Plant Science, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Agronomy and Crop Science, General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
18
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Genetic diversity assessment of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties under salinity stress using RAPD markers Ibrohim Jabbarov, Faridun Sobirov, Sadokat Olimjonova, Farid Ruziyev, Laylo Azimova, Saidmurat Baboev, Tanzila Madjidova, Doston Erjigitov, Dilrabo Ernazarova, Fakhriddin Kushanov Cogent Food and Agriculture, 2026 Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a primary staple crop in Uzbekistan, where soil salinization and water scarcity significantly constrain agricultural productivity. Identifying salt-tolerant germplasm through molecular and phenotypic screening is essential for developing resilient varieties. In this study, nine bread wheat varieties were evaluated using a completely randomized design under two treatments: control (distilled water) and salt stress (200 mM NaCl). Phenotypic assessment focused on seedling traits, including Germination Rate Index (GRI), Shoot Fresh Weight (SFW), Root Fresh Weight (RFW), Shoot Dry Weight (SDW), Root Dry Weight (RDW), and the mean Salt Tolerance Trait Index (STTI). Molecular diversity was assessed using five decamer Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers. A total of 19 polymorphic loci were amplified, showing 100% polymorphism across all markers. The primer OPC-06 exhibited the highest informativeness with a Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) of 0.86, while the average PIC across all primers was 0.64. Under 200 mM NaCl stress, the mean STTI value calculated as an average across all investigated morphological traits was 82.90%, with significant genotypic variation (p < 0.01) observed. Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis divided the genotypes into three distinct clusters, where the variety Pakhlavon formed a genetically distinct lineage. These results demonstrate that the integration of RAPD markers and phenotypic STTI screening effectively identifies salt-tolerant genotypes. Specifically, local varieties Pakhlavon and Ok Marvarid were identified as superior genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at improving wheat resilience in salinity-prone environments.
Phylogenetic relationships of tetraploid cotton species (Gossypium subsp.) and their genetic potential for breeding programs Feruza U. Rafieva, Ozod S. Turaev, Abdulqahhor Kh. Toshpulatov, Barno B. Oripova, Mukhlisa K. Kudratova, Asiya K. Safiullina, Sevara K. Arslanova, Bunyod M. Gapparov, Abdulloh A. Iskandarov, Maftuna Makhmudova, Alisher Muradullayev, Laylo A. Azimova, Madina D. Kholova, Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Fakhriddin N. Kushanov Cogent Food and Agriculture, 2026 Gossypium mustelinum, a rare wild cotton from Brazil, offers potential as a genetic resource for improving cultivated cottons. This study assessed its relationship with other cotton species via interspecific hybridization and genetic analysis. A total of 22 F1 hybrids were generated, exhibiting varied levels of compatibility. The var. marie-galante × G. mustelinum cross showed the highest seed set (87.2%), indicating good cross-compatibility. The F1 and F2 hybrids revealed strong potential for enhancing fiber traits. For instance, the cv. ‘Beshkahramon’ × G. mustelinum F1 hybrid had high heterosis (hp = 33.00) for fiber length. Its F2 population showed a mean fiber length of 36.2 mm (h2 = 0.62) and fiber yield of 41.2% (h2 = 0.61). SSR marker-based phylogenetic analysis confirmed a close relationship between G. mustelinum and two G. hirsutum subspecies: paniculatum (GD = 0.13) and var. marie-galante (GD = 0.17). The close relationship underscores the breeding potential of G. mustelinum.
