Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely grown cereal crops worldwide, with around 20% of its grains used for food purposes, 15%–20% for technical purposes, and 60% for feed. In the Akmola Region of Kazakhstan, maize used for silage is preferable in the milky-wax ripeness phase of the grain. The following study aimed to evaluate early-maturing and high-yielding maize hybrids’ average over 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 for cultivation in the hill-plain zone of Akmola Region, Kazakhstan. Three early-ripening maize hybrids, Budan-237-MV, KizURAKS-150-SV, and Tselinny-160-SV, obtained evaluation, with the Sary-Arka-150-ASV (St.) serving as the standard, grown with the recommended agricultural technology. For the vegetation period, maize hybrids KizURAKS-150-SV and Sary-Arka-150-ASV (standard) grains reached wax ripeness in 113 days. The highest grains per cob resulted in the hybrids KizURAKS-150-SV (237 grains cob^-1) and Sary-Arka-150-ASV (240 grains cob^-1). The heaviest grain weight per cob was evident in hybrids Tselinny-160-SV (131 g) and Sary-Arka-150-ASV (128 g). The grain yield, as managed by the genotype by environment interactions, had the hybrid Tselinny-160-SV with the highest grain yield (4.4 t/ha). Therefore, the early-maturing maize hybrids KizURAKS-150-SV, Sary-Arka-150-ASV, Tselinny-160-SV, and Budan-237-MV emerged as the most suitable for cultivation in Northern Kazakhstan for forage purposes.

Keywords: Maize (Z. mays L.), early-maturing hybrids, environmental factors, growth and development, cob traits, yield-related traits, grain yield

Key findings: In the comparative assessment of maize (Z. mays L.) hybrids for early maturity and grain yield in the hill-plain zone of the Akmola Region, the hybrid KizURAKS-150-SV occurred with 113 days and 3.3 t/ha, and the most productive hybrid with an extended vegetation period was the Tselinny-160-SV (4.4 t/ha^-1 and 121 days).

This research aimed to study the most productive F1 hybrids of kale cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Sabellica) through various cultivation methods under field and greenhouse conditions for the possible development of a green conveyor for year-round provision with fresh vitamins. Six selected hybrids of kale cabbage from the field during 2020–2021 sustained evaluation in the greenhouse using the nutrient film technique (NFT) technology and aquaponics. The recording of data included the growth and phenological parameters and yield. The three kale cabbage F1 hybrids stood out for productivity and quality indicators under field and greenhouse conditions. The kale F1 hybrids Dwarf Green Curled, Scarlet, and Nero di Toscana emerged with the highest yield indicators under field conditions. The hybrids Nero di Toscana, Scarlet, and Dwarf Green Curled had maximum yield increases of 195.3%, 461.58%, and 198.1%, respectively, with NFT technology compared with aquaponics. Overall, the kale F1 hybrid Dwarf Green Curled was remarkable, with the best results on productivity in long-term cultivation (from 1.5 to two months) under field and greenhouse conditions.

Keywords: kale cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Sabellica), hybrids, growth and phenological traits, productivity, hydroponics, aquaponics

Key findings: The kale cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Sabellica) hybrids showed better results both under field and greenhouse conditions. The three kale F1 hybrids, viz., Dwarf Green Curled, Scarlet, and Nero di Toscana, emerged as highly recommended for cultivation under field and greenhouse conditions using the NFT technology.

Phenotypic variation is essential for the development of shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) in the selection process. This study aimed to evaluate phenotypic variation and chromosome doubling effectiveness at different colchicine concentrations in the Rubaru shallot cultivar. The experiment tested five colchicine concentrations (0, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 ppm) with a 12-hour bulb immersion, using a completely randomized design (CRD) with six replications. The descriptive analysis of data used means, maximum and minimum, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation tests. Higher colchicine concentrations induced greater variation; however, they also reduced the survival rate. The results showed a colchicine concentration of 1000 ppm effectively increased phenotypic variation and chromosome doubling in shallot bulbs. This concentration caused the highest variation in the number of leaves, tillers, and bulbs; bulb weight; and total bulbs’ weight. Additionally, tetraploidy was evident in the 1000 ppm treatment. This study can be beneficial as a reference for future breeding research to improve the Rubaru shallot cultivars.

Keywords: Bulbs, chromosome numbers, crossing, improvement potential, phenotyping evaluation, polyploidy induction, selection, tetraploid

Key findings: Research on using colchicine to increase phenotypic variation in Rubaru shallots is limited. This study demonstrated a concentration of 1000 ppm enhanced variation in several traits. Such information can serve as a foundation for future breeding efforts to improve the Rubaru shallot cultivar.

