One of the major tasks faced by wheat breeders in Uzbekistan is to enhance wheat genotypes’ adaptability to soil and other environmental conditions and improve the grain quality, making the country self-sufficient in wheat grains and later becoming an exporter. Better results are achievable using the world wheat collection, including the CIMMYT germplasm. Determination of the positive correlation of physiological traits of new wheat cultivars, the importance of physiological indicators of water balance with productivity, and the vital role of these indicators in productivity level were the chief concerns. The timely study evaluated heat resilience, rust resistance, and grain yield in bread wheat genotypes. Bread wheat germplasm obtained from CIMMYT with a background of artificial infection of yellow rust incurred scrutiny for their rust resistance. A 15% incidence was detectable in seven genotypes; however, necrosis quickly formed around the symptoms of the disease in plant leaves, preventing its further development. Resistant wheat accessions, i.e., 1088, 1164 (R), 1006, and 1251 (MR), occurred as moderately resistant, showing high leaf area and grain yield. The average value of the genotypes was low, mainly due to the two rust-resistant samples, and the 1000-grain weight was 34.8 g and 34.6 g, respectively, and the grains per spike and grain yield were lower than the average. The chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid content, relative water content, flag leaf area, and production traits of the genotypes К-1088 and К-1164 gained assessment, revealed to be physiologically effective under the field conditions of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Quantitative indicators of the productivity of these wheat genotypes indicated positive differentiation. Selection ensued for promising accessions to develop initial sources for producing the wheat genotypes with rust resistance and high grain yield under the environmental conditions of Uzbekistan.

Keywords: Bread wheat (T. aestivum L.), wheat yellow rust, rust resistance, heat tolerance, leaf area, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, water content, grain yield

Key findings: By comparing with the standard check, a lower average value of the wheat accessions
was mainly due to the two rust-resistant genotypes, K-1164 and K-1289, which also have 1000-grain weights of 36.1 g and 34.8 g, respectively. The grain yield of these genotypes was also much lower than the average yield. Desirable chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content, relative water content, leaf area of flag leaves, and higher grain yield were substantial in the wheat landraces К-1088, К-1082, and К-1164 and proved to be physiologically effective under environmental conditions of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Quantitative indicators of the productivity of these accessions provided positive differentiation, with these genotypes recording higher values than the rest of the entries.

The beneficial study aimed to determine the effects of the compound chemical fertilizer and growth regulator brassinolide on the qualitative and productive traits of the date palm Barhi cultivar, carried out in 2023 at the Kerbala Agriculture Directorate, Iraq. The experiment layout had a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and three replications. The first factor was adding the compound chemical fertilizer at three levels (0, 1000, and 1500 g palm^-1), while the second factor included foliar application of the growth regulator brassinolide with four concentrations (0.0, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.8 mg L^-1). The results showed the date palm variant with compound chemical fertilizer (1500 g palm^-1) was superior in fruit length, diameter, weight, set, bunch weight, and total fruit yield, with average values of 3.079 cm, 2.517 cm, 10.741 g, 74.710%, 14.729 kg bunch^-1, and 117.830 kg palm^-1, respectively. According to the foliar application of brassinolide, it was evident that brassinolide at 0.8 mg L^-1 performed better and excelled for the fruit’s yield-related traits, with average values of 3.208 cm, 2.531 cm, 11.153 g, 76.060%, 15.667 kg bunch^-1, and 125.330 kg palm^-1, respectively. The interaction effects between the factors were significant for all traits.

Keywords: Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), compound chemical fertilizer, brassinolide, qualitative traits, fruit yield traits

Key findings: The results showed superiority of the mineral fertilizer 1500 g palm^-1 and foliar application of the growth regulator brassinolide 0.8 mg L^-1 for the fruit’s yield-related traits in the date palm (P. dactylifera L.).

