Southeast Kazakhstan Research Articles

Resistance of spring durum wheat varieties to stem rust on the background of natural infection

The scientific study presents the results and indicators of the cultivation of spring durum wheat in the world, the main varieties of spring durum wheat in the south-east of Kazakhstan, the development of stem rust on durum wheat varieties (Triticum durum Desf.), data on the stability of varieties in grain-bearing regions of the republic. Field experiments were conducted in the conditions of the foothill zone of the Almaty region in 2022. The object of research was 15 varieties of spring durum wheat of various origins: Gordeiforme 254, Nauryz 2, Nauryz 6, Seymour 17, Milana, Salauat, Zhakut 20 (Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing), Altyn dala, Asangali 20, Sharifa (Karabalyk Agricultural Station), Damsinskaya jubileinaya (A.I. Barayev Research and Production Centre for Grain Farming), Bezenchukskaya 182, Kanysh (Russia), Berillo (Italy), Kamillaroi (Australia).Under natural conditions, the manifestation of stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) on spring durum wheat varieties was late, in the phase of flowering and filling of plant grains. In the experience, many varieties of Kazakh and foreign breeding have shown moderate resistance and susceptibility to the disease. In the varieties Salauat and Zhakut 20, the initial and subsequent development of the disease did not exceed 20%, which is a sign of Slow rust development. With a strong lesion of the Nauryz 2 variety (60%), Gordeyforme 254, Milana, Nauryz 6, Damsinskaya jubileinaya, Altyn Dala, Asangali 20, Berillo and Kamillaroi were moderately susceptible. The Seymour 17, Sharifa and Kanysh varieties showed moderate resistance to stem rust.

The role of zeolite and mineral fertilizers in enhancing Table Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) productivity in dark chestnut soils of Southeast Kazakhstan

This study evaluated the effectiveness of zeolite, both alone and in combination with mineral fertilizers, in improving the yield and quality of table beets (Beta vulgaris L.) grown in dark chestnut soils of southeast Kazakhstan. The research was conducted at the Kazakh Research Institute of Horticulture during the 2022-2023 growing seasons using a randomized complete block design with six treatments: control (no fertilizers), zeolite 2 t/ha, N45P45K45 (single dose of mineral fertilizers), N90P90K90 (double dose of mineral fertilizers), zeolite 2 t/ha + N45P45K45, and zeolite 2 t/ha + N90P90K90, replicated three times. The application of zeolite significantly improved soil physical properties, such as water permeability and soil density, enhancing root development and water retention. Nutrient availability, particularly nitrate nitrogen and mobile phosphorus, increased significantly in zeolite-treated plots. The combination of zeolite and mineral fertilizers resulted in the highest improvements, with nitrate nitrogen content reaching 40.5 mg/kg and mobile phosphorus 89.2 mg/kg. Moreover, zeolite reduced heavy metal concentrations, particularly cadmium, by 50% compared to the control. Table beet yield significantly increased with zeolite application, with the highest yield of 62.7 t/ha achieved with 2 t/ha zeolite combined with double dose N90P90K90 fertilizers, compared to 42.8 t/ha in the control. Marketable yield also improved, indicating better crop quality. Nutrient composition of the beets improved, with increased dry matter content (21.9%) and reduced nitrate content (240 mg/kg) in zeolite-treated variants. In conclusion, zeolite, especially when combined with mineral fertilizers, effectively enhances soil health, nutrient availability, and table beet yield and quality.

Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Plant Adaptation Traits Using Nested Association Mapping Population.

