Kazakhstan is a major wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) producer, with a planting area of 12–14 million hectares, and ranks third in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) market for grains and flour production. In the future, Kazakhstan could produce more than 10 million tons of wheat, equivalent to the combined wheat production of Central Asia, Afghanistan, and the European Union. The following research aimed to identify methodological aspects comprising the development of the ideotypes (non-irrigated, dry steppe, and intensive) and new spring soft and perspective lines of wheat cultivars with a complex of valuable traits. The research source material was the spring wheat cultivars and hybrids and advanced lines. The establishment of spring wheat nurseries, records and observations, hybridization, evaluation, and statistical compilation of the recorded data proceeded using methodologies developed through domestic and foreign sources. Overall, the study identified the methodological aspects and research work directions and developed ideotypes and 29 cultivars of spring wheat and two cultivars of facultative soft wheat, approved for use in production in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Promising lines of soft spring wheat have succeeded in their identification for further breeding work. New varieties and promising lines are also new sources of valuable traits and properties for breeders and geneticists.

Keywords: Wheat (T. aestivum L.), breeding, cultivars and advanced lines, valuable traits, growing seasons, disease resistance, grain yield and quality

Key findings: The identification of methodological aspects about the wheat (T. aestivum L.) breeding was successful, as well as the development of ideotypes, 29 spring wheat, and two facultative soft wheat cultivars, which also reached approval for use in production in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Moreover, they are sources of valuable traits and properties for work in wheat breeding and genetics.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an economically important legume crop cultivated in Uzbekistan, and viral infections negatively affect plant growth, development, and grain yield. This study aimed to monitor virus-associated symptoms in chickpea fields and molecularly characterize the Polerovirus species infecting this crop. Field surveys carried out in the Tashkent Region revealed typical virus symptoms, including leaf curling, chlorosis, reddening of leaf margins, thickened lamina, and delayed flowering. A total of 103 symptomatic plant samples incurred analysis using the tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunological analysis identified luteoviruses in 47.5% of the samples. Molecular assay confirmed the presence of beet western yellows virus (BWYV) and cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) in chickpea plants. The coat protein (CP) gene of the BWYV-TS1 isolate underwent sequencing before being deposited in the GenBank (PQ671646). Phylogenetic analysis disclosed the highest similarity between the Uzbek isolate and Eurasian isolates, forming a regional cluster. The results provide the first molecular evidence of BWYV infecting chickpea in Uzbekistan and highlight the need for future virus management strategies and resistance breeding.

Keywords: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), luteoviruses, Polerovirus RT-PCR, phylogenetic analysis, BWYV, growth, grain yield

Key findings: Beet western yellows virus (BWYV) identification succeeded in naturally infected chickpea (C. arietinum L.) plants for the first time in Uzbekistan. According to a phylogenetic relationship, the mutations within the coat protein (CP) polypeptide revealed regional evolutionary patterns affecting chickpea health.

The assessment of yield-related and grain quality traits in 27 durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) cultivars and advanced lines enabled this study to be conducted in 2024 at the Scientific Research Institute of Rainfed Agriculture, Jizzakh Region, Uzbekistan. The results revealed the advanced lines RNS-2023/18 and DNS-2023/16 exhibited superior performance for 1000-kernel weight, hectoliter weight, and relatively stable yield performance compared with the check cultivar Leukurum-3. The cultivar Tilladon and advanced line RNS-2023/18 appeared leading in grain quality due to the highest values in 1000-kernel weight (44.0 g) and hectoliter weight (> 800 g/L). These promising genotypes emerged as recommendable for further breeding programs. A considerable positive association (r = 0.83) was evident between 1000-kernel weight, hectoliter weight, and grain yield, indicating the necessity of prioritizing large and plump grains to ensure the highest productivity in selected genotypes under rainfed conditions.

Keywords: Durum wheat (T. durum Desf.), rainfed condition, cultivars and advanced lines, grain yield, 1000-kernel weight, hectoliter weight, correlation analysis

Key findings: The durum wheat (T. durum Desf.) advanced lines RNS-2023/18 and DNS-2023/16 significantly outperformed the check cultivar in 1000-kernel weight, grain yield, and hectoliter weight, revealing their adaptability under rainfed conditions. Grain yield emerged as considerably associated with 1000-kernel weight and hectoliter weight, which accounted for the majority of yield variations.

The evaluation of lodging resistance in 10 durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes under rainfed conditions in Uzbekistan was this study’s aim using morphological traits and SSR marker analysis. Field studies revealed considerable variations among genotypes for plant height and spike length, with these traits found in association with lodging susceptibility. The SSR markers’ analysis identified three polymorphic markers (Xgwm181, Xgwm312, and Xgwm63) associated with lodging resistance. Favorable alleles of these markers succeeded in their detection in several durum wheat genotypes, particularly in the genotypes D-21 and D-7, indicating their potential for tolerance to lodging. Phylogenetic analysis based on marker polymorphicm revealed a genetic relationship among the studied genotypes. Overall, the results revealed these SSR markers can be reliable tools for confirming lodging resistance in durum wheat genotypes and can be favorably effective in marker-assisted selection for breeding programs.

