Northern Kazakhstan Research Articles

The growth rate and genetic variability of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) half-sibs in test crops of Northern Kazakhstan

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is a valuable tree species, playing an important role in maintaining the ecological and economic balance not only in Kazakhstan, but also in many countries around the world. The purpose of this study was to assess the growth rate and to identify the genotypes of the half-sib progeny of Scotch pine plus trees in order to further obtain high-quality seeds with valuable genetic traits. A molecular genetic analysis was carried out using six microsatellite and 20 isoenzyme loci on 15 Scots pine half-sib families, represented by two samples of seeds collected in the subsequent harvesting periods (planted in 1986 and 1987), that evaluated the taxonomic characteristics such as tree height and trunk diameter (DBH, measured at 1.3 meters). Families with the highest growth rate in both samples were selected as candidates for the elite group. During the SSR analysis, a decrease in the level of expected heterozygosity (0.2377-0.5362 with an average value of 0.4593) was observed in P. sylvestris L. half-sibs compared to the sample of maternal plus trees (0.5444), with similar results to that of the “founder effect”. At the same time, the level of observed heterozygosity remained sufficiently high (0.3333-0.7037 with an average value of 0.4980 and 0.4556, respectively). During the isoenzyme analysis, the level of genetic variability either decreased or was similar to that of the maternal trees. Rare and unique alleles were found in seed samples of the analysed tree families. In general, this research showed that a comprehensive evaluation combining both traditional breeding methods (genetic assessment of progeny in the course of growth) and molecular genetic analysis is required for the selection of elite trees.

Do Sustainability Perceptions Affect Lake Destination Loyalty?

Despite a growing concern over sustainability in tourism, research on this domain, regarding, specifically, lake destinations, is still scarce. Although perceptions on lake destinations have been studied, no study is known that has analyzed the impact of visitors’ perceptions on satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Thus, this paper aims to develop and test a model to analyze the effect of lake visitors’ perceptions of destination’s sustainability on both satisfaction and loyalty towards lake destinations. A questionnaire survey was conducted in the Shchuchinsk-Burabay resort area, an important lake destination in Northern Kazakhstan. The results support the proposed lake destination loyalty model, tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Sustainability proved to be decisively influential, with water quality being the dimension with the highest impact on satisfaction with the lakes, along with a positive key impact of other dimensions of perceptions of the lakes being the absence of congestion. In addition, both water quality and lack of congestion had, conjointly with other features, a significant indirect impact on satisfaction with lake destinations and on loyalty. Based on the research findings, theoretical conclusions and practical implications are drawn.

Modernisation of the historical memory and national identity in the Republic of Kazakhstan: a means of the formation and translation

In this paper, the problems of the construction of civic identity in the Republic of Kazakhstan are addressed. As the area for the research, Akmola Oblast was chosen. The purpose of the study is to identify the key means of the forma-tion and translation of the historical memory and to determine the role of their influence on the change of the national identity of the population of Northern Kazakhstan in the 1990s–2020s. The sources for the research include state strategies and programs, statutory legal documents, and materials of ethnographic expeditions. The methodological basis of the study was formed by the theoretical developments of P. Nora, estimates of the theory of ethnicity and iden-tity by V.A. Tishkov, and the research insights of L.P. Repina. The authors identify the main means of the formation of historical knowledge: state strategies and programs; names of the localities and streets; textbooks on the history of Kazakhstan; national and state holidays; and monuments to national heroes/events. The result of the study is the perio-disation of the modernization of the historical knowledge in Kazakhstan. In the first period (1991–2001), the creation of a historical narrative was taking place. Renaming the administrative units was the most efficient means of the formation of the historical knowledge. During this period, new holidays symbolising the sovereignty of Kazakhstan emerged. In the second period (2001–2012), there was observed the consolidation of the foundations of the national policy of indepen-dent Kazakhstan. The state holidays are approved at the legislative level; the textbooks on the history of Kazakhstan are continuously developed, the state programs are aimed at studying the historical and cultural heritage. New memo-rial complexes appear in the republic, the process of the street renaming continues. The third period (2012 — present time) is associated with the dramatic modernisation of the historical consciousness of the Kazakhstanis. The state pro-grams “Strategy-2050” and “Rukhani Zhangyru” form the basis for the modernisation. The renaming of the streets and localities continues, which is aimed at “reviving the indigenous Kazakh names”. History textbooks hold a prominent place in the modernisation of the historical memory of the younger generation. With the help of the public holidays, the foundations for national identity and patriotism are being laid.

