The article presents data reflecting the uniqueness and adaptive traits of landrace wheat varieties of the Western Pamir, continuously cultivated in highland small farms at altitudes of more than 2000 masl. For the important traits, like lodging resistance and quality, the bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varietal improvement is possible. Protein labeling showed the significant polymorphism and distinctiveness in varietal samples within all α, β, γ, and ω subfractions of storage seed proteins – gliadins, which is the specificity of wheat cultivars of Tajik Badakhshan on Gli-B1 locus. Most of the local bread wheat cultivars had the composition of high molecular weight glutenin subunits, i.e., null (Glu-1A), 7+8 (Glu-B1), and 2+12 (Glu-D1). Genetic diversity analysis of West Pamir landraces by the alleles of VRN-A1 and VRN-D1 vernalization genes showed their identity that all cultivars had recessive (vrn-A1) and dominant allele (Vrn-D1). For PPD-1 genes, the allelic composition of the wheat cultivars revealed a representation of an allele of insensitivity to day length (Ppd-A1a) and two alleles (Ppd-B1b and Ppd-D1b) providing sensitivity to the photoperiod.

Keywords: Local bread wheat (T. aestivum L.), West Pamir, molecular markers, diversity of VRN-1, PPD-1, Glu-1 genes, polymorphism, quality traits

Key findings: The combination of recessive allele (vrn-A1) and dominant allele (Vrn-D1) with the main genes of sensitivity to photoperiod (Ppd-1D, Ppd-1B) promotes the adaptation of Western Pamir bread wheat (T. aestivum L.) landraces to conditions of the highlands.

Spring durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf. L.) is an important staple crop throughout the world, and its productivity enhancement can use the advanced nanotechnologies. Nanoparticles have become an environmentally safe fertilizer for grain crops. The presented work aimed to determine the effects of pre-sowing seed treatment with iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) on the growth of six durum wheat cultivars (Milyana, Orenburgskaya-21, Bourbon, Bezenchukskaya Zolotistaya, Tselinnitsa, and Luch-25), as well as, assessing the toxicity of Fe NPs. The toxicity detection of nanoparticles employed the bacterial luminescence test system of Escherichia coli strain K12 TG1. For bioluminescence on a bacterial test model and assessing the effect of Fe NPs on plants, the experiment had the concentration range below 8 × 10^-4 mg/ml. For each durum wheat cultivar, four experimental options included the control (seeds without treatment) and wheat seeds’ treatment with four concentrations of Fe NPs (10^-4%, 10^-5%, 10^-6%, and 10^-7%). Afterward, the assessment of germination energy after five days and morphometric parameters of seedlings after seven days ensued.

Keywords: Spring durum wheat (T. durum Desf. L.), nanoparticles, Fe, pre-sowing treatment, toxicity, cultivar specificity, growth traits

Key findings: Spring durum wheat (T. durum Desf. L.) seed treatment with Fe NPs enhanced plants’ shoot and root length and stimulated the seedling biomass accumulation. However, these effects depended on the metal concentration in the polymer composition and the wheat genotype.

Shallot (Allium cepa L.) is one of the favorite commodities cultivated by the farming community in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Indonesia. However, its potential yield may decline both in quantity and quality due to the fusarium wilt disease and because of the limited information about the wilt disease in shallots. Therefore, the presented research aimed to a) determine the percentage of fusarium wilt disease incidence, b) investigate the new species of pathogen that causes fusarium wilt disease in shallots, and c) identify the distribution of fusarium pathogen species in shallots. The collected shallot samples came from 69 cultivation centers in Lombok Island, identifying the fungus based on morphological characteristics (colony shape, color, hyphae, conidia, and chlamydospores), while applying the ITS (Internal Transcript Spacer) rDNA sequences for molecular examination. The results showed fusarium wilt disease incidence in shallots (A. cepa L.) was 45.67%. Various Fusarium species as a causative disease on shallot plants were Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, and F. proliferatum, distributed in 60 (86.96%), 54 (78.36%), and 43 (60.87%) locations, respectively. Furthermore, a new species (Fusarium proliferatum) of causative disease as fusarium wilt on shallots was evident in Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.

