IRAQ JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

A field experiment was conducted during the fall season of 2024 to study the effect of biochar application level and diameter on some soil chemical properties and some growth traits of broccoli plants. The study included two factors: the first was the application level (B1 and B2: 0.5 and 1%), and the second was the diameter (D1, D2, and D3: 0.5, 1, and 2 mm) of biochar. The experiment was designed according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, using sandy clay loam soil. Broccoli seedlings (cv. Jassmine F1) were transplanted on 1st October 2024.
Results indicated an increase in soil pH values, with treatment D1B2 recording the highest value (7.6), whereas D3B1 showed the lowest (7.26), compared to the control (7.18). Biochar addition also raised the values of electrical conductivity (EC), where D1B2 reached the highest value (2.66 dS m⁻¹), while D3B1 recorded the lowest 2.2 dS m⁻¹, compared to the control (1.93 dS m⁻¹). Adding biochar to the soil led to an increase in CEC values, as D1B2 achieving the highest value (20.39 cmol+ kg⁻¹), whereas D3B1 showed the lowest (19.25 cmol+ kg⁻¹), compared to the control (18.19 cmol+ kg⁻¹), on the other hand, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values decreased, as D3B1 recorded the lowest value (1.03 meq L⁻¹), while D2B2 recorded the highest (1.21 meq L⁻¹), compared to the control (1.65 meq L⁻¹). Furthermore, the effect of adding biochar to soil on some growth characteristics of broccoli plants was investigated where D1B2 produced the tallest plants, reaching 72.90 cm, while treatment D3B1 achieved the lowest value, reaching 64.40 cm. Treatment D1B2 achieved the highest number of leaves, reaching 30 leaves per plant-1, while treatment D3B1 achieved the lowest value, reaching 27 leaves per plant-1.

A field experiment was carried out at the First Agricultural Research Station of the University of Anbar, located in the Ramadi District, Al-Anbar Province, western Iraq, on sedimentary soil with a Silty Loam texture during the 2024 autumn season, to study the effect of some surface drip irrigation methods and the depth of added water on certain water parameters and the productivity of broccoli. The study included three irrigation methods: traditional surface drip irrigation )It( strip surface drip irrigation )Ir( and partial drying of the soil surface )Ip( in addition to three different depths of added water at levels of 50%, 60%, and 70% of the available water for the plant. The treatments were arranged in a factorial experiment according to a randomized complete block design. Broccoli cultivar MAX F1 was planted on 28/10/2024, and the American evaporation pan Class A was used for irrigation scheduling. The measurements included saturated hydraulic conductivity, basic infiltration rate, water consumption, application efficiency, total yield, and water use efficiency.
The results showed that the Ip method achieved the best improvement in the studied traits, recording the highest values of saturated hydraulic conductivity 5.48 cm.h⁻¹, basic infiltration rate 4.43 cm.h⁻¹, total yield 26.37 t.ha⁻¹, application efficiency 90.51 percent, and water use efficiency 31.47 kg.m⁻³. It was also found that the D0.50 depth produced the best results among the tested depths, with saturated hydraulic conductivity 5.03 cm.h⁻¹, total yield 26.15 t.ha⁻¹, application efficiency 90.40 percent, and water use efficiency 29.22 kg.m⁻³. Seasonal water consumption reached 50.97, 47.45, and 45.06 cm season⁻¹ for the D0.50, D0.60, and D0.70 depths respectively. The best interaction treatment was Ip with D0.50, which produced the highest values of saturated hydraulic conductivity 5.72 cm.h⁻¹, basic infiltration rate 4.70 cm.h⁻¹, total yield 30.47 t.ha⁻¹, application efficiency 91.20 percent, and water use efficiency 34.05 kg.m⁻³.

