Clove is an economically valuable spice plant with numerous health and food-related benefits. The abundance of clove with higher diversity was prevalent in the Haya Village, Seram Island, renowned as the largest clove-producing center in Maluku, Indonesia. The presented research sought to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the morphological diversity and genetic makeup of five clove accessions using seven RAPD primers. The results of coefficient variation showed that the leaf area holds the highest value (62.7%) compared with the petiole length (18.67%). Hierarchical cluster analysis based on 11 morphological traits, including crown shape, trunk type, bark type, branching direction, leaf shape, leaf apex shape, leaf base shape, leaf margin, leaf character, leaf venation, and leaves aroma exhibited a distant relationship between the clove accessions obtained from tuni and hutan. These accessions showed a high dissimilarity between the red and the white Zanzibar. The RAPD profile showed 92 bands ranging from 800 to 2700 bp, with a polymorphism of 66.3%. Based on genetic distance analysis, red Zanzibar and hutan have the highest value (0.58%), while red Zanzibar and white Zanzibar have the lowest (0.16%). These results were consistent with phylogenetic tree reconstruction and PCoA analysis that groups hutan at a long distance from red Zanzibar and tuni. According to morphological and molecular analysis, clove accessions tuni, red Zanzibar, and hutan were most suitable as promising parental genotypes for further improvement through plant breeding and conservation programs.

Keywords: Clove, genetic makeup, morphological trait, polymorphism, genetic distance, RAPD markers

Key findings: Clove (S. aromaticum L.) showed variations in vegetative characters and a moderate polymorphism based on seven RAPD primers. The markers classified tuni and red Zanzibar clove accessions into the same group, while the hutan clove accession remained distinct. The results suggested that these three accessions have the potential to serve as parental genotypes in crossbreeding for further improvement in clove plant quality.

Maize (Zea mays L.), a vital cereal crop, faces challenges from rising global temperatures. As a C4 plant, maize is highly heat sensitive, which disrupts photosynthesis and reduces growth and productivity. High temperatures during the reproductive phase delay silk emergence and dry pollen, decreasing seed production and yield. Developing heat-tolerant maize varieties is essential. Tolerance can be viable by utilizing genetic diversity in breeding programs. This study evaluated 156 inbred lines for high-temperature stress tolerance, selecting 56 promising lines. Their screening continued under field and screen house conditions. High-temperature stress significantly affected maize growth and reproductive stages, increasing the anthesis-silking interval and reducing flowering synchronization. Principal component analysis identified inbred lines PBG1(X), PBG2(X), PBG3(X), PBG4(X), PBG5(X), PBG7(X), 6200(X), 6201(X), 6205(X), and 6202(X) as the best performers under stress, while 6159(X), 6179(X), 6180(X), 6193(X), and 6199(X) performed poorly. Traits, such as cob diameter, days to silking, grains per cob, 100-grain weight, and leaf area, showed positive correlations with the anthesis-silking interval. Inversely, pollen production potential had a negative correlation, while the days to tasseling positively correlated with grain yield. These findings are crucial for developing heatresilient maize varieties.

Keywords: Maize (Z. mays L.), inbred lines, screening, high temperature, PCA, correlation

Key findings: The rising global temperature poses significant physiological stresses on maize (Z. mays L.). Addressing this challenge requires identifying and utilizing heat-tolerant maize germplasm essential for breeding climate-resilient varieties. These findings provide valuable insights for improving high-temperature stress tolerance and developing resilient maize germplasm.

