Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a strategic fiber crop with increasing importance for sustainable agriculture and textile industries. With crop diversification and development of domestic fiber resources, the renewed interest has emerged in fiber flax cultivation in Uzbekistan. However, the genetic improvement of fiber-related traits—such as fiber yield, length, strength, and fineness—remains challenging because of their quantitative inheritance and robust environmental sensitivity. The present review summarized recent research advancements in flax fiber, particularly focusing on germplasm diversity, conventional and molecular breeding strategies, and the application of DNA marker technology. The local landraces, advanced lines, and introduced accessions have expanded the genetic base for fiber improvement. Modern approaches, including quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and marker-assisted selection (MAS), have also enabled the identification of genomic regions and candidate genes involved in the development of fiber quality. This review also discussed future perspectives for flax breeding under Uzbekistan’s agro-climatic conditions, emphasizing integrated phenotypic, molecular, and genomic approaches to develop high-yielding, better-quality, and stress-resilient fiber flax cultivars. The results provide a scientific framework to accelerate breeding efficiency and support the sustainable expansion of flax production in Central Asia.

Keywords: Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), fiber traits, breeding, germplasm resources, fiber quality, DNA markers, QTL mapping, marker-assisted selection

Key findings: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and future prospects of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) fiber traits improvement research in Uzbekistan. The findings highlighted the importance of combining traditional breeding with molecular and genomic approaches to improve fiber yield and quality.

Heterosis has been a key strategy in breeding sunflowers to improve sunflower yield and develop superior cultivars. Inbreeding depression, which is the loss of fitness and performance induced by increased homozygosity, is a major problem in the sunflower hybrids program. This research aimed to evaluate seven diversified genotypes (FMC-0046, Thatta, SH-3, A-2, Turkish, Mehran, and ST-2) and their 12 F₁ hybrids and F₂ populations for heterotic effects and inbreeding depression in earliness, yield, and oil content under normal and water-deficit conditions. The study used a split-plot design with three replications, carried out in 2023 at the Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan. The analysis of variance revealed significant (P ≤ 0.01) differences among F₁ and F₂ populations and genotype-by-environment interactions. Among the genotypes, FMC-0046, Turkish, and Mehran expressed the highest values for 1000 seed weight, head diameter, oil content, and seed yield plant^-1. Among the F₁ hybrids and F₂ populations, FMC-0046 х Mehran, Thatta х Turkish, A-2 х Mehran, SH-3 х ST-2, and A-2 х ST-2 performed better with desirable heterosis and desirable inbreeding depression for yield and oil traits. Hence, these populations received recommendations for inclusion in future breeding programs for the development of water stress-tolerant cultivars.

Keywords: Heterosis, inbreeding depression, yield and oil traits, water stress, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes

Key findings: Under water-stressed conditions, FMC-0046 х Turkish, FMC-0046 х Mehran, and Thatta х ST-2 performed well for traits of the number of seeds head^-1 and head diameter, respectively. A-2 х Mehran produced desired results for 1000 seed weight in a stressed environment.

This study sought to assess the yield performance, ecological stability, and physiological traits of 10 winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes grown for three years (2023–2025) under variable agroclimatic conditions of the Khorezm Region, Uzbekistan. Field trials conducted had a randomized complete block design with three replications. Yield stability evaluation used the coefficient of variation (CV), while physiological adaptation determination employed the chlorophyll content (soil plant analysis development, or SPAD). Significant genotypic differences observed were prevalent in yield and physiological responses, especially under early heat stress in 2025. The highest mean grain yields resulted in cultivars Sila (572.5 g m⁻²) and Nikifor/Kroshka (543.0 g m⁻²). Among these, the genotype Sila showed the lowest CV (0.84%), indicating the utmost ecological stability and broad adaptability. Both wheat genotypes also maintained the maximum SPAD values (> 58.5), reflecting robust photosynthetic tolerance in stress conditions. However, regression analysis revealed a weak relationship between chlorophyll content and grain yield, indicating high SPAD alone does not ensure yield superiority. Overall, the genotype Sila succeeded in its identification as an optimal genotype, combining high yield and stability, while the genotype Nikifor/Kroshka appeared suitable for favorable environments. The results support breeding strategies aimed at improving the yield stability under varied climatic conditions.

