The latest study strategized to evaluate the maize populations by combining ability analysis under optimum and drought-stress environments to assemble the promising parental inbred lines and their hybrid populations with high productivity and resistance to drought stress. From the collection of the Trunojoyo Madura University, Indonesia, came five maize pure lines (UTM 2, UTM 7, UTM 10, UTM 19, and UTM 31) that received crossing in a complete diallel fashion to obtain 20 hybrid populations. The performance of five parental inbred lines and their 20 F1 hybrids’ evaluation in crop season 2021 had a randomized complete block design with three replications under four each for optimum and drought-stress environmental conditions. Data recording ensued on grain yield and drought susceptibility index (DSI). The GCA and SCA variances revealed that grain yield had more influences from the dominant genes with maternal effects at the eight locations; hence, the parental lines have less stimulus on the hybrids’ performance. The genotype UTM2 (G1) appeared resistant to drought-stress conditions based on the DSI value (0.70) and has positive GCA effects for grain yield. Therefore, it can better serve to improve drought resistance and grain yield. The results further exhibited that six maize hybrids, i.e., G3 (UTM 2 × UTM 10), G6 (UTM 7 × UTM 2), G10 (UTM 7 × UTM 31), G11 (UTM 10 × UTM 2), G22 (UTM 31 × UTM 10), and G24 (UTM 31 × UTM 19) were remarkable as commercial hybrids with high grain yield and resistance to drought stress.

Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.), diallel hybrids, combining ability, additive and dominant gene action, grain yield, drought susceptibility index (DSI), drought-stress resistance, stability

Key findings: The maize inbred line UTM2 was potentially resistant to drought stress conditions with a DSI of 0.70, and it also gave positive GCA effects for grain yield; thus, it can be functional to assemble maize hybrids with high productivity and resistance to drought stress. Six maize hybrids G3 (UTM 2 × UTM 10), G6 (UTM 7 × UTM 2), G10 (UTM 7 × UTM 31), G11 (UTM 10 × UTM 2), G22 (UTM 31 × UTM 10), and G24 (UTM 31 × UTM 19) emerged highly recommendable as commercial hybrids with high productivity and resistance to drought stress conditions.

Yield stability analysis is important in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) breeding to produce the highest and most stable yields. This study used parametric and nonparametric statistical methods to assess the barley genotypes’ stability. It aimed to assess the 40 barley mutants belonging to the subspecies of two-rowed and six-rowed barley obtained after mutagenic treatment with phosphemide in two concentrations. The study transpired in 2020–2022 in Russia’s South Moscow and Tyumen regions. The results revealed that environment (46.6%), genotypes (9.1%), and the interaction of environment by study location (26.2%) and genotype by environment (9.5%) contributed the most to grain yield in barley. The highest correlation appeared among the variables. i.e., Wᵢ² и σ²ᵢ, 𝜃ᵢ, S²dᵢ; 𝜃ᵢ и σ²ᵢ, S²dᵢ; NP⁽⁴⁾ и S⁽³⁾, S⁽⁶⁾; S⁽¹⁾ и S⁽²⁾; S⁽²⁾ и S⁽³⁾; KR; NP⁽²⁾ и NP⁽³⁾ (r = 0.80-1.00); 𝜃_(i) и Wᵢ², σ²ᵢ, S²dᵢ; and 𝜃ᵢ и 𝜃_(i) ( r = – 0.92-1.00). Higher correlation with grain yield emerged with b_i (r = 0.52); S⁽⁶⁾ (r = – 0.77); NP⁽²⁾ (r = – 0.78); NP⁽³⁾ (r = – 0.79); NP⁽⁴⁾ (r = – 0.78); and KR (r = – 0.65). The most stable yields characterized by six-rowed mutants are G20, G22, and G28, derived from the hooded cultivar. The mutants G1, G2, and G40, belonging to the two-rowed barley subspecies, had the highest grain yield potential with less stability.

