The material for this research resulted from the authors’ work during 2018–2020 at the Charyn Nature Park in different floodplain reservoirs of the Charyn and Temirlik Rivers, Almaty region, Kazakhstan. Their study of the fauna and ecology of Hemiptera followed the methods of route surveys and stationary observations. The simplest way to collect is to catch aquatic Hemiptera using aquatic entomological nets and account for potential water bugs. Corixidae has 21 species, while other families have one or two species. Their density comprised Gerridae (8–10), Corixidae (16–20), Naucoridae (3–5), Notonecta (8–9), and Ranatra (3–5) specimens/m², respectively. The mass species found included Ilyocoris cimicoides, Noton ecta glauca, Nepa cinerea, and Gerris costae. During the autumn survey, an observation revealed that the previously studied reservoirs have decreased in size, and some have even dried up. In the coastal part of the reservoirs, water scorpions (Nepa cinerea) were crawling along the bottom of the pool. Water backswimmers (Notonectidae) and toad bugs (Naucoridae) moved to deeper pond areas. Representatives of the Corixidae family were zoophytophages (21 species), with the remaining species being zoophages (12 species). Under the Charyn Nature Park conditions, most species were mono or univoltine (21 species), bivoltine (five species), and poly or multivoltine (seven species). The fauna of the Charyn State National Nature Park (SNNP) has the main characteristic of species of Hemiptera with Western Asia (40%), Trans-Palearctic (21%), Western Palearctic (18%), and Trans-Eurasian (12%) ranges. All the recognized species have a wide selection of hunting objects, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, including regulating the numbers of blood-sucking mosquito larvae (Culicidae).

Keywords: aquatic hemiptera, fauna, ecology, Charyn Nature Park, Charyn and Temirlik Rivers

Key findings: The prime purpose of the research was to identify the species composition of the aquatic hemiptera at the Charyn State National Natural Park, Kazakhstan, where no systematic exceptional study of the fauna of the aquatic hemiptera occurred before. However, two research articles have come out on aquatic hemiptera. Said insects, by species diversity and environmental appearance, are one of the groups most suitable for use in various environmental studies because of their best adaptation to different ecological conditions.

The 7S globulins (seed storage glycoprotein) isolated from soybean and chickpea seeds have the antifungal potential against the pathogenic fungus (Botrytis cinerea) causing gray mold in grapes assessing table grapes in vitro or postharvest by comparing with synthetic fungicide, Switch 62.5 WG. Conventional microbiological procedures estimated the in-vitro antifungal potential of the 7S globulins, such as linear growth curves and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Soybean-7S significantly inhibited the in-vitro growth of Botrytis cinerea by about 64.44%, 66.64%, and 76.67% when applied at 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL, respectively, followed by chickpea 7S with growth reduction of 52.22%, 54.44%, and 66.67%, respectively. The synthetic fungicide (Switch 62.5 WG) induced higher growth inhibition extents (83.33% and 86.66%) when applied at 50 and 200 μg/mL, respectively. The 7S-exposed B. cinerea displayed swollen hyphae compared with the control under scanning electron microscope examination. The 7S derived from soybean and chickpea inhibited gray mold development in table grapes when applied at 200 and 400 μg/mL for 30 days after infection with B. cinerea. The maintained disease severity was also minimal (40% and 25% for soybean-7S and chickpea-7S, respectively). An increased level of treatment (400 μg/mL) highly reduced the disease severity to only 7.5% after 30 days of storage at cold conditions for both proteins. The 7S globulin from legume seeds can be an alternative to synthetic fungicides for controlling B. cinerea as a postharvest treatment. Developing these legume proteins as natural fungicides could also progress for the safe control of various plant pathogens, causing drastic crop losses.

Keywords: Grape (Vitis vinifera L.), gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), 7S globulin, postharvest, linear growth curves, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

Key findings: Soybean-7S significantly inhibited the in vitro growth of Botrytis cinerea by about 64.44%, 66.64%, and 76.67% when applied at 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL, respectively, compared with 52.22%, 54.44%, and 66.67% growth reduction by chickpea-7S, respectively. The synthetic fungicide (Switch 62.5 WG) induced higher growth inhibition, amounting to 83.33% and 86.66% with 50 and 200 μg/mL, respectively. The 7S-exposed B. cinerea displayed swollen hyphae compared with the control under scanning electron microscope examination.