Origin of potassium-bearing tourmalines of the Kumdy-Kolsky deposit (Kokchetav massif, Northern Kazakhstan): Study of Mineral inclusions

Research subject. Mineral inclusions in potassium-bearing tourmaline crystals of the Kumdy-Kol microdiamond deposit. Aim. To reconstruct PT conditions for the origin of potassium-bearing tourmalines. Materials and methods. Mineral analysis and element mapping were performed using an X-ray spectral microanalyzer. Raman spectroscopy was used to detect the C and SiO2 polymorphs. Results. For the first time, diamond inclusions were identified in tourmalines with the potassium content ranging from 1.0 to 1.6 wt %. In addition, diamond-bearing zircon was detected in tourmaline crystals, with the K2O content below the detection limit. Previously, diamond inclusions had been exclusively identified only within the most potassium-rich cores of tourmaline crystals, which were approved as a new end member referred to as maruyamaite. Similar to the previous studies, the Kfs inclusions were recognized in both marumaite crystals and tourmaline crystals, with a variable content of potassium. Conclusions. The obtained findings indicate that high-pressure conditions may not be necessary for the formation of potassium-rich tourmaline. The chemical composition of the fluid is most likely to be the main factor controlling the appearance of tourmalines with an unusual composition.

Phenotypic and genotypic resistance to antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from cattle milk in Northern Kazakhstan.

Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent and ubiquitous cause of mastitis in cows. In recent decades, antibiotic resistance has rapidly spread among infectious disease pathogens in Kazakhstan and globally. This study examined the phenotypic and genotypic resistance of S. aureus strains obtained from cattle milk to antibiotics. In 2021 and 2022, 675 cow milk samples were collected from 16 dairy farms in Northern Kazakhstan. Staphylococcus aureus was identified using culture and biochemical methods. The nature of antibiotic resistance was determined by the disk diffusion (DD) method. The distribution of antibiotic resistance genes was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Among the obtained S. aureus isolates, high levels of resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (100%), tetracyclines (95.4%), fluoroquinolones (95.4%), and macrolides (60.92%) were observed. Meanwhile, the lowest levels of resistance were identified for sulfonamides (21.84%) and aminoglycosides (27.59%). All the obtained isolates were positive for the nuc gene encoding thermonuclease. The blaZ, ermC, and tetK genes were detected in 45.9%, 77%, and 83.9% of the studied S. aureus isolates, respectively. The results indicate a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus isolated from cows with clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis in Northern Kazakhstan. In addition, the prevalence of resistance was higher when evaluated by the DD method than when detecting the specific antibiotic resistance genes blaZ, tetK, and ermC, indicating the need for deeper analysis of the phenotypic and genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance.

Influence of meteorological conditions on grain yield in Northern Kazakhstan

Influence of meteorological conditions on grain yield in Northern Kazakhstan

Genetic Diversity of Rickettsiae in Dermacentor spp. Ticks on the Territory of Western Siberia and Northern Kazakhstan

Genetic Diversity of Rickettsiae in Dermacentor spp. Ticks on the Territory of Western Siberia and Northern Kazakhstan

Оценка зимостойкости и засухоустойчивости сортов люцерны изменчивой в условиях Северного Казахстана

