The following study aimed to conduct an integrative scientometric and systematic review of seaweed-derived biostimulants and their vital role in sustainable agriculture, analyzing numerous publications (2000–2025) and the findings of 25 experimental studies. The Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases, keyword co-occurrence, thematic, and factorial analyses were approaches used to explore the global research trends, the important species, and agronomic impacts. Ascophyllum nodosum, Ecklonia maxima, and Gracilaria emerged as dominant species with consistent positive effects on crop performance, including crop growth and development, nutrient uptake, chlorophyll content, stress tolerance, and antioxidant activities. Leading journals and institutions, particularly those in China and India, drive innovation in this field. Field studies also confirmed dose-dependent efficacy, with foliar applications (0.1%–0.5%) and soil drenches (0.5–2 g/L) improving crop yields under abiotic stress conditions. Despite these benefits, gaps remain in extract standardization, molecular mechanisms, and large-scale application. This study underscores the need for interdisciplinary approaches to translate marine biostimulant research into scalable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Keywords: Biostimulant, productivity, review analysis, seaweed, sustainable agriculture

Key findings: This review highlighted the Ascophyllum nodosum (brown alga) as the most studied seaweed species for boosting plant growth and development and stress tolerance through foliar and soil applications, despite challenges in standardization and scalability.

The potential study aimed to examine the influence of microorganisms, phytomass (green plants), and invertebrates on the agrophysical, agrochemical, and biological properties of mountain-forest brown soils. Mountain-forest dark brown soils develop in moderately warm and humid climate conditions. These soils have characteristics of air temperature from 6.0 °C to 11.9 °C), a large amount of precipitation (570–950 mm), low evaporation, and a high moisture coefficient (MC = 1.0–1.5). Mountain-forest dark brown soils remain confined to the lower belt of dry forests and shrubs. The total content and reserves of humus, total nitrogen, the composition, exchange cations, acidity, and temperature-humidity indicators entailed a comparative determination. Graphical analysis established the relationships between phytomass, the amount of microorganisms, and humus content. Likewise, the analysis identified the association between the total humus content and the absorption capacity of these soils, which limit the values of hydrothermal indicators of the soil biological activity. The results further revealed that in mountain-forest dark brown soils, the amount of microorganisms was greater than in mountain-forest brown soils, despite the phytomass reserves formation in the latter being 1.5–2.1 times more.

Keywords: Vegetation, microorganisms, agrochemical content, acidity, soil mesofauna, phytomass, bio-ecological indicators

Key findings: This study determined the effect of microorganisms, phytomass, and invertebrates on the agrophysical, agrochemical, and biological properties of mountain-forest brown soils. Sorption interactions, formed between the absorption capacity (cations and clay minerals) and soil humus, resulted in the formation of clay-humus complexes.

Forage crops’ shortage has risen due to increased population in Azerbaijan. Brassica napus L. as a forage crop provides the opportunity to obtain oil, seeds, and dry biomass as feed for livestock in winter. Increased soil load and anthropogenic variations considerably affect the state of modern soil cover in the Greater Caucasus, Azerbaijan. Therefore, the study on gray-brown soils under rapeseed vegetation as a forage crop is crucially necessary. The timely study comprising the effects of various factors on the physicochemical parameters of extrusion products made it possible to determine the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of rapeseed oil. The standard deviations for the rapeseed with three sowing dates and density scenarios were 6%–23% and 17%–22%, respectively. The simulated biomass and grain yield of rapeseed with different sowing dates (standard deviation: 0.9–1.9 t ha⁻¹, Pe: 0%–35.3%) were notably generally better than those for different densities (standard deviation: 0.8–2.7 t ha⁻¹, Pe: 6.5%–90%).

Keywords: Gray-brown soils, soil section, forage crops, vegetation, harvest, green and dry biomass, seed yield, oil content

Key findings: This study examines the effect of rapeseed (B. napus L.) on the agrophysical, agrochemical, and biological properties of dark gray-brown soils. In addition to post-cut, stubble, and root residues, the predecessor itself, alfalfa, had a good effect on increasing fertility. The highest seed yield with a significant increase in biochemical components was a formation from rapeseed.