This study evaluated 290 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of the nested association mapping (NAM) population from the UK. The population derived from 24 families, where a common parent was "Paragon," one of the UK's spring wheat cultivar standards. All genotypes were tested in two regions of Kazakhstan at the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Industry (KRIAPI, Almaty region, Southeast Kazakhstan, 2019-2022 years) and Alexandr Barayev Scientific-Production Center for Grain Farming (SPCGF, Shortandy, Akmola region, Northern Kazakhstan, 2019-2022 years). The studied traits consisted of plant adaptation-related traits, including heading date (HD, days), seed maturation date (SMD, days), plant height (PH, cm), and peduncle length (PL, cm). In addition, the yield per m2 was analyzed in both regions. Based on a field evaluation of the population in northern and southeastern Kazakhstan and using 10,448 polymorphic SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) markers, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) allowed for detecting 74 QTLs in four studied agronomic traits (HD, SMD, PH, and PL). The literature survey suggested that 16 of the 74 QTLs identified in our study had also been detected in previous QTL mapping studies and GWASs for all studied traits. The results will be used for further studies related to the adaptation and productivity of wheat in breeding projects for higher grain productivity.

Identification of quantitative trait loci of pod dehiscence in a collection of soybean grown in the southeast of Kazakhstan.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is one of the important crops that are constantly increasing their cultivation area in Kazakhstan. It is particularly significant in the southeastern regions of the country, which are currently predominant areas for cultivating this crop. One negative trait reducing yield in these dry areas is pod dehiscence (PD). Therefore, it is essential to understand the genetic control of PD to breed new cultivars with high yield potential. In this study, we evaluated 273 soybean accessions from different regions of the world for PD resistance in the conditions of southeastern regions of Kazakhstan in 2019 and 2021. The field data for PD suggested that 12 accessions were susceptible to PD in both studied years, and 32 accessions, in one of the two studied years. The genotyping of the collection using a DNA marker for the Pdh1 gene, a major gene for PD, revealed that 244 accessions had the homozygous R (resistant) allele, 14 had the homozygous S (susceptible) allele, and 15 accessions showed heterozygosity. To identify additional quantitative trait loci (QTLs), we applied an association mapping study using a 6K SNP Illumina iSelect array. The results suggested that in addition to major QTL on chromosome 16, linked to the physical location of Pdh1, two minor QTLs were identified on chromosomes 10 and 13. Both minor QTLs for PD were associated with calmodulin-binding protein, which presumably plays an important role in regulating PD in dry areas. Thus, the current study provided additional insight into PD regulation in soybean. The identified QTLs for PD can be efficiently employed in breeding for high-yield soybean cultivars.

Investigating palaeodune orientations and contemporary wind regimes in Southeast Kazakhstan using a semi‐automated mapping framework

Investigating palaeodune orientations and contemporary wind regimes in Southeast Kazakhstan using a semi‐automated mapping framework

Effectiveness of use zeolite in vegetable growing in the footdown zone of southeast Kazakhstan

Natural zeolite from the Shankanay deposit is effective for use as an additive to mineral fertilizers when growing vegetable crops in the foothill zone of south-east Kazakhstan. Zeolite added to the soil with mineral fertilizers leads to an increase in the water-physical properties of dark chestnut soil. The water permeability of these options has increased noticeably. The use of zeolite and fertilizers helps to increase the mobile forms of nitrate nitrogen, mobile phosphorus and exchangeable potassium. The addition of zeolite reduces the concentrations of mobile forms of heavy metals in the dark chestnut soil under study. Thus, the concentration of cadmium in the soil in a 0-20 cm layer under sowing table beets when using 2 tons of zeolite decreased by 50% with a control value of 1.0 mg/kg, which does not exceed the maximum permissible concentration.A positive effect of zeolite fertilizer on the productivity of vegetable crops was revealed, which makes it possible to increase the total yield of table beet roots from 42.8 t/ha in control to 43.3-62.7 t/ha in fertilized variants with an increase in yield from 4.4 t/ha up to 19.9 t/ha. The yield of cabbage was 25.7 t/ha on the control, and increased by 6.5-16.5 t/ha on the fertilized variants. The use of zeolite and fertilizers contributes to the production of vegetables with good and high quality indicators. Application of both zeolite and fertilizers increased the dry matter, sugar and vitamin C content of the studied crops. The amount of nitrates in the products decreased with the addition of zeolite and increased in other variants of the experiment, but did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration. Thus, in the control variant, the nitrate content in cabbage heads was 223 mg/kg wet weight, in the variants with zeolite 2t/ha - 205 mg/kg, in beetroots - 248 mg/kg and 195 mg/kg, respectively.

