Climate-induced abiotic stresses, such as drought, heat, and declining soil fertility, considerably threaten wheat productivity in arid regions. Perennial wheat relatives, including the species Thinopyrum and Agropyron, possess the vigorous root system and robust abiotic-stress tolerance, proving them more valuable donors for introgression breeding. The consequent study aimed to develop and evaluate stress-tolerant durum-bread wheat progenies derived from perennial × annual crosses under arid conditions in Uzbekistan. Diverse G₂–G₃ hybrid generations underwent assessment for viable agronomic traits such as tiller number, plant height, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, and root development. Significant phenotypic variations were evident among the hybrid combinations. Several progenies involving the species Thinopyrum intermedium and Agropyron ponticum partial amphiploids showed improved grain-number stability (48–53 grains) and a deeper root system than annual parental genotypes. Grain-weight analysis revealed the mid-range classes (38–51 g) predominated in most G₂ hybrids, whereas multi-parent combinations displayed wider segregation and higher variations (18%–36%). Root-length analysis disclosed robust transgressive inheritance, with perennial-derived hybrids producing roots up to 90 cm, far exceeding annual cultivars (20–21 cm), highlighting their breeding potential for stress-resilient wheat.

Keywords: Perennial and annual wheat, hybridization, introgression breeding, stress tolerance, G₂–G₃ hybrids, key traits, grain number, root length

Key findings: Perennial wheat relatives (Thinopyrum and Agropyron spp.) transferred drought- and heat-tolerance traits to G₂–G₃ hybrids, producing superior lines with stable grain numbers and deep roots. These hybrids were identified as promising donors for breeding climate-resilient wheat adapted to water-deficit environments.

This study evaluated 26 garlic (Allium sativum L.) genotypes for phenological, agromorphological, and biochemical traits to identify those with high genetic diversity and selection potential. Descriptive statistics revealed extensive variations in earliness, bulb and clove mass, root mass, and yield-related traits, while the biochemical traits were relatively stable. Overall, the bulb yield in garlic genotypes ranged from 16.9 to 69.1 t/ha (CV = 33.51%), indicating substantial genotypic diversity, and showed moderate positive correlations with bulb diameter, bulb and clove weight, and plant height (r = 0.55–0.67). Principal component analysis (PCA) identified seven components explaining 81.09% of the total variation, with PC1 related to vegetative growth and yield, PC2 to biochemical traits, and PC3 to bulb shape. Cluster analysis grouped the garlic genotypes into early and low-yielding; medium-vegetation with large bulbs; and late, high-yielding genotypes. An analysis of variance confirmed significant (P ≤ 0.000) differences among garlic genotypes for all traits. Overall, the results enunciated substantial genetic diversity and provide a robust basis for targeted selection in terms of earliness, yield, bulb quality, and biochemical traits.

Keywords: Garlic (A. sativum L.), germplasm, genetic diversity, principal component analysis, phenological, morpho-biological, biochemical traits

Key findings: Garlic (A. sativum L.) genotypes revealed significant genetic diversity and greater potential for selection. Bulb yield showed a positive association with other bulb traits and plant height. Variation in sugar and nitrate content enables the selection of high-quality garlic genotypes with good yield and improved flavor.

Shallot (Allium cepa L.) is a strategic horticultural commodity, facing considerable pressure from enhanced domestic demand and declining production in Indonesia. This research aimed to identify morphological traits, analyze genetic diversity, and identify the potential genotypes for promising parent selection. Shallot accessions totaled 57, evaluated for genetic diversity through 18 morphological traits and molecular analysis based on 17 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Morphological characterization revealed broad diversity and grouped the bulb skin color into eight distinct colors, along with considerable variation in bulb diameter. The molecular analysis using 17 ISSR primers recognized the highest level of genetic diversity (91.70%). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed most of the genetic variation (98%) appeared within populations, with a weak differentiation among populations (2%), which confirmed a high rate of gene flow among geographical regions. Based on phenotypic performance, the shallot accessions with the highest number of bulbs, heaviest bulb weight, and ideal bulb length were notably the promising parental genotypes. The optimal breeding strategy involves utilizing these high-yielding and genetically divergent accessions to optimize heterosis and enhance the adaptive stability in shallot. This research significantly contributes to optimizing the utilization of Indonesia’s local genetic resources to support national shallot seed security.

Keywords: accessions, Allium cepa, gene flow, genetic diversity, ISSR markers, morphological traits

Key findings: The highest level of morphological diversity within shallots (Allium cepa) supported in the identification of promising accessions. The ISSR marker analysis revealed the maximum genetic diversity among shallot accessions. However, the low genetic differentiation among the regions suggests the intensive gene flow across the geographical boundaries.

