Phytoremediation is an excellent technique that utilizes green plants for the partial degradation of heavy elements found in soil. Plants utilize a diverse range of biological and physical properties to assist in managing pollution. This study proceeded to investigate the effect of iron nanoparticles and titanium for phytoremediation and their impact on the growth and physiological traits of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). A field experiment on potato, carried out in the spring of 2021 at the University of Anbar, Al-Anbar, Iraq, used various combinations of titanium and iron nanoparticles. The results revealed treatment T7 (100 mg kg^-1 Ti soil + 150 mg kg^-1 FeNPs) outperformed in plant height, number of stems, leaf area, dry weight, and percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with rates of 1.92%, 0.58%, and 1.85%, respectively, compared with the control treatment. The study further disclosed treatment 100 mg kg^-1 Ti soil + 150 mg kg^-1 FeNPs positively affected the physiological traits of the potato crop.

Keywords: Potato (S. tuberosum L.), phytoremediation, iron nanoparticles, titanium, growth and physiological traits

Key findings: Iron nanoparticles and titanium dioxide enhanced vegetative growth, improved element levels, plant vegetative and physiological traits of potato (S. tuberosum L.), and treated the soil pollution. Additionally, employing varying concentrations of iron nanoparticles in plant treatment exhibits promise for remediating contaminated soils.

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) field experiment commenced in the spring growing season of 2023 at the Musayyib project area, Babil Governorate, Iraq. The study aimed to determine the effects of biofertilization with four levels (without adding + full recommended fertilizer, addition of 10 g mixture of four types of bacterial fertilizer + half of the recommended fertilizer, addition of 10 g fungal biofertilizer (mycorrhiza) + half of the recommended fertilizer, and addition of 10 g mixture of bacterial and fungal biofertilizers + half of the recommended fertilizer) symbolized as B0, B1, B2, and B3, respectively. The nanofertilizer used had two nano-fertilization concentration, which had a positive effect on the average tuber (0 + full fertilizer recommendation and 2 g L^-1 + half the fertilizer recommendation), denoted as N0 and N1, respectively, on the growth and tuber yield of three potato cultivars (Rashida, Sifra, and Arizona). The results showed cultivar Arizona was superior to the rest of the cultivars in emergence speed, plant height, chlorophyll content, tuber weight, and plant yield, with average values of 36.73 days, 60.29 cm, 48.30 mg 100 g^-1, 123.8 g, and 0.955 kg plant^-1, respectively. The B3 biofertilization treatment (bacterial and fungal fertilizer) and nanofertilizer (2 g L^-1) showed significant superiority in emergence seed, plant height, chlorophyll content, tuber weight, and plant yield.

Keywords: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), biofertilization, bacterial and fungal fertilizer, nanofertilizer, growth and tuber yield traits, chlorophyll content

Key findings: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar Arizona emerged superior over the rest of the cultivars in speed of emergence, chlorophyll content, tuber weight, and plant tuber yield. Biofertilization treatment B3 (a mixture of bacterial and fungal fertilizers) and nanofertilizer (2 g L^-1) showed significant superiority in most traits.

The influences of different sowing methods on the seed cotton yield and fiber quality traits of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) became this research’s focus, carried out at the District Maktaaral, Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan. The results revealed the two-line sowing method with plant spacing (80×11×2×10×1) and plant density (200,000 ha^-1) contributed to an increase in the seed cotton yield (4.76 t/ha). The highest seed cotton yield could refer to the topmost plant density and the largest number of bolls per unit area, which were 32%–33% more than the traditional cotton sowing technology. In addition, with the two-line sowing method of cotton, higher values appeared for the sympodial branches per plant (16.0), bolls per plant (14.2), fiber yield (35.1%), and fiber length (33.1 mm). Experiments also showed the formation of longer branches with row width of 90 and 70 cm. Based on the findings, the study recommends the two-line sowing scheme (80×11×2×10×1) and plant spacing (45×12×1), with a plant density of 200,000 and 180,000 ha^-1, respectively, as superior for cotton sowing under the conditions of the Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan.

Keywords: Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), sowing methods, growth and yield traits, seed cotton yield, fiber yield and quality

Key findings: In upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), the plant spacing scheme (45×12×1) and two-line sowing method (80×11×2×10×1), with a plant density of 180,000 and 200,000 ha^-1, respectively, were most effective in the irrigated zone of Turkestan region, Kazakhstan. These selected sowing methods have contributed to an increase in the seed cotton yield (4.56 to 4.76 t/ha), with a profitability range of 181.3% to 193.6%.

The latest research on pea (Pisum sativum L.), carried out on irrigated land, commenced at the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing, Almaty Region, Kazakhstan. The presented study sought to investigate how different agriculture techniques can affect the economically valuable traits of two cultivars of peas. The research layout in a correlational design had three factors each, with three replications. The first factor comprised seed rates of 600,000, 700,000, and 800,000 seeds ha^-1, with the second factor as the row spacing of 15 and 30 cm. Meanwhile, the third factor was the application of NPK fertilizer with three doses (30, 60, and 80 kg ha^-1). Three factors based on various cultivation technologies and fertilizer doses revealed considerable differences for plant height, beans per plant, beans weight per plant, and 1000-seed weight in peas. The results showed optimal outcomes by ensuring favorable conditions for plant nutrition by providing the right space for plant nutrition, maximizing solar energy absorption, applying appropriate doses of mineral nutrients, and considering the genetic traits of the pea genotypes.

