This study focuses on the medicinal plant Gnaphalium kasachstanicum and investigation of its ecology and habitat, phytochemical composition, and medicinal values. G. kasachstanicum was prevalent in the Tarbagatai Mountains, characterized by a diverse flora and a continental climate. The plant’s anatomical features include woolly leaves and small flowers and roots, with distinct epidermal and mesophyll tissue structures. The study also involved collection and analyzing the plant samples of G. kasachstanicum from the Southeastern Region of Kazakhstan using hydrodistillation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-MS analysis revealed a complex composition of 68 compounds, including sterols, carboxylic acids, esters, aldehydes, terpenes, glycosides, phenols, and ketones, with notable concentrations of stigmasta-3,5-diene, undec-10-ynoic acid, and tetradecyl ester. The identified vitamins B1, B3, and B6 had higher content, along with a considerable level of polyphenol content, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, indicating potential health benefits. The toxic element lead (Pb), also detected, highlights the need for its careful usage. The comprehensive exploration underscores the G. kasachstanicum‘s potential as a source of bioactive compounds with medicinal values. The promising outcomes highlight the conservation strategies to safeguard its natural habitats, potential applications in medicine and allied fields, and importance of its further investigations.

Keywords: G. kasachstanicum, diverse flora, plant extracts, chemical composition, anatomical features, pharmacological properties, medicinal potential

Key findings: The noteworthy findings emphasize the need of future research on G. kasachstanicum for its conservation and protection of its natural habitats, and the possibility of using the said species in various medicines.

In assessing the effect of three planting dates (October 01, mid-October, and November 01) and dual spraying of four levels of potassium sulfate (0, 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg L^-1) and proline acid (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg L^-1) on the faba bean (Vicia faba L.), an experiment commenced in the winter cropping season of 2022–2023 at the University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq. The experiment, laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), had a factorial arrangement, with two factors and three replications. Results showed mid-October planting is superior for most studied traits, recording the highest average number of accumulated heat units from planting to 50% flowering. Likewise, optimum averages occurred for physiological maturity, leaf area, chlorophyll content, seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, and total seed yield in faba beans. The findings also revealed the combination of potassium (3000 mg L^-1) and proline acid (150 mg L^-1) excelled for all the studied traits. The combined treatment provided maximum average values for the number of accumulated heat units from planting to 50% flowering and beginning of branches, leaf area, chlorophyll content, seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, and the total seed yield in faba beans.

Keywords: Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), planting dates, potassium sulfate, proline acid, physiological indicators, growth and yield traits

Key findings: In faba beans, the mid-October planting showed superiority in most studied traits. Foliar application of potassium and proline acid individually and in interaction revealed significant differences for physiological, growth, and yield-related traits.

An executed laboratory study gauged the effect of slow-release fertilizers on nitrate leaching and its distribution in the soil profile and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A comparison between numbers of coating layers (1, 2, and 3 layers) of neem oil on urea granules caused an investigation, with different parameters monitored. Results revealed a higher nitrogen (N) release arose from a single coating than the double and triple coatings at the early stage of fertilizer application, indicating a poor performance and less efficiency. Triple coating effectively suppressed the release, which could unmatched plant needs. Afterward, a second study continued in pots to compare the efficiency of different levels (25%, 50%, and 75%) of neem oil-coated fertilizer with untreated fertilizer and the control on wheat’s physiological parameters and yield. It was noteworthy that a reduced dose (75%) of fertilizer gave a better response for improving growth parameters and nutritional status of wheat. Overall, urea fertilizer coated with neem oil improved crop management and reduced nitrogen loss in environmental consequences, which usually resulted from adding traditional fertilizers. Thus, using naturally occurring neem oil as coating material could improve wheat yield and reduce nitrogen losses.

Keywords: Wheat (T. aestivum L.), nitrogen, neem oil-coated urea, slow-release fertilizer, grain yield

Key findings: Utilization of suitable coating material can slow down the release of N from urea. This study proved the use of neem oil as a coating material significantly reduced the N release and N losses from urea fertilizer used in the wheat crop.

The research presents mineralogical studies of irrigated and non-irrigated sierozem soils of the Shaulder irrigation massif of Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan. Soils and soil cover representations comprised zonal soils, southern sierozem, and intrazonal soils: meadow and meadow sierozem soils forming combinations with meadow and common solonchaks. The southern light sierozem soils occupy the highest surfaces of the ancient alluvial plain-hilly foothills. The analysis of the fine-dispersed part of southern sierozems showed a mineralogical composition. In the upper horizons of irrigated sierozem soils of southern and meadow sierozem soils, the silt accumulation occurs, ranging from 14.5% to 18.9% and from 8.3% to 11.8%, respectively. The upper part of the irrigated sierozems profile (0–40 cm) has dominant hydrous minerals (27%–32%); however, their quantity decreased at the considerable depth. The maximum amounts of silicon oxide, phosphorus, and aluminum oxide were prevalent in the studied soils’ arable layer. Compared with the soil, the bulk chemical composition of the silty fraction showed a decrease in the amount of SiO; however, a significant increase appeared in the gross Mg, Fe, and Al. In the arable layers, the enhanced content of hydromica revealed the hydrosludge process of the silty fraction. It occurs as a result of physical dispersion of mica material of large fractions and destruction of the small amount of smectite phase, reorganizing the fine-dispersed part of the soils due to irrigation.