Keywords: Wheat (T. aestivum L.), yield, ecological stability, coefficient of variation, stress, SPAD, genotype-environment interaction

Key findings: Wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivars Sila (572.5 g m⁻²) and Nikifor/Kroshka (543.0 g m⁻²) recorded the highest average grain yield. The cultivar Sila showed the lowest coefficient of variation, confirming its better ecological stability. Both genotypes maintained the highest SPAD values in stress conditions, revealing robust photosynthetic tolerance.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) characterization revealed small chromosomes with weak morphological differentiation; therefore, the translocation lines application necessitated its identification. In this study, a unified identification of chromosomes involved in exchanges took place for three translocation lines from the Uzbek cotton сytogenetic collection via translocation tester lines from the USA. Chromosome homology evaluation was according to the meiotic configurations at metaphase-I (MI) in pollen mother cells. Analysis of cotton F₁ hybrids obtained through crosses between translocation lines from two different collections revealed the involvement in translocation of several chromosomes in various lines. These are chromosomes 3 and 6 of the A_t-subgenome of cotton in line Tr8, in line Tr15, chromosome 6 of the A_t-subgenome and chromosome 14 of the D_t-subgenome, and in line Tr16, chromosomes 2 and 3 of the A_t-subgenome. The study also identified the homology of one of the translocated chromosomes in four translocation lines by crossing with tester lines. In two lines, Tr5 and Tr9, the detection of homology was with chromosome 6 of the A_t-subgenome, whereas in two other lines, Tr13 and Tr26, the established homology was with chromosome 3 of the A_t-subgenome.

Keywords: cotton (G. hirsutum L.), crossing, Uzbek cotton cytogenetic collection, translocated chromosomes, chromosome identification, translocation tester set

Key findings: Cytogenetic analysis of the cotton (G. hirsutum L.) F₁ hybrids revealed that in the Tr8 translocation line, chromosomes 3 and 6 of the A_t-subgenome of cotton showed involvement in the translocation; in the Tr15 line, the involved ones were chromosome 6 of the A_t-subgenome and chromosome 14 of the D_t-subgenome; and in Tr16 line, involved chromosomes were 2 and 3 of the A_t-subgenome.

The genetic architecture of yield components and effective exploitation of a diverse gene pool are crucial to improve the productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The related study aimed to tap the genetic potential and heterotic effects by crossing eight diverse wheat lines, i.e., Gulzar 19, Shahkar 13, Wadan 17, Fatehjang 16, Fahim 19, Pirsabak 19, Khaista 17, and Pirsabak 15 with four testers, viz., Zincol 16, Akbar 19, PR 128, and Zinc Shakthi. This line-by-tester mating design took place in 2022–2023 at the Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI), Pirsabak-Nowshera, Pakistan. Analysis of variance showed significant (p≤0.01) differences among genotypes, parents, crosses, and line-by-tester populations for most traits. Based on the mean performance, the F₁ wheat hybrid Gulzar 19 × Zincol 16 had the highest tiller count, grain spike^-1, biological yield, and grain yield. The general combining ability (GCA) to specific combining ability (SCA) variance ratios and degree of dominance implied non-additive gene action, suggesting delayed selection in F₂ generations. Zincol 16 showed positive GCA for tillers, grains spike⁻¹, biological yield, and grain yield; Akbar 19 also had positive GCA for 1000-grain weight; and PR 128 remained a common parent in multiple heterotic hybrids. Gulzar 19 × Zincol 16 had the highest SCA and heterosis for grain yield, proving it as the most promising candidate for future breeding.

