The seminar addressed a key issue related to the challenges facing traditional taxonomy, where the researcher indicated that approximately 80% of insects remain scientifically undescribed.

He highlighted the risk of complete morphological similarity that can mislead the naked eye, resulting in misdiagnosis and the application of ineffective pesticides, which in turn leads to significant economic and environmental losses.

The seminar also reviewed the limitations of classical morphology, which relies heavily on human judgment and faces difficulties in distinguishing between geographically similar species. To overcome these challenges, the concept of a shift toward “Integrative Taxonomy” was introduced, which combines three main dimensions:

The physical world (diagnostic imaging): the use of advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study fine structures, micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) to build three-dimensional models of internal organs without destroying the sample, and hyperspectral imaging for early detection of plant stress.

The digital world (artificial intelligence): the application of computer vision and deep learning techniques for real-time pest identification in the field through “attention mechanisms” that focus on distinguishing features such as wings while ignoring background noise.

The molecular world (DNA barcoding): the use of DNA barcoding as a gold standard for resolving the identity of cryptic species and overcoming limitations across developmental stages (egg, larva, adult), with particular emphasis on the mitochondrial COI gene.

The seminar also discussed the “cyber workflow,” which represents the integrative laboratory loop, starting from digitization, followed by automated analysis where algorithms propose a preliminary classification, proceeding to molecular extraction in cases of anomalies, and concluding with cyber documentation by uploading the “digital twin” and genetic fingerprint to global biodiversity cloud platforms.

In conclusion, it was emphasized that artificial intelligence serves as a preliminary screening tool that accelerates the process hundreds of times, but it does not replace expert judgment or DNA validation. This integration supports sustainable food security by reducing pesticide use by up to 30–50% through precise diagnosis and intelligent monitoring.

During the visit, students observed the various production lines, starting from milk reception, followed by laboratory testing processes to ensure quality, then pasteurization and homogenization, and finally packaging. They were also introduced to food safety and hygiene standards applied on inside the factory, in addition to the modern monitoring systems used to ensure that products meet standard specifications.

The students were given the opportunity to directly interact with the engineers and technicians working at the company, where they asked numerous questions about the technologies used and the challenges facing the dairy industry.

This interaction contributed to broadening their knowledge and enhancing their understanding of the nature of work in the food industrial sector.

“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.

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.

The student stated that the aim of the study is to demonstrate the effect of biochar on soil and its aeration. He also referred to the methods used to measure some study parameters, such as soil pH and the proportions of elements in the soil before and after addition, explaining the extent of their impact on the soil.

“Sustainable Strategies for the Management of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) through the Integration of Genetic Resistance in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Biostimulation.”

The scientific committee consisted of a distinguished group of specialized and experienced professors to ensure scientific rigor and the accuracy of research outcomes. The committee included:
Prof. Raja Ghazi Abdul Mohsen – Chair
Dr. Adnan Abdul Jalil – Member
Dr. Mohsen Abdul Ali – Member

This research is considered one of the important studies that sheds light on one of the most serious challenges facing tomato farmers in Iraq and worldwide, namely Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV), which causes severe economic losses in crop production.

The strength of the research lies in adopting 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 efforts of the researcher 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 a part of the strategic plan of the College of Agriculture at the University of Kerbala to direct academic research toward solving real-world problems facing the agricultural sector, serving both the academic and practical communities alike.

The event addressed the concept of renewable energy and its role in developing agricultural systems, reviewing applications of solar energy in operating modern irrigation systems and greenhouses, as well as explaining the importance of wind energy in supporting agricultural projects in open areas.

It also discussed the role of bioenergy in recycling agricultural waste and converting it into useful energy sources, along with presenting practical examples of farms that have successfully adopted clean energy technologies.

The event further examined the challenges facing the implementation of these technologies in the agricultural sector and ways to address them by enhancing technical awareness and providing the necessary institutional support to adopt these modern solutions, in addition to emphasizing the importance of incorporating these technologies into academic curricula.

The event witnessed notable interaction from students and faculty members through questions and discussions that enriched the scientific dialogue.

It concluded with an emphasis on the importance of supporting renewable energy projects in Iraq and their role in environmental protection and pollution reduction, as they represent a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable agriculture and enhancing food security.

The lecture addressed the أبرز challenges facing the cultivation of these two crops, such as disease infections (fungal and bacterial), insect pests, and the impact of environmental conditions such as high temperatures and salinity, in addition to issues related to suboptimal agricultural management. It also highlighted the latest methods in integrated pest management and the use of modern technologies to reduce losses and increase productivity.

The seminar witnessed notable engagement from participants, with many questions and discussions reflecting the interest of youth and rural generations in developing their agricultural skills, thereby supporting the agricultural sector and achieving sustainable development in the province.

At the conclusion of the seminar, the organizers emphasized the importance of continuing such scientific and extension activities due to their effective role in building the capacities of youth and enabling them to face agricultural challenges using modern scientific approaches, thus reinforcing the role of the university as a leading scientific institution in serving the community.

The meeting included mutual emphasis on the importance of strengthening the partnership between the academic institution and the professional association in a way that contributes to developing engineering competencies and supporting the agricultural sector in the province.

For their part, the members of the association’s council expressed their appreciation for this initiative, which reflects the spirit of integration between scientific and professional institutions in serving the agricultural sector and agricultural engineers in Holy Karbala.

The work also involved cleaning the fountain from growing algae, as well as leveling a plot of land designated for cultivating certain vegetable crops, in preparation for its use in educational agricultural activities.

The campaign witnessed the distinguished presence of Dr. Mohammed Hadi, Mr. Mohammed Sahib, Mr. Hassan Al-Miyali, and Mr. Hussein, along with the efforts of the supporting staff, who played an effective role in the success of these activities.

This initiative reflects the spirit of cooperation and teamwork among the college staff, contributing to strengthening the work and productivity environment within the institution.