Development Of New Varieties Research Articles

Assessment of Volatile Characteristics of Okinawan Pineapple Breeding Lines by Gas-Chromatography–Mass-Spectrometry-Based Electronic Nose Profiling and Odor Activity Value Calculation

The recent increase in demand for Okinawan pineapples has necessitated the development of new varieties with attractive aromas. This study aimed to evaluate the volatile characteristics of five Okinawan pineapple breeding lines, i.e., ‘No. 22’, ‘No. 25’, ‘No. 26’, ‘No. 27’, and ‘No. 28’. The total volatiles in the cryopulverized fruit flesh were examined using headspace gas-chromatography–mass-spectrometry-based electronic nose analysis. The total ion masses of the volatiles were visualized using principal component analysis, and three replicates of each line with comparable volatile characteristics were selected. Furthermore, the composition of the volatile components in these replicates was assessed, and the odor activity values (OAVs) were calculated. The breeding lines varied in the quantity and composition of their volatile compounds, which were predominantly esters, ketones, terpenes, and alcohols. The ‘No. 22’ fruit contained a greater content of volatiles than the other lines. Moreover, 14 volatiles with OAV > 1 were accounted as aroma-active compounds, and their variations were distinguished as follows: the highest OAV (786.96) was recorded for methyl 2-methylbutanoate of the ‘No. 26’ line; 2,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-3(2H)-furanone was superior in the ‘No. 26’ and ‘No. 27’ lines; and δ-decalactone was only present in the ‘No. 22’ and ‘No. 27’ fruits, suggesting different potent practical uses for these new breeding lines.

Development of product profile for target-oriented accelerated breeding in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) breeding in India, dating back to more than a century, has significantly contributed to increased production by developing many high-yielding, stress resistant varieties with desirable seed quality and market preference traits. However, with ever increasing pressure for further improvement, there is a need to make the varietal development process consumer-oriented, catering to present and near future demands. The development of new varieties has direct implications on national chickpea yields, affecting the food/feed availability and nutritional balance from the consumer’s perspective and livelihood security from the growers’ perspective. The national breeding programs need to formally align by prioritizing the essential and desirable traits, benchmarks and a product development timeline. In the present study we have described the development of a Product Profile of chickpeas suitable for different crop ecologies in the country, which may act as a blueprint for varietal development. There is a need to strike a balance between present and near future demands and therefore, the pros and cons of such an approach and their possible implications on future chickpea breeding was also discussed.

Development of an SNP marker set for marker-assisted backcrossing using genotyping-by-sequencing in tetraploid perilla.

High-quality molecular markers are essential for marker-assisted selection to accelerate breeding progress. Compared with diploid species, recently diverged polyploid crop species tend to have highly similar homeologous subgenomes, which is expected to limit the development of broadly applicable locus-specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays. Furthermore, it is particularly challenging to make genome-wide marker sets for species that lack a reference genome. Here, we report the development of a genome-wide set of kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers for marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) in the tetraploid minor crop perilla. To find locus-specific SNP markers across the perilla genome, we used genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to construct linkage maps of two F2 populations. The two resulting high-resolution linkage maps comprised 2326 and 2454 SNP markers that spanned a total genetic distance of 2133cM across 16 linkage groups and 2169cM across 21 linkage groups, respectively. We then obtained a final genetic map consisting of 22 linkage groups with 1123 common markers from the two genetic maps. We selected 96 genome-wide markers for MARS and confirmed the accuracy of markers in the two F2 populations using a high-throughput Fluidigm system. We confirmed that 91.8% of the SNP genotyping results from the Fluidigm assay were the same as the results obtained through GBS. These results provide a foundation for marker-assisted backcrossing and the development of new varieties of perilla.

