The following study aimed to investigate the effects of applying different concentrations of seaweed extract and balanced fertilizer on the medicinal active compounds in roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), as carried out during the growing season of 2023 at the Kerbala Governorate, Kerbala, Iraq. Employing a randomized complete block design with three blocks and two factors, the first factor was foliar spraying with balanced fertilizer at concentrations of 0, 2.5, and 5 ml L^-1. Meanwhile, the second factor was foliar application with seaweed extract at concentrations of 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 ml L^-1. Results showed significant differences among the spraying treatments with balanced fertilizer. The 5 ml L^-1 spray treatment excelled in the concentration of quercetin, gossypetin, hibiscetin, protocatechuic acid, and sabdaretin in cup leaves, with averages of 0.282, 0.247, 0.190, 0.267, and 0.128 mg g^-1, respectively. The seaweed extract concentrations also had a significant effect on the content of active compounds. Its enhanced concentration (0.75 ml L^-1) showed increased values of active compounds, i.e., 0.349, 0.291, 0.235, 0.312, and 0.163 mg g^-1, respectively. Notably also, the interaction between the factors has a remarkable effect on all the traits under study.

Keywords: Roselle (H. sabdariffa L.), balanced fertilizer, seaweed extract, biologically active compounds, growth and yield traits

Key findings: The balanced fertilizer foliar application (5 ml L^-1) enhanced the ratios of medicinal active components as compared with other fertilizer treatments in roselle (H. sabdariffa L.). The active compounds also significantly gained improvement with the foliar spraying of seaweed extract at an increased concentration (0.75 ml L^-1). The balanced fertilizer (5 ml L^-1) and seaweed extract (0.75 ml L^-1) produced the highest averages for all the medicinal components.

The following study aimed to isolate some pathogenic fungi from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) plants infected with root rot disease and determine their tenacity to pathogens using some plant resistance induction factors and the biological fungus Trichoderma spp. The results showed the presence of cowpea root rot disease in all areas included in the survey in the Babylon Governorate. The 13 types of fungi accompanied the roots of the cowpea plant. Fusarium solani was the most abundant pathogenic fungus, with a frequency rate of 55.9%, followed by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina, with an appearance rate of 45.55%. Isolates of the fungus Trichoderma spp. (T. viride, T. harzianum, T. koningiopsis, and T. reesei) achieved a high antagonistic ability against pathogenic fungi under laboratory conditions. The highest antagonistic ability was one for the T. viride isolate against the pathogenic fungi F. solani and M. phaseolina. The results revealed that adding chitosan to the culture medium at all concentrations led to growth inhibition of the fungi F. solani and M. phaseolina compared to the inhibition percentage of 0.00% in the control treatment.

Keywords: Cowpea (V. unguiculata L.), Trichoderma spp., chitosan, fungi, root rot diseases

Key findings: The emergence of cowpea (V. unguiculata L.) root rot disease caused by pathogenic fungi prevailed in contaminated soils of the Babylon Governorate, Iraq. The results revealed the effectiveness of the biological agent Trichoderma spp. against pathogens. The chemical inducer chitosan proved to inhibit and eliminate the two pathogenic fungi, F. solani and M. phaseolina.

The following study aimed to explore the dependence of crops’ yield on soil temperature and humidity. The study focused on the soil saturation with water and solar radiation as key factors affecting crop yields under current climate change conditions. The research employed agroclimatic measurement methods, temperature and phenological calculations, and correlational analysis methods. Based on over 20 years of data obtained from the Uralskaya Agricultural Experimental Station, Kazakhstan, agroclimatic conditions regarding temperature, precipitation, and hydrothermal coefficients reached successful analysis. Crop yield dependency evaluation through temperature and phenological assessments transpired. As a result, an identification of a clear correlation succeeded, with the most stable crop determined as sorghum. The barley crop showed higher yields in the favorable season of 2023, and sorghum, a drought-resistant crop, maintained consistent yields even in adverse seasons in 2021, emphasizing the importance of selecting suitable crops and their optimal sowing time to mitigate climatic challenges. The impact of temperature and productive moisture on crop yields was proven, revealing rising air temperatures (+1.9 °C) during the crop season and varied weather patterns as key drivers of increased drought frequency. Strategies to mitigate drought effects include cultivation of drought-resistant crops, improving agricultural practices, and enhancing meteorological services. Studying such relationships is crucial for ensuring food security in Kazakhstan.

Keywords: Climate change, environmental factors, cultivated plants, crop productivity, crop growth and development, sustainability

Key findings: The region’s harsh humidification and rising temperatures (+1.9 °C) have negatively affected crop yields. In contrast to barley, the sorghum, being a drought-resistant crop, consistently performed well, even in dry crop seasons, such as in 2021. Optimizing sowing times, cultivating drought-resistant crops, and the ascendancy of agroclimatic data can mitigate the negative impacts of climate variability on agriculture.