This study was conducted on a private palm farm located in the city of Hit, 65 km west of Ramadi, the center of Anbar Governorate in Iraq, during the 2025 growing season to study the effect of adding liquid organic fertilizer on two dates, 3/15 and 6/15 of the season, around the palm basin within a radius of one meter and at three concentration levels (0, 10, 20 ml L⁻¹), and foliar spraying with nano-proline acid until complete wetness on 2/20/2025 at two concentration levels (0, 200 mg L⁻¹), and boric acid on two dates, 3/25 and 4/15 of the season at three concentration levels (0, 0.5, 1 g L⁻¹), and their interference on the chemical characteristics of the Zahdi palm fruit.
A factorial experiment (3×2×3) was conducted within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates, where the experimental unit included one tree, and the treatments were tested according to the LSD test at a probability level of 5%. The results showed a positive effect of adding liquid organic fertilizer on most of the studied properties of date palm fruits. Concentration F2 (20 ml L-1) significantly improved all studied properties. Regarding nano-proline spraying, concentration P1 (200 mg L-1) showed a significant difference in all studied properties, and for boron, concentration B2 (1 g L-1) significantly improved all studied properties.
In binary interferences, treatment F2B2 (20 ml L-1 + 1 g L-1) significantly improved tannins, TSS, and total sugars, while treatment F0B0 (0 ml L-1 + 0 g L-1) showed the lowest values. Treatment F2P1 (20 ml L-1 + 200 mg L-1) showed the highest values for all studied properties, and treatment P1B2 (200 mg L-1 + 1 g L-1) showed the highest values for TSS and total sugars. In ternary interference, treatment F2P0B2 (20 ml L-1 + 0 mg L-1 + 1 g L-1) showed the highest values for total sugars, while treatment F2P1B2 (20 ml L-1 + 200 mg L-1 + 1 g L-1)) showed the highest values for reducing sugars.

The study was conducted in the fields of the Department of Plant Protection / College of Agriculture / University of Anbar, to evaluate three oxides (ZnO, MnO and SiO) in their nano and conventional nature and at three addition dates. (First addition: soaking the seeds in oxides solution, second addition: soaking the seeds and adding oxides after 15 days and third addition: soaking the seeds and adding oxides after 15 and 30 days), in some phenotypic characteristics and inducing plant resistance against the Fusarium fungus, which causes root and stem rot disease in peanuts.
The results of all the oxide treatments with the pathogenic fungus showed a significant increase in the rates of plant height and the fresh and dry weight of the vegetative and root systems, in addition to an increase in the number of pods compared to the treatment with the pathogenic fungus only. The results also showed an improvement in the physiological characteristics of the plant in the oxide treatments, an increase in the chlorophyll content, in addition to the stimulation of plant resistance enzymes represented by an increase in the total phenol content and the peroxidase enzyme. On the other hand, the efficiency of the oxides in the nano-form was higher than in the normal form. The results also indicated that the third addition date recorded the highest level of induction of plant resistance through measurements of total phenolic levels and the peroxidase enzyme.

This study was conducted to demonstrate the effect of an infrared incubation system as an egg heat source, instead of conventional methods, on the productive traits of broiler chicks. The experiment was carried out at the hatchery of the Animal Production Department, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, from December 21, 2024, to January 11, 2025. An infrared incubation system was used and compared with egg incubation in a locally made hatchery and a commercial one.
Three hundred and sixty Ross 308 eggs were used, divided into three treatments (T1, T2, and T3). Each treatment contained 120 eggs, and each treatment was randomly divided into three replicates of 40 eggs each. Treatment T1 represented a commercial hatchery, while treatments T2 and T3 represented a homemade hatchery and an infrared hatchery, respectively. The chicks were reared for 35 days under controlled environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting.
The results showed a significant decrease in body weight in treatment T3 compared to treatments T1 and T2 during the first two weeks. Weight gain was also reduced in the first (P≤0.0121) and fifth (P≤0.0247) weeks for the same treatment. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio increased in treatment T3 during various rearing periods, with a significant increase in mortality during the first week and the period from the hatching period was from day 1 to 21, with a decrease during the fifth week. Treatment T3 also showed an increase in the relative growth factor compared to treatment T2. It can be concluded that the infrared incubation system did not improve the productive traits of broiler chicks.