In investigating the effect of adding different sources of organic waste fertilizers on soil structure, the selection of two locations in Wasit Province, Iraq, with different soils succeeded. The first location had sandy loam, and the second had clay. The soil distribution in plastic pots ensued, with three sources of organic waste added (cow, sheep, and poultry). The application of five amounts of each source included 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t/ha with three replicates. The study confirmed the characteristics of the weighted rate and the stability of the soil groups. After completing the experiment, the study found that sheep waste was the most effective source in the stability of the soil groups. It has recorded 05.28% when treating the control at 0 t/ha, while it became 54.48% at the level of 20 t/ha. Moreover, the weight was 37.0 mm in the control treatment; it became 95.0 mm at the level of 20 t/ha. The lower effect was the waste from cows, while the waste of poultry had fewer effects in both trials.

Keywords: Organic waste, fertilizers, soil structure, cows, sheep, and poultry wastes

Key findings: Given the heterotic effects, the hybrids had better mean performance for the evaluated traits than their parental lines and testers. The parental genotypes, IR58025A, BRRI1A lines, and the BUdhan2R tester emerged as appropriate for hybridization. IR58025A × BUdhan2R and BRRI1A × BUdhan2R were also the best crosses due to higher grain yield, heterosis, and combining abilities. These parents and hybrid combinations could proceed to be deployed in an aromatic rice hybridization program.

The study aimed to investigate the effects of pre-sowing treatments with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), ascorbic acid (AsA), and succinic acid (SuA) on morphological traits and photosynthetic pigments of the amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. cv. ‘Kizlyarets’) under drought conditions. The study examined the content of antioxidants (amaranthine and ascorbic acid) in the amaranth leaves under normal and drought conditions. The results showed amaranth seed treatment with H₂O₂ (5 mmol) under optimal conditions increased the seedling height, leaf area, number of leaves, and above-ground weight of the amaranth seedlings compared with the control and two other treatments. However, under drought, the morphological traits and the photosynthetic pigments were lower than the control, except for amaranthine and ascorbic acid. The amaranth seed treatment with AsA (60 mg/l) and SuA (300 mg/l) improved the morphological traits and chlorophyll and carotenoid contents under normal and drought conditions. Thus, the application of AsA and SuA could promote the growth and development of amaranth plants with enhanced drought tolerance.

Keywords: Amaranth (A. hypochondriacus L.), drought stress, hydrogen peroxide, succinic and ascorbic acids, morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, amaranthine

Key findings: The results revealed applying AsA and SuA promotes the morphological traits and chlorophyll and carotenoid contents along with the general growth and development of amaranth (A. hypochondriacus L.) plants with enhanced drought tolerance.

Gamma-ray irradiation commonly served as a mutagenic agent to induce genetic variability in crop species. However, the appropriate gamma-ray irradiation dose requires determining before starting a mutagenesis-based breeding program. The presented study sought to determine the lethal dose (LD₅₀) and the growth reduction dose (GR₅₀) in Capsicum annuum cv. Kopay and Capsicum frutescens cv. Bara. The seeds of both cultivars sustained gamma-ray doses irradiation of 0, 200, 300, 400, and 500 Gray (Gy). This study found the seed germination percentage, survival percentage, and seedling height of the Kopay and the Bara cultivars decreased with increased gamma-ray doses compared with the control due to seed injury and impact on poor growth seedlings. The LD₅₀ and GR₅₀ values of the Bara were 257.64 and 246.10 Gy, respectively, while for Kopay, these were 333.56 and 318.61 Gy, respectively. The LD₅₀ of the gamma ray for the Kopay was higher than the Bara, indicating the Kopay variety has less sensitivity to gamma-ray irradiation than the cultivar Bara. The study results can be beneficial for mutagenesis-based plant breeding programs in Capsicum.

Keywords: Chili (C. annuum L., C. frutescens L.), cultivars, acute irradiation, gamma ray, radiosensitivity

Key findings: The LD₅₀ values of the chili (C. annuum L. and C. frutescens L.) cultivars Bara and Kopay were 257.64 and 333.56 Gy, respectively. The cultivar Kopay proved less sensitive to gamma-ray irradiation than the cultivar Bara. Chili breeders can use the LD₅₀ values in this study to obtain mutant plants with gamma rays.

In Indonesia, rice production continues to decline due to various problems. As an effort to meet food needs, the utilization of dry land becomes necessary. However, rainfed rice always has low yields. The study, carried out to evaluate potential lines, has succeeded. This research, conducted in the Jenggolo Village, Kepanjen District, Malang Regency, Indonesia, ran from January to June 2024. The breeding materials consisted of six F7 genotypes and three check varieties, namely, Situ Bagendit, Cibogo, and IR64, sustained evaluation through a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The correlation analysis performed sought to determine the relationship between characters as selection criteria. The selection criteria obtained based on Pearson’s correlation included plant length (PH), panicle length (PL), number of fertile grains (FG), total grains per panicle (TP), and weight of grains per plant (GWP). The result of this research identified two F7 genotypes, F7-4-21-11-23-3-2 and F7-4-21-11-23-6-11, as potential rice lines with higher grain yield than the check varieties. Multi-location-based trials and screening of resistance genes need to be carried out to determine the stability and resistance of genotypes to pest and disease attacks.

