One of the major tasks faced by wheat breeders in Uzbekistan is to enhance wheat genotypes’ adaptability to soil and other environmental conditions and improve the grain quality, making the country self-sufficient in wheat grains and later becoming an exporter. Better results are achievable using the world wheat collection, including the CIMMYT germplasm. Determination of the positive correlation of physiological traits of new wheat cultivars, the importance of physiological indicators of water balance with productivity, and the vital role of these indicators in productivity level were the chief concerns. The timely study evaluated heat resilience, rust resistance, and grain yield in bread wheat genotypes. Bread wheat germplasm obtained from CIMMYT with a background of artificial infection of yellow rust incurred scrutiny for their rust resistance. A 15% incidence was detectable in seven genotypes; however, necrosis quickly formed around the symptoms of the disease in plant leaves, preventing its further development. Resistant wheat accessions, i.e., 1088, 1164 (R), 1006, and 1251 (MR), occurred as moderately resistant, showing high leaf area and grain yield. The average value of the genotypes was low, mainly due to the two rust-resistant samples, and the 1000-grain weight was 34.8 g and 34.6 g, respectively, and the grains per spike and grain yield were lower than the average. The chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid content, relative water content, flag leaf area, and production traits of the genotypes К-1088 and К-1164 gained assessment, revealed to be physiologically effective under the field conditions of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Quantitative indicators of the productivity of these wheat genotypes indicated positive differentiation. Selection ensued for promising accessions to develop initial sources for producing the wheat genotypes with rust resistance and high grain yield under the environmental conditions of Uzbekistan.

Keywords: Bread wheat (T. aestivum L.), wheat yellow rust, rust resistance, heat tolerance, leaf area, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, water content, grain yield

Key findings: By comparing with the standard check, a lower average value of the wheat accessions
was mainly due to the two rust-resistant genotypes, K-1164 and K-1289, which also have 1000-grain weights of 36.1 g and 34.8 g, respectively. The grain yield of these genotypes was also much lower than the average yield. Desirable chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content, relative water content, leaf area of flag leaves, and higher grain yield were substantial in the wheat landraces К-1088, К-1082, and К-1164 and proved to be physiologically effective under environmental conditions of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Quantitative indicators of the productivity of these accessions provided positive differentiation, with these genotypes recording higher values than the rest of the entries.

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.

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.