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.

The presented study explored approaches on the formation of cartographic and attribute information using the GIS technology for management of arable lands. This research included the development of advanced methodology for organizing agriculture lands using modern geoinformation technology through developing a digital cartographic environment. It further contained the database for agro-ecological soil properties, thematic maps for land management, and creation of a plan for using land in the study area. The latest research also revealed the foundation of the methodology for the land management of modern agro-formations, considering the requirements of the landscape approach to land use. An analysis of the agro-ecological state of the soil cover also ensued, obtaining the data from the analysis of thematic maps and land structure. The study revealed that 52.5% of the total assessed area consisted of chestnut ordinary soils, and 43.1% were floodplain meadow-chestnut soils. The proposed approach of arable land management can also apply in other regions of Kazakhstan for improving soil fertility and reducing degradation levels.

Keywords: GIS technology, geographic information systems, land management, agricultural lands, thematic maps, attribute data, data formation

Key findings: Using modern geoinformation technologies helped develop a methodology for organizing the arable lands. A digital cartographic environment developed included thematic layers of cartographic information for the study area. Generating a database containing analysis of agro-ecological soil properties also resulted.

Soil salinity appears as one of the most relevant abiotic factors negatively affecting wheat yield and quality, and creating varieties that can adequately respond to this factor is an urgent task today. The presented study assessed the response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes to salinity at the ontogenetic stage based on variations in morphometric parameters. Eight spring wheat cultivars’ evaluation identified salt-tolerant genotypes beneficial in future breeding programs. The study of salt stress with varied influence on the shoot and root length of wheat seedlings ensued. The results revealed substrate salinity leads to a significant decrease in seed germination, length and weight of shoots and roots, and leaf area (by 12.8%–97.6%). Wheat cultivars displayed varied responses to different salinity concentrations based on morphometric indicators. According to the degree of negative impact on wheat plants, the salinity types can be as NaCl < Na₂SO₄. The highest sensitivity of wheat cultivars to salinity was evident at the seed germination and the growth of seven-day-old seedlings. Based on the presented study, some spring soft wheat (Kayraktash, Pakhlavon, Es-4, and Es-61) cultivars showed distinction with different levels of salt tolerance that can benefit future breeding programs.

Keywords: Spring wheat (T. aestivum L.), cultivars, salt tolerance, chloride salinity, sulfate salinity, response to salinity, germination and growth traits

Key findings: Four wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivars were tolerant to chloride and sulfate salinity at the juvenile stage of development from the eight studied samples. These are Kayraktash, Pakhlavon, Es-4, and Es-61, providing the highest germination at different salinity levels. These genotypes can be a valuable source in future breeding programs.

Plant growth-promoting rhizospheric fungi (PGPRFs) are fungi mainly present in the soil rhizosphere. Through their mutual interaction with plants, these fungi provide a range of developmental benefits, yet some species of the fungi are harmful. The current study had nine fungi isolated, where five strains were from the rhizosphere and the remaining strains were from the bulk soil of maize (Zea mays L.). The research also tested maize seedlings against rhizospheric and bulk soil fungi. The Rhizo Brown and Bulk Gray have shown the highest growth rate compared to all other fungi. Association of isolates with host plants increased growth kinetics and biomass production, as measured by root length (36%), shoot length (37%), fresh weight (37%), dry weight (43%), and chlorophyll (67%) content. Besides, the association also promoted the biosynthesis of Indole Acetic Acid (46%) and Gibberellic acid (30%), improving the nutritional quality in maize. Results of the growth of the fungal strain on the agar plate indicated the absence of their antagonistic effect on each other’s growth. It was evident that combining both fungi can serve as bioinoculants to promote plant growth. The interaction between seeds and fungi confirmed the roots of the seedlings move toward the fungus, suggesting a beneficial plant-microbe interaction. Study results revealed that the rhizospheric and bulk soil fungi were plant growth-promoting fungi, improving agricultural productivity and are marketable for wider use in farming practices in Pakistan.

Keywords: Rhizosphere, bulk soil, maize (Z. mays L.), IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid), GA (gibberellic acid), nutritional quality, plant-microbe interaction

Key findings: The isolates of rhizospheric and bulk soil fungi promoted the growth of maize (Z. mays L.) seedlings by increasing root and shoot length, biomass, and chlorophyll content. These fungi also increased the production of plant hormones in maize and colonized its roots. The presented study identified these fungi as promising tools for promoting maize growth and potentially improving agricultural practices.

