Horticulture

Academic Staff

May 31, 2026, 9:15 a.m.
Rafail Shlemon Toma
Rafail Shlemon Toma (PhD)
Professor
Professor in Plant Tissue Culture

Horticulture
College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences
University of Duhok
[email protected]
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  • Phd. in Plant Tissue Culture (2009), UoD, Kurdistan Region - Iraq.
  • MSc. in vegetable production (2001), UoD, Kurdistan Region - Iraq.
  • BSc. in plant production (1997), UoD, Kurdistan Region - Iraq.

25 years of Teaching experience

  1. Teaching undergraduate courses in Plant Growth Regulators, Plant Physiology and Plant Tissue Culture.
  2. Teaching postgraduate study course in Adv. Plant Tissue Culture, Adv. Plant Growth Regulators, Adv. Plant Physiology, In vitro Morphogenesis, and Scientific Research Methodology
  3. Supervising Master degree students at plant tissue culture
  4. Supervising 10 MSc students and 6 PhD student
  5. Supervising the work at the PTC lab at the College of Agriculture for commercial economic plants production.
  6. Supervising a project of improving new potato varieties with Kartopa company.
  7. Supervising the examination committee of higher studies at the College of Agriculture from 2011 to 2020.
  8. Supervising the technical committee of the first, second and third Scientific Agricultural Conference at the College of Agriculture, UoD in 2012, 2016 and 2019.
  9. A member of university committee of arranging the higher studies scientific writing and scientific affairs.
  10. A member of university ranking committee.
  11. Participating in 38 postgraduate examination viva (16 PhD and 22 MSc).
  12. Visiting the University of Hannover, Germany (Institute of Horticulture) to sign a scientific protocol between CoA- UoD and Hannover University (May 2012).
  13. Participating in a workshop about publication research papers at international journals at the University of Vanderbilt, USA. September 2016.
  14. Coordinating a pilot agricultural project between UoD and GIZ (German organization). April 2017- November 2018. “Capacity Development and vocational training in vegetable gardening and orchards for Syrian refugees at Domiz 1 and persons from host communities around Dohuk, in Kurdistan Region of Iraq”.
  15. Participating in a workshop in Germany: “Capacity Development and Vocational Training on Agriculture Value Chains in Duhok Governorate”. 19th – 23rd March 2018. Stuttgart- Hohenheim, University, Germany.
  16. Supervising a pilot agricultural project between UoD and GIZ. January 1st 2019- June 30 2019. “Promotion and consolidation of Vegetable Production in Domiz 1 Greenhouses for Syrian Refugees and Apple Juice Production for Host Community Farmers in Kurdistan Region- Iraq”.
  17. Project Manager of potato minitubers production via tissue culture technique in cooperation with KARTOPA Company and IBP Company March 1st 2020- continued.
  18. Project manager of Potato value chain development project in Kurdistan Region of Iraq. 2020-2025. Partnership with CABI, KH, HZPC, Directorate of Agriculture in Duhok Governorate and UoD.
  19. Project Manager of Make Horticulture Knowledge Work Project. April 2021- April 2022. Partnership with Nuffic, Delphy, ICRA, Eco-consult, JUST, University of Basrah and UoD.
  20. Installing a modern hydroponic system at the Department of Horticulture to grow healthy local vegetables funded by NUFFIC in 2022.
  21. Participating in a workshop on “Science and Communication for Researchers” in Erbil on May 19 and 20, 2024 organized by DAAD.
  22. Head of Organizing committee of the first Agriculture SUMMIT at the University of Duhok in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and water Resources, KRI on April 16th 2024.
  23. Recording to new potato varieties for the first time in Iraq named ETRA and YOUSIF with Kartopa company, Kurdistan Regio- Iraq.
  24. Moderating a workshop on Expanding Horticulture Knowledge for Climate Smart Agriculture, Organized by DELPHY and Eco-Consult, 21-12-2023, Erbil- Iraq.
  25. Moderating the Iraq Horticulture Development Program Closing Workshop, 26th and 27th of February 2024 at Divan Hotel-Ground Hall, Erbil, Organized by Eco-Consult.
  26. Participating in GreenTech Exposition, Amsterdam, Netherlands. 12-14 June 2023.
  27. Organizing 9 workshops for value chain actors (factory management, farmers, retailers, etc.) on agriculture development in Iraq, importance of the potato crop and the potato value chain. 2024- 2025.
  28. Organizing a workshop on the level of participation of rural women in Potato Value Chain (production and marketing) in Duhok governorate. Kurdistan, Iraq. 12 to 13 May 2024, UoD.
  29. Organizing the Third Mission Symposium at UoD. 3rd March 2023.
  30. Participating in a Study Trip to Switzerland, June 24th to July 3rd 2024.
  31. Organizing two training workshops for the staff of the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture about potato minitubers micropropagation by tissue culture techniques at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, UoD. August 2024.