Genetic and Morphological Characterization of White- and Naturally Colored-Fiber Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Genotypes and Their Hybrids Kuvandik K. Khalikov, Ozod S. Turaev, Feruza U. Rafieva, Asiya K. Safiullina, Bunyod M. Gapparov, Abdulqahhor Kh. Toshpulatov, Sevara K. Arslanova, Mukhammad T. Khidirov, Abdulloh A. Iskandarov, Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Maftuna U. Makhmudova, Saydigani M. Nabiev, Marjona U. Muzafarova, Durdona Sh. Matchanova, Abdulahad A. Azimov, Fakhriddin N. Kushanov Journal of Natural Fibers, 2026 The genetic and morphological characterization of white- and naturally colored-fiber of G.hirsutum L. genotypes and their hybrids is essential for cotton breeding programs aimed at improving fiber quality, yield, and sustainability. This study assessed the genetic diversity and key morphological traits of a white-fibered cultivar (Genofond-2), two naturally colored lines (C-4043 – brown; Fiber Verte – green), and their reciprocal F1 hybrids. Morphological traits, including plant height, boll weight, fiber length, fiber yield, and fiber color, were measured, and molecular diversity was evaluated using SSR markers. Forty polymorphic markers (PIC = 0.24–0.59) were identified, with BNL2634 and BNL3255 linked to fiber quality traits and successfully introgressed into F2 populations. Significant genetic variation was observed, and hybrids frequently outperformed colored parental lines in fiber quality and yield. Heritability estimates indicated strong additive genetic effects for fiber yield (h2 = 0.70–0.76). These findings suggest that colored-fiber lines are most effectively used as male parents to improve fiber quality while maintaining natural pigmentation. The results provide valuable insights for developing high-yielding, high-quality, eco-friendly cotton cultivars for sustainable textile production.
Marker-Assisted Hybridization and Selection for Fiber Quality Improvement in Naturally Colored Cotton (G. hirsutum L.) Abrorjon Y. Kurbonov, Feruza F. Mamedova, Muxammad-Latif M. Nazirov, Naima Sh. Khojaqulova, Sanjar Sh. Djumaev, Nigora R. Khashimova, Barno B. Oripova, Asiya K. Safiullina, Ezozakhon F. Nematullaeva, Kuvandik K. Khalikov, Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Fakhriddin N. Kushanov Plants, 2025 Naturally colored cotton offers ecological advantages by eliminating the need for chemical dyeing; however, its limited fiber quality restricts its commercial utilization. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of the SSR marker BNL1604 for marker-assisted selection in naturally colored cotton (G. hirsutum L.) and to assess fiber quality variation among hybrid progenies derived from crosses between colored and elite white-fiber cultivars. As an expected outcome of this approach, we also assessed whether hybridization of naturally colored lines with elite white-fiber cultivars could contribute to the improvement of fiber quality traits in segregating progenies. Five colored lines (brown and green), three elite cultivars, and fifteen derived F3 progenies were analyzed. Fiber traits, including upper half mean length (UHML), strength, elongation, and micronaire, were measured using HVI. Genotyping was conducted with BNL1604, and in silico mapping localized this marker to chromosome A07, with a homoeologous region on D07. White-fiber cultivars exhibited superior fiber length (33.4–35.4 mm) and strength (>31 g·tex−1) compared with colored lines. Several F3 hybrids exhibited transgressive segregation (progeny with trait values significantly exceeding those of both parents, as confirmed by frequency distribution and ANOVA analyses). For instance, the F3 (C-6577 × L-4099) hybrid achieved UHML values of 30.51 mm and strength > 31.93 g·tex−1. Most progenies maintained optimal micronaire (4.0–4.9). It was concluded that the presence of the 107 bp allele of BNL1604 marker was strongly associated with high-quality fiber, specifically improved fiber strength and length. In silico annotation revealed candidate genes near the BNL1604 locus linked to fiber development. These findings highlight the potential of combining hybridization with selection based on the presence of this 107 bp allele to develop high-quality, naturally colored cotton cultivars.