Keywords: Bread wheat (T. aestivum L.), F₁ hybrids, line-by-tester mating design, heterosis, yield components, mean performance

Key findings: This study assessed eight lines and four testers to evaluate mean performance, combining abilities, gene action, and heterotic potential of wheat (T. aestivum L.) hybrids targeting at high-yielding wheat cultivars. Four F₁ hybrids (Gulzar 19 × Zincol 16, Pirsabak 19 × PR 128, Fahim 19 × PR 128, and Pirsabak 15 × Zincol 16) showed distinction for their superior performance in multiple traits for enhancing yield.

The evaluation of six winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars and 15 F7 lines for drought tolerance cultivated under rainfed conditions comprised studies of their morphophysiological and biochemical traits. Determining the relative water content (RWC) of flag leaves, antioxidant activity, and the soluble proteins proceeded at the flowering, milk, and wax ripeness stages of ontogenesis. The F7 lines Yubiley 90, Erytrospermum 100, 21 FAWWON9/Gaudio, 29th SAWYT N395, 21 FAWWON 9/Gallio, and Gobustan/Gyrmyzy gul 1 showed the highest performance for studied indicators, resulting in a recommendation as promising genotypes for use in breeding programs. Thus, a comprehensive assessment of drought tolerance traits allows for increasing the effectiveness of breeding programs, developing cultivars tolerant to climate change, and managing biotechnological and genomic strategies to improve the genotypes’ drought tolerance.

Keywords: Wheat (T. aestivum L.), drought tolerance, rainfed conditions, productivity, antioxidant defense system

Key findings: The integrative evaluation of morphophysiological and biochemical traits enhanced the efficiency of breeding strategies aimed at developing climate-resilient wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivars.

Many types of viruses exist in nature that affect plum plants. This article will discuss the most important ones. In 2020, the plum pox virus (PPV) discovery, identification, and eradication succeeded in Uzbekistan. Moreover, these investigations have also provided powerful tools for detailed analysis of the evolutionary processes and spread dynamics of PPV. These also assessed biological identification via mechanical inoculation of indicator plants and molecular characterization using RT-PCR with strain-specific primers followed by agarose gel electrophoresis, partial coat protein gene sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. PPV reached biological identification upon mechanical inoculation of most test indicator plants, where symptoms of the virus appeared in ring mosaics on leaves of the family Chenopodiaceae members, such as Chenopodium quinoa. Molecular-genetic identification of the isolated PPV isolates confirmed they belonged to the D strain. However, the analysis of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the protein coat gene showed that isolates MT038048.1 (Uz1), MT038050.1 (Uz2), and MT038049.1 (Uz3) were different but closely related, derived from the same ancestor found on the closely related phylogenetic branches. Currently, this virus is absent from Uzbekistan; it has been eradicated using methods applied by the quarantine agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Keywords: Plum pox virus (PPV), isolates, RT-PCR, coat protein (CP) gene, primer design, Chenopodium quinoa, phylogenetic analysis

Key findings: Molecular characterization confirmed the PPV in studied samples of the apricot, sweet cherry, and plum cultivars and their hybrids in Uzbekistan.

This study induced phenotypic diversity in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using gamma rays, EMS (ethyl methane sulfonate), and their combined application to improve grain yield and end-use quality. Healthy seeds of three well-adapted cultivars received treatments with the mutagens and advanced through four generations with standard agronomic practices. The M₁ and M₂ generations exhibited reduced germination, stunted growth, and altered spike morphology, confirming the effectiveness of mutagenic treatments. Based on phenotypic evaluation, the selection of 30 promising mutant lines ensued in the M₃ generation for detailed characterization. Among these, mutant line SE4/12-1 exhibited the shortest plant height, SG2/12-26 had the highest numbers of tillers per plant, and SE5/12-7 showed the longest spike length. Mutant lines SG4/12-35 and SE2/12-29 appeared with the highest number of spikelets per spike, whereas SE5/12-15 produced the highest number of grains per head spike. SE5/12-13 recorded the maximum head spike yield. Considerable variation was also evident in grain quality traits, with grain hardness index, seed diameter, moisture content, and gluten content. The highest Zeleny sedimentation value (87.3 ml) resulted in the mutant line SG2/12-27, and the mutant line SE4/12-5 displayed the highest falling number (729 sec). Overall, the selected mutant lines provide valuable genetic resources for breeding high-yielding wheat varieties with improved grain and processing quality.