The expanding global population has surged from 500 million in the mid-18th century to 7.8 billion today, with projections indicating sustainability for 10 billion individuals. Hence, optimization of water and land resources is imperative to feed the growing population. This article examines the Mil and Karabakh Plains, an important agricultural region in the Kura-Araz Plain of Azerbaijan. Historically, the said area relied on natural resources like rivers and aquifers for irrigation until the construction of the Orjonikidze Canal in 1933. Subsequent initiatives, including the Old Khangizi and New Khangizi canals, also enhanced the irrigation capacity. Soil reclamation projects between 1971 and 1985 aimed to maximize the utilization of arable lands, as challenges, i.e., water scarcity, persisted. The introduction of the Main Mil Canal in 1976 and the New Khangizi Canal in 1985 bolstered water access. However, incomplete drainage systems considerably affect the hydrogeological conditions. Despite setbacks in the Mil Plain, the evolution of irrigation systems underscores the ongoing efforts of sustainably managing the water and land resources for better productivity.

Keywords: Water resources, canals, drainage, mechanical irrigation, kahriz, canal construction, drain construction, ground water

Key findings: The Mil and Karabakh Plains have seen considerable overgrazing, leading to soil degradation and vegetation loss. Overgrazing can also cause soil erosion and reduce the area’s crop productivity. The over-extraction has resulted in loss from agricultural runoff, and climate variability has contributed to water shortage in certain areas, affecting the ecosystem and crop production.

Uzbekistan’s local market presently sells mainly imported vegetable oil. However, the oil network has huge production capacity in covering a massive demand in Uzbekistan. The implementation of comprehensive measures progresses to develop the oil industry to increase production volumes and enhance finished products to meet population needs. Field experiments on amaranth’s (Amaranthus viridis L.) three cultivars (Gultojixo’roz “IKBA-TDAU 1”, and Giant) under typical gray soils of Uzbekistan showed that earlier sowing (April 10) with both planting schemes (70 cm × 15 cm and 70 cm × 25 cm) ensured better growth, phenological traits, and yield-related traits than late sowing (April 20). In the first planting period, grain yield exceeded the control by 0.16–0.4 t/ha, and 1000-grain weight was also higher. Amaranth seeds appeared to contain valuable bioactive compounds, including squalene, tocotrienols, omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins. The oil content ranged from 9.5% to 12.6%, depending on the amaranth cultivar, and the cultivars Gultojixo’roz “IKBA-TDAU 1” and Giant showed the highest oil content. The results highlighted amaranth’s potential as a source of oil, proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins for use in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Keywords: Amaranth (A. viridis L.), cultivars, planting period, planting scheme, yield-related traits, oil content, bioactive compounds, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins

Key findings: Amaranth (A. viridis L.) with early sowing and planting schemes (70 cm × 15 cm and 70 cm × 25 cm) showed enhanced growth, phenology, and grain yield compared with late sowing. Amaranth seeds contained 9.5%–12.6% oil along with bioactive compounds. Cultivars Gultojixo’roz “IKBA-TDAU 1”, and Giant demonstrated superior grain yield and seed oil contents.

This study sought to design and validate biologically and eco-friendly methods for safeguarding soybean (Glycine max L.) and other bean crops against harmful pests, contributing to sustainable agriculture. In the context of the strategic goals of Kazakhstan’s agricultural modernization, this research emphasizes the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies prioritizing biologically and environmentally safe approaches. Field observations proceeded between 2018 and 2021 and identified 55 families and 11 orders of soybean pests and 27 families and eight orders of bean pests. The latter included polyphagous and specialized species, such as Tetranychus urticae and Acanthoscelides obtectus. The study also evaluated the bioefficacy of various biological and chemical pesticides, particularly Actarophyte, Vertimek, and Actellic, in reducing pest populations and preserving the crop yield. The combined application of biopreparations showed higher pest suppression and economic efficiency than the conventionally used single-pesticide application methods. The results revealed timely application, especially at the budding and flowering phases, significantly reduced pest damage, including latent injury by bean weevils, during the storage. This research supports the transition toward sustainable agricultural practices by demonstrating the effectiveness of biopesticides and integrated crop protection measures tailored to local agroecological conditions.

