Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is among the most economically important crops worldwide, yet its productivity acquires severe constraints from viral infections, especially the Potato virus X (PVX). This study aimed to develop an optimized double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) for the rapid and reliable diagnosis of PVX in seed and field materials. Virus propagation in Datura stramonium and D. tatula enabled the preparation of purified antigen and polyclonal antiserum in rabbits. Optimization trials established the most effective dilutions for primary (1:2000) and secondary (1:5000) antibodies, achieving approximately 96% sensitivity and 94%–95% specificity. The improved ELISA demonstrated a strong diagnostic performance, ensuring early detection of PVX in potato cultivars grown under Uzbekistan conditions. The application of the test revealed high infection rates (80%–100%) in certain cultivars, whereas others, including Folva, Piskom, and Aureta, showed no infection, indicating their suitability for virus-free breeding. The developed DAS-ELISA provides a cost-effective, rapid, and reproducible diagnostic platform suitable for seed certification, monitoring, and phytosanitary programs. Its integration with RT-PCR and eco-safe vector management can further enhance potato yield stability and strengthen regional plant health protection systems.

Keywords: Potato (S. tuberosum L.), Potato virus X, ELISA, antigen, isotonic solution, polyclonal antiserum, conjugate

Key findings: Potato (S. tuberosum L.) yields primarily rely on virus-free seeds and recommended crop husbandry. The optimized DAS-ELISA (1:2000/1:5000) achieved ~96% sensitivity and ~94%–95% specificity, enabling PVX detection for seed certification, monitoring, and virus-free programs. Pairing ELISA with RT-PCR and vector control strengthens the phytosanitary protection and stability.

This study employed total RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and PCR analysis for molecular characterization of pathogenic viruses infecting stone fruits. Leaf samples of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) showing symptoms of viral infection entailed collection from the orchards located in the districts of Bostanliq and Parkent of Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan, with the total RNA subsequently extracted. The quantity and quality of the extracted RNA reached their evaluation, performing cDNA synthesis using high-quality RNA samples. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) proceeded with virus-specific primers targeting major pathogens of stone fruit crops. These include the Prunus dwarf virus (PDV), Plum pox virus (PPV), Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Peach rosette mosaic virus (PRMV), Little cherry virus (LCV), Cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV), and Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV). During the examination, the presence of CLRV was successful for validation by PCR in the analyzed stone fruit samples. The obtained results revealed a distinct distribution of CLRV infection and provide a practical basis for the selection of virus-resistant cultivars. The results demonstrate a significant practical value for the selection of virus-resistant stone fruit cultivars. The obtained results highlight the practical relevance of molecular diagnostics for selecting virus-resistant stone fruit cultivars.

Keywords: Sweet cherry (P. avium L.), Cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV), Prunus spp., RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR, molecular diagnostics

Key findings: Molecular characterization confirmed the cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV) in the studied virus samples of the cherries and stone fruits in Uzbekistan.

Cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies of the cotton haploid describe its morpho-biological features in comparison with the parental genotypes. This research aimed to study the cotton haploid (277₂) spontaneously developed through interspecific crossing of monosomic line Mo15 (Gossypium hirsutum) with Pima 3-79 (G. barbadense) to create the chromosome-substituted cotton lines. With species incompatibility, selective elimination of chromosomes took place in one of the parental genomes observed in interspecific hybrids. The haploid plant displayed characteristics of a thin and tall stem, dense foliage, shortened internodes, small three-lobed leaves, and complete sterility. In the metaphase I of meiosis, 26 univalents manifested random distribution in the pollen mother cells. The haploid stood out by the complete absence of bivalent formation and presence of unpaired chromosomes in the pollen mother cells. Molecular genetic analysis of the haploid using SSR markers revealed the alleles only from the species G. hirsutum in all 26 chromosomes of the haploid genome, which confirmed the selective elimination of chromosomes of the entire paternal genome. The promising results indicated the possibility of using haploid inbreeding by developing doubled haploids (DH).

Keywords: Cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, G. barbadense, monosomic line, haploid, selective elimination of chromosomes, SSR markers

Key findings: Cytogenetic analysis of the interspecific F₁ hybrid (277₂) obtained through crossing of the monosomic line Mo15 (G. hirsutum L.) with disomic line, Pima 3-79 (G. barbadense L.) appeared with morpho-biological features and complete absence of chromosome pairing. The SSR markers confirmed the presence of alleles only from the species G. hirsutum, indicating selective elimination of chromosomes.

Yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) is the primary disease affecting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop productivity worldwide. The latest study aimed to evaluate the 68 wheat cultivars and advanced lines for resistance to yellow rust under field conditions using both morphological assessment and SSR molecular markers. The results revealed eight wheat genotypes (Yr15/6 Avocet S, Xisorak, Yr5/6 Avocet S, Triticum spelta, Yr10/6* Avocet S, Yr SP/6* Avocet S, Spaldings Prolific, and Andijon-2**) were distinctly highly resistant. The two SSR markers Barc008 and Gwm140 proved to be the most reliable for detecting resistance, whereas four other markers (Gwm340, Gwm111, Xgwm131, and Gwm251) showed variable results across the genotypes. The integration of morphological and molecular data highlighted the genetic diversity in yellow rust resistance and demonstrated their potential to efficiently screen the wheat germplasm. The results provide a valuable base for selection of resistant parental lines and employment of marker-assisted selection (MAS) in wheat breeding programs aimed at improving the resistance to yellow rust disease.

Keywords: Wheat (T. aestivum L.), yellow rust, SSR markers, Yr genes, resistance, marker-assisted selection (MAS), genotypes evaluation

Key findings: Eight promising wheat (T. aestivum L.) genotypes (Yr15/6 Avocet S, Xisorak, Yr5/6 Avocet S, Triticum spelta, Yr10/6* Avocet S, Yr SP/6* Avocet S, Spaldings Prolific, and Andijon-2) showed complete resistance to yellow rust under field conditions. The SSR markers Barc008 and Gwm140 were successful as highly reliable for detecting this resistance, demonstrating robust concordance with morphological evaluation.

The study, conducted in a lath house in the autumn of 2022–2023 at the College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University, Al-Qasim, Iraq, determined the humic acid effect on the vegetative growth of the rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis L.). The experiment included two factors: the first factor was pinching, where half of the plants received pinching and the other half was without pinching. The second factor was adding humic acid at concentrations of 0, 4, and 8 ml/L and spraying with kinetin at concentrations of 0.50 and 100 mg/L. The experiment layout was in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement (2 × 3 × 3) and three replications. The triple interaction treatment of pinching, humic acid at 0 concentration, and kinetin at 0 concentration gave significant highest values for plant sprouting (29.67 cm). Meanwhile, for the concentration of 50 mg/L, the number of vegetative branches is 5.33 branches plant^-1, and the treatments (P1), humic (8 ml/L), and kinetin (50 mg/L) gave the topmost values, significantly affecting the traits, stem diameter (5.98 mm), and the number of leaves (696.00 leaves plant^-1).

Keywords: Rosemary plant (R. officinalis L.), pinching, humic acid, kinetin, sprouting, branches per plant, stem diameter, number of leaves

Key findings: The triple interaction treatment of pinching P1, humic acid at 0 concentration, and kinetin at 0 concentration significantly gave the highest values for sprouting (29.67 cm). Similarly, the concentration of 50 mg/L resulted in the number of vegetative branches at 5.33 branches per plant in the rosemary plant (R. officinalis L.).

A field experiment took place during the 2024–2025 growing season on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) at the College of Education for Pure Sciences, Ibn Al-Haitham, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. The said study aimed to evaluate the effects of water stress and foliar application of nano-titanium and nano-curcumin on the concentrations of enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD], peroxidase [POD], and catalase [CAT]) and non-enzymatic antioxidants—malondialdehyde (MDA). Subjection of sunflower plants to water stress was for five, 10, and 15 days, and for foliar application of nano-titanium concentrations at 50 and 100 mg L^-1, and after 72 hours with nano-curcumin concentrations at 25 and 75 mg L^-1 along with control treatment. The results showed significant differences among studied factors on the physiological traits of the sunflower. Regarding drought stress, substantial differences showed the best results appeared with the longest irrigation interval due to the highest sunflower tolerance to environmental stress conditions. The water stress for a period of 15 days combined with nano-titanium (100 mg L^-1) and nano-curcumin (25 mg L^-1) provided the highest activity levels of SOD, POD, CAT, and MDA.

Keywords: Sunflower (H. annuus L.), nano-titanium and nano-curcumin, water stress conditions, peroxidase, catalase, curcumin, superoxide dismutase

Key findings: Sunflower (H. annuus L.), with the application of nano-titanium and nano-curcumin, demonstrated physiological response through increased activities of SOD, POD, and CAT, as well as MDA under water stress conditions.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of moringa leaf extract and mineral fertilizer on the growth and yield traits of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), carried out during the growing season of 2024 at the University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq. The experiment layout was in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors: a) foliar application of moringa leaf extract (M) (0, 5, and 10 ml L^-1) and urea fertilizer (U) (0, 4, and 6 g L^-1) and three replications, resulting in 27 treatments. The study used hybrid cauliflower seeds (Green Stream). The foliar application of moringa leaf extract and urea fertilization significantly improved the growth parameters, such as head circumference, plant height, the number of leaves, petiole thickness, chlorophyll content, and stem length. Likewise, the treatments enhanced productivity indicators (head weight and total yield) compared with the control treatment. The most effective integrated treatment was the foliar application of moringa extract (10 ml L^-1) combined with urea fertilizer (6 g L^-1), which resulted in the highest productivity of cabbage.

