Rising temperatures and increased droughts caused by climate change significantly reduce crop yields. Halophytes with different photosynthetic metabolism types have specific mechanisms for resistance to climatic factors. This study analyzed the morphophysiological, biochemical, and molecular-genetic mechanisms of tolerance and adaptation in halophytes, promising candidates for the restoration of salt affected lands in arid and semi-arid areas. Experiments under drought (D) and elevated temperature (eT), as well as their combined action (eT+D), were performed on Atriplex verrucifera M. Bied. (C3 plant) and Climacoptera crassa (M. Bieb.) Botsch. (C4-NAD-ME plant) with different types of photosynthesis. The activity of photosystem I (PSI) and the efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) were measured, along with the expression of genes involved in the light (psaA, psaB, psbA, CAB, Fd1, PGR5, and ndhH) and dark (rbcL, Ppc2, and PPDK) reactions of photosynthesis. The content of key carboxylating enzymes ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), as well as the photorespiration enzyme glycine decarboxylase (GDC), were assessed. Plant growth and water-salt balance parameters, and activity of enzymes in the malate dehydrogenase (MDH) system nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P))-MDH and NAD(P)-malic enzyme (ME) were also examined. A multivariate analysis of the experimental results revealed that A. verrucifera and C. crassa were both resistant to the effects of these climatic stressors. The tolerance mechanisms of both species were significantly influenced by a high level of photosynthetic plasticity. Nevertheless, differences were observed in the protective mechanisms underlying tolerance. In the C3 species, dissipative processes associated with non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of PSII and MDH system enzymes (malate valves) were activated, particularly under osmotic stress. The negative effects in the C3 plants were caused by the combined action of eT+D, which was compensated by an increased expression of rbcL, psaA, CAB, and especially PGR5, i.e., genes encoding Rubisco large subunit and PSI components: apoproteins A, chlorophyll a/b-associated protein (CAB) of light-harvesting complex, and proton gradient regulation 5 (PGR5) protein of the main pathway of cyclic electron transport (CET) around PSI. In C4 species, the protective MDH complex was expressed to a lesser extent, but activation of the C4 carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) and upregulation of PGR5 expression were observed, particularly under the individual action of the factors. Under the combined stress of eT+D, C. crassa exhibited a synergistic effect, where the increase in NPQ level and NAD-ME activity, as well as decrease in NADP-ME activity was less pronounced compared with the effect of singular factors. Comparative physiological, biochemical, and molecular analyses of how C3 and C4 species response to individual and combined climatic factors provide new insights into sustainable plant adaptation strategies in the face of global climate change. Considering the high nutritional value of these two fodder species, a technological approach could be developed to improve the productivity of salt affected lands.

Extreme weather events such as higher temperatures, droughts, and soil salinization are projected to increase as atmospheric CO2 concentrations rise and climate change progresses. These factors have a negative impact on global food security, the water supply, and ecosystem productivity. The focus of this review is on modern concepts, comparative studies, and our data on the mechanisms of adaptation of halophytes and glycophytes with different types of photosynthetic metabolism (C3, C4) to the individual and combined effects of climatic factors. The analysis revealed that C3 and C4 species and C4-NAD-ME and C4-NADP-ME species differ in terms of stability and photosynthetic plasticity. Under drought conditions, both individually and in combination with other factors, C4 halophytes demonstrate the advantages of efficient photosynthesis and salt tolerance. Halophytes with C4-NADP-ME are characterized by uniquely high levels of plasticity and variability in photosynthetic metabolism. This is reflected in their ability to mitigate the negative effects of elevated temperatures and drought through the use of elevated CO2 (eCO2). The mitigating effect of eCO2 on photosynthesis at elevated temperatures was not detected in halophytes, regardless of photosynthesis type. Halophytes possess an augmented capacity for heat tolerance. Integrating fundamental scientific knowledge with urgent practical needs will enable us to predict changes in ecosystems and create new, sustainable agricultural systems.