Keywords: Soybean (G. max L.), other bean crops, main pests, pests control, protective measures, integrated pest management, biologically and environmentally safe approaches

Key findings: The study identified a diverse range of harmful pests (spider mites, pea aphids, and bean weevils) affecting soybean (G. max L.) and other bean crops in Southeastern Kazakhstan, causing severe damage. By using biological preparations, such as Actarophyte and Bitoxibacillin in an integrated system, we demonstrated high bioefficacy in controlling key pests and improving crop yield.

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) has great potential as food, feed, and feedstock in the biofuel industries. Currently, its applications are still few, but research on foxtail millet as a feedstock is growing. Feedstock with high-cellulose and low-lignin content is desirable for feed digestion and biofuel production. The following study aimed at characterizing phenotypic variations related to feedstock utilization in eight Indonesian foxtail millet genotypes and identifying superior genotypes for feed or biofuel feedstock development. The experiment was in a randomized complete block design arrangement with genotypes as a single factor and three replications. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) percentage, cellulose content, lignin content, leaf number, and plant height emerged as key traits for selecting superior foxtail millet for feedstock. These traits showed high broad-sense heritability and moderate to high genotypic and phenotypic variation, indicating strong genetic control. Cellulose content displayed a significant correlation (p < 0.001) with lignin content, plant height, leaf number, tiller number, and heading time. These associations support their use in multi-trait selection. Heatmap clustering and PCA revealed substantial genotypic variability, enabling effective selection based on feedstock quality traits. Hambapraing, Mauliru2, and ICERI7 appeared as promising genotypes for further hybridization programs, contributing desirable traits for feedstock development.

Keywords: Biofuel, cellulose, genotypes, genotypic variability, feed, lignin, selection criteria

Key findings: Among eight Indonesian foxtail millet (S. italica L.) genotypes, Hambapraing, Mauliru2, and ICERI7 emerged as promising parental genotypes, offering favorable attributes for incorporating into breeding programs to improve the feedstock quality.

Chemical mutagenesis is an important approach in rice (Oryza sativa L.) improvement, as it can develop novel genetic variation for breeding programs. Sodium azide (SA) is one of the most effective chemical mutagens used in cereals; however, information on the sensitivity of Indonesian salt-tolerant rice cultivars to SA remains limited. This study aimed to determine the LD₅₀ values of SA in two salt-tolerant cultivars (Biosalin-1-Agritan and Biosalin-2-Agritan) and one high-yielding cultivar (Inpari 32 HDB). Three rice cultivars sustained exposure to varying SA doses, examining their germination traits, seedling vigor, and their survival responses through median lethal doses (LD₅₀) values. The results revealed distinct genotype-dependent responses. The rice cultivars Biosalin-1-Agritan and Biosalin-2-Agritan emerged with LD₅₀ values of 8.30 and 9.20 mM, respectively, indicating moderate sensitivity to SA. In contrast, cultivar Inpari 32 HDB demonstrated the highest tolerance with LD₅₀ (17.00 mM) with better performance in germination, synchrony, and growth across the SA doses. The root and shoot growth showed inhibition in a dose-dependent manner in all rice genotypes; however, the extent of inhibition was more severe in the Biosalin cultivars, particularly with doses of ≥6 mM. The rice genotypes screening provides a considerable baseline before chemical mutagenesis through SA doses in rice breeding programs.

