Plant varieties studying and protection

Comparative analysis of maize (Zea mays L.) lines based on morphological and molecular characteristics

2025-03-04T13:11:47+02:00

Purpose. To determine the phylogenetic relationships between maize lines based on morphological description (DUS test) and SSR markers. Methods. Field studies (descriptive plant morphology), molecular techniques (PCR, capillary electrophoresis), and statistical analyses (correlation analysis, hierarchical clustering). Results. Based on field studies of 57 maize lines by morphological traits, the codes of qualitative and quantitative characteristics were determined, allowing the classification of the studied maize lines into three groups according to their similarity level: distinct, similar, and very similar. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to calculate phenotypic distances between the studied maize lines, resulting in five cluster groups and seven separate clusters formed by individual lines. The most similar maize lines according to the morphological character codes were those with a similarity coefficient of 0.997, which belong to the group of similar lines according to the results of the testing for distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS). The similarity coefficients among lines classified as very similar were sufficiently high, ranging from 0.890 to 0.990, although one pair of lines within this group had a similarity coefficient of 0.771. Based on Roger's molecular distances for nine SSR markers, the most similar lines had a similarity coefficient of 0.16, yet this pair was classified as distinct according to DUS testing. The most distinct pair of lines based on SSR markers had a similarity coefficient of 0.42. The correlation analysis between phenotypic and molecular distance matrices revealed a very weak inverse correlation (r = −0.1). Conclusions. It was found that the calculation of phenotypic and molecular distances reflects the level of similarity among the studied genotypes based on morphological traits and SSR markers. It was shown that the degree of similarity among the studied maize lines varies depending on the evaluation approach, as indicated by expert assessment based on DUS testing results.

Yield and Stability of New Medium-Maturing Potato Varieties (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the Forest-Steppe and Polissia Soil and Climatic Zones of Ukraine

2025-01-29T11:44:37+02:00

Purpose. To carry out a comprehensive study and evaluation of new medium-maturing potato (S. tuberosum) varieties for yield, starch content and stability under the conditions of the Ukrainian Forest Steppe and Polissia. Methods. The qualification examination of potato varieties for their suitability for distribution in Ukraine (VSD) was conducted in 2021 and 2023 at eight research sites of the Ukrainian Institute for Plant Variety Examination located within the soil and climatic zones of the Forest-Steppe and Polissia. The area of the accounting plot was 25 m², the location of the plots was randomised, replicated four times. Results. The economic and valuable characteristics of Ukrainian medium-maturing potato varieties – ‘Fanatka’, ‘Svitana’, ‘Marfusha’ and ‘Melaniia’, as well as foreign varieties – ‘TRIPLE7’, ‘Tiger’, ‘CAMELIA’ and ‘CARDYMA’ were analysed. The average yield of ‘Fanatka’, ‘Svitana’, ‘TRIPLE7’, ‘Tiger’, ‘CAMELIA’ and ‘CARDYMA’ in the Forest-Steppe was 3–12% higher than in Polissia. The maximum values of this indicator in both soil and climatic zones were shown by the varieties ‘Svitana’ (Forest-Steppe – 28.2 t/ha; Polissia – 26.0 t/ha) and ‘CAMELIA’ (Forest-Steppe – 29.3 t/ha; Polissia – 27.7 t/ha). In 2021, the highest average potato yield was obtained in the Forest-Steppe zone (23.3 t/ha); in 2023, in Polissia (21.1 t/ha). ‘Fanatka’ and ‘TRIPLE7’ varieties were more stable than ‘Svitana’, ‘Melaniia’, ‘CAMELIA’, ‘CARDYMA’, ‘Marfusha’ and ‘Tiger’, whose yields were highly dependent on the growing conditions. In terms of quality indicators, the best foreign varieties were ‘TRIPLE7’, ‘Tiger’ and ‘CARDYMA’. Their starch content was 15.6–17.8% in the Forest-Steppe and 17.1–18.1% in Polissia; dry matter – 23.9–25.8% in the Forest-Steppe and 25.4–25.8% in Polissia. Conclusions. According to the results of the VSD qualification test, the varieties ‘Fanatka’, ‘Svitana’, ‘Melaniia’, ‘TRIPLE7’, ‘CAMELIA’ and ‘CARDYMA’ are recommended for cultivation in the Forest-Steppe and Polissia zones; ‘Marfusha’ and ‘Tiger’ are recommended for Polissia only. According to qualitative indicators, the variety ‘TRIPLE7’ stood out with starch content of 17.8% in Forest-Steppe and 18.1% in Polissia; dry matter – 25.8% in both soil and climatic zones.

Yield and quality of new varieties of soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different soil and climatic conditions

