results in the identification of studied taxa, with the new accessions deposited in the NCBI GenBank and construction of a phylogenetic tree.

Determining the effect of foliar spraying of moringa silver nanoparticles synthesized from aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera on the growth, yield, and carotene content of four genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.) was this study’s aim. The research, carried out during the spring of 2022–2023, occurred at the Governorate of Kerbala, Kerbala, Iraq. The experiment, conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), had a split-plot arrangement and three replicates. The main plots included the foliar application of moringa silver nanoparticles with four concentrations (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg L^-¹), while the subplots comprised four maize genotypes, i.e., NadH-9055, NadH-362, NadH-386, and NadH-315. The results showed the nano-moringa extracts (400 and 600 mg L^-1) caused a significant increase in leaf area and 500-grain weight, while an increased concentration (600 mg L^-1) exceeded for grain yield and total carotene content. The outcomes also revealed the maize genotype Nadh-315 was superior in leaf area compared with the rest of the genotypes. The genotype Nadh-362 was excellent in the 500-grain weight and grain yield. The results enunciated that moringa silver nanoparticles positively affected the growth traits of maize genotypes that differed in their color intensity, which positively reflects on yield traits and carotene content.

Keywords: Maize (Z. mays L.), genotypes, moringa silver nanoparticles, growth and yield traits, leaf area, carotene content

Key findings: The concentration of moringa silver nanoparticles (600 mg L^-1) emerged superior in maize grain yield and carotene content. The maize cultivar NadH-9055 also excelled over other genotypes for most traits.

The presented study aimed to determine the effects of nano-selenium foliar application and types of irrigation water on growth traits of three citrus (C. aurantium, C. volkameriana, and C. aurantifolia) rootstocks. The research started in 2023 at the canopy of the Kerbala-certified citrus nursery, Holy Kerbala Governorate, Iraq. The experiment, laid out in a randomized complete block design, had a split-plot arrangement of three factors and three replications. The first factor was two types of water, i.e., river water and well water, placed in main plots. The second factor (subplot) was the seedlings grown from seeds of three types of Citrus rootstocks, i.e., sour orange, volkameriana, and lime. The third factor (sub-subplot) was the foliar application of nano-selenium with three concentrations (0, 1, and 2 mg L^-1). The results showed the river water was superior in the percentage of nitrogen (1.786%) and phosphorus (0.193%), while the well water was better in the content of CAT and POD enzymes (10.76 and 176.7 abs unit min g^-1, respectively). Notably also, the cultivar Volkameriana rootstock was superior in the percentage of nitrogen (2.083%) and phosphorus (0.213%). Moreover, the nano-selenium (2 mg L^-1) foliar application has a positive effect and exceeded all the doses for various traits.

Keywords: Citrus rootstock (C. aurantium, volkameriana, and aurantifolia), nano-selenium, water quality, growth and biochemical traits

Key findings: Citrus cultivar Volkameriana rootstock proved better with nano-selenium concentration (2 mg L^-1) than the other rootstocks and nano-selenium concentrations, providing superior results for various traits.

This study used 20 chickpea genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.) introduced by the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and one French variety. The genotypes’ sowing had a randomized complete block design with three replicates at the University of Dohuk, Iraq, during the harvest season of 2018–2019. Stability analysis revealed significant averages for all traits, except days to 50% flowering, secondary branches per plant, and grain pods. According to the analysis of variance, the chickpea genotypes showed significant (p ≤ 0.01) differences for all morphological and yield-related traits, except plant height, secondary branches per plant, the height of the first pod above the ground, and the grains per pod. The chickpea genotype FLIP09-114C, followed by four other local genotypes, including FLIP09-222C, FLIP09-230C, and FLIP09-220C, displayed the best performance and exceeded the rest of the genotypes for yield-related traits. The results provided positive phenotypic and genetic correlations between traits like secondary branches, grains per pod, and grain yield, and positive environmental correlations with 100-grain weight, primary branches, and pod number per plant. Meanwhile, negative correlations were evident with pod number per plant, and it was significantly negative among the number of grains per pod, grain yield, and the number of secondary branches per each plant.