Exploring the linkage between root system architecture and grain iron content in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Iron (Fe) is a vital element that is equally important for plants, animals, and humans. High Fe concentrations in wheat grains have reliance on plant roots, the hidden half of the plant with a role in nutrient mining. Enhanced grain Fe content of wheat can positively mitigate Fe malnutrition in poor populations. In the present study, 100 wheat varieties were studied to identify the root architectural characteristics in relation to grain Fe concentration. Germinated seeds were transplanted in a rhizobox kept in a standard nutrient solution and were harvested 12 days after transplanting. Roots were scanned and the images were processed using smart root software. A total of 12 wheat varieties, which had a vigorous and weak root system architecture (RSA), in combination with higher and lower Fe grain concentrations, were selected using principal component analysis. The uptake and translocation of Fe from root to shoot were determined through a pot experiment conducted for the above-mentioned 12 wheat varieties, with or without Fe fertilizer applied as FeSO4 to the soil. The data obtained from the pot experiment revealed that Dharabi-11 with vigorous RSA exhibited the highest grain Fe concentration (57.20 mg kg−1), low phytate concentration (6.50 mg kg−1), and maximum 1,000 grain weight, whereas Ujala-16 with weaker RSA had the lowest grain Fe concentration (13.33 mg kg−1), highest phytate concentration (9.07 mg kg−1), and lowest 1,000 grain weight. There were also varieties showing higher grain Fe concentrations with weaker RSA and vice versa. Although it is indicated that vigorous RSA leads to high grain Fe concentration, it is not the sole factor in high grain Fe concentration. Nevertheless, the results demonstrate that large genetic diversity is available among indigenous wheat germplasm in terms of grain Fe concentration and RSA. This information may be utilized in the development of new varieties through conventional and marker-assisted breeding programs using RSA traits for Fe biofortification in wheat, leading to the mitigation of Fe malnutrition.

JINDEX: JSON and index search system for plant germplasm database

To facilitate the development of new varieties and conserve plant germplasm data for future needs, Thailand organizations have developed plant germplasm search systems that provide access and exchange plant genetic resource data like the international organizations. However, the development of plant germplasm search systems using traditional data warehousing creates a limitation in terms of structural flexibility and scalability, as well as search performance. Accordingly, this paper proposes a JSON and index search system for the plant germplasm database named JINDEX. JINDEX is a new approach for implementing a galaxy schema in NoSQL based a hybrid key-value/document data model. Plant germplasm data is stored in JSON files as a document data model, providing a flexible structure of genetic resources for various plants. The plant germplasm data and index files are organized as an on-disk tree structure, which can be accessed regarding a key-value data model to retrieve plant germplasm data efficiently. Experimental results showed that the JINDEX-based plant germplasm search system outperforms the previous plant germplasm search system implemented in a relational database in terms of query response time. Additionally, this JINDEX-based plant germplasm search system has been deployed since 2020, demonstrating that it can work practically.

Agrobiological and consumer assessment of new cherry varieties of Dagestan breeding

The development of new varieties of cherries with a combination of economically important traits, along with the high nutritional value of the fruit, is an important trend in breeding research, which renews and expands the variety range of cherries. The agrobiological and consumer properties of seven new varieties of sweet cherries of Dagestan breeding (FSBSI Dagestan breeding experimental station of fruit crops) are presented: Bela, Dagestan red, Bigarro Krainsky, Garnet, Lyubimitsa Korvatskogo, Lezginka and Nike. The research was carried out using conventional methods for a variety research and biochemical methods of analysis. It was determined that the cherry varieties Lyubimitsa Korvatskogo, Pomegranate, White and Nike are highly resistant to spring frosts, with the subfreezing of flowers being less than 18.3%. The fruits of the varieties Nike, Bela, Pomegranate, Lezginka and Lyubimitsa Korvatskogo are the most resistant to dehiscence, since the index of dehiscence during ripening at high humidity for these varieties varied within 13.5–18.2 %. The susceptibility of new varieties to Coccomyces and monilial blight is insignificant (no more than 1.2 points). Varieties Bigarro Krainsky, Pomegranate, Lezginka and Nike are characterized by the highest content of soluble solids (12.4–16.3%) and sugars (11.01–12.02%) in fruits. Bigarro Krainski, Bela and Lezginka exhibited the highest vitamin C content (9.24– 9.70 mg %). With the exception of the Bela variety (5.0 g), all new varieties of cherries are characterised by large fruits (7.5–9.5 g). Tasting indicators were rated as high (within 4.7–5.0 points on a five-point scale) for the Lyubimitsa Korvatskogo, Pomegranate, Lezginka and Nike varieties. The average yield was the highest for Nike, Bela and Garnet (8.0–9.6 t/ ha). The study showed that new cherry varieties obtained a combination of economic and biologically valuable traits, along with improved consumer properties compared with the control varieties. Therefore, they are recommended as valuable parent materials for breeding programs and the expansion of commercial cherry orchards in Dagestan in order to obtain high-quality fruit products.