Keywords: Cabbage (B. oleracea L.), moringa leaf extract, mineral fertilizer, chlorophyll content, growth and yield traits, cabbage, weight and total yield

Key findings: The most effective integrated treatment was the foliar application of moringa leaf extract (10 ml L^-1) combined with urea fertilizer (6 g L^-1), resulting in the highest productivity of cabbage (B. oleracea L.).

The presented study analyzes the international experience in conceptualization and assessment of land degradation in the context of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a well-known fact that the traditional approach to differentiated interpretation of land degradation is insufficient and requires numerous adjustments. From ecological, economic, and social perspectives, the necessity of a comprehensive interpretation of land degradation needs substantiation. The importance of considering the close association of these aspects entails emphasis. In this study, the proposed land degradation underwent an analysis of the scale of degradation in the modern world. It was well noted that up to 40% of the planet’s soils reached degradation to some extent, and the total degraded land areas amounted to about 15% of terrestrial lands. The said problem is most acute in developing countries. Giving specific attention is essential to sustainable land management, which can ensure the prevention of land degradation to achieve significant ecological, economic, and social benefits.

Keywords: Land and soil degradation, assessment of soil and land degradation, sustainable land resource management, soil resource management, development goals

Key findings: The water deficit condition at the flowering stage caused a significant reduction in yield and its components in maize. The silicon treatment 6 mM L^-1 concentration notably enhanced the grain and oil yields and carbohydrates.

This study aimed to investigate the erosion processes effect on fertility parameters of mountainous chernozem-black soils in the Kedabek Region of Azerbaijan. The research area was characteristically of a predominantly mountainous relief, where surface erosion was widespread and represents a significant challenge to sustainable soil use and crop productivity. The collected soil samples from experimental plots revealed varying degrees of erosion for evaluating its extent and the prevailing effect on key fertility parameters. The presented results indicate that erosion disrupts the soil structure, reduces the functional capacity of arable lands, and eventually leads to a considerable decline in soil quality. Analytical results showed an increase in bulk and particle densities in eroded soils, which signified a correlation with the soil granulometric composition variations. Additionally, a consistent decrease in humus content and total nitrogen was evident across the soil profiles subjected to erosion. These variations underscore the detrimental effects of erosion on soil fertility and emphasize the need for targeted soil conservation and rehabilitation strategies in the studied region.

Keywords: Soil fertility parameters, soil erosion, humus and nitrogen content, predominantly mountainous relief, soil structure, soil conservation

Key findings: In the mountainous chernozem soils of the District Kedabek, soil erosion significantly affects the key fertility parameters. Eroded soils exhibited increased bulk and particle density, which has linkages with variations in soil granulometric composition. However, a marked decline prevailed in humus and nitrogen content across the soil profiles altered by erosion.

Rocambole (Allium scorodoprasum L.), a perennial bulbous vegetable belonging to the family Alliaceae, succeeded in its first-time introduction and examination under Uzbekistan’s agro-ecological conditions. The presented study sought to determine the morphological yield and economic efficiency of rocambole line K-24 by comparing it with the local garlic cultivar ‘Chidamli.’ Field trials conducted from 2016 to 2020 followed standard methods for varietal testing and statistical analysis. Rocambole line K-24 exhibited a longer growth duration (242 days) than garlic (221 days) and showed characteristics of a taller pseudostem (106 cm) and broader leaves (5.0 cm). The average bulb weight of rocambole line K-24 was 106 g with 5–6 cloves, while garlic bulbs averaged 62 g with 13–14 cloves. The rocambole line K-24 yield reached 44.0 t ha⁻¹, which was 63% higher than the garlic cultivar Chidamli (27.0 t ha⁻¹). Rocambole bulbs exhibited excellent marketability (100%) and maintained good storability until February–March. Economic evaluation indicated a net income of USD 2,240 ha⁻¹ and a profitability rate of 158.7%, highlighting its robust economic viability. Overall, rocambole can be a very promising vegetable crop for Uzbekistan, with significant value for crop diversification and as a genetic resource in breeding programs.

Keywords: Rocambole (A. scorodoprasum L.), garlic (A. sativum L.), morphology, yield-related traits, introduction, crop diversification

Key findings: Rocambole (A. scorodoprasum L.) produced significantly larger bulbs and higher bulb yield and showed more robust agronomic performance than garlic (A. sativum L.) under Uzbekistan’s growing conditions. The rocambole cultivar Baraka demonstrated excellent marketability, considerable storability, and high profitability, confirming its potential as a commercial crop.