The genetic architecture of yield components and effective exploitation of a diverse gene pool are crucial to improve the productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The related study aimed to tap the genetic potential and heterotic effects by crossing eight diverse wheat lines, i.e., Gulzar 19, Shahkar 13, Wadan 17, Fatehjang 16, Fahim 19, Pirsabak 19, Khaista 17, and Pirsabak 15 with four testers, viz., Zincol 16, Akbar 19, PR 128, and Zinc Shakthi. This line-by-tester mating design took place in 2022–2023 at the Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI), Pirsabak-Nowshera, Pakistan. Analysis of variance showed significant (p≤0.01) differences among genotypes, parents, crosses, and line-by-tester populations for most traits. Based on the mean performance, the F₁ wheat hybrid Gulzar 19 × Zincol 16 had the highest tiller count, grain spike^-1, biological yield, and grain yield. The general combining ability (GCA) to specific combining ability (SCA) variance ratios and degree of dominance implied non-additive gene action, suggesting delayed selection in F₂ generations. Zincol 16 showed positive GCA for tillers, grains spike⁻¹, biological yield, and grain yield; Akbar 19 also had positive GCA for 1000-grain weight; and PR 128 remained a common parent in multiple heterotic hybrids. Gulzar 19 × Zincol 16 had the highest SCA and heterosis for grain yield, proving it as the most promising candidate for future breeding.

Keywords: Bread wheat (T. aestivum L.), F₁ hybrids, line-by-tester mating design, heterosis, yield components, mean performance

Key findings: This study assessed eight lines and four testers to evaluate mean performance, combining abilities, gene action, and heterotic potential of wheat (T. aestivum L.) hybrids targeting at high-yielding wheat cultivars. Four F₁ hybrids (Gulzar 19 × Zincol 16, Pirsabak 19 × PR 128, Fahim 19 × PR 128, and Pirsabak 15 × Zincol 16) showed distinction for their superior performance in multiple traits for enhancing yield.

The evaluation of six winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars and 15 F7 lines for drought tolerance cultivated under rainfed conditions comprised studies of their morphophysiological and biochemical traits. Determining the relative water content (RWC) of flag leaves, antioxidant activity, and the soluble proteins proceeded at the flowering, milk, and wax ripeness stages of ontogenesis. The F7 lines Yubiley 90, Erytrospermum 100, 21 FAWWON9/Gaudio, 29th SAWYT N395, 21 FAWWON 9/Gallio, and Gobustan/Gyrmyzy gul 1 showed the highest performance for studied indicators, resulting in a recommendation as promising genotypes for use in breeding programs. Thus, a comprehensive assessment of drought tolerance traits allows for increasing the effectiveness of breeding programs, developing cultivars tolerant to climate change, and managing biotechnological and genomic strategies to improve the genotypes’ drought tolerance.

Keywords: Wheat (T. aestivum L.), drought tolerance, rainfed conditions, productivity, antioxidant defense system

Key findings: The integrative evaluation of morphophysiological and biochemical traits enhanced the efficiency of breeding strategies aimed at developing climate-resilient wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivars.

Many types of viruses exist in nature that affect plum plants. This article will discuss the most important ones. In 2020, the plum pox virus (PPV) discovery, identification, and eradication succeeded in Uzbekistan. Moreover, these investigations have also provided powerful tools for detailed analysis of the evolutionary processes and spread dynamics of PPV. These also assessed biological identification via mechanical inoculation of indicator plants and molecular characterization using RT-PCR with strain-specific primers followed by agarose gel electrophoresis, partial coat protein gene sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. PPV reached biological identification upon mechanical inoculation of most test indicator plants, where symptoms of the virus appeared in ring mosaics on leaves of the family Chenopodiaceae members, such as Chenopodium quinoa. Molecular-genetic identification of the isolated PPV isolates confirmed they belonged to the D strain. However, the analysis of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the protein coat gene showed that isolates MT038048.1 (Uz1), MT038050.1 (Uz2), and MT038049.1 (Uz3) were different but closely related, derived from the same ancestor found on the closely related phylogenetic branches. Currently, this virus is absent from Uzbekistan; it has been eradicated using methods applied by the quarantine agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Keywords: Plum pox virus (PPV), isolates, RT-PCR, coat protein (CP) gene, primer design, Chenopodium quinoa, phylogenetic analysis

Key findings: Molecular characterization confirmed the PPV in studied samples of the apricot, sweet cherry, and plum cultivars and their hybrids in Uzbekistan.

