The present study investigated the biochemical composition and phenolic compound content of Pergularia tomentosa L. and evaluated its allelopathic potential. Phytochemical analysis revealed substantial concentrations of total phenolic compounds (276 mg GAE g-1) and flavonoids (34.93 mg QE g-1). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) analysis identified the presence of folic acid, β-carotene, rutin, oleanolic acid, salicin, vitexin, vanillin, caffeic acid, gallic acid, and salicylic acid. The allelopathic activity was assessed through germination and seedling growth bioassays using Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. (a weed species) and Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. (a cultivated crop species). Five concentrations (5 %, 10 %, 50 %, 90 %, and 100 %) were tested against negative and positive controls. Complete inhibition of seed germination, shoot elongation, and root development was observed at the highest concentrations (90 % and 100 %), while lower concentrations demonstrated moderate inhibitory effects, the current study also revealed a good correlation between total phenolic contents and the allelopathic activity of the crude extracts. The substantial phenolic content and pronounced allelopathic activity of P. tomentosa extracts suggest that this species represents a promising source of allelochemicals for biological weed management applications.
This study evaluated irrigation water quality from 57 wells in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq using several indices to determine agricultural suitability and potential soil impacts. Results showed that Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values were within the normal range (≤3) for all wells, indicating safe irrigation use with minimal salinity or sodicity hazards for most soil types. Permeability index (PI) and Kelly ratio (KR) values indicated excellent water quality, suggesting no significant effects on soil permeability, structure, or crop productivity. Residual sodium carbonate (RSC) values were low or within acceptable limits, confirming negligible influence on soil alkalinity and supporting safe long-term irrigation use. Soluble sodium percentage (SSP) values showed that most wells ranged from excellent to good quality, while only a small number were classified as fair, indicating limited sodium-related soil degradation risk. Magnesium hazard (MH) analysis showed that 35 wells fell within a moderate range, suggesting possible long-term effects on soil structure and nutrient balance, especially for sensitive crops, and a few wells were unsuitable because of high MH values. Overall, irrigation water quality in Sulaymaniyah was generally acceptable, but continuous monitoring is recommended to protect soil health and ensure sustainable agricultural productivity.
Biological control against aphids is very limited. Crop protection against these pests is still largely based on chemical methods, which highlights the need for alternative strategies that are economically viable, environmentally safe, and non-toxic. To contribute to the development of more sustainable control approaches, the potential of five plant species was evaluated against Aphis fabae Scopoli, 1763, a major pest of beans and several other cultivated crops. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of aqueous extracts of tooth lavender, oregano, peppermint, garlic, and noble laurel in controlling aphid populations. Aphid rearing and toxicity assays were conducted under laboratory conditions. Different concentrations of each extract were prepared by dilution and tested on A. fabae. The results showed that lavender and garlic leaf extracts exhibited strong aphicidal activity, causing 99.4 % and 97.9 % mortality, respectively, at the lowest concentration tested (10 %). In contrast, peppermint extract was the least effective, with an efficacy of 25.7 % at the same concentration.
Roses (Rosa spp.) are among the most widely cultivated ornamental plants and represent a major source of essential oils used in the fragrance, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the preservation and consistent quality of rose oil are challenged by factors such as genetic variability, susceptibility to diseases, environmental stress, and limitations associated with conventional propagation methods. These challenges highlight the need for efficient propagation systems capable of producing uniform, disease-free planting material. Micropropagation has emerged as an effective approach for the rapid multiplication and conservation of elite rose cultivars. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of cytokinin concentrations on in vitro shoot regeneration from nodal explants of rose. The results demonstrated that an intermediate cytokinin level produced the highest shoot proliferation, and the incorporation of gibberellic acid further improved shoot elongation. The optimized protocol enabled the generation of multiple shoots from a single explant, demonstrating the potential of this method for large-scale propagation and supporting sustainable production of high-quality rose plants for the floriculture and essential oil industries.
Agroecological conditions, the biological characteristics of grapevine varieties, and the application of viticultural practices significantly influence the physico-chemical properties of grapes. This study assessed the impact of agroecological conditions at two cultivation sites, Sarajevo and Trebinje, on the physico-chemical properties of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) grape varieties. The results showed that location had a statistically significant effect on several physical parameters of grape bunches and berries. Significant differences were observed in bunch and berry mass (in ‚Chardonnay‘), bunch length (in both varieties), bunch width (in ‚Cabernet Sauvignon‘), berry length (in ‚Chardonnay‘), berry width (both varieties), as well as in the mass of 100 berries, pulp and skin mass of 100 berries, and the number of seeds per 100 berries. Furthermore, the cultivation site significantly influenced the sugar and total acid content in both varieties, as well as the phenolic content in ‚Chardonnay‘ berries, and the flavonoid content and total antioxidant activity in ‚Cabernet Sauvignon‘.
