sohiab hameed – كلية الزراعة | جامعة ديالى https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq College of Agriculture - UOD Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:22:53 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.2 https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-agri-ico-32x32.png sohiab hameed – كلية الزراعة | جامعة ديالى https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq 32 32 A Master’s Thesis at the College of Agriculture Investigates the Effects of Different Levels of Agricultural Sulfur and Seaweed Extract on Selected Growth and Quality Characteristics of Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/en/a-masters-thesis-at-the-college-of-agriculture-investigates-the-effects-of-different-levels-of-agricultural-sulfur-and-seaweed-extract-on-selected-growth-and-quality-characteristics-of-berm/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 08:40:56 +0000 https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/?p=48277 The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala Discusses a Master’s Thesis on the Effects of Agricultural Sulfur and Seaweed Extract on the Growth and Quality Characteristics of Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon)

The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala discussed a Master’s thesis entitled “Effect of Adding Different Levels of Agricultural Sulfur and Seaweed Extract on Certain Growth and Quality Characteristics of Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon)”.

The study, submitted by Hiba Ali Hussein, aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of agricultural sulfur and seaweed extract on selected vegetative and root growth characteristics, quality parameters, and the chemical composition of Bermuda grass. It also investigated their effects on the accumulation of several bioactive secondary compounds and sought to identify the most effective treatments capable of achieving the highest levels of production efficiency and physiological performance within the framework of sustainable management of green landscapes.

The study recommends adopting the three-way interaction treatment represented by the application of the highest level of agricultural sulfur (S3) in combination with foliar spraying with the highest level of seaweed extract (A4) as a fundamental strategy in fertilization and management programs for Bermuda grass turf. It also recommends expanding the use of agricultural sulfur as a dust application within sustainable fertilization programs for the calcareous and alkaline soils prevalent in Iraq, owing to its pivotal chemical role in reducing soil pH and rendering essential and micronutrients more readily available for plant uptake.

Furthermore, the study advocates promoting the concept of “sustainable clean fertilization” as a promising environmentally friendly alternative to the excessive use of conventional mineral fertilizers by balancing soil-applied nutrients with biostimulants, thereby contributing to the reduction of environmental pollution and lowering production costs.

The study is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), particularly the target emphasizing the sustainability of agricultural production systems and the improvement of agricultural productivity and product quality through the efficient use of inputs. In this context, the research sought to investigate the effects of different levels of agricultural sulfur and seaweed extract on selected growth and quality characteristics of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon).

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]]> A Doctoral Dissertation at the College of Agriculture Investigates the Effects of Silicon Oxide, Sorbitol, and Zinc Sulfate Treatments on the Growth, Yield, and Storage Characteristics of the ‘Halawani’ Grape Cultivar https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/en/a-doctoral-dissertation-at-the-college-of-agriculture-investigates-the-effects-of-silicon-oxide-sorbitol-and-zinc-sulfate-treatments-on-the-growth-yield-and-storage-characteristics-of-the/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:45:08 +0000 https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/?p=48290 A Doctoral Dissertation at the College of Agriculture Investigates the Effects of Silicon Oxide, Sorbitol, and Zinc Sulfate Treatments on the Growth, Yield, and Storage Characteristics of the ‘Halawani’ Grape Cultivar

The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala discussed a doctoral dissertation entitled “Effect of Silicon Oxide, Sorbitol, and Zinc Sulfate Treatments on the Growth, Yield, and Storage Characteristics of the ‘Halawani’ Grape Cultivar.”

The study, submitted by the doctoral researcher Uruk Adnan Yaqoub, investigated the effects of foliar applications of silicon, sorbitol, and zinc on the growth and productivity of grapevines. It also aimed to improve the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of grape fruits through treatments with silicon, sorbitol, and zinc, as well as to enhance the plant’s ability to withstand extreme environmental conditions, particularly high temperatures. These foliar treatments were employed as supportive measures to enhance the plant’s adaptation to environmental variations and promote improved growth in order to achieve the highest possible productivity.