Keywords: Two-rowed and six-rowed barley, Hordeum vulgare L., phosphemide concentrations, chemical mutagenesis, genotype by environment interaction, stability parameters, correlation, grain yield

Key findings: The article discussed the results of yield and stability analyses in two-rowed and six-rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) mutants of M5-M7 generations in different ecological areas using parametric and nonparametric statistical methods.

The beginning of organized breeding work in Russia concretized at the end of the 19th century in two capitals of the Russian Empire: in 1877 at St. Petersburg and in 1881 in Moscow, where seed quality control stations first opened. The stations’ work transfer to scientific-based functions commenced in the first half of the 20th century by N.I. Vavilov. Under his leadership, the People’s Commissariat of Agriculture of the RSFSR organized an extensive network of 115 breeding and experimental stations. The 20 to 30 years of the 20th century displayed epoch-making discoveries by Russian scientists in the field of genetics. In 1920, N.I. Vavilov discovered and formulated the law of homological series in hereditary variability. In 1925, pioneering worldwide, Russian scientists, under the influence of ionizing radiation, received mutations in yeast fungi. During the same years, S.S. Chetverikov and his students laid the foundation for evolutionary genetics, which became an impetus for developing the modern genetic breeding theory. Later, in the 1930s of the 20th century, A.A. Serebrovsky and N.P. Dubinin proved the divisibility of the gene and substantiated the theory of its complex structure. Based on this discovery, geneticists globally, studying the patterns of inheritance and variability, have discovered and continue to uncover new breeding means.

Keywords: Russian Federation, selection, breeding, Vavilov

Key findings: At present, recognizing that breeding and seed production in Russia today are in a challenging state against the background of a rapidly growing market of seeds of foreign selection is urgent. It should be a consideration since realizing the biological potential of the variety is the main factor in increasing production volumes, improving product quality, and reducing its cost. As a result, in addition to economic attractiveness, it guarantees the country’s food independence.

Like many species within the Fabaceae family, Sesbania punicea L. seeds experience seed coat dormancy, affecting their germination from a hard shell coating the seed, preventing water absorption and gaseous exchange into the seeds. The presented research sought to overcome the outer dormancy phase in Sesbania punicea seeds by treating them with two concentrations of sulfuric acid (50% and 98% H₂SO₄) for periods of 0, 10, and 15 minutes and soaking in hot water (without, with) for 24 hours. The results revealed that seed pretreatment of immersion in sulfuric acid at a 98% concentration was significantly superior to the 50% and showed the highest mean values for the studied parameters, germination percentage, seedling height, stem diameter, leaves per seedling, and shoots dry weight at 78.33%, 61.61 cm, 5.79 mm, 31.27 leaves/seedling, and 7.32 g, respectively. In the same line, the immersion in sulfuric acid for 15 minutes was superior compared with 10 minutes, providing the highest values for the same traits at 87.04%, 64.08 cm, 6.16 mm, 32.08 leaves/seedling, and 8.12 g, respectively. The hot water treatment was notably dominant to the one without soaking and exhibited the maximum values for the above traits (78.55%, 59.83 cm, 5.94 mm, 31.05 leaves/seedlings, and 7.32 g, respectively). The interaction effects of three factors (immersion in 98% sulfuric acid for 15 minutes and soaking in hot water) excelled other treatments for the traits, i.e., germination rate (99.30%), seedling height (71.00 cm), main stem diameter (7.28 mm), leaves/seedling (36.66), and shoot’s dry weight (11.42 g). The most remarkable achievement was that chemical scarification using sulfuric acid and hot water, either individually or in combination, proved effective in breaking the seed dormancy of Sesbania punicea.

Keywords: Sesbania punicea L., seed dormancy, sulfuric acid, hot water, germination, growth traits

Key findings: For better germination and early growth of Sesbania punicea L. seedlings, the combination of seed immersion in 98% sulfuric acid for 15 minutes and soaking in hot water for 24 hours proved recommendable since it leads to an increase in the germination percentage from 36.9% to 99.3%, enhancing the growth parameters.