This research investigated the effects of bio-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on proline content, peroxidase, and catalase enzyme activity of two Iraqi wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Ibaa 99 and Al-Rasheed) compared with NPK fertilizers. The biosynthesis of AgNPs from A. graveolens aqueous extract, and their characterization occurred through the alteration in color of the reaction blend, as an unambiguous proof for AgNPs’ formation. Determining the size and shape of AgNPs used a scanning microscope and an atomic force microscope to characterize them. Uv-spectrophotometer described the AgNPs, revealing the peak of highest absorption at (𝛌max) 408 nm. The X-Ray Diffraction device application diagnosed the AgNP properties. The research transpired at the AL-Nahrain Laboratories, where cultivated cultivars in September 2022 had three replications for each concentration of biosynthesized AgNPs and NPK treatments (0.1, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/ml), and a control for comparison. A significant decrease in proline was evident for Al-Rasheed cultivar, while a significant increase appeared in Ibaa 99 cultivar. A notable decrease in proline resulted from NPK fertilizer treatments. Peroxidase and catalase enzyme activity significantly rose in both cultivars, while nonsignificant differences were visible when using NPK between them.

Keywords: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), biofertilizers, silver nanoparticles, antioxidant enzymes activity, Apium graveolens L.

Key findings: In wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops, the silver nanoparticles can be safe for use to improve the physiological and biochemical traits and replace the chemical fertilizers negatively affecting the soil and human health.

The revision of taxonomic information of genus Eragrostis Wolf in Iraq was this work’s aim, based on the literature and herbarium collections, such as BAG, BUE, BUH, BUNH, MOS, and SUH, as well as, field survey. Sixteen species enumerated had their spikelets and seed phenological characteristics, such as length, width, color, and shape, examined to isolate species. A taxonomic revision of the genus Eragrostis with an artificial key to species with phenology, national, and distribution data for all taxa, specimens examined, and photographs were available for easy identification. The results showed the species E. mossullensis has the longest spikelet uniqueness, E. cilianensis with a large width, and isolated species E. tremula identified with yellowish-brown to pink spikelets. The species E. mossullensis was superior with 38 seeds. The species E. ciliate was distinct with hairs. Notably, the present results, species E. aspera (Jacq.) Nees, E. atrovirens (Desf.) Trin. Ex Steud, E. basedowii Jedwabne, E. ciliate (Roxb.) Nees, E. poaeoides P.Beauv., Ess.Agrost., E. tenuifolia (A. Rich.) Hochst.ex Steud., E. tremula Hochst.ex Steud., and E. unioloides (Retz.) Nees ex Steud., were not endemic. However, it is the first time for these reports to exist in Iraq.

Keywords: Eragrostis, Iraq monocot, seed Poaceae, spikelet, taxonomy

Key findings: Taxonomic revision of the genus Eragrostis’ spikelets and seeds occurred, wildly grown in Iraq. Based on the morphological and taxonomic traits, 16 different species attained enumeration with varied morphological characters.

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) play a vital role as a global oilseed crop, but biotic and abiotic factors threaten their yield, especially in the context of climate change. One significant challenge is charcoal rot, a disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates. This disease causes stem lesions, leading to wilting and premature lodging, resulting in severe yield losses, ranging from 20% to 50%. Combating this issue led to introducing disease-resistant genes as a primary strategy. This study investigates the outcomes of incorporating charcoal-resistant lines into a breeding program. Four resistant inbred lines—’B-208′, ‘B-124’, ‘B-224’, and ‘B-112’—reached crossing with male fertility restorer lines, creating 16 half-sib cross combinations. These crosses showed varied levels of resistance to charcoal rot. Notably, the combinations ‘C.112’ × ‘RSIN.82’ and ‘C.208’ × ‘RH.344’ exhibited minor infestations and displayed negative heterosis, indicating a tendency toward complete to overdominance in resistance traits. The estimates of heterosis were modest, with a significant dominance variance relative to additive variance for disease resistance. Lines ‘B-112’, ‘B-208’, and ‘RSIN.82’ demonstrated strong general combining ability effects, suggesting their potential usefulness in breeding programs.