Keywords: Pea (P. sativum L.), plant population, spacing, mineral fertilizers, economically valuable traits, plant height, beans per plant, beans weight per plant, 1000-seed weight

Key findings: The impact of various agricultural methodologies on the economically significant traits of two pea (P. sativum L.) cultivars demonstrated optimal results through enhancement of favorable conditions for plant nutrition. With employment of agrotechnical factors, the variability in economically valuable traits ranges from 27.7% to 34.26%.

Red chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is a crucial vegetable crop in North Sumatra, Indonesia, facing challenges of inadequate seed quality. The seed origin also influences the quality and subsequent development of the plant. This study aimed to characterize local red chili accessions. The latest research consisted of two phases. The first phase involved morphological identification (February to May 2023) in Lubuk Cuik Village, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The second phase probed molecular characterization, conducted from March to September 2023. Morphological identification followed IPGRI (International Plant Genetic Resources Institute) descriptors, while molecular characterization employed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers (CAMS-390, ASSR-281, and EPMS-335). The results demonstrated diverse morphological traits among the local chili accessions. Several morphological characters obtained could be useful as a source of genetic diversity. The SSR analysis revealed monomorphic bands with CAMS-390 (547–569 bp), ASSR-281 (731–758 bp), and EPMS-335 (587–625 bp). Importantly, all accessions exhibited resistance to anthracnose, with five genotypes also displaying resistance to fusarium. The dendrogram showed a similarity coefficient of 0.4 for all chili genotypes analyzed and divided into two groups. Based on phylogenetic analysis, a kinship relationship existed between local cultivars and hybrid varieties of one group. This research contributes valuable insights into the genetic diversity and disease resistance of local chili varieties, vital for future breeding and conservation efforts.

Keywords: Red chili (C. annuum L.), local chili, accessions, genetic linkage, phylogenetic analysis, morphological and molecular markers

Key findings: Characterization is the initial stage to obtain good quality red chili (C. annuum L.) cultivars through plant breeding. The genotype’s success is partly determining the availability of gene sources contained in germplasm.

Food security based upon the improvement in crop productivity and adaptation to drought conditions have developed due to climate change. Taro (Colocasia esculenta [L.] Schott.) is a widely recognized local food source with the potential to support food security in Indonesia. Exploring polyploidization has shown to enhance productivity and adaptability to existing environmental conditions. The presented study aimed to evaluate the effects of ploidy levels and their variations on the drought tolerance of Indonesian taro under greenhouse conditions. An investigation of five taro clones (Bentul diploid, Bentul tetraploid, Kaliurang diploid, Kaliurang tetraploid, and Bolang triploid) for drought tolerance used different watering intervals. The different clones revealed a significant effect on the growth and physiological characters. Results indicated tetraploid clones exhibited the lowest growth percentage, chlorophyll content, and relative water content; however, they showed increased proline, total phenolic, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. This suggests tetraploid clones have a higher tolerance level than the other clones. The drought sensitivity index categorized diploid clones as sensitive, while tetraploid and triploid clones received the moderate category group. Moreover, results indicated polyploidization can potentially enhance taro’s drought tolerance, thereby, improving food security in the context of climate change and global warming.

Keywords: Taro (C. esculenta [L.] Schott.), polyploidization, triploid, tetraploid, abiotic stress, drought sensitivity index, screening

Key findings: A comparison among the diploid, triploid, and tetraploid taro (C. esculenta [L.] Schott.) clones revealed an increase in ploidy correlates with an enhanced adaptability to drought-stress conditions.

Intensive development of nanotechnologies makes it viable to determine the influence of nanocompounds on the productive properties of crop plants, considering the environmental factors due to current climate change. The presented study aimed to investigate the effects of silver nanoparticles on the seeds’ ability to germinate, variability of morphophysiological traits during the vegetation period, and grain yield of spring soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The wheat’s pre-sowing seed treatment with silver nanoparticles (silver nanoparticles in aqueous solution of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) reached evaluation for variations in morphophysiological traits in three cultivars, viz., Omskaya-36, Tyumenskaya-29, and Novosibirskaya-31. All the seed treatments, carried out once, had the seeds kept in prepared solutions for three hours, as well as, the control (in distilled water only). Field experiments took place in 2018–2020 at the biostation ‘Lake Kuchak’ of Tyumen State University, Tyumen, Russia. Seed treatment (Ag 1.0%) contributed to an increase in field seed germination in the cultivar Omskaya-36 (by 23.8%) during 2019. For grain yield, positive results occurred in the cultivar Omskaya-36 (by 23.8% compared with the control) in 2019–2020, while in Tyumenskaya-29 (by 25.9%) in all years of the study, and cultivar Novosibirskaya-31 (by 12.8%) in 2019–2020.