The recent study pursued determining the ideal quantity of micronutrients and planting time to enhance maize (Zea mays L.) pollen fertility and production under heat-stress conditions. The study set up a maize experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split-plot arrangement and three replications, carried out in the crop season 2020 at the Babylon Muradia Research Center, Iraq. The trials comprised two factors: first, planting times placed in main plots, i.e., June 25 (A1), July 10 (A2), and July 25 (A3), and the second included foliar applications of a composition of six microelements (iron, manganese, zinc, boron, copper, and molybdenum) with four concentrations, i.e., 0 (C0), 20 (C1), 30 (C2), and 40 (C3) g L^-1. The results indicated that maize planting at later dates, specifically between July 10 and 25, resulted in the maximum levels of moisture, pollen vitality, and fertility percentage, which led to an increase in yield components and grain output. The findings also demonstrated that foliar application of micronutrients effectively creates a conducive environment for developing pollen grains. The micronutrient concentration of 40 g L^-1 gave the optimal moisture and vitality of the pollen grains, leading to the highest quantity of grains per row and, ultimately, maximizing the maize yield. The July 10 planting date proved the ideal time for seeding maize because it contributed to reducing temperatures’ effects and increasing productivity. In addition, foliar application of micronutrients (40 g L^-1) creates an optimal environment for pollen grains, improving grain composition and yield. With the pollen grain’s better vitality, the favorable situation improves pollination and fertilization, eventually increasing the maize yield.

Keywords: Corn (Zea mays L.), micronutrients, foliar nutrition, sowing dates, pollen moisture, fertility, pollination and fertilization, yield-related traits

Key findings: Maize (Zea mays L.) planting time between July 10 and 25, along with foliar application of micronutrients (40 g L^-1), optimized and promoted pollen grains’ moisture, growth, vitality, and fertility percentage, which eventually boosted the yield traits’ components and grain yield.

The progressive study aimed to determine the effects of biofertilizers (Azotobacter and Pseudomonas) on active chemical compounds of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), carried out in 2023 at the Afghan City, Kerbala, Iraq. The experiment set out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement and three replications. The study comprised two factors: the first was Azotobacter (control, 50, 100, 150 g/bacteria), and the second factor was Pseudomonas (control, 50, 100, 150 g/bacteria). Both biofertilizers attained mixing with seeds before planting. Results revealed significant differences among the various concentrations of Azotobacter and Pseudomonas and their interactions. Azotobacter and Pseudomonas treatment with same dilution (150 g bacteria^-1) provided the highest mean values for active chemical compounds in the essential oil, i.e., camphor (3.70 and 4.56 mg g^-1), linalool (24.83 and 24.90 mg g^-1), pinene (1.09 and 1.38 mg g^-1), myrcene (13.64 and 12.84 mg g^-1), and limonene (18.16 and 17.76 mg g^-1), respectively.

Keywords: Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), Pseudomonas, Azotobacter, active compounds

Key findings: Biofertilizers (Azotobacter and Pseudomonas) and their interactions enunciated considerable differences for active chemical compounds. Azotobacter and Pseudomonas with same concentration (150 g/bacteria) produced the highest mean values in the essential of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) for camphor (3.70 and 4.56 mg g^-1), linalool (24.83 and 24.90 mg g^-1), pinene (1.09 and 1.38 mg g^-1), myrcene (13.64 and 12.84 mg g^-1), and limonene (18.16 and 17.76 mg g^-1), respectively.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) has several known names, such as garden mint, common mint, lamb mint, and mackerel mint. Salinity is considerably one of the most vital causes negatively affecting plant life, reducing productivity. Kinetin, a cytokinin-like synthetic plant hormone, can promote plant growth against salinity. The potential research sought to study seeds soaking and foliar application of kinetin to mitigate harmful salinity effects, which cause chemo-physiological variations in spearmint due to increased salinity in the irrigation water. In the experiment, two salt concentrations (2.3 dS m^-1 and 6.2 dS m^-1) helped develop the salinity environment, with kinetin (5 mg/L) used for seeds’ soaking for four hours and as an exogenous treatment by foliar spraying of the spearmint seedlings. The results revealed an increased electron leakage percentage (ELP) related to a rise in salinity elements (Na⁺ and Cl^–) at 6.2 dS m^-1 in both groups with reducing K⁺ levels. Likewise, a reduction was prominent in salinity elements with an enhancement in K⁺ level with foliar application than the seeds soaked with kinetin. Increased proline content, H₂O₂, MDA, and an increase in antioxidant activity of CAT and SOD were evident in salinity treatment, which declined by treating with kinetin (5 mg L^-1) foliar application. The results proved that kinetin foliar spraying is the best in supporting Mentha spicata L. plant versus kinetin seeds soaking against the adverse effects of salinity.