The Study Recommended:

  • Adopting the three-way interaction treatment of silicon at a concentration of 6 mg L⁻¹, sorbitol at 100 mg L⁻¹, and zinc at 75 g L⁻¹, particularly in improving the carbohydrate content of shoots and the chlorophyll content of leaves.
  • Dipping the grape clusters in silicon and chitosan at the concentrations used in the experiment to extend the storage life of the treated grape clusters.
  • Conducting further experiments to investigate the effects of different storage durations and temperature conditions on the physical and chemical characteristics of grape fruits.

The study is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), particularly the target concerning the assurance of sustainable food production systems and the implementation of resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, preserve ecosystems, and improve soil quality.

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]]> A Doctoral Dissertation at the College of Agriculture Examines Nutritional and Biological Fortification to Enhance the Productivity and Therapeutic Potential of the Oyster Mushroom (*Pleurotus sapidus*), Assess the Fertility Properties of Farm Residues, and Determine the Inhibitory Activity of Their Extracts https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/en/a-doctoral-dissertation-at-the-college-of-agriculture-examines-nutritional-and-biological-fortification-to-enhance-the-productivity-and-therapeutic-potential-of-the-oyster-mushroom-pleurotus-sapidus/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:00:59 +0000 https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/?p=48298 A Doctoral Dissertation at the College of Agriculture Investigates Nutritional and Biological Fortification to Enhance the Productivity and Therapeutic Potential of the Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus sapidus)

The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala discussed a doctoral dissertation entitled “Nutritional and Biological Fortification in the Productivity and Therapeutic Potential of the Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus sapidus), Evaluation of the Fertility Properties of Farm Residues, and Assessment of the Inhibitory Activity of Their Extracts.”

The study, submitted by doctoral researcher Miaad Ibrahim Turki, developed an integrated model that combines the utilization of wild plants from diverse environments to enhance oyster mushroom production and improve plant growth, while developing biological solutions for controlling pathogenic bacteria. This research approach seeks to address interconnected aspects of food security, environmental sustainability, and public health at both the local and global levels.

This research direction is consistent with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through the production of affordable, protein-rich food, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the recycling of wild plants and spent growing substrates and transforming them into value-added resources.

The Study Recommended:

  • Adding 2% of Alhagi (Alhagi maurorum) extract to the nutrient media used for oyster mushroom cultivation to accelerate the daily growth rate and mycelial colonization, while also investigating other medicinal plant extracts.
  • Exploring the potential use of spent growing substrate as a fertilizer to promote the growth of cowpea and extending such investigations to other crops.
  • Conducting further research into the potential use of mushroom extracts as an inexpensive natural source for antibiotic production aimed at inhibiting pathogenic bacteria.

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]]> A Doctoral Dissertation at the College of Agriculture Investigates the Molecular Characterization of Pure Eggplant Lines and the Evaluation of the Performance of Their Single Cross Hybrids Using a Full Diallel Cross Under Protected Cultivation Conditions https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/en/a-doctoral-dissertation-at-the-college-of-agriculture-investigates-the-molecular-characterization-of-pure-eggplant-lines-and-the-evaluation-of-the-performance-of-their-single-cross-hybrids-using-a-ful/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:17:13 +0000 https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/?p=48305 A Doctoral Dissertation at the College of Agriculture Investigates the Molecular Characterization of Pure Eggplant Lines and the Evaluation of Their Single-Cross Hybrid Performance Using a Complete Diallel Cross Under Protected Cultivation Conditions

The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala discussed a doctoral dissertation entitled “Molecular Characterization of Pure Eggplant Lines and Evaluation of the Performance of Their Single-Cross Hybrids Using a Complete Diallel Cross Under Protected Cultivation Conditions.”