Effective strategies for reclaiming soda-saline soils: Field experimentation and practical applications in Southeast Kazakhstan

Soda-saline soils pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity, particularly in regions like the foothill plain of the Ili Alatau in southeast Kazakhstan. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of different ameliorants, including phosphogypsum, elemental sulfur, and sulfuric acid, in reclaiming soda-saline soils and enhancing crop yields. The study was conducted under real climatic and production conditions at the "Amiran" LLP farm. Using a randomized complete block design, we assessed the impact of these ameliorants on soil composition and alfalfa yield over two cutting cycles. The experiment involved the application of phosphogypsum, elemental sulfur, and sulfuric acid to designated plots within the farm, each covering an area of 15m2. Soil samples were collected before and after treatment to assess changes in soil composition and salinity. Alfalfa, a resilient perennial crop, was selected for cultivation due to its tolerance to adverse soil conditions. Our findings reveal that all tested ameliorants successfully neutralized the toxic environment of soda-saline soils, resulting in improved soil conditions and increased crop productivity. Phosphogypsum treatment led to a reduction in bicarbonate and carbonate ions, an increase in sulfate ion concentration, and improved soil structure. Elemental sulfur incubation decreased bicarbonate and carbonate ions, further reducing absorbed sodium levels and enhancing soil fertility. Sulfuric acid treatment provided rapid results in reducing alkalinity and increasing sulfate ion concentration, leading to significant improvements in soil quality and crop yield. However, the reclamation of soda-saline solonetzes presented challenges related to soil heterogeneity and poor water permeability. To address these challenges, we recommend the implementation of mechanical destruction of the solonetz soil horizon and deep soil loosening, accompanied by the addition of ameliorants. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of phosphogypsum, elemental sulfur, and sulfuric acid as effective ameliorants for reclaiming soda-saline soils and improving agricultural productivity in challenging environments. By adopting recommended reclamation strategies, farmers can overcome soil limitations and achieve sustainable crop production in regions affected by soda-saline soil degradation.

Local surface warming assessment in response to vegetation shifts over arid lands of Central Asia (2001−2020)

The Northern Eurasia Earth Science Partnership Initiative (NEESPI) was established to address the large-scale environmental change across this region. Regardless of the increasingly insightful literature addressing vegetation change across Central Asia, the biogeophysical warming effects of vegetation shifts still need to be clarified. To contribute, the utility of robust satellite observation is explored to evaluate the surface warming effects of vegetation shifts across Central Asia, which is among NEEPSI's hotspots. We estimated an average increase of +1.9 °C in daytime local surface temperature and + 1.5 °C in the nighttime due to vegetation shift (2001–2020). Meanwhile, the mean local latent heat increased by 4.65Wm−2, following the mild reduction of emitted longwave radiation (−0.8Wm−2). We found that vegetation shifts led to local surface warming with a bright surface, noting that the average air surface temperature was revealed to have increased significantly (2001–2020). This signal was driven mainly by agricultural expansion in western Kazakhstan stretching to Tajikistan and Xinjiang, then deforestation confined in Tajikistan, southeast Kazakhstan, and the northwestern edge of Xinjiang, and finally, grassland encroachment occurred massively in the west to central Kazakhstan. These findings address the latest information on Central Asia's vegetation shifts that may be substantial in landscape change mitigation plans.

Qualitative indicator of foreign adapted potato varieties under the influence of fertilizers in the conditions of southeastern Kazakhstan

This paper presents the results of field experiments to study the effect of fertilizers on the quality of potato tubers of the Tien Shan, Gala, Alladin and Innovator varieties grown in the foothill zone of south-east Kazakhstan. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that for the first time in Kazakhstan she is studying the effect of fertilizers on the quality of potato tubers of four varieties grown in the foothill zone of the south-east of the country. The results obtained can be used to develop recommendations for the use of fertilizers for potatoes in this region. The results of the study are consistent with data from similar studies conducted in other regions of Kazakhstan and other countries. It has been established that the application of fertilizers helps to increase the content of dry matter, starch and total sugar in potato tubers. At the same time, the greatest starchiness of the tubers was noted when applying increased doses of mineral fertilizers or the combined use of mineral and organic fertilizers. The nitrate content in potato tubers of the Tien Shan, Gala and Aladdin varieties did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration (MPC - 250 mg/kg). In the tubers of the Innovator variety, the nitrate content was below the maximum permissible concentration, even in the control. Fertilizer application is an effective way to improve the quality of potato crops.