Keywords: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), phenotypic and genetic correlations, selection indices, yield-related traits

Key findings: The results demonstrated the traits secondary branches per plant, grains per pod, and grain yield had significant positive phenotypic and genetic correlations; selection index I4, which included features related to pods per plant, appeared to be superior. This further confirmed genetic diversity observed in most chickpea genotypes and their variables, which may be effective to select promising genotypes with desirable traits to maximize crop productivity.

The greenhouse is a steel-framed building coated with UV-protective plastic sheets, having complete control over the climate factors to ensure optimal growing conditions for the plants within. In Iraq, the main issue is high temperatures in summer days, which directly affect plant growth and lead to considerable crop losses even if using a normal greenhouse. Furthermore, the lack of technological knowledge among the farmers influences the decisions regarding a suitable plant environment. In high temperatures, the life span of greenhouses is unknown, it being unmeasurable. The following study focuses on solving these issues by proposing a practical greenhouse design prototype to identify the optimal climate factors for plant growth inside the greenhouse. The proposed system used an Arduino microcontroller for controlling and monitoring the greenhouse. The collected data helped predict the expected life span of the proposed greenhouse design, which will be the foundation for developing the prototype by managing expenses for different factors, including energy sources, temperature control equipment, building material, and water resources. Compared with related research, this work is the first of its kind that predicts the lifespan of a greenhouse. The farming community with a little technological knowledge can easily utilize the said system, offering different options based on the identified climate.

Keywords: Greenhouse design, controlling system, Arduino system, building material, water resources

Key findings: The study aimed to evaluate the performance of the proposed greenhouse by predicting its life span using a methodology based on daily data comparisons. The system could be beneficial to the farming community for improving plant growth in the greenhouse. The system successfully implemented and achieved its aim to predict the lifespan and control the climate inside the greenhouse.

The following study comprised an evaluation of 21 genotypes, which includes six parental genotypes and 15 half-diallel F₁ hybrids, applying the path coefficient analysis. The experiment, carried out in 2022 on upland cotton, used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the Musayyib Technical College of Babylon Governorate, Iraq. Path coefficient analysis enabled researchers to divide the correlation coefficient into direct and indirect effects, determining the relative contribution of each trait to seed cotton yield. The correlation analysis showed the seed cotton yield had a significant positive correlation with traits, such as the boll number, weight, ginning outturn, and seed index. The path coefficient analysis disclosed the seed cotton yield had considerable and direct effects from the ginning outturn and boll number. Correlation coefficient estimates indicated the ginning outturn contribution reached 21.12%, with the said trait becoming useful as a selection criterion to improve seed cotton yield. The coefficient contributions of the seed index and boll number were 11.49% and 8.83%, respectively, and the rest of the effects were 39.92%. The results revealed that the coefficient of determination of traits holds the highest relative importance as a major component of seed cotton yield. Breeders can use these estimates as selection criteria to enhance seed cotton yield in future breeding programs.

Keywords: Upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.), half-diallel cross, path analysis, yield-related traits, seed cotton yield

Key findings: Path coefficient analysis revealed the correlation coefficient of various traits holds the highest relative importance in managing seed cotton yield in upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.).

The following study aimed to determine the effects of potassium fertilization on the growth and anthocyanin content of purple waxy corn (Zea mays L.). This research proceeded in a split-plot design with factorial arrangements, two factors, and three replications. The first factor comprised four purple waxy corn genotypes designated as main plots, i.e., two cultivars (Pulut URI and Srikandi Ungu) and two strains [1-3-1-2-B-II-(C4)-II, and 162.1-1-II-(C4)-II]. The second factor was the four levels of potassium fertilizer used as subplots: 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha^-1. The findings revealed the cultivar Pulut URI exhibited superior performance in the number of leaves and 1000-seed weight. The cultivar Srikandi Ungu showed the best performance in producing more anthocyanin content. The maize genotype 1-3-1-2-B-II-(C4)-II gave the best results for plant height, peeled cob weight, seeds per cob, and seed yield. On average, the potassium fertilizer at 150 kg ha^-1 appeared with the maximum plant height, number of leaves, cob weight, seeds per cob, and seed production. The cultivar Srikandi Ungu with potassium fertilizer 150 kg ha^-1 emerged as the best strategy by giving superior results for anthocyanin content and 1000-seed weight.