Keywords: Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.), salinity levels, kinetin, antioxidant, chemical changes, seeds soaking, foliar spray

Key findings: Using kinetin with foliar spray was superior to soaking seeds with it to promote Mentha spicata L. plants for reducing salt elements Na⁺, Cl^–, MDA, ELP, and proline content with increased K⁺ content and antioxidant active.

The experiment happened at Al-Mussaib Technical College, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, to know the effect of ABA acid and potassium on the growth of broad bean (Vicia faba L) plants under water stress conditions (0 and 1000 mg k^-1) while the third factor was an ABA acid at the concentration of 0.2 mM. The results were as follows: All studied traits decreased under conditions of water stress (plant height, leaf number, leaf area, total soluble carbohydrates [TSC], activity of superoxide dismutase [SOD], and catalase of broad beans) with recorded values of 41 cm, 5.67 leaf plant^-1, 60.57 cm², 11.82 (mg g^-1 DW), 155.01 units mg^-1 protein min^-1, and 138.59 mg^-1 protein min^-1, respectively. The obtained triple interaction treatment was also at 25 ds m^-1 + 1000 mg l^-1 + 0 ABA, giving the highest values for all studied traits. ABA and potassium apart and together boosted proline, TSC, SOD, and CAT, raising plant height, leaf number, and area. The combined treatment improved plant growth and antioxidant systems, reducing the suppressive effect of water deprivation. ABA and potassium-treated plants showed greater TSC.

Keywords: Vicia faba L., growth regulators, nutrient elements, water stress, growth traits

Key findings: The results revealed applying ABA, potassium, and their interaction improved all growth traits by increasing proline content, total soluble carbohydrates, CAT, and SOD. The findings of this study indicated that ABA and potassium together assisted the plant in regaining the altered physiological features caused by water stress.

The present-day study investigated the effect of different nanofertilizer concentrations on growth and seed yield-related traits and the percentage of essential oil in the seeds of the black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), carried out during the crop season of 2019–2020 at the University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq. The experiment was in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The nanofertilizer at a 20 mg/L concentration has a significant impact on the black cumin (N. sativa L.) plants and improved the growth, seed yield, and biochemical traits, i.e., plant height (40.38 cm), 1000-seed weight (3.48 g), seed yield per plant (5.55 g), seed essential oil (0.42%), percentage of mineral elements (Nitrogen-5.48%, potassium-1.02%, and zinc-4.00%), and biochemical compounds in the leaves (carbohydrates-4.34%, protein-6.00%, and peroxidase-0.95) compared with the least values for the said traits in the control treatments, i.e., 33.92 cm, 1.65 g, 3.77 g, 0.13%, 3.02%, 0.28%, 2.23%, 2.76%, 4.05%, and 0.23, respectively. However, nanofertilizer levels had nonsignificant effects on the number of branches, leaves, and capsules per plant and the percentage of phosphorus and abscisic acid. Therefore, nanotechnology has established itself as a multidisciplinary and pioneering problem-solving technology in agricultural and allied sciences.

Keywords: Black cumin (N. sativa L.), nanofertilizer, growth and seed-yield traits, essential oil, macro-elements, carbohydrates, abscisic acid (ABA), proteins

Key findings: The nanofertilizer (20 mg/L) has significantly impacted the black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) plants and improved the growth and yield-related traits, percentage of mineral elements, and biochemical traits in the leaves.