New data on the distribution of Cteipolia murina (Ménétriés, 1848) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae: Xylenini)

New data on the distribution of the poorly known Noctuidae species, Cteipolia murina (Ménétriés, 1848) is provided, the species is reported from West, Central, Northeast, and the northern Southeast Kazakhstan, and its female genitalia are illustrated and diagnosed for the first time. The authorship of the species is discussed. The similar species, Cteipolia isotima Püngeler, 1914 is reported from East Kazakhstan (Saur-Tarbagatai massif) for the first time. Adults, male and female genitalia and habitats of both species are illustrated.

Screening of Apple Cultivars for Scab Resistance in Kazakhstan

Scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis, is the most destructive fungal disease of apple worldwide. Apple scab incidence was studied in apple orchards in the south and southeast of Kazakhstan, including the Almaty, Zhambyl, and Turkestan regions, during 2022 and 2023. Disease incidence was higher in the Zhambyl region than in the Turkestan and Almaty regions in both years. The field evaluation suggested that 19 genotypes showed resistance to apple scab. Molecular screening was carried out using eight gene-specific molecular markers (AM19, CH05e03, OPL19, Hi07f02, AL07, K08, HB09, and CH02f06). The results of the molecular screening revealed that in 38 of the 45 studied cultivars, which included 11 Kazakh cultivars and 34 foreign cultivars, the Rvi (Rvi2, Rvi4, Rvi5, Rvi6, Rvi8, Rvi9, Rvi11, Rvi14, and Rvi15) resistance genes were amplified. Resistance genes such as Rvi2, Rvi4, Rvi6, and Rvi9 are still useful for breeding, but their use is recommended only in extended pyramids of multiple resistance genes. Several cultivars will be strong candidates for further breeding programs against apple scab and for the pyramiding of scab resistance genes in new cultivars.

Effect of bioecogum bioorganic fertilizer on the development of maize and soya bean in light chestnut soils

The article discusses the use of domestic liquid bio-organic fertilizer "BioEcoGum" in the cultivation of corn and soybeans in the south-east of Kazakhstan. The influence of seed treatment and foliar top dressing during the growing season on the growth, development and yield of corn (Porumben 458) and soybeans (Zhansaya, Victory) was studied. Pre-sowing treatment of corn and soybean seeds with a solution of liquid bioorganic fertilizer increases germination by 10-15 %. Two and three-fold foliar top dressing of corn and soybean plants enhances growth and development, increases the yield of soybean grain by 25-33 % and corn by 75 %, contributes to an increase in root biomass by 50 %, increases the economic efficiency of application. According to the results of production tests, the bio-organic liquid fertilizer "BioEcoGum" is recommended for widespread introduction in the south and south-east of Kazakhstan in the cultivation of grain and leguminous crops.

Agrobiological evaluations of newly introduced grapes varieties under climatic conditions of the south of Kazakhstan.

Variety assortment enhancement is a normal task that involves enhancing the assortment's quality and upgrading varieties. The findings of a research of imported grape varieties in the southeast of Kazakhstan, namely in the Almaty region's bottom-mountain zone, are presented in this article. The onset and conclusion of the main phenological phases of a grape plant throughout the vegetative period were directly influenced by the climatic and meteorological conditions of this district. In comparison to the recognized variety Almaty early-maturing, it has been proven that types Priusadebny, Iyulsky, and Kuibyshevsk early-maturing have a high degree of eyes wintering buds and may provide a high-quality crop in this location.