This research aimed to analyze the inheritance and variability of morpho-economic traits in parental lines and their F₁ and F₂ populations in mung bean (V. radiata syn. P. aureus L.). Specifically, these traits are main stem length, pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod, and 1000-seed weight. The experiment commenced at the experimental field of Chirchik State Pedagogical University, Uzbekistan, using several mung bean’s parental genotypes and their F₁ and F₂ populations. In F₁ and F₂ populations, the inheritance of main stem length primarily exhibited positive overdominance, as well as positive and negative intermediate inheritance. The pods per plant predominantly revealed overdominance, with occasional positive intermediate and negative overdominance. Pod length consistently displayed positive intermediate inheritance across all hybrids, while the seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight demonstrated instances of both positive and negative overdominance. In F₂ populations, the heritability ranges for various traits were for main stem length (53.0%–97.0%), pods per plant (66.0%–83.0%), pod length (11.0%–44.0%), seeds per pod (22.0%–66.0%), and 1000-seed weight (77.0%–89.6%). Isolation of the recombinant forms with heterotic effects occurred in F₂ populations for the above traits. The utilization of these recombinants as source material will offer significant efficacy in mung bean breeding programs.

Keywords: Mung bean (V. radiata syn. P. aureus L.), F₁ and F₂ populations, overdominance, heritability, heterosis, morpho-yield traits

Key findings: The pods per plant predominantly detailed overdominance, with occasional instances of positive intermediate and negative overdominance in mung bean (V. radiata syn. P. aureus L.). Pod length consistently displayed positive intermediate inheritance, while the seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight exhibited instances of both positive and negative overdominance across all hybrids.

Cotton is vital to Uzbekistan’s economy; however, its production sustains severe effects from the bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). This destructive pest damages the plant’s reproductive parts, causing significant losses in seed cotton yield and fiber quality. Traditional reliance on chemical insecticides has led to pesticide resistance, ecological disruption, and environmental pollution, necessitating sustainable alternatives. Genetically modified Bt-cotton, expressing Bacillus thuringiensis toxins, offers an effective strategy by providing inherent genetic resistance against bollworm larvae. Bt cotton occurred as globally successful in reducing dependency on chemicals, and its efficacy depends on the local agroecological conditions. The data on the entomological effectiveness of Bt-cotton varieties remains limited in Uzbekistan. The potential study’s novelty lies in its field-based evaluation of transgenic varieties under specific agroclimatic conditions of Uzbekistan, focusing on pest infestation intensity and genotypic resistance. The practical significance of this research contributes to the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. By reducing dependency on chemical pesticides and improving environmental safety, this study aimed to enhance the long-term sustainability of cotton production in Uzbekistan.

Keywords: Bt-cotton, Helicoverpa armigera, genetic resistance, entomological evaluation, integrated pest management, sustainable crop protection, Uzbekistan

Key findings: Insect pests of different crops provided uneven distribution across the different regions of Uzbekistan, with species diversity and population density varying by agroecological zones and cropping seasons. The highest pest activity resulted in lowland areas during spring and summer.

This study aimed to evaluate the inheritance patterns, heterosis, and phenotypic variability among the F₁ and F₂ populations for key morpho-agronomic traits in medium-staple cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Six parental genotypes and their 30 F₁ and F₂ diallel hybrids received evaluation through plant height and fruiting branch number. Several F₁ hybrids showed considerable positive heterosis, while F₂ populations displayed expanded phenotypic variability and moderate-to-high heritability, revealing stable transmission of favorable traits. High heritability and superior performance were particularly notable in cross combinations such as Yulduz × T-1391, Niso × T-1336, and Guliston × Niso. These hybrids, therefore, became recommendable as promising breeding material for improving yield components and earliness in medium-staple cotton. The study revealed positive overdominance for plant height in 10 hybrid combinations, while heritability ranged from 0.40 to 0.71 for plant height and from 0.53 to 0.87 for fruiting branches. The identification of significant variation and heterotic effects was successful across hybrid populations, indicating strong breeding potential.

Keywords: Cotton (G. hirsutum L.), F₁ and F₂ populations, plant height, fruiting branches, heterosis, inheritance, genetic variability

Key findings: The cotton (G. hirsutum L.) hybrids Niso × Yulduz, Niso × Guliston, Yulduz × T-1336, and Yulduz × T-1391 consistently showed superior performance for plant height and the number of fruiting branches. Therefore, these promising combinations can be a desirable source for improving yield and earliness in medium-staple cotton.treatment 6 mM L^-1 concentration notably enhanced the grain and oil yields and carbohydrates.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the most important crops, extensively cultivated in various countries worldwide. It plays a crucial role in the food sector, livestock farming, and the brewing industry, with its drought tolerance proving its cultivation in various climatic zones. The barley’s economic values reveal distinction in the versatility of its byproducts: uses of grains serve as feed and as a raw material in the food industry, while its straw has become a promising source of biomass and cellulose for energy and industrial needs. Barley yields in Kazakhstan and globally received considerable effects from the occurrence of various fungal diseases. Rust, Helminthosporium leaf spot, and Fusarium wilt cause significant reduction in crop quality and quantity, resulting in enormous economic losses. Therefore, the consequent study transpired on a typical spring barley plot in Southeastern Kazakhstan. Using a route-based phytosanitary survey, the study identified main types of fungal infections as well as assessed their further development based on prevalence and intensity. The data on the climatic conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation, garnered recordings throughout the growing season, allowing us to determine their impact on the development and progression of fungal diseases.