  • - Taking a Plant Propagation course (TPSS) at the College of Tropical Plants and Soil Sciences, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, USA January- May 2005.
  • - English Language Institute (ELI, January-May, 2005) at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa (USA). Taking two advanced courses in Reading and Lessening Speaking.
  • - Participating in a workshop about publication research papers at international journals at the University of Vanderbilt, USA. 13th - 21st September 2016.
  • - Participating in a workshop in Germany: “Capacity Development and Vocational Training on Agriculture Value Chains in Duhok Governorate”. 19th – 23rd March 2018. Stuttgart- Hohenheim, University, Germany.
  • - Participating in the first training on “Make Horticulture Knowledge Work” at UoD. July 4th to 8th 2021.
  • - Participating in the 2nd online training on “Make Horticulture Knowledge Work”. August 15th to 18th.
  • - Plant Biotechnology Conference (19-21 April, 2005). University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA.
  • - Kurdistan 3rd Conference of Biological Sciences. University of Duhok, Iraq 4-6 May 2010.
  • - Tropentag, September 14-16, 2010, Zurich “World Food System —A Contribution from Europe”.
  • - Revitalizing Research in Kurdistan International Conference, Erbil, Iraq 14-16 December, 2010.
  • - The First Scientific Agricultural Conference at the College of Agriculture, University of Duhok, Iraqi Kurdistan Region. 12-14 April 2012.
  • - The first Agricultural Conference at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sulaimani University. October, 2013.
  • - International Conference of Horticulture Sciences, University of Mosul 13-14 April, 2014.
  • - The second Scientific Agricultural Conference at the College of Agriculture, University of Duhok, Iraqi Kurdistan Region. 26 and 27 April 2016.
  • - The third International Agricultural Conference between University of Duhok and University of Mosul. 2 and 3 October 2019.
  • - IRES Conference and Member’s Meeting at Hotel Colosseum, Rome, Italy during 20th - 21st August, 2019.