Heritability of breeding traits in meat breeds of sheep of different origin in the south-east of Kazakhstan

The productivity of sheep depends on a number of quantitative characteristics and, above all, on the live weight, clip, length, fineness, and density of wool. The article presents the nature of the heritability of these traits in meat breeds of Etti merino, Dohne, and Australian meat merino breeds imported to the foothills of the southeastern region of Kazakhstan. It has been established that the efficiency of breeding in experimental sheep depends on the degree of heritability of the bred trait, and that the improvement of productive traits of sheep largely depends on their heritability and variability. As a result of comparing the level of development of live weight, clip, density, length, and fineness of wool by the method of a single-factor variance complex, it was found that the genotypic diversity of economically useful traits in experimental animals is mainly objective. This is especially noticeable when determining the live weight and clip of wool from mother-sheep and daughter-sheep received from them at the same age. Moreover, the older the animals, the clearer this manifestation becomes. Approximately the same pattern is observed in both the density and length of the wool.

Meat productivity and interior features of fat-tailed coarse wool lambs in the south-east of Kazakhstan

Increased lamb production in the South-Eastern region of Kazakhstan confirms the economic feasibility of processing young sheep from 7 to 12 months. Unfortunately, domestic literature offers little information on the selection and appropriate use of 4-month-old lambs for this purpose; this accounts for the relevance and both scientific and practical significance of research aimed at increasing the meat productivity of 4-month-old lambs (depending on breed) in the semi-desert zone of the South-Eastern region of Kazakhstan, based on technological developments. The object of the study was lambs of fat-tailed coarse wool breeds: Edilbay, Hissar and Kazakh fat-tailed breeds. The animals were 4 months old and kept from birth in one flock at the Yntykbay farm in Almaty region. Among the three studied breeds, Gissar stands out in terms of carcass weight, slaughter weight, and specific gravity of the meat and carcass. High-quality carcasses were obtained from all groups; the Hissar breed had the yield of 17.5 kg (carcass yield was 78.3%).

Survey of ground beetles inhabiting agricultural crops in south-east Kazakhstan.

Ground beetles (Carabid beetles) may be found in virtually all of the world's habitats. They are one of the three most diverse families of extant beetles, with 34,275 species documented, and they serve as vital ecological markers in all environments. Edaphic living beetles catch and eat a wide variety of arthropods that live in the soil. In the case of weeds, most of the ground beetles eat their seeds and help regulate their populations. The findings of a field study in agrocenoses in South-East Kazakhstan from 2019 to 2020 are presented in this article. Twenty-seven ground beetle species from 9 genera were discovered as a consequence of the study. 670 soil traps yielded a total of 1012 beetles. Polytopic mesophilic beetles provide the foundation of the agrocenoses fauna. Hygrophils, mesophiles, and eurybionts are among the beetles found in irrigated areas, as are mixed and herbivorous species. The Carabidae family of beetles is the most numerous in fields and steppe settings. As a result, mixed-diet beetles can be found depending on the habitat and air temperature. The species of beetles in all fields in the investigation area are in accordance with the insects' complex. During the growth season, the diet of beetles shifts: predatory beetles take precedence initially, followed by mixed-diet beetles.

Current state of the species composition of mycobiota in South-East Kazakhstan

To date, no information has been available on the species composition of fungi in southeastern Kazakhstan, the center of agrobiodiversity but also home to rare and endemic species. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the diversity of fungi, fungus-like organisms, and lichens in southeastern Kazakhstan. The scientific and practical significance of the work is to obtain data on the species composition of mycobiota, which will allow planning measures for its monitoring, protection and restoration. The material for the article served as the authors’ own collections, conducted in 2021-2023. The study and identification of fungi were carried out according to the standard methodology. In the study area 2864 species of fungi, fungus-like organisms and lichens from 3 kingdoms, 22 classes, 84 orders, 260 families and 770 genera were found. Among them, 36 species were new to southeastern Kazakhstan, and 8 species were new to Kazakhstan. It is worth noting that the Karasay region had the largest number of species (1547) when analyzing the distribution of fungi, fungus-like organisms, and lichens. The study’s value and practical significance lies in the data obtained on the species composition of fungi, fungus-like organisms, and lichens, including their distribution and confinement to different types of substrates.

