As part of the ongoing scientific activities 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, hosted a specialized scientific visit and discussion for the PhD research of the student, Ru’a Rafi’ Jaflawi, entitled:
“Molecular Diagnosis of the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci and Its Natural Enemies Using NGS, and the Possibility of Its Control Using Integrated Management Factors under Laboratory and Field Conditions in the Middle Euphrates Provinces.”
The scientific committee consisted of a group of specialized professors to ensure scientific rigor and the accuracy of research outcomes. The committee included:
Assist. Prof. Mushtaq Talib Mohammed – Chair
Assist. Prof. Hussein Ali Baqir – Member
Assist. Prof. Lina Qasim Aidan – Member
The importance and objectives of this research stem from highlighting one of the most serious challenges facing farmers in Iraq and worldwide, represented by the direct and indirect damage caused by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, which is considered one of the most important vectors of viral diseases in economically important crops, leading to reduced productivity and significant economic losses.
The strength of the student’s research lies in its adoption of a sustainability approach. During the visit and discussion, the researcher presented the methodology used in both field and laboratory experiments, as well as the preliminary results, which demonstrated a high capacity to reduce infection rates and improve fruit quality.
The scientific committee commended 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 as part of the plan of the College of Agriculture at the University of Karbala to direct academic research toward addressing real-world problems facing the agricultural sector, serving both the academic and practical communities alike.