The study aimed to assess the effects of using rice husk ashes to treat the quality of non-fresh irrigation water on the growth and productivity of the wheat cultivar Al-Rashid in plastic pots. The research occurred during the 2022–2023 season at the Thi-Qar Governorate, Iraq. The randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement had two factors and three replications. The main plots were the irrigation water quality (W), comprising river water 2.1 dSm^-1 (W1), city sewage water 6.4 dSm^-1 (W2), and drainage water 12.3 dSm^-1 (W3). The subplots were the ashes of rice husks (T) burned at temperatures of 1000 °C (T1), 800 °C (T2), 600 °C (T3), and 400 °C (T4). The burned rice husk (T1) showed a significant positive effect on the growth and yield traits, i.e., plant height, leaf area, tillers per plant, grains per spike, and grain yield (113.67 cm, 62.86 cm², 9.73 tillers plant^-1, 65.22 grains spike^-1, and 7.438 t ha^-1, respectively). Drainage water caused a decrease in average values of studied traits compared with the river water. The river water exhibited a significant positive effect and provided the highest means for the above traits (118.42 cm, 63.66 cm², 10.32 tillers plant^-1, 71.58 grains spike^-1, and 7.967 t ha^-1, respectively). The interaction of river water (2.1 dSm^-1) and burned rice husks (1000 °C) (T1 and W1) gave the maximum grain yield (8.212 t ha^-1).

Keywords: Wheat, lack of water revenues, rice husk ashes, irrigation water quality, growth and yield traits

Key findings: The study revealed that increasing the temperature of burning rice husks to treat irrigation water can improve the mean values of studied traits.

The presented study sought to determine the effect of sulfur, thiobacillus bacteria, and nano-zinc on biochemical and grain yield traits of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in calcareous soils. The experiment, laid out in a randomized complete block design with three factors and three replications, commenced in the spring of 2022 at the Ibn-Al-Bitar Vocational Preparatory School, Holy Kerbala Governorate, Iraq. The first factor comprised three doses of agricultural sulfur (0, 1500, and 3000 kg ha^-1), the second was two thiobacillus bacteria levels (control – no addition, and bacterium), and the third factor was the nano-zinc concentrations (0, 50, and 100 mg L^-1). The sulfur addition (3000 kg ha^-1) showed the highest grain yield (8.06 mg ha^-1) with percent of nitrogen (1.72%), phosphorus (0.53%), protein (10.79%), and sulfur (0.270%) in maize grains. The thiobacillus bacteria also exhibited the maximum 500-grain weight and grain yield (154.64 g and 7.52 mg ha^-1, respectively). For nano-zinc, the optimum level (100 mg L^-1) excelled in nitrogen (1.62%), phosphorus (0.41%), protein (10.79%), and sulfur (0.239%) in maize grains and 500-grain weight (155.53 g); however, nano-zinc (50 mg L^-1) outshone in grain yield (8.01 mg L^-1). The combine application of three factors also improved most biochemical traits of maize.

Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.), agricultural sulfur, thiobacillus bacteria, nano-zinc, biochemical traits, grain yield

Key findings: Results showed sulfur’s highest level (3000 kg ha^-1) was superior in enhancing maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield and biochemical traits. The treatments with bacteria (thiobacillus) and nanozinc (100 mg L^-1) also excelled in all maize traits.

This study, conducted at the College of Agriculture and Marshlands, Thi-Qar University, commenced during the 2019–2020 season on 36 three-year-old offshoots of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivar Lulu, produced from tissue culture. The research aimed to know the impact of Calmax and Stimplex and their interactions on the leaf contents of flavonoids, glutathione, vitamin C, and the superoxide dismutase enzyme. The results showed the significant superiority of the Calmax treatment at a concentration of 4 ml L^-1, recording the highest averages (11.61 mg g^-1, 12.42 μmol g^-1, 1.50 mg g^-1, and 14.06 unit g^-1 f.w.), respectively, compared with the control treatment. The Stimplex treatment at a concentration of 12 ml L^-1 showed notable superiority, with maximum averages of 13.30 mg g^-1, 13.02 μmol g^-1, 1.55 mg g^-1, and 16.61 unit g^-1 f.w., respectively, versus the control treatment. The interaction treatment between Calmax at a concentration of 4 ml L^-1 and Stimplex at a concentration of 12 ml L^-1 revealed remarkable differences. The highest averages for flavonoids, glutathione, vitamin C, and the superoxide dismutase enzyme emerged at 13.94 mg g^-1, 13.56 μmol g^-1, 1.66 mg g^-1, and 18.45 unit g^-1 f.w., respectively, compared with the control treatment.

