PhD Dissertation at the University of Basrah Explores Sustainable Nano-Alternatives for Protecting Wheat Crops
A PhD dissertation at the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, investigated the efficacy of salicylic acid and curcumin, along with their nano-forms, in protecting wheat plants from infection by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, as sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides.
The dissertation, presented by researcher Hala Abdul-Jabbar Abdul-Hassan, aimed to isolate the pathogenic fungus, prepare and characterize the nano-composites, and test their efficacy both in vitro and in the field using seed soaking technology.
The results demonstrated the superiority of the nano-formulas in inhibiting the fungus, reducing seed rot and seedling death, and improving plant growth.
The dissertation recommended adopting a 12-hour seed soaking period and using nano-composites within integrated plant disease management programs to support sustainable agricultural production.
Department of Media and Government Communication
