A doctoral dissertation at the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, investigated "Evaluating the Efficacy of Salicylic Acid, Curcumin, and Their Nanostructures in Protecting Wheat Plants from Infection by the Pathogenic Fungus Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn as Sustainable Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides."

The dissertation, presented by researcher Hala Abdul-Jabbar Abdul-Hassan, aimed to conduct a field survey to isolate the pathogenic fungus, prepare and characterize the nanostructures, and test their inhibitory efficacy both in vitro and in practice using seed soaking technology.

The study concluded that the nanostructures of salicylic acid and curcumin were superior in inhibiting the pathogenic fungus, reducing seed rot and seedling mortality indicators, and synergistically improving plant growth.

The study recommended adopting the 12-hour seed soaking technique and using the nanostructures as safe and sustainable alternatives within integrated plant disease management programs.

Media and Government Communication Division / College of Agriculture