The presented research aimed to study primary tillage impact on spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yield, carried out on light chestnut soils under semiarid rainfed conditions in the foothill zone of Trans-Ili Alatau, Kazakhstan. The barley field experiments comprised three tillage methods, viz., traditional, minimum, and zero-tillage. The minimum and zero-tillage tillages clearly emerged with increased plant biomass (11.15 and 8.87 t/ha, respectively) compared with traditional plowing (7.62 t/ha); they also enhanced the 1000-kernel weight (32.2 and 31.9 g) versus 28.0 g for traditional, respectively. During the growing season, the agrochemical analysis revealed the decline of nitrate nitrogen contents in all variants from 26–25 to 17–15 mg/kg, which may be due to its intensive use by plants. Moreover, the available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium were characteristically higher values than the minimum and no tillage (364–357 mg/kg), whereas with the traditional plowing, this figure was 302 mg/kg, enunciating a more efficient use of nutrients under resource-saving technologies. A comparative assessment of grain yield showed the highest productivity was successful with minimum tillage (2.53 t/ha), which exceeds the traditional plowing (2.07 t/ha) by 0.46 t/ha and no tillage (1.85 t/ha) by 0.68 t

Keywords: Spring barley (H. vulgare L.), climate change, minimum and zero-tillage, dry farming, soil moisture, soil bulk density, plant biomass, grain yield, yield components

Key findings: Under moisture deficit conditions, minimum tillage was recognizably the most effective approach, ensuring an optimum grain yield and rational use of resources in the spring barley (H. vulgare L.). No-till is a promising resource-saving technology, and traditional plowing is inferior for key agronomic indicators.

This study comprised a comprehensive evaluation of the morphogenetic characteristics, diagnostic features, and classification of alluvial-hydromorphic soils formed within river basins of the northeastern slope of the Lesser Caucasus, Azerbaijan. However, these soils developed under complex geomorphological conditions, heterogeneous microrelief, and periodic seasonal flooding, resulting in dynamic pedogenic processes, stratified profiles, and variable clay formation intensity. The subsequent research aimed to identify the key morphogenetic and diagnostic indicators of soil types and subtypes within the Kura River basin. It also sought to define their classification based on principles of the World Reference Base (WRB) for soil resources and assess the rational use of conditionally unsuitable stony alluvial soils. Field investigations transpired from 2015 to 2025, including detailed surveys, laboratory analyses, statistical evaluations, and large-scale soil mapping. The results revealed humid subtropical soils exhibited intensive carbonate leaching, higher humus content, and the formation of active clay, whereas dry subtropical soils showed a surface carbonate accumulation, salinization tendencies, and lower humus reserves. Clay formation intensity had a close association with moisture regime, redox potential (Eh), and mobile iron oxides, contributing to improved soil classification and sustainable land use.

Keywords: Alluvial-hydromorphic soils, morphogenetic diagnostics, soil classification, clay formation process, river floodplains, WRB system, soil mapping, bioclimatic zones

Key findings: The results provided a scientific basis for the improved diagnosis, mapping, and passporting of alluvial-hydromorphic soils, support for the development of soil-related GIS databases, and a contribution to the sustainable and efficient use of these soils in agricultural systems.

Local pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars are valuable plant genetic resources rich in bioactive compounds. In different fruit parts, the quantitative and functional variations of flavonoids are crucial for plant science, breeding, and phytopharmacology. Understanding the organ-specific accumulation of bioactive compounds supports the effective use of plant resources and identification of promising raw materials. The presented study aimed to investigate the biological activity of fruit juice, peel, and seed extracts of local pomegranate cultivars and determine their relationship with the flavonoid composition. In this study, the preparation of ethanol extracts proceeded from biomaterials of five local pomegranate cultivars grown under field conditions. The flavonoid composition analysis used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode array (PDA) detection. Biological activity assessment was in vitro under isometric conditions. Extracts tested had concentrations ranging from 100 to 300 μg/mL. The results showed peel and seed extracts accumulated higher flavonoid levels, particularly gallic acid, rutin, and quercetin, than the fruit juice. These fruit parts exhibited greater biological activity, whereas juice samples showed lower activity. In conclusion, the peel and seed of local P. granatum cultivars proved promising resources for future breeding and functional product development.

Keywords: Pomegranate (P. granatum L.), local cultivars, flavonoid composition, peel and seed extracts, plant bioactive compounds, HPLC-PDA

Key findings: Among the local pomegranate (P. granatum L.) genotypes, the cultivar Qizil anor exhibited robust functional potential, particularly in peel extracts, highlighting its value as a promising source of bioactive compounds for future breeding and functional plant-based applications.