This presented study sought to determine the qualitative parameters and relationship among the local (Khindogni, Bayanshira, Madrasa, and Shirvanshahi) and internationally introduced (Roussanne, Chardonnay, and Carignane) grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars grown in the Mountainous Shirvan Region, Azerbaijan. Few grapevine gardens planted with ancient cultivars remain, which places the wine industry in a difficult position. The local cultivars, Madrasa, Shirvanshahi, and Bayanshira, grown in the Shamakhi Region, Azerbaijan, could provide an incentive for upgrading the wine industry. Consumers abroad prefer wines made from ancient technical grape cultivars. Despite interest in the cultivars Madrasa, Bayanshira, Khindogni, and Shirvanshahi, the technical cultivars Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Carignane ranked first in grapevine cultivation. The various bunch and berry traits were the most studied parameters in these grapevine genotypes. The juice obtained from these berries bore analysis for Brix, pH, acidity, and ripening index. The latest research indicates the wine industry faces the primary challenge of failing to consider the ecological and geographic zonal characteristics of grapevine cultivars. These grapevine genotypes result in the production of low-quality table wines derived from cultivars that are unsuitable for the local soil and climatic conditions. Consequently, about cultivation, cultivars Madrasa, Carignane, Shirvanshahi, and Bayanshira were notably promising cultivars.

Keywords: Technical grape (V. vinifera L.), varieties, local and introduced cultivars, morphometric parameters, quality, wine industry, correlation

Key findings: Based on the bunch and berry parameters and the quality of juice, technical grape (V. vinifera L.) varieties Madrasa, Carignane, Shirvanshahi, and Bayanshira are suitable for growing in the Mountainous Shirvan Region of Azerbaijan. The berry size exhibited a positive correlation with seed weight and a negative with the Brix value of the juice.

Pre-sowing treatment with plant growth regulators is one of the most efficient ways to improve seed germination and seedling tolerance to diverse environmental conditions. The presented study sought to evaluate the effects of polyprenols (emulsion concentrate) of the Paulownia tomentosa tree on the growth, physiological, and yield-related traits in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Biologically active substances (polyprenols) of the Paulownia tomentosa tree have stimulating and auxin-like activity, contributing to an increase in seed germination, plant height, spike length, grains per spike, grain weight per spike, 1000-grain weight, which increased the grain yield by 5.5–10.5 t/ha in winter wheat. According to the results, the Grom cultivars had the highest degree of drought resistance (94%). Local wheat cultivars Khisorak and Bunyodkor belonged to group IV (above average) and displayed 77.7% to 80.0% drought resistance. Polyprenols also positively affected the leaf chlorophyll a, b, and the total chlorophyll formation during the vegetation phase in winter wheat. Chlorophyll b increased by 0.23 mg/g for the cultivar Bunyodkor, 0.29 mg/g in Khisorak, and 0.07 mg/g in the Grom cultivar under the Republic’s Southern Region conditions.

Keywords: Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), cultivars, polyprenols, auxin-like activity, stimulating effect, drought resistance, growth and yield traits

Key findings: Biologically active compound polyprenols increased seed germination, plant height, spike length, grains per spike, grain weight per spike, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield in winter wheat (T. aestivum L.).

Medicinal plants are traditional cures from generation to generation based on the local community elders’ wisdom. The relevant study sought to classify medicinal plants in the Kubu Raya Regency, Indonesia. The qualitative research commenced on 34 species of plants, i.e., Strobilanthes crispa (L.) Blume., Andrographis paniculata (Burm. Fil) Nees, Acorus sp., Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., Gynura procumbens (L.) Merr., Elephantopus scaber L., Eclipta prostrata L., Euphorbia hirta L., Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb., Premna serratifolia L., Melastoma malabathricum L., Melastoma sanguineum Sims, Psidium guajava L., Phyllanthus urinaria L., Piper betle L., Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth, Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav, Serratia sp., Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle., Ziziphus mauritiana L., Oldenlandia corymbosa L., Morinda citrifolia L., Myrmecodia pendens Merr. & L.M.Perry, Solanum sp., Physalis angulata L., Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl., Zingiber purpureum Roscoe, Zingiber officinale Roscoe., Kaempferia galanga L., Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe, Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm., Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb, Curcuma mangga Valeton, and Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. Boiled water from leaves is typically from medicinal plants, mostly belonging to the Zingiberaceae family.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, family Zingiberaceae, traditional medicines, local wisdom, leaf processing

Key findings: The presented research provides information about the different plant species used in traditional medicines. The results give insight into the importance of these medicinal plants and their beneficial use in curing various diseases to ensure good health.