Possible salt-accumulating plant species were investigated for their potential in phytoremediation of the salinised farmland in the Karakalpakstan region, Uzbekistan, together with its methane fermentation for the post-treatment of biomass. The examined plant species of Amaranthus retroflexus, Atriplex nitens, Bassia scoparia, and Karelina caspia yielded the highest biomass at the end of August, whilst high salt uptake was found during their young stage in spring. Based on the biomass weight per plant, the salt content, and the cultivation density, A. nitens was the most promising species, which might remove the salt from the soil with about 1.8 kg-NaCl equivalent/kg-dry soil in the peak period. The result suggested the consecutive cultivation of the plant species for 3-6 years would rehabilitate the farmland to allow growth of wheat, sunflower, and sorghum. The kinetic model modified from IWA-Anaerobic Digestion Model No.1 (ADM1) showed the above four plant species had a similar biodegradability to that of the ordinary energy crop (Erianthus arundinaceus). The model predicted 60-70% of the biomass chemical oxygen demand (COD) could be converted to methane at an solids retention time (SRT) of about 50-60 days in an anaerobic digester. When the SRT was extended to 200 days, the methane conversion efficiencies were expected to reach about 80%.

Salinity and water scarcity are among the major environmental challenges requiring the use of non-conventional water sources and the adoption of salt-tolerant crops. We assessed the impact of irrigation with different concentrations of NaCl: 50 mM and 150 mM on the growth parameters and yield of triticale, soil salinity, distribution of active root density, and concentrations of Na+ and NO3− ions at harvest compared to freshwater under zero leaching conditions. Irrigation was applied on a daily basis based on weight measurements of micro-lysimeter pots. Growth parameters, including plant height, LAI, number of leaves, number of tillers, and soil salinity, were observed across the growing season. Spatial distributions of soil salinity, normalized root length density (NRLD), concentrations of Na+ and NO3− in soil profile were measured in two dimensions. The results indicate that irrigating with 150 mM of NaCl H2O significantly affected the crop growth, causing salts, particularly Na+, to reside in the topsoil, reducing NRLD with soil depth, crop water demand, and NO3− uptake. The application of 150 mM and 50 mM of NaCl H2O reduced crop water use by 4 and 2.6 times as well as grain yield by 97% and 42%, respectively, compared to freshwater. This shows that irrigation with concentration equal to or higher than 150 mM NaCl will result in very low production. To achieve higher yield and crop water productivity, irrigation with NaCl concentration of 50 mM or less is recommended to grow triticale in marginal regions with limited freshwater resources.

Future climate change and its impact on drought is critical for Uzbekistan, located in Central Asia, the world’s largest arid zone. This study examines the evolving intensity of climate change and drought events using multi-model ensembles (MMEs) derived from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 and 6 (CMIP5 and CMIP6) simulated under the Representative Concentration Pathway and Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (RCP and SSP) scenarios. The projections show different rates of increase in temperature and precipitation under the RCPs and SSPs. Projected temperature increases are expected to reach up to 2–2.5 °C under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP3-7.0, by mid-century. By 2080–2099, an increase is projected of 2–3 °C in monthly mean temperatures throughout the year (SSP1-2.6), and a more pronounced increase in summer up to 3–4 °C (SSP2-4.5) and 4–6 °C (SSP3-7.0), with a marked contrast in conditions between the mountainous and desert regions of Uzbekistan. Regional changes in precipitation over the study periods show relatively little variability, except for FD, where notable trends are found. Under SSP1-2.6 and SSP2-4.5, the increase in precipitation is relatively modest, whereas the changes in SSP3-7.0 are more substantial, with some regions experiencing variations of up to 10–20 mm per period. The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), calculated based on the projected temperature and precipitation, provides an estimate of future drought trends. Our results show increasing aridity under all scenarios by mid-century, with longer-term projections indicating stabilization around different SPEI values by 2100: RCP2.6 and SSP1-1.9 stabilize around −1.0; RCP4.5, RCP6.0, SSP2-4.5, and SSP3-7.0 stabilize around −1.5; while RCP8.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios project values of −2 or less by 2100. Notable differences in the SPEI index are found between lowland and foothill regions. In view of Uzbekistan’s heavy reliance on agriculture and irrigation, which are the sectors that are expected to be mostly affected by climate change, our study provides a scientific basis for informed policy decision-making. This includes various aspects such as planning and management water resources, as well as the broader socioeconomic development of the country.

