The concentration of phenolic compounds is researchable using chemotaxonomy as a valuable approach to studying the pharmacological potential of different crop plants. In line with this, the objective of the constructive study was to investigate the phenolic compounds concentration in 10 taxa belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae, earlier cultivated in mid-February 2021 at the College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq. The taxa included Cucurbita pepo Linnaeus, Cucurbita maxima Duchesne, Lagenaria siceraria L.C.V. Local Molina, Lagenaria siceraria L.C.V. Syria Molina, Cucumis sativus Linnaeus, Cucumis melo Linnaeus, Cucumis melo flexuosus Linnaeus, Citrullus lanatus (Thumberg) Matsum and Nakai, Citrullus colocynthis Schrader, and Luffa cylindrica Mill. Analyzing these compounds helped to gain a deeper understanding of the chemical composition of these plants, which may contribute to identifying their medicinal properties and potential applications in the field of pharmacology. The analysis of leaves of these taxa ran through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for 14 phenolic compounds, i.e., Apigenin, Catechin, Epicatechin, Kaempferol, Luteolin, Quercetin, Rutin, and Caffeic, Chlorogenic, Ferulic, Gallic, Hydroxy benzoic, P-coumaric, and Vanillic acids. A comprehensive study analyzed 10 taxa belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae using HPLC, revealing their heterogeneity and significant variations in the content and concentration of various phenolic compounds. The results of this analysis unveiled the identification of 14 compounds, primarily relying on the presence of standard material. Notably, the main component observed in this study was caffeic acid, showcasing its potential utility for taxonomists and pharmacologists and addressing diverse taxonomic challenges. These findings hold promising implications for the field, offering valuable insights into the intricate world of Cucurbitaceae and opening avenues for further research and application. Results further confirmed that the leaves of Cucurbitaceae plants are rich sources of nutrients and can significantly contribute to nutrient requirements and human health care.

Keywords: Cucurbitaceae, chemotaxonomy, phenolic compounds, pharmacological properties

Key findings: Cucurbitaceae species resulted heterogeneous, showing significant differences in various phenolic compounds for content and concentration through HPLC analysis.

The presented study sought to use the plant growth-promoting microorganism (PGPM) as a biofertilizer in maize (Zea mays L.) seeds and determine its effects on the growth and productivity of maize, with two levels of mineral fertilizer (25% and 50% of chemical fertilizer) under Iraqi conditions. Laboratory studies confirmed no antagonism between Azotobacter chroococcum and other microorganisms used in this study. Field experiments carried out during crop season 2021 were in two different regions, Mosul (36°20′6″N, 43°7′8″E) and Kirkuk (35°28′5.02″N, 44°23′31.99″E) in the north of Iraq. The result showed biofertilizer superiority when combined with 25% and 50% doses of the recommended mineral fertilizer for maize growth and yield traits in the experiments in both locations. In Kirkuk city, the biofertilizer combined with 25% chemical fertilizer recorded superiority without significant difference from the biofertilizer combined with 50% mineral fertilizer. However, in Mosul city, the biofertilizer combined with 50% chemical fertilizer expressed a more superior and significant difference than other treatments for growth and yield traits in maize. The difference between the two regions might be due to chemical fertilizer residues in the soil.

Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.), biofertilizer, plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), Azotobacter chroococcum, bio-agents, mineral fertilizer, growth and yield traits

Key findings: Biofertilizer treatment with 25% and 50% doses of the recommended mineral fertilizer lead to significantly enhance the growth and yield parameters of maize. However, the use of mineral fertilizer depends upon the available fertilizer residues in the soil.

Hidden hunger is one of the most important challenges of the current era, and genetic biofortification is the most feasible, cheapest, and sustainable way to provide a balanced diet to the community. Given the value of biofortification in food grains, the relevant study sought to screen maize inbred lines for kernel Fe and Zn contents and estimate their bioavailability using molar ratios. One hundred maize inbred lines planted during spring 2018 in soil contained optimal levels of Fe and Zn. Maize genotypes evaluation comprised plant height, days to tasseling, silking, maturity, cob length, number of rows per cob, grains per row, grains per cob, 100-grain weight, grain yield per plant, grain Fe, Zn, and phytic acid contents. Significant differences emerged for all the studied traits. The results of the correlation study indicated that grain Fe and Zn contents had a positive genetic link with each other while a non-significant negative association with phytic acid and grain yield. A substantial positive correlation of grain yield occurred with rows per cob, grains per row, and grains per cob. Cluster and principal component analyses ran through, with PA/Fe and PA/Zn molar ratios calculated to estimate the mineral bioavailability. Based on the genetic variability for grain yield, Fe, Zn, and PA contents, four clusters resulted, and the first two PCs had an eigenvalue of more than one and depicted 76.91% of the total variance. Genotypes M-11, M-41, M-45, M-56, M-60, M-61, M-66, M-80, M-96, and M-98 showed high Fe and Zn contents with low molar ratios and are potential to benefit further breeding programs to develop biofortified maize hybrids.

