Nitrogen is a macronutrient considered as one of the important components to combat the nutritional deficiency in growth and yield-related traits, and help physiological processes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. The presented study sought to evaluate two Iraqi wheat cultivars (Babel-113 and Bahouth-10) in integration with three nitrogen fertilizer (NF) levels (50, 75, and 100 kg N ha^-1), carried out in 2022–2023 at the Al-Hashimiya Agriculture Directorate, Hilla City, Iraq. The study proceeded in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using a split-plot arrangement, with two factors and three replications. The results showed wheat cultivar Babel-113 was significantly better than the other cultivar Bahouth-10 in all studied traits. Cultivar Babel-113 performed better in traits, germination ratio, germination speed, plant height, leaf area, spikes number, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield (88.39%, 84.49%, 91.40 cm, 31.45 cm², 469, 92.07, 51.34 g, and 5.226 t ha^-1, respectively). The NF with the highest dose (100 kg N ha^-1) proved significantly superior to two other lower doses (50 and 75 kg N ha^-1) in all studied traits. Wheat cultivars (Babel-113 and Bahouth- 10) combined with the nitrogen fertilizer 100 kg N ha^-1 showed the best performance than all other interactions.

Keywords: Wheat (T. aestivum L.), cultivars, nitrogen fertilizer, sprinkler irrigation, germination ratio, growth and yield traits

Key findings: The results showed wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivars Babel-113 and Bahouth-10 combined with NF 100 kg N ha^-1 performed better for all the traits. However, cultivar Babel-113 was leading compared with Bahouth-10 for growth and yield traits.

A field experiment commenced during the winter of 2020–2021 at the Al-Hamdhyia Research Station, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq. The research evaluated the growth, yield, and quality traits of four flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivars (Sakha-1, Sakha-4, Sakha-6, and Local) under the influence of three levels of potassium fertilizer (0, 25, and 50 kg ha^-1). The experiment, in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), had a factorial arrangement and three replications. The results showed the flax cultivar Sakha-1 was significantly superior in the fruiting branches per plant, capsules per plant, seeds per capsule, seed yield (1.297 t ha^-1), and seed oil percentage. However, cultivar Sakha-4 excelled in plant height, straw yield, fiber length, and fiber yield (1.869 t ha^-1). Moreover, the increased level of potassium fertilizer (50 kg ha^-1) led to a significant increase in its plant height, fruiting branches per plant, seeds per capsule (8.01 seed capsule^-1), and oil percentage. Meanwhile, the potassium fertilizer increase at 25 kg ha^-1 was substantially superior in the capsules per plant and seed yield (1.261 t ha^-1) for the Sakha-4 cultivar.

Keywords: Flax (L. usitatissimum L.), potassium levels, growth and morphological traits, seed yield, seed oil percentage, fiber yield

Key findings: The flax (L. usitatissimum L.) cultivars significantly differed for morphological traits. Flax genotypes showed varied values for various agronomic and quality traits with different levels of potassium. For improving the flax seed oil and lint, cultivars Sakha-1 and Sakha-4 could benefit as a breeding source for further improvement.

This study happened in 2021–2023 at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq. The presented study determined the effect of adding sucrose, salicylic acid, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to shoot multiplication of the Grand Nain banana plant. The results revealed the concentration of sucrose (90 g L^-1) was significantly superior by recording the highest number of shoots, plant height, the number of leaves, and the leaf width with values of 18.33 shoots, 7.10 cm, 6.33 leaves, and 3.83 cm, respectively. In contrast, the utmost concentration of melatonin emerged with the sucrose treatment 120 g. L^-1. The treatment of salicylic acid (2.0 mg L^-1) provided the best results for studied qualities. The salicylic acid concentration of 3.0 mg L^-1 resulted in the maximum concentration of melatonin (41.56 mg g^-1 dry weight). The PEG concentration of 1.0 g L^-1 was significantly superior by recording the highest values, while the PEG concentration at 3.0 g L^-1 gave the topmost value of melatonin (43.32 mg g^-1 dry weight).

Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.), water stress, silicon, yield, carbohydrate, protein, oil, stresstolerance index

Key findings: Banana Grand Nain (Musa acuminata L.), isolation melatonin, micropropagation

A field experiment during the winter crop of 2022–2023 focused on silts soil of the Agricultural Research and Experiments Station, College of Agriculture, University of Basra, Basra, Iraq. The latest study aimed to determine the cumulative effects of triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) cultivars and nitrogen fertilization levels on triticale growth and yield-related traits. The study included three triticale cultivars (Farah, Amal, and Muhannad) and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 100, 120, and 140 N kg ha^-1). The presented experiment had a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement and three replications. The results showed the cultivars had a significant impact on some yield components, and the cultivar Amal gave the highest number of grains per spike, biological and grain yields, and protein (56.74 grains per spike, 22.75 and 6.64 mg ha^-1, and 12.20%, respectively). Triticale cultivar Muhannad achieved the topmost spike efficiency and 1000-grain weight with means of 96.96% and 40.67 g, respectively. The results further revealed that increased level of nitrogen fertilizer raised the grain yield. The nitrogen fertilizer (140 kg ha^-1) attained the maximum mean for spikes appearance, number of spikes, grains per spike, biological and grain yields, and protein percentage (95.87%, 675.2 spikes m^-2, 62.56 grains per spike, 26.78 and 8.07 mg ha^-1, and 12.66%, respectively).

