This study aimed to evaluate the ripening parameters of seven grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars, Shiraz, Rkatsiteli, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Bayanshira, cultivated in the mountain-marine zone of Aghbash Village, Shabran District, Azerbaijan. They sustained assessment through physicochemical properties of wines produced from these grape cultivars during 2024. In grape berries, determining the mass concentration of sugars, titratable acidity, and pH succeeded. In wine samples, ethanol volume fraction, residual sugar, titratable acidity, volatile acidity, extract content, total and free sulfur dioxide, total phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and tannins underwent analysis. The results revealed the combined influence of mountains and marine factors significantly affects the grape’s biochemical composition and wine quality parameters. The highest sugar concentration resulted in cultivars Cabernet Franc and Bayanshira (23.4 g/100 cm³), whereas the highest titratable acidity emerged in the cultivar Rkatsiteli (7.0 g/L). The pH values of the studied grape cultivars were within the optimal range. The physicochemical parameters of the wines complied with current regulatory requirements. The red wines exhibited the highest levels of total phenolics, anthocyanins, and tannins compared with white wines.

Keywords: Grape (V. vinifera L.) cultivars, grapes’ biochemical composition, wines’ physicochemical parameters, grape maturity, Caspian Sea, Greater Caucasus Mountains

Key findings: The interaction of topographic factors, sea breezes, solar radiation, and temperature played a key role in shaping the sugar-acid balance of grapes (V. vinifera L.). The mountain-sea terroir of the Shabran Region developed favorable ecological conditions for the production of high-quality industrial grapes and wine products, confirming the potential for sustainable development of the industry in this region.

Maize (Zea mays L.) cobs’ cleaning from husks is one of the most important stages in seed production for obtaining high-quality seed material. In this process, the diameter, surface shape, friction properties of cleaning rollers, and forces generated during contact with the cob play a key role. The study revealed the optimal diameter of the rollers and the contact angle with the cob to ensure the effective grasping and removal of husks in maize cobs. The theoretical and experimental analyses of cob deformation and friction forces have enabled the justification of structural variables of working organs. In this research, the mathematical models of husk removal in maize cobs have succeeded in their development, having accelerated the process efficiency by calculating the compression and tension forces developed between the rollers. According to results, the parameters, such as the cob deformation angle and the impact radius of the compression mechanism, have reached optimization, which considerably minimized the risk of mechanical damage to seeds and enhanced productivity by 20%–30%. The proposed technological solutions will develop a scientific basis for designing the new generation cleaning machines in the seed industry and contribute to resource conservation.

Keywords: Corn (Z. mays L.) cobs, coating cleaning, cobweb, friction properties, deformation, force analysis, seed technology, seed material

Key findings: The rollers’ diameter and surface shape were the most important constructive parameters in removing the husks from maize (Z. mays L.) cobs. Keeping the contact angle between the cob and roller closer to a right angle enhanced the efficiency of husk gripping. Determining the optimal parameters of working units can result from calculating cob deformation and friction forces.

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is an important food crop; however, its productivity reaps considerable effects from poor seed germination and challenging climatic conditions. Although pre-sowing seed treatment with biological stimulants has proven effective, this approach has not yet reached studies in Kazakhstan, highlighting the relevance of this research. The concerned study aimed to determine the effect of hydropriming with complex biological preparations on seed germination energy and rate, resistance to fungal pathogens (Alternaria dauci and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Сarotae), biochemical characteristics, plant morphometric parameters, and carrot root yield. The study comprised six treatments, including the control with four replications, carried out during 2024–2025. The results revealed the pre-sowing treatment of carrot seeds with complex biological preparations accelerates plant growth and development through the formation of uniform and viable seedlings. Likewise, pre-sowing treatment enhances resistance to both abiotic and biotic stresses and contributes to a 1.5–2-fold reduction in using plant protection products. Improvements in laboratory and field parameters manifested with an increase in germination (6.3%–15.15%) and proportion of healthy seedlings (11.71%–20.61%), along with a simultaneous increase in productivity (18.34%–30.55%) and improved quality indicators compared with the control.

Keywords: Carrot (D. carota L.), hydropriming, complex biopreparations, germination, fungal diseases, plant morphological traits, productivity, quality, Southeastern Kazakhstan

Key findings: Carrot (D. carota L.) seed treatment with complex biological preparations considerably increased the germination and germination energy, enhanced resistance to fungal pathogens, accelerated plant growth and development, and improved productivity and root quality.

This study aimed to assess the impact of mineral fertilizer’s doses, seeding rates, sowing dates, and cultivation technologies (conventional and no-till) on the yield of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.). The research took place in 2024–2025 under moisture-deficit conditions of the Almaty and Kyzylorda regions, Kazakhstan. The mineral nutrition established became a determining factor in the formation of grain yield in sorghum. By applying mineral fertilizers at the rate of N₁₀₀P₆₀ in the Almaty Region, the grain yield reached 6.17 t/ha, while without fertilizers, it did not exceed 2.3–3.97 t/ha, providing an increase of 2.2 t/ha. In the Kyzylorda Region, by applying mineral fertilizer (N₁₂₀P₆₀), the grain yield reached 4.18 t/ha, while without fertilizers, it only reached 1.81–2.75 t/ha, providing an increase of 1.43 t/ha. The optimal seeding rate (180,000 plants/ha) showed the highest productivity, while the increased planting density (300,000 plants/ha) obtained a 0.3–0.6 t/ha decrease in grain yield. Sowing time also has a significant impact, and the maximum yield (3.92–4.18 t/ha) occurred when sowing in the third 10-day period of May, depending on the nutrient levels.

