The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of inbreeding on seed set in forage watermelon genotypes obtained from different sources. The study, conducted in 2017, used watermelon genotypes from different sources under Konya ecological conditions. The planting of seeds in pots in the greenhouse produced seedlings, further planted in the trial area with a 200 cm × 100 cm spacing in May 2017. From 66 forage watermelon genotypes used in the study came fruits from both inbred and open pollinated genotypes flowers on the same plant. In 40 of these genotypes, the seed yields obtained in inbreeding appeared higher than the seed yields obtained in the open pollination. In the study, the seed yield (127.6 g fruit^–1) acquired from inbreeding was 16.3% higher than the average seed yield (109.7 g fruit^–1) from open pollination. This rate showed the success rate in inbreeding was high, with no self-incompatible in the forage watermelon genotypes used in the study, and inbreeding had no negative impacts on pollination, fertilization, fruit set, and seed yield.

Keywords: Fodder watermelon, genotypes, inbreed, pistillate flower, inbreeding, staminate flower

Key findings: The maximum receptivity period of the staminate flower was between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. in field conditions. No self-incompatibility occurred in the forage watermelon genotypes used in the study, and inbreeding had no negative impacts on pollination, fertilization, fruit set, and seed yield. Sufficient seeds can result in forage watermelon with controlled self-pollination made in accordance with the technique.

Sweet-waxy corn (Zea mays ceratina. L.) is one of the most widely consumed foods in Eastern Indonesia. Improving the productivity and quality of waxy corn by developing hybrid sweet-waxy corn with desirable traits directly affecting grain yield is crucial. The presented study aimed to determine the genetic variability and heritability and the traits with direct and indirect effects on the grain yield in sweet-waxy corn, conducted in 2023 at the Pasir Kuda Experimental Farm, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. Seventeen sweet-waxy corn hybrids’ planting used a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Analysis of variance, genetic parameter estimation, correlation, and path analysis assessed data in this study. The results showed ear diameter (63.85%), ear length (66.31%), and ear weight without husk (76.78%) had a higher heritability. The values for the phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were moderate-high (11.09%–33.08%). The traits, ear diameter, ear length, and kernels per row had a significant positive correlation and positive direct effects on ear weight. In addition, plant height, ear height, and the number of leaves had a strong indirect effect on the ear weight without husk, which could serve as selection criteria.

Keywords: Correlation, genetic variability, heritability, indirect effects, path analysis, and sweet-waxy corn

Key findings: The traits, ear diameter, ear length, and kernels per row have a considerable positive correlation and the highest direct effects on the ear weight without husk in sweet-waxy corn (Z. mays ceratina. L.). These traits could benefit as selection criteria to enhance the grain yield in sweet-waxy corn.

Important problems may appear in the selections made by considering more than one characteristic in plant breeding studies, which can have resolutions by increasing the weight of suitable characteristics in the selection. Within the scope of this study, it aimed to develop the Weight-Based Ranking Method (WBRM) to make decisions according to multicriteria in forage watermelon, which had no prior use in forage watermelon breeding studies. Forage watermelon seeds’ sowing in viols in the greenhouse helped formed seedlings, later transplanted at 200 cm × 100 cm intervals in May 2017. An evaluation ensued according to the measurements and observations on the fruit rind color, shape of the fruit, the flesh color of the fruit, the number of fruits, fruit yield, rind thickness, Brix values in fruit, and seed yield. Significant differences were evident among the genotypes for the studied characteristics. The WBRM was successful for the selection of the most suitable fodder-type watermelon. In the WBRM, the score equivalents and percentages of the characteristics developed were within the scope of the study. The WBRM scores of the watermelon genotypes used in the study ranged from 108 to 714. The first 105 forage watermelon genotypes, with a total score of more than 500, gained selection for subsequent forage watermelon breeding studies. It was notable that the selection with the WBRM could be successfully beneficial in forage watermelon breeding and facilitate decision-making in selection.