Keywords: Triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack), cultivars, nitrogen fertilization levels, growth and yield-related traits, protein percentage

Key findings: Triticale cultivar Amal showed the best performance and the highest grain yield (6.64 mg ha^-1). The nitrogen fertilizer (140 kg ha^-1) achieved the highest mean for the grain yield (8.07 mg ha^-1).

The experiment on mung bean (Vigna radiata) in 2023 commenced at the laboratory of the University of Kerbala, Kerbala, Iraq. It aimed to determine the role of trehalose and glutathione in reducing cadmium (Cd) toxicity. The mung bean cuttings served as an experimental material to evaluate the best method of applying trehalose and glutathione in reducing Cd toxicity. Root response, antioxidant defense, and peroxidation were the indicators used. With pre- and post-treatment of trehalose and glutathione and in combination with Cd, significant differences occurred for these treatments. By treating with Cd, trehalose and glutathione were able to remove Cd toxicity and showed an increase in rooting response. By using trehalose and glutathione together in mung bean, and using Cd during the first 24 hours, their effect was inhibitory. However, when treated together with the toxic Cd, the trehalose and glutathione removed the Cd toxicity in mung bean, improved the rooting response, and raised the levels of GSH, ASA, and CAT, and SOD activity. In addition, they decreased the level of MDA and the lipoxygenase activity compared with the control treatment. The study concluded that the combination of trehalose and glutathione showed a promising protection for mung bean plants from Cd toxicity.

Keywords: Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.), rooting response, antioxidant, glutathione, trehalose, cadmium toxicity.

Key findings: The combined effects of trehalose and glutathione before and after Cd application during the first 24 hours resulted in inhibitory action in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). However, when applied in combination with the toxic Cd, the Cd toxicity vanished, with the rooting system enhanced along with the levels of GSH, ASA, CAT, and SOD.

A field experiment, carried out in 2021-2022, determined the effect of different mineral and nanopotassium fertilizer combinations on the growth and yield traits of the faba bean (Vicia faba L.) at the District Al-Rumaytha, Iraq. The experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) had a split-plot arrangement and three replications. The main plots consisted of fertilizer application once and twice—first at planting, and the other at the beginning of flowering. The subplots comprised four fertilizer combinations of traditional recommendation and nano-potassium: 75% traditional + 25% nano-potassium, 50% traditional + 50% nano-potassium, 25% traditional + 75% nano-potassium, and nano-potassium recommendation. With the fertilizer level of 75% traditional + 25% nano, the average pods per plant, seed yield, and protein percentage were 23.08, 5466, and 30.67%, respectively. The nano recommended level averaged 24.17 cm, superior for pod length. However, the number of seeds per pod and 100-seed weight did not differ across the different fertilizer levels. With the second addition phase, the pods per plant, seed yield, and protein percentage emerged significantly enhanced with values of 20.47, 4850 kg ha^-1, and 27.66%, respectively.

Keywords: Faba beans, fertilizer level, nano-potassium, growth and yield traits

Key findings: The fertilizer combination of 75% traditional + 25% nano-potassium produced more pods per plant and seed yield than other fertilizer combinations in faba beans (Vicia faba L.). The fertilizer’s second addition phase outperformed the first for pods per plant and seed yield. The highest seed yield occurred with 75% conventional + 25% nano-fertilizer at twice addition.

The presented study determined the effects of nano-NPK and biofertilizer EMG-1 on the growth and oil traits and active compounds of Linum usitatissimum L. The experiment ensued in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement, two factors, and three replications. It transpired in 2022 at the Alsada City, Babel, Iraq. The first factor was foliar application of nano-NPK fertilizer with four concentrations (0.0, 0.7, 0.10, and 0.15 ml L^-1). The second factor was biofertilization of EMG-1 (0.0, 5, 10, and 15 ml L^-1), mixed with soil with a 1-cm incision made near the rhizosphere area. The results indicated a positive role of nano-NPK and biofertilization EMG-1 in improving growth and oil yield traits in flax (L. usitatissimum). The application of nano-NPK (0.15 ml L-¹) and biofertilization EMG-1 (15 ml L^-1) showed a significant increase in the flax’s plant height, fruit branches, oil yield, oil percentage, and linolenic and oleic acids.

Keywords: Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), Nano-NPK, EMG-1, growth and oil traits, linolenic acid, oleic acid

Key findings: The results indicated the positive role of nano-NPK (0.15 ml L^-1) and biofertilization EMG-1 (15 ml L^-1) in enhancing the flax’s plant height, fruit branches, oil yield and percentage, and linolenic and oleic acids.