This study evaluated how different dietary energy sources impact blood biochemistry in laying hens exposed to cold. The experiment took place at the College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, from January 6, 2025, to March 31, 2025. Researchers used 108 Lohmann Brown hens, 25 weeks old, divided into four treatments with three replicates each, and nine hens per replicate. The treatments were as follows: T1: Control group (basal diet without any addition; T2: Sunflower oil at 2 kg per 100 kg of diet; T3: Soybean oil at 2 kg per 100 kg of diet; T4: animal fat at 2 kg per 100 kg of diet.
No significant differences were found in the concentrations of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), total protein, albumin, or globulin in blood samples. The control group showed a significant increase in the activity of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), peroxide value (PV), and free fatty acids (FFA). Significant differences (P≤0.05) were also observed in the concentrations of very low-density lipoproteins (vLDL), triglycerides, glucose, and cholesterol, with treatment T4 yielding more favorable outcomes than the other treatments. In conclusion, birds fed animal fat exhibited increased resistance to oxidative stress, higher protein concentrations, and improved immune function.

This study assessed the effects of astaxanthin and vitamin E supplementation in broiler diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1. One hundred fifty birds were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, each with three replicates: T1 (control, basal diet), T2 (basal diet plus 300 ppb aflatoxin B1), T3 (basal diet plus 300 ppb aflatoxin B1 and 0.750 mg/kg astaxanthin), T4 (basal diet plus 300 ppb aflatoxin B1 and 1.5 mg/kg astaxanthin), and T5 (basal diet plus 300 ppb aflatoxin B1 and 5 mg/kg vitamin E). During the first period, aflatoxin exposure significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced productive performance, and neither astaxanthin nor vitamin E supplementation had a positive effect at this stage.
In the second period (22–42 days), astaxanthin supplementation mitigated the negative effects of aflatoxin, while vitamin E did not demonstrate a beneficial role. Feed intake was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) in T3 and T4 compared to T2 during the first period. The feed conversion ratio was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased in T2 and T5 during the third and fourth weeks compared to T1. Relative growth rate declined in T2, T3, T4, and T5 during the first period compared to T1. T1 exhibited significantly (P≤0.05) higher production index (634.0) and economic efficiency index (705.4), whereas T5 had the lowest values. These findings indicate that astaxanthin is a promising feed additive for enhancing poultry health and performance under oxidative stress induced by mycotoxins, and it is more effective than vitamin E in counteracting the adverse effects of aflatoxins.

This study was conducted to investigate the impact of various rearing systems on specific blood parameters and carcass traits in broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out at the Animal Production Department, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar. It took place from November 23, 2024, to January 3, 2025. A total of 288 ROSS 308 chicks were used. These were distributed into four treatments, with 72 chicks per treatment and four replicates per treatment. Each replicate consisted of 18 chicks. The experimental treatments were as follows: The first treatment (T1) served as the control group under a conventional rearing system. In the second treatment (T2), a wooden slat system was used. The third treatment (T3) applied a sand floor system. The fourth treatment (T4) involved using a plastic slatted floor as the rearing system.
The results of the study indicated that there were no significant differences in the biochemical blood parameters (protein, albumin, globulins, triglycerides (TG), very low-density lipoproteins (vLDL), liver function enzymes AST, ALT, and ALP, as well as uric acid) among all experimental treatments compared with the control group (T1). A significant increase in cholesterol levels was observed in the second treatment (T2) compared with the third (T3) and fourth (T4) treatments.
On the other hand, the third treatment (T3) showed a significant increase in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) compared with the fourth treatment (T4), while a decrease in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) was recorded in T3, and a reduction in glucose levels was observed in the fourth treatment (T4) compared with the other treatments. The results also revealed no significant differences in the differential leukocyte count, the heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, or the relative weights of carcass cuts and both edible and inedible internal organs across all treatments. It can be concluded that different rearing systems had only a minor effect on certain blood parameters and no effect on carcass traits in broiler chickens.