This study induced phenotypic diversity in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using gamma rays, EMS (ethyl methane sulfonate), and their combined application to improve grain yield and end-use quality. Healthy seeds of three well-adapted cultivars received treatments with the mutagens and advanced through four generations with standard agronomic practices. The M₁ and M₂ generations exhibited reduced germination, stunted growth, and altered spike morphology, confirming the effectiveness of mutagenic treatments. Based on phenotypic evaluation, the selection of 30 promising mutant lines ensued in the M₃ generation for detailed characterization. Among these, mutant line SE4/12-1 exhibited the shortest plant height, SG2/12-26 had the highest numbers of tillers per plant, and SE5/12-7 showed the longest spike length. Mutant lines SG4/12-35 and SE2/12-29 appeared with the highest number of spikelets per spike, whereas SE5/12-15 produced the highest number of grains per head spike. SE5/12-13 recorded the maximum head spike yield. Considerable variation was also evident in grain quality traits, with grain hardness index, seed diameter, moisture content, and gluten content. The highest Zeleny sedimentation value (87.3 ml) resulted in the mutant line SG2/12-27, and the mutant line SE4/12-5 displayed the highest falling number (729 sec). Overall, the selected mutant lines provide valuable genetic resources for breeding high-yielding wheat varieties with improved grain and processing quality.

Keywords: Bread wheat (T. aestivum L.), gamma rays, ethyl methane sulfonate, ideotypes, grain texture, falling numbers, gluten content, Zeleny sedimentation value

Key findings: Gamma rays, EMS, and their combined treatments generated substantial phenotypic diversity for the development of new ideotypes in bread wheat (T. aestivum L.). Promising wheat lines showed desirable agronomic traits, and these useful genetic resources can be beneficial in developing high-yielding wheat cultivars with improved quality.

Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) is a culturally, ecologically, and economically significant species in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, including Sumbawa Island, Indonesia. Its wide morphological and pomological variability necessitates assessment of the genetic diversity for utilization and future conservation. The 13 jujube accessions (10 wild and three partially domesticated from West Sumbawa [SB], Sumbawa Regency [KS], and Dompu [DP]) underwent analysis for genetic diversity using 27 SSR markers. Genetic diversity revealed variations in allelic richness and polymorphism levels, and the DP population had the highest allelic richness, followed by SB and KS. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that KS accessions formed a genetically cohesive group, while DP accessions displayed more dispersion, with considerable intra-population variation and partial overlap with SB accessions. The SSR-based clustering divided the accessions into two major groups: cluster I (KS3L1, DP1L2, DP1L3, KS1L1, KS2L2, SB1L2, and SB2L1) and cluster II (SB2L2, DP2L1, SB1LI, DP2L2, DP3L1, and SB2L3), consistent with PCA results. The results confirmed distinct genotypic profiles among ecotypes and the effectiveness of SSR markers in capturing the population structure of Z. mauritiana across Sumbawa Island. The two distinct genotype groups reflect complex local adaptation and domestication processes, and SB accessions showed intermediate genetic signals likely influenced by ecological overlap and historical exchange of planting materials.

Keywords: Jujube (Z. mauritiana), genetic diversity, SSR polymorphism, UPGMA clustering, principal component analysis (PCA), ecotype, domestication

Key findings: The SSR markers considerably revealed genetic diversity and structure among the jujube (Z. mauritiana) accessions from Sumbawa Island, identifying two distinct genotypic clusters. It indicates the presence of at least two distinct genotypes, reflecting complex patterns of domestication and local adaptation within the island’s populations.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production is vital to Indonesia and plays a key role as a staple food; however, its sustainable production faces threats from climate change. Genetic variability is crucial for developing environment-resilient rice cultivars. The following research aimed to evaluate six advanced F7 populations in comparison with three check cultivars using SSR primers. The experiment layout was in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed SSR markers showed higher genetic similarity than morphological traits, and leaf length and flag leaf length contributed most to variability. The SSR primer CMCT505 showed the highest polymorphism, with a PIC value of 0.6. The correlation between morphological traits and SSR markers provided a matrix correlation of 0.41483, Z = 22.3636, and P = 0.9883, suggesting a nonsignificant positive correlation. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 87.56% of the total genetic variability, and leaf length and flag leaf length contributed considerably. Yield evaluation further revealed that F7 4-21-11-23-3-2 attained the maximum yield (13.51 t ha⁻¹), exceeding all three check cultivars. The correlation between SSR markers and morphological traits revealed a moderate relationship, indicating that one of the markers was better at explaining genetic variability.

Keywords: Rice (O. sativa L.), genetic variability, morphological traits, yield components, SSR markers

Key findings: In studying rice (O. sativa L.) advanced populations in comparison with three check cultivars using SSR primers, PCA explained 87.56% of the total genetic variability, and the traits of leaf length and flag leaf length contributed significantly. The SSR primer CMCT505 appeared to be the most informative with a PIC value of 0.6. Among the advanced populations, F7 4-21-11-23-3-2 produced the highest grain yield (13.51 t ha⁻¹), confirming its breeding value.

