Roza Kenzhebekova

Halyomorpha halys (brown marmorated stink bug) is an invasive polyphagous pest that causes significant economic damage to fruit, vegetable, and horticultural crops. The species' high reproductive capacity, broad range of host plants and adaptation to diverse climatic conditions have led to its rapid spread across many countries. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is a promising biological pest control agent due to its high pathogenicity and environmental safety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a native isolate of B. bassiana against various stages of H. halys. Under laboratory conditions, eggs, nymphs, and adults were treated with conidial suspensions at concentrations of 1×10⁵–1×10⁸ conidia/ml. Mortality rates, infection dynamics, LT₅₀ and LT₉₀ values, and the sublethal effects of the fungus were studied. Results showed that mortality also increased with increasing conidia concentrations. The greatest effect was observed at a concentration of 1×10⁸ conidia/ml: nymph mortality reached 98%, adult mortality 95%, and egg mortality 74%. Furthermore, at the highest concentration, the LT₅₀ index was 3.7 days, indicating the high virulence of the local isolate. The fungus also reduced feeding activity, decreased movement intensity, and impaired reproductive performance. These results demonstrate that the local isolate of Beauveria bassiana exhibits high entomopathogenic activity against Halyomorpha halys and holds promise for use in integrated biological pest management programs.

In recent years, plant genotyping has been shifting from the accumulation of whole-genome data toward their effective use in breeding programs This review examines key genotyping platforms, including single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, reduced-representation sequencing methods such as genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) and restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq), targeted genotyping approaches, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), analyzing their informativeness, cost, and computational limitations. The transition to pangenome-based genotyping and graph genomes is discussed, as these approaches reduce reference bias and increase sensitivity for detecting structural variants, introgressions, and rare alleles that are important for adaptation and breeding. The growing role of AI/ML is highlighted in modeling complex genotype–phenotype relationships, integrating genomic and phenotypic data, and improving the accuracy and interpretability of genomic predictions.

This study represents the comprehensive description of whole-genome data from Kazakh horse types Zhabe, Adai, and the Mugalzhar breed. Genome sequencing was performed using the BGI platform, and the resulting data were aligned to the EquCab3.0 reference horse genome. The analysis revealed a large number of genetic variants, indicating a high level of genetic diversity in the studied populations. After filtering, a total of 73,403 variants were identified, with the majority located in intronic regions (20,876), as well as in untranslated regions (3'UTR and 5'UTR). Most of these were single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), while insertions and deletions (Indels) were significantly less frequent. Functional annotation showed that the variants were associated with 7,642 genes. Of particular interest are the SWT1, PPFIA1, SHROOM2, ANOS1, OR4D10, USP25, and ZNF74genes, each containing over 100 variants. These genes are presumed to play important roles in metabolism, endurance, reproduction, olfaction, immune response, and gene expression regulation. GO term enrichment analysisindicated that the identified genes are involved in signal transduction and transcriptional regulation, which may be related to environmental adaptation and the development of specific phenotypic traits. The results provide a valuable resource for furtherresearch on the adaptive potential of Kazakh horse breeds, as well as for the development of effective conservation and breeding strategies

This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the whole genomes of the Kazakh breeds of the Jabe and Аdai, types, as well as the Mugalzhar breed. We performed whole genome sequencing on the BGI platform, mapping the obtained data to the EquCab3.0 horse reference genome. The sequencing results revealed a large number of genetic variants in the genomes of the studied horses, indicating a high level of genetic polymorphism. The largest number of variants was found in intronic regions, as well as in untranslated regions. Among the identified variants, single nucleotide polymorphisms were found to be prevalent both before and after filtering, as well as insertions/deletions, which occur much less frequently. Special attention was paid to the SWT1, PPFIA1, SHROOM2, ANOS1, OR4D10, USP25, and ZNF74 genes, which contained more than 100 variants each. It is assumed that these genes can influence metabolism, endurance, reproductive function, sense of smell, immune response and regulation of gene expression in horses. The obtained data represent a valuable resource for future studies on the adaptive potential of Kazakh horse breeds, as well as for the development of conservation strategies and the optimization of breeding programs.

Viral infections and their vector dynamics pose a major threat to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) worldwide, urgently needing an integrated understanding of the molecular and ecological interactions in this tripartite system. This review describes the major potato viruses, namely potato virus Y (PVY), the potato leafroll virus (PLRV), and potato virus X (PVX), with an emphasis on their infection and replication strategies in plants, as well as their movement within them. It also discusses plant responses to these viruses by uncovering RNA silencing, resistance (R) genes, and hormonal signaling. The complex dynamics of virus–vector interactions are discussed, considering the modes of transmission-persistent, non-persistent and semi-persistent—the role of viral proteins such as HC-Pro in determining vector specificity and adaptations in vectors that facilitate virus dissemination. This article discusses how vectors select potato plants, with an emphasis on the role played by plant-excreted volatiles and vector-applied saliva in plant defense. It also discusses host genes that contribute to vector resistance. This review provides an overview of the interactions between potato plants, viruses, and vectors and shows how viruses influence plant–vector interactions, the molecular pathways shared, and the altered gene expression profiles due to these interactions. The review offers an integrated perspective essential for developing sustainable and precise control strategies against potato viral pathogens under changing climatic conditions.