2025-01-29T12:01:24+02:00

Purpose. To evaluate new varieties of soft winter wheat under different soil and climatic conditions for the main economic and quality indicators, including yield, 1000 grain weight, protein and crude gluten content. Methods. The study of soft winter wheat varieties 'NOVIK', 'HIMARS', 'Papilon', 'Obivan' and 'STK21G' was conducted during two seasons (2021/22-2022/23) on the experimental fields of 16 structural units of the Ukrainian Institute for Plant Variety Examination located in the soil and climatic zones of Steppe, Forest-Steppe and Polissia. The trials were established and harvested in accordance with the methods of qualification testing of plant varieties. Research methods: field, laboratory, biochemical, descriptive and statistical, comparison and generalisation. Results. In all years of the study, the yield of the investigated varieties was higher in the Forest-Steppe zone than in the Steppe and Polissia. The average yield in 2021/22–2022/23 was 8.03–9.14 t/ha in Forest-Steppe, 7.9–8.63 t/ha in Polissia and 7.17–8.05 t/ha in Steppe. The highest yields were achieved by the varieties 'HIMARS' (8.71 t/ha) and 'Obivan' (9.14 t/ha). In terms of quality indicators, 'NOVIK' (14.2%), 'Papilon' (14.0%) and 'HIMARS' (14.0%) led in protein content; 'NOVIK' and 'Papilon' had the highest gluten mass fractions (25.0–29.2 and 24.6–29.1%, respectively). Evaluating the influence of growing zone conditions, it was found that in Polissya the protein content in grain varied from 12.1 to 13.5%, in Forest-Steppe – from 13.0 to 13.5%, in Steppe – from 13.1 to 14.2%. The mass fraction of crude gluten in the Polissia zone was 22.9–27.6%, in the Forest-Steppe zone – 25.3–28.6% and in the Steppe zone – 26.6–29.2%. Conclusions. Soil and climatic conditions influence the productivity and quality of common soft winter wheat. In particular, the maximum yield was observed in the Forest-Steppe zone. At the same time, rather low levels of protein and gluten in the grain were recorded in Polissia. Thus, the results confirm the feasibility of growing the investigated varieties in the Forest-Steppe and Polissia zones of Ukraine.

Plot (soil) variety control as part of the varietal quality confirmation of soft wheat seed

2025-01-29T11:34:15+02:00

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of plot (soil) variety control to confirm purity of varieties (hybrids, lines) and authenticity of seed characteristics of soft wheat varieties at all stages of seed reproduction, as well as to ensure quality assurance of the produced seed. Methods. Analysis and synthesis, comparison method, statistical analysis, systematic approach, tabular and graphical methods. Results. The study found that plot (soil) variety control is a mandatory component of the seed certification system, which ensures confirmation of varietal purity and detection of inconsistencies at the stages of production, storage and sale. Controls for pre-basic (PBS), basic (BS) and certified (CS) seed help to ensure high quality standards. In 2020–2023, the number of control samples of soft winter wheat seed passing the plot (soil) variety control decreased. This was due to military operations, logistical disruptions and a reduction in the area under cultivation. However, despite these factors, the varieties ‘Bohdana’, ‘Mudrist Odeska’ and ‘Podolianka’ remain the leaders in the number of control samples due to their stable yields and high disease resistance. Conclusions. Plot (soil) variety control plays an important role in quality assurance and detection of inconsistencies at the stages of seed production. The decrease in the number of control samples in 2020–2023 is due to military operations, reduced crop areas and economic difficulties. At the same time, the popularity of domestic wheat varieties, such as ‘Bohdana’ and ‘Mudrist Odeska’, demonstrates their high adaptability, yield and resistance to disease pathogens. To maintain and strengthen the position of the Ukrainian seed industry, it is necessary to actively develop the domestic seed market, support breeding programmes and encourage the export of domestic seed products.

New varieties of Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale L.) bred in the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

2025-01-16T16:57:40+02:00

Purpose. Based on the analysis of scientific literature and information resources of botanical institutions, to investigate the state and main directions of Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale L.) breeding, as well as the world assortment of its varieties. Based on the collection and breeding stock of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (hereinafter – NBG), to create domestic varieties that meet the requirements for modern ones and are adapted to the growing conditions in Ukraine. Methods. Analytical selection methods were used, based on individual selection and evaluation of the best samples from the available breeding base. Results. Eight new varieties of Oriental poppy of the NBG breeding ‘Lialechka’, ‘Rozett’, ‘Malika’, ‘Kabare’, ‘Miia’, ‘Halyna’, ‘Chaklunka’, ‘Toreador’) are presented. They are characterised by considerable variability in morphological traits, including color, flower shape, habitus and plant height. The diameter of the flowers varies from 8 to 18 cm, the shape – from bowl to cup, the degree of ruffle of the petals varies from weak to strong. The strength of the flower peduncles correlates with the height of the plants, ensuring the stability and decorativeness of both tall and short varieties. Conclusions. The new varieties of Oriental poppy of the NBG breeding are characterised by high decorative value, resistance to abiotic and biotic factors and adaptability to the soil and climatic conditions of the Ukrainian forest steppe. They also show considerable variability in habit, flower shape and color, and have different flowering times and durations. These characteristics make the newly developed varieties promising for multiple uses in landscaping and for further use in breeding programmes. Eight new varieties have been included in the “State Register of Plant Varieties Suitable for Dissemination in Ukraine”.

Grouping of sea buckthorn varieties using hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis

2025-01-29T11:28:39+02:00

Purpose. To determine the manifestation of a complex of sea buckthorn (Hipporhae rhamnoides L.) varieties characteristics using cluster analysis for grouping of identifying morphological, qualitative and quantitative economic and valuable characteristics during the test of difference. Methods. Analytical (analysis of the variety database), comparative evaluation of morphological and economically valuable characteristics, mathematical, statistical [using the SPSS package (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)] Data Mining tools. Results. The frequency analysis of morphological characters of the collection of H. rhamnoides varieties was carried out. The latter were grouped by means of hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis using variables such as plant life form, branch position and number of shoot spines. Six clusters were identified from the results. The best sea buckthorn varieties in terms of economic value were also identified in terms of maturity groups. Conclusions. The use of cluster analysis to group known varieties of the sea buckthorn collection by morphological and economic characteristics allows to quickly and accurately establish the code of the characteristics (QL – qualitative, QN – quantitative, PQ – pseudo-qualitative) and their difference. According to the results of the comparison, the highest yields were found in the variety ‘Orange Revolution’; vitamin C content – ‘Dora’, carotene – ‘Morkviana’, vitamin P – ‘Tatiana’, ‘Lasunka’, ‘Eva’ and ‘Marija Bruvele’.