Seminar Explores Sustainable Biocontrol Strategies for Enhancing Walnut Quality and Safety

On June 29, 2026, the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences hosted a seminar titled "Chitosan and Trichoderma Strains as Biocontrol Agents Against Penicillium in Walnuts (Juglans Regia L.)." The session was presented by Eyesun Eedo Naammo in the department's seminar hall.

The seminar focused on the evaluation of sustainable biocontrol agents to combat Penicillium—a common mold affecting walnut kernels. The presenter detailed the effectiveness of Trichoderma strains (T. afroharzianum and T. gamsii) and chitosan, noting that dual culture and well diffusion assays confirmed their strong antifungal properties. A significant portion of the research involved comparing fungal populations in walnuts from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Hungary, which revealed a widespread occurrence of Penicillium and Aspergillus species, underscoring the urgent need for improved postharvest management.

In addition to disease control, the study assessed the chemical and nutritional composition of various walnut samples. The findings highlighted significant variations in dry matter, lipids, total phenolics, and flavonoids among the evaluated varieties. Crucially, the research confirmed the safety of all tested samples for food use, as no toxic elements were detected.

The seminar concluded by advocating for the integration of biological control agents into walnut production. By reducing dependence on chemical fungicides, these environmentally friendly strategies aim to improve the quality, safety, and shelf-life of walnuts, providing a foundation for the development of high-quality functional food products in the region.

Reported by: Bilnd Jalal H. Hambi, Sipal Mohammed Taher Yousif.