Keywords: Sorghum (S. bicolor L.), climate change, drought stress conditions, mineral fertilizers, seeding rate, sowing time, grain yield

Key findings: The establishment of mineral nutrition, along with optimum seeding rate and sowing time, has been successful as a key factor in determining yield in grain sorghum (S. bicolor L.). The proven agrotechnology can significantly improve grain sorghum productivity under moisture-deficit conditions.

This research aimed to determine the morphological and genetic diversity in 12 local cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) accessions obtained from Bangka Belitung, Indonesia. The results revealed that cocoa accessions observed with the highest variations for morphological and productivity traits, including fruit and seed weight and fruit skin thickness, are selection opportunities for yield improvement. All accessions exhibited favorable upright branching. Accessions of the Lampur and Pedindang series displayed superior profiles, combining good vigor, upright branching, and heavy fruiting. Cluster analysis yielded three groups, and Clusters 1 and 2 owned the accessions with the highest vigor and potential for low-risk crossbreeding, while Cluster 3 (Cupat and Teladan) offered unique genetic diversity. According to molecular analysis, 10 out of 12 accessions (except RB and PDH) were notable with the DREB2 gene, indicating greater potential for drought resistance. The results confirmed that the Bangka Belitung cocoa germplasm has a promising genetic potential. This research aims to conduct selection that combines superior morphological characters and DREB2 gene expression, as well as develop a crossing strategy based on genetic cluster proximity to produce adaptive, productive, and drought-resistant cocoa.

Keywords: Cocoa (T. cacao L.), genetic resources, morphological and genetic diversity, cluster analysis, coefficient of variance, DREB2 gene, mahalanobis

Key findings: The Bangka Belitung cocoa (T. cacao L.) accessions emerged with the highest yield potential and the DREB2 drought resistance gene, such as accessions of the Lampur, Pedindang, and Bembeng series.

The foothill pastures of the Kashkadarya basin and the Zarafshan range constitute a substantial reservoir of medicinal flora with considerable pharmaceutical potential. This study evaluated the total antioxidant, flavonoid, and vitamin C contents of eight medicinal plant species, principally Melissa officinalis, Mentha longifolia, and Origanum vulgare, across three phenological stages (spring, summer, and autumn), using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometric analysis. The study sought to establish optimal harvesting periods for industrial raw-material collection. All quantitative data had them expressed in SI-compliant units (mg/100 g); seasonal differences entailed assessment using one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA) with Tukey’s post-hoc test (P < 0.05, n = 3). Melissa officinalis attained the highest antioxidant content at the vegetative stage in spring (1170.0 mg/100 g), whereas Mentha longifolia (1050.0 mg/100 g) and Origanum vulgare (1020.0 mg/100 g) peaked during summer flowering. Flavonoid content peaked in summer for most species, with Peganum harmala showing the highest accumulation (352.5 mg/100 g). Vitamin C concentration was highest in spring in Mentha longifolia (121.0 mg/100 g). These results identify Melissa officinalis, Mentha longifolia, and Origanum vulgare as a ‘high-potential triad. ‘It indicates that pharmaceutical enterprises and raw-material collectors should schedule harvesting of Melissa officinalis in spring and Mentha longifolia and Origanum vulgare in summer to maximize antioxidant yield.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, antioxidants, Kashkadarya basin, seasonal dynamics, Melissa officinalis, Mentha longifolia, Origanum vulgare, green pharmaceuticals, biologically active food supplements or BAFS

Key findings: Melissa officinalis showed the highest antioxidant activity in spring (1170.0 mg/100 g), while Mentha longifolia (1050.0 mg/100 g) and Origanum vulgare (1020.0 mg/100 g) were leading during summer flowering.

This valuable study aimed to investigate the larval period duration and its relationship with other biological traits in different breeds and advanced lines of mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). The study observed a considerable reduction in the duration of larval transition from one instar to another. Thus, in the breeds Parvoz-1 and Parvoz-2, the duration of the transition from the second to third instar decreased by 3.7 hours, whereas in lines 500 and 501, the said duration decreased by 3.4 hours. The larval period shortening was most prominent on day 4 of the fourth instar and on the 7–8 days of the fifth instar. The relationship between the larval period duration and breeding traits revealed an increase in the larval period duration has the complementation of a decrease in phenotypic correlation coefficients (r_p = -0.645 to -0.957) among the proportion of non-viable eggs, egg hatchability, and larval survival. However, an increase in phenotypic correlation coefficients (r_p = 0.859-0.970) was evident between the number of viable eggs, the weight of healthy eggs, the level of larval infection, and cocoon productivity.

