The agricultural industry has increasing threats from innumerable negative factors like drought, soil salinity, and the extreme temperatures, as the most noticeable worldwide. These constraints challenge the breeders to either improve existing cultivars or develop new cultivars of crop plants. With advanced biotechnology, the CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and associated Cas proteins) system is an effective tool for engineering certain features in various crops, including cotton, maize, soybean, wheat, and barley. Several agriculturally important traits have already gained improvements by using these tools; particularly, yield losses have reached reductions due to enhanced abiotic and biotic stress tolerance with improved quality, and the shelf life of fruits and vegetables is being prolonged. However, for maintaining global food security, the related research community should take measures toward searching for and developing new methods of agricultural advancements. Therefore, in the following review article, we emphasized on the effectiveness of applying the CRISPR/Cas system for improving drought, salt, cold, and heat tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.).

Keywords: Maize (Z. mays L.), drought, salinity, cold, heat tolerance, gene, genome editing, endonuclease, CRISPR/Cas9

Key findings: Uzbekistan is a region designated with high aridity, salinity, drought, and water scarcity risks. The CRISPR/Cas9 implementation in plant breeding has emerged as effective for broadening the horizons and managing crop problems with a new look. The CRISPR/Cas9 method was evidently highly beneficial in improving salt, drought, and extreme temperature tolerance in maize (Z. mays L.).

Several viruses currently found in the maize (Zea mays L.) fields showed the primary and most crucial one is the maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) in Uzbekistan. The use of a combination of serological testing and next-generation molecular-genetic approaches helped assess the current reservoir of viruses observed in past disease outbreaks. The MDMV has gained proof to infect cereal grasses and maize. The presented results provide important strategies for the management of viral diseases in the sweet corn maize crop, as well as identifying potential future virus threats. The following study explores the distribution, symptoms, and diagnostics of MDMV. A pure homogeneous preparation of the virus immunized in the body of the experimental rabbit became the antiserum (Figure 1). In the isolated serum, determining the titer used the DID method, the AS titer was 1:16, and the amount of isolated AS was 12.5 ml. In addition, the conduct of molecular-genetic diagnosis used PCR. According to PCR results, MDMV appeared as the most common virus affecting maize crops in Uzbekistan. The PCR analysis revealed the maize sample with mosaic signs along the leaf veins and dwarfism was the causative agent of MDMV. The RT-PCR method performed relied on a fragment of the gene responsible for the synthesis of the MDMV shell.

Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.), cultivars, maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV), phytoviruses, plant diseases, yield-related traits, productivity

Key findings: The diagnostic results showed a considerable spread of MDMV in the maize (Z. mays L.) fields of Uzbekistan. The study obtained and identified a specific MDMV serum by molecular-genetic methods.

The following experiment on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) took place in the fall of 2021–2022 at the unheated greenhouse of the Ministry of Agriculture, Iraq. The experiment included two coefficients and three replications consisting of compatibility between two cucumber cultivars, Sayff and Fito, and four Atonik concentrations (0, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 ml L^-1). The research aimed to know the effect of Atonik on the cucumber’s physical and biochemical properties for cultivation in the Southern Region, Dhi-Qar Governorate, Iraq. The cultivar Sayff emerged considerably superior in plant height, stem diameter, the number of leaves, and fruits’ total soluble carbohydrates from the leaves (156.86 cm, 0.486 mm, 40.825 leaves plant^-1, and 6.511 mg g^-1, respectively), except in the fruit content of vitamin C, which was highest in the cultivar Fito (91.25 mg 100 g^-1 fresh weight). The foliar application of Atonik (4.5 ml L^-1) considerably improved the morphological traits and biochemical composition of cucumbers. It provided the supreme rates of plant height, stem diameter, the number of leaves, total soluble carbohydrate content in fruits, and vitamin C (158.04 cm, 0.491 mm, 41.049 leaves, 6.818 mg g^-1, and 96.19 mg 100 g^-1 in fresh weight, respectively), as compared with the control treatment.

Keywords: Cucumber (C. sativus L.), cultivars, Atonik, morphological traits, physical and biochemical properties

Key findings: In cucumber (C. sativus L.), the foliar application of Atonik (4.5 ml L^-1) considerably improved the morphological traits and biochemical composition and provided the highest rates of plant height, stem diameter, the number of leaves, total soluble carbohydrate content in fruits, and vitamin C.