The presented field experiment on rice (Oryza sativa L.) commenced in the summer of 2020 at the Rice Research Station in Al-Mishkhab, Iraq, aiming to estimate the genetic parameters of rice cultivars using bio-, organic, and mineral fertilizers. The experiment layout had a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a split-plot arrangement and three replications. The main plots included fertilizer combinations, i.e., full dose of mineral fertilizer (T0), full dose of biological fertilizer (T1), full dose of organic fertilizer (T2), half of the mineral and biofertilizer (T3), half of the organic and biofertilizer (T4), and half of the organic and mineral fertilizer (T5). The subplots comprised six rice cultivars, i.e., Yasamin, Dijlah, Mishkhab-2, Brnamge-4, Amber-33, and Ghadeer. The results revealed, on average, the rice cultivar Amber-33 had the tallest plant height (107.32 cm) and minimum days to 50% flowering (103.73 days), and cultivar Dijlah had the highest average for panicle length, 1000-grain weight, and biological yield (28.12 cm, 23.05 g, and 12.29 t ha^-1, respectively). Cultivar Yasamin showed the maximum grain yield (4.50 t ha^-1) compared with other cultivars. For fertilizer treatments, half of the organic and mineral fertilizer (T5) had the utmost average of grain yield (4.05 t ha^-1), and half of the mineral and biofertilizer (T3) had the maximum plant height, panicle length, and biological yield (90.24 cm, 25.13 cm, and 13.58 t ha^-1, respectively).

Keywords: Rice (O. sativa L.) cultivars, biological fertilizers, mineral fertilizers, organic fertilizers, , growth and yield traits

Key findings: Rice (O. sativa L.) cultivars and fertilizer combinations revealed significant differences for all the traits. Cultivar Yasamin showed the highest average grain yield (4.50 t ha^-1). The solutions with half of the organic and mineral fertilizer (T5) and half of the mineral and biofertilizer (T3) excelled in most of the characteristics under study.

The presented study pursued determining the effect of biosynthesized nano-zinc oxide in managing root and stem rot on broad bean (Vicia faba L.) caused by the fungi Rhizoctonia solani. The two laboratory experiments transpired in 2022 at the Al-Qasim Green University, Iraq. The pathogenic fungal isolates cultivation on millet seeds ensued by infecting them with the R. solani vaccine in the laboratory. The effect of nano-zinc on R. solani growth suppression succeeded probing. The completely randomized design used had two factors. The first factor was bean cultivars, local and Spanish, while the second factor was the treatment of fungi R. solani with nano-zinc oxide six times. The results showed zinc nanoparticles considerably inhibited the fungus growth, which causes root and stem rot in broad beans. Since ZnONPs suppressed the fungal isolate growth (100%) compared to 0% in the control treatment, 20 μg/ml was optimal. In the pot experiment, the nano-zinc oxide foliar application had the lowest fungi infection (28.33%), compared with 81.67% in the control treatment. Nano-zinc oxide reduced infection severity to 6.92% versus 44.45% with fungal therapy alone. In treating the pathogenic fungus with nanoparticle-zinc oxide (ZnO) in the Spanish cultivar, polyphenol oxidase had the highest activity (0.94 unit ml^-1), while in the local cultivar and control, the therapy had 0.08 enzyme percentage.

Keywords: Broad bean (Vicia faba L.), ZnO-NPs, fungus, R. solani, root and stem rot, fungus

Key findings: Zinc nanoparticles considerably suppressed the fungus development and boosted the growth of the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) plant.

The irrigated soil resistance to degradation is vital in its usability. The ordinary gray-brown, gray, and meadow-gray soils reached degradation to a different degree under irrigation conditions. The soils used as pasture are distinct due to erosion. In irrigated soils, the water-resistant aggregates considerably decreased and resistance to erosion reduced. Therefore, the degradation was intensive in gray-brown, meadow-gray, and gray soils. Generally, dividing the soils for resistance to erosion consisted of five groups: a) the lowest resistant — bottom washing rate (0.040 m/sec), b) low erosion resistant — bottom washing rate (0.040–0.050 m/sec), c) moderate bottom — washing rate (0.051– 0.075 m/sec), d) high resistant — bottom washing rate (0.075–0.095 m/sec), and e) the highest erosion — resistant bottom flow rate (0.095 m/sec). The division of soils also comprised five groups based on degradation resistance: a) very weakly resistant, irrigation-eroded, saline, and solon solonchak soils, b) soils with varying degrees of weak resistant erosion, fragmented, and poorly developed vegetation, c) moderately resistant, irrigated poorly salinized, and solonetzificated soils with an inclination of 0.050 and more, d) high-resistant soils with more than 2.5 humus, thick, highly erosion-resistant, and weakly salinized soils, and e) the highest-resistant soils, non-salinized soils with weak surface-inclination, density, irrigated, and highly resistant to erosion.

Keywords: Soil degradation, erosion-resistant, bottom-washing rate, degradation resistance, irrigated soils, grouping against erosion and degradation

Key findings: The research based on efficient land use is crucial. As a result, the study found that soil resistance to natural and anthropogenic influences is low. Based on soil resistance to external influences, the soils ranked from high to low, light gray-brown, meadow-gray, and gray.