Keywords: Durum wheat (T. durum Desf.), lodging resistance, morphological traits, SSR markers, phylogenetic analysis, rainfed conditions

Key findings: The study identified lodging-resistance-associated alleles in durum wheat (T. durum Desf.) genotypes using the SSR markers Xgwm181, Xgwm312, and Xgwm63. The favorable allele Xgwm181 (225 bp) entailed detection in genotypes D-7 and D-21, while Xgwm312 (205 bp) occurred in several other genotypes.

Seeking to achieve effective selection against yellow rust resistance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was the aim of this study. Five populations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, and F₃), upon development from seven cross combinations of wheat, underwent evaluation using a randomized complete block design at two locations, i.e., Agricultural Research Institute, D.I. Khan, and Cereal Crops Research Institute, Pirsabak, Nowshera, Pakistan. Phenotypic study of the generations revealed significant variations were evident among all cross combinations, except RK-23 × Seher and RK-23 × Zincol. The majority of the crosses manifested notable generation × location interaction for all yellow rust traits, except RK-23 × Zincol. The highest means for response value (0.93), rust severity (56.8%), and coefficient of infection (46.5) of yellow rust resulted in Inqilab and its derived generations (F₁–F₃) in the cross RK-23 × Inqilab. Meanwhile, the lowest values (0) were noticeable in Shahkar and in its derived population, RK-23 × Shahkar. Molecular study indicated the presence of Yr15, Yr17, and Yr18 genes in selected F₃ lines of RK-23 × Zincol, RK-23 × Shahkar, and RK-23 × Borlaug. Based on the phenotypic and molecular performance of the populations of RK-23 × Zincol, RK-23 × Shahkar, and RK-23 × Borlaug, they emerged as resistant to yellow rust.

Keywords: Wheat (T. aestivum L.), segregating populations, yellow rust, genotype-by-environment interactions, generation means, Yr markers, MAS

Key findings: Wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivars Shahkar, Zincol, and Borlaug in cross combination with RK-23 produced the rust-resistant genotypes in F₂ and F₃ generations, and the same also have successful confirmation through molecular study. Therefore, these cross combinations could further entail exploration in future wheat breeding for rust resistance.

Climate-induced abiotic stresses, such as drought, heat, and declining soil fertility, considerably threaten wheat productivity in arid regions. Perennial wheat relatives, including the species Thinopyrum and Agropyron, possess the vigorous root system and robust abiotic-stress tolerance, proving them more valuable donors for introgression breeding. The consequent study aimed to develop and evaluate stress-tolerant durum-bread wheat progenies derived from perennial × annual crosses under arid conditions in Uzbekistan. Diverse G₂–G₃ hybrid generations underwent assessment for viable agronomic traits such as tiller number, plant height, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, and root development. Significant phenotypic variations were evident among the hybrid combinations. Several progenies involving the species Thinopyrum intermedium and Agropyron ponticum partial amphiploids showed improved grain-number stability (48–53 grains) and a deeper root system than annual parental genotypes. Grain-weight analysis revealed the mid-range classes (38–51 g) predominated in most G₂ hybrids, whereas multi-parent combinations displayed wider segregation and higher variations (18%–36%). Root-length analysis disclosed robust transgressive inheritance, with perennial-derived hybrids producing roots up to 90 cm, far exceeding annual cultivars (20–21 cm), highlighting their breeding potential for stress-resilient wheat.

Keywords: Perennial and annual wheat, hybridization, introgression breeding, stress tolerance, G₂–G₃ hybrids, key traits, grain number, root length

Key findings: Perennial wheat relatives (Thinopyrum and Agropyron spp.) transferred drought- and heat-tolerance traits to G₂–G₃ hybrids, producing superior lines with stable grain numbers and deep roots. These hybrids were identified as promising donors for breeding climate-resilient wheat adapted to water-deficit environments.

This study evaluated 26 garlic (Allium sativum L.) genotypes for phenological, agromorphological, and biochemical traits to identify those with high genetic diversity and selection potential. Descriptive statistics revealed extensive variations in earliness, bulb and clove mass, root mass, and yield-related traits, while the biochemical traits were relatively stable. Overall, the bulb yield in garlic genotypes ranged from 16.9 to 69.1 t/ha (CV = 33.51%), indicating substantial genotypic diversity, and showed moderate positive correlations with bulb diameter, bulb and clove weight, and plant height (r = 0.55–0.67). Principal component analysis (PCA) identified seven components explaining 81.09% of the total variation, with PC1 related to vegetative growth and yield, PC2 to biochemical traits, and PC3 to bulb shape. Cluster analysis grouped the garlic genotypes into early and low-yielding; medium-vegetation with large bulbs; and late, high-yielding genotypes. An analysis of variance confirmed significant (P ≤ 0.000) differences among garlic genotypes for all traits. Overall, the results enunciated substantial genetic diversity and provide a robust basis for targeted selection in terms of earliness, yield, bulb quality, and biochemical traits.