The study aimed to identify the preferences of grain crop farmers in Baghdad Governorate regarding the primary websites and electronic applications used to obtain agricultural information. It also sought to determine their preferred means, methods, and sources for verifying this information. Conducted in Baghdad Governorate, the research utilized a simple random sampling method to select 50 respondents, representing 1% of the total target population who met the study's criteria. Data were collected through personal interviews using a structured questionnaire designed to achieve the study's objectives.
The results indicated that the most preferred digital platforms for farmers are Facebook (92%), WhatsApp (88%), and YouTube (74%). Regarding inquiries, the preferred formats for discussing agricultural information were video (92%), images (80%), text (68%), and audio (20%). Similarly, the preferred formats for receiving responses were video (98%), images (78%), text (68%), and audio (22%).
Furthermore, approximately 54% of the farmers acknowledged that most information on these platforms requires verification, while 38% noted that only some requires review. Only 22% stated that all information obtained via these platforms strictly demands comprehensive verification. Finally, the logistic regression analysis revealed that the key determinants influencing grain farmers' adoption of electronic applications are technical proficiency, years of experience, age, educational level, and cultural openness.

Groundwater serves as the primary irrigation source in the arid Wadi Jarwa-Al-Qaim watershed of western Iraq, making quality assessment crucial for sustainable agricultural development. To evaluate suitability for irrigation in this promising agricultural region, water samples were collected from four wells and the Euphrates River during the 2024–2025 seasons.
Key measured parameters included electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and sodium content (Na). Additionally, ArcGIS was utilized to map sampling sites and analyze the spatial distribution of irrigation water characteristics.
The results indicated that groundwater samples were of poor quality, with well water salinity values (EC) exceeding permissible international standards for irrigation, whereas the Euphrates River water remained within allowable limits. Based on these findings, proper groundwater management is highly recommended before application. Due to the elevated salinity levels, effective management techniques must be implemented to rationalize water usage and select salt-tolerant crops. Furthermore, prioritizing the transport and utilization of Euphrates River water, particularly via sprinkler irrigation systems, is essential to sustain soil and crop health while preserving limited groundwater resources

This study investigated the genetic diversity of fourteen Iraqi date palm cultivars. Fresh leaf samples were collected from Stations belong Directorate of Horticulture - Ministry of Agriculture. Genomic DNA was isolated using a commercial DNeasy Plant System Kit.
A total of five Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) single primers were evaluated for DNA amplification. Initial screening confirmed that all five primers successfully produced clear, amplifiable bands. Consequently, each primer was used individually to genotype the complete set of fourteen samples.
A total of 505 bands were generated across all samples, averaging 101 bands per primer. The number of amplified bands varied significantly among the cultivars. The highest number of bands was produced by primer DPISR5 (120 bands), followed by DPISR4 (114 bands), DPISR2 (108 bands), and DPISR1 (102 bands).
In contrast, primer DPISR3 yielded the lowest number, producing only 61 bands. Genetic markers were scored based on the presence or absence of corresponding bands across the cultivars.
Finally, a similarity matrix was constructed from the data and subjected to cluster analysis to establish genetic relationships.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with fermented cow rumen contents, with or without probiotics, on the hematological and biochemical blood parameters of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Rumen contents underwent anaerobic fermentation, followed by the application of a commercial probiotic (Anova-PROBIO FISH).
A total of 147 fish (initial weight: 30.99 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed into seven experimental groups with three replicates each (7 fish per replicate) and fed at 2% of their body weight for 12 weeks.
The treatments consisted of: a control group (T1, no additives), groups T2, T3, and T4 supplemented with 10%, 15%, and 20% fermented rumen contents plus probiotics, respectively; and groups T5, T6, and T7 supplemented with 10%, 15%, and 20% fermented rumen contents without probiotics, respectively.
Dietary supplementation with 20% fermented rumen contents enriched with probiotics (T4) significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) to 59.7 and 67.7 IU L⁻¹, respectively. T4 also demonstrated the most effective reduction in blood glucose (70.7 mg dL⁻¹), cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
Concurrently, T4 led to a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL, 48.0 mg dL⁻¹) and total protein (3.4 g dL⁻¹) levels. Furthermore, T4 recorded the highest hematological values, with hemoglobin reaching 11.17 g dL⁻¹, red blood cell (RBC) count at 1.06 × 10⁶ cells µL⁻¹, and packed cell volume (PCV) at 31.7% compared to all other groups.
In conclusion, incorporating 20% fermented cow rumen contents enriched with probiotics into grass carp diets enhances fish health by improving hematological profiles, reducing stress-related biomarkers, and optimizing lipid metabolism.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of fresh and cryopreserved semen from Arabian stallions. Semen was collected once a week for six weeks from two healthy adult stallions between October and April 2025. Macroscopic evaluation included ejaculate volume, color, and consistency, while microscopic assessment focused on sperm motility, viability, and morphology. Ejaculates were extended using a glucose–sodium citrate extender, diluted at a 1:1 ratio based on sperm concentration, and cryopreserved in 0.25-mL plastic straws. Straws were subsequently thawed at 37°C for 30 seconds for post-thaw evaluation.
Results revealed that fresh ejaculate characteristics varied as follows: 25.0 ± 1.63% to 35.0 ± 2.9% for sperm motility, 63.0 ± 2.9% to 78.0 ± 4.6% for viability, 56.0 ± 3.1% to 78.0 ± 4.2% for plasma membrane integrity, and 52.0 ± 1.9% to 71.0 ± 3.8% for acrosome integrity. The mean total sperm abnormality ranged from 8.00 ± 0.47% to 22.0 ± 1.4%, with tail and head abnormalities ranging from 4.0 ± 0.07% to 18.0 ± 0.96% and 3.0 ± 0.06% to 14.0 ± 0.78%, respectively. After thawing, highly significant differences were observed, with progressive motility, live sperm, and acrosome integrity reaching 45.83 ± 2.01%, 68.17 ± 1.78%, and 63.17 ± 1.64%, respectively. The mean total ejaculate volume was 60 mL. Morphometrically, the total length of normal stallion sperm was approximately 55.0 ± 0.004 \(\mu \)m, comprising a head length of 5.69 ± 0.004 \(\mu \)m, head breadth of 4.06 ± 0.004 \(\mu \)m, midpiece length of 8.17 ± 0.008 \(\mu \)m, and tail length of 48.0 ± 0.021 \(\mu \)m.
In conclusion, cryopreservation of Arabian stallion semen yields optimal post-thaw quality across all evaluated parameters when utilizing a glucose–sodium citrate extender at a 1:1 dilution rate.