Keywords: Spring soft wheat (T. aestivum L.), cultivars, germination rate, flag leaf, chlorophyll content, grain yield

Key findings: The article discusses the results of studying the response of spring soft wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivars to the use of silver nanoparticles, depending on the genotype, concentration of the material solution, and weather characteristics of the growing season.

The pertinent study presents the brief history, species composition, and ranking of the wild useful vegetation (medicinal, vitamins, and food) under natural conditions in the Zhetysu Alatau Region, Kazakhstan. Based on floristic analysis, recorded data established Northwestern part of Zhetysu Alatau has more than 161 species of useful plants, belonging to 89 genera and seven families. The leading families were Asteraceae (22 genera and 40 species), Rosaceae (15 genera and 30 species), Lamiaceae (15 genera and 24 species), Fabaceae (14 genera and 25 species), and Apiaceae (nine genera and 13 species). The study carried out taxonomic analysis of large families and list of useful plants in the Zhetysu Alatau flora. The plants’ classification relied on different ecological groups. According to beneficial properties, ranking the species reached four groups based on their use as medicinal (used as official, traditional, and oriental medicines), food, vitamins, and for technical purposes. Moreover, resource data on reserves of the most crucial medicinal plants (Inula helenium L, Origanum vulgare L., Achillea millefolium L., Hypericum perforatum L. Ajania fastigiata Poljak., Artemisia frigida Willd, Saussurea elegans Ledeb., and Ephedra equisetina Bunge.) in Zhetysu Alatau region, were valuable outcomes.

Keywords: Zhetysu Alatau Region, useful plants, medicinal flora, species composition, taxonomic analysis, economic importance, prospects, pharmacological activities

Key findings: In Zhetysu Alatau flora, 161 species of useful plants have reached validation, with all of them used as folk medicines (41 species as official medicines, 27 species as oriental medicines, and 36 species as vitamins), 46 species served as food, and 14 species have technical uses.

Identifying potent and stable silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) genotypes among the large population at early stages of development is one of the primary problems in silkworm breeding. For families with resilience to develop under stressful conditions in the embryonic period, the presented experiments transpired to identify the outstanding families during incubation at the highest temperature. During the wintering period of eggs, a sample of 100 eggs came from each breeding family. These 100 eggs sustained incubation at the temperature of +34 °C. In almost every line, the traits recorded for provocative and average incubation, and the viability of the larvae fully corresponded to each other. Breeding families with different characteristics underwent three grades’ division regarding egg livability at critical temperatures. The gradations contained families with high, medium, and low livability. Families performed well during provocative. Meanwhile, identification and selection also ensued under standard incubation conditions. Based on preliminary results, the families exhibited the varied response rate to stressful conditions during the embryo period. However, the families with resistance to high temperatures showed the maximum viability potential during the larvae feeding. In particular, L-31 (59.6%) and L-300 (51.4%) lines gave the highest viability rates, and using these lines have served to conduct additional studies. A plan of experiments is in progress for the future to improve these lines to the breeding level. Developing a dietary plan to feed individuals living in warm climates is ongoing, with much care given in a challenging environment.

Keywords: Silkworm (B. mori L.), eggs, incubation, larvae, viability, cocoon, shell ratio, heat shock

Key findings: The research involving incubation at a high temperature, newly developed lines of the mulberry silkworm (B. mori L.) and the selection of families with high vitality have practical implications. The latest results will enhance the theoretical understanding of sericulture and inspire practical applications, improving the quality and productivity of silk production.

Protected soil ground, facing considerable variations with high risks to develop a dynamic agriculture, play a vital role for the year-round supply of fresh and vitamin-rich vegetables and greens in Kazakhstan. The agriculture sector needs further exploration with the development of innovative technologies. An available supply of green vegetables regardless of the season allows new technologies to grow the green chard (B. vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) crops using hydroponics. The presented study sought to develop the rational chard in seedling complexes using hydroponic shelving units (hereinafter HSI4) for year-round production of vegetable to ensure the profitability of greenhouse production. For seasons conveyor chard cultivation in winter greenhouses on HSI4, the recommended use of hybrids requires Rubyn, Nevesta, and Bychya krov; with dark-green leaf plate Nevesta and Bychya krov, and with light leaf plate hybrid Rubyn in winter-autumn. For all-season conveyor chard cultivation, the hybrid Bychya krov was the best option, with a mixture of peat (80%) and perlite (20%). However, the highest yield obtained came from the Bull’s Blood and Bride hybrids (362.2 and 335.3 g plant^-1, respectively) in summer. The promising results may serve as bases for modern agricultural practices and technological innovation in greenhouse management, implementing hydroponic systems and substrate management for optimal crop yield.

Keywords: Chard (B. vulgaris subsp. vulgaris), innovative technologies, conveyor growing, hydroponics, green mass, products, substrate

Key findings: For all-season conveyor cultivation of chard (B. vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) in winter greenhouses using low-volume hydroponics on HSI4, the study recommended using the Ox’s Blood hybrid with organic substrates.