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.

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic potential, heterotic effects, and inbreeding depression in F₁ hybrids and F₂ wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) populations for yield and yield-related traits. Six wheat genotypes’ crossing in a half-diallel fashion comprised Galaxy-13, Inqilab-91, Ghaznavi-98, Khaista-17, Benazir-13, and Parula to produce 15 F₁ hybrids. These hybrids and their six parental genotypes proceeded their planting in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI), Pirsabak, Nowshera, during 2016–2017, with their F₂ populations evaluated in 2017–2018. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes, parents, parents vs. F₁ and F₂ populations in both generations for all traits. The recorded maximum grain yield per plant resulted in the F₁ hybrid Benazir-13 × Khaista-17 (38.12 g), followed by Khaista-17 × Galaxy-13 (37.58 g) and Khaista-17 × Parula (37.32 g). Mid-parent heterosis for grain yield per plant ranged from -2.77% (Benazir-13 × Inqilab-91) to 15.84% (Ghaznavi-98 × Parula). The best parent heterosis varied from -8.13% (Khaista-17 × Inqilab-91) to 13.11% (Ghaznavi-98 × Parula). Inbreeding depression ranged from 8.97% (Benazir-13 × Ghaznavi-98) to 36.00% (Benazir-13 × Galaxy-13). These promising F₁ and F₂ populations could be highly beneficial in future wheat breeding programs.

Keywords: Bread wheat (T. aestivum L.), F₁ and F₂ populations, heterosis, inbreeding depression, quantitative traits, grain yield

Key findings: This study comprised evaluating the genetic potential, heterotic effects, and inbreeding depression in F₁ hybrids and F₂ wheat (T. aestivum L.) populations. The F₁ hybrid Benazir-13 × Khaista-17 showed the maximum grain yield per plant, while Ghaznavi-98 × Parula exhibited the highest mid- and better-parent heterosis. The F₂ population Benazir-13 × Galaxy-13 displayed the highest reduction in grain yield due to inbreeding depression.

Sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata Sturt) is a popular horticultural crop cultivated widely in Indonesia. However, low productivity still hampers the development of its cultivation. The following study aimed to evaluate the combining ability of seven sweet corn parental genotypes (SB8.4.3, SB13.1.3B.1, SM1.1.9, SM6.3.1, SM9.3A.1, SM12.2.13, and T13.1.8.1) with their diallel hybrids and identify the optimal combinations with higher yields. The parental cultivars sustained crossing in a complete diallel fashion to generate the 42 hybrids, studied in comparison with four check cultivars (Secada, Talenta, Bonanza, and Glory) from January to November 2023 at two locations—Pasir Kuda and Leuwikopo, Indonesia. The variables observed include the cob weight with and without husks, cob length and diameter, productivity, and sweetness level. The results showed the hybrid SM6.3.2 x SB8.4.3 had the highest SCA values for all observed traits, except sweetness level, and was also the second-highest genotype for cob diameter at both locations. Moreover, the said promising hybrid had the maximum mean values for yield-related traits, except sweetness level. The hybrid SM6.3.2 x SM9.3A emerged with negative SCA effects and the lowest mean values for all traits. The study concluded that the best hybrid in this study is the combination of SM6.3.2 and SB8.4.3.

Keywords: sweet corn (Z. mays var. saccharata Sturt), mean performance, combining ability, GCA and SCA, yield-related traits, sweetness level

Key findings: The results revealed a cross combination with two parental genotypes having different GCA produced the hybrid with a higher SCA and mean performance for most sweet corn traits (Z. mays var. saccharata Sturt). However, the hybrid formed from two parent cultivars with the same GCA produced the hybrid with a low SCA and mean performance.

The cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) crop is a priority sector of agriculture in the Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan. An evaluation of the cotton cultivar Maktaaral-5027’s response took place for nine variants comprising different doses of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium under two soil backgrounds (slightly saline and medium saline). The study occurred at the Agricultural Experimental Station of Cotton and Melon Growing, Turkestan, Kazakhstan. Fertilizers used included ammonium nitrate (34%), double superphosphate (45%), and potassium sulfate (51%), which were applied in one step before sowing the cotton crop for deep cultivation. The fertilizer application revealed some patterns in the formation of seed cotton yield. In the variant combining triple doses of nitrogen with double doses of phosphorus and potassium (N₁₅₀P₁₀₀K₈₀) under low soil salinity, the seed cotton yield was higher, reaching 6.49 t/ha of raw cotton. On a slightly saline background, nitrogen fertilizers increased the raw cotton yield to 18.3% and 28.8% in variants with double (N₁₀₀P₁₀₀K₈₀) and triple (N₁₅₀P₁₀₀K₈₀) doses compared with medium doses of phosphorus and potassium.

Keywords: Cotton (G. hirsutum L.), saline soil, fertilizer doses, seed cotton yield, fiber quality

Key findings: The upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.) cultivar Maktaaral-5027 with different doses of fertilizers allowed us to identify its higher seed cotton yield on the gray soil of the Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan.

Salinity is one of the major threats to sustainable maize (Zea mays L.) production. The presented study sought to compare 50 maize inbred lines in pots filled with sand under three salinity levels: T₁ = NaCl @ 0 dsm^-1 (control), T₂ = NaCl @ 8 dsm^-1, and T₃ = NaCl @ 12 dsm^-1 at the seedling stage, held in the College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan. The NaCl solutions of 0, 8, and 12 dsm^-1 salt concentrations served to irrigate the pots. Data collection of maize seedling traits continued after 28 days of seed sowing. The results have shown a significant differences among genotypes, NaCl levels, and their interaction effects on all studied plant traits. Statistical means comparison and principal component analysis indicated inbred lines G-2 (ILYL-19), G-11 (ILYL-30), G-26 (ILYL-7), and G-45 (DDR-15) showed high values for cell membrane stability under studied salt-stress conditions. Meanwhile, G-2 (ILYL-19), G-3 (PEIL-6), G-11 (ILYL-30), G-13 (ILYL-34), G-32 (ILYL-44), G-33 (ILYL-45), G-35 (PEIL-20), and G-45 (DDR-15) exhibited high mean values for shoot and root length, potassium contents, and root and shoot dry weights. They proved to be salt-tolerant maize inbred lines under all treatments at the seedling stage.

