Amalova A., Babkenov A., Philp C., Griffiths S., Abugalieva S., & Turuspekov Y. // Plants (IF= 3.7, Q1 Agronomy; SJR= 0.795, percentile: 73 - Plant Science).– 2024. – Vol.13(18). – P. 2623. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182623

Doszhanova B., Zatybekov A., Didorenko S., Fang C., Abugalieva S., Turuspekov Y. // Agronomy (IF= 3.7, Q1 Agronomy; SJR= 0.668, percentile: 84 - Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Agricultural and Biological Sciences). – 2024. – Vol. 14. – 2746. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112746

Genievskaya, Y., Abugalieva, S. & Turuspekov, Y. BMC Plant Biol 25, 554 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-06588-6

Numerous quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes associated with yield-related traits have been identified in barley by genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis. However, genetic bottlenecks in elite cultivars have reduced diversity, limiting further yield improvements. Grain yield is a complex, polygenic trait shaped by genetic and environmental factors, necessitating integrative breeding approaches. While genomic selection, marker-assisted selection, and GWAS have identified key loci for yield-related traits, functional validation remains a significant challenge. Results: A total of 346 QTLs for seven barley yield-related traits were identified in GWAS, including 93 stable QTLs across multiple environments. Two major-effect QTLs for spike length and thousand kernel weight, along with several moderate-effect QTLs, show potential for breeding. Candidate gene analysis revealed 134 highly expressed genes linked to stress response, transport, and metabolism. Notable genes include HORVU.MOREX.r3.5HG0514790 (growth and stress adaptation) and HORVU.MOREX.r3.2HG0212810 (seed storage protein). A total of eight presumably novel QTLs were identified. One of the novel QTLs, Hv_TKW_3H.5, had the strongest effect on total barley grain yield. The integration of favorable alleles from eight moderate- and major-effect QTLs significantly influenced the weight of kernels per spike. Conclusions: This study aimed to identify and characterize QTLs associated with barley yield-related traits through GWAS. Integrating genomic and transcriptomic methods suggests a promising strategy for genomic selection and marker-assisted breeding to enhance barley grain yield.

Amalova, A., Griffiths, S., Abugalieva, A., Abugalieva, S., & Turuspekov, Y. Plants, 14(11), 1728. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111728

High grain quality is a key target in wheat breeding and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This study evaluated 94 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a Pamyati Azieva × Paragon (PA × P) mapping population grown in two regions in Kazakhstan to assess the genetic basis of six grain quality traits: the test weight per liter (TWL, g/L), grain protein content (GPC, %), gluten content (GC, %), gluten deformation index in flour (GDI, unit), sedimentation value in a 2% acetic acid solution (SV, mL), and grain starch content (GSC, %). A correlation analysis revealed a trade-off between protein and starch accumulation and an inverse relationship between grain quality and yield components. Additionally, GPC exhibited a negative correlation with yield per square meter (YM2), underscoring the challenge of simultaneously improving grain quality and yield. With the use of the QTL Cartographer statistical package, 71 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified for the six grain quality traits, including 20 QTLs showing stability across multiple environments. Notable stable QTLs were detected for GPC on chromosomes 4A, 5B, 6A, and 7B and for GC on chromosomes 1D and 6A, highlighting their potential for marker-assisted selection (MAS). A major QTL found on chromosome 1D (QGDI-PA × P.ipbb-1D.1, LOD 19.4) showed a strong association with gluten deformation index, emphasizing its importance in improving flour quality. A survey of published studies on QTL identification in common wheat suggested the likely novelty of 12 QTLs identified for GDI (five QTLs), TWL (three QTLs), SV, and GSC (two QTLs each). These findings underscore the need for balanced breeding strategies that optimize grain composition while maintaining high productivity. With the use of SNP markers associated with the identified QTLs for grain quality traits, the MAS approach can be implemented in wheat breeding programs.

Zatybekov A., Genievskaya Y., Fang C., Abugalieva S., Turuspekov Y.

BMC Genomics 26, 802 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-025-12024-8

Soybean (Glycine max) is a globally important crop, yet its genetic diversity remains underutilized in breeding programs, particularly in emerging production regions such as Kazakhstan. As Kazakhstan expands its soybean cultivation, a detailed understanding of the genetic diversity and population structure of both local and international germplasm is critical for developing regionally adapted cultivars. Results: This study analyzed 694 soybean accessions – including landraces, modern cultivars, and wild relatives (Glycine soja) – using 80,971 high-quality SNPs obtained via whole-genome resequencing. Population structure analysis, PCA, and phylogenetic clustering consistently distinguished wild from cultivated groups and identified transitional genotypes bridging the two. Kazakhstan’s accessions showed closest genetic similarity to European and North American cultivars, reflecting historical cultivar exchange and breeding for temperate adaptation. However, Kazakhstan’s accessions exhibited the lowest within-group diversity, underscoring a narrow genetic base. Conclusions: These findings reveal the genetic structure and evolutionary relationships within a global soybean collection and highlight the limited genetic diversity of Kazakhstan’s germplasm. The results suggest two complementary breeding strategies for Kazakhstan: (1) broadening the genetic base through the introduction of diverse foreign and wild germplasm, and (2) increasing the frequency of favorable alleles already present in locally adapted lines. This integrated approach can support the development of high-performing, resilient cultivars tailored to Kazakhstan’s agricultural environments.