Keywords: Mulberry silkworm (B. mori L.), larval period duration, egg productivity, egg hatchability, larval survival, cocoon weight, phenotypic correlation

Key findings: Developing highly productive silkworm (B. mori L.) hybrids with shorter larval periods will contribute to the localization of egg production at the specialized enterprises in Uzbekistan. These measures will increase productivity and improve quality traits of the produced cocoons.

This study comprised a comprehensive GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) fingerprinting of leaf cuticular waxes in four Chaenomeles Lindl. species—C. japonica, C. speciosa, C. × superba, and C. cathayensis. The growth of said species has prevailed growth under diverse agroclimatic conditions of Moscow (temperate) and Crimea (Yalta) (subtropical), Russia. The identified metabolites totaled 54, including terpenoids (13), fatty acids (FA) (9), glycerides (7), alcohols (6), alkanes (5), organic acids (4), phytosterols (4), polyphenols (4), vitamin E, and sucrose. The waxes displayed characteristics of the highest content of long-chain compounds (C28–C33), with C30 triterpenes being the dominant fraction overall. Southern ecotypes exhibited a prolonged profile of terpenoids, alkanes, and sugar alcohols, revealing an adaptive enhancement of the leaf hydrophobic barrier against heat and UV stress conditions. Remarkably, the phytosterol stigmast-5-ene reached its identification for the first time in Chaenomeles leaf waxes, exhibiting a considerable accretion in Yalta samples compared with trace amounts in Moscow samples. The results enunciated that non-targeted GC-MS profiling provides a dependable basis for phytochemical recognition and appraising the ecological plasticity. Among these four species, C. cathayensis showed the most partial metabolite set, confirming a general trend toward reduced chemical diversity in the Moscow temperate region.

Keywords: Chaenomeles, leaves, cuticular wax, GC-MS fingerprinting, agroclimatic adaptation, ecological plasticity

Key findings: Assimilation of 54 metabolites into group-specific profiles revealed a dual nature of Chaenomeles cuticular waxes with species specificity and environmental plasticity, enabling vigorous identification of phytochemicals.

The development of a high-biomass alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hybrid was the aim of this research, along with evaluating its agronomic and morphological performance under Uzbekistan conditions. The hybrid line Tashkent-3651 reached its development through conventional hybridization between the parental genotypes k-6365 (Sudan) and k-3189 (Asia Minor). The newly developed alfalfa hybrid (Tashkent-3651) and its parental cultivars (k-6365 and k-3189) reached assessment in comparison with the check genotype Tashkent-1 under field conditions. The results revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences among the genotypes for green biomass yield, hay yield, plant height, and leafiness. The hybrid Tashkent-3651 enunciated superior performance for higher green biomass and hay yield, as well as improved morphological traits compared with the standard cultivar Tashkent-1 and the parental genotypes. The increased productivity of the alfalfa hybrid showed an association with enhanced growth vigor, higher leafiness, and improved biomass accumulation. Overall, the results confirmed that hybridization between genetically diverse genotypes was an effective approach for improving biomass productivity and forage quality in alfalfa. The newly developed hybrid Tashkent-3651 showed the high potential for cultivation under agroecological conditions of Uzbekistan.

Keywords: Alfalfa (M. sativa L.), hybridization, biomass yield, hay yield, morphological traits, leafiness, Uzbekistan conditions

Key findings: The alfalfa (M. sativa L.) hybrid Tashkent-3651 (k-6365 × k-3189) significantly outperformed the standard cultivar and parental genotypes in biomass and hay yield. The hybrid higher plant height (95 ± 2.4 cm) and leafiness (49.2% ± 1.2%) considerably contributed to the improved forage productivity and quality.

Maize (Zea mays L.) production constraints increase from soil salinity, which interrupts plant growth through physiological and anatomical instability. Therefore, to develop stress-resilient cultivars, effective approaches are essential to generate adaptive variations in genetic material through mutation breeding using gamma irradiation. The concerned study aimed to evaluate the early anatomical and physiological responses of maize to gamma irradiation under non-stress conditions and identify the traits associated with salinity stress adaptation. Maize seeds received irradiation with Cobalt-60 (⁶⁰Co) gamma rays at doses of 0, 100, 200, and 300 Gy as they grew under field conditions with standard agronomic practices. The results showed gamma radiation induced dose-dependent anatomical and physiological responses in maize. A dose of 100 Gy tended to maintain the integrity of the anatomical structure and chlorophyll content. Meanwhile, a dose of 200–300 Gy caused considerable variations in the anatomical structure, particularly stomata size and tissue thickness, as well as a considerable decrease in chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content in maize.

Keywords: Maize, induced mutation, dose response, salinity stress adaptation, leaf anatomy, chlorophyll pigments

Key findings: Gamma irradiation induced synchronized anatomical and physiological variations in maize, with an apparent dose-dependent response. The early responses highlighted the potential of anatomical and physiological traits as reliable indicators for selecting stress-adaptive genotypes through mutation breeding.