Plants use several biological defense mechanisms associated with microorganisms in their microbiota to mitigate the effects of abiotic stress factors such as salinity and drought. This situation enhanced this research interest aimed at isolating beneficial bacteria from plant microbiota and using them to combat salinity stress conditions. This study evaluated the effect of five bacterial strains, viz., Priestia megaterium HAST2, Priestia aryabhattai HAST7, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida HAST9, Pseudomonas putida HAST10, and Pseudomonas chlororaphis HAST17, on the growth and development parameters of cotton under a saline environment. The strains came from the endomicrobiota of the vegetative organs of glasswort (Halocnemum strobilaceum). The results showed the bacterial strain P. chlororaphis HAST17 considerably stimulates cotton germination, shoot and root growth and development, and seed cotton yield traits under salinity conditions. The findings revealed such types of bacterial strains can increase the diversity of eco-products that stimulate crop growth and production under salinity conditions.

Keywords: Bacterial strains, cotton, endophyte, glasswort (H. strobilaceum), salinity stress, seed germination, seed treatment, yield

Key findings: The study evaluated the potential of endophytic bacteria isolated from glasswort (H. strobilaceum) as a promising stimulator for sustainable cotton cultivation under salinity conditions, selecting the bacterial strain P. chlororaphis HAST17 from among them.

The inventory of the genus Anabasis L. collection in the herbaria of Kazakhstan and neighboring countries, particularly the specimens of the endemic and relict species Anabasis cretacea Pall., comprised this study. Systematizing and analyzing the herbarium collection focused on species diversity, their morphological characteristics, and ecological implications. The endemic species received special attention, highlighting the need for their conservation and preservation. The studied herbaria included the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty, the Astana Botanical Garden and National Center of Biotechnology in Astana, and the Utemisov West Kazakhstan University in Uralsk. The collection made in Kazakhstan’s own herbaria took place during field research in June-August 2025. Likewise, a visit to the personal herbaria of Prof. S.A. Aipeisova was fruitful. Similarly, virtual tours of herbaria took place in the study. These were Lomonosov Moscow State University; the N.V. Tsitsin State Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences; the V.L. Botanic Institute, Komarova RAS, St. Petersburg; and the Digital Herbarium of the Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS, Novosibirsk. Thus, studying the various herbaria resulted in the 13 different species of the genus Anabasis L. found in Kazakhstan, five of which were in the Aktobe Region. Moreover, the location of the species Anabasis cretacea Pall succeeded in its identification in the study area at the Aktobe Region, Kazakhstan.

Keywords: Anabasis L., Chenopodiaceae, endemic, relict species, herbarium collection, samples, Aktobe region, Kazakhstan, neighboring states

Key findings: Analysis of the genus Anabasis L. collection revealed the species diversity, distribution ranges, and ecological preferences, including relict and endemic types with the highest tolerance to salinity and drought. The results were of scientific and conservation values, providing insights into soil and environmental conditions, aridization processes, and speciation. The identification of the genus Anabasis L. species was successful in the study area at the Aktobe Region, Kazakhstan.

The ensuing study aimed to assess the variations in land-vegetation cover caused by the influence of climate change and human activities. The use of an integrative relationship of various factors helped determine the boundaries of natural and anthropogenic impacts, assessing their pressure level on the ecosystem. In a study from 1999 to 2024, observations on the negative impact of climatic factors progressed on the soil cover of the Nakhchivanchay River basin. Against this background, the temperature increased (approximately 0.19 °C–0.22 °C), precipitation decreased (9.15–9.75 mm), soil moisture decreased (4.95–5.35 mm), degraded soils’ area rose by 2.85%–3.05%, and the area with dense vegetation incurred depletion by 1.75%–1.95%. These climate-based variations can help in the selection of crop types and natural fodder for livestock. On the soil-vegetation cover, human activities have also occurred in negative and positive directions. With positive human activities, it was possible to mitigate the negative impact of climate change and maintain soil fertility and biomass balance. The results showed climate change has consistently degraded soil and vegetation, while human activities can either intensify or alleviate these effects in the Nakhchivanchay River basin. The results highlighted that well-managed land use practices are crucial for reducing climate-driven degradation and enhancing sustainable productivity.

Keywords: Climate change, human activities, synergistic approach, vegetation density, soil degradation

Key findings: The study delineates the respective boundaries of climatic and anthropogenic influences on soil fertility and biomass dynamics. The results highlighted that well-managed land use practices are crucial for reducing climate-driven degradation and enhancing sustainable productivity.

