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.

Mango is a tropical fruit in Indonesia, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It plays a significant role in boosting farmers’ income, supporting industrial development, and driving exports. Mangoes in Indonesia exhibit remarkable diversity in fruit shape, size, taste, and leaf characteristics. This study aimed to assemble the data on the diversity of 10 mango accessions using different fruit traits and molecular markers. This research took place at the Agricultural Technology Research and Assessment Installation (ATRAI)-Cukurgondang and the Indonesian Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Research and Development (ICABIOGRAD)-Bogor. A set of mango accessions, observed for their fruit traits, underwent molecular analysis using 20 RAPD and 15 SSR markers to generate their genetic relatedness. The results revealed that mango accessions varied considerably in fruit shape, scent, color, and taste. The RAPD primers produced more DNA bands than SSR markers. The PIC values were highly informative for three RAPD markers (15% of the total) and two SSR markers (13.33% of the total). Based on dissimilarity values, large-sized mangoes’ separation from small-sized mangoes can be effective; however, one group emerged with a blend of both. Mango accessions Madu Segoro 127 and Delima 209 have a pure genetic composition, but Delima 209 is an essential crossing material as it belongs to a group distinct from the small mangoes. The two mango groups’ development into smaller-sized mangoes can further succeed with a more attractive color and pronounced aroma to better attract consumers.

Keywords: Mango (M. indica L.), fruit traits, molecular markers, RAPD and SSR, genetic diversity, population structure

Key findings: The fruits of 10 mango (M. indica L.) accessions in the Cukurgondang-ATRAI collection considerably vary in shape, scent, color, and taste. The RAPD and SSR markers succeeded in separating large-sized and small-sized mangoes. Mango accessions Madu Segoro 127 and Delima 209 revealed the pure genetic composition.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a valuable oilseed and technical crop. The flaxseed oil ranks first among the various technical oils. Kazakhstan has the leading position and was the largest producer of oilseed flax from 2019 to 2022 worldwide. In the recommended crop cultivars of Kazakhstan, 15 flax cultivars’ registration succeeded, including six cultivars obtained through domestic selection. The developed flax cultivars are mostly products from research organizations, such as the Karabalyk Agricultural Experimental Station, Astana, and the Agricultural Experimental Station of Zarechnoye, Northern Kazakhstan. In previous years, flax cultivars, such as Kostanaysky-11 and Altyn, have been part of crop breeding achievements of Kazakhstan. In the competitive variety testing nursery during 2020–2024 at the Karabalyk Agricultural Experimental Station, the genotype K-57-13-2 ‘Asay’ emerged as the leader with an average seed yield of 1.7 t/ha, oil content of 42.6%, and oil yield of 0.721 t/ha. At the Agricultural Experimental Station, Zarechnoye, in the competitive variety testing nursery during 2021–2024, the flax genotype C5402 ‘Satti’ stood out with an average seed yield of 1.92 t/ha, oil content of 36.4%, and oil yield of 0.700 t/ha.

Keywords: Flax (L. usitatissimum L.), breeding, variety, seed yield, oil, oil yield, Kazakhstan

Key findings: As a result of breeding research work on the flax (L. usitatissimum L.) at the Karabalyk Agricultural Experimental Station, Astana, and Agricultural Experimental Station, Zarechnoye, the flax cultivars ‘Asay’ and ‘Satti’ were the products developed and submitted for evaluation to the State Commission on Crops, Kazakhstan.

The physic nut (Jatropha curcas) plant, as a renewable alternative fuel source, has greater potential with many advantages than other plant sources. The following study sought to analyze the lipid metabolism pathway and determine its correlation with plant morphological traits. The study transpired using morphophysiological and metabolomic approaches, specifically GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). In the J. curcas fruits, metabolites detected totaled 73, which play a significant role in the fatty acid biosynthesis metabolism pathway. However, specifically in the sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis pathway, only nine key metabolites gained identification in the J. curcas fruits, playing a vital role. The correlation values of several growth characters and marker metabolites revealed most of the traits had significant positive and negative correlations with each other. The plant height appeared considerably positively correlated with celidoniol, trans-squalene, and tetradecane. In conclusion, the growth characteristics, such as plant height and leaf traits, have a significant positive and negative correlation with marker metabolites in the formation of fatty acid biosynthesis metabolic pathways and sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid metabolism.

Keywords: Jatropha curcas, plant growth, morphological traits, metabolite markers, lipid metabolism pathway, fuel source

Key findings: This research has identified the association among the plant growth and metabolite markers in Jatropha curcas.

An evaluation of the genetic diversity and phenotypic variation among 17 garlic (Allium sativum L.) accessions occurred on 13 morphological traits using an augmented experimental design. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA), continued to assess the extent of variability and elucidate interrelationships among the traits. Key findings revealed significant variability in traits like plant height (44.8–77.7 cm), bulb thickness (36.96–69.52 mm), and bulb weight (18.75–96.05 g), indicating scope for these traits’ improvement. Correlation analysis highlighted positive associations among traits, such as bulb thickness, stem thickness, and bulb weight, emphasizing their collective impact on yield. A trade-off between clove number and clove size was also noteworthy. Cluster analysis grouped accessions into two main clusters, aiding targeted breeding strategies. Distinct garlic accession 41083, identified as Allium ampeloprasum, displayed unique traits like pest and disease resistance. PCA confirmed substantial diversity, with 68% of the variance explained by the first two components. Accessions, including 36559 and 41433, emerged as promising candidates for introducing novel traits. These findings highlight the potential of morphological diversity in garlic breeding to enhance yield, adaptability, and market appeal for sustainable cultivation.