Research on the study of the adaptive properties of varieties of alfalfa variable for introduction into the forage production system in the sharply continental conditions of Northern Kazakhstan is an urgent task. The aim of the research is a comparative assessment of alfalfa varieties of different ecological and geographical origin in the conditions of the region. Experimental work was carried out on the basis of stationary field experiments, laid down in the Research and Production Center for Grain Farming named after. A.I. Baraev. The scheme of the experiment, which included 32 varieties of different ecological and geographical origin, including 10 varieties of Kazakhstan selection, 18 varieties of Russian selection, 3 varieties of Canadian selection and 1 variety - Ukrainian. Varieties Raikhan, Shortandinskaya 2, Karaganda 1 Karabalykskaya rainbow, Karabalykskaya Zhemchuzhina, Lyutsiya 14, Lazurnaya of Kazakh selection, varieties Guzel, Muslima, Sarga, Bibinur, Tatar pasture, Uralochka, Nakhodka of Russian selection and varieties Ferax, Rangelander of Canadian selection had an average variability of the trait, about as evidenced by the coefficient of variation V ≤ 20%. .6% drought tolerance. Keywords: ALUCERN VARIABLE, VARIETIES, WINTER HARDER, DROUGH RESISTANCE, VARIATION

The influence of mineral fertilizers on the formation of dry matter and the yield of spring rapeseed in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan

Relevance. The current trend in the development of agricultural production is the cultivation of spring rape, as a highly profitable and export crop. Mineral nutrition is an integral part of increasing the resistance of rapeseed to adverse environmental factors, increasing and stabilizing yields.The purpose of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of various forms and norms of mineral fertilizers on the yield and morphobiological parameters of spring rape.Methods. Field experiments were laid on the experimental field of the North Kazakhstan Agricultural Academy in 2018–2020. The climate of the zone is arid, the sum of positive temperatures is 2400–2700 °C, the average annual precipitation is 240–330 mm, GTC is 0.8–0.7. The soil is ordinary heavy loamy chernozem with a neutral reaction, humus is 4.5–5.0%.The object of the study is a hybrid of spring rapeseed SALSA CL F1 (00-type, medium early). Records and observations were carried out according to current state standards, as well as the methodology for conducting state variety testing of agricultural crops.Results. As a result of the research, it was found that the use of various types and norms of mineral fertilizers provides an increase in the yield of spring rapeseed of 0.42–0.68 t/ha. The greatest effect was obtained for the P80:N80 nitroammophos variant, with a yield of 1.72 t/ha, exceeding the standard by 64%. These facts are confirmed by the structural analysis of the obtained crop, as well as observations of the dynamics of the increase in dry matter.

Experimental Field Tests of the Suitability of a New Seeder for the Soils of Northern Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is historically a livestock country, and the production of feed requires no less attention than the production of grain. To improve the forage base, one solution is the sowing of high-yielding fodder seeds. An experimental seeder was developed with new design solutions for the sowing machine, with three blades installed at an angle of 120° relative to the lower part of the blower shaft, deviated vertically by 8–10°, along with components with a radius vector of 10–15° and the blower shaft attached to the top of the sowing cylinder. The closing part of the disc coulter contained the press rollers with a disc diameter measuring 350 mm. The field tests were conducted with the parameters between the discs set to α = 10°, a disc vanishing point of β = 40°, a coulter angle of 32°, and an individual 320-mm press roller with a cylindrical 60-mm rim, a leash, and a section for setting the seed placement depth. The wheatgrass varieties “Burabay” and awnless brome “Akmola emerald” were sown. The research showed the higher efficiency of the experimental seeder with seeding units and sowing parts compared to a serial seeder in terms of agricultural performance. The increase in seed germination was 3.56%. The experimental seeder surpassed the regular seeder by 4.95% in terms of the depth uniformity of the seed placement, in terms of yield increase by 5.361 cwt/ha, with reductions in traction resistance of 12.3%, and in fuel consumption by 10%. The economic efficiency from the fuel reduction and yield increase was estimated at around 7700 USD/ha per year.