Keywords: Breeding, forage watermelon, genotypes, selection, weight-based ranking

Key findings: It is difficult to select according to multicriteria in plant breeding. The WBRM technique and scores and percentages of characters used in selection, developed for the first time in forage watermelon breeding, was successful. Selection with the WBRM could be successful in forage watermelon breeding and facilitate decision-making in selection according to multicriteria.

Better understanding breeding values and their combining ability of favored traits is essential to identify potential parents and hybrids. Our study utilized shrunken (sh2) sweet corn (Zea mays L.) parental lines and their derived hybrids, where the parental lines have undergone long-term selections to improve adaptation, yield, and eating quality under the tropical savanna of Thailand. We aimed to estimate heterosis, combining ability, and gene action for agronomic traits and kernel carbohydrates of tropical super sweet corn hybrids carrying the sh2 gene. All observed traits exhibited substantial interaction between hybrid and season, non-additive inherited, and low narrow-sense heritability. Long-term selections may contribute to the overwhelming dominance variance on all observed traits. Genotype TSC/H3-7-2 in the dry season was promising as a general combiner for high yield, plant stature, and early flowering. Genotype W54/Allure showed a favorable tester for kernel carbohydrates. Hybrid ws160 × W54/Allure was stable across different seasons for eating qualities. The other hybrid, TSC/H3-7-2 × W54/Allure, can be an alternative in the rainy season. The information obtained from this study can assist breeders in developing super sweet corn hybrids for better yield and eating quality.

Keywords: Sweet corn (Zea mays L.), combining ability, gene action, heritability, heterosis, hybrid breeding, sugar

Key findings: Long-term selections contribute to remarkable dominance variance on the maize (Zea mays L.) traits observed in this study. Agronomic traits and kernel carbohydrates of sh2-sweet corn are non-additive inherited and exhibit negligible narrow-sense heritability estimates. We propose two hybrids, ws160 × W54/Allure and TSC/H3-7-2 × W54/Allure, as promising tropical sh2-sweet corn hybrids.

The promising study aimed to periodically monitor the environmental certainty of the Tigris River water and its suitability for irrigation using the water pollution index model in Mosul City, Northern Iraq. The different identified sites were five points, starting from the city entrance of Mosul (Mushairfa area) to the Albusief area where the river leaves the city. The collection of water samples occurred during the drought season (five replicates for each site) using clean polyphthalate containers for conducting physicochemical tests and calculating the different parameters related to irrigation. These include sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), permeability index (PI), Kelly’s ratio (KR), sodium percentage (Na %), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), and potential salinity (PS). The mathematical model application evaluated the water quality for irrigation purposes. The results indicated that the qualitative characteristics did not exceed the permissible limits for irrigation. However, a relative increase emerged in the values of electrical conductivity, potential salinity, permeability coefficient, and magnesium adsorption rate, among others, with the river flow in the city. Fortunately, the Tigris River water has better quality for irrigation, and as per the irrigation water quality index (IWQI), the values ranged from 0.3164 to 0.3566.

Keywords: Irrigation water, water quality, Tigris River, water pollution index (WPI), pollution load

Key findings: A relative increase was evident in bicarbonate ions to reach the highest value (2.64 meq.l^-1). The Na (%), KR, and SAR measurements (3.99, 0.041, and 0.11, respectively) were necessary to determine the possibility of using water for irrigation.