Keywords: Garlic (A. sativum L.), germplasm, genetic diversity, principal component analysis, phenological, morpho-biological, biochemical traits

Key findings: Garlic (A. sativum L.) genotypes revealed significant genetic diversity and greater potential for selection. Bulb yield showed a positive association with other bulb traits and plant height. Variation in sugar and nitrate content enables the selection of high-quality garlic genotypes with good yield and improved flavor.

Shallot (Allium cepa L.) is a strategic horticultural commodity, facing considerable pressure from enhanced domestic demand and declining production in Indonesia. This research aimed to identify morphological traits, analyze genetic diversity, and identify the potential genotypes for promising parent selection. Shallot accessions totaled 57, evaluated for genetic diversity through 18 morphological traits and molecular analysis based on 17 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Morphological characterization revealed broad diversity and grouped the bulb skin color into eight distinct colors, along with considerable variation in bulb diameter. The molecular analysis using 17 ISSR primers recognized the highest level of genetic diversity (91.70%). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed most of the genetic variation (98%) appeared within populations, with a weak differentiation among populations (2%), which confirmed a high rate of gene flow among geographical regions. Based on phenotypic performance, the shallot accessions with the highest number of bulbs, heaviest bulb weight, and ideal bulb length were notably the promising parental genotypes. The optimal breeding strategy involves utilizing these high-yielding and genetically divergent accessions to optimize heterosis and enhance the adaptive stability in shallot. This research significantly contributes to optimizing the utilization of Indonesia’s local genetic resources to support national shallot seed security.

Keywords: accessions, Allium cepa, gene flow, genetic diversity, ISSR markers, morphological traits

Key findings: The highest level of morphological diversity within shallots (Allium cepa) supported in the identification of promising accessions. The ISSR marker analysis revealed the maximum genetic diversity among shallot accessions. However, the low genetic differentiation among the regions suggests the intensive gene flow across the geographical boundaries.

This research aimed to analyze the inheritance and variability of morpho-economic traits in parental lines and their F₁ and F₂ populations in mung bean (V. radiata syn. P. aureus L.). Specifically, these traits are main stem length, pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod, and 1000-seed weight. The experiment commenced at the experimental field of Chirchik State Pedagogical University, Uzbekistan, using several mung bean’s parental genotypes and their F₁ and F₂ populations. In F₁ and F₂ populations, the inheritance of main stem length primarily exhibited positive overdominance, as well as positive and negative intermediate inheritance. The pods per plant predominantly revealed overdominance, with occasional positive intermediate and negative overdominance. Pod length consistently displayed positive intermediate inheritance across all hybrids, while the seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight demonstrated instances of both positive and negative overdominance. In F₂ populations, the heritability ranges for various traits were for main stem length (53.0%–97.0%), pods per plant (66.0%–83.0%), pod length (11.0%–44.0%), seeds per pod (22.0%–66.0%), and 1000-seed weight (77.0%–89.6%). Isolation of the recombinant forms with heterotic effects occurred in F₂ populations for the above traits. The utilization of these recombinants as source material will offer significant efficacy in mung bean breeding programs.

Keywords: Mung bean (V. radiata syn. P. aureus L.), F₁ and F₂ populations, overdominance, heritability, heterosis, morpho-yield traits

Key findings: The pods per plant predominantly detailed overdominance, with occasional instances of positive intermediate and negative overdominance in mung bean (V. radiata syn. P. aureus L.). Pod length consistently displayed positive intermediate inheritance, while the seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight exhibited instances of both positive and negative overdominance across all hybrids.

Cotton is vital to Uzbekistan’s economy; however, its production sustains severe effects from the bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). This destructive pest damages the plant’s reproductive parts, causing significant losses in seed cotton yield and fiber quality. Traditional reliance on chemical insecticides has led to pesticide resistance, ecological disruption, and environmental pollution, necessitating sustainable alternatives. Genetically modified Bt-cotton, expressing Bacillus thuringiensis toxins, offers an effective strategy by providing inherent genetic resistance against bollworm larvae. Bt cotton occurred as globally successful in reducing dependency on chemicals, and its efficacy depends on the local agroecological conditions. The data on the entomological effectiveness of Bt-cotton varieties remains limited in Uzbekistan. The potential study’s novelty lies in its field-based evaluation of transgenic varieties under specific agroclimatic conditions of Uzbekistan, focusing on pest infestation intensity and genotypic resistance. The practical significance of this research contributes to the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. By reducing dependency on chemical pesticides and improving environmental safety, this study aimed to enhance the long-term sustainability of cotton production in Uzbekistan.

Keywords: Bt-cotton, Helicoverpa armigera, genetic resistance, entomological evaluation, integrated pest management, sustainable crop protection, Uzbekistan

Key findings: Insect pests of different crops provided uneven distribution across the different regions of Uzbekistan, with species diversity and population density varying by agroecological zones and cropping seasons. The highest pest activity resulted in lowland areas during spring and summer.