An investigation of the population and genus composition of soil fungi in the rhizosphere of intensive 12-year-old apple orchards grown on the three distinct chernozem soil subtypes—podzolized, leached, and typical—inspired this study. Research transpired in the growing seasons of 2024–2025 across the Tambov and Lipetsk regions, Central Russia. Soil samples’ collection had three different depths (0–10, 10–30, and 30–60 cm). From 12 genera, fungi isolation primarily included Penicillium, Mucor, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Botrytis, Trichoderma, Rhizopus, and Verticillium, with data on Penicillium, Mucor, Aspergillus, Verticillium, and Pythium presented graphically. Meanwhile, the remaining genera presentations were in the narrative form. The podzolized chernozem soil subtype, characterized by the highest acidity and humus content, yielded a higher number and diversity of fungal genera, in which the Botrytis and Verticillium were predominant. Conversely, Aspergillus was the characteristic of the leached chernozem, while Mucor and Rhizopus dominated the typical chernozem. A considerable positive correlation (r > 0.85) was evident between the soil’s humus content and acidity (low pH) and the total abundance of the investigated fungal genera. The results highlighted the crucial role of the chernozem soil subtype, governed by its specific chemical parameters, in structuring the fungal community in the apple tree rhizosphere.

Keywords: Genera of soil fungi, chernozem soil subtype, apple tree, intensive orchards, apple tree rhizosphere, soil microbiology, Czapek’s medium

Key findings: The results showed the diversity and abundance of fungal genera in the apple tree rhizosphere largely depend on the soil pH and humus content, which generally materialize in differences in the subtypes of chernozem.

The timely study aimed to evaluate the salt resistance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars under the influence of salinity stress conditions. The research analyzed variations in antioxidant enzyme activity, osmoprotective metabolites and oxidative stress indicators, and protein content in grains to select the promising genotypes. The results revealed that under salinity stress conditions, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) displayed sharp increases in chickpea cultivars, with the highest index recorded in the chickpea cultivar Polvon (with 6 times SOD). In chickpea cultivars Darmon and Gulistan, the proline accumulation increased to 2–3 times as compared to the control cultivar, while it was a bit higher in the cultivar Polvon than the control. The hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased in cultivars Polvon and Darmon, while the MDA increased in the cultivar Gulistan. Salinity caused a reduction in the grain protein content in all cultivars. In conclusion, antioxidant enzymes and osmoprotective metabolites proved important in chickpea genotypes’ salt stress tolerance.

Keywords: Chickpea (C. arietinum L.), cultivars, salinity, antioxidant enzymes, proline, ascorbic acid, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, glutathione, protein

Key findings: The degree of chickpea (C. arietinum L.) genotypes’ adaptation to salinity stress significantly varied. Cultivars Polvon and Darmon showed the highest salt-stress resistance through a considerable self-defense system.

Rice is a staple crop for over half of the global population, necessitating improved yield stability to meet the increasing demand for food. As it is grown under different input management systems depending on resource availability, farmers’ capacity, and production objectives, genotype × environment interactions greatly affect yield, underscoring the need for breeding programs that improve stability and adaptability across varied management systems. The effects of G × E under conventional (CM), organic (OM), and no-input (NM) management remain poorly understood. With this objective, an evaluation of 46 rice genotypes across three systems used the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype plus genotype-by-environment (GGE) biplot models to assess yield stability. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that genotype (G), management (M), and their interaction (G × M) significantly influence yield. GGE biplot analysis identified Kattuyanam, ASD19, Sennar20, Navera, Kalanamak, and Pokkali as highly stable genotypes, while KR09003 and CR1009 showed limited adaptability. AMMI analysis confirmed the results, with PC1 explaining 69.83% of variation, highlighting management as the main factor. Genotypes CO(R)50, PY7, and ADT38 exhibited broad adaptability, whereas KR10019 and Mappillai Samba were suitable under organic systems. Under conventional management, KKL(R)-1, Mappillai Samba, CO(R)50, Kattuyanam, and KR10023 performed well. In organic management, Karudan Samba, Poongar, and Mappillai Samba excelled, while in no-input systems, Mappillai Samba, Kattuyanam, Karuppu Kavuni, and Kitchilli Samba showed a stable performance.

Keywords: rice stability, organic management, conventional management, no-input management, GGE biplot, AMMI, MANOVA

Key findings: Results revealed that Kattuyanam, ASD19, Sennar 20, Navera, Kalanamak, and Pokkali are highly stable genotypes across all management systems. Meanwhile, KR10019 and Mappillai Samba were suitable for OM, KKL(R)-1, Mappillai Samba, CO(R)50, Kattuyanam, and KR10023 performed well in CM. In NM, Mappillai Samba, Kattuyanam, Karuppu Kavuni, and Kitchilli Samba showed a stable performance.

The marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is an ornamental plant with high economic value. The generation of the white flower marigold phenotype could proceed through genetic transformation with the InMYB1-CCD4ɑ gene. This study aimed to evaluate a) the regeneration of marigold leaf through indirect organogenesis, b) the transformation of callus with the InMYB1-CCD4ɑ gene, and c) analyze the InMYB1-CCD4ɑ gene presence in transgenic plantlets. Testing of shoot formation from callus continued in MS medium containing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA, 0.5 mg L^-1) with the addition of different levels of Thidiazuron-TDZ (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg L^-1), and 6-Benzylaminopurine, or BAP (2.5, 5, and 7 mg L^-1). BAP (7 mgL^-1) produced the highest number of shoots (six shoots per explant). In genetic transformation with A. tumefaciens harboring InMYB1-CCD4ɑ, the explants entailed pre-culturing in a bacterial suspension for one hour, co-cultivating in MS medium containing acetosyringone for 2–3 days, washing, and eliminating the Agrobacterium. Afterward, transferring explants to resting media ensued before selecting transgenic callus in the medium containing hygromycin (20 mg L^-1). The results showed the PCR analysis confirmed six plants regenerated from 24 calluses passed antibiotic selection (2.5%) and harbored the InMYB1-CCD4a gene.