Effective herbicide resistance management in Avena fatua is a crucial challenge to sustain wheat production. Using classic bioassay confirmed fenoxaprop-P-ethyl resistance in A. fatua biotypes in four districts of Punjab, Pakistan (Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, and Sargodha). The efficacy testing of herbicide mixtures comprising clodinafop-propargyl plus metribuzin, pinoxaden plus sulfosulfuron, pinoxaden plus metribuzin, and sulfosulfuron plus clodinafop-propargyl had concentrations at 100%, 75%, and 50% of the recommended dose for each herbicide to control A. fatua resistant to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. Results indicated that A. fatua displayed widespread resistance to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, ranging from 4.12 to 5.49, in all the surveyed districts. Every mixture of herbicides demonstrated 100% mortality at 100% and 75% of the authorized dose, demonstrating high efficacy in suppressing the weeds. At 100% and 75% of the recommended dose, every tested herbicide mixture showed 100% mortality, indicating high efficacy in controlling weeds. At 50% doses, clodinafop-propargyl plus metribuzin exhibited higher efficacy in controlling weeds than other herbicide mixtures. It is the first report of A. fatua from Punjab, Pakistan, stating resistance to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. The improved herbicide combinations will be beneficial in minimizing the possible emergence of cross-resistance, decreasing wheat production losses, and efficiently managing A. fatua.

Keywords: ACCase resistance, classical bioassay, herbicide resistance, wheat sustainability, wild oat

Key findings: Empirical studies validate the extensive dispersion of fenoxaprop-P-ethyl-resistant A. fatua in major wheat-producing regions, such as Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, and Sargodha, Pakistan. All tested herbicide mixtures effectively suppressed both susceptible and fenoxaprop-P-ethyl-resistant A. fatua biotypes. The combination of metribuzin and clodinafop-propargyl displayed the best efficacy in controlling A. fatua.

The paper reports the results of a study conducted in 2023 in the Baltabai rural district, Yenbekshikazakh district, Almaty Region, Kazakhstan. The study centered on analyzing soil samples collected as part of field experiments. The research goal was to assess the influence of various organic farming technologies on soil microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. The results proved highly significant for microbiological research as they highlight the effect of various environmental conditions on the growth and development of microorganisms. The study reveals that using organic farming technology in the combination of winter peas and corn as a cover crop promotes a higher concentration of bacteria than traditional cultivation methods. Cultivating soybeans with organic agriculture resulted in the highest levels of bacteria. Cultivation of winter peas for green mass, its use of soybean cover in organic agriculture, and their variants becoming straw as organic fertilizers helped increase actinomycete concentration. It proved that Gause’s agar, Ashby’s medium, and meat-peptone agar provide optimal conditions for the growth of bacteria.

Meanwhile, Czapek-Dox and Hutchison’s media do not support their growth at specified dilution rates. Actinomycetes fruitfully multiplied in Gause’s and Hutchison’s media at the 10^-3 dilution rate. Ashby’s medium, meat-peptone agar, and starch ammonia agar at the dilution rate of 10^-5 showed no positive effect on the growth of fungi, while Czapek-Dox, Gause’s, and Hutchison’s media diluted at the rate of 10^-3 provided optimal conditions for soil fungi production. The findings of this study can find practical applications in quality control and safety assurance in medicine, food production, and agriculture.

Keywords: Сover crops, culture media, soil bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, organic farming, Kazakhstan

Key findings: Organic farming methods, particularly winter peas and winter peas intercropped with corn, resulted in higher bacterial concentrations than conventional farming practices. Soybean cultivation within the organic farming framework displayed the highest bacterial concentration among the tested crops. Cultivating winter peas for green mass and using soybean as a cover crop in organic farming, especially when combined with straw as organic fertilizer, led to elevated concentrations of actinomycetes.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) trees’ successful growing in Iraq revealed vital seeds distinguished by their oil quantity and quality. A seed proximate analysis indicated its moisture (4.08%), ash (3.25%), protein (32.91%), fats (38.11%), fibers (7.55%), and carbohydrates (14.1%), respectively. Moringa seeds oil extraction employed different methods (mechanical pressure, Soxhlet extraction, cold solvent extraction, and soaking and mixing with hexane solvent for 24 hours). The results showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) variations in the extracted oil percentage and all tests for physicochemical properties. The cold solvent extraction yielded the highest oil percentage (41.899%), followed by the Soxhlet extraction with petroleum ether (39.9%) and with hexane (38.04%), and the mechanical pressure extraction (12.97%). The results indicated substantial (P ≤ 0.05) differences in the percentage of fatty acids (Palmitic, Arachidic, and Behenic) in the extracted oil for each extraction method. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences were evident in their qualitative properties, such as peroxide value, free fatty acid content, and melting point. Overall, the soaking and mixing extraction method with a solvent displayed the highest quantity yield of oil with superior quality. Meanwhile, the mechanical pressing method produced high-quality oil and the lowest yield.