The following study sought to determine the effects of irrigation with treated sewage water on celery (Apium graveolens) and radish (Raphanus sativus) plants, carried out in Mosul City, Iraq. Additionally, it measured the heavy metals, i.e., cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), and the percentage of chlorophylls a, b, and a + b and the wet and dry weight of plant parts. By irrigating with water treated by sedimentation, the average concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Zn) in those plants reached the highest levels (0.18825, 0.10900, and 0.59775 mg/kg, respectively), as compared with the lowest average concentration of these heavy metals (0.05800, 0.02625, and 0.12450 mg/kg, respectively) irrigated with tap water (control). The maximum average concentration of chlorophyll a, b, and a + b (2.18000, 1.32183, and 1.47150 mg/g, respectively) occurred in celery and radish plants irrigated with untreated water. However, the minimum average concentration of chlorophyll a, b, and a + b (1.21800, 1.08900, and 1.30550 mg/g, respectively) resulted in those two plants being irrigated with tap water. The highest average fresh weight of celery and radish plants (3.03750 g/plant) emerged by irrigating them with water treated with sedimentation.

Keywords: Celery (A. graveolens), radish (R. sativus), wastewater, heavy metals, physiological and growth traits

Key findings: The sewage water treatment will develop a new water wealth that will benefit humans and living organisms and create a safe environment, eventually improving the agriculture sector in the long term.

The following research comprised the molecular study of cultivars associated with different species of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), broad bean (Vicia faba), and peas (Pisum sativum) in the family Fabaceae, using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers for genome classification. Overall, the results generated 406 random bands with primers, and some were variant and others had distinct fragment sizes ranging from 100 to 3,000 bp, which distinguished the cultivars of different species. The species Vigna unguiculata cultivars showed the highest number of unique bands, while the French cultivar of the species Pisum sativum revealed the fewest bands with no unique bands. The genetic distance among the different cultivars ranged from 0.122 to 1.231 cM. The dendrogram revealed three main clusters. The RAPD proves to be a useful tool for evaluating genetic diversity and relationships among different genotypes.

Keywords: Fabaceae, cowpea, broad bean, peas, RAPD markers, molecular identification, genetic distance

Key findings: Based on the studies, the different species cultivars displayed characteristics of unique bands with the highest genetic variation. The determined genetic distance may be effective for breeding programs, as RAPD markers showed the maximum genetic variation, fingerprint, and dimensions in the studied species cultivars.

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is a shrubby plant with a root system of 0.5 m in the soil. Its fruits are rich with antioxidant properties, making it a valuable plant in the pharmaceutical, food, and perfumery industries. The following study comprised the microclonal propagation of A. melanocarpa acclimatized under the conditions of Uzbekistan. The efficacy of its seed coat in sterilization and germination underwent evaluation, and the germination was higher (32%) in husked seeds. Based on the analysis of clone stages, the study determined that starting from Mk3, the length of microshoots (3.2 cm) and other quality indicators were ready for the rooting stage. During the rooting of A. melanocarpa, applying different concentrations of IBA (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 mg/l) served for the evaluation. Based on the results, 7 mg/l IBA emerged as an optimal dose of IBA for root formation in A. melanocarpa. During the black chokeberry’s acclimatization, plant survival was 100% in a 3:1 peat-perlite substrate.

Keywords: Chokeberry (A. melanocarpa), seeds, ex vitro, rooting, in vitro, acclimatization, microclonal stages, hormone concentrations

Key findings: The presented research comprised microclonal propagation of A. melanocarpa acclimatized under the conditions of Uzbekistan. The IBA (7 mg/l) emerged to be an optimal dose for root formation in A. melanocarpa.

Climate change and frequent droughts are assumedly one of the major constraints in crop production in the near future. Crop productivity has crucial threats from increasing environmental stresses and disruptions in the water and nutrient regimes. Drought reduces crop production and causes rapid soil erosion, with long-lasting effects on the soil microbiota. This also instigates environmental degradation under stressful conditions, increasing the soil microorganisms’ role in the regulation of plant adaptability. In combating deleterious consequences of drought, the creation of new strategies for crop development is a challenging task because of the complexity of plant stress tolerance mechanisms. New technologies have emerged to enhance the drought resistance in crop plants and minimize the negative impact of water-deficit conditions. Selection of highly productive and drought-resistant crop cultivars, using integrative genetics, molecular biology, and microbiological approaches offers promising opportunities to mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress. The following review presents state-of-the-art biotechnological strategies and solutions based on recent advances in transgenic plant breeding, seed preparation, and the use of superabsorbent hydrogels as soil conditioners for sustainable crop production under arid conditions.

Keywords: Biotechnology, climate change, drought stress, microbiological approaches, seed priming, hydrogels, transgenic plants

Key findings: Drought is an environmental stress factor that affects crop plants at various phases and eventually negatively impacts the plant’s metabolism, growth, development, and yield. The strategies to overcome drought effects are now intensively evolving. Therefore, the future research should address reproducible experiments under field conditions and the development of optimized protocols for commercialization of these new techniques.

