Within the ongoing scientific efforts of the Department of Plant Protection to support the agricultural sector and develop sustainable solutions, the College of Agriculture at the University of Kerbala – Department of Plant Protection, witnessed a specialized field visit and scientific discussion of the PhD research conducted by the student Farah Saeed Rahif, entitled:
“Diagnostic, morphological, and molecular study of the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) on cucumber in northern and central Iraq, and evaluation of some environmentally friendly sustainable control methods.”
The scientific committee consisted of a group of specialized and experienced professors to ensure scientific rigor and the accuracy of research outcomes. The committee included:
Prof. Dr. Ali Abdulhussein – Chairperson
Assist. Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Talib Mohammed Ali – Member
Assist. Prof. Dr. Kadhim Hussein Kadhim – Member
Assist. Prof. Dr. Thamer Salman Jabr – Member
The importance and objectives of the research stem from its focus on one of the most serious challenges facing cucumber farmers in Iraq and worldwide, namely the two-spotted spider mite, which causes significant economic losses in crops.
The strength of the student’s research lies in adopting a sustainability-based approach. During the visit and discussion, she presented the methodology used in both field and laboratory experiments, along with preliminary results that demonstrated a high capacity to reduce infestation levels and improve fruit quality.
For its part, the scientific committee praised the researcher’s efforts and the organizational precision in conducting the study, emphasizing that such research represents a cornerstone in achieving sustainable agricultural development and safeguarding national food security.
This discussion comes within the framework of the College of Agriculture at the University of Kerbala’s plan to direct academic research toward addressing real challenges facing the agricultural sector, thereby serving both the academic and practical communities.
