Harnessing Endophytic Fungi for Sustainable Agriculture in the Kurdistan Region

📍 College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences (CAES) – June, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) | As part of its strategic focus on sustainable agriculture and research-based solutions, the University of Duhok’s College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences hosted a scientific seminar titled:

“Molecular Identification and Antimicrobial Potential of Endophytic Fungi Against Some Grapevine Pathogens.”

The seminar was presented by Prof. Dr. Raed Abduljabbar Haleem, from the Department of Plant Protection, and held in the Seminar Hall of the Department of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development.

The session addressed the pivotal role of endophytic fungi in enhancing plant health and resistance, particularly in grapevine cultivation—a key agricultural practice in Duhok Province. The research explores the potential of fungal endophytes as biological control agents against pathogens such as Ilyonectria destructans, Botrytis cinerea, and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum.

🎯 Research Objectives:

• Study fungal diversity in grapevines from key locations (Bagera, Besfke, Barebahar, and Atrush)
  
  
• Isolate and identify endophytic fungi using ITS and SSU sequencing
  
  
• Establish phylogenetic relationships among isolated strains
  
  
• Evaluate their antimicrobial activity using dual culture and food poisoning methods
  
  
• Support eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides in managing grapevine trunk diseases
  
  

This seminar contributes to UOD’s Strategic Plan 2023–2038 by promoting scientific innovation, environmental sustainability, and community-centered agricultural development.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

📢 University Press Office, June, 2025
📸 Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali, Blind Jalal H.

🔍 The News Keywords:

• Endophytic fungi grapevine Kurdistan
• University of Duhok sustainable agriculture
• Biocontrol fungi viticulture
• Molecular identification fungi UOD
• Grapevine trunk disease management Iraq