Keywords: dominance, fertility restorers, heterosis, infestation, symptoms

Key findings: The cross combinations with charcoal-resistant lines, particularly ‘C.112’ × ‘RSIN.82’ and ‘C.208’ × ‘RH.344’, showed considerable negative heterosis and a clear inclination toward complete and overdominance of resistance traits. The inheritance of charcoal rot resistance showed more dominance variance characteristic, significantly greater than the additive variance, emphasizing the importance of dominant genetic factors in providing disease resistance.

Katokkon chili (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) is a unique chili plant belonging to the family of Solanaceae. This chili is one of the site-specific genetic resources found in Tana Toraja and North Toraja Regencies, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The presented research sought to determine the use of different 2,4-D (Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid) concentrations for callus initiation and further in-vitro mutation breeding program, conducted at the Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia. The chili seeds’ germination occurred in sterile environment, with the hypocotyl part of the sprouts cut and placed on Murashige-Skoog (MS) medium containing 2,4-D concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mg L^-1). The experimental layout was a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Results showed 2,4-D concentration 0.5 mg L^-1 had a significant effect on callus weight (24.23 mg), while concentration 1.5 mg L^-1 at the rate of callus appearance and callus formation proportion (6.73 days after culture and 86.7%, respectively). Overall, the callus colors were gray-yellow, yellow-white, orange-white, gray-white, and gray-brown, with friable texture. In addition, the callus was embryonic at concentrations 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg L^-1. The next research plan is to explore the regeneration potential by analyzing somaclonal variation in the regenerated plants.

Keywords: Katokkon chili (Capsicum chinense), peppers, 2,4-D concentrations, callus, in-vitro mutation breeding

Key findings: In Katokkon chili (Capsicum chinense) plants, the tissue culture technology for using 2,4-D to stimulate callus formation originating from the chili hypocotyl is unknown. The presented study determined the most effective 2,4-D concentration to induce callus in chili katokkon hypocotyl derived from sterile sprouts for further in-vitro mutation breeding programs.

Tomato cultivation is restricted due to temperature extremes coupled with susceptibility to diseases, especially viruses. This leads to the erratic tomato availability in Pakistan. Breeding initiatives sought to overcome such problems, resulting in an indigenously developed indeterminate tomato hybrid named Sahara F₁ approved by the Punjab Seed Council for general cultivation during 2021. This hybrid is suitable for cultivation in virus conducive environment. The seedlings of this hybrid experienced raising under an insect net and transplanting in the open around the end of September during autumn, in contrast to previous practice of transplanting around the end of November. During the span of six years—from 2015-16 to 2020-21—various studies related to fruit yield, fruit nutrition, virology, pathology, and entomology ensued in virus prevailing conditions. Sahara F₁ proved itself better than the commercial hybrid in almost all respect, especially resistance against viral diseases. Moreover, its fruit shape, size, and shelf life are appealing for the consumers. The inclusion of the Sahara F₁ in the tomato production scenario of Pakistan will certainly help stabilize the supply and prices of tomato during the lean period.

Keywords: Solanum lycopersicum, autumn season, indeterminate, tomato hybrid, virus tolerant, scarcity

Key findings: Newly developed hybrid Sahara F₁ is superior for its performance during virus conducive environment than the existing commercial hybrids available in the market. Therefore, it could be helpful in tomato availability during scarcity period of Punjab (December–February).

The genetic diversity estimation in 10 maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes (Somar, Fajer1, Al maha, Baghdad-3, Al hajen nhren, DKC 6777, ZP.glorya, PIOWEE R, KWS, and Syngenta) grown in Iraq was this latest study’s aim. It used DNA markers based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The current study showed the results of molecular detection using the start codon targeted (SCoT) markers to assess the variation of 10 genotypes studied through the existence of single, multi-shapes, and unique packages. Even some primers showed a unique imprint of the genetic structures of maize plants. The synthesis comprised a genetic relationship tree of various genetic structures, constructed to estimate the genetic diversity between maize plants’ different genetic structures. They appeared in varying number and size of multiplier pieces and the efficiency of prefixes used to produce different DNA packages in the maize genome. This research employed DNA markers based on PCR to examine the genetic makeup of these maize cultivars. The study utilized various DNA markers, including those developed by SCoT and others, to examine the genetic variation among the studied maize genotypes. The presented study identified the presence of single, polymor

Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.), DNA markers, maize cultivars, polymorphic, markers polymorphism (SCoT)

Key findings: The quantity and size of multiplier pieces as well as the efficiency of prefixes used to create different DNA packages in the maize genome determined the genetic variations estimation among the genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.).