Keywords: Biofortification, principal component analysis, iron, zinc, phytic acid

Key findings: An occurrence of high genetic variability in maize inbred lines for Fe-Zn contents indicated that genotypes having high concentrations of these minerals with good bioavailability could serve in developing biofortified maize hybrids. A positive correlation between Fe and Zn contents recommends the possibility of increasing both the micronutrients simultaneously.

The promising study transpired in the laboratory of the Department of Field Crops, College of Agriculture, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq. The six aromatic local rice cultivars, i.e., V1: Ebaa1, V2: Baraka, V3: Furat, V4: Diggla, V5: Yasmine, and V6: Amber-33, served as materials in the presented study. Ten genes of the CIPK family were indicators for drought-tolerant genes. Detecting these genes from the leaves after exposure to drought stress used the Real Time device PCR after RNA extraction and converted to cDNA. The results revealed that the aromatic rice cultivar Amber-33 contained almost all the genes except the gene, OsCIPK04. Cultivars Furat and Diggla were also superior for gene detection. The genes OsCIPK06 and OsCIPK07 appeared in three rice cultivars (Diggla, Yasmine, and Amber-33). The three genes, i.e., OsCIPK08, OsCIPK09, and OsCIPK10, were absent in all the aromatic rice cultivars, while the OsCIPK05 gene appeared in all the studied rice cultivars under drought stress conditions. The technique used for detecting OsCIPK genes in the rice crop, matched with the results in the field experiments, resulted in the potential use of this method to screen the rice cultivars and determine their degree of drought tolerance.

Keywords: Aromatic rice, CIPK gene, gene expression, RNA, drought stress conditions

Key findings: In the presented molecular study, CIPK genes can assess the genetic variation generated by different rice cultivars under drought-stress conditions.

Catharanthus roseus L. plant is highly beneficial as chemotherapy drugs due to its rich alkaloids. Nanoparticles (NPs) have served as an abiotic elicitor; therefore, these chemical inputs stimulate various secondary metabolites. The present-day study sought to develop a callus culture and its utilization by applying the NPs to enhance the alkaloids in C. roseus. For callus induction, in vivo, leaves’ inoculation on MS medium had different concentrations of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and Benzylaminopurine (BAP). After this stage, the induced callus culture gained stimulating by different rates (0, 1, and 2 mg L^-1) of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs). The highest fresh and dry weights of calluses resulted in a combination of 0.5 mg L^-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L^-1 2,4-D, regarded as the best treatments for callus induction. The study showed no significant effect of NPs on callus growth compared with control. HPLC analysis revealed that field-grown plant leaves had the lowest alkaloid levels compared with elicitor-free callus cultures. However, all NP treatments significantly increased alkaloid contents versus the control. Ag-NPs were more effective than TiO₂-NPs in enhancing alkaloid biosynthesis. The highest range of vincristine and catharanthine (0.736 and 1.378 mg g^-1, respectively) emerged with 1 mg L^-1 Ag-NPs, while 2 mg L^-1 Ag-NPs increased vindoline and vinblastine contents (1.30 and 0.949 mg g^-1, respectively). The control exhibited lower alkaloid contents of vindoline, vincristine, catharanthine, and vinblastine (0.891, 0.492, 0.974, and 0.307 mg g^-1, respectively).

Keywords: C. roseus, nanoparticles, plant growth regulators, vincristine, vinblastine, MS medium, callus culture

Key findings: The presented trial provides a basis for how plant biotechnology contributes to pharmaceutical industry advancement, specifically how to use medicinal plants’ compounds for cancer treatment. The study confirmed that low doses of exact nanoparticles can enhance the production of essential alkaloids in the C. roseus callus culture.

