A doctoral dissertation at the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, investigated "The Effect of Bio- and Nano-Stimulants on the Vegetative, Chemical, and Active Material Characteristics of Washingtonia Palm Heart under Drought Stress."

The dissertation, submitted by student Jawad Kadhim Shehait, aimed to evaluate the effect of brassinosteroids and nano-selenium in enhancing drought tolerance, and to study the accumulation of active materials and gene expression of proline and abscisic acid.

The results demonstrated the efficacy of the treatments in mitigating the effects of water scarcity, regulating physiological responses, and enhancing cell membrane stability and the chemical composition of the palm heart.

The dissertation recommended adopting a combination of 0.2 ml/L brassinosteroids and 50 mg/L nano-selenium to reduce drought damage, and expanding the application of nanotechnology and bio-stimulants to other palm and tree species.

Media and Government Communication Division / College of Agriculture