Keywords: Date palm (P. dactylifera L.), Calmax, flavonoids, glutathione, Stimplex, vitamin C

Key findings: A significant increase was evident in the leaf content (antioxidants flavonoids, glutathione, vitamin C, and superoxide dismutase enzyme) of the date palm (P. dactylifera L.) cultivar Lulu due to foliar application of Calmax (4 ml L^-1) and Stimplex (12 ml L^-1) and their interaction.

An agriculture experiment materialized during the cropping season of 2022–2023 in the Kateban Area, Basra Governorate, Iraq, to demonstrate the effect of nitrogen fertilization with three levels (0, 100, and 200 kg ha^-1) on two types of cultivars of broad bean plants (Shamea and local) grown in clay loam soil. The study also displayed enhance fertilization by spraying two types of liquid fertilizers (Al-Jamea Fertilizer and Communication) on the beans. Results showed the broad bean cultivar Shamea, the commercial liquid fertilizer, and the level of nitrogen fertilization (200 kg ha^-1) were significantly superior for plant height, plant dry weight, protein percentage, and copper content, except for the iron content. The highest values were 95.20 cm, 50.14 gm, 39.98%, and 39.98 ppm, respectively, from the interaction among the bean cultivar, type of liquid fertilizer, and the level of nitrogen fertilization at 100 kg ha^-1, reaching 0.5637 ppm.

Keywords: Broad bean (Vicia faba L.), cultivars, liquid fertilizer, protein, iron, copper

Key findings: Using the cultivar Shamea with liquid foliar fertilization increased plant growth, including plant height, dry weight of the vegetative part, protein percentage, and plant content of micronutrients (iron and copper), especially when using a nitrogen fertilization level of 200 kg ha^-1.

The study investigates the use of biochar as a soil improver to address various crop cultivation challenges by utilizing actinomycetes to enhance the available nutrients for plants. It aimed to examine the response of cocoa plants to different types of biochar and concentrations of actinomycetes for growth and productivity. This research began in Watu Toa Village, Marioriwawo District, Soppeng Regency, using 3-year-old MCC 02 plants. The research employed a split-plot design with main plots as the types of biochar (rice husk, coconut shell, and corn cob biochars). The subplots comprised various concentrations of actinomycetes, i.e., 0, 30, 60, and 90 mL L^-1. The results revealed significant interaction effects between the types of biochar and actinomycetes concentration on stomatal opening area (83.04 μm²), number of cocoa pods formed (43.11 pods), percentage of fallen flower cluster (32.39%), and 100 dry beans’ weight (171.68 g). However, the individual application of actinomycetes enunciated the most pronounced effects, particularly in the number of pods created (126.52 pods), the percentage of fallen cocoa pods (16.77%), the number of harvested fruits (15.67 fruits), and the production yield (618.84 g/tree and 687.53 kg/ha).

Keywords: Cocoa (T. cacao L.), biochar, actinomycetes, interaction effects, growth and physiological traits, productivity

