The Department of Biology at the College of Education for Pure Sciences at the University of Kerbala discussed a doctoral thesis entitled “Determining the Genetic Diversity of Pathogenic Fungi Transmitted by Wheat Grains in Kerbala Governorate and Their Control Using Integrated Pest Management.” The thesis was presented by Zainab Latif Hamid Al-Tamimi, under the supervision of Professor Dr. Ban Taha Muhammad. The thesis aimed to identify pathogenic fungi associated with wheat grains in Kerbala, using phenotypic and molecular analysis. Fungal species were recorded for the first time in Iraq from the genera Alternaria Stemphylium and Cladosporium, with Alternaria alternata being the most prevalent. The thesis concluded that whole genome sequencing (WGS) was conducted for the first time in Iraq for the fungi A. alternata and A. simmonsii. In addition to studying the mitochondrial genome and pathogenicity genes of Chlamydosporigena simmonsii, the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique using metagenomics was successful in directly identifying all microbial organisms associated with grains, making it a more efficient alternative to traditional methods. Furthermore, the BioHealth biopharmaceutical was superior to EM1 in combating fungi, especially when used using the biopriming method, as it reduced infection rates and contributed to improved growth. The two chemical pesticides Raxil and Swarm demonstrated good effectiveness in inhibiting pathogenic fungi. The study recommended the use of NGS (Metagenomics) technology to diagnose pathogens directly from plant samples, without the need to isolate and grow them in the laboratory. It also recommended expanding the study of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of pathogenic fungi in Iraq, to identify the most prominent pathogenic genes and study ways to combat them in more accurate ways. It also recommended continuous monitoring of widespread pathogenic fungi and their impact on grain crops in Kerbala and neighboring governorates, to develop effective control strategies. The student received an excellent grade.