Intensive farming has adversely affected soil fertility and ecosystems due to excessive chemicalization in the Kazakhstan Republic. The soil lacks organic matter, leading to declining fertility. Biologization has emerged to address this issue as a solution to improve soil fertility and enhance the growth and development of crop plants. This study aimed to determine the impact of organic fertilizers on the composition of soil microflora and biometric values in cultivating stone and pome fruits. The use of microbiological methods analyzed soil microflora and physiological bacterial groups. The research’s novelty lies in developing a technology that utilizes organic fertilizers and biological products to improve the activities of soil microorganisms and plant roots’ nutrition. Organic fertilizers ‘Bio juice Energy Plus’ and ‘Agroflorin’ positively influenced beneficial bacteria and fungi and significantly contributed to soil enrichment. Organic fertilizers and biological products support soil biological processes and replenish the nutrients, promoting sustainable agricultural productivity and reducing chemical dependency. The current study emphasizes the potential of organic fertilizers and natural products in enhancing soil fertility and supporting plant growth in Kazakhstan. Biologization also offers an eco-friendly approach to agricultural practices, ensuring agronomic productivity and the long-term good health of soils.

Keywords: Organic fertilizers, biological products, chemicalization, biologization, soil microorganisms, soil fertility, plant growth and development, stone and pome fruits

Key findings: The applied organic fertilizers, i.e., Agroflorin, Alkaral, and Bio juice Energy Plus, have proven efficient in improving the qualitative and quantitative composition of microbial association of soils under fruit crops. Research revealed that organic fertilizers boost the beneficial microorganisms and positively influence most physiological indicators in the apple tree culture compared with the control version. With positive results, the D-4 variant using organic fertilizer ‘Bio juice Energy Plus’ led and performed better.

In the conditions of Khoronk settlement of Armavir marz, Armenia, Helicoverpa armigera (syn. Chloridea armigera Hübner) and Spodoptera exigua (syn. Caradrina exigua Hübner) are the chief pests damaging the pepper plants in their larval stage. In crop season 2022, experiments on these pests in pepper fields tested the insecticides that mainly control the insects. The insecticides tested against Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera exigua included Eforia, Belt, Decis F-Lux, and Spintor. The Arrivo served as standard, and the experiment also had a control. As a result of the conducted research, the insecticides Belt, Decis F-Lux, and Eforia showed the highest biological and economic efficiency in controlling Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera exigua. The study also ran a biochemical analysis of the pepper harvest to know the effects of the applied insecticides on the peppers’ quality indicators.

Keywords: Pepper, Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera exigua, insecticides, biological and economic efficiency, qualitative indicators

Key findings: In the Khoronk settlement of Armavir region, Armenia, the Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera exigua are the chief pests of peppers, against which the insecticides Eforia, Belt, Decis F-Lux, and Spintor ran tests in the field experiments. Results revealed that insecticides Belt, Decis F-Lux, and Eforia showed the highest biological and economic efficiency in controlling these two crucial insects.

Determining the effects of the refugia plant on the whitefly population and the production of several cultivars of red chili (Capsicum annuum L.) was the focus of research conducted from March to June 2019 in the experimental garden, Faculty of Agriculture, Teuku Umar University, Meulaboh, West Aceh Regency, Indonesia. The genetic materials consisted of three chili genotypes, i.e., cultivar TM-999 and two hybrid cultivars, Lado F₁ and Lidia F₁. The experiment in a 3 × 2 split plot design had three replications. The factor studied was the presence of a whitefly. The Refugia (R) plants, used as main plots, included R0 = Control, R1 = Zinnia, and R2 = Kenikir. Red chili genotypes comprised the sub-plots, i.e., V1 = TM-999, V2 = Lado F₁, and V3 = Lidia F₁. The studied variables were the whitefly population determination, the percentage of attack rate, and the chili production per plot. The results showed that Refugia plants greatly affected the whitefly population, portion of pest attack rates, and chili production per plot. Specifically, the refugia plant highly affected the whitefly population (Refugia kenikir 1.41% compared with control 11.89%), the percentage rate of pest attack (Refugia kenikir 44.44% compared with 100% of check), and production per plot (kenikir 23.59 g compared with the control’s 23.07 g). Refugia plants are influential in reducing whitefly development/production.

Keywords: red chili (Capsicum annuum L.), chili production, Refugia plants, whitefly population

Key findings: Refugia developed a microhabitat that expects to contribute to efforts to conserve natural enemies. Refugia plants can be effective pest traps, especially whiteflies on red chili plants, because, in addition to providing temporary shelter for natural enemies of pests, refugia also benefits from biotic ecosystem interactions.