Microbial response on changing C:P stoichiometry in steppe soils of Northern Kazakhstan

Microbial response on changing C:P stoichiometry in steppe soils of Northern Kazakhstan

Study of the world collection of oilseed flax as a source material for selection in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan

According to the modern requirements of cultivation, new varieties of oilseed flax are being created, differing in a complex of useful features. The basis of the selection of oilseed flax is the study, selection, and creation of new varieties based on the world collection and suitable for the agro-climatic conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. The purpose of the study is to investigate the collection samples of oilseed flax in the conditions of the Kostanay region of Northern Kazakhstan and to select the most promising pedigree material according to economically valuable characteristics in the conditions of a moisture deficit zone. The following methods were used: biological, phenological, laboratory, statistical, and information analysis of the adaptive capabilities of individual varieties of oilseed flax. An assessment of economically valuable traits was carried out for 14 varieties of oilseed flax from the world collection of various ecological and geographical origin for the period in 2020- 2022. As a result of the research, samples characterised by high yield were identified: Linol – 82 g/m2 , Sibirskaya 38854 – 71 g/m2 , Antares – 78.3 g/m2 . Samples of the varieties Biryuza, Krokus, Kustanayskiy – 8.2 g, Iceberg – 8.1 g were distinguished by high indicators of the weight of 1,000 seeds. A valuable and plastic source material for selection with the main valuable and economic characteristics was identified: the growing season for 85-92 days, with a seed yield of more than 47.5-82.2 g/m2 , a weight of 1000 seeds of 6.9- 8.1 g, oil content in seeds of 43.7-47.5%, plant height of 45-60 cm. The selected samples are recommended for cultivation in Northern Kazakhstan: by precocity – Sibirskaya 38854 and Iceberg; productivity – Linol, Antares; weight of 1000 grains – Nebesniy, Biryuza, Linol, Krokus; oil content in seeds – Kostanayskiy-11, Iceberg; resistance to fusarium – Kostanayskiy-11, Sibirskaya 38854, Antares, Iceberg. The effectiveness of the breeding programme depends on the patterns of inheritance of economically valuable traits operating in a hybrid population, reducing the loss of valuable genotypes and reducing costs by culling less valuable traits

Architecture and Planning of Residential Complexes in Kazakhstan

Planning and designing of urban residential complexes with all the functions in beautiful environments responding to the local customs is a difficult task. In Kazakhstan, as a result of the growth of the economy, the improvement of needs, and the transformations of socio-economic functions, housing is changing fast. Urban residents now make complex and higher demands related to the environments of residential areas. In this context, this article examines the history of the design of residential construction in Northern Kazakhstan in relation to the stages of urban developments. The research analyzes the four most popular residential areas of the city of Astana, built at the beginning of the 21st century. A variety of research methods were employed such as historical method, analysis method, comparative method, and method of interpretation. The study revealed that the level of development of residential areas has a direct impact on the living environment of residents, and depends on whether their planning is reasonable. In summary, the reconstruction of old residential areas in Astana is a major livelihood project, which can not only effectively improve the living conditions environment of residents, but also improve urban support facilities and promote the healthy development of urban construction.