Keywords: Marigold (T. erecta L.), 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), callus, cytokinins, hygromycin, leaf explants, Thidiazuron (TDZ), transformation efficiency

Key findings: In marigold (T. erecta L.), the optimum BAP concentration (7 mg L^-1) medium for indirect shoot organogenesis through callus of marigold leaf explants produced the highest number of shoots with shooting explant (100%) and rooting explant (11.1%). Genetic transformation protocol by using Agrobacterium was successful in establishing with the 4% of transformation efficiency at the antibiotic selection and 1% at the PCR confirmation.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are multifunctional materials, and their utilization in sustainable agriculture is very promising. The NPs authenticate targeted delivery with their controlled release of agrochemicals that promote their gradual entry into the arable soil. The NPs contribute to reduced environmental impact, and their efficient use enhances absorption of essential macromolecules necessary for plant protection, growth, and physiological responses. Moreover, nanoparticles are highly reactive substances and could have risks associated with their toxic kinetic and toxic dynamic properties. The following review analyzed the potential of NPs in improving cropping systems sustainability and their effect on yield and adaptive traits, including those subjected to abiotic stress conditions, which highlights the advantages of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. In addition, the conduct of an analysis determined the risks of their use. However, the NPs’ utilization can improve crop efficiency and their production. The information presented in this review will be useful in the fields of general agriculture and plant growing.

Keywords: Nanoparticles, antimicrobial properties, nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, nano-safety

Key findings: The unique properties of nanoparticles open up entirely new opportunities for improving cropping systems sustainability, including improving seed quality. However, further advanced research is necessary to optimize protocols for obtaining their specified characteristics and long-term use.

The concerned research aimed to investigate the peculiarities of adaptation to water regime and photosynthetic activity in four dye-yielding plant species (Indigofera tinctoria L., Rubia tinctorum L., Isatis tinctoria L., and Lawsonia inermis L.) cultivated in the Surkhandarya Region, Uzbekistan. During the study, the leaf cell sap (LCS) concentration and content of the key photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophylls a and b, total pigment concentration, and carotenoids, succeeded in their determination at the budding stage under normal and water-deficit conditions. The obtained results allowed for identifying the degree of osmotic adaptation and photoadaptation mechanisms of the plants under water-deficit conditions. The results lay down a scientific base for assessing the ecological stability of dye-yielding plants and determining cultivars resistant to water stress conditions with increasing photosynthetic efficiency. Detecting the chlorophylls a and b and carotenoid contents in leaf samples used the spectrophotometric method. The results revealed a considerable decline in photosynthetic pigments’ concentration under water-deficit conditions; however, these also showed robust adaptive processes in certain species (especially the species Indigofera tinctoria L.). Biochemical analysis disclosed an increase in the anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, ensuring stress tolerance in dye-yielding plants. This approach helps in distinguishing the degree of plant adaptability with enhanced efficiency in natural pigments’ production.

Keywords: Dye-yielding plants, natural dye, species, physiology, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, cell sap, water-deficit conditions

Key findings: The dye-yielding plant species (Indigofera tinctoria L., Rubia tinctorum L., Isatis tinctoria L., and Lawsonia inermis L.) exhibited distinct physiological responses to water-deficit conditions. The species Rubia tinctorum L. and Lawsonia inermis L. showed higher cell sap concentrations, suggesting a considerable capacity for drought adaptation.

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that considerably and adversely affects cotton growth, development, and seed cotton yield. The relevant study aimed to analyze regression and correlation among the morphological traits of 12 cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars exposed to different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl). Four levels of NaCl stress (0, 100, 150, and 200 mM) were successful in their application under controlled conditions. The results revealed different levels of salt stress conditions negatively influence cotton traits, particularly the fresh plant weight and shoot length, which showed a decrease of about 50% and 29%, respectively. The dry root weight and root length demonstrated a high degree of stability under salt stress conditions. According to the correlation analysis, plant length and root length appeared as positively correlated with other traits under different mM of NaCl stress conditions. These findings provide useful insights for identifying salt-tolerant cotton genotypes through marker-assisted selection and physiological screening.

Keywords: Correlation, salt stress, ions, SNP markers, SSR, cotton cultivar

Key findings: The regression value of plant length against other cotton (G. hirsutum L.) traits, as calculated, enabled the probabilistic estimation of those traits. The considerable positive correlations were evident among the assessed phenotypic traits under different salt stress conditions. The study identified the most susceptible and tolerant cotton traits.