The study, submitted by doctoral researcher Zainab Hassan Akram, reached several conclusions, including the following:

  • Cluster analysis using Jaccard’s similarity coefficient and the UPGMA method revealed that the pure lines were grouped into five distinct genetic clusters. The lines PG666 and T.A.G.N exhibited the highest degree of genetic divergence (0.9896), whereas the lowest degree of divergence was recorded between M.M. and AGD333 (0.8666). These findings provide a basis for selecting genetically divergent parents for hybridization programs.
  • Combining ability analysis revealed the predominance of dominant and non-additive gene action for most of the traits investigated. Narrow-sense heritability (h²ₙ) values were lower than broad-sense heritability (h²ᵦ), indicating a substantial contribution of non-additive gene action, including dominance and epistatic effects. This suggests that hybridization may be a more effective breeding strategy than direct individual selection for improving the traits under investigation.

The study is consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), as it focuses on improving agricultural productivity and crop quality through the molecular characterization of pure lines and the selection of superior hybrids, thereby potentially contributing to the development of higher-yielding eggplant hybrids.

The Study Recommended:

  • Directing hybrid-breeding programs toward the utilization of hybrid (4 × 5) to achieve a high total yield, G6 as a male parent to improve vegetative traits, and hybrid (1 × 5) to develop early-maturing cultivars with a high fruit-set percentage.
  • Investigating the genetic stability of promising hybrids by growing them over several seasons and at multiple locations and subsequently re-evaluating their performance, in order to verify their stability before recommending them for commercial cultivation.
  • Evaluating the effects of environmental stresses, particularly heat, drought, and salinity, on promising hybrids to determine their adaptability to the diverse environmental conditions prevailing in different agricultural regions of Iraq.

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]]> A Master’s thesis in the College of Agriculture examines the effects of potassium spraying, benzyladenine application, and bunch bagging on the growth and yield of the date palm (cv. Bream). https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/en/a-masters-thesis-in-the-college-of-agriculture-examines-the-effects-of-potassium-spraying-benzyladenine-application-and-bunch-bagging-on-the-growth-and-yield-of-the-date-palm-cv-bream/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:06:53 +0000 https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/?p=46963 The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala has discussed a Master’s thesis entitled “The Effect of Potassium Spraying, Benzyladenine Application, and Bunch Bagging on the Growth and Yield of Date Palm (cv. Bream).”

The study, submitted by the student Aras Yaseen Zaidan, aimed to determine the effect of potassium spraying, benzyladenine application, and bunch bagging on certain growth characteristics of date palm fruits (cv. Bream). The experiment comprised three factors: the first factor was potassium spraying at three concentrations (0, 100, and 200 g L⁻¹); the second factor was benzyladenine at two concentrations (50 and 100 mg L⁻¹); and the third factor involved bunch bagging (bagged and unbagged), with treatments applied in three sprays during the growing season.

The study reached several conclusions, most notably that bunch bagging (covering the fruit clusters) contributed to protecting the fruits from unfavorable environmental conditions and pests, which was positively reflected in fruit quality. Furthermore, the interaction treatment among potassium spraying, benzyladenine application, and bunch bagging resulted in statistically significant differences in all yield traits and physiological characteristics of date palm (cv. Bream).

The study recommends the application of benzyladenine at appropriate stages after pollination to increase fruit set and reduce fruit drop. It also suggests conducting further studies using different concentrations of potassium and benzyladenine, as well as on other date palm cultivars, to determine the most effective treatments.

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]]> The College of Agriculture continues to achieve new scientific milestones. https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/en/the-college-of-agriculture-continues-to-achieve-new-scientific-milestones/ Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:45:31 +0000 https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/?p=46472 As part of the ongoing series of scientific achievements of the College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala, and as a new milestone in date palm research—a vital crop contributing to agricultural sustainability—four male date palm cultivars cultivated in Mandali, Diyala Governorate, have been officially registered. This achievement stems from the doctoral dissertation of Mr. Sadiq Lafta Hussein, under the supervision of Assistant Professors Dr. Ahmed Thamer Humad and Dr. Nizar Suleiman Ali.