Effect of pre-sowing treatment of soybean seeds with inoculant and microelements for yield and quality in the conditions of south-east of Kazakhstan

Soybean is a high-protein and at the same time an oilseed crop. Its cultivation brings profit from the sale of seeds and enriches the soil through the activity of nitrogen-fixing plants. The effectiveness of pre-sowing treatment of soybean seeds with a nitrogen-fixing preparation (HiStick© inoculant) in combination with molybdenum and cobalt salts was evaluated at field level from 2019 to 2021 in the conditions of south-east Kazakhstan. The profitability of the crop could be increased by the use of pre-sowing treatment with these micronutrients which are involved in the processes of photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation. The most indicative characteristics for assessing the impact of pre-sowing seed treatment are the accumulation of protein and oil per hectare, since grain yield increased with pre-sowing treatment without changing quality characteristics (expressed as concentrations). Our research showed an increase in protein yield per hectare with pre-sowing treatment. When seeds of the early ripening Ivushka variety were treated with molybdenum and cobalt without HiStick©, protein yield per hectare increased by 8%. When using the HiStick© preparation together with microelements, the protein yield increased by 4.8%, 8.7% and 12.8% for Zhansaya, Lastochka (late-maturing) and Birlik CV varieties respectively. The increase in oil yield after pre-sowing seed treatment for the early-ripening Ivushka variety was 8.8% (complete treatment) and 6.8% for the late-ripening Lastochka variety (with micronutrients only). Therefore the increase of grain protein and oil yields improves the profitability of this crop for a range of soybean varieties.

Оңтүстік-Шығыс Қазақстанның ағаш жартылай қаттықанаттыларының (Hemiptera, Heteroptera) биологиясы мен экологиясы

As a result of the study of arboreal hemipterans of South-Eastern Kazakhstan, 35 species belonging to 8 genera were identified. Among them are the Miridae family (9 species), the Pentatomidae family (8 species), the Anthocoridae family (7 species), and 1-3 species are known from the remaining 5 families. According to the habitat, arboreal hemipterans are divided into dendrobionts (22 species), dendro-tamnobionts (2 species), dendro-tamno-hortobionts (4 species), dendro-hortobionts (6 species). Arboreal hemipterans are divided by trophic relationship into zoophages (14 species), zoophytophages (6 species), phytophages (12 species) and mycetophages (3 species). Arboreal hemipterans of South-East Kazakhstan are divided into 4 groups according to the number of generations they give per year: monovoltine (27 species), bivoltine (1 species), polyvoltine (4 species), acyclic (3 species). The species in the study area are ecologically mesophilic. In many species of Hemiptera, the wintering period takes place in the adult stage (20 species), the egg stage (10 species), the adult and larval stage (4 species), and the larval stage (1 species).

WINTER WHEAT RESISTANCE TO YELLOW RUST IN SOUTHEAST KAZAKHSTAN

Wheat yellow (stripe) rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) is a dominant type of winter wheat disease. Developing new, highly productive varieties with increased immunological indicators helps to minimize the threat of rust spread. The progressive study searched the sources of resistance to the Pst populations and determined the effectiveness of Yr genes in Southeast Kazakhstan. Immunological studies ensued during 2018–2022 at the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant growing, Almaty, Kazakhstan. Wheat’s 23 isogenic lines and 193 winter wheat genotypes attained evaluation for their reactions against an artificially infectious background of infection mixed with Pst pathotypes. Determining the intensity of virulence, the effectiveness of Yr genes, and the resistance of genotypes to the Pst population transpired in the said region. During the vegetation period, based on weather conditions, the accumulated flow of the source, and the period of infection, wheat genotypes responded differently to the rust disease manifestation. The wheat genotypes found resistant to P. striiformis and promising for selection with immunity reached nomination. Their practical use centered on increasing the immunological potential of the new winter wheat cultivars for creation and further reducing the large-scale use of fungicides and the negative environmental consequences.