Research

  • PhD dissertation entitled "Micropropagation and in vitro shoot-tip grafting of apple (Malus domestic Borkh.) and pear (Pyrus spp.).
  • M.Sc. Thesis entitled “Effect of planting density, boron and tuber seed size on the yield and growth of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). College of Agriculture, University of Duhok, Iraq 2001.
  • An economic comparison between two administrative types for peach orchard in Duhok governorate. 2002. JDU. Vol. (5) No. (2), P. 33-43
  • Effect of bulb size and planting density, on onion seed yield. 2004. JDU. Vol. (7) No. (1) P. 12-17
  • The response of potato to planting density, boron and tuber seed size. 2004. JDU. Vol. (7) No. (2), P. 8-20
  • Yield response of broad bean to planting density and spraying with a mixture of calcium and boron. 2004. JDU. Vol. (7) No. (2), P. 21-27
  • Developing an in vitro propagation protocol for spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum). Kurdistan 3rd conference of biological sciences, University of Duhok. 4-6 May, 2010.
  • Effect of medium consistency and different growth regulators on Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) micropropagation. The International Journal for Sciences and Technology (IJST). Vol. (5) No. (4). 2010 Amman, Jordan.
  • Factors involved in in vitro shoot-tip grafting of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) and pear (Pyrus sp. L.). Tropentag, September 14-16, 2010, Zurich “World Food System— A Contribution from Europe”.
  • Factors involved in ex vitro rooting of Acalypha wilkesiana, Ficus microcarpa var. crassifolia, Bougainvillea glabra and Vitex rotundifolia stem cuttings. Journal of Duhok University. Vol. (13) No. (2) 2010.
  • In vitro propagation through seed culture and regeneration of Asparagus densiflorus L. through callus cultures derived from hypocotyls. (Accepted for publication at International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences and Technology, 2012)
  • In vitro micropropagation of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.). Journal of Kirkuk for Agricultural Sciences. Vol. (3) No. (1) 2012
  • In vitro propagation of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) from a Single Bud Explant as Affected by Kinetin and Benzyl Adenine. The First Scientific Agricultural Conference at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Duhok, Iraq, April 10-12, 2012. JUD, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2012.
  • IDENTIFICATION AND PURIFICATION OF POTATO VIRUS Y (PVY) IN DUHOK GOVERNORATE. The First Scientific Agricultural Conference at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Duhok, Iraq, April 10-12, 2012. JUD, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2012.
  • In vitro morphogenic response of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) and pear (Pyrus communis L.) to the elevated levels of copper and Myo-inositol. ACTA Agrobotanica Vol. 65 (3): 43-48, 2012
  • Rooting Response of Rosa canina and Cotoneaster acuminatus to Different in vitro Factors. American Journal of Experimental Agriculture 4(6): 724-731, 2014
  • Micropropagation of Crisanthemum hortorum L. in relation to different combinations of cytokinins and auxins. The 2nd International Conference of Horticulture Sciences 13-14 April, 2014. Mesopotamia J. of Agric. Vol. (42) Supl. (1) 2014.
  • Micropropagation Protocol of Fig (Ficus carica L. CV. Benaty) from Apical and Lateral Buds. Journal of Zankoi Sulaimani Part-A- Pure and Applied Sciences 17 (2). 2015
  • MICROTUBERIZATION RESPONSE OF DESIREE AND MOZART POTATOES (Solanum tuberosum L.) TO DIFFERENT KINDS AND LEVELS OF CARBON SOURCES. JDU, Vol 19 (1). 2016
  • IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF APRICOT (PRUNUS ARMENIACA L.) ROYAL CULTIVAR AS AFFECTED BY EXPLANT SOURCE AND THEIR TAKING TIME. JDU, Vol 19 (1). 2016
  • Micropropagation Response of Three Grape Vines (Vitis vinifera L.) Cultivars to Ferrous, Nitrate and Growth Regulators. Vegetos 31(3):126-131, 2018
  • AN EFFICIENT PROTOCOL FOR BEGONIA REX MICROPROPAGATION USING DIFFERENT EXPLANT TYPES, MS SALT STRENGTHS AND VARIOUS PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS. International Journal of Advances in Science, Engineering and Technology (IJASEAT). 7(4): 9-15. 2020.
  • EMBRYO CULTURE AND IN VITRO CLONAL PROPAGATION OF OAK (Quercus aegilops L.)‏. The Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Science 51 (1), 347-355. 2019
  • Effect of Carbon Source in Woody Plant Medium with Different Salt Strengths on Oak (Quercus aegilops L.) Micropropagation‏. Journal of Plant Production 10 (9), 751-756. 2019
  • Cost Effective Culture Medium for Micropropagation of Paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.) and Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides Walt.)‏. Doi:10.21608/asajs.2019.52886 2 (4), 33-46
  • AN EFFICIENT PROTOCOL FOR BEGONIA REX MICROPROPAGATION USING DIFFERENT EXPLANT TYPES, MS SALT STRENGTHS AND VARIOUS PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS". International Journal of Advances in Science, Engineering and Technology (IJASEAT)" Vol.7 (4).