The detection of the soil, environmental conditions, and agrotechnical practices’ effects on the yield and quality of melon (Cucumis melo L.) in Southeast Kazakhstan was the chief focus of this research. The results recognized that sandy loam sierozem soils of the foothill-steppe zone of Southeastern Kazakhstan have proven to be the most favorable soil for better growth and development of melons. In the soils with heavy mechanical composition, the quantitative and qualitative indicators of Central Asian cultivars incurred sharp effects and declined compared with melon genotypes grown on soils with light mechanical composition. Melon cultivars of the European subspecies exhibited the highest plasticity in relation to soil and environmental conditions. During the first 10 and 20 days of May, it emerged as the most optimal sowing period. For early- and mid-season melon cultivars, the most optimal plant density was 10,200 plants/ha, while mid-late and late-ripening cultivars were the best, with a plant density of 8,100 plants/ha. For the early- and mid-season melon cultivars, the best sowing pattern was 280 cm × 70 cm × 70 cm, while the mid-late and late cultivars grew best with the pattern of 350 cm × 70 cm × 70 cm.

Keywords: Melon (C. melo L.), cultivars, soil and environmental conditions, agrotechniques, productivity, biochemical composition

Key findings: Melon (C. melo L.) cultivars of the European subspecies exhibited the highest plasticity in relation to soil and environmental conditions. The first 10 and 20 days of May were notably the most optimal sowing periods for melon. Specific conclusions resulted about the influence of a particular ecological zone on the growth and development of melon.

The Mughan Plain irrigation has existed since ancient times in Azerbaijan, but no known organized and sufficient data are available on such activity. The presented study aimed to assemble the detailed information on the processes that occurred in the irrigated and raw soils of the Mughan Plain and quantify a system of complex measures to improve degraded soils resulting from anthropogenic effects in the recent era. Research showed that in Mughan Plain, the non-salinized soils were predominant in areas with a better collector-drainage system with proper agrotechnical and land reclamation measures. In those areas, the salts varied between 0.108% and 0.250%, while in some parts, the saline soils also appear. Weakly salined soils were also evident in satisfactory areas of collector-drainage systems, and the level of salts ranged between 0.26% and 0.50%, with the chemical composition as chloride-sulfate, sulfate, and sulfate-chlorine. Moderately saline soils mainly have a distribution in municipal lands and in the areas used for cotton crop up to some extent.

Keywords: Anthropogenic effects, granulometric composition, meadow-gray soils, alluvial-meadow soil, saline soils, groundwater and mineralization, land reclamation measures

Key findings: Anthropogenic effects caused variations in the research area soil, which led to variations in the humus, total nitrogen, and phosphorus content. In an investigation of the 40-year period, the absorbed bases and salts in meadow-gray and alluvial-meadow soils and an increase and decrease in their content were notable.

The growth and development evaluation of the ornamental plant Goldmoss stonecrop (Sedum acre L.) applied with different doses of sewage sludge was the focus of this study. Sedum acre growing for two months continued in vessels containing 500 g of nutrient soil in the greenhouse. Chorological analysis showed the Crassulaceae species distribution covered three different areas of the Irano-Turanian Province. The experimental technique also met the requirements for the vegetation experiment. During the growing season, the morphological parameters of plants and the chlorophyll content in the Sedum acre L. leaves succeeded detection. The application of municipal waste developed the variations in ash content of the soil and positively affected the phosphorus and potassium contents. The work established an observable relationship between an increased dose of sewage sludge and the variations in acidity of the peat soil. In Sedum acre L., the obtained maximum plant biomass emerged with the recommended dose of sewage sludge and fertilization added to the soil.

Keywords: Goldmoss stonecrop (S. acre L.), ornamental plant, sewage sludge, leaf biomass, morphological indicators, flowering phase

Key findings: In Goldmoss stonecrop (S. acre L.), it is advisable to use fertilization in the soil. The phenological observations of Sedum acre L.’s different vegetative stages (flower bud swelling, flowering, fruit setting, and fruit ripening) emerge as first-time research, considering them as innovative from an environmental viewpoint.

Mass (cadastral) monetary valuation of land is one of the most relevant and crucial tasks in Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. This study aimed to analyze the feasibility and advantages of conducting cadastral monetary valuation of urban land using GIS technologies. The presented research, employing the content-analysis method and experts’ survey, reviewed key theoretical concepts related to the use of GIS technologies in land valuation. Moreover, it proposed an algorithm for classifying cadastral monetary valuation of urban land with GIS application, identifying the key activities where GIS technologies significantly enhance the land valuation. The study found that strict adherence to requirements and standards by executors and using GIS technologies in land valuation ensures the following: a) comprehensive information about the state land cadaster; b) timely and high-quality service delivery; and c) optimization of the workforce involved in land management and valuation. In conclusion, in the monetary valuation of urban lands, GIS technologies offer significant advantages, including automation, reduced project timelines with improved quality documentation, unlimited reproducibility of valuation results, and standardization of project materials.