Identification of Stable Meta-QTLs and Candidate Genes Underlying Fiber Quality and Agronomic Traits in Cotton Abdulqahhor Kh. Toshpulatov, Ozod S. Turaev, Abdulloh A. Iskandarov, Kuvandik K. Khalikov, Sevara K. Arslanova, Asiya K. Safiullina, Mukhlisa K. Kudratova, Barno B. Oripova, Feruza U. Rafieva, Madina D. Kholova, Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Davron M. Kodirov, Bunyod M. Gapparov, Doniyor J. Komilov, Marguba A. Togaeva, Abduburkhan K. Kurbanov, Doston Sh. Erjigitov, Mukhammad T. Khidirov, John Z. Yu, Fakhriddin N. Kushanov Plants, 2025 Cotton is a globally important crop, with fiber quality traits governed by complex quantitative trait loci (QTL). However, the utility of QTL data is often limited due to inconsistencies across studies. This study conducted a comprehensive Meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis by integrating 2864 QTLs from 50 independent studies published between 2000 and 2024. Of these, 2162 high-confidence QTLs were projected onto a consensus genetic map using BioMercator V4.2.3, resulting in the identification of 75 MQTLs across the cotton genome. These MQTLs exhibited significantly reduced confidence intervals and enhanced statistical support, with 14 MQTLs reported for the first time. Several MQTLs, including MQTLchr7-1, MQTLchr14-1, and MQTLchr24-1, were identified as stable clusters harboring key fiber quality and stress tolerance traits. Candidate gene analysis within select MQTL regions revealed 75 genes, 38 of which were annotated with significant gene ontology terms related to lignin catabolism, flavin binding, and stress responses. Notably, GhLAC-4, GhCTL2, and UDP-glycosyltransferase 92A1 were highlighted for their potential roles in fiber development and abiotic stress tolerance. These findings provide a refined genomic framework for cotton improvement and offer valuable resources for marker-assisted selection (MAS) and functional genomics aimed at enhancing fiber quality, yield, and stress resilience in cotton breeding programs.
Morphological and Molecular Insights into Genetic Variability and Heritability in Four Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) Cultivars Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Asiya K. Safiullina, Madina D. Kholova, Laylo A. Azimova, Shalola A. Hasanova, Ezozakhon F. Nematullaeva, Feruza U. Rafieva, Navbakhor S. Akhmedova, Mokhichekhra Sh. Khursandova, Ozod S. Turaev, Barno B. Oripova, Mukhlisa K. Kudratova, Aysuliw A. Doshmuratova, Perizat A. Kubeisinova, Nargiza M. Rakhimova, Doston Sh. Erjigitov, Doniyor J. Komilov, Farid A. Ruziyev, Nurbek U. Khamraev, Marguba A. Togaeva, Zarifa G. Nosirova, Fakhriddin N. Kushanov Horticulturae, 2025 Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a widely cultivated and economically important fruit crop with increasing consumer demand worldwide. Nowadays, in Uzbekistan, strawberry cultivation surpasses that of many other fruits and vegetables in terms of production volume. However, most genetic studies have focused on a limited set of cultivars, leaving a substantial portion of varietal diversity unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variability and heritability among selected strawberry cultivars, as well as correlations between certain valuable agronomic traits, using molecular and statistical approaches. Polymorphism analysis was performed, using 67 gene-specific SSR markers, through PCR, and allele variations were observed in 46.3% of the markers analyzed. Among them, 31 markers displayed polymorphic bands, identifying fifty alleles, with one to four alleles per marker. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGA 11 software, while statistical evaluations included AMOVA (GenAIEx), correlation (OriginPro), and descriptive statistics based on standard agronomic methods. Additionally, the degree of cross-compatibility and pollen viability among the cultivars were studied, and their significance for cultivar hybridization was analyzed. The highest fruit weight was observed in the Cinderella cultivar (26.2 g), and a moderate negative correlation (r = −0.688) was found between fruit number and fruit weight. These findings demonstrate the potential of molecular tools for assessing genetic diversity and provide valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at developing improved strawberry cultivars with desirable agronomic traits.