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is the most harmful postharvest disease responsible for the degradation of strawberries. The presented study targeted the preparation of 7S globulin from pea seeds to serve as an antifungal agent against B. cinerea in vitro and on the post-harvest strawberry to extend the fruits’ shelf life. The 7S globulin isolation from pea seeds and characterization employed various methods, such as SDS-PAGE, FTIR, and pH solubility curve. The molecular technique also helped confirm the identity of the causative microorganism of the gray mold disease in strawberries. Utilizing rRNA gene sequencing identified a fungal pathogen that causes gray mold as B. cinerea. The 7S globulin showed three protein bands corresponding to α/ (83 KDa), α (68 KDa), and β (60 KDa) subunits. The isoelectric point was notable at pH 5.8. The essential and non-essential amino acids occurred around 24.92% and 54.04%, respectively. The 7S globulin inhibited the mycelial growth of B. cinerea in a concentration-dependent manner. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) of B. cinerea subjected to 7S globulin showed swelling of both the fungal hyphae and conidia, significantly affected by the pea 7S-globulin treatment, entirely destabilizing and deforming their shape at 0.4 g/L. The 7S-globulin exposure maintained the fruit quality and stopped the strawberry’s natural deterioration. Results further authenticated that 7S globulin (isolated from pea seeds) revealed effective antifungal action against B. cinerea mycelial development via a membrane-targeted mechanism. The 7S globulin affects hyphal morphology, compromises plasma membrane integrity, and prevents post-harvest gray mold on strawberry fruits.

Keywords: Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.), Botrytis cinerea, gray mold disease, pea 7S globulin, antifungal activities, in vitro, strawberry degradation

Key findings: The pea 7S globulin inhibited the mycelial growth of B. cinerea in a concentration-dependent manner. The SEM of B. cinerea subjected to 7S globulin showed the swelling of both the fungal hyphae and conidia attaining significant effects from the pea 7S-globulin treatment, entirely destabilizing and deforming their shape at 0.4 g/L. The 7S-globulin exposure maintained fruit quality and stopped the strawberry’s natural deterioration.

A comparative assessment of 14 pearl millet genotypes transpired for growth and yield traits under arid conditions of Southeast Kazakhstan. In this study, the green and dry plant biomass and grain yield of 14 pearl millet genotypes’ assessment ensued under rainfed conditions in Southeast Kazakhstan. For green biomass yield, the three pearl millet genotypes Bair Bajsa, HHVBC tall, and J-6 performed better and were high yielders ranging from 39.07 to 39.94 t/ha. The accumulation of dry biomass (as hay) was different and varied widely from 3.17 to 17.36 t/ha; however, the maximum dry biomass appeared in the genotype HHVBC tall. Genotype HHVBC tall was leading for green and dry plant biomass formation and has the potential for grain yield under rainfed conditions of Southeast Kazakhstan. Drought always negatively impacted the production of fodder and grains; however, genotype HHVBC tall assures a stable plant biomass and seed production under arid conditions. In dry Southeast Kazakhstan, pearl millet, a drought-resistant crop, is a highly productive, valuable fodder and grain crop based on quality yields of biomass and grains. Subject to the cultivation technology and according to weather conditions, on average, the pearl millet genotypes form a green mass biomass yield of 40 t/ha and grain yield of 2.2 t/ha under rainfed conditions of Southeast Kazakhstan. For cultivation in the Republic, it is necessary to expand pearl millet as an annual crop, most adapted to extreme agroecological conditions.

Keywords: Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), drought conditions, plant height, green and dry biomass, grain yield, Southeast Kazakhstan

Key findings: Pearl millet genotype HHVBC tall has a high potential for forming plant green and dry biomass but also showed a superior potential for grain yield under rainfed conditions of Southeast Kazakhstan. As most adapted to extreme agroecological conditions of the Republic, a need to recommend expanding the cultivation of pearl millet is a must.

Wheat breeders focus on enhancing the production potential of bread wheat by creating new varieties with acceptable genetic makeup to combat the pressure of rising human population consumption. Research to resolve this issue transpired during the Rabi of November 2021– April 2022 at the Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India. Developing the field trial used an augmented block design, 45 F₄ segregating population genotypes, and five checks. Data on characteristics, such as days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of productive tillers, plant height, ear length, and weight, number of spikelets ear^-1 and grains ear^-1, 1000 grain weight, grain yield plant^-1, biological yield, harvest index, and chlorophyll index underwent assessment. Highly significant variations between the genotypes for all the traits had the analysis of variance determining these, except 1000 grain weight and chlorophyll index in the treatment test and the test versus check. In this study, the harvest index, biological yield plant^-1, and grain yield plant^-1 are all higher for the phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variances (PCV, GCV). The genetic advancement and heritability are highest for days to maturity, ear weight, number of grains ear^-1, biological yield plant^-1, grain yield plant^-1, and harvest index. Studies on the relationships between various traits divulged that the number of productive tillers and harvest index had a positive, strong link and a direct effect with grain yield plant^-1. These findings support the application of genetic modification to increase seed yield in bread wheat.