Plant breeding has advanced significantly with the advent of new techniques that boost the resilience of food systems. Modern approaches, such as CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas9, RNA (ribonucleic acid) interference, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have revolutionized the ability to enhance crop resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. These technologies enable precise and targeted genetic modifications, facilitating the development of crops that can withstand extreme weather conditions, pests, and diseases. Additionally, novel breeding methods contribute to improved nutritional quality and yield stability, essential for food security against climate change. The integration of high-throughput phenotyping and bioinformatics accelerates the identification and incorporation of desirable traits, ensuring rapid progress in crop improvement. These advancements support sustainable agricultural practices as well as reduce reliance on chemical inputs, promoting environmental health. By fostering genetic diversity and enhancing adaptive capacity, new plant breeding techniques play a crucial role in building resilient food systems capable of enduring and thriving under future challenges.

Keywords: CRISPR/Cas9, genome editing, climate resilience, drought tolerance, disease resistance

Key findings: New breeding techniques (NBTs), such as CRISPR-Cas9 and genomic selection, have revolutionized plant breeding by enabling precise genetic modifications and accelerating the development of robust crop varieties. These techniques enhance crop resilience to environmental stresses, pests, and diseases, significantly contributing to food security. The integration of NBTs with traditional breeding methods offers a comprehensive approach to developing sustainable and resilient food systems, ensuring stable food supplies to combat climate change and other agricultural challenges.

The process of selecting rice (Oryza sativa L.) tolerant to low-temperature stress through phenotype selection activities is a time-consuming process. However, in rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes, the genetic diversity can be assessed rapidly using molecular marker-based characterization. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and cold tolerance of 15 F4 rice lines derived from crosses and their six parental genotypes using five SSR markers. The genetic diversity analysis employed the NTSYS pc 2.1 software. Results showed 21 rice genotypes had allele sizes of 150 to 230 bp, with an average number of alleles (5.4) and a polymorphism level of 0.79. The genetic similarity coefficient level of 0.37 contained three clusters. Four promising rice lines (F4UKIT102R-2-100, F4UKIT102-2-024, F4UKIT102R-2-078, and F4UKIT102R-2-018) were classified as tolerant to low temperature and exhibited the best agronomic performance. The tolerant line F4UKIT102R-2-100 was notably very similar to the parental genotype Pare Bau. The three other lines, F4UKIT102-2-024, F4UKIT102R-2-078, and F4UKIT102R-2-018 were similar to the parental genotypes Pare Lallodo, Pare Kombong, and Pare Ambo, respectively.

Keywords: Cold-tolerant rice (O. sativa L.) lines, molecular characterization, genetic similarity, new rice type

Key findings: The category as tolerant to low temperature, along with the best agronomic performance, was achieved by four promising rice (O. sativa L.) lines (F4UKIT102R-2-100, F4UKIT102-2-024, F4UKIT102R-2-078, and F4UKIT102R-2-018))

The rediscovery of Indigofera longeracemosa Boiv. ex Baill. in Sleman in 2016 has since continued in its cultivation in various regions of Central Java and Yogyakarta. This study explored the molecular characteristics and genetic diversity of I. longeracemosa from Java. The replanting of specimens resulted in 32 accessions that underwent morphological characterization and genetic diversity using ISSR markers. Four accessions, selected for DNA barcoding, helped confirm their identity. Significant morphological variation was evident, particularly in leaf coloration and margins. Notably, samples from Srandakan and Trisik exhibited a deep bluish-green color in fresh leaves, whereas those from Grogol and Lemahireng displayed a bluish-green shade. The dried leaves from Srandakan and Trisik were dark gray, contrasting with the gray leaves from the other two locations. Undulate leaf margins were outstanding in the Srandakan samples. The ITS sequence analysis confirmed the identity of all samples as I. longeracemosa, revealing a closer relationship to Indian specimens than to specimens from Madagascar, differing by one nucleotide at position 408. Genetic diversity assessment indicated greater intrapopulation variation than interpopulation variation, highlighting substantial genetic diversity within I. longeracemosa. This study enhances our understanding of the species’ morphological and genetic characteristics, contributing to its biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Keywords: I. longeracemosa, Fabaceae, genotypes, molecular markers, phylogenetic, morphological examination, molecular identification

Key findings: The presented study offers significant insights into species validation utilizing ITS for DNA barcoding in I. longeracemosa. The obtained genetic diversity data will support its conservation and plant breeding initiatives.