Biologically active substance uses identify the most effective options for various fruits, vegetables, and green crops. The most promising silicon preparation (1-ethoxysilatrane) application as an organoelemental biologically active substance confirmed its high efficiency in producing traditional plants. Silicon preparations and organosilicon esters of triethanolamine-silatranes synthesis by Russian scientists led by M.G. Voronkov became widely used biological active substances in crop production. With an organoelemental biologically active substance, the effectiveness of the drug germanium (1-germatranol) gained scrutiny. Germatrane (RGe(OCH₂CH₂)₃N) synthesis immediately followed the preparation of silatranes; however, studying its effectiveness as phytoinducers for microgreens has just begun. The presented research comprised the technology for producing Abyssinian Niger seed plant (Guizotia abyssinica) microgreens grown in an urban-type synergotron specified conditions and climate chamber regimes with LED and fluorescent lighting using pre-sowing treatment of plant seeds with 0.001% solutions of 1-ethoxysilatrane and 1-germatranol.

Keywords: Abyssinian Niger seed plant (Guizotia abyssinica), microgreens, 1-ethoxysilatrane, 1-germatranol micro- and macronutrients, vitamin hunger, functional ingredients, fortified foods

Key findings: By using biologically active substances based on silicon and germanium at the stage of pre-sowing seed treatment, the biochemical composition of Abyssinian Niger seed plant microgreens (nitrogen content, chlorophyll, carotenoids, total antioxidant activity) succeeded in evaluation. Germatranol positively affected the growth dynamics of Abyssinian Niger seed microgreens, revealing 53.3% compared with the control sample. The mass indicators of microgreens treated with germatranol exceeded the control sample by 24.3%. Higher antioxidant content was evident than the control treatment for microgreens treated with germatranol (57.5%) and ethoxysilatrane (9.6%).

Genus Trichoderma classifies as a broad-based, saprotrophic fungi and a prime component of the fungal community of various soil ecosystems. The diversity of this genus has non-extensive studies in Uzbekistan, and the prevalence of investigations relied on phenotypic traits. Here, the isolation of four Trichoderma strains (BZS-T1, BZS-T2, BZS-T3, and BZS-T4) from the anthropogenic pollution zone in Uzbekistan succeeded. Using a molecular genetic approach based on the tef1 gene region enabled us to report for the first time Trichoderma afroharzianum species in the polluted soils of Uzbekistan. Twelve reference strains obtained from the NCBI database underwent the phylogenetic analysis of the BZS-T1 strain. Based on the phylogenetic tree, the isolate BZS-T1 displayed clustering with T. afroharzianum strain T-22 (ATCC 20847) from the USA, isolate AG500 from Thailand and isolate Tri-1 procured from China. The promising results confirmed the value of the DNA-based identification process, which was worthwhile to promote and apply, especially for identifying Trichoderma species in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The T. afroharzianum isolate BZS-T1 could have considerable potential regarding its antagonistic properties, inducing systemic resistance in plants and as a bioremediation agent for polluted soils and wastewater.

Keywords: Trichoderma afroharzianum, identification, Tef-1a, molecular genetic approach, phylogenetic analysis, microbial biodiversity, Central Asia

Key findings: Several morphologically based studies of Trichoderma in Uzbekistan enunciated that several T. harzianum isolates succeeded in segregation. However, the T. afroharzianum has no previous reports in Uzbekistan.

