As part of scientific cooperation between universities, Prof. Dr. Zainab Alawi Mohammed Al-Tamimi participated as a supervising committee member in the master’s thesis defense of Tabarak Raad Ali Hammoud, a student from the Department of Life Sciences, College of Science, Al-Mustansiriyah University. The thesis was titled:
“The inhibitory effect of extracts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. from branches, leaves, and bark on the growth of pathogenic fungi associated with cankering in Albizia trees (Albizia lebbeck).”
The study focused on extracting active compounds from the bark and branches with leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis. These extracts are secondary products of this tree, primarily composed of terpenoids, known for their inhibitory effects on microorganisms. The research evaluated their antifungal activity against the pathogenic fungus Fusarium incarnatum and compared the effectiveness of bark versus leaves in fungal inhibition.
The thesis aimed to develop environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative control methods for plant pathogens, particularly Fusarium incarnatum, which poses significant threats to humans, animals, and plants. The study sought to reduce or eliminate reliance on chemical pesticides by utilizing the bioactive compounds from eucalyptus bark and branches with leaves. It also compared the effectiveness of sap-rich extracts (from branches and leaves) versus non-sap extracts (from bark) in inhibiting fungal growth.
The research concluded that the bioactive compounds extracted from eucalyptus bark and branches with leaves exhibit inhibitory effects against Fusarium incarnatum, both in laboratory and field conditions. The thesis was approved, reflecting the outstanding scientific effort and significant contribution to the academic field.