Soil treated with different concentrations of copper (75, 160, and 190 mg/kg soil) and cadmium (4, 8, and 10 mg/kg soil) had assessments for their effects on the growth of algae (Cladophora and Spirogyra). Soil treated with copper (190 mg/kg) and cadmium (10 mg/kg) has shown a significant impact, decreasing the dry weight of Cladophora (1.600 and 0.353 mg) and Spirogyra (1.500 and 0.189 mg). Chlorophyll a and b content also expressed decreased with copper application to the soil at 190 mg/kg. Cladophora and Spirogyra algae had concentrations of 0.082 and 0.007 mg/g fresh weight, respectively. In algae Cladophora, the cadmium (10 mg/kg soil) levels reached 0.073 and 0.008 mg/g of fresh weight, while Spirogyra had concentrations of 0.013 and 0.011 mg/g. In the nutrient concentration status of cladophora, soil treatment with cadmium (10 mg/kg) was the most beneficial for phosphorus, chloride, and sodium levels (0.170, 0.010, and 0.010 mg/g, respectively). Similarly, the phosphorus and sodium concentrations had declined with copper treatments in algae spirogyra (0.150 and 0.040 mg/g, respectively), while chloride concentration reduction was by cadmium (10 mg/kg soil).

Keywords: Algae Cladophora and Spirogyra, chlorophyll a and b, cadmium, copper, phosphorus, chloride, sodium, growth traits

Key findings: Soil treated with heavy elements has significantly decreased the fresh and dry weights of the algae Cladophora and Spirogyra. Observations also found that chlorophyll a and b, and chloride, sodium, and potassium levels, had decreased.

Lead nitrate has reports of significantly inhibiting plant growth. Early exploration of the genotypic difference for lead nitrate stress in tobacco has started. The presented study had eight tobacco genotypes subjected to 200 μM lead nitrate (Pb [NO₃]₂) stress in a hydroponic culture. Lead stress treatment to plants for 14 days had data recording at three times intervals of stressed plants. Assessing photosynthetic and antioxidant enzymes’ activities was in a time series order of one day, seven days, and 14 days. One-day, seven-day, and fourteen-day-old seedlings gained treatment of 200 μM lead nitrate stress and control. Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values for most genotypes decreased, while oxidant and anti-oxidant enzymes increased activity. Chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, and total chlorophyll evaluated after lead nitrate toxicity showed reduced activity in studied tobacco genotypes compared with control as time passed. All chlorophyll contents, i.e., chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll, declined with a longer span in lead nitrate solution. Genotype QVA-20 could benefit lead-salt tolerance and susceptible genotype ‘long chang’ cigarette based on chlorophyll content and SPAD values. Chlorophyll a capacity decreased as lead exposure to plants increased, but chlorophyll b increased in all genotypes on the 15th day. The MDA (malondialdehyde) content increased in all tobacco genotypes with increased lead nitrate exposure. Meanwhile, SOD (superoxide dismutase) contents decreased in genotypes RG-8, E1, and X6 with increased time, but POD (peroxidase) contents increased in all genotypes on the 14th day. Genotypes RG-8, E1, and X6 proved considerably tolerant of lead toxicity at 200 μM.

Keywords: Lead phytotoxicity, tobacco genotype, chloroplast ultrastructure, ceratophyllum demersum, aminolevulinate dehydrogenase

Key findings: The prevailing work reveals that genotype QVA260 exhibited tolerance to Pb stress as its SPAD value does not change significantly with time, followed by genotype E-1 and RG-11. Likewise, higher antioxidant enzyme activities disclosed the tolerance potential of QVA260, RG8, and E11.