  • EMBRYO CULTURE AND IN VITRO CLONAL PROPAGATION OF OAK (Quercus aegilops L.) The Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Science. Vol. 51(1). 347-355. 2020. Jami'at Baghdad
  • Response of Red Maple (Acer rubrum L.) Micropropagation to Different In Vitro Conditions Journal of Plant Production. Vol. 12(6). 651-655. 2021. "Mansoura University, Faculty of Agriculture.
  • Auxins and Cytokinins Involved in Micropropagation of Pepino Plant (Solanum muricatum Aiton). Diyala Journal of Agricultural Sciences. Vol. 13(1). 2021. Diyala University
  • A Rapid Micropropagation Protocol for Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Via Tissue Culture Techniq. DASJ Vol. 14, No. 1, 2022.
  • Extraction of Essential Oil and Fatty Acids from Callus and Different Plant Parts of Roselle plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) by Soxhlet and GC-Mass Devices.
  • CALLUS INDUCTION AND PLANT REGENERATION FROM EX VITRO AND INVITRO EXPLANTS OF ROSELLE PLANT.
  • MINITUBERS PRODUCTION OF FOUR POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.) CULTIVARS BY TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUE. Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Sciences –2022:53(5):1058- 1066.
  • In Vitro Propagation of Pyracantha coccinea as Affected by Growth Regulators and Different Carbon Sources. J. of Kirkuk Univ. for Agri. Sci. Vol. (13) No. (4) 2022.
  • EFFECT OF VARIOUS CONCENTRATIONS OF AGAR AND SUCROSE ON GROWTH AND TUBERIZATION OF FOUR POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.) VARIETIES UNDER IN VITRO AND IN VIVO CONDITIONS. Kufa Journal for Agricultural Sciences. Vol. 16. 2023.
  • THE RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.) CULTIVARS TO VARIOUS CONCENTRATIONS OF BA (BENZYLADENINE) AND KINETIN UNDER IN VITRO CONDITIONS. Journal of Duhok University, 2023.
  • Rooting Response of Soft Wood Cuttings of Paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.) to In Vivo and In Vitro Conditions. Kufa Journal for Agricultural Sciences. Vol. 17. 2023.
  • Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) as a Comparative Study Between in vitro and in vivo Plants. Kufa Journal for Agricultural Sciences. Vol. 18. 2023.
  • Callus Initiation and Plant Organ Regeneration of Arbutus Andrachne L. from Leaves And Nodes Grown from in Vitro Seed Culture. The Journal of Duhok University. Vol. 26 No. 1, 2023.
  • EFFECT OF DROUGHT STRESS ON THE METABOLIC PATHWAY AND SURVIVAL OF TWO GRAPE (VITIS VINIFERA L.) CULTIVARS GROWN UNDER IN VITRO CONDITIONS. Mesopotamia Journal of Agriculture, (), -. doi: 10.33899/mja.2024.146167.1350
  • Response of Single Node Explants of Figs (Ficus carrica L.) Shingali Cv. to Different Plant Growth Regulators and Culture Media. The journal of Duhok University. Vol. 26 No. 2, 2023
  • Response of Different Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivars to Various Concentrations of Ba (benzyl adenine) And Kinetin under in Vitro Conditions.
  • Effects of different explant and growth regulator combinations on in vitro propagation of Poinsetia. International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Food Sciences. 2024.
  • RESPONSE OF SINGLE NODE EXPLANTS OF FIGS (Ficus carrica L.) SHINGALI CV. TO DIFFERENT PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS AND CULTURE MEDIA. KHETAM A RASHEED, RAFAIL S TOMA. Journal of Duhok University, Vol. 26, 2024.
  • Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) as a Comparative Study Between in vitro and in vivo Plants. Zana Ibrahim Ismael, Rafail Shlemon Toma, Hadar Saeed Faizy. Kufa Journal for Agricultural Sciences. Vol. 16, 2024.
  • In Vitro Propagation of Two Grapes, Vitis Vinifera L. CVS. Superior And Red Globe:. Waad S. Faizy, Ammar ZA Kassab Bashi, Rafail S Toma. NTU Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science. Vol. 4, 2024.
  • EFFECT OF DROUGHT STRESS ON THE METABOLIC PATHWAY AND SURVIVAL OF TWO GRAPE (Vitis vinifera L.) CULTIVARS GROWN UNDER IN VITRO CONDITIONS. Waad S. Faizy, Ammar ZA Kassab Bashi, Rafail S Toma. Mesopotamia Journal of Agriculture. Vol. 52, 2024.
  • Some Amino Acids Affect the Response of Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Single Nodules In Vitro Multiplication. Waad S. Faizy, Ammar ZA Kassab Bashi, Rafail S Toma. Basrah Journal of Agricultural Sciences. Vol. 37. 2024.
  • Effects of different explant and growth regulator combinations on in vitro propagation of Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.). Lolav RAJAB AL MZORİ, Bekir Erol AK, Rafail TOMA, Ibrahim Halil HATİPOGLU, Heydem EKİNCİ. Gültekin ÖZDEMİR, Gültekin ÖZDEMİR. Vol. 7, 2023.
  • Developing a Cost-Effective Micropredation Protocol for Two Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) Varieties Under In Vitro Conditions. Lolav RAJAB AL MZORİ, Rafail S. Toma and Fared Khalid Yaseen. Science Journal of University of Zakho (SJUOZ). Vol. 13, No.1 pp77–82 January-March, 2025.

  • Plant Sciences, Plant Physiology and Plant Tissue Culture.

  • 10 MSc students+ 7 PhD students.