Rising atmospheric CO2(carbon dioxide)concentrations and salinization are manifestations of climate change that affect plant growth and productivity.Species with an intermediate C3-C4 type of photosynthesis live in a wide range of precipitation,temperature,and soil quality,but are more often found in warm and dry habitats.One of the intermediate C3-C4 photosynthetic type is C2 photosynthesis with a carbon concentration mechanism(CCM)that reassimilates CO2 released via photorespiration.However,the ecological significance under which C2 photosynthesis has advantages over C3 and C4 plants remains largely unexplored.Salt tolerance and functioning of CCM were studied in plants from two populations(P1 and P2)of Sedobassia sedoides(Pall.)Freitag&G.Kadereit Asch.species with C2 photosynthesis exposed to 4 d and 10 d salinity(200 mM NaCl)at ambient(785.7 mg/m3,aCO2)and elevated(1571.4 mg/m3,eCO2)CO2.On the fourth day of salinity,an increase in Na+content,activity catalase,and superoxide dismutase was observed in both populations.P2 plants showed an increase in proline content and a decrease in photosynthetic enzyme content:rubisco,phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPC),and glycine decarboxylase(GDC),which indicated a weakening of C2 and C4 characteristics under salinity.Treatment under 10 d salinity led to an increased Na+content and activity of cyclic electron flow around photosystem I(PSI CEF),a decreased content of K+and GDC in both populations.P1 plants showed greater salt tolerance,which was assessed by the degree of reduction in photosynthetic enzyme content,PSI CEF activity,and changes in relative growth rate(RGR).Differences between populations were evident under the combination of eCO2 and salinity.Under long-term salinity and eCO2,more salt-tolerant P1 plants had a higher dry biomass(DW),which was positively correlated with PSI CEF activity.In less salt-tolerant P2 plants,DW correlated with transpiration and dark respiration.Thus,S.sedoides showed a high degree of photosynthetic plasticity under the influence of salinity and eCO2 through strengthening(P1 plants)and weakening C4 characteristics(P2 plants).

This article analyzes various aspects of the introduction and use of innovative technologies in Japanese industry, with an emphasis on green transformation and sustainable development. The authors consider the influence of Japan’s strong innovation base and technological potential on the development of green technologies, covering various sectors of the economy. The main focus is on government policies aimed at accelerating the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies, as well as the role of private capital in this process. We discuss the key factors contributing to the transformation of Japanese industry, including demographic changes, declining productivity and international competitiveness. The article emphasizes the importance of industrial agglomeration and cooperation in enhancing competitiveness. The study is of interest to researchers and practitioners working on sustainable development and industrial policy.

Groundwater is the most ubiquitous source of liquid freshwater globally, yet its role in supporting diverse ecosystems is rarely acknowledged1,2. However, the location and extent of groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) are unknown in many geographies, and protection measures are lacking1,3. Here, we map GDEs at high-resolution (roughly 30 m) and find them present on more than one-third of global drylands analysed, including important global biodiversity hotspots4. GDEs are more extensive and contiguous in landscapes dominated by pastoralism with lower rates of groundwater depletion, suggesting that many GDEs are likely to have already been lost due to water and land use practices. Nevertheless, 53% of GDEs exist within regions showing declining groundwater trends, which highlights the urgent need to protect GDEs from the threat of groundwater depletion. However, we found that only 21% of GDEs exist on protected lands or in jurisdictions with sustainable groundwater management policies, invoking a call to action to protect these vital ecosystems. Furthermore, we examine the linkage of GDEs with cultural and socio-economic factors in the Greater Sahel region, where GDEs play an essential role in supporting biodiversity and rural livelihoods, to explore other means for protection of GDEs in politically unstable regions. Our GDE map provides critical information for prioritizing and developing policies and protection mechanisms across various local, regional or international scales to safeguard these important ecosystems and the societies dependent on them. Mapping of groundwater-dependent ecosystems, which support biodiversity and rural livelihoods, shows they occur on more than one-third of global drylands analysed, but lack protections to safeguard these critical ecosystems and the societies dependent upon them from groundwater depletion.