This represents the first such registration in Iraq within the global GenBank database, a widely used biological repository for the registration and preservation of genetic material. GenBank also serves as an open-access digital database for DNA sequences, managed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The registered cultivars and their accession numbers are as follows:

Male Palm Code

Proposed NCBI Name

Accession Number

1

SAN1-Mandali

PX583524

2

SAN2-Mandali

PX583525

3

SAN3-Mandali

PX583526

4

SAN4-Mandali

PX583527

This accomplishment is significant for establishing the genetic fingerprints of the cultivated male date palms, determining their genetic origins, standardizing their multiple local names, and facilitating their utilization in future genetic and productivity studies. The genetic characterization of male date palms is crucial due to their direct impact on the quantity and quality of date production.

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]]> A pioneering scientific achievement at the University of Diyala: for the first time, the College of Agriculture has successfully cultivated ginger. https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/en/a-pioneering-scientific-achievement-at-the-university-of-diyala-for-the-first-time-the-college-of-agriculture-has-successfully-cultivated-ginger/ Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:39:47 +0000 https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/?p=46465 The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala is pleased to announce a new scientific achievement, marked by a pioneering experiment conducted by PhD student Mr. Abdulrahman Thaer Mohammed from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering. Under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Hiba Ahmed Jawad, he successfully initiated the tissue culture-based cultivation of ginger.

This represents one of the earliest attempts at the University of Diyala to propagate ginger using tissue culture techniques, reflecting the crop’s significant nutritional, medicinal, and economic value. It also supports the advancement of sustainable agriculture and the diversification of non-traditional crops in Iraq.

The study aims to propagate ginger in vitro through modern tissue culture technologies, enabling the production of disease-free seedlings in large quantities. This approach enhances opportunities for expanding local cultivation, reducing dependency on imports, and opening new research avenues for postgraduate students in agricultural biotechnology.

This scientific endeavor aligns with the directives of the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Professor Dr. Raed Ibrahim Khalil, emphasizing the importance of promoting agricultural practices, activating practical scientific instruction, and supporting rigorous research that benefits the local community while keeping pace with global scientific developments.

Moreover, this achievement corresponds with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (Quality Education), by supporting high-quality higher education, encouraging applied scientific research, and building the capacities of students and researchers in modern agricultural fields.

The College affirms its continuous support for researchers and postgraduate students, providing a conducive scientific environment for conducting applied research that contributes to sustainable agricultural development and serves society.

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]]> A doctoral dissertation in the College of Agriculture entitled: *”Molecular Screening of Selected Local Male Date Palms and the Effect of Putrescine and Boron Treatments on Certain Growth and Yield Traits of the Al-Ashrasi Cultivar.”* https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/en/a-doctoral-dissertation-in-the-college-of-agriculture-entitled-molecular-screening-of-selected-local-male-date-palms-and-the-effect-of-putrescine-and-boron-treatments-on-certain-growth-and-yield/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:25:33 +0000 https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/?p=46456 The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala convened the defense of the doctoral dissertation entitled “Molecular Screening of Selected Local Male Date Palms and the Effect of Putrescine and Boron Treatments on Certain Growth and Yield Traits of the Al-Ashrasi Cultivar.”

The study, submitted by Mr. Sadiq Lafta Hussein, focused on the molecular screening of local male date palms cultivated in the Mandali district, establishing their genetic fingerprints, and assessing the genetic relatedness of their origins to enable systematic genetic screening, with the aim of cataloging the cultivars and standardizing their nomenclature.

The research encompassed fifteen male date palm cultivars, including both seedling varieties and locally established cultivars identified by their growers. These were: 1- Seedling 1, 2- Seedling 2, 3- Simismi, 4- Yellow Simismi, 5- Khadraoui, 6- Seedling 3, 7- Seedling 4, 8- Yellow, 9- Seedling 5, 10- Rasaasi, 11- Ghanami, 12- Al-Ashrasi, 13- Seedling 6, 14- Red Male, 15- Seedling 7.

The study reached several conclusions, including:

  • Most of the primers used exhibited distinct banding patterns (present or absent) for certain male palms—specifically 1, 3, 4, and 9—serving as their genetic fingerprint.