Keywords: Bread wheat (T. aestivum L.), gamma rays, ethyl methane sulfonate, ideotypes, grain texture, falling numbers, gluten content, Zeleny sedimentation value

Key findings: Gamma rays, EMS, and their combined treatments generated substantial phenotypic diversity for the development of new ideotypes in bread wheat (T. aestivum L.). Promising wheat lines showed desirable agronomic traits, and these useful genetic resources can be beneficial in developing high-yielding wheat cultivars with improved quality.

Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) is a culturally, ecologically, and economically significant species in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, including Sumbawa Island, Indonesia. Its wide morphological and pomological variability necessitates assessment of the genetic diversity for utilization and future conservation. The 13 jujube accessions (10 wild and three partially domesticated from West Sumbawa [SB], Sumbawa Regency [KS], and Dompu [DP]) underwent analysis for genetic diversity using 27 SSR markers. Genetic diversity revealed variations in allelic richness and polymorphism levels, and the DP population had the highest allelic richness, followed by SB and KS. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that KS accessions formed a genetically cohesive group, while DP accessions displayed more dispersion, with considerable intra-population variation and partial overlap with SB accessions. The SSR-based clustering divided the accessions into two major groups: cluster I (KS3L1, DP1L2, DP1L3, KS1L1, KS2L2, SB1L2, and SB2L1) and cluster II (SB2L2, DP2L1, SB1LI, DP2L2, DP3L1, and SB2L3), consistent with PCA results. The results confirmed distinct genotypic profiles among ecotypes and the effectiveness of SSR markers in capturing the population structure of Z. mauritiana across Sumbawa Island. The two distinct genotype groups reflect complex local adaptation and domestication processes, and SB accessions showed intermediate genetic signals likely influenced by ecological overlap and historical exchange of planting materials.

Keywords: Jujube (Z. mauritiana), genetic diversity, SSR polymorphism, UPGMA clustering, principal component analysis (PCA), ecotype, domestication

Key findings: The SSR markers considerably revealed genetic diversity and structure among the jujube (Z. mauritiana) accessions from Sumbawa Island, identifying two distinct genotypic clusters. It indicates the presence of at least two distinct genotypes, reflecting complex patterns of domestication and local adaptation within the island’s populations.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production is vital to Indonesia and plays a key role as a staple food; however, its sustainable production faces threats from climate change. Genetic variability is crucial for developing environment-resilient rice cultivars. The following research aimed to evaluate six advanced F7 populations in comparison with three check cultivars using SSR primers. The experiment layout was in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed SSR markers showed higher genetic similarity than morphological traits, and leaf length and flag leaf length contributed most to variability. The SSR primer CMCT505 showed the highest polymorphism, with a PIC value of 0.6. The correlation between morphological traits and SSR markers provided a matrix correlation of 0.41483, Z = 22.3636, and P = 0.9883, suggesting a nonsignificant positive correlation. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 87.56% of the total genetic variability, and leaf length and flag leaf length contributed considerably. Yield evaluation further revealed that F7 4-21-11-23-3-2 attained the maximum yield (13.51 t ha⁻¹), exceeding all three check cultivars. The correlation between SSR markers and morphological traits revealed a moderate relationship, indicating that one of the markers was better at explaining genetic variability.

Keywords: Rice (O. sativa L.), genetic variability, morphological traits, yield components, SSR markers

Key findings: In studying rice (O. sativa L.) advanced populations in comparison with three check cultivars using SSR primers, PCA explained 87.56% of the total genetic variability, and the traits of leaf length and flag leaf length contributed significantly. The SSR primer CMCT505 appeared to be the most informative with a PIC value of 0.6. Among the advanced populations, F7 4-21-11-23-3-2 produced the highest grain yield (13.51 t ha⁻¹), confirming its breeding value.