A field experiment on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) with diverse levels of fertilization, carried out in the spring of 2022 in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement, had three replications and two factors at the field of Ibn-Al-Bitar Vocational Preparatory School, District Al-Hussainiya, Kerbala, Iraq. The first factor comprised three sorghum cultivars (V1 = Al-Khair, V2 = Rabeh, and V3 = Bohuth-70), while the second was combinations of nitrogen and bio-fertilizers (F0 = recommended dose of N 320 kg ha^-1, F1 = 3/4 of the recommended amount of N with Azotobacter, F2 = 1/2 of the recommended dosage of N + Aotobacter, F3 = 1/4 of the recommended dose of N + Azotobacter, and F4 = Azotobacter + No nitrogen fertilizer). The results showed that the sorghum cultivar Bohuth-70 was significantly superior for enhanced plant height (204.63 cm), number of leaves plant^-1 (9.807), 1000-grain weight (35.27 g), and the grain yield (6.192 Mg.ha^-1). However, cultivar Al-Khair produced the highest mean leaf area (4,929 cm²) and grains per head (4,428 grains.head^-1). Cultivar Rabeh excelled in performance, with the highest mean value for stem diameter (24.67 mm) and head length (31.29 cm). The F0 treatment recommended dose of N 320 kg ha^-1 was considerably superior in the number of leaves (9.867 leaves plant^-1), stem diameter (24.8 mm), and grain yield (6.145 Mg.ha^-1). The F1 treatment of 3/4 of the recommended dose of N with Aotobacter excelled in plant height (166.57 cm), leaf area (4,936 cm²), and number of grains (3,916 grain head^-1). However, the F2 treatment 1/2 of the recommended dose of N + Aotobacter was notably superior in head length (30.18 cm) and 1000-grain weight (29.93 grains). As for the interaction, the sorghum cultivar Bohuth-70 with F0 treatment excelled in the number of leaves plant^-1 (10.33 leaves) and the grain yield (7.157 Mg.ha^-1), while the cultivar Al-Khair with F1 treatment excelled in stem diameter (26.70 mm) and leaf area (5,164 cm²).

Keywords: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), cultivars, nitrogen fertilizer, biofertilizer, growth and yield, Azotobacter

Key findings: Nitrogen and biofertilizer (Azotobacter) significantly affected the growth and yield traits. The studied cultivars also showed varied responses to various fertilization levels. It might be possible to reduce chemical fertilizers and replace them with biofertilizers.

The presented research, comprising characterization of nine species of the wild rose (Rosa L.), came from various regions of Northern Iraq. The study proceeded in 2021–2022 at the College of Education of Pure Science, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq. Employing the random amplification polymorphism DNA (RAPD) helped determine the genetic variation relationships among the species using the statistical program Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System (NTSYSpc 2.02). The use of 10 random primers attained amplifications observed with agarose gel electrophoresis. The RAPD primers generated 523 random bands, making it possible to separate Rosa species from each other. Among the studied species, the genetic distance ranged from 0.067 to 1.027. The least genetic dimension (0.067) came from the species Rosa canina var. deseglisei and Rosa canina var. canina, with the highest genetic breadth reaching 1.027 between Rosa x centifolia and Rosa foetida. The dendrogram revealed three main clusters based on the genetic distance values, with the third one getting split into three distinct groups. RAPD proved as an effective method for studying the relatedness among the species.

Keywords: molecular study, Rosa, Rosaceae, RAPD markers, genetic distance, multivariate analysis, species association

Key findings: Molecular diagnosis using RAPD-PCR indicators helped identify and distinguish the nine species of the genus Rosa (Rosaceae) growing in Northern Iraq. Based on the similarities and genetic differences among the species, the RAPD primers generated 523 random bands for the possible separation of Rosa species from each other. Among the species, the genetic distance ranged from 0.067 to 1.027.

Microalgae reckon one of the most promising organisms due to their numerous applications in biotechnology, such as, their biomass utilization to extract various primary and secondary metabolites. These compounds benefit the food and pharmaceutical industries and the energy field, such as, biofuel and hydrogen gas production. Therefore, it is necessary to find various sustainable ways to actively preserve the isolates and productive strains with purity for an extended period without affecting their genetic characteristics and productive ability to grow and regenerate. The latest study aimed to compress several microalgae to form alginate beads using sodium alginate with five types of pure algal cultures, i.e., Scenedesmus quadricauda, Scenedesmus dimorphus, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorococcum humicola, and Chlamydomonas sp. The vitality and activity of all the strains studied through the storage period showed the success of preparing alginate beads and staying viable for 18 months at 4 °C in the refrigerator under dark conditions. Therefore, encapsulating microalgae with sodium alginate is a possible and helpful method for preserving algae isolates for a prolonged period in a pure form. The survival of algae in alginate beads is an essential step to apply in the future as one of the viable methods to preserve pure algae isolates for a long time.

Keywords: Scenedesmus, Chlorella, Chlorococcum, Chlamydomonas, microalgae, alginate bead, sodium alginate, long-term storage

Key findings: Encapsulating microalgae with sodium alginate is a possible and valuable method for preserving algae isolates for a long time in a pure form. The process successfully prepared alginate beads and stayed viable for 18 months at 4 °C in the refrigerator under dark conditions.