ASSESSMENT OF HEAT TOLERANCE IN WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) AT THE SEEDLING STAGE G.F. MAMATKULOVA Sabrao Journal of Breeding and Genetics, 2025 G.F. MAMATKULOVA, D.SH. ERJIGITOV, O.A. MUKHAMMADIEV, D.B. SOKIBOYEVA, M.D. KHOLOVA, B.B. ORIPOVA, D.K. ERNAZAROVA, S.K. BABOEV, O.S. TURAEV, and F.N. KUSHANOV Citation: Mamatkulova GF, Erjigitov DSH, Mukhammadiev OA, Sokiboyeva DB, Kholova MD, Oripova BB, Ernazarova DK, Baboev SK, Turaev OS, Kushanov FN (2025). Assessment of heat tolerance in wheat (Triticum
Development and Characterization of Synthetic Allotetraploids Between Diploid Species Gossypium herbaceum and Gossypium nelsonii for Cotton Genetic Improvement Sevara K. Arslanova, Ziraatkhan A. Ernazarova, Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Ozod S. Turaev, Asiya K. Safiullina, Abdulqahhor Kh. Toshpulatov, Madina D. Kholova, Laylo A. Azimova, Feruza U. Rafiyeva, Bunyod M. Gapparov, Kuvandik K. Khalikov, Mukhammad T. Khidirov, Abdulloh A. Iskandarov, Davron M. Kodirov, Obidjon Y. Turaev, Salikhjan A. Maulyanov, Joshua A. Udall, John Z. Yu, Fakhriddin N. Kushanov Plants, 2025 Expanding genetic variability of cultivated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is essential for improving fiber quality and pest resistance. This study synthesized allotetraploids through interspecific hybridization between G. herbaceum (A1) and G. nelsonii (G3). Upon chromosome doubling using 0.2% colchicine, fertile F1C allotetraploids (A1A1G3G3) were developed. Cytogenetic analysis confirmed chromosome stability of synthetic allotetraploids, and 74 polymorphic SSR markers verified hybridity and parental contributions. The F1C hybrids exhibited enhanced resistance to cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii) and whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), with respective infestation rates of 5.2–5.6% and 5.4–5.8%, lower than those of G. hirsutum cv. Ravnak-1 (22.1% and 23.9%). Superior fiber length (25.0–26.0 mm) was observed in complex hybrids and backcross progeny, confirming the potential for trait introgression into elite cultivars. Phylogenetic analysis based on SSR data clearly differentiated G. herbaceum from Australian wild species, demonstrating successful bridging of divergent genomes. The F1C hybrids consistently expressed dominant G. nelsonii-derived traits regardless of the hybridization direction and clustered phylogenetically closer to the wild parent. These synthetic allotetraploids could broaden the genetic base of G. hirsutum, addressing cultivation constraints through improved biotic stress resilience and fiber quality traits. The study establishes a robust framework for utilizing wild Gossypium species to overcome genetic bottlenecks in conventional cotton breeding programs.
Molecular Characterization of heat tolerance in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars/lines using genomic SSR markers Doston Sh. Erjigitov, Ozod S. Turaev, Abdurauf A. Dolimov, Gavkhar F. Mamatkulova, Oybek A. Mukhammadiev, Barno T. Tursunmurodova, Umiddjan Sh. Bakhadirov, Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Jurabek K. Norbekov, Durdona B. Sokiboeva, Abdulqahhor Kh. Toshpulatov, Madina D. Kholova, Nurbek U. Khamraev, Fakhriddin N. Kushanov Journal of Plant Interactions, 2025 Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production is increasingly threatened by rising global temperatures. This study evaluated heat tolerance in six wheat varieties/lines using phenotypic and molecular approaches. Seedling and root length responses to optimal (25°C) and heat stress (35°C) conditions were assessed, revealing significant variation in heat tolerance. Notably, KR12-5003 exhibited high tolerance based on seedling length (HTI = 71.8%) and moderate tolerance by root length (HTI = 36.6%). Molecular analysis with 40 SSR markers (24 polymorphic) generated 87 alleles, demonstrating substantial genetic diversity (average 3.6 alleles/locus, PIC: 0.01-0.81, He: 0.05-0.83). Cluster analysis revealed a marked genetic distance between KR12-5003 and the other genotypes, suggesting unique alleles for heat tolerance in this line. Two sub-clusters were observed within the remaining genotypes, indicating varying degrees of genetic similarity. This research highlights the value of combining phenotypic and molecular methods to dissect heat tolerance and identifies KR12-5003 as a potentially valuable genetic resource for improving heat tolerance in wheat. Further research on these genotypes will facilitate the development of climate-resilient varieties.