The best crop production technology depends on the approved scientific approaches and agricultural practices. Studying the elements of crop production technology is necessary to obtain stable and highquality yields. The result’s reliability reached validity from three years of field and laboratory studies conducted under typical conditions per modern methods and state standards. For the presented research, the spring wheat cultivated as the first crop of different fallow types began during 2020–2022 at the Kursabaev Farm, North Kazakhstan. The spring rapeseed cultivars and hybrids, planted on bare fallow soil, had various seeding rates in 2019–2021 at the Yessil Yessil State Grain Feed Variety Testing site in North Kazakhstan. The study showed that for 2020–2022, the highest spring wheat grain yield resulted in the variant with chemical fallow treatment. The highest grain yield in rapeseed surfaced from the bare fallow soil with cultivar ‘Maikudyk’ and the hybrid ‘Builder,’ with a seeding rate of 2.0 million seeds per hectare. The results revealed that fallow preceding a crop contributes to a better spring wheat harvest. Thus, this work allows for determining the most effective ways to increase crop yields under climate change and variations in other environmental factors.

Keywords: Spring wheat, spring rapeseed, seeding rate, chemical fallow, bare fallow, grain yield

Key findings: As part of the study, in the conditions of the Zhambyl District of the North Kazakhstan Region in 2020–2022, the highest spring wheat yield occurred using chemical fallow treatment preceding a crop, with tillage of 16–18 cm. Treatment with bare and sown fallow showed lower efficiency with a difference of 0.19–0.42 t/ha. The highest spring rapeseed yield in the Esil District of the North Kazakhstan Region in 2019–2021 appeared at the seeding rate of 2.0 million germinating seeds per hectare in cultivar Maikudyk, while the increased seeding rate showed a decline in crop yield in 2019–2021.

Nanotechnology is a new and vital scientific transformation used in various fields globally. It has proven its recognition in agricultural sciences with environment-friendly fertilizers produced and applied, which are more efficient than traditional fertilizers. Nano-biotechnological techniques can benefit diverse processes related to plant biology, including seed germination, plant growth enhancement, plant nutrition improvement, secondary metabolites isolation, and protection provision against biotic and abiotic stress factors. Nanotechnology presents significant opportunities for agriculture due to its typical physicochemical traits, such as substantial surface area, heightened reactivity, adjustable pore size, and particle shape. These fertilizers have contributed to addressing the increasing challenges in crop production and food security and can meet the growing food demand of the world’s population. Studies have shown that this technology can improve field establishment by increasing seed emergence, plant growth, and yield even under different stresses. Notably, nanotechnology exploration in Iraq, particularly in agriculture production, has focused only on research purposes. Therefore, the current review emphasizes the importance of nanoparticles in the context of plant systems.

Keywords: Nanotechnology, nano-fertilizers, crop production, seed germination, medicinal plants, sustainable agriculture

Key findings: The presented review showed the value of using nanotechnology in crop improvement. Nanotechnology has become one of the prime technologies promising to advance agricultural practices and offer sustainable development by improving management and conservation tactics with reduced agricultural input wastage.

Drought is one of the consequences of climate change, negatively affecting crop yields. Current weather abnormalities showed that increasing plant resistance to temperature stresses needs special attention in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The article provides information on weather and climatic condition variations in winter-growing regions of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In 2021–2023, during the growing season, the increased air temperature in Kazakhstan (1.73 °C–2.60 °C) and Uzbekistan (1.97 °C–2.57 °C) materialized with decreased precipitation compared with the past average annual data. Recently, similar rainfall in these regions has been uneven during the winter crop-growing season. The current winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars and their study methods had reports of chief indicators of drought tolerance. The influence of flag leaf parameters (length, width, and area), leaf rolling during drought, slowing down of “Stay-green” plant aging, plant pubescence, and waxy patina on drought tolerance of winter wheat came about based on past research. Winter wheat cultivar evaluations for productivity indicators occurred under natural drought conditions. Characteristics of modern drought-tolerant winter wheat cultivars planted in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan were informative.

Keywords: Winter wheat (T. aestivum L.), climate change, drought, drought-tolerant indicators, breeding for drought tolerance, productivity

Key findings: Climate change toward aridity requires a detailed study of drought-tolerant traits in winter wheat (T. aestivum L.) worldwide. In drought conditions of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, local varieties identified with high ear productivity and grain yield have been successful.