Measuring climate change’s impact on different sugarcane varieties production in the South of Goiás

A crucial aspect analysed during the last years, aiming to improve sugarcane production, is the impact of climate change on sugarcane productivity. One of the strategies to mitigate climate change's impact on sugarcane yield is the development of new varieties known to positively affect crop production. This paper analysed how climate change impacts sugarcane production regarding the different planted varieties. Data regarding sugarcane harvest were collected from a cooperative in the south of Goiás state—Brazil, the second biggest national sugarcane producer. Results indicate that climate impact on sugarcane yield is irrelevant when controlling for different varieties. Considering the results presented in this work, the Brazilian government should keep the incentives for the development of new sugarcane varieties and, at the same time, spur sugarcane producers to use the new sugarcane varieties. The results imply that if the variety is correctly chosen, sugarcane can be produced without harming the environment, contributing to reaching SDG 15. Moreover, it is less probable that an adverse climatic event will destroy the planted area, preventing sugarcane producers from severe loss and contributing to achieving SDGs number 1 and 2.

Agricultural Water Footprint Studies for Sustainable Agricultural Water Management -A Review

Water footprint is defined as the amount of water consumed in production of any agricultural or industrial produce. It accounts the water consumed directly and indirectly for producing any industrial and agricultural product. Water footprint analysis helps in planning of the optimum utilization of water in any sector which subsequently leads to sustainable management of water resources. This review paper provides a review on the Water Footprint estimation methodology its merit and shortcomings, practical challenges with available data and resources for Indian context and worldwide. With increasing population and industrialization, availability of water and its judicious distribution is becoming challenging for the policy makers and strategist. Water foot print mapping of major crops will be helpful for development of new varieties which will be having higher yield with less water consumption. Traditional water consumption statistics, policies and awareness drives focuses on reducing water wastage and improving water use efficiency in domestic and industrial water use. Water footprint studies for various regions of India find that climate change and agricultural practices has significantly reduced the water consumption.

Screening of the mogar collection samples according to productivity and biochemical composition of biomass

In the arid conditions of the Lower Volga region, mogar is a promising fodder crop. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to identify promising samples for the development of new varieties that would meet the requirements of domestic agricultural producers. The paper has presented the estimation results of the mogar varieties of the VIR genetic resources collection according to morphometric parameters, productivity, and nutritional value of aboveground biomass. The study was carried out in the department of perennial and annual grasses of the FSB-SI Russian Research and Project-technological Institute of sorghum and maize “Rossorgo” in 2021–2022. The objects of study were 36 mogar varieties of various ecological and geographical origin. Based on the estimation results of the initial material of mogar, ther have been identified the promising samples for further introduction in the breeding process to increase the values of individual traits, since it is advisable to use the following samples to improve the biochemical composition of the biomass, as k-1356 (Russia), k-1745 (Bulgaria), k-1748 (Bulgaria), k-1775 (Romania) to increase the content of crude protein (> 7.50 %); k-63 (USA), k-80 (USA), k-336 (Morocco), k-1854 (Hungary), k-1877 (the USA) to increase crude fat> 3.00% ; k-1356 (Russia), k-1850 (Hungary), k-1833 (China), Asket (st) (Russia) to increase crude ash >10.00%. The varieties k-605 (China), k-1027 (Kazakhstan), Atlant (Russia) are found promising for breeding work for high yields of aboveground biomass >20.00 t/ha. The studied mogar varieties k-336, k-605, k-993, k-1027, k-1726 according to the collection of fodder units per hectare exceeded the standard variety from 1.2 to 12.9 %. The highest gross energy yield per unit area, exceeding the indicator of the standard variety, was established for the varieties k-336 (Morocco), k-605 (China), k-993 (Romania), k-1027 (Kazakhstan), k-1726 (Canada), k-1775 (Romania).

Anthocyanin metabolic engineering of Euphorbia pulcherrima: advances and perspectives.

