Salt stress is a major abiotic factor that considerably negatively affects crop growth, development, and ultimately, yield at the global scale. Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), being moderately salt tolerant, provides a suitable model for dissecting salt-responsive traits. This study evaluated the cotton recombinant inbred line (RIL) population under salt stress conditions at the early growth stage. The conduct of association mapping used the general linear (GLM) and mixed linear (MLM) models, as implemented in TASSEL software. The identification of significant marker–trait associations succeeded, with the marker BNL3977 found to be significantly associated with fresh plant weight and fresh shoot weight. Meanwhile, the marker BNL2655 showed an association with total plant length, total root length, and leaf number under salt stress conditions. Genomic positions of these markers in the TM-1 reference genome had flanking sequences extracted and analyzed using the AUGUSTUS gene prediction tool, which identified putative coding regions. These predicted gene sequences underwent comparison against the NCBI database using BLAST, revealing candidate genes potentially involved in salt responses. Notably, several genes were distinct, including GDSL, GhGLIP, receptor-like protein kinase 5, GhUGT80B1, SRK2, GRP, ACD11, GhCSL, CBSX5, STY46, and CRF1, which play vital roles within salt stress conditions.

Keywords: Upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.), recombinant inbred lines, salt stress conditions, mapping, marker-trait associations, growth traits, candidate genes

Key findings: The results provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanism underlying salt tolerance in upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.). Similarly, they offer promising targets for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programs aimed at developing salt-tolerant cultivars. These results can be beneficial in developing salt-tolerant cotton cultivars in Uzbekistan.

The barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain demand gradually increases, which could be due to many reasons, and particularly that of rapid growth of livestock farming in Kazakhstan. In South Kazakhstan, as well as generally in Central Asia, growing barley is mainly during autumn. In these existing environmental conditions, drought stress is the most critical cause of the barley crop decline. Therefore, a suggestion indicated that barley cultivars must be resistant to environmental fluctuations, especially to varied rainfall conditions. The task of combining numerous economically valuable and biological traits in one genotype requires processing a large germplasm, developed locally and internationally. The objective was to assess the adaptability and yield potential of 103 barley lines under rainfed conditions. Genotypes L-1/T-74, Tokak, L-8/T-59, and L-12/T-60 incurred placement in the early-ripening group as compared to the mid-ripening cultivar Bereke 54. Fifteen genotypes showed high productivity (up to 430 g/m²) and 1000-grain weight exceeding 60 g. Six barley genotypes appeared to be resistant (R) to helminthosporiosis. The barley genotypes (L-12/T-75, L-34/T-75, L-35/T-75, L-33/T-75, H-3-1, and H-12-3) showed the highest 1000-grain weight. In grain yield, the barley genotypes L-1/T-74, L-2/T-74, and L-6/T-74 exceeded the standard cultivar by 23.0 to 56.0 g/m².

Keywords: Winter barley (H. vulgare L.), germplasm, advanced lines, high-yielding genotypes, resistant to adverse climatic factors, yield and quality traits

Key findings: The barley (H. vulgare L.) germplasm study identified donors with the highest potential for breeding valuable traits at the southern steppes of Kazakhstan. The study identified 15 highly productive, winter-hardy, disease-resistant, and environmentally resilient winter barley genotypes, which can be favorable in hybridization and full breeding programs to increase productivity.

The study aimed to assess and identify high-yielding chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars resistant to abiotic stresses and adapted to the arid conditions of West Kazakhstan. With moisture deficit conditions, frosts, high temperatures, and low soil fertility, it was crucial to select the genotypes with high ecological plasticity and stable productivity. The experimental studies, carried out during 2021–2024 at the Ural Agricultural Experimental Station, Kazakhstan, used the methodology of ecological variety testing. The following research involved a comprehensive evaluation of 50 chickpea genotypes based on yield-related traits, drought resistance, and disease resistance. The results highlighted that the chickpea cultivars Akzhol, Privo 1, G’ 97-121, G’ 97-60, and F 97-50 exceeded the standard cultivar Jubilee in yield by 0.21–0.25 t/ha. The study also recommended the cultivar Akzhol for state cultivar testing. The results authenticated the selection of promising chickpea genotypes under the arid and environmental conditions of West Kazakhstan.