This study was conducted at the Department of Animal Genetic Resources Protection, Directorate of Animal Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Baghdad, Iraq. Data for Arabian horse pedigree verification were obtained from the Iraqi Arabian Horse Organization for the period 2020–2024. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive genetic assessment and investigate the current status of genetic diversity, inbreeding, and genetic relationships among six extant Arabian horse lineages in Iraq (Kuhailan, Managi, Ubaiyah, Saglawia, Dahman, and Julfan) using 17 microsatellite markers.
A total of 205 hair samples were analyzed following standardized protocols. All markers exhibited polymorphism, with HTG7 showing the highest allelic diversity (9 alleles) and HMS2 the lowest (4 alleles). Among the populations, the Saglawia lineage exhibited the highest genetic diversity (He = 0.72); (I = 1.49), whereas the Julfan lineage showed the lowest (He = 0.65); (I = 1.32). Within-population inbreeding coefficients (FIS) varied from 0.082 (Dahman) to 0.112 (Julfan), with an overall (FIS) of 0.089 (P < 0.01). To mitigate the high inbreeding observed in the Julfan lineage, breeding programs should modify current mating systems and avoid the excessive use of specific sires. Across the six Arabian horse populations, nine loci exhibited 13 private alleles.
Nei’s genetic distance analysis revealed two primary branches: one consisting of the Julfan lineage as an outgroup, and another dividing the remaining populations into subgroups that aligned with the STRUCTURE clusters. (FST) values demonstrated statistically significant differentiation between all population pairs (P < 0.001) after 10,000 permutations). The highest genetic similarity was found between Ubaiyah and Saglawia (FST = 0.025), while the greatest divergence was observed between Kuhailan and Julfan (FST = 0.079). Corresponding gene flow estimates (Nm) ranged from 2.9 (Kuhailan–Julfan) to 9.8 (Ubaiyah–Saglawia). In conclusion, these findings suggest that Arabian horses in Iraq possess unique genetic features. This data could serve as a valuable foundation for developing conservation strategies, enhancing breeding programs, and managing native horse populations.