This paper focuses on the creation of an in vitro collection of grapevine hybrids from the breeding program of the Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Fruit Growing and Viticulture and investigates the presence of Plasmopara viticola resistance mediated by Rpv3 and Rpv12 loci. We looked at the optimization of in vitro establishment using either shoots taken directly from field-grown plants or from budwood cuttings forced indoors. We further screened for the presence of endophyte contamination in the initiated explants and optimized the multiplication stage. Finally, the presence of the resistance loci against P. viticola was studied. The shoots initiated from the field-sourced explants were the more effective method of providing plant sources for in vitro initiation once all plant accessions met the goal of in vitro establishment. The concentration of phytohormones and the acidity of the culture medium have a great effect on the multiplication rate and the quality of in vitro stock cultures. Out of 17 grapevine accessions, 16 showed the presence of single or combined resistance loci against P. viticola. The grapevine accessions identified as carrying Rpv3 and Rpv12 alleles represent important genetic resources for disease resistance breeding programs. These accessions may further contribute to the creation of new elite cultivars of economic interest.

Bacterial, fungal, and viral contaminations pose a pervasive challenge to in vitro propagation of berry crops, presenting significant economic hurdles for the preservation of plant genetic resources and the commercialization of micropropagation. This study aimed to diagnose endophytic and viral contamination in commercial blackberry cultivars and while developing an in vitro method to eliminate bacterial contamination from the Chaсanska Bestrna variety. The Plant Preservative Mixture™ (PPM™) was utilized as a broad-spectrum bactericidal agent within the blackberry in vitro tissue culture. Contaminated shoots were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.2% v/v PPM™, maintained over a 12-week period through three subcultures, before being transferred to medium devoid of PPM™ for an additional 12 weeks. The results were evaluated after 12 and 32 weeks of culture on medium without PPM™. This study demonstrated that PPM™ is an effective control agent and can be successfully used to manage the growth of endophytic contamination. For the Chaсanska Bestrna blackberry variety, 100% aseptic shoots were obtained in vitro without any negative effects on the shoot growth. However, the results indicate the opportunity for further testing of PPM™ on other blackberry varieties experiencing bacterial contamination, as it is possible that the contamination in this study was superficial and the selected concentration of the bactericide proved to be successful. To obtain virus-free planting stocks, in vitro rooted shoots were transferred to a soil substrate consisting of peat (40%), black soil (50%), and perlite (10%), and then adapted in a greenhouse at 20-23°С. The survival rate of blackberry varieties in greenhouse conditions was 93-99%. Keywords: blackberry; tissue culture; in vitro contamination; micropropagation; broad-spectrum biocide

The southern region of Kazakhstan represents the northernmost boundary of the natural habitat of five wild almond species, among which Amygdalus communis L. is of particular interest due to a range of favorable traits for use in breeding programs and cultivation in the region. The current distribution range of common almond growth was clarified using GPS to determine precise coordinates, and a schematic map was developed. Monitoring revealed a significant reduction in population size. In the surveyed areas, 54 trees were selected and described. Seed material was collected from 34 genotypes and characterized according to a descriptor. Genotypes A3, A8, and A15 were identified as having favorable trait combinations. To restore populations and preserve the gene pool of Amygdalus communis L., a method of clonal micropropagation was employed. The composition of the nutrient medium was optimized for establishment, multiplication, and rhizogenesis. It was determined that Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium without phytohormones is effective for in vitro establishment (70% regeneration rate). For multiplication, MS medium with 0.5 mg/L BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) was used (with a multiplication rate of 3.5 per explant). For rhizogenesis, MS medium with 0.5 mg/L BAP, 0.02 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA), and 0.1 mg/L IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) was used. A total of 340 clonal Amygdalus communis L. plants with closed root systems were grown for field collection. The research results can be applied for the restoration, propagation, and conservation of populations both in vitro and in situ, as well as for the inclusion of selected high-performing genotypes in breeding programs.

This study presents an optimized protocol for micropropagation of commercially valuable highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) varieties adapted to climatic conditions of Kazakhstan. An effective explant surface disinfection technique was established, providing a high percentage of aseptic plants. Various nutrient media with auxins (IBA, IAA) and cytokinins (zeatin, BAP) were evaluated for shoot proliferation and rooting. The optimal medium for micropropagation was identified as Woodt Plant Medium (WPM) with a double concentration of Ca(NO3)2, 2 mg/L zeatin, 30 g/L sucrose, 3.5 g/L agar, 1.5 g/L gelzan, pH 5.2. The most effective shoot rooting was achieved on half-strength WPM medium with 0.5 mg/L IBA, 30 g/L sucrose, and vermiculite (pH 5.2). In vitro rooted plants were successfully acclimatized to soil conditions by gradually reducing humidity in a controlled greenhouse environment at 20-23°C. The developed micropropagation protocol enables rapid and mass propagation of elite blueberry varieties, ensuring genetic stability and minimizing the risk of pathogen infection. The results obtained contribute to the development of industrial blueberry cultivation in Kazakhstan and promote of modern biotechnological approaches in berry crop production.