The College of Agriculture at the University of Basra organized a seminar on the molecular diagnosis of Begomoviruses affecting tomato crops and their biological control.

The seminar, presented by researcher Hussein Abdulkarim Qasim, aimed to demonstrate the importance of PCR techniques in the accurate detection of viruses and to highlight the role of vegetable oils as safe and environmentally friendly alternatives for reducing Begomovirus infections in general, and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) in particular.

The study included a definition of the insect vector (whitefly) and the risks of relying solely on phenotypic diagnosis.

The study also demonstrated the effectiveness of biological treatments in reducing the severity of disease infection.

Media and Government Communication Division / College of Agriculture