The range of floral colors is determined by the type of plant pigment accumulated by the plant. Anthocyanins are the most common flavonoid pigments in angiosperms; they provide a wide range of visible colors from red-magenta to blue-purple, products of cyanidin and delphinidin biosynthesis, respectively. For the floriculture industry, floral color is one of the most important ornamental characteristics for the development of new commercial varieties; however, most plant species are restricted to a certain color spectrum, limited by their own genetics. In fact, many ornamental crops lack bluish varieties due to the lack of activity of essential biosynthetic enzymes for the accumulation of delphinidin. An example is the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch), the ornamental plant symbol of Christmas and native to Mexico. Its popularity is the result of the variety of colors displayed by its bracts, a kind of modified leaves that accumulate reddish pigments based mainly on cyanidin and, to a lesser extent, on pelargonidin. The commercial success of this plant lies in the development of new varieties and, although consumers like the typical red color, they are also looking for poinsettias with new and innovative colors. Previous research has demonstrated the possibility of manipulating flower color through metabolic engineering of the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway and plant tissue culture in different ornamental plant species. For example, transgenic cultivars of flowers such as roses, carnations or chrysanthemums owe their attractive bluish colors to a high and exclusive accumulation of delphinidin. Here, we discuss the possibilities of genetic engineering of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in E. pulcherrima through the introduction of one or more foreign delphinidin biosynthetic genes under the transcriptional control of a pathway-specific promoter, and the genome editing possibilities as an alternative tool to modify the color of the bracts. In addition, some other approaches such as the appropriate selection of the cultivars that presented the most suitable intracellular conditions to accumulate delphinidin, as well as the incorporation of genes encoding anthocyanin-modifying enzymes or transcription factors to favor the bluish pigmentation of the flowers are also revised.

Plant immune receptors can sequester and protect host proteins from pathogen-promoted degradation

Genetically controlled broad-spectrum disease resistance is a highly desired trait for crop improvement. It allows to reduce the use of pesticides in the field and helps to streamline the development of new varieties. More than 100 loci are known to control the resistance of rice (Oryza sativa) to the devastating fungal blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae. Some of these loci are effective against a small set of pathogen isolates, while others protect against a broader range of pathogen variants (Ning et al., 2020).

Development of SNP markers for Cucurbita species discrimination

There are five domesticated species in the genus Cucurbita. These are Cucurbita. pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita ficifolia, and Cucurbita argyrosperma. Cucurbita has a large genetic diversity, with various growth forms, sizes, shapes, colors, compositions, tastes, and resistance to biotic and abiotic factors. Maintaining the biological diversity of genetic resources and managing the right historical information are important first steps in the development of new varieties with desirable traits. This study presents the classification of Cucurbita species using DNA barcodes and the development of powerful single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers that can distinguish the five Cucurbita species. A total of 54 accessions from five Cucurbita species (C. pepo, C. maxima, C. moschata, C. ficifolia, and C. argyrosperma) were used for SNP marker development. The chloroplast DNA was extracted, and the three universal barcoding regions (matK, trnH-psbA, and rbcL) were sequenced. Neighbor-joining (NJ) trees were constructed using the nucleotide sequence of the cpDNA barcodes. The rbcL and trnH-psbA barcodes failed to differentiate between C. moschata and C. argyrosperma, whereas the matK region efficiently differentiated with 87% bootstrap support. Moreover, the matK region showed a species identification rate of 100%, making it an efficient marker for identifying the five domesticated Cucurbita species. Multiplex SNaPShot (mini sequencing) analysis of four SNPs in the matK region revealed four species-specific SNPs that effectively classify Cucurbita species into five groups. When all four markers are used together, they are effective. These four species specific SNP markers were validated using known Cucurbita germplasm (111 accessions) and applied for the species identification of unknown Cucurbita germplasm (370 accessions) available at the RDA gene bank in the Republic of Korea. These markers were 100% effective for identifying the five Cucurbita species. Therefore, these SNP markers can be used for effective management of Cucurbita genetic resources in genebanks around the world.

Integrated QTL Mapping, Meta-Analysis, and RNA-Sequencing Reveal Candidate Genes for Maize Deep-Sowing Tolerance.