Keywords: Maize (Z. mays L.), genetic variability, salinity, salt tolerance, cell membrane stability

Key findings: The presence of genetic variability of maize (Z. mays L.) inbred lines for salinity tolerance and cell membrane stability under saline conditions indicated maize inbred lines G-3 (PEIL-6), G-11 (ILYL-30), G-33 (ILYL-45), G-35, and G-45 could be desirable for breeding salt-tolerant hybrids to enhance maize production in saline soils.

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) is an edible fruit and the most economically important tropical plant of the family Bromeliaceae. Genetic diversity analysis can better support in pineapple advanced breeding that ultimately leads to improved quality of pineapple. The following study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity of five pineapple accessions originating from the Nusantara Pineapple Garden, Kudus, Indonesia, i.e., Blitar, Indralaya, Jambi, Riau Siak, and Madu Subang. The study collected plant samples from each accession, consisting of pineapple fruit crowns. The DNA isolated from each sample underwent amplification by the PCR using eight RAPD primers, viz., OPA-02, OPA-07, OPA-14, OPA-15, OPB-10, OPB-15, OPC-05, and OPD-01. The results showed the lowest genetic diversity among the five pineapple accessions, with variations in the number of amplified bands and DNA fragment size. Primer OPA 15 (900 bp) was the choice used to evaluate genetic variability in Ananas comosus between the smooth cayenne and queen types. Two clusters’ identification resulted from the UPGMA analysis. Cluster 1, comprising four pineapple accessions, Blitar, Indralaya, Riau Siak, and Jambi, indicated the highest genetic similarity. However, the pineapple accession Madu Subang, placed in cluster 2, showed the lowest genetic similarity with other pineapple accessions.

Keywords: Pineapple (A. comosus L.), bromeliaceae, accessions, genetic diversity, RAPD primers, DNA, genetic similarity

Key findings: Genetic diversity assessment among five pineapple (A. comosus L.) accessions using RAPD primers revealed significant variability. Specifically, the primers OPA-15, OPB-10, OPB-15, and OPC-05 effectively distinguished the Madu Subang pineapple from other studied cultivars.

Genetic stability assessment of garlic (Allium sativum L.) regenerants is essential when true-to-type plants are the desired final product. In the following study, shoot tip explants totaling 23 genotypes, comprising 22 local garlic genotypes and one accession imported from China, underwent in vitro culturing as mother plantlets and sub-cultured ones. Genetic stability assessment among the individuals of identical genotypes between the mother plantlets and their first subculture used two different molecular markers—simple sequence repeat (SSR) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR). SSR and ISSR markers’ analysis revealed a high degree of genetic monomorphism among individuals within the identical genotypes. The highest genetic stability, as indicated by identical genetic similarity coefficient values of 0.49 and 0.61 for SSR and ISSR markers, respectively, was evident among the mother plantlets and the first subculture. The individuals with identical genotypes, such as Eban NTT, Lokal Jawa, and Tes, appeared to be different, presumably due to genetic variations detected by SSR and ISSR markers. The SSR and ISSR markers together allowed the detection of higher polymorphism than either the set or the molecular markers alone. This successful clonal genetic stability assessment of micropropagated local garlic using SSR and ISSR markers demonstrates its potential for further applications.

Keywords: Garlic (A. sativum L.), plantlets, genetic stability, genetic similarity, in vitro, ISSR and SSR, polymorphism

Key findings: In in vitro propagated garlic (A. sativum L.) plantlets, the genetic stability assessment was effective with the SSR and ISSR markers, which paved the way for further application. Required further studies could elucidate the factors contributing to genetic variations in in vitro propagation.

The upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes are crucial genetic resources for climate resilience and productivity under challenging conditions grown in rainfed environments. This study aimed to characterize the local upland rice cultivars from Bungo Regency, Jambi Province, Indonesia, focusing on morphological and agronomic traits to support conservation and breeding. Field exploration was successful through sampling across six subdistricts to capture the genotype and environmental variations. In assessing key traits, a field experiment with 25 upland rice cultivars continued in a randomized block design. Data analysis included variance assessment, post-hoc testing via Tukey’s HSD (honestly significant difference), and cluster analysis using the Euclidean distance, visualized through a dendrogram. The results revealed significant phenotypic variability among the upland rice cultivars for culm, leaf, tiller, panicle, and grain traits. Cluster analysis identified six distinct genetic groups, indicating a broad genetic base and unique adaptive traits among cultivars. Some cultivars exhibited high genetic similarity, while others showed distinct genetic divergence, suggesting potential for targeted breeding and conservation efforts. This diversity emphasizes the adaptive evolution of rice cultivars to local environmental conditions and their breeding values. The study underscores the importance of conserving genetic resources to support climate-resilient breeding and food security.

Keywords: Upland rice (O. sativa L.), genetic diversity, genetic resources, climate resilience, morphological traits, cluster analysis, genetic relationship

Key findings: Significant phenotypic variability among the upland rice (O. sativa L.) cultivars for culm, leaf, tiller, panicle, and grain traits showed considerable diversity. Six distinct genetic clusters highlighted the unique genetic relationship and potential adaptive strategies.