The application of organic ameliorants can significantly enhance fiber technological properties and seed cotton yield of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants by considerably improving the growth and development processes and the formation of plant generative parts. This study, conducted on irrigated calcisols (sierozems) of the Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan, aimed to investigate the effect of organic ameliorants on the cotton fiber and its physiological traits and soil health. According to the study, the most effective results occurred by applying an organic ameliorant (3.5 t/ha) with a soil improver (350 kg/ha) during plowing, followed by a spring application of 0.5 t/ha and 50 kg/ha, respectively. This treatment resulted in an average boll weight of 6.4 g, with a 9.4% increase over the control. For the cotton cultivar M-5027, fiber length reached 34.1 mm, and fiber yield was 40.6%, representing improvements of 2.6% and 7.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the dry root mass gained enhancement up to 24.5 g (35.1% above the control), with a total seed cotton yield of 3.13 t/ha. The root system showed that 73.4% and 17.4% of roots emerged in the 0–30 cm and 30–50 cm soil layers, respectively. The application of organic ameliorants fosters intensive root development and superior fiber quality traits, mitigating the impact of diverse environmental and agrotechnical conditions.

Keywords: Upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.), cultivars, organic ameliorants, soil bulk mass, fiber length, fiber yield, seed cotton yield, root mass

Key findings: The combinedapplication of organic ameliorant (3.5 t/ha) and soil improver significantly enhanced cotton (G. hirsutum L.) productivity. In applyingorganic ameliorants, the cultivar M-5027 was evidentwith an enhanced fiber length (34.1 mm) and fiber yield (40.6%), while its dry root mass increased by 35.1%.

The biological diversity analysis was this study’s aim based on the verification of remote sensing data recorded through in-situ surveys for calculating aboveground biomass in forests. The biomass of mountain phytocenoses in the East Zangezur Region, Azerbaijan, represents six groups of formations, ranging from 231.8 to 1401.2 g/m² with absolutely dry weight. The proportions of vascular and spore plants varied, from 59% to 96.8% and from 3.8% to 75.4%, respectively. This study examines the development of interdisciplinary practical work in the field of restoration of natural phytocenoses biological diversity. In 67% of cases, the average phytomass values determined by different methods did not differ significantly from each other. However, the significant differences were evident in the deciduous stands with the highest horizontal canopy closure, with the presence of a second tier (midstory) and abundant sub-canopy vegetation, as well as in vascular and spore-bearing plants.

Keywords: Biological diversity, biomass, phytocenoses, plant communities, vascular and spore plants

Key findings: The study assessed the development of interdisciplinary practical work in the field of restoration of biological diversity of phytocenoses. The study of biological diversity is greatly essential, with major support from a state program in this region of Azerbaijan.

In the South Caucasus Region, Azerbaijan holds considerable strategic importance due to its favorable geographic location, rich natural conditions, and abundant natural resources. The country stands out for its beneficial physical-geographical and economic-geographical characteristics. Therefore, the study comprising ecological-landscape and geographical-spatial conditions of Azerbaijan is of greater practical importance for the proficient organization of population settlement and economic sector management, ensuring regional development and landscape planning. The relevant research aimed to examine the scientifically grounded methods for the efficient utilization and management of land resources within the framework of market land relations. The study especially focused on the Sheki-Zagatala economic region of Azerbaijan, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the geographical and ecological landscape conditions affecting land use. The analysis effectively identified the natural constraints on land-related economic activities and also evaluated the ecological landscape and geographical potential of the area at the individual administrative districts and the economic region as a whole. Based on the results, scientifically approved recommendations have surfaced to ensure the sustainable spatial development of the study areas. The proposals include land consolidation, optimization of territorial structure, expansion of soil conservation and ecosystem-based approaches, and the implementation of adaptive and integrated management mechanisms grounded in landscape planning.

Keywords: Land resources, landscape planning, sustainable land use, ecological-landscape conditions, geographical-spatial conditions

Key findings: Azerbaijan’s strategic location and rich ecological landscape conditions play a crucial role in managing sustainable land use and regional development. The study based on the Sheki-Zagatala economic region provides a sound basis for settlement planning, functional zoning, and land resources management.

This study aimed to evaluate early-maturing rice (Oryza sativa L.) advanced lines for grain yield, grain-quality traits, and stability over three years (2019–2021). Four rice advanced lines (S-7-12, S-106, TSHD 20-13-1-3-1-1, and S-123) and one check cultivar (Guljahon) received assessments for agromorphological traits, milling quality, physicochemical properties (amylose and protein content), and pasting characteristics. The advanced line S-106 consistently revealed the highest grain yield (7.31–7.63 t ha⁻¹), early maturity, higher tillering ability, greater panicle fertility, and increased grain weight per panicle. Furthermore, the said line S-106 also exhibited the optimum milling quality and stable amylose content, supporting its suitability for both production and processing. Separately, the advanced line S-123 exhibited higher protein content and favorable eating-quality traits, while the advanced line TSHD 20-13-1-3-1-1 showed the lowest yield performance and stability. Overall, the advanced line S-106 emerged as the most promising line for varietal release because of its genetic potential for the highest grain yield, desirable grain-quality traits, and stability in performance.

