In a groundbreaking scientific achievement—the first of its kind worldwide—a research team from the Department of Plant Protection at the College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala, has successfully sequenced the complete genome of the wax scale insect (Ceroplastes rusci L.) using advanced DNA sequencing technologies known as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
The research team included:
• Postgraduate student: Salam Mohammed Hassan
• Prof. Dr. Ali Abdul-Hussein Kareem
• Lecturer: Taha Mousa Mohammed
• Prof. Dr. Adnan Abdul-Jalil Lahouf
This meticulous study has led to the full genome being registered in the global GenBank database, affiliated with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), under the reference number GCA_050859255.1. This milestone paves the way for a deeper understanding of the insect’s genetic structure and offers more effective scientific solutions for its control—especially considering the significant threat it poses to agricultural crops, particularly fig trees.
This accomplishment marks the first complete genome sequencing of this harmful insect worldwide, reinforcing the University of Karbala’s standing as a leading research institution in biotechnology and integrated pest management.
The College of Agriculture at the University of Kerbala extends its heartfelt congratulations to the research team for this major achievement, which opens new horizons in agricultural research and genetic applications in Iraq and world.