The DxP iCalix oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a hybrid cultivar obtained through the crossing of cultivars Dura Banting from Malaysia and Pisifera AVROS from Africa. The provided study aimed to determine the similarity between the iCalix oil palm plantations made in the community-managed and company plantations through randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and trnL-trnL-trnF intergenic spacer (IGS) methods. The five replicates of young oil palm leaf samples came from plantations made in the community-managed (10 individuals of iCalix) and company plantations (three iCalix from block I [ICM1 and ICM2] and one from block II [ICMA10]) and two Dura Banting cultivars as female parents (D1 and D3). Then, using standard protocols, proceeded for DNA extraction, electrophoresis, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), sequencing, and data analysis. The trnL-trnL-trnF IGS sequences of IC9, ICM1, and D3 were 916 bp in size and found to be 100% similar. The BLASTn analysis showed those sequences had the highest (99.24%) similarity with E. guineensis. The RAPD analysis revealed that iCalix in the community-managed plantation formed a group with ICMA10 planted in block II of the company plantations at the similarity value of 72.8%. The said group was also similar to the female parent based on the trnL-trnL-trnF IGS.

Keywords: DxP iCalix oil palm, oil palm (E. guineensis), Dura Banting, community-managed and company plantations, DNA barcode, RAPD, trnL-trnL-trnF intergenic spacer, similarity

Key findings: The integration of DNA barcoding and RAPD analysis ensured a comprehensive seed quality control system in oil palm (E. guineensis). The RAPD marker has determined the similarity of crossbred offspring to their parents. The use of the trnL-trnL-trnF IGS sequence enriched the iCalix oil palm genetic information in public databases like GenBank.

Overall, the proportion of soils with a stable humus status declined from 57% (2016) to 22% (2022), emphasizing widespread soil organic matter degradation in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The following study aimed to evaluate the humus balance of arable soils and substantiate approaches for restoring soil fertility. Humus balance calculations for 2022–2024 were according to yield statistics, the normative coefficient of organic matter removal, and the humification coefficient of crop residues. The results showed a consistently negative humus balance across major crops, ranging from –0.6 to –1.4 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. The greater losses emerged under row crops, vegetables, and cotton, while maize, rice, and perennial grasses exhibited lower depletion rates. The results highlighted the urgent need for organic matter replenishment through crop residue retention, organic fertilization, green manures, and soil-conserving technologies.

Keywords: Humus balance, soil organic matter, soil fertility, sustainable agriculture, Kazakhstan

Key findings: In Kazakhstan’s agriculture, the negative humus balance was evident under most primary crops, except for perennial grasses, which ranged from –0.6 to –1.2 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. The greater humus losses occurred under row and vegetable crops, reaching –1.4 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, whereas under maize and rice crops, the lowest recorded loss was –0.6 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹.

The conducted research studied the soil samples from a depth of 0–90 cm from vineyards and determined the soil characteristics and the corresponding classification of soil quality located in the territories of Shamakhi and Ismailli Districts, Mountainous Shirvan Region, Azerbaijan. The results revealed the soil quality index (SQI) varied with a range of 0.52–0.88. According to the SQI values, 62 out of 100 soil samples received a very suitable classification, with 25 as suitable, 11 as partially suitable, and two as unsuitable classifications. The SQI values of the analyzed samples had a significant positive correlation with the soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and boron (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Mo, and B, respectively). Meanwhile, other values enunciated significant negative correlation with the soil pH, chloride (Cl), sulfate (SO₄), and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). The results further showed the majority of soil samples at a depth of 0 cm had a fine-grained structure. At a depth of 20 cm, it was sandy-clayey; at the depth of 40–80 cm, it was fine-grained; and at the depth of 90 cm, it was sandy-clayey.

Keywords: Viticulture, soil analysis, soil composition, soil elements, soil quality index, Mountainous Shirvan

Key findings: Considering that the territory of the Upper Shirvan Region experienced soil erosion, it received proposals to apply protective tillage methods to improve the soil quality in the existing vineyards. Similarly, recommendations to apply green manure, manure, and compost manure will improve the physical structure of the soil and enhance the soil organic matter.

The effect of various combinations and dosages of nutrients on agrobiological and quality traits of technical grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars grown in the Garabagh region was the main focus determined by this research, being a viable viticulture of Azerbaijan. The local grape cultivar Khindogni and the introduced grape cultivars, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, were the selected objects of the study. Experiments comprising different fertilizer applications proceeded in four variants. In the experimental four variants, obtaining positive results was successful on various traits of the studied grape cultivars. For three grape cultivars, the following combinations and pattern of fertilizers proved to be most optimal for quality, yield, and economic efficiency. For the cultivar Khindogni, these were N₁₂₀P₁₂₀K₁₂₀ (under the roots) + 2.5 kg/ha NPK 20:20:20 (on the leaves) and 8.5 kg/bush; for the cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon, data were N₁₂₀P₁₂₀K₁₂₀ (under the roots) + 2.5 kg/ha NPK 20:20:20 (on the leaves) and 7.7 kg/bush; and for the cultivar Pinot Noir, these were N₁₅₀P₁₅₀K₁₅₀ (under the roots) + 3.0 kg/ha NPK 20:20:20 (on the leaves) and 7.6 kg/bush.

Keywords: Grape (V. vinifera L.), cultivars, fertilizer combinations, productivity, quality, nutrition

Key findings: The successful determination of optimal fertilization methods for quality, yield, and economic efficiency of the technical grape (V. vinifera L.) cultivars Khindogni, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir resulted in the Garabagh Region of Azerbaijan.