Keywords: Shallots (A. cepa L.), fusarium wilt disease, pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Fusarium proliferatum

Key findings: The filamentous fungus from Fusarium proliferatum was the firstly recognized species causing fusarium wilt disease in shallots (A. cepa L.) on Lombok Island, NTB, Indonesia. The fusarium species Fusarium proliferatum infestation was prevalent in more than 50% of locations, which confirmed the said species had a remarkable role in shallot yield losses.

The androgenic callus induction and plant regeneration with the least response through anther culture are the key problems in biotechnology-based papaya (Carica papaya L.) breeding. Improvement of papaya response by anther culture through flower size and PGRs’ combinations earnestly need investigation. The presented research aimed to determine the microspore stage and viability based on the flower size and a combination of plant growth regulators (PGRs) in MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium to induce embryogenic callus and somatic embryos in papaya. Explants used in the study were the anthers of hermaphrodite flowers. This study comprised three different experiments, i.e., microspore development and viability test, 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and TDZ (Thidiazuron) optimization for embryogenic callus induction, and NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) and CPPU (N-[2-Chloro-4-pyridyl]-N’-phenylurea) optimization for somatic embryos’ formation. Results revealed hermaphrodite flower buds were 10–25 mm in length, which can be effective for embryogenic callus induction as they contained the high percentage of uninucleate stage microspores and demonstrated high viability (>95%). The combination treatment of 2,4-D (0.1 mg L^-1) and TDZ (0.5 mg L^-1) induced the most percentage of anther forming callus (20.4%), with 58.7% of that as embryogenic callus. The combination of NAA (0.1 mg L^-1) and CPPU (0.5 mg L^-1) resulted in 70% embryogenic callus plated developed into the maximum average globular embryos (38.8).

Keywords: Papaya (C. papaya L.), callus induction, flower size, hermaphrodite flowers, microspores stage, 2,4-D, TDZ, NAA, CPPU

Key findings: The induction of somatic embryos in papaya (C. papaya L.) anther culture can be successful through an appropriate size of hermaphrodite flowers and the use of PGRs’ combination in the culture medium. This information is crucial to support papaya breeding programs to obtain double haploid lines through anther culture.

The presented research provides detailed information about ampelodescriptor signs, morphological, biological, and technological features of the indigenous grape (Vitis vinifera L.) variety Bayanshira, originating from the ancient center of viticulture Ganja-Dashkasan Zone of Azerbaijan. The study also includes the enocarpological and enochemical indicators of its bunches and berries and the population structure and varietal variability of the said grape variety. One of its recorded biotype had the excessive falling of flowers and many fruits and declining plant yield, making the commercial quality of the crop as unsuitable. Thus, for the remaining biotypes, the overall assessment of prospects ranged from 5.59 to 6.89 points. For biotype-6, this figure was significantly lower, amounting to 4.18 points. The yield per plant in biotype-6 was low at 4.4 kg, while for the other biotypes, this figure was significantly higher (6.1 to 12.4 kg). Except for biotype-6, the remaining biotypes along with yield indicators and quality parameters also meet the requirements, and it is advisable to reproduce and grow them on the grapevine farms.

Keywords: Grape (V. vinifera L.), varieties, local variety, bunch, berries, fruit yield, morphological and biological features, breeding

Key findings: In grape (V. vinifera L.) variety Bayanshira populations, the study identified and selected eight primary biotypes. Assessment of diversity in the Bayanshira populations, along with the opportunity to recognize the biotypes with superior and low performance, prepares the ground for enhancing the fruit yield with improved quality and to rescue the populations from various hereditary pathologies.