Keywords: Chickpea (C. arietinum L.), adaptation, drought, grain yield, selection, economically valuable traits, West Kazakhstan

Key findings: The four-year ecological cultivar testing (2021–2024) under arid conditions in West Kazakhstan identified the five chickpea (C. arietinum L.) cultivars Akzhol, Privo 1, G’ 97-121, G’ 97-60, and F 97-50 that consistently outperformed the standard cultivar Jubilee by 0.21–0.25 t/ha in yield. The Akzhol cultivar also showed the highest ecological adaptability and productivity and was submitted for state cultivar testing.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) serves as an alternative food crop to rice in addressing food shortages and malnutrition. Breeding programs aimed at increasing yield and biofortification in sorghum require accessions with superior agronomic traits, as well as high iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents. This study sought to assess the variation in agronomic characteristics and Fe and Zn contents among Indonesian sorghum germplasm. The genetic materials evaluated consisted of 20 IPB breeding lines, six introduced accessions, five local varieties, and seven national varieties arranged in an augmented design. The observed traits included agronomic characters and grain micronutrient contents (Fe and Zn). Leaf number, green leaf index, days to flowering and maturity, panicle weight, and thousand-seed weight exhibited high heritability. Fe content showed the highest broad-sense heritability, whereas Zn content displayed relatively low variation and heritability. All observed traits, except green leaf index and panicle length, revealed a positive correlation with seed weight per panicle. Fe and Zn contents indicated nonsignificant correlations with panicle weight and seed weight per panicle. Based on mean values and heritability estimates, promising germplasm for further development includes national varieties for yield improvement and local varieties for biofortification purposes.

Keywords: Sorghum (S. bicolor L.), biofortification, Fe and Zn, germplasm, Pearson’s correlation, XRF

Key findings: Among 38 Indonesian sorghum (S. bicolor L.) germplasm evaluated, the local variety Pulut-3 exhibited the highest seed iron (Fe) content, reaching 54.5 ppm. This trait shows very high broad-sense heritability and a significant positive correlation with seed zinc (Zn) content. This genotype holds strong potential for further biofortification efforts aimed at enhancing micronutrient concentrations.

By planting winter wheat over an alfalfa layer in the favorably moistened crop season of 2024, the best productive and yield-related traits were remarkable with the traditional cultivation technology. Data showed better results for the number of plants (298.4 m²), productive tillering (1.2), ear length (9.9 cm), grains per ear (28.3), and 1000-grain weight (44.4 g) compared with minimal soil cultivation and cutting the root collar of alfalfa at depths of 12–14 cm. The productive elements were 284.2 m², 1.1, 9.5 cm, 28.0, and 44.1 g, respectively. The winter wheat grain-yield formation was 3.4 and 3.22 t/ha, respectively. In the extremely dry year of 2025, the highest number of surviving plants per unit area was 251 m², with productive tillering (0.83), ear length (8.7 cm), the number of grains (17.9), and 1000-grain weight (28.4 g) obtained through direct sowing of winter wheat after safflower. In the dry year, the maximum productivity (1.5 t/ha) resulted from direct seeding.

Keywords: Winter wheat, safflower, alfalfa, traditional technology, minimum tillage, direct seeding, crop rotation, yield, mineral fertilizers, herbicide

Key findings: By planting winter wheat on the alfalfa layer using traditional technology, it obtained the highest grain yield (3.4 t/ha) compared with wheat sowing by direct seeding after safflower (3.05 t/ha).

The Indonesian garlic (Allium sativum L.), with small bulbs and cloves, requires improvement. Mutation breeding offers a valuable approach for inducing variability in vegetatively propagated crops. This study aimed to determine the LD₅₀ and assess the morphological responses of two garlic cultivars, Sangga Sembalun and Lumbu Putih, to gamma rays, ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), and colchicine for identifying effective mutagens for bulbs and cloves’ improvement. Gamma rays applied were 0, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 Gy, while EMS and colchicine rates were at 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%. Both cultivars differed in germination and growth under mutagenic treatments, with LD₅₀ values of 9.54 and 11.35 Gy (gamma), 1.19% and 0.67% (EMS), and 1.25% and 3.58% (colchicine) for Sangga Sembalun and Lumbu Putih, respectively. Foliage color was the most responsive trait. Gamma irradiation caused the greatest growth suppression, whereas EMS and colchicine treatments enhanced bulb and clove size by 8.35% and 36.4%, respectively. Putative mutants predominantly appeared at the LD₅₀ level and served as key genetic resources for developing superior Indonesian garlic cultivars.

Keywords: Indonesian garlic (A. sativum L.), genetic variability, mutation breeding, physical mutagens, chemical mutagens, LD₅₀

Key findings: For garlic (A. sativum L.) mutagenesis, the LD₅₀ of gamma rays, EMS, and colchicine has succeeded in their determination as the optimal dose to generate the genetic variability. The breeding material comprising garlic mutants can be applicable to developing superior cultivars.

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a tropical plant that originated in South America and later spread to Africa and Asia, including Indonesia. Sulawesi Island in Indonesia is one of the primary production centers of cashew nuts. The insufficient superior planting material is one of the major hindrances in developing cashew nut production in Indonesia. Therefore, the presented research aimed to explore and identify the diversity and kinship of cashew nuts on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. For cashew characterization and identification, the morphological traits and molecular analysis employed the inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) method. Data analysis on morphological traits phenetically also used the unweighted pair group method (UPGMA) in the multivariate statistical package (MVSP) programs. Polymorphic allele data obtained from ISSRs incurred assessment using the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) with the GenAlEx ver. 6.5 program. The results revealed genetic diversity among cashew populations, and some populations exhibited higher heterozygosity and diversity indices. The clustering pattern disclosed the considerable relationship between specific populations, while others appear isolated, demonstrating genetic divergence resulting from geographical isolation and environmental adaptation. This discovery underscores the importance of conserving populations with high genetic diversity as a potential resource for future breeding.