Synergetic elongation of mesocotyl and coleoptile are crucial in governing maize seedlings emergence, especially for the maize sown in deep soil. Studying the genomic regions controlling maize deep-sowing tolerance would aid the development of new varieties that are resistant to harsh conditions, such as drought and low temperature during seed germination. Using 346 F2:3 maize population families from W64A × K12 cross at three sowing depths, we identified 33 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the emergence rate, mesocotyl, coleoptile, and seedling lengths via composite interval mapping (CIM). These loci explained 2.89% to 14.17% of phenotypic variation in a single environment, while 12 of 13 major QTLs were identified at two or more sowing environments. Among those, four major QTLs in Bin 1.09, Bin 4.08, Bin 6.01, and Bin 7.02 supported pleiotropy for multiple deep-sowing tolerant traits. Meta-analysis identified 17 meta-QTLs (MQTLs) based on 130 original QTLs from present and previous studies. RNA-Sequencing of mesocotyl and coleoptile in both parents (W64A and K12) at 3 cm and 20 cm sowing environments identified 50 candidate genes expressed differentially in all major QTLs and MQTLs regions: six involved in the circadian clock, 27 associated with phytohormones biosynthesis and signal transduction, seven controlled lignin biosynthesis, five regulated cell wall organization formation and stabilization, three were responsible for sucrose and starch metabolism, and two in the antioxidant enzyme system. These genes with highly interconnected networks may form a complex molecular mechanism of maize deep-sowing tolerance. Findings of this study will facilitate the construction of molecular modules for deep-sowing tolerance in maize. The major QTLs and MQTLs identified could be used in marker-assisted breeding to develop elite maize varieties.

Physical and Rheological Studies of Biscuits Developed with Different Replacement Levels of Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) Peel, Flesh, and Seed Powders

Several studies have been found in the literature about the phytochemistry, nutritional profiles, and pharmacological potential of pumpkin and pumpkin-based food products but a very few data have been found about the impact of the addition of pumpkin powders on physical and rheological behaviors of bakery products. The present research work was conducted to investigate that powder of which part of pumpkin and in what percentage could prove the most acceptable to develop good quality biscuits with optimum rheological and physical characteristics, which will be very useful to utilize pumpkin waste streams with effective and efficient mechanism for benefit of mankind in terms of development of new variety of bakery items. Peel, flesh, and seeds of pumpkin were utilized in the form of dried powder at 0, 5, 10, and 15% replacement levels to develop biscuits. Farinographic studies revealed that water absorption and dough development time were significantly increased to 65.69 ± 0.60% and 5.80 ± 0.012 min, respectively, at 15% pumpkin peel powder replacement, whereas dough stability was significantly decreased for 15% replacement level of pumpkin peel, flesh, and seed powders. Mixing tolerance index was significantly increased by these replacements. Mixographic studies revealed that mixing time of control dough was 3.55 ± 0.029 min, which was significantly decreased to 3.03 ± 0.015, 2.94 ± 0.023, and 3.23 ± 0.017 min for 15% replacement level of pumpkin peel, flesh, and seed powders, respectively. Similarly, peak height values were significantly decreased as replacement levels of pumpkin powders were increased up to 15%. Width and spread factor were significantly decreased, whereas thickness was significantly increased by these replacements. These replacements of pumpkin powders with white flour did not pose negative impact on rheological behavior of composite flours, which ultimately resulted in the development of improved quality biscuits.

Numerical Simulation of the Effect of Catalyst on Explosives Detonation Performance

Previous studies on the effect of the blast shock wave are mainly based on experiments. However, due to the extremely short duration of the blast shock, usually within several dozen milliseconds, the blast shock wave will have gone from peak to zero, causing a significant impact on the accuracy of experimental results. In recent years, numerical simulation has become an important method to study the effect of the blast. To study the influence of catalysts on the combustion performance of explosives, this paper intends to study the effect of catalysts on the combustion and explosion performance of pyrotechnic explosives. ANSYS workbench finite element analysis software was used to establish a pyrotechnic-rock blasting model to simulate the different effects produced by different catalysts during the combustion of explosives and compare their blasting effects. It is expected to obtain the preparation technology of higher performance nano-combustion catalysts, good performance nano-combustion catalyst system and its microstructure on the catalytic law of energy-containing materials, and to lay an important theoretical foundation for further development of new varieties of fire explosives with excellent comprehensive performance.