Keywords: Rice (O. sativa L.), breeding lines, grain yield, milling quality, amylose content, protein content, pasting properties

Key findings: The rice (O. sativa L.) advanced line S-106 consistently achieved the highest grain yield (7.31–7.63 t ha⁻¹) with robust stability and broad adaptability across the three years, which was also in association with its early maturity (104.9–106.5 days), reduced plant height, and high tillering capacity.

The Aglaonema cultivar Silver Bay is distinct with its highest cost compared with other cultivars. In previous years, the necessity of research aimed at optimizing plant propagation processes has been increasing. The consequent study sought to conduct experiments on the optimization of the different stages involved in microclonal propagation of this important plant. Initially, clarifying the sterilization conditions of plant materials succeeded. Sterilization of materials in Domestos for 20 minutes, in 70% ethanol for two minutes, and in 0.1% AgNO₃ solution for three minutes allowed the increase in viability to 87.6%. Moreover, to enhance the efficiency of multiplication and rooting stages through microclonal propagation, standards for enriching the Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium with benzylaminopurine (BAP) and metatopolin were options. This tested combinations of substrates that increase the viability of regenerants at the rooting stage. Under selected optimal conditions, the number of shoots formed by explants was 2.6, reducing the emergence of shoots to 8.2 days, having root length at the fifth week of rooting at 6.7 cm, and the viability of seedlings during acclimatization reaching 89.4%. The obtained results could serve to increase the diversity of methods used in the propagation of indoor plants.

Keywords: Aglaonema, benzylaminopurine (BAP), cultivar Silver Bay, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), in vitro, microclonal propagation, Murashige and Skoog, sterilization

Key findings: Research into optimizing the stages of microclonal propagation of Aglaonema has provided scientific solutions for increasing the efficiency of seedling production. The results obtained will serve to improve methods for mass propagation of ornamental plants.

An evaluation of quantitative variations in the main taxonomic groups of the microbial community during long-term use of the direct seeding technology in Ismayilli Region, Azerbaijan, was the aim of this research. The assessment focused on the quantitative characteristics of the microbial community in agroсenoses using no-till and traditional plowing conducted for variants with various agricultural crops and with or without mineral fertilizer application. The abundance of ecotrophic microbial groups (nitrogen-fixing bacteria, ammonifiers, denitrifiers, amylolytics, and cellulolytics) received evaluation using the classical method of inoculation on selective media, while assessing the ribosomal genes of archaea, bacteria, and fungi used real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). The traditional plowing displayed an enhanced abundance of cultivable aerobic ammonifiers, denitrifiers, aerobic cellulolytics, actinomycetes, and micromycetes. However, the direct sowing with no tillage occurred with numerous anaerobic cellulolytics and nitrogen fixers, aerobic diazotrophs, and amylolytics.

Keywords: Bacteria, archaea, actinomycetes, micromycetes, traditional plowing, no tillage

Key findings: Microbial parameters provided valuable information about soil health under different management practices, contributing to the development of effective sustainable land use strategies. Their ratio can also serve as bioindicators of agricultural greening during the transition from traditional plowing to no tillage.

Breeding for soft-rot disease (SRD)-resistant Phalaenopsis cultivars is crucial for ensuring sustainable orchid production in tropical regions. Indonesia is one of the centers of origin and diversity of Phalaenopsis. However, information on potential Phalaenopsis donor parents and the mechanisms underlying SRD resistance remains limited, posing challenges for conventional and biotechnological breeding approaches. The concerned study aimed to identify SRD-resistant species among 20 Phalaenopsis species native to Indonesia and determine the viable role of pre-existing mechanical structures in post-infection resistance. The SRD screening successfully identified three additional resistant species, namely, P. corningiana, P. modesta, and P. tetraspis, along with the previously known resistant species, P. amboinensis. Leaf anatomy and epidermal traits were remarkably showing significant differences among the species; however, the correlation of leaf anatomy and epidermal traits with SRD resistance was nonsignificant. The staining of cell wall components (cellulose, pectin, and lignin) revealed no considerable differences between the Phalaenopsis resistant and very susceptible species. The newly identified SRD-resistant species has yet to reach frequent usage in the Phalaenopsis breeding program, recognizing its potential for integration into the Phalaenopsis SRD-resistance breeding program. Study results suggested that physical leaf traits exerted less influence on the resistance response.

Keywords: Phalaenopsis species, cultivars, Dickeya dadantii, pre-existing defense, soft-rot disease, SRD-resistance

Key findings: The newly identified SRD-resistant Phalaenopsis species, namely, P. corningiana, P. modesta, and P. tetraspis, are yet to be utilized in a breeding program to authenticate their potential for integration into breeding programs to produce SRD-resistant cultivars.