Keywords: Urban land, urban land valuation, cadastral valuation, geographic information system (GIS), GIS technologies

Key findings: In the cadastral monetary valuation of urban lands, the integration of GIS technologies enhanced efficiency and accuracy. It automates data processing, reduces project completion times, and makes it more beneficial for optimizing land management and valuation processes.

This study focused on four cultivars of date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) planted in DhiQar Governorate (Date Palm Genetic Bank Project): Al-Shawithi, Al-Barhi, Al-Khudrawi, and Jamal Al-Din. The study’s aim was to determine the genetic fingerprint of each cultivar and probe the genetic variation and relatedness among them. The use of the PCR-ISSR technique, which relies on analyzing DNA genetic material variation, was successful. The results showed the Al-Barhi and Al-Shawithi cultivars exhibited genetic diversity using the ISSR 4 primer, resulting in 16 genetic patterns. The ISSR 7 primer produced the most genetic patterns, reaching 23 patterns. When using cluster analysis for the cultivars, the Al-Shawithi cultivar’s isolation was evident from the rest of the cultivars. The results also indicated a genetic proximity between the Al-Khudrawi and Jamal Al-Din cultivars, while the Al-Barhi cultivar deviated somewhat from these two cultivars. This was prominent through the depiction of genetic ratio records.

Keywords: Date palm (P. dactylifera L.), genetic variation, ISSR primers, genetic fingerprint

Key findings: The date palm (P. dactylifera L.) cultivars Al-Barhi and Al-Shawithi exhibited genetic diversity using the ISSR 4 primer, resulting in 16 genetic patterns.

In crop plants, the leaves considerably serve as carbon sinks, as well as stems, roots, flowers, fruits, and seeds with photosynthetic activities. Concerning plant fruits, their photosynthetic activity mostly results from the anatomy of the fruit, its growth and development, and the surrounding microclimate. At the early stage, the fruits normally contain the highest score of chlorophyll and stomata and thin cuticles. However, some species keep stomata in their fruits even after ripening, but most species miss stomata disintegrating chloroplasts and miss functionality. The collection of different wild fruit species came from various areas of Iraq. The epidermis of fruits, as obtained by peeling the exocarp, had this study examine the epidermis, stomata, crystals, and trichomes. The study revealed the scattering of the stomata in the epidermis of the exocarp in the fruits of some species, while none in others. Moreover, the stomata vary among the plant species, with the study categorizing the wild fruit species into four groups. The collected different wild fruit species were Alcea rosea, Alhagi maurorum, Citrullus colocynthis, Convolvulus arvensis, Malvastrum coromandelianum, Ocimum campechianum, Physalis angulata, Portulaca oleracea, Prosopis glandulosa, Rubus ulmifolius, and Withania somnifera. The anticlinal wall of epidermal cells also differed among the different fruit species between straight and wavy. Likewise, the druse crystals appear in the species Portulaca oleracea, and various types of trichomes were evident in the different wild fruit species under study.

Keywords: Fruit species, fruit types, stomata, epidermis, crystals, trichomes

Key findings: The wild fruit species collection continued from the different areas of Iraq. The study showed diverse shapes and diffusion of the stomata in the epidermis of some species. However, in some wild fruit species, the epidermis missed the stomata.

The physiological and biochemical parameters’ evaluation of the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) exotic genotypes obtained from the ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas) became this study’s aim. Particularly, when analyzing the plant leaf spectrophotometrically, the total water content in the plant leaf ranged from 74.9% to 88.9%. In the combing phase of broad bean, the leaf chlorophyll a was highest in the genotypes G-15 and G-29 (2.07 mg/g), chlorophyll b in G-29 was 1.27 mg/g, and carotenoid content in the genotype Bakla UNV-851 was 0.95 mg/g, while G-35 was higher for total pigment content (3.14 mg/g). At the flowering phase, the superior value recorded for chlorophyll a was in the genotype Bakla UNV-851 (2.10 mg/g), chlorophyll b was in G-35 (1.20 mg/g), carotenoid content was in Bakla UNV-851 (0.96 mg/g), and total pigment was in the genotype G-26 (3.22 mg/g). For chlorophyll a content, the supreme value resulted in the genotype Bakla UNV-851 (2.12 mg/g); chlorophyll b emerged to be higher in the genotype G-1 (1.47 mg/g), the carotenoid content was greater in Bakla UNV-851 (0.90 mg/g), and the total pigments were highest in the genotype Bakla UNV-852 (3.43 mg/g).

Keywords: Broad bean (V. faba L.), growth phases, photosynthetic

Key findings: The water deficiency in different growth phases of plants leads to disruption of physiological processes. The highest total water content resulted in the genotype G-22, while it was slightly lower in the G-50. The highest transpiration rate was evident in the genotype Bakla UNV-851 and the lowest in the genotype G-26.