The genus Dactylorhiza elata is a tuberous herbaceous perennial growing up to 50 cm, with magnificent spikes of purple flowers in spring. Meanwhile, the genus Ophrys bombyliflora is a pseudo tubers plant, 10–20 cm in height, with amazing bumblebee flowers. The stems of the genera D. elata and O. bombyliflora were circular within the cross-section. The outer first layer was the epidermis, consisting of one row of globular cells; however, the thickness varied in the taxa. In the stem, the sclerenchyma cells contrasted between both genera. The genus D. elata consists of many layers, and the thickness reached 133.6 μm, while two layers with a thickness of 43.5 μm in the genus O. bombyliflora. In both genera, the vascular bundles were in a collateral and closed type, with an arrangement as one row in the ground meristem, each consisting of xylem and phloem. The thickness of tissues varied between them, and the sclerenchyma cells covered the phloem only. The upper and lower epidermis of the leaves consists of one layer of cells covered with cuticle, and the cells’ shapes were ovate. The leaf was hypostomata (the stomata located in only in the lower epidermis). The ordinary cells’ shape was hexagonal in the upper epidermis and longitudinal in the lower one in the genus D. elata. However, it was triangular in the upper and tetragonal in the lower epidermis of the genus O. bombyliflora. Anomocytic types of stomata were evident in both taxa. The mesophyll differed, comprising 12–16 layers in the genus D. elata and 9–11 in the genus O. bombyliflora.

Keywords: Orchidaceae, D. elata, O. bombyliflora, sclerenchyma cells, meristematic tissues, epidermis

Key findings: The collection of plant samples of the genera D. elata and O. bombyliflora through the field survey came from the AL-Sulaymaniyah District (MSU), especially from Penjwin, Iraq. The study comprised anatomical description and comparison of the genera’s leaves and stems, even though both species belong to the same family Orchidaceae. However, the study observed anatomical features’ differences between them.

The field potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) experiment, carried out at the Musayyib project area, Babil Governorate, Iraq, followed a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement and three replications. The presented study sought to determine the effects of four biofertilization levels (without adding + full recommended fertilizer, addition of 10 g mixture of four types of bacterial fertilizer + half of the recommended fertilizer, addition of 10 g of fungal biofertilizer (mycorrhiza) + half of the recommended fertilizer, and addition of 10 g mixture of bacterial and fungal biofertilizers + half of the recommended fertilizer) symbolized as B0, B1, B2, and B3, respectively. Meanwhile, the study determined nanofertilizer two levels’ effect (0 + full recommended fertilizer and 2 g L^-1 + half of the recommended fertilizer) denoted by symbols N0 and N1, respectively, on the growth and tuber yield of three potato cultivars (Rashida, Sifra, and Arizona), carried out in the growing season of 2022–2023. The results revealed the cultivar Arizona was superior over the rest of the cultivars in the tuber’s percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and starch. Treatment B3 of biofertilization and nanofertilizer (N1) also showed considerable superiority in the tuber’s percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and starch. Moreover, the triple interaction between the study factors had a positive effect on most of the studied traits.

Keywords: (S. tuberosum L.), cultivars, bacterial biofertilization, nanofertilization, macro elements

Key findings: Potato (S. tuberosum L.) cultivar Arizona performed better and gave the highest tuber’s percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and starch. Biofertilization (bacterial and fungal fertilizers) and nanofertilizers (2 g L^-1) also revealed the noticeable advantage for biochemical traits in potato tubers.