Customary rights of farmers and PepsiCo controversy

AbstractFarming communities have played a vital role in making plant genetic resources available to commercial plant breeders for development of new varieties of plants. They are instrumental in ensuring sustainability of agriculture, which is a must to meet the demands of an increasing world's population. Despite the above the contributions of farming communities are undervalued. Agriculture‐based economies cannot do justice with these communities by treating them as steward of biological resources only. Attempts have been made in different jurisdictions to protect commercial plant breeders as well as farmers using different options available under the TRIPs Agreement. But, in no jurisdiction, farming communities have affirmative rights equal to or better than commercial plant breeders due to the demands of privatization of seed industries and technological developments in agriculture sector. An attempt has been made by the Government of India under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001 to recognize the enormous contributions of farming communities and give them protection at par with commercial plant breeders. In fact, the Act recognizes the long‐due customary claims of farming communities. The paper examines the rights of farmers as customary rights particularly in light of the UNDROP, 2018. It critically examines the recent decision of PPV&FR Authority in Kavitha Kuruganti case to understand PepsiCo's concerns and its contradictions with customary rights of farmers in India.

SYNTHETIC AMPHIDIPLOID WHEAT – A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF RAISING QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Synthetic wheat is from the genetic point of view an amphidiploid which combines the genome of parents. It often exhibits superior characteristics that contribute to the enlargement of genetic variation in breeding programs or in the development of new varieties. Breeding programs of NARDI Fundulea, the most important agricultural research unit in Romania began to increase genetic variability by incorporating wild genes to exploit the improvement of wheat through crosses with wild ancestors and succeeded in creating lines of synthetic wheat with some higher quality components. Experimented lines of these programs proved to be an efficient and beneficial source of new genes for common wheat quality from the southern area of Romania.

Modified Method for the Evaluation of Resistance to Fusarium Blight in White Mustard (Sinapis Alba L.), Black Mustard (Brassica Nigra (L.) W.D.J. Koch) and Spring False Flax (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz)

Fusarium blight, caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium Link, is one of the damaging diseases of white mustard, black mustard and spring false flax. In the development of new varieties of these crops, it is necessary to carry out an annual evaluation of the varieties’ resistance to the disease. In order to improve the breeding process, it is necessary to carry out a laboratory evaluation in addition to the field evaluation of the resistance of samples to Fusarium blight. The existing method of evaluation is labor-intensive and time-consuming, so we carried out research to modify this method. As a result of the research, a 5-point scale was developed for Fusarium blight affection of seedlings of the studied crops when infected with Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. emend. Synd. et Hans. We found that the evaluation of breeding material of black mustard is reliable when exposed for 5 hours and recorded on the day of the experiment. The evaluation of breeding material of white mustard and spring false flax is also objective at the exposure time of 5 hours, but with the recording of seedling affection by the disease 1 day after the end of the exposure time of the experiment.

Critical Analysis of World Status of Research on the Development of High Yielding Strains of Jatropha Curcas L

It is almost 45 years since the mission Jatropha started for the development of high-yielding strain for commercial exploitation as a source of biofuel plant. A massive amount of literature has been accumulated on almost all aspects of Jatropha. It is now very important to evaluate the results related to the selection/development of novel strains. No preferable strains have been developed either through intra-and inter-specific hybridization or induced mutagenesis. Literature survey indicates that the quantum of work towards the development of new variety under the Jatropha mission is very negligible in comparison to other works. Maximum activities are not in synchronization with the exact mission of the project. It is now very important to choose the correct path to escalate Jatropha to industrial status within a reasonable time. Breeders may intelligently think about the selection of the best available strain, periodical pruning, and induced mutagenesis for commercial exploitation before doing further experiments with Jatropha. It is now high time to prepare need-based planning considering ongoing and on-coming research areas.

Organization of seed breeding activities for leguminous crops and introduction of new varieties in conditions of piedmont and mountainous zones of Armenia

The article presents the results of breeding new leguminous crop varieties at the Scientific Center of Agriculture of the Republic of Armenia and the study results related to their testing and introduction in the piedmont and mountainous zones of the republic. Upon the findings of field experiments and laboratory research conducted throughout 2020-2022, it has been disclosed that the piedmont and mountainous zones of the republic are quite favorable for the growth and development of new varieties of chickpea (Stella), lentil (Erebuni), pea (Kangun) and groundnut (Arina), which were bred at the scientific center with further subjection to state varietal testing. Meanwhile, through the study results, it has been proved, that all mentioned varieties have ensured higher yield capacity and protein content as compared to other regionalized crops in those zones, and thus, it has been recommended to introduce them in a wide range of farm households for further cultivation.