Keywords: Moringa (M. oleifera), seed oil, mechanical pressing extraction, cold extraction, Soxhlet extraction, oil content, physicochemical properties of oil

Key findings: Moringa oleifera seeds are one of the most important sources of oils, which are considered healthy oils due to the high percentage of essential fatty acids. It is important to find the best methods to extract them with high quality.

Broad- and narrow-leafed weeds are one of the main challenges that hinder the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production expansion due to their competitiveness. The latest study aimed to use different methods that have a perpetual effect on weeds in barley fields. A field experiment on barley ensued during crop seasons 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 in the north of Najaf Province, Iraq. Eight combinations and two treatments of the experiment (manual weed control, herbicides, and seeding rate) progressed using a randomized complete block design with 10 replications. Results showed significant differences between treatments and combinations. Saracen, Axial, and weed-free, with a seeding rate of 160 kg ha^-1, provided the lowest weed density and the highest weed control efficiency compared with the control (120 kg ha^-1). The use of Saracen, Axial, and weed-free, with a seeding rate of 160 kg ha^-1, showed the utmost weed control. Based on HPLC analysis of Saracen and Axial residues, the active substances Florasulam and Pinoxaden appeared to be less than the detected level in the grains and straw of barley, which confirms their safety for human and animal consumption. Using herbicides that inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS) and Acetyl coenzyme-A carboxylase (ACCase), combined with increasing seeding rate, boosts efficient weed control in barley fields.

Keywords: Barley (H. vulgare L.), weed population, seed rate, herbicides, weed control, acetolactate synthase (ALS), Acetyl coenzyme-A carboxylase (ACCase)

Key findings: Herbicide use that inhibits the biosynthesis of amino and fatty acids with increasing seeding rate enhanced the efficiency of weed control in barley (H. vulgare L.).

The recent study, carried out in 2022 in Bismayah City, Baghdad, Iraq, aimed to investigate the influence of humic and salicylic acids on the growth traits of different trees. The first factor was humic acid (H) with three levels – water spray (H₀ control), 5 g L^-1 (H₁), and 10 g L^-1 (H₂). The second factor was salicylic acid with three levels, i.e., water spray (S₀ control), 250 mg L^-1 (S₁), and 500 mg L^-1 (S₂). The third factor was four tree types, namely, Eucalyptus camaldulensis L. (T₁), Albizia lebbeck L. (T₂), Ficus carica L. (T₃), and Morus nigra L. (T₄). The study comprised a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that humic acid, 10 g L^-1 (H₂), significantly increased the stem diameter (28.20 mm), plant height (36.50 cm), shoot length (37.64 cm), and leaf chlorophyll content (29.45 mg g^-1). The salicylic acid spray of 500 mg L^-1 (S₂) significantly enhanced the plant height (32.59 cm), shoot length (36.82 cm), and leaf chlorophyll content (28.22 mg g^-1). Albizia lebbeck L. (T₂) excelled with an enhanced stem diameter (34.54 mm) and plant height (46.77 cm). Eucalyptus camaldulensis L. (T₁) was superior with an extended shoot length (43.64 cm). However, Ficus carica L. (T₃) was superb in the leaf chlorophyll content (29.51 mg g-1). The interactions among the study factors significantly affected all the studied vegetative growth traits.

Keywords: Humic acid, salicylic acid, phytoremediation, transplants, plant height, foliar application

Key findings: The studied traits significantly increased especially when sprayed with humic acid at 10 g L^-1 and salicylic acid at 500 mg L^-1. Moreover, the transplants varied among themselves in vegetative growth characteristics.