The study, carried out during the winter of 2022–2023 at the Fadliyah Region, Thi-Qar Governorate, Iraq, sought to determine the effects of nano-aluminum silicate and irrigation periods on the growth and yield traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Buhouth-22. The experiment had a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split-plot arrangement, two factors, and three replications. The first factor (main plot) included irrigation periods (I), irrigation every seven days (I₁), 14 days (I₂), and 21 days (I₃), while the second factor (subplot) comprised the volumetric percentages of mixing nano-aluminum silicate (12 nm) with soil (S) i.e., 3% (S₁), 4% (S₂), 5% (S₃), and 6% (S₄). The results showed increased proportion of nano-aluminum silicate significantly enhanced the studied traits. The nano-aluminum silicate ratio (S₄) was superior in root total length, plant height, leaf area, number of tillers, grains per spike, and grain yield, which did not differ from other ratios (S₃ and S₂). The irrigation period (I₂) appeared superior by giving the highest averages for the above traits, but did not differ significantly from the irrigation period (I₁). The interaction of nano-aluminum silicate ratio (S₄) and irrigation period (I₂) provided the highest grain yield.

Keywords: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), nano-aluminum silicate, unconventional technologies, irrigation periods, mixing ratios

Key findings: The results of the presented study showed irrigation periods had an influential role in the productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains, especially irrigation every 14 days (I₂), as it gave the highest average grain yield (8.202 t ha^-1). Moreover, adding nano-aluminum silicate was crucial in increasing productivity, especially the treatment S₄, which gave the highest average (7.752 t ha^-1) for grain yield.

The seedlings’ development in the nursery and preparing them for planting depends on some main primary factors, including the pot size and fertilization. The timely study aimed to determine the effects of pot size and nanofertilizer levels on the growth and development of bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis) seedlings, carried out in 2021 at the University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq. The study comprised two factors, with the first factor using pots with three different sizes (small, medium, and large), and the second factor was the treatment with NPK nanofertilizer at three concentrations (0, 2, and 4 g L^-1). The results showed pot size, NPK nanofertilizers, and their interactions have a significant impact on all studied traits. The large pot size and increased level of NPK nanofertilizer (4 g L^-1) individually exhibited the highest increase in seedling height, stem diameter, number of branches, number of leaves, and shoot dry weight. The interaction between the large pot and NPK nanofertilizer (4 g L^-1) also showed the best performance for the traits: seedling height (131.73 cm), stem diameter (12.06 mm), number of branches (39.06 branch seedling^-1), number of leaves (1,181.4 leaves seedling^-1), and shoot dry weight (68.78 g).

Keywords: Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis), pot size, NPK nanofertilizer, morphological and growth traits

Key findings: The large pot size and increased level of NPK nanofertilizer (4 g L^-1) individually and in combination exhibited the highest increase in seedling height, stem diameter, number of branches and leaves, and shoot dry weight.

The presented study sought to determine the effects of the growth regulator paclobutrazol (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg L^-1) on two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars Ibaa-99 and Bhoth-22, carried out at the University of Basrah, Iraq. The experiment layout had a randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications. The results showed the cultivar Ibaa-99 was superior in plant height and days from 50% flowering to full maturity, with average values of 88.08 cm and 40.88 day, respectively. The cultivar Bhoth-22 was superior in chlorophyll content, number of tillers, days of planting up to 50% flowering, and flag leaf area. Their averages were 460 mg m^-2, 576.33 tiller m^-2, 103.85 days, and 39.76 cm², respectively. Foliar coefficients of the growth regulator paclobutrazol showed significant differences. The highest concentration of Paclobutrazol (150 mg L^-1) revealed the topmost average number of days from 50% flowering to full maturity (45.65 day), while the Paclobutrazol at 100 mg L^-1 had the maximum average chlorophyll content, flag leaf area, and tillers per plant in wheat.

Keywords: Wheat (T. aestivum L.), cultivars, paclobutrazol, earliness and yield traits, chlorophyll content

Key findings: The wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivar Bhoth-22 proved leading in chlorophyll content, tillers per plant, days to 50% flowering, and flag leaf area. For the traits plant height and days from 50% flowering to full maturity, the cultivar Ibaa-99 was superior to the cultivar Bhoth-22. Paclobutrazol (100 mg L^-1) foliar application was superior in most characteristics under study. Interaction of cultivar Bhoth-22 with Paclobutrazol (100 mg L^-1) gave the highest averages for leaf chlorophyll content, flag leaf area, and tillers per square meter.