Maha Sarakham, located in Northeast Thailand, has become a traditionally recognized rainfed sugarcane (Saccharum spp. L.) cultivation land. The field experiment occurred in 2016–2017. Thirteen promising sugarcane lines, with three check cultivars and arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), had four replications in two sites with low soil fertility and pH. Results indicated sugarcane genotypes considerably influenced all the parameters, with a significant variance between the studied locations. The genotype-by-location interactions were noteworthy for all traits, except stalk diameter, stalk weight, and millable canes. The cultivar Khon Kaen-3 (KK3) (72.77 and 60.71 t ha^-1) and genotype 91-2-527 (71.85 and 57.65 t ha^-1) produced the higher cane yields at both locations (L1 and L2, respectively). Additionally, the sugarcane genotypes 91-2-527, CSB06-4-12, MPT02-458, and KPS01-12 displayed higher stalk weights, while KK3 and TBy27-1385 yielded more millable canes. Genotype MPT02-458 exhibited superior plant height, cane yield, and commercial cane sugar (CCS) in highly acidic soil conditions. Meanwhile, 91-2-527 demonstrated a greater plant height at both sites (287.3 and 328.7 cm) and also showed higher CCS greater than 10 (11.6 and 11.9). These identified genotypes serve as a benchmark for Thailand’s sugarcane commercial system. The presented results suggested some sugarcane genotypes were appropriate for cultivation in acidic soil, with low fertility under rainfed conditions. The study recommends pursuing more investigation in identifying sugarcane genotypes potential for high yield and good ratoon ability.

Keywords: Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. L.), promising genotypes, yield components, sugar yield, CCS, acidic soil, rainfed conditions

Key findings: Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. L.) promising lines incurred evaluation in acidic soil with poor fertility in comparison with control types in plant canes. Genotypes KK3 and 91-2-527 produced the highest cane yield at both locations. Although, genotype 91-2-527 gave a lower CCS, however, it emerged greater than 10% of CCS. These sugarcane promising lines could be beneficial as germplasm to improve the cane production through breeding program.

This study explored the impact of sodium azide (NaN3) treatment on red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) ‘Jahira-2,’ a variety known for high yield but low 6-gingerol content. NaN3 application sought to increase genetic variability, tested at four concentrations (0, 100, 300, and 500 mg l^-1) on rhizomes, before growing in polybags. After initial treatment and harvest, replanting the M1V1 rhizomes continued to produce the second generation (M1V2). Six months after planting proceeded to morphological and rhizome characteristics’ assessment, with the 6-gingerol content measured nine months after planting using a TLC (thin-layer chromatography) scanner. Genetic analysis using RAPD with 10 primers confirmed variations among mutants, with the NaN3 treatment enhancing 6-gingerol content. A significant correlation occurred between rhizome yield and morphological traits. The principal component analysis identified 11 components, with four (eigenvalue >1) accounting for 82.83% of the total variability. Heatmap analysis clustered nine mutants, revealing distinct genetic variations. Phylogenetic analysis grouped M1V2 mutants into three clusters with a 0.62 similarity coefficient, indicating enhanced genetic diversity. These findings underscore the potential of NaN3 treatment in breeding programs to enhance red ginger’s genetic diversity and phytochemical profile.

Keywords: Cluster analysis, genetic variability, M1V2 generation, morphological traits, NaN3, red ginger (Z. officinale var. rubrum), rhizome yield, 6-gingerol content

Key findings: The NaN3 treatment increased the 6-gingerol content in the red ginger (Z. officinale var. rubrum) mutants.