Key findings: The combination of corn cob biochar and the highest concentration of actinomycetes (90 mL L^-1) provided the best effects on cocoa (T. cacao L.) for the stomatal openings, the lowest percentage of fallen flowers, and the maximum 100 dry seeds’ weight.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) consumption is in large quantities in Indonesia and worldwide. However, potato production is still quite low in Indonesia. This research aimed to determine the effect of liquid organic fertilizer and silica on potato productivity, with the experiment carried out during 2023 in Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia. The study used a factorial design of two factors, with the first factor as the liquid organic fertilizer (LOF), consisting of four treatments, i.e., no treatment (control), 150, 200, and 250 mL L^-1. The second factor was the application of silica fertilizer, comprising four treatments—without treatment (control), 100, 200, and 300 g m^-2. The results showed liquid organic fertilizer (250 mL L^-1) and silica fertilizer (300 g m^-2) produced the maximum plant height, number of leaves, tubers, fresh weight of tubers, and tuber yield at 60.62 cm, 235.36 strands, 8.65, 80.66 g, and 11.29 t ha^-1, respectively. Additionally, a considerable increase appeared in protein content (2.69%), vitamin C (163.17%), and carbohydrate (14.27%). The optimal combinations of LOF concentrations (150 and 250 mL L^-1) and silica fertilizer doses (100 and 300 g m^-2) resulted in the highest phosphorus content (0.15%). The combined application of liquid organic fertilizer and silica demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing potato crop production.

Keywords: Potato (S. tuberosum L.), silica fertilizer, liquid organic fertilizer

Key findings: In potato (S. tuberosum L.) production, a considerable increase was evident with the application of liquid organic and silica fertilizers. The utilization of these inputs showed a highly significant effect compared with the control in the potato.

In the present era, medicinal plants’ use is one of the local wisdom held by the Dayak Kayong community living in Tajok Kayong Village, Nanga Tayap Sub-District, Ketapang Regency, Indonesia. Accordingly, the related study aimed to gather and document the relevant information about various medicinal plant species and their use for prevention and treatment of numerous diseases. Using a qualitative method, analysis of all collected information ensued through different interviews, observations, and documentation. Overall, 28 plant species existed as used by the Dayak Kayong community for traditional medicines. The plant species applied as traditional medicine belong to the 19 different families, i.e., Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Araceae, Asparagaceae, Asteraceae, Chrysobalanaceae, Crassulaceae, Fabaceae, Iridaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Menispermaceae, Moraceae, Myrtaceae, Piperaceae, Poaceae, Rubiaceae, Simaroubaceae, and Zingiberaceae. Furthermore, the most used plant parts were the leaves, and the predominant processing method was boiling of plant leaves followed by drinking the boiled water.

Keywords: Dayak Kayong community, local wisdom, medicinal plants, Tajok Kayong, traditional medicines, prevention and treatment of diseases

Key findings: The presented research provides information about the diverse species of plants used as traditional medicines. Research results detailed insight on using medicinal plants in curing various diseases.

This study focuses on the medicinal plant Gnaphalium kasachstanicum and investigation of its ecology and habitat, phytochemical composition, and medicinal values. G. kasachstanicum was prevalent in the Tarbagatai Mountains, characterized by a diverse flora and a continental climate. The plant’s anatomical features include woolly leaves and small flowers and roots, with distinct epidermal and mesophyll tissue structures. The study also involved collection and analyzing the plant samples of G. kasachstanicum from the Southeastern Region of Kazakhstan using hydrodistillation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-MS analysis revealed a complex composition of 68 compounds, including sterols, carboxylic acids, esters, aldehydes, terpenes, glycosides, phenols, and ketones, with notable concentrations of stigmasta-3,5-diene, undec-10-ynoic acid, and tetradecyl ester. The identified vitamins B1, B3, and B6 had higher content, along with a considerable level of polyphenol content, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, indicating potential health benefits. The toxic element lead (Pb), also detected, highlights the need for its careful usage. The comprehensive exploration underscores the G. kasachstanicum‘s potential as a source of bioactive compounds with medicinal values. The promising outcomes highlight the conservation strategies to safeguard its natural habitats, potential applications in medicine and allied fields, and importance of its further investigations.

Keywords: G. kasachstanicum, diverse flora, plant extracts, chemical composition, anatomical features, pharmacological properties, medicinal potential

Key findings: The noteworthy findings emphasize the need of future research on G. kasachstanicum for its conservation and protection of its natural habitats, and the possibility of using the said species in various medicines.