Keywords: wheat, genetic variability, genotypic coefficient of variance, phenotypic coefficient of variance, heritability, correlation and path analysis

Key findings: The results from the study stated that the number of productive tillers and harvest index manifested a positive correlation and a direct effect on grain yield plant^-1, indicating that further improvement of these traits may indirectly lead to an overall improvement of the crop yield in future breeding programs.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a vital grain crop cultivated globally, which ranks third after wheat and rice. Its consumption in Egypt is primarily for human food, livestock and poultry feed, and raw materials for industrial products, such as, oil and starch. The main environmental factors that limit crop productivity worldwide include salinity, drought, and nutrient imbalance. Plant Growth regulators (PGR), such as, gibberellic acid (GA3) and mepiquat chloride (M.C), reduce the dramatic impacts of salinity and drought on crop growth and yield. This experiment sought to verify the influence of foliar spray application of GA3 and M.C as growth regulators on the growth metrics, chemical components, and maize harvest cultivated in calcareous soil under salinity during the summer of 2021 and 2022, respectively. The following treatments comprised foliar applications of 50 ppm GA3, 100 ppm GA3, 100 ppm M.C, and 250 ppm M.C, applied three times every season. It is clear from the results that foliar application of gibberellic (GA3) and mepiquat chloride (M.C) enhanced growth metrics, biochemical parameters, nutritional content, yield and its components, and oil percentage. After treatment with 100 ppm GA3 and 250 ppm M.C foliar spray, the yield and its constituents and oil percentage achieved the highest shares, with substantial differences between the two treatments. Compared with the control, treatments with 100 ppm GA3 and 250 ppm M.C increased grain yield by 33% and 29.9%, respectively. The study concluded that the most effective therapy for improving maize growth, development, and output under salt stress was 100 ppm GA3 and 250 ppm M.C foliar application during the growth stages. Administering GA3 and M.C mitigated successfully the damage caused by salt stress. Under salinity, gibberellic acid and mepiquat chloride addition increased the growth of maize, chlorophyll content, soluble protein, proline, and the concentration of K⁺ ions while decreasing the oxidative stress and the accumulation of Na⁺ ions.

Keywords: maize, gibberellic acid (GA3), mepiquat chloride (M.C), salinity, biochemical parameters, yield, and oil content

Key findings: Administration of GA3 and M.C mitigated successfully the damage caused by salt stress. Under salinity stress, gibberellic acid (100 ppm) and mepiquat chloride (250 ppm) addition increased maize growth, chlorophyll content, soluble proteins, proline, and the concentration of K⁺ ions while decreasing the oxidative stress and the accumulation of Na⁺ ions.

The scarcity of nutrients and synthetic fertilizers reduced crop productivity, increasing production costs and prompting scientists to seek new technologies to ensure high-quality output. In this context, using cytokinins with organic fertilizers ensued to assess their effects on caigua (Cyclanthera pedata L.) production. For this purpose, land preparation for planting comprised two levels of cytokinins (100 and 150 ml, Anthesis Plus per 200 L of water) and organic compost at 10 t/ha, then spread across the land. Results showed that adding cytokinins and compost manure, alone and in combination, significantly improved the agronomic and physiological characteristics of caigua. However, the combined application of compost manure and cytokinins dramatically enriched the caigua plant length, diameter, fruits per plant, and fruit dry and fresh weight per plant up to 85.0%, 46.9%, 81.8%, 80.6%, and 83.2%, respectively, in comparison with the control treatment. Similarly, chlorophyll contents, quantum yield, photosynthetically active radiation, fluorescence yield, and electron transport reaction increased at 68.8%, 66.4%, 79.2%, 51.1%, and 74.0%, respectively, with combined application as compared with control. Furthermore, the co-addition of composting and cytokinins also upgraded the biochemical composition versus the control. The presented results suggested that applying a mixture of compost manure and cytokinins may help enhance caigua plant growth, yield, and quality and improve soil characteristics.

Keywords: Caigua (Cyclanthera pedata L.), mineral fertilizers, composting, cytokinins, less production

Key findings: Results suggested that adding composting with cytokinins solely or in combination improved the agronomic and physiological parameters of caigua (Cyclanthera pedata L.) compared with the control. The combined application of composting and cytokinins could also improve the biochemical composition more than the control treatment.