A master's thesis at the College of Agriculture, University of Basra, investigated "Evaluating the Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis Bacterial Preparations in Controlling the Tomato Leafminer (Tuta absoluta) in Basra Governorate."

The thesis, presented by researcher Alawi Rashid Alawi, aimed to study the efficacy of some local isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria in controlling Tuta absoluta insects.

The thesis concluded that it was possible to isolate this bacterium from agricultural soils in Basra Governorate, and molecular diagnosis using PCR confirmed that the isolates did indeed belong to the species B. thuringiensis.

The study recommended developing commercial preparations from effective local isolates, with a focus on improving storage and stability conditions to ensure the longest possible period of effectiveness.

Media and Government Communication Division / College of Agriculture