Keywords: Rice (O. sativa L.), mutagenesis, sodium azide, screening, sensitivity, seed viability, seed vigor

Key findings: This study identified genotype-specific responses to sodium azide in rice (O. sativa L.), revealing salt-tolerant cultivars were more sensitive to chemical mutagenesis than a popular high-yielding cultivar. The LD₅₀ values provide critical baseline data for optimizing mutagenesis protocols in rice breeding programs.

Microclonal propagation outcomes of various cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars and rootstocks achieved their evaluation and establishment of combinations of optimal nutrient media and growth regulators for each genotype. The rootstock Krimskiy-5 showed the best response with 2.95 shoots and 1.84 cm length using the Driver and Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW) medium supplemented with 0.01 and 0.75 mg/l BAP (benzylaminopurine). Cherry rootstocks Gisela-5 and Gisela-6 produced 2.77 and 2.99 shoots, respectively, with similar conditions. In rootstock Colt, the use of 0.02 and 1.0 mg/l BAP resulted in 2.92 shoots with a 1.78-cm length. The cherry cultivars Bahor, Volove Serdse, and Revershon with mT (meta-Topolin) combinations in DKW medium provided shoot numbers above 2.9 and lengths over 2.1 cm. The cherry cultivar Kara Geles showed better performance with naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and Thydizoronate (thidiazuron or TDZ), achieving 3.22 shoots. The cultivar Pink Napoleon exhibited the highest proliferation, with 3.42 shoots and 3.52-cm shoot length. Overall, the DKW nutrient medium combined with specific growth regulators demonstrated superior performance in shoot proliferation across most cultivars, whereas Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Woody Plant Medium (WPM) media were less efficient. These findings contribute to the development of improved protocols for the micropropagation of cherry species.

Keywords: Cherry (P. avium L.), auxins (IBA, NAA), cytokinins (BAP, mT, TDZ), nutrient medium, shoot, microclonal propagation

Key findings: The highest micropropagation results resulted in the cherry (P. avium L.) cultivar Pink Napoleon using 0.02 mg/l NAA and 1.50 mg/l TDZ in DKW medium, producing 3.42 shoots and 3.52 cm length. This highlights the considerable synergistic effect of NAA and TDZ and the superior efficiency of DKW medium compared with MS and WPM.

The presented study investigated the diversity and phenetic relationships of endophytic bacterial communities isolated from three patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) cultivars found in Aceh, Indonesia, viz., Tapaktuan, Sidikalang, and Lhokseumawe. The obtained isolates totaled 77, coming from roots, stems, and leaves of the patchouli cultivars and entailing characterization based on morphological features. These include colony shape, margin, elevation, appearance, optical property, pigmentation, Gram reaction, and cell shape. The results demonstrated considerable morphological diversity across cultivars and plant organs, with Lhokseumawe exhibiting the highest diversity of isolates. Most isolates were Gram-positive, distributed mainly in the stem tissues. Cluster analysis using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and the Numerical Taxonomy System (NTSYS)-pc software revealed no distinct grouping of isolates by plant cultivar and its parts. However, organ-specific tendencies were evident. Cluster I consisted mostly of root-derived isolates (15 out of 27 isolates, 55.6%) (non-pigmented Gram-positive cocci), whereas cluster II comprised predominantly of stem- and leaf-associated bacteria (brighter-pigmented Gram-positive bacilli and Gram-negative bacilli, respectively). Although morphology-based traits provided useful preliminary insights, their limitations underscored the need for molecular approaches for accurate characterization. Overall, these findings offer a valuable basis for harnessing native endophytes in sustainable patchouli cultivation and disease management.

Keywords: Patchouli (P. cablin Benth.), cultivars, endophytic bacteria, isolates, cluster analysis, morphological features, microbial diversity, organ-specific tendencies

Key findings: The 77 endophytic bacterial isolates obtained from three patchouli (P. cablin Benth.) cultivars were morphologically diverse and did not cluster strictly by plant cultivar and plant parts. However, organ-specific tendencies were notable. The findings highlighted the limitations of morphological traits for bacterial classification and suggested that organ-specific microenvironments influence the diversity of bacterial endophytes.