Keywords: Garlic (A. sativum L.), accessions, genetic diversity, morphological and yield traits, traits relationship, pest and disease resistance

Key findings: The latest study presents the genetic diversity analysis based on morphological traits, revealing high variability among garlic (A. sativum L.) accessions.

Vitex species belong to a pivotal genus of the medicinal plants; however, research on their genetic diversity is still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the genetic variation in Vitex species based on the DNA barcoding genes matK and rbcL. The collected data for the matK and rbcL complete sequences came from the gene bank, with 31 matK and 23 rbcL accessions analyzed, comprising five geolocations, including China, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The data’s analysis used the MEGA 11 to reveal the genetic variation and generate phylogenetic trees. The Vitex haplotype network generation utilized the DnaSP and PopART. The results showed the genetic variation within the matK gene in Vitex species was greater than that in the rbcL gene. Overall, 75 and 40 nucleotide polymorphisms succeeded in detecting in matK and rbcL genes, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic trees of Vitex species, matK and rbcL genes could effectively separate the species into three general clades. The haplotype network analysis revealed 14 and nine haplotypes based on matK and rbcL, respectively. Genetic variation within Vitex species could be useful for the development of specific DNA barcoding for species authentication, conservation, and comprehensive assessment of genetic diversity across the regions.

Keywords: DNA barcoding, genetic variation, nucleotide polymorphism, matK, rbcL, Vitex species

Key findings: This study detected 75 and 40 nucleotide polymorphisms on the matK and rbcL, respectively, in Vitex species. The haplotype network analysis revealed 14 and nine haplotypes based on matK and rbcL, respectively.

The following research comprised the evaluation of one local cultivar, ‘Durdona,’ and 15 exotic genotypes of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) for mean performance and traits association through morpho-yield attributes under field conditions of Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan. Results showed exotic mung bean lines AVMU2003, AVMU2004, AVMU1681, and AVMU2002 have better performance for morpho-yield traits than other genotypes. The correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between the grains per pod and grain weight per pod, as well as grain weight per pod and 1000-grain weight. The traits of number of grains per pod and grain weight per pod had a positive effect and major contribution in managing the seed yield in mung beans.

Keywords: Mung bean (V. radiata L.), multivariate analysis, morpho-yield traits, correlation, plant height, pods, seed yield, Tashkent Region

Key findings: Genotypes AVMU2003, AVMU2004, AVMU1681, and AVMU2002 have shown better performance for morpho-yield traits than other genotypes. These genotypes’ use can be effective in future breeding programs for improvement in mung beans.

A comparative evaluation of five cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars for economically valuable traits was successful through competitive varietal testing during 2022–2024 at the Agricultural Experimental Station for Cotton and Melon Growing, Turkestan, Kazakhstan. Overall, the vegetation period lasted for 117–126 days, boll weight was about 5.8–6.1 g, seed cotton yield measured 4.17–4.57 t/ha, and the fiber yield ranged from 38.0% to 39.8%. The results revealed the promising upland cotton cultivars exceeded the standard cultivar M-4005 and proved valuable in increasing cotton productivity. According to fiber quality parameters, overall, the fiber length ranged from 33.0 to 33.4 mm, micronaire (4.6–4.8 mic), fiber breaking load (4.7–4.9 g/s), and fiber fineness metric number (5470–5520). For fiber quality traits, the promising genotypes also exceeded the standard cultivar M-4005. The fiber of the newly developed cotton cultivars could receive a type IV-V fiber classification, valued for a higher price in the world market.

Keywords: Upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.), cultivars, competitive varietal testing, growth period, seed cotton yield, fiber yield, micronaire

Key findings: The promising cotton (G. hirsutum L.) cultivars’ evaluation through a competitive varietal testing program helped identify the highest-yielding cultivars with improved fiber quality traits in the Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan.

The success in hybrid seed assembly depends upon the availability of strains with high receptivity and compatibility with their parental genotypes. The presented study aimed to characterize the maize germplasm and select high-yielding genotypes by studying them through morphological parameters, heritability, correlation, and multivariate analysis. The study had a randomized complete block design comprising 27 genotypes with three repetitions. These genotypes are those with wider adaptability obtained as procured from the Cereal Crops Instrument Standard Testing Centre, Maros, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The results showed the cob length and grain yield percentage were the best traits besides the harvest cob weight. Based on the path analysis, the cob length gave the highest direct effect (0.46), followed by yield percentage (0.45). An increasing cob length and yield percentage is relevant to increasing productivity, meaning this character can be beneficial as the most effective secondary quality in selecting maize genotypes. Direct effect is a trait influence that has an impact on the main character. Principal component analysis (PCA) through multivariate analysis can reduce numerous interrelated variables. Based on the PCA, the maize genotypes JHD 14 and JHD 15 were notably promising strains with the highest productivity.

Keywords: Maize (Z. mays L.), characterization, heritability, correlation, multivariate analysis, morphological parameters

Key findings: Knowledge of genetic variation is indispensable in predicting the performance of maize (Z. mays L.) hybrids to be developed, and that can considerably assist the breeders in selecting promising genotypes through breeding programs. Based on selection, JHD14 and JHD15 emerged as the best strains with the highest productivity potential.