ABSTRACT
Abstract: The present research was carried out in the animal facility of the Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Al-Qadisiyah, from January 20, 2023, until June 27, 2023. This study sought to observe the effect of varying dosages of nano-silica (SiO2 NPs) on the gene expression of the genes encoding follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in female rats. The findings indicated marked reduction (P<0.05) in the gene expression of both FSH and LH within the treatment groups (T1: 100 mg/kg, T2: 150 mg/kg, and T3: 200 mg/kg) relative to the control group. The most marked reduction was noted within the T3 group, suggesting a dose-dependent response. Histopathological exam of the ovaries, oviducts, and uterus established various structural changes within the dose groups. The ovaries of the T2 and T3 experimental groups had granulosa cell degeneration, massive congestion, and follicular cell deterioration. The oviducts of the T1 experimental group had epithelial lining destruction and considerable congestion, but the uterine sections of the T2 and T3 experimental groups were considered histologically unremarkable. The results imply that the administration of nano-silica may cause widespread alterations in the gene expression of reproductive hormones, potentially resulting in compromised reproductive function and fertility in female rats. Further research is needed to clarify the fundamental mechanism and long -time effects of nano-silica exposure on the female reproductive system.

ABSTRACT
Abstract: A field experiment was carried out in the autumn season (2021) in Al-Tokiya village/ Qalaat Sukkar district/ Dhi Qar governorate, Iraq. It is located 100 km to the north of Nasiriyah city center at a height (15 m) above sea level. The aim of this study was to improve the growth performance and yield of maize by the effect of magnesium fertilization on the availability of nutrients in the experiment soil. The experiment was applied according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial experiment. Three replications with three varieties of maize were applied. Each of treatment was treated with four levels of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4.H2O) (T1 ground fertilization, T2 leaves and ground fertilization + T3 leaves fertilization and T0 controls). The treatments were distributed to the experimental units (12) with dimensions of (4×3) m2. Each experimental unit included (4 lanes with a length of 4 m, a distance of 70 cm between plants. Distance of (2 m2) between the experimental unit, 1m2 variety and 2 m2 between duplicate and another were applied. Three seeds were placed in each hole. After three week of planting, thinning process was carried out. The data were collected according to the analysis of variance table. The means were analyzed according to the least significant difference test (LSD) at the level of (0.05). The most important results are summarized as follows: T3 fertilization (ground + leaves fertilization) was significantly superior in PH, magnesium, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium in soil, magnesium, sulfur, nitrogen. Phosphorous, potassium in plants, chlorophyll content in leaves of female flowering, number of grains in the ear, grain yield per ton/h, protein percentage in grains, sulfur in grains. The results showed that 6.83, 263.6 mg kg-1 soil 12.43 mg kg-1 soil, 15.19 mg kg-1 soil, 11.85 mg kg-1 soil, 196.9 mg kg-1 soil, 0.38 cmol L-1 0.28 cmol L-1, 2.17 cmol L-1, 0.33 cmol L-1, 2.78 cmol L-1 392 mg m-2, 67.11 days, 671

ABSTRACT
The adoption of agroecological practices for sustainable production and the conservation of renewable natural resources is an urgent priority in the mountainous Kivu region of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. To identify current agricultural practices using in this region, two surveys were conducted across six groupements in the Kabare territory: Bugorhe, Irambi-Katana, Luhihi, Bushumba, Mumosho, and Lugendo. The first survey examined agricultural practices related to soil fertility management, while the second focused on the management of banana diseases. These groupements were selected based on the presence of at least one banana field per household, accessibility, and the prevalence of banana diseases. A total of 316 farmers, aged between 25 and 75 years-including 166 men and 150 women-were interviewed. Results revealed that farmers primarily maintain soil fertility through the use of compost, incorporation of dry or green weeds as green manure, mulching, planting cover crops, and establishing live hedges to prevent soil erosion. For disease management, they selectively cut only the single plant infected by bacteria and uproot plants or mats affected by fusarium wilt and banana bunchy top disease. Despite these efforts, ongoing soil degradation in Kabare and its surrounding areas, coupled with the challenges posed by global warming, highlight the critical need to train farmers in improved agroecological practices. Introducing new, more efficient, and resilient techniques is essential to ensure sustainable and productive agriculture in this territory and other similar regions.