  • Selected male cultivars (4, 9, 6, and 11) had not been previously registered in the NCBI database, marking their registration as the first in Iraq.

  • Treatment with polyamines positively influenced the chemical traits of the fruits.

  • Foliar application of putrescine at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg L⁻¹ enhanced the studied growth and yield traits across both growing seasons.

The study recommends:

  • Employing ISSR-DNA technology to detect genetic diversity, establish genetic fingerprints, and assess the genetic distance among male date palm cultivars.

  • Applying boron at 200 mg L⁻¹ as a foliar spray on the vegetative canopy, as it produced clear and positive effects in improving the studied traits.

  • Repeating the experiment in other regions with different climatic and soil conditions to validate and expand the findings.

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]]> A Master’s thesis in the College of Agriculture entitled: *“The Relationship Between the Genetic Polymorphisms of the Beta-3 Adrenergic Receptor (ADRB3) Gene and the Productive Performance of Local Goats.”* https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/en/a-masters-thesis-in-the-college-of-agriculture-entitled-the-relationship-between-the-genetic-polymorphisms-of-the-beta-3-adrenergic-receptor-adrb3-gene-and-the-productive-perfor/ Fri, 13 Feb 2026 07:06:08 +0000 https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/?p=46449 The College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala convened the defense of the Master’s thesis entitled “The Relationship Between the Genetic Polymorphisms of the Beta-3 Adrenergic Receptor (ADRB3) Gene and the Productive Performance of Local Goats.”

The study, submitted by Ms. Sahar Rasheed Halil, examined the effect of the genetic patterns of the beta-3 adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) gene, hair color, and maternal birth weight on milk production and its components, as well as on body measurements in Iraqi local goats.

The study reached several conclusions, most notably:

  • Molecular analysis of the ADRB3 gene revealed no point mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the examined samples (40 samples), indicating clear genetic homogeneity within this gene segment.

  • No significant effect of hair color was observed on weekly milk production or its chemical composition during the first and second months of lactation. Likewise, no effect was detected on colostrum components, suggesting that hair color does not constitute a genetic indicator associated with productive efficiency.

  • Maternal birth weight did not exert a significant effect on weekly milk yield, its chemical composition, or colostrum components, indicating that this trait is not a determining factor in the productive performance of Iraqi local goats.

The study recommends conducting broader molecular investigations employing advanced and precise techniques to detect subtle genetic variations in the ADRB3 gene and other production-related genes. It further emphasizes prioritizing environmental, nutritional, and managerial factors, as these appear to exert a greater influence on productive performance than phenotypic traits. The findings are recommended for application in breeding and selection programs, with particular focus on quantitative production traits such as milk yield and growth. Additionally, complementary studies are advised to explore the relationship between genes responsible for hormonal response and productive traits.

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]]> A new scientific achievement added to the distinguished accomplishments of the College of Agriculture. https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/en/a-new-scientific-achievement-added-to-the-distinguished-accomplishments-of-the-college-of-agriculture/ Tue, 03 Feb 2026 07:00:50 +0000 https://agriculture.uodiyala.edu.iq/?p=46443

As part of the continuing series of scientific accomplishments of the College of Agriculture at the University of Diyala, and as an outcome of the doctoral dissertation submitted by Mr. Uday Mohammed Abdullah under the supervision of Professor Dr. Ali Mohammed Abdul-Hayanni and Assistant Professor Nizar Suleiman Ali, three cultivated apple varieties in Iraq have been officially registered—marking the first such registration at the national level—within the database of the World Gene Bank.

The World Gene Bank constitutes a vital biological repository utilized globally for the registration and preservation of genetic material. It also serves as an open-access digital database for DNA sequences, administered by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The varieties have been recorded under the following accession numbers:

This achievement represents a significant milestone in establishing the genetic fingerprinting of cultivated apple varieties and strains in Iraq, ensuring their preservation, authenticating their origins, and facilitating their utilization in subsequent genetic and productivity-related research.

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