The presented study aimed to investigate the role of an individual and combined bio-inoculation through isolated fungi species (Trichoderma and mycorrhiza) in improving the physical properties of sandy soil planted with maize (Zea mays L.). The experimental layout was in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The maize seeds sown in plastic pots had soil filling for growing the fungal bio-inoculum on the plant’s root hairs. The watering of maize plants used a surface drip irrigation system (DIS). After 60 days of planting, measuring the physical properties of the soil ensued. The combined fungal bio-inoculation treatments (mycorrhiza and Trichoderma) had a significant impact on the bulk density and soil porosity, with average values of 1.23 Mg m^-3 and 53.9%, respectively, compared with the control treatment and their individual treatments. The results showed notable differences among the bio-inoculation fungi treatments, as well as with the control treatment. With Trichoderma, mycorrhiza, and their interaction, the average moisture content values were 31.71%, 27.56%, and 47.64%, respectively. For the same three treatments, the average weight diameter values were 0.76, 1.08, and 1.72 mm, and for the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil the values were 0.43, 0.48, and 0.16 cm min^-1, respectively, compared with the control treatment. Therefore, the fungal bio-inoculation treatments remarkably improved the physical properties of the sandy soil.

Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.), fungal bio-inoculation, Trichoderma, mycorrhiza, bulk density, soil porosity, moisture content, weight diameter, saturated hydraulic conductivity

Key findings: The integration of fungal bio-inoculation (mycorrhiza and Trichoderma) contributed effectively to improving the physical properties of the sandy soil planted with maize (Zea mays L.).

Phytoremediation is an excellent technique that utilizes green plants for the partial degradation of heavy elements found in soil. Plants utilize a diverse range of biological and physical properties to assist in managing pollution. This study proceeded to investigate the effect of iron nanoparticles and titanium for phytoremediation and their impact on the growth and physiological traits of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). A field experiment on potato, carried out in the spring of 2021 at the University of Anbar, Al-Anbar, Iraq, used various combinations of titanium and iron nanoparticles. The results revealed treatment T7 (100 mg kg^-1 Ti soil + 150 mg kg^-1 FeNPs) outperformed in plant height, number of stems, leaf area, dry weight, and percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with rates of 1.92%, 0.58%, and 1.85%, respectively, compared with the control treatment. The study further disclosed treatment 100 mg kg^-1 Ti soil + 150 mg kg^-1 FeNPs positively affected the physiological traits of the potato crop.

Keywords: Potato (S. tuberosum L.), phytoremediation, iron nanoparticles, titanium, growth and physiological traits

Key findings: Iron nanoparticles and titanium dioxide enhanced vegetative growth, improved element levels, plant vegetative and physiological traits of potato (S. tuberosum L.), and treated the soil pollution. Additionally, employing varying concentrations of iron nanoparticles in plant treatment exhibits promise for remediating contaminated soils.

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) field experiment commenced in the spring growing season of 2023 at the Musayyib project area, Babil Governorate, Iraq. The study aimed to determine the effects of biofertilization with four levels (without adding + full recommended fertilizer, addition of 10 g mixture of four types of bacterial fertilizer + half of the recommended fertilizer, addition of 10 g fungal biofertilizer (mycorrhiza) + half of the recommended fertilizer, and addition of 10 g mixture of bacterial and fungal biofertilizers + half of the recommended fertilizer) symbolized as B0, B1, B2, and B3, respectively. The nanofertilizer used had two nano-fertilization concentration, which had a positive effect on the average tuber (0 + full fertilizer recommendation and 2 g L^-1 + half the fertilizer recommendation), denoted as N0 and N1, respectively, on the growth and tuber yield of three potato cultivars (Rashida, Sifra, and Arizona). The results showed cultivar Arizona was superior to the rest of the cultivars in emergence speed, plant height, chlorophyll content, tuber weight, and plant yield, with average values of 36.73 days, 60.29 cm, 48.30 mg 100 g^-1, 123.8 g, and 0.955 kg plant^-1, respectively. The B3 biofertilization treatment (bacterial and fungal fertilizer) and nanofertilizer (2 g L^-1) showed significant superiority in emergence seed, plant height, chlorophyll content, tuber weight, and plant yield.