Keywords: Rice (O. sativa L.), breeding, potential F7 lines, yield assessment, genetic parameters

Key findings: The lowland test environment influenced the performance of some characters of F7 rice (O. sativa L.) lines obtained from the hybridization of rainfed and irrigated rice genotypes based on the CV_e value. The two rice genotypes F7-4-21-11-23-3-2 and F7-4-21-11-23-6-11 emerged as potential lines for better yield traits.

The following study sought to determine the chlorophyll and carotenoid content of the cotton species Gossypium herbaceum L. and G. arboreum L. Results showed the highest levels of chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids emerged in the genotypes of G. herbaceum L. subspecies, subsp. Frutescens. In the G. arboreum L. genotypes, the chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid were prominent in the subsp. Obtusifolium var. Indicum. By analyzing the introgressive cultivars and lines obtained with the participation of the G. hirsutum L., outcomes gave varied values for chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents. However, in the first iteration, the optimum levels of сhlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids appeared in the lines T-5, Sultan, and Genofond-2. In the second iteration, the highest сhlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents resulted in the lines T-5 and Genofond-2. For the third iteration, the topmost values of сhlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids were evident in the lines T-14 and T-41. The maximum carotenoid content of the G. herbaceum subsp. Frutescens and G. arboreum subsp. Obtusifolium var. Indicum occurred in Genofond-2, improving the ability of chlorophyll to collect light energy and its efficiency in photosynthesis. Moreover, the ultimate level of carotenoids has a positive effect on photosynthesis, leading to increased yield. Overall, the results confirmed that the differences between these cotton species, introgressive cultivars, and lines reflect the diversity for chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, which serve as an important basis for biological research.

Keywords: Cotton, G. herbaceum L., G. arboreum L., G. hirsutum L., introgressive lines, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids

Key findings: In these cotton lines, the enhanced carotenoid content increases the ability of chlorophyll to harvest light energy, improving the efficiency of photosynthesis, which helps cotton to grow more effectively. High photosynthesis rates improve photosynthesis in cotton leaves, resulting in increased seed cotton yield.

Reduced crop productivity caused by water deficit conditions due to erratic rainfall and rising temperature is a crucial concern. The presented study aimed at determining the potential yield of 14 upland cotton lines and cultivars (T-1001, T-860, T-1033, T-1037, T-1002, T-1003, T-1005, T-1048, T-1024, T-1050, Guliston, C-6524, T-1023, and T-1068), carried out during the crop season of 2023–2024. The research used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications under optimal and water deficit conditions. Most drought indices showed significant variations among the cotton genotypes. The ranking method indicated that indices, i.e., mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), stress tolerance index (STI), mean relative performance (MRP), relative efficiency index (REI), and relative drought index (RDY), proved correlated with seed cotton yield. Cluster analysis and three-dimensional plots identified the cotton lines with the highest drought resistance. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 84.09% of the variation, with the PC1 suggesting consistent yield potential. The biplot showed MP, GMP, STI, MRP, REI, and YI were the best indices for selecting drought-tolerant lines, viz., T-1005, T-1002, T-1003, and T-1050. These cotton genotypes can be effective as base material in breeding drought-tolerant cotton cultivars.

Keywords: Upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.), multivariate analysis, drought tolerance indices, water deficit conditions, cluster analysis, principal component, correlation, seed cotton yield

Key findings: The optimal irrigation and water stress conditions negatively affected the yield-related traits in upland cotton. The cotton lines T-1005, T-1002, T-1003, T-1024 and T-1050 appeared more stable and performed better for various yield-attributing variables under optimal and water deficit conditions.

In postharvest storage, longer shelf life is one of the crucial characteristics for preserving the freshness of chili (Capsicum sp.). The following study aimed to identify the chili genotypes with prolonged shelf life and examine the storage effects on the fruit cells’ structure. The genetic material comprised 25 chili genotypes, including six genotypes of the species C. frutescens, three from C. chinense, and 16 from C. annuum, incurred growing in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The collection of chili fruit samples with 80% maturity came from all the genotypes before placing them in plastic trays and storing them at room temperature (25 °C–27 °C, 60%–70% RH). In chili fruits, the morphological and cytological variation observations used an Aquilos-2 cryo-focused ion beam at 65× to 2500× magnification until 50% weight loss. Shelf life traits emerged closely associated with the genetic makeup of the chili genotypes. The chili genotypes revealed significant variations for shelf life. Three chili genotypes, namely, Katokon, SSP, and Selekta were notable with sustainable longer shelf life for more than 16 days, as indicated by slower fruit weight loss and less cell deterioration. Fruit water loss (FWL) proved to be the key trait in determining the shelf life of the chili genotype fruits.

Keywords: Chili (Capsicum sp.), cytological analysis, fruit weight loss, genotypes, postharvest, shelf life

Key findings: Chili (Capsicum sp.) fruit shelf life is crucial in postharvest handling. Fruit water loss revealed the variations in chili fruit cells and their shelf life. Breeding programs need to find selection parameters for shelf life that are quick, simple, and economical.