Professor Dr. Abdul Zahra Jabbar, Head of the Department of Food Science at the College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala, participated as co-chairman of the examination committee for the master’s thesis of the student Noor Al-Huda Ahmed Shbeeb from the Department of Plant Protection – College of Agriculture, University of Tikrit, entitled: “Comparison Between Some Chemical and Biological Control Methods Using Endophytic Bacteria in Controlling Gray Mold Disease Caused by Botrytis cinerea on Strawberry” for the academic year 2023/2024.

The study aimed to demonstrate the role of endophytic bacteria in strawberry plants and their potential application in integrated management programs for gray mold disease, by comparing the effectiveness of certain bacterial isolates with chemical pesticides. The results revealed that some combined treatments (bacterial + chemical) were superior in reducing disease severity and improving plant productivity traits, contributing to decreasing reliance on chemical pesticides.

The defense was conducted in a rigorous academic atmosphere, during which the student delivered a comprehensive presentation of her research and answered the committee’s questions and inquiries. At the conclusion of the defense, the committee commended the efforts exerted and the significance of the results, wishing the student continued success in her academic journey.