STEPAN POZNIAK: SOIL SCIENTIST, FOUNDER OF THE LVIV SCIENTIFIC SCHOOL OF GENETIC SOIL SCIENCE, TEACHER

Due to the 80th anniversary of the outstanding Ukrainian soil scientist, founder of the Department of Soil Science and Soil Geography of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, the life and scientific path, in particular, the Odessa period of scientific activity of Professor, Doctor of Geographical Sciences Stepan Pavlovich Pozniak, is highlighted. The scientific growth of Professor Pozniak S. P. associated with the Odessa University named after I. I. Mechnikov, where he studied and worked from 1969 to 1993 inclusive. He began his scientific activity in 1966 with the study of modern geomorphological processes in the Carpathians mountains. Futher, he continued large-scale surveys of the lands of Northern Kazakhstan and Transbaikalia. Since 1970, he studied the problems of genesis and ecology of chernozems of the steppe zone of Ukraine. Since 1993, he has been the head of Department of Geography of Ukraine at the Ivan Franko University of Lviv, where the scientist’s scientific activity is related to the study of soil and ecological problems of the western region of Ukraine. Stepan Pozniak – scientific supervisor and consultant of 21 candidate’s and 9 doctoral theses; launched the publication of the scientific series «Soils of Ukraine» and «Ukrainian Soil Scientists». Stepan Pozniak is an honorary member of the Ukrainian Society of Soil Scientists and Agrochemists, the head of the Lviv branch of USSSA, an honorary member of the Ukrainian Geographical Society, a member of the International Society of Soil Scientists, a member of the European Society for Soil Protection. Has awards and distinctions: Outstanding Education of Ukraine (1998), Laureate of the Yaroslav the Wise Award of the Academy of Higher Education of Ukraine (2010), Gold Medal of the Polish Society of Soil Scientists (2012), Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine (2018).

Evaluation of the lines of the control nursery of spring soft wheat in arid conditions North of Kazakhstan

Relevance. Northern Kazakhstan is a region where the main production of spring soft wheat grain is concentrated. The creation and introduction of new varieties that meet the requirements of modern production are relevant.Methods. The objects of research are 76 breeding lines of spring soft wheat. The experience was laid in the steppe zone of the North Kazakhstan region. The climate is arid, the average annual precipitation is 240–330 mm. The soil is ordinary carbonate heavy loamy chernozem, humus — 4.5–5.0%. Records and observations were carried out according to the Methodology of the state test (2010). The mass of 1000 grains was determined according to GOST 10842-89, the gluten content — according to ST RK 1046-2008, the nature of the grain was determined on a laboratory device Wile 200.Results. The evaluation of the breeding material was carried out in harsh arid conditions according to several economically valuable characteristics: the duration of the growing season, productivity and grain quality. Six most promising lines have been identified for further study in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan: 433 SP-2/20, 438 SP-2/20, 446 SP-2/20, 448 SP-2/20, 619 SP-2/20, 769 SP-2/20 with a yield of 24.0–27.7 kg/ha, weighing 1000 grains — 37.2–42.8 g, in kind — 771–789 g /l, gluten content — 32.32–36.32%.

Review of Orchidaceae of the northern part of Kazakhstan.

We present a review of Orchidaceae Juss. of the northern part of Kazakhstan, within the steppe, forest-steppe and semi-desert habitats of the country (Pavlodar, northern Kazakhstan, Kostanay, Akmola, Aktobe, West Kazakhstan, partially Karaganda and East Kazakhstan regions). The investigation is based on herbarium materials, literature data and field observations. We examined material from the following herbarium collections: LE, MW, TK, MHA, SVER, KUZ, ALTB, AA, NUR, KG, KSPI, NS, NSK, MOSP, ORIS, PPIU, totalling 288 herbarium specimens. The paper presents data in the form of revision, focusing on orchids of the northern part of Kazakhstan. It is accompanied by maps indicating localities, notes on habitat preferences, phenology and conservation status. A total of 25 species of 16 genera were recorded, of which eight are included in the Red Book of Kazakhstan (2014). According to our data, we propose to enlarge the number of protected orchids by adding the following nine species: Corallorhizatrifida, Epipactisatrorubens, Gymnadeniaconopsea, Hammarbyapaludosa, Herminiummonorchis, Liparisloeselii, Malaxismonophyllos, Neottiacamtschatea and Spiranthesaustralis. The most widespread species in the studied region are Dactylorhizaincarnata, D.umbrosa and Epipactispalustris. The rarest species (single locality only) are Epipactisatrorubens, E.helleborine, Epipogiumaphyllum, Hammarbyapaludosa and Herminiummonorchis.