Keywords: Zea mays var. Ceratina Kulesh, cultivars, potassium fertilization, genotype, anthocyanin content

Key findings: Purple waxy corn (Z. mays L.) genotypes showed varied performance in anthocyanin content. Cultivar Srikandi Ungu with potassium fertilization of 150 kg ha^-1 was the best strategy for giving superior results for anthocyanin content and 1000-seed weight. Therefore, purple waxy corn with the highest anthocyanin content requires further development as a food alternative.

The effect of microbiological fertilizers on the leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments and the seed protein and oil content in introduced and local cultivars of soybean (Glycine max L.) planted as a repeat crop was this research’s focus for investigation. Based on the analysis, the microbiological preparation Rhizotorphin enhanced the leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids by 8.3%–16.7% and 1%–23.7%, respectively, as well as depending on the cultivar. The microbiological fertilizer Bioazot increased the leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids by 1%–18.7% and 1.04%–19.7%, respectively. The soybean grain’s protein content also significantly rose with the influence of biofertilizers. However, the highest grain protein content was evident in the introduced cultivar Arleta (40.47%) and local cultivars Ehtiyoj (39.38%) and Xotira (38.02%) treated with biofertilizer Bioazot. A negative relationship emerged between the seed protein and oil content in analyzing the seed oil characteristics in soybean cultivars under the influence of microbiological preparations. The soybean cultivars observed with a higher protein content resulted from the influence of microbiological fertilizers but showed a reduced seed oil content.

Keywords: Soybean (G. max L.), cultivars, microbiological fertilizers, Rhizotorphin, Bioazot, chlorophyll, carotenoids, oil, protein, oil content

Key findings: Results revealed microbiological fertilizers had a significant positive effect on the physio-biochemical processes of soybean (G. max L.). The microbiological fertilizer Bioazot seed treatment had a considerable positive effect on the leaf chlorophyll and grain protein content of the cultivars Ehtiyoj, Xotira, and Arleta.

This paper presents a study aimed at determining the soil’s biological activity using its enzymatic activity and the ability of urban soils to self-heal in various territories of the Lankaran Region, Azerbaijan. Results revealed microorganisms decreased to 2.0-1.0-0.8×10⁶/g soil at the depth of 70-80-100 cm in light and ordinary subtypes of gray-brown soils. In cultivated variants of these soils under grain crops, a similar trend was dominant, with a decrease recorded in the total number of microorganisms from 4.8-4.0×10⁶/g soil in upper horizons to 2.2-1.5×10⁶/g soil in lower horizons. In the composition of microorganisms in the soil of virgin origin and cultivated cenoses, non-spore-forming bacteria (74.9% and 75.3%) and actinomycetes (24.8% and 24.3%) predominated. However, in small-sized fungi and spore-forming bacteria, there existed a slight difference of 0.5% and 0.3% and 18.8%–25.1%, respectively. In irrigated variants of these soils, the humus content decreased quite moderately, from 2.09% in the upper layers (0–10 cm) to 1.35% in the lower layers (50–70 cm). The average number of microbiota in the 0–100 cm layer of the studied gray-brown soils varies around 4.1-3.7-1.8-3.5×10⁶/g soil.

Keywords: Anthropogenic factors, soil erosion, enzyme activity, cellulolytic activity, actinomycetes, small-sized fungi, spore-forming bacteria

Key findings: Cellulolytic activity is an important indicator of the intensity of destruction processes in the soil. Results showed that in individual horizons, the microbiota variations proved associated with the humus state of the studied soils.