In this study, functional and numerical response tests, which are important components in the selection of biological control agent, were carried out. In functional response trials, the amount of food consumed, attack rate (a) and handling time (Th) were calculated for each developmental period, depending on the number of preys given after 24 hours. The obtained results were evaluated with the Holling. In numerical response experiments, the development of the predator insect was examined depending on the number of preys given in certain numbers (5, 10, 20, 40 and 80) and the data were recorded. This phase of the trials continued until the individuals died. At this stage of the trials, the reproductive response of the predator on the aphid and the prey use efficiency were calculated. All of the productions and trials were carried out in climate rooms with a temperature of 27±1 °C, 65±5% RH. Experiments were carried out with 50 replications for each growth period and prey densities. According to the results obtained in the functional response trials, it was determined that the development periods with the highest productivity were the fourth larval and adult stages. When the results obtained from the numerical response experiments were evaluated, it was observed that the reproductive response increased with the increase of the prey given to H. variegata. Considering all the data obtained as a result of the study, it was concluded that H. variegata is effective on M. rosae and can be used in the control of this pest.
Field experiment was conducted to test the effect of saline water 2 and7 dSm-1 potassium fertilizer rate 150,300 and 450 kg/donum on nitrogen fixation in Pisum sativum L. nodules. The experiment included anatomy study .Results water salinity ( 2,7 dSm-1) as a main plot and fertilizer rates as a sub plot. Results indicated that irrigation with saline water 7 dSm-¹ caused a significant decrease in N contents especially in the lower parts of the plants. The percentage of the N decreased in lower leaves to (0.01%) under 7dSm-¹ and 300 kg/donum fertilizer; however the percentage increased in the upper leaves to (2.80%) under with 2dSm-¹of irrigation water and 300 kg/ donum fertilizer rate. Fresh weight decreased to 6.26g under 7 dSm
... Show MoreThe experiment was conducted in the old botanical garden belong to Biology Department/ College of Education for Pure Science - Ibn Al-Haitham/Baghdad University for growing season 2015-2016 to study the effect of irrigation with four concentrations of sodium chloride (0, 50, 100, 150) mM.L-1 and spraying with selenium in three concentrations (0, 10, 20) mgL-1 on growth of broad bean plant using clay pots. The experiment was design according to completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Results indicated that broad bean plant irrigated with saline water and increasing concentrations of sodium chloride in growth medium caused a significant decreased in the plant growth parameters (plant height, no. of compound leaves. Plant-1
... Show MoreEnvironmental stress affects the yield of sorghum. This impact can be reduced by seed stimulation technique and determining the appropriate planting date. An experiment was conducted in the spring and fall seasons of 2022. Randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement in four replications was used. Planting dates (spring season: February 15th, March 1st, 15th, April 1st, 15th; fall season: June 15th, July 1st, 15th, August 1st, 15th) were assigned to the main plots. Seed stimulation treatments (banana peel extract 35% + citric acid 100 mg L-1 and soaking in distilled water only) were applied to the subplots. The interaction treatment of soaking with banana peel extract + citric acid and the planting date of April 15th showed
... Show MoreThe yellow scale insect
The nigra scale, Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner, 1861) (Hemiptera, Coccidae) recorded as a new insect pest attacking fig trees, Ficus carica (Moraceae) in Iraq. It was observed during April 2014 in residential garden at Al-Hurriyah district in Baghdad.