Test Results of the Harvester Mounted “Don Mar ZhN-16”

The test results of the mounted harvester “Don Mar ZhN-16” are given. The testing laboratory of KF LLP “SPC Agroengineering” recommended the mounted harvester “Don Mar ZhN-16” for use in direct combining with high-performance combines of the 5th and 6th class in the zone of Northern Kazakhstan.

Marker-Assisted Selection for Early Maturing E Loci in Soybean Yielded Prospective Breeding Lines for High Latitudes of Northern Kazakhstan.

The photoperiodic sensitivity of soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the limiting factors affecting plant growth and yield. At higher latitudes, early flowering and maturity with neutral reaction to photoperiods are required for adaptation of soybean plants to long-day conditions. Currently, the production and distribution of new varieties of soybeans adapted to widespread agricultural regions in northern Kazakhstan is in strong demand. Eleven soybean hybrid populations were obtained from crosses between 17 parents with four maturity groups, MG 000, 00, 0, and I. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) was assessed for suitable SSR markers and successfully applied for genes E1, E3, E4, and E7, targeting homozygous genotypes with recessive alleles. The identified and selected genotypes were propagated and tested in the conditions of 53° N latitude in the Kostanay region of northern Kazakhstan. Finally, 20 early maturing F4 breeding lines were identified and developed with genotypes e1 e3 E4 e7, e1 E3 E4 e7, and e1 E3 e4 e7, all completing their growth period within 92-102 days. These breeding lines were developed by MAS and should provide very prospective superior varieties of soybean for northern Kazakhstan through a strategy that may be very helpful to other countries with high latitudes.

A Chalcolithic Burial in the Mountain-Forest Zone of the Trans-Urals

We describe an unusual burial at a stratifi ed Chalcolithic site Shaitanskoye 4-6 on the coast of the eponymous lake in the Sverdlovsk Region. An individual, aged 18–35 was buried in an oval fl at-grave pit, 1.6 × 0.56 × 0.2 m in size. We give a detailed description of sixty funerary items, made of stone: three unusually large knives manufactured on thin chert plates (the nearest outcrops are found in Northern Kazakhstan and Southern Urals); a projectile head, 19 arrowheads, 18 fl int bladelets from a side-bladed tool, a polished axe-adze, a composite tool on a blade, two plates with use-wear traces, and 15 beads. Notably, some of the artifacts are made of “southern” rocks. The results of the isotope analysis indicate considerable mobility and close ties between populations of the forest and steppe Trans- Urals in the 4th and 3d millennia BC. The Chalcolithic site, which, apart from the burial, includes habitation deposits with numerous artifacts such as ceramics of various types, lithics including a large series of arrowheads and several fl int fi gurines, can be viewed as a complex archaeological object where, among other activities, rites were performed securing group consolidation.

Indoor Radon Survey in Aksu School and Kindergarten Located near Radioactive Waste Storage Facilities and Gold Mines in Northern Kazakhstan (Akmola Region)

Northern Kazakhstan is considered a field of uranium, gold mining, copper–molybdenum ore, and other metals. The aims of the current work were to monitor the indoor radon levels in a school and a kindergarten and to determine the levels of teacher and student exposure to radon. High radon concentrations were detected in the school on the first floor at ca. 9600 Bq/m3, on the second floor at ca. 6800 Bq/m3, on the third floor at ca. 4900 Bq/m3, and in the kindergarten, the concentration was ca. 9500 Bq/m3. The annual effective dose of the students and teachers of the school and kindergarten varied from 4 mSv/y to 9 mSv/y, which is an order of magnitude higher than the upper annual dose limit. The excess lifetime cancer risk was 14–20% for students, 31.1% for school and kindergarten staff, and 34.9% for kindergarten children. The indoor radon concentrations varied with weather conditions, and it was evident that ventilation had a significant effect on the reduction in the concentration. At these premises, positive correlations between the radon concentrations, outside temperature, and relative humidity were obtained, showing that the concentration of radon is influenced by meteorological parameters. This study will help to identify buildings where continuous monitoring is needed in order to reduce indoor radon levels.