Genetic improvement of cultivated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) for drought and pest resistance through hybridization with wild species Madina D. Kholova, Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Laylo A. Azimova, Doston Sh. Erjigitov, Feruza U. Rafieva, Mukhammad T. Khidirov, Barno B. Oripova, Durdona B. Sokiboeva, Gavkhar F. Mamatkulova, Sevara K. Arslanova, Abdulloh A. Iskandarov, Abdulqahhor Kh. Toshpulatov, Safiullina K. Asiya, Davron M. Kodirov, Fakhriddin N. Kushanov Journal of Plant Interactions, 2025 This study explores the potential of wild cotton species Gossypium anomalum and Gossypium herbaceum as sources of valuable genes for improving the resistance of Gossypium hirsutum L. Ravnak−1 to drought and pests. We created synthetic and complex hybrids and evaluated them under controlled and field conditions. Drought resistance was assessed using osmotic stress with polyethylene glycol (PEG−6000). Hybrids showed significantly higher germination rate and better growth under strong stress (20% PEG) compared to the susceptible Ravnak−1 variety. Field observations confirmed that Ravnak−1 was highly susceptible to whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites, while certain synthetic hybrids demonstrated resistance. Molecular analysis using SSR markers confirmed hybridization and the inheritance of key stress-related alleles, highlighting the genetic distance between the cultivated variety and the wild species. The new hybrids show promise for developing climate-resilient cotton varieties.
Genetic Diversity and Subspecific Races of Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Asiya K. Safiullina, Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Ozod S. Turaev, Feruza U. Rafieva, Ziraatkhan A. Ernazarova, Sevara K. Arslanova, Abdulqahhor Kh. Toshpulatov, Barno B. Oripova, Mukhlisa K. Kudratova, Kuvandik K. Khalikov, Abdulloh A. Iskandarov, Mukhammad T. Khidirov, John Z. Yu, Fakhriddin N. Kushanov Genes, 2024
Genomic and Cytogenetic Analysis of Synthetic Polyploids between Diploid and Tetraploid Cotton (Gossypium) Species Mukhammad T. Khidirov, Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Feruza U. Rafieva, Ziraatkhan A. Ernazarova, Abdulqahhor Kh. Toshpulatov, Ramziddin F. Umarov, Madina D. Kholova, Barno B. Oripova, Mukhlisa K. Kudratova, Bunyod M. Gapparov, Maftunakhan M. Khidirova, Doniyor J. Komilov, Ozod S. Turaev, Joshua A. Udall, John Z. Yu, Fakhriddin N. Kushanov Plants, 2023
Genetic Diversity, QTL Mapping, and Marker-Assisted Selection Technology in Cotton (Gossypium spp.) Fakhriddin N. Kushanov, Ozod S. Turaev, Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Bunyod M. Gapparov, Barno B. Oripova, Mukhlisa K. Kudratova, Feruza U. Rafieva, Kuvandik K. Khalikov, Doston Sh. Erjigitov, Mukhammad T. Khidirov, Madina D. Kholova, Naim N. Khusenov, Roza S. Amanboyeva, Sukumar Saha, John Z. Yu, Ibrokhim Y. Abdurakhmonov Frontiers in Plant Science, 2021