Keywords: Barley (H. vulgare L.), fungal diseases, monitoring, yield, epiphytotic, rust, yellow spot, dark brown spot, powdery mildew

Key findings: The determination of the phytopathological state of spring barley (H. vulgare L.) agrocenoses succeeded in the development of a multicomponent complex of the fungal pathogens. Analysis of the disease dynamics based on the phases of ontogenesis revealed the greater intensity of the pathological process mostly occurs during the plant booting and heading stages.

This study aimed to investigate the external force required to separate maize (Zea mays L.) kernels from the cobs core without inducing mechanical damage. Therefore, the experiment employed a triad system methodology, simultaneously considering the interactive relationship between the product and the threshing apparatus. The biometric parameters of 100 corn cobs, including mass, diameter, kernel count, and kernel weight, received analysis. For seed integrity, the physical property ‘test weight’ (natur) and kernel porosity reached evaluation. Macroscopic and microscopic damage categorization, as well as the force distribution during kernel detachment, upon evaluation, used both visual and instrumental methods. The experimental tests took place across varied disc rotation speeds (1–11 m/s) to determine the threshold detachment force (P_ext) under a dynamic impact. The study proposed a well-refined model integrating impact force, frictional resistance, and seed inertia to calculate the optimal kernel removal conditions. These results will serve to enhance threshing system designs and improve corn seed quality in postharvest processing.

Keywords: Maize (Z. mays L.), maize kernels, threshing apparatus, detachment force, threshing disc speed, mechanical damage, test weight, kernel porosity

Key findings: The results showed the test weight of maize (Z. mays L.) kernels was considerably dependent on the kernel’s size, shape, and moisture content. Increasing threshing speed enhanced the separation efficiency but raised the risks of mechanical seed damage. The theoretically determined separation force of 49–59 N plays a crucial role in preserving seed quality.

The evaluation of crucial factors affecting the maize (Zea mays L.) seed quality at macro- and micro-levels during threshing was the aim of this study. In maize cobs’ threshing machines, the kernel separation occurs through the moving elements under-drum structures, with the protrusion of the concave acting as the main factor attempting to separate the kernels from cobs. Within the disk and vertical cylindrical threshing chambers, the element separating the kernel from the cob core is both the teeth of the moving disk and the teeth located on the inner surface of the cylinder. It impacts the moving cob in the threshing chamber. In obtaining quality grains, the postharvest processing of corn cobs plays a decisive role. This essentially determines how well the said process can take place to get quality maize grains. The proper management of postharvest processing of seed corn and the correct selection, adjustment, and operating conditions of machines reduce losses. This ensures getting the quality seed material for sowing, improving selection, as well as enabling a considerable increase in the economic efficiency of production.

Keywords: Maize (Z. mays L.), cobs, maize kernels, threshing machines, quality seed, moisture, mass and size, correlation, seed germination, production

Key findings: Technological measures can reduce the damage to maize (Z. mays L.) kernels and preserve the quality of seed material. The reduction of internal cracks in the maize kernels succeeded in its determination by evaluating their germination rate. As a result, the highest germination rate (98%–100%) emerged for the seed material compared with the required level (92%–96%).

This study aimed to assess the variability of morphogenetic diagnostic indicators in irrigated gray-brown soils (Ganja-Gazakh sloping plain) and mountain-brown soils (Upland-Shirvan) cultivated with grapes and their effects on soil physical and agrochemical properties compared with uncultivated and winter wheat-cultivated soils. In gray-brown soils, the irrigated soil and grape production showed increased bulk density and structural compaction while reducing water-resistant aggregates. Under the 0–20 cm layer, bulk density rose from 1.12 g/cm³ (uncultivated soils) to 1.28 g/cm³ (irrigated vineyards). In mountain-brown soils, bulk density enhanced from 1.06 g/cm³ to 1.26 g/cm³ under grape cultivation. In all cases, the bulk density amplified with depth, being more pronounced in vineyard soils. However, the cultivated mountain-brown soils showed a higher humus and nitrogen content and improved aggregation than with soils under winter wheat. Although the fertility indicators were generally higher in vineyard soils, increased compaction and structural degradation heightened erosion risks, particularly under intense rainfall and irrigation. The results underscored the need for sustainable soil management in viticulture systems.

Keywords: Grape, morphogenetic, soil fertility parameter, gray-brown, mountain-brown, morphological features

Key findings: Long-term grape cultivation and irrigation have increased the bulk density and structural compaction in gray-brown and mountain-brown soils. The cultivated mountain-brown soils showed higher humus and nitrogen content and improved aggregation than winter wheat soils.