Fungal pathogens, particularly representatives of the genera Moniliniaand Venturia, pose a serious threat to apple (Malus domestica) production in temperate climate regions. Among them, Moniliniaspecies cause moniliosis (brown rot), while Venturia inaequalisis the causal agent of apple scab—both diseases result in significant economic losses and reduce fruit quality in orchards.Moniliniaspecies are known as pathogens responsible for fruit rot, blossom blight, and shoot dieback. In recent years, the invasive species M. polystromahas attracted researchers' attention due to its high aggressiveness and expanding range in European apple orchards. These pathogens cause round, sunken necrotic lesions on fruits with active sporulation, leading to fruit mummification and the persistence of infection within the orchard.In turn, Venturia inaequalisremains one of the most widespread and damaging pathogens of apple, particularly in cool and humid climates. It primarily affects leaves and young fruits, causing characteristic olive-brown to black spots thatcan lead to premature leaf fall, fruit deformation, and a reduction in commercial value.The present study presents the results of a field survey aimed at detecting and preliminarily identifying Moniliniaand Venturiapathogens based on the evaluation of visible disease symptoms in cultivated apple orchards. The obtained data help clarify the species composition and visual manifestation of major fungal diseases in the agroecosystems of the Almaty Region. These findingsare important for improving phytosanitary monitoring and developing integrated plant protection strategies for sustainable apple production

Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) is an important worldwide pathogen of grapes that leads to significant economic losses due to reduced health and productivity of the vines. In this study, a highly sensitive and specific molecular diagnostic system for GFLV was established. Synthetic control sequences were developed to detect conserved regions of the viral RNA2 genome, enabling precise detection. The performance of a CRISPR/Cas12a-based diagnostic platform integrated with Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) was validated, demonstrating sensitive and rapid detection of GFLV even at low viral loads. Although the Cas13a system was tested, its sensitivity was insufficient due to guide RNA inefficiencies and the complex structure of viral RNA, indicating the necessity for further optimization. The combination of Cas12a with RPA was demonstrated to be a powerful diagnostic approach for the detection of plant viruses, with potential for field-integrated diagnostic applications. This research provides a foundation for the development of diagnostic tools aimed at controlling GFLV and improving viticulture management approaches, thereby promoting sustainable viticulture.

This study explores the use of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies to identify and analyze potato viruses in Northern Kazakhstan, enhancing our understanding of viral impacts on agriculture. Focusing on viruses like Potato virus X (PVX), Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato virus M (PVM), and Potato virus S (PVS), the research demonstrates HTS's effectiveness in detecting and detailing these pathogens. The study's goal is to apply HTS for a comprehensive examination of viral populations that affect potato crops in Northern Kazakhstan, an area where potato production is crucial but faces challenges from viral diseases. The research involved collecting leaf samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic potato plants across different regions of Northern Kazakhstan, using a standardized RNA extraction method to ensure high-quality RNA. This RNA was then processed into cDNA and sequenced using the Oxford Nanopore MinION platform, focusing on capturing detailed viral sequences for analysis. The results detail the identification and genetic analysis of four key potato viruses. The data showed high genomic coverage for all studied viruses, ensuring reliable detection and comprehensive analysis. The discussion highlights how HTS allows for the detailed characterization of viral infections, including mixed infections. It points out the benefits of this technology over traditional methods, such as its ability to detect low-abundance viruses and to provide rapid, accurate results that can inform crop management strategies. Concluding, the study reaffirms the value of HTS in modern plant pathology, particularly for its high sensitivity and specificity in detecting plant viruses. The findings advocate for broader use of HTS to improve the management of potato viruses, which is crucial for enhancing crop yields and food security in Kazakhstan and similar regions.

Potato is one of the most consumed crops worldwide. One strategy aimed at pathogen and pest management is the cultivation of resistant varieties. In this study, 352 genotypes from the Kazakhstan potato germplasm collection were screened for the presence of loci for resistance to the most harmful pathogens and pests using 30 DNA markers. ‘Rucheek’ and ‘Spiridon’, among the top global varieties, and ‘Janaisan’ and ‘Fedor’, among the top local varieties, were identified as bearing the most resistance loci in the collection, with at least 14 markers each. The specimens carrying the genes Ryadg (ADG1, ADG2), Nb (SPUD237), Ns (SC811, CP16), Rpi-phu1 (GP94), and GroV1 (X02), which demonstrate confirmed resistance to PVY, PVA, PVX, PVS, Phytophthora infestans, and Globodera rostochiensis, were most frequently found in the collection. Loci for resistance to Synchytrium endobioticum and Globodera pallida were less introgressed into the Kazakhstani cultivars and were almost absent in the germplasm collection. The less abundant loci found in the current potato collection were Ryadg (RysC3), Gro1-4 (Gro1-4), and Rladg (RGASC₈₅₀). Screening of the potato collection showed that the markers SPUD237, CP60, 45/X1, and CT214 generated additional polymorphic amplicons, while markers Nl25, C237, GP179, and GP122₇₁₈ were less applicable in robust large-scale screening. The results from this study may greatly contribute to marker-assisted selection and gene pyramiding strategies aimed at developing new potato varieties with multiple resistance to biotic stress

The study focuses on analyzing the spread of viral infections in potato crops in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. The work emphasizes the significance of the issue of viral diseases in potatoes, considering their impact on crop yield and the quality of agricultural products. During the study, the most prevalent viruses, including PVY, PVS, PVM, and PLRV, were identified, and their impact on potato crops was examined. The authors employed molecular methods for the diagnosis of infections, enabling precise identification of viral agents and assessment of their extent of spread. The obtained results emphasize the necessity of developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to combat viral diseases of potatoes, including the use of resistant varieties and control of virus vectors.