Plant growth and productivity are predicted to be affected by rising CO2 concentrations, drought and temperature stress. The C3 crop model in a changing climate is Chenopodium quinoa Willd—a protein-rich pseudohalphyte (Amaranthaceae). Morphophysiological, biochemical and molecular genetic studies were performed on quinoa grown at ambient (400 ppm, aCO2) and elevated (800 ppm, eCO2) CO2 concentrations, drought (D) and/or high temperature (eT) treatments. Among the single factors, drought caused the greatest stress response, inducing disturbances in the light and dark photosynthesis reactions (PSII, apparent photosynthesis) and increasing oxidative stress (MDA). Futhermore, compensation mechanisms played an important protective role against eT or eCO2. The disruption of the PSII function was accompanied by the activation of the expression of PGR5, a gene of PSI cyclic electron transport (CET). Wherein under these conditions, the constant Rubisco content was maintained due to an increase in its biosynthesis, which was confirmed by the activation of rbcL gene expression. In addition, the combined stress treatments D+eT and eCO2+D+eT caused the greatest negative effect, as measured by increased oxidative stress, decreased water use efficiency, and the functioning of protective mechanisms, such as photorespiration and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, decreased PSII efficiency and increased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) were not accompanied by the activation of protective mechanisms involving PSI CET. In summary, results show that the greatest stress experienced by C. quinoa plants was caused by drought and the combined stresses D+eT and eCO2+D+eT. Thus, drought consistently played a decisive role, leading to increased oxidative stress and a decrease in defense mechanism effectiveness.

In conditions of low water, it is necessary to provide the population with food and livestock with valuable feed on a stable basis. It is reported about the results of growing two varieties of amaranth: green leaved and red-leaved, using different rates of mineral and organic fertilizers in the conditions of a sharply continental climate on degraded lands with low nutrient supply. During field experiments, the height of plants at different growth stages, changes in leaf area, and the accumulation of dry matter were determined. The research results showed that with increasing rates of mineral and organic fertilizers, the leaf area of green-leaved amaranth increases from 332.9 in the control to 1046.2 per plant when N80P60K40 is applied, the yield increased by 0.3 to 0.66 dt/ha. The application of organic fertilizers increased the productivity of amaranth by 0.71-1.1 t/ha and 0.55-1.0 t/ha, respectively.

Using an inedible portion of mature mung bean biomass, methane fermentation experiments were carried out where the digestates were mechanically thickened to extend the solids retention time. The chemical analysis revealed that the conventional COD analytical method with dichromate could not perfectly oxidise the lignocellulosic compound. The measured COD was underestimated by about 10% from the elemental formulae of the biomass. In the kinetic analysis based on the IWA-ADM1 model, the enzymatic decomposition of the lignocellulosic compound limited the overall process performance, and was expressed in a first-order rate expression with 0.051 d(-1) and 0.071 d(-1) for the leaf fraction and the stem fraction respectively. During the continuous experiment, an unusual accumulation of soluble carbohydrates was recognised. This phenomenon was also modelled as a fragmentation of the lignocellulosic compound where very small unbiodegradable organic particles were released into the liquid. According to the steady-state calculation using the model, about 70% of the plant biomass COD could be converted to methane when the reactor was operated at the solids retention time of 100-200 days with a volumetric loading rate of 10-12 kg-COD/m(3)/d. The model also showed the reactor volume could be reduced by 6-7 times compared to conventional chemostat reactors.

Quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is regarded as a superfood due to its exceptionally high nutritional value and ability to withstand stress. Six quinoa genotypes (viz., SAU Quinoa-1, Regalona, GPBQ-1, GPBQ-2, GPBQ-3, and GPBQ-4) were characterized for morphological, yield, and nutritional quality attributes while being grown under the agro-climatic conditions of Bangladesh. The fi eld experiment was carried out in the winter season (November 2022-March 2023) at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of the Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on various qualitative and quantitative traits related to growth and yield-attributes were recorded. A large variability was observed among the genotypes for growth habit, stem color, panicle shape, and panicle color at maturity. The whitish color of the seed was found in GPBQ-3 which indicates less saponin content as confirmed by saponin test. Yield attributing quantitative traits (viz., days to fi rst fl owering, days to maturity, plant height, stem diameter, panicle weight, 1000-seed weight, yield plant-1, above-ground biomass, and harvest index) also showed significant variation among the genotypes studied. Genotypes SAU Quinoa-1 and GPBQ-2 were identified as early maturing genotypes. The higher yield plant-1 was recorded in GPBQ-1 and GPBQ-3 genotypes. The phenotypic coefficient of variation for the majority of the traits evaluated was slightly higher than the corresponding genotypic coeffi- cient of variation. For stem diameter, panicle weight, 1000-seed weight, yields plant-1, and above-ground biomass, high heritability and high genetic advancement were seen as percentages of the mean. Yield plant-1 showed significant positive correlation with days to fi rst fl owering, days to maturity, plant height, stem diameter, panicle weight, and above-ground biomass (0.568*, 0.812***, 0.744***, 0.895***, 0.993***, and 0.985***, respectively). The fi rst two components accounted for 85.5% of the overall variation among the genotypes, according to principal component analysis. Significant variability was also found for seed mineral contents (viz., calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc) in the studied genotypes. The SAU Quinoa-1 genotype contained the highest amount of calcium and zinc, whereas, the highest amount of potassium was recorded in the GPBQ-1 genotype. We found a non-significant variability in carbohydrate, protein, fat, fi ber, and vitamins (viz., thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid) contents in the studied genotypes. Considering all the yield and nutritional quality traits under study, the genotypes GPBQ-1, GPBQ-3, and GPBQ-4 were selected for future variety development program.

Abiotic stress tolerance and the superior nutritional seed value make Chenopodium quinoa (Amaranthaceae) one of the most important candidates for crop diversification and food use. This article evaluates seed germination behavior, grain yield, pericarp, and seed coat structure of different seed heteromorphs in various quinoa lines, newly introduced on alkaline soils in Caspian lowlands. Introduction into harsh environments induces changes in expression, resulting in increased fruit and seed heterogeneity, expressed as variation in sizes and colors (light and dark), seed coat, and pericarp structure. These changes affect the seed germination, grain yield and other agronomic parameters. Light seeds predominanted, while the proportion of dark seeds varied from 9 to 17 percent in the quinoa lines examined. Tannins, lignin, and stalactites were detected in the cell walls of the exotesta of phenotypes of quinoa seeds. Early-maturing lines had a lower percentage of dark seeds, high germination rates in the laboratory, and synchronized seedling emergence in the field, followed by fast plant growth, high grain yield, and 1000-kernel weight. Caspian drylands are potential areas for the cultivation of early maturing quinoa genotypes, whose seed structural and functional features are not affected by stress conditions. Seed heteromorphism might represent an expectant seed survival strategy under changing environments.

The quantitative and qualitative alterations in phytochemical, enzymatic and metabolic levels of the young quinoa plants in response to osmotic, salt, and combined stress are showed. The link between the antioxidant defence of the quinoa system and stress tolerance to osmotic, salt, and combined stress was demonstrated. The increase acetophenones as antioxidants synthesis with a high positive correlation with the accumulation of phytol and enzymatic antioxidants such as CAT and the radical oxidation marker MDA, but a negative correlation with the content of linoleic and linolenic acid esters are identified. At combine stress of 200 mM NaCl and PEG-induced drought the transition young quinoa plants from eustress to distress was revealed. The identified patterns in plant enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity due to both individual and combined stress serve as a crucial foundation for targeted synthesis methods, with potential applications in pharmacology.

We studied and reconstructed a severe Central Asian dust storm of November 4, 2021, through high-resolution TROPOMI UVAI spaceborne observations, ground-based aerosol measurements, and Lagrangian particle modeling. The dust storm was caused by the front part of a cold polar anticyclone front from the Ural-Volga regions, which struck the central and eastern parts of Uzbekistan under favorable atmospheric conditions. Two plumes spread out, causing a thick haze to blanket the region. The most severe dust storm effects hit the capital of Uzbekistan (Tashkent) and the Fergana