Keywords: Mineralogy, irrigated and nonirrigated soils, sierozem, hydromica, layer formations, kaolinite, chlorite, quartz

Key findings: For the first time, the studies of silty fraction of southern and meadow-sierozem soils of Shaulder massif of Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan succeeded. The meadow-sierozem soils contain illite, glauconite (hydromica) kaolinite, halloysite, chlorite (clinochlorine), quartz, and feldspars. The magnesian aluminosilicates also accompanied the chlorite-kaolinite-hydrosludite association. Moreover, an observation took note of mineral trona occurring in non-irrigated meadow-sierozem soils. Irrigation for the known effects not only affects the humus state, physical, and chemical properties of soils, but also alters the conservative mineral component of the fine-dispersed fraction.

This study investigated the combined effects of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AM) and foliar fertilizer (Growmore) application on potato tuber growth and yield to improve nutrient efficiency, crop productivity, and agricultural sustainability, conducted in May-September 2023 in Bantaeng, Indonesia. The two-factor factorial field experiment involved four doses of AM (control, 7.5, 15, and 22.5 g plant^-1) and three concentrations of foliar fertilizer application (2, 4, and 6 g L^-1), repeated three times. The results showed a significant interaction effect on the combination of AM application (15 g plant^-1) and foliar fertilizer (6 g L^-1), increasing stem diameter, number of leaves, tuber weight, and yield. The foliar fertilizer (4 g L^-1) affected the number of leaves, while AM (15 g plant^-1) increased tuber weight and yield. Phosphorus content analysis was highest when adding AM (15 g plant^-1) and foliar fertilizer (6 g L^-1). The highest protein appeared with AM (7.5 g plant^-1) and foliar fertilizer (6 g L^-1), and the maximum vitamin C emerged with AM (15 g plant^-1) and foliar fertilizer (4 g L^-1) applications. An integrated approach using AM (15 g plant^-1) and foliar fertilizer (4-6 g L^-1) proved effective in increasing potato productivity.

Keywords: Potato (S. tuberosum L.), mycorrhiza, mineral fertilizer, growth traits, potato tubers

Key findings: In potato (S. tuberosum L.) production, a significant increase occurred by using mycorrhiza and foliar application of mineral fertilizers.

The reduction of mercury uptake and its content in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grains is this research’s aim, particularly on rice grown in mercury-contaminated fields in the Mandailing Natal Regency, Indonesia. The experiment, laid out in a split-split plot design, had three replications and the period from August to December 2023. The main plots included biochar (from coconut shells) modified with Fe3O4 (M1), FeSO4 (M2), dolomite (M3), and unmodified biochar (M0). The subplots were pyrolysis temperatures at two levels, 350 °C (S1) and 550 °C (S2). The sub-sub plots comprised three rice cultivars: IF-16, Inpari-32, and Ciherang. Additionally, the study included three control treatments (without biochar). The results showed biochar modifications with Fe3O4, FeSO4, and dolomite can reduce the mercury content in rice grains below the standard quality threshold. Among the treatments, the IF-16 cultivar combined with biochar modified with Fe3O4 was the most effective in reducing mercury content while significantly increasing production in mercury-contaminated soils. This combination led to an 80.1% increase in rice production with lower mercury content in the grains.

Keywords: Rice (O. sativa L.), food, gold mine, heavy metals, Hg, tolerance

Key findings: The results showed rice (O. sativa L.) tolerant cultivar IF-16, combined with modified biochar, can significantly reduce the mercury content in rice grains compared with cultivars Ciherang and Inpari-32 grown by the farming community on mercury-contaminated soils.

Phosphorus plays a crucial role in promoting plant growth and development. However, Pakistani soils face phosphorus deficiency due to their mineralogical characteristics and high pH levels, resulting in instant adsorption of applied phosphorus. Key factors affecting phosphorus accessibility in these soils include clay mineral composition, sesquioxide levels, pH, and free CaCO₃ presence. The current study aimed to develop phosphorus adsorption isotherms using Langmuir and Modified Freundlich equations and determine phosphorus application rates for maximum yield. The experiment comprised 11 treatments, i.e., T₁ (Control), with the 10 doses consisting of increasing levels of phosphorus concentration in CaCl₂ solution: T₂ (10 ppm), T₃ (20 ppm), T₄ (30 ppm), T₅ (40 ppm), T₆ (50 ppm), T₇ (60 ppm), T₈ (70 ppm), T₉ (80 ppm), T₁₀ (90 ppm), and T₁₁ (100 ppm). An analysis of collected samples for texture determination used the hydrometer method. After determining the soil textural class of both soils, phosphorus adsorptions evaluation for both textures utilized P concentration in calcium chloride. Phosphorus adsorption curves exposed a higher P fixation happening at less phosphorus contents, whereas high phosphorus quantities resulted in less fixation for clay loam and sandy loam soils.