The salinity tolerance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes underwent scrutiny in saline and nonsaline conditions, as this study’s aim. In the first experiment, 20 genotypes cultivated in pots sustained screening for salt tolerance. The second experiment involved a field study conducted on 10 selected genotypes planted under non-saline (Ismailia) and saline (El-Arish) soil conditions for two crop seasons (2022–2023 and 2023–2024). The results revealed a substantial variation among the genotypes under both salt stress conditions. Despite a considerable reduction in growth, yield, and biochemical traits in the saline condition, the chickpea genotypes Azad, Giza-1, FLIP-03-27C, and ICCV-10306 exhibited tolerance and demonstrated superior performance in most growth, yield, and biochemical traits. Genetic measures for seed weight, branch, filled pods, and total pod count demonstrated the highest phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) under both environments. The genetic gain demonstrated significance for relative water content, chlorophyll content, plant height, pod count, whole pod count, and seed weight under both environments. The heritability of most traits suggested that additive genetic action was significant in their determination, indicating the selection based on these traits could be helpful in breeding programs to improve the chickpea yield.

Keywords: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), genotypes, salinity tolerance, genetic parameters, ISSR analysis, GCV and PCV, heritability, growth, and yield traits

Key findings: In screening of 20 chickpeas (C. arietinum L.) genotypes, Azad, Giza-1, FLIP-03-27C, and ICCV-10306 appeared as the most resilient to salinity. The results indicated substantial genetic diversity in genotypes, heritability, and genetic gain for key traits, suggesting potential improvement in chickpea under saline environments.

Iron (Fe) deficiency remains a major problem of nutrient disorder worldwide. Increasing genetic variability is crucial for breeding efforts to enhance Fe content in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grains. The presented study sought to identify genetic variability of Indonesian rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes based on agronomic traits and grain Fe content, consisting of local varieties from Aceh (12), Riau (19), and Java (5). Likewise, other samples were two improved lines and two released biofortified varieties as checks. The study materialized in Central Java, Indonesia during the dry season of 2023, using a randomized complete block design with two replications. The Fe content measurement in brown rice samples used the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) method in the laboratory of the BRIN, Jakarta, Indonesia. The results indicated the tested genotypes had wide genetic variability. The Fe content revealed low heritability, and the other traits had medium to high heritability. The group of Java local variety had a higher Fe content than the other groups. The discovery of genotypes with high grain Fe content and acceptable yield performance emerged from this study, suggesting the prospect of their utilization in future rice biofortification efforts.

Keywords: Rice (O. sativa L.), agronomic traits, biofortification, Fe, genetic variability

Key findings: Rice (O. sativa L.) genotype Menor and Padi Malang-2 had the combination of high Fe content, shorter growth duration, and high yield. These genotypes were prospective for further utilization in future biofortification efforts.

The banana cultivar ‘Haji’ (Musa x paradisiaca L.) is native to the Lombok Island, Indonesia. The said cultivar has an excellent feature of lengthy shelf life and the potential to significantly improve the banana through breeding. However, cultivar ‘Haji’ has various local names and morphological variations, and therefore, its characterization by molecular markers is necessary to confirm the observed genetic variations. The presented study comprised the examination of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2)’s capability as a marker to identify the banana cultivar ‘Haji.’ Genetic divergence analysis using ITS2 sequences revealed the banana cultivar Haji’s 10 accessions were closely related, with a divergence coefficient of 0.000 to 0.023. Phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS2 sequence showed all the banana accessions were in the same clade, separating from the out-group accession. The results authenticated all 10 banana accessions with different local names and morphological characters belonged to the cultivar ‘Haji’ (Musa x paradisiaca L.). These findings are vital in developing ITS2 as a DNA barcode for the banana cultivar ‘Haji’ (Musa x paradisiaca L.).

Keywords: Banana cultivar ‘Haji,’ DNA barcode, genetic divergence, ITS2, molecular marker, morphological characters, phylogenetic analysis, shelf life

Key findings: The size of the ITS2 sequence of the banana cultivar ‘Haji’ (Musa x paradisiaca L.) accessions was 220 bp, with a 10 bp base difference. The genetic divergence of the cultivar ‘Haji’ accessions based on ITS2 ranged from 0.000 to 0.023, indicating a close kinship. Phylogenetic tree construction showed the banana cultivar ‘Haji’ accessions belonged in the same clade and were far from the out-group accession.