Keywords: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), biofertilization, bacterial and fungal fertilizer, nanofertilizer, growth and tuber yield traits, chlorophyll content

Key findings: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar Arizona emerged superior over the rest of the cultivars in speed of emergence, chlorophyll content, tuber weight, and plant tuber yield. Biofertilization treatment B3 (a mixture of bacterial and fungal fertilizers) and nanofertilizer (2 g L^-1) showed significant superiority in most traits.

The influences of different sowing methods on the seed cotton yield and fiber quality traits of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) became this research’s focus, carried out at the District Maktaaral, Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan. The results revealed the two-line sowing method with plant spacing (80×11×2×10×1) and plant density (200,000 ha^-1) contributed to an increase in the seed cotton yield (4.76 t/ha). The highest seed cotton yield could refer to the topmost plant density and the largest number of bolls per unit area, which were 32%–33% more than the traditional cotton sowing technology. In addition, with the two-line sowing method of cotton, higher values appeared for the sympodial branches per plant (16.0), bolls per plant (14.2), fiber yield (35.1%), and fiber length (33.1 mm). Experiments also showed the formation of longer branches with row width of 90 and 70 cm. Based on the findings, the study recommends the two-line sowing scheme (80×11×2×10×1) and plant spacing (45×12×1), with a plant density of 200,000 and 180,000 ha^-1, respectively, as superior for cotton sowing under the conditions of the Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan.

Keywords: Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), sowing methods, growth and yield traits, seed cotton yield, fiber yield and quality

Key findings: In upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), the plant spacing scheme (45×12×1) and two-line sowing method (80×11×2×10×1), with a plant density of 180,000 and 200,000 ha^-1, respectively, were most effective in the irrigated zone of Turkestan region, Kazakhstan. These selected sowing methods have contributed to an increase in the seed cotton yield (4.56 to 4.76 t/ha), with a profitability range of 181.3% to 193.6%.

The latest research on pea (Pisum sativum L.), carried out on irrigated land, commenced at the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing, Almaty Region, Kazakhstan. The presented study sought to investigate how different agriculture techniques can affect the economically valuable traits of two cultivars of peas. The research layout in a correlational design had three factors each, with three replications. The first factor comprised seed rates of 600,000, 700,000, and 800,000 seeds ha^-1, with the second factor as the row spacing of 15 and 30 cm. Meanwhile, the third factor was the application of NPK fertilizer with three doses (30, 60, and 80 kg ha^-1). Three factors based on various cultivation technologies and fertilizer doses revealed considerable differences for plant height, beans per plant, beans weight per plant, and 1000-seed weight in peas. The results showed optimal outcomes by ensuring favorable conditions for plant nutrition by providing the right space for plant nutrition, maximizing solar energy absorption, applying appropriate doses of mineral nutrients, and considering the genetic traits of the pea genotypes.

Keywords: Pea (P. sativum L.), plant population, spacing, mineral fertilizers, economically valuable traits, plant height, beans per plant, beans weight per plant, 1000-seed weight

Key findings: The impact of various agricultural methodologies on the economically significant traits of two pea (P. sativum L.) cultivars demonstrated optimal results through enhancement of favorable conditions for plant nutrition. With employment of agrotechnical factors, the variability in economically valuable traits ranges from 27.7% to 34.26%.