Keywords: Cashew (A. occidentale L.), genetic diversity, morphology, molecular analysis, ISSR

Key findings: The results provided a clear understanding of the genetic diversity of cashew (A. occidentale L.) genotypes in Indonesia and provide a scientific basis for future conservation policies and the development of superior cashew cultivars.

Leguminous plants belong to the family Fabaceae and play a crucial role in human nutrition and agriculture due to their high-protein content and nitrogen-fixing ability. This study aimed to evaluate the amino acid composition of lentil (Lens culinaris L.) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes grown under standard agronomic conditions. The analysis of variance revealed significant (P ≤ 0.01) differences among the 46 lentil and 15 common bean genotypes for yield-related traits. The results disclosed that 21.7% of the lentil genotypes were high-yielding, 45.7% were medium-yielding, and 32.6% were low-yielding. In common beans, 33.3% of the genotypes were high-yielding, 26.7% were medium-yielding, and 40% were low-yielding. The results provided a tangible basis for forming core and trait collections from the national gene fund, supporting breeding programs aimed at improving protein quality and essential amino acid profiles in lentils and common beans.

Keywords: Lentil (L. culinaris L.), common bean (P. vulgaris L.), yield potential, yield-related traits, breeding

Key findings: Significant genetic diversity was evident among the lentil (L. culinaris L.) and common bean (P. vulgaris L.) genotypes for both quantitative and qualitative traits. This diversity represents an important resource for plant breeders, offering opportunities to enhance the protein content and nutritional quality through targeted breeding strategies.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) with increased resistance to bacterial leaf blight can play a vital role in maintaining stable rice production with reduced economic losses and improved food security. This study aimed to evaluate the Mentik Susu rice mutant T1 generation resulting from gene editing, focusing on molecular and phenotypic characteristics. The selected T0 mutant seeds entailed planting and observation for molecular and phenotypic analyses. Molecular analysis through PCR helped detect the hygromycin phosphotransferase (hptII) and Cas9 genes and further sequenced target genes to identify the mutation. The phenotypic analysis comprised observations on plant height, panicle length, total tiller number, and flowering age. In the T1 generation, no detection of hptII and Cas9 genes occurred, indicating that rice strains had undergone mutation without carrying the transgene. Sequencing analysis identified mutations in several mutant rice strains in the OsSWEET11 promoter. Nine mutant rice strains experienced mutations, eight strains mutated by substitution, and one mutant strain mutated by substitution and insertion. On phenotypes, the T1 mutant rice strains showed more tillers and longer panicle length than the wild-type rice strains. In continuing the said research, further analysis based on phenotypic variations, mutation stability, and tests on bacterial leaf blight resistance is essential.

Keywords: Rice (O. sativa L.), genome editing, mutation, SWEET11, molecular and phenotypic characteristics, bacterial leaf blight resistance, morphological and yield traits

Key findings: Using the CRISPR/Cas9 method in rice (O. sativa L.), mutant rice strains appeared in the SWEET11 promoter region, undergoing studies for molecular and phenotypic characteristics.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an economically important vegetable crop worldwide. The Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), transmitted by the whitefly crinivirus (family Closteroviridae), causes severe interveinal chlorosis, yellowing of leaves, and reduced tomato yields. This study took place to identify and molecularly characterize the ToCV affecting greenhouse tomato varieties in the Tashkent Region of Uzbekistan. Field studies commenced in September 2024 at three greenhouse farms located in the Gazalkent, Kibray, and Chinoz districts. Leaf samples with disease symptoms totaled 90 (30 samples each from the Cherry, Buran F1, and Alamina F1 varieties), as collected from a total cultivation area of 0.6 hectares. Symptoms included interveinal chlorosis, leaf curling, brittleness, and stunted growth. Symptoms detection appeared on the lower leaves of tomatoes. Monitoring showed 10%–36% of tomatoes sustained infection with a viral disease caused by ToCV. The application of mechanical inoculation confirmed viral infectivity. Molecular identification via RT-PCR used specific primers ToCV_F1 (5′-GAAGAGGAGTTCGAGAAGATACTC-3′) and ToCV_R1 (5′-GCCGGTACCAACCATGGCT-3′), targeting a 378 bp fragment of the coat protein gene. Electrophoresis analysis of PСR products has succeeded on 1.5% agarose gel. This study provides the first molecular evidence of the presence of ToCV in Uzbekistan, laying the foundation for future epidemiological studies and breeding programs.

Keywords: Tomato (S. lycopersicum L.), cultivars and hybrids, tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), virus identification, molecular characterization, RT-PCR, RNA

Key findings: Molecular characterization confirmed the ToCV in the studied virus samples of the tomato cultivars and hybrids in Uzbekistan.