Keywords: Phosphorus, isotherm, soil texture, adsorption, and Freundlich model

Key findings: The study concluded the Langmuir model performed efficiently even at lower P concentrations, while the modified Freundlich model was most suitable at medium to high P concentrations. Hence, the modified Freundlich model is the best option for calculating theoretical P doses for field applications.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most essential food commodities, and to increase rice production, weather is a significant factor affecting productivity, especially the sunlight requirement. Appropriate shading techniques and regulating the sunlight can enhance rice production. The presented study aimed to increase rice production under shaded environments. The latest research began in November 2023 until February 2024 at the Malikussaleh University. The study employed a split-plot design with three replications, and the primary factor was shading and no shade at the main plot. The secondary factor was the six rice genotypes, i.e., US-20 (Unsyiah Simeulue), CBD-08 (Cot Bada), CBD-04 (Cot Bada), Sigupai UA12, Cibatu, and Inpago9, used as subplots. The rice genotypes and shade (G × N) interactions demonstrated significant (P < 0.01) differences for the number of tillers, total grains, and filled grains and grain weight per hill. Inpago-9 exhibited the highest grain weight per hill (74.67 g) under the shaded condition. The correlation was significantly positive between grain weight per hill under shaded conditions and the number of productive tillers, total grain number, number of filled grains, and 1000-grain weight. The use of shade represents a potential alternative of increasing rice production; however, the net assimilation rate demonstrated a notable decline.

Keywords: Rice (Oryza sativa L.), shading effect, growth and yield traits, traits correlation, net assimilation rate

Key findings: The promising study examined the impact of shading on several traits of rice (O. sativa L.) production. The results demonstrated 25% shading could positively affect the rice performance and indicated superior promising lines tolerant to 25% of shade. The insights gained will be highly useful for breeders in tailoring treatments to achieve the desired plant outcomes.

Moringa oleifera Linn. is a plant with significant potential as a functional food. For mutation, the gamma rays irradiation has been proven effective in producing prominent characteristics such as tolerance to aluminum (Al) stress. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the genetic variability of M. oleifera plant by exposing to gamma rays irradiation at various doses. Selection of Al tolerant genotypes was carried out in in vitro under Al stress conditions by adding AlCl₃ to the media at the rate of 0, 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg/L. The selection was made for prominent accessions of M. oleifera capable of producing high yields under abiotic stress conditions. In addition to agronomic parameters, the organic acids content were observed to select the tolerant accessions with metabolic profile of Al stress tolerant accessions. Gamma irradiation applied to M. oleifera shoot culture produced new traits, as shown by the molecular dendrogram of ISSR markers, where the 10 and 20 Gy treatments had varied genetic diversity compared to the wild type. Additionally, gamma irradiation at 10 and 20 Gy increased the tolerance of M. oleifera culture to 100 and 250 mg/L of AlCl₃.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera L., gamma radiation, in vitro culture, organic acid, Al tolerance

Key findings: Plant cultures showed AlCl₃ tolerance in the M. oleifera clones based on growth traits and the organic acids produced. This advancement could potentially allow the use of suboptimal land with acidic soil for M. oleifera propagation in the future.

Reutealis trisperma (Blanco) Airy Shaw is one of the vegetable oil producing tree plant species. Its seed kernel contains an average of 50% oil potentially utilized as biofuel. However, least research has been carried out on the morphometric traits of the tree species. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize and evaluate the performance of eight populations of R. trisperma around Garut Regency, West Java, Indonesia. Tree samples of each population were determined using the purposive non-probability sampling method. Plant variables, including vegetative and generative component traits as well as seed yield, were observed, and all the data were analysed using correlation and multivariate analysis. The results showed no correlation among the populations based on vegetative and yield component traits. The seed kernel weight, which is an important variable also showed no correlation with any other traits. However, two populations of R. trisperma, namely Balong and Cigempol, were distinctively clustered apart from the other six populations. Interestingly, those two populations also showed a higher seed yield for four consecutive years.

Keywords: R. trisperma, in situ selection, morphometric characterization, multivariate analysis, biofuel.

Key findings: R. trisperma two populations namely Balong and Cigempol showed a distinct morphological characteristic as well as greater seed yield potential. These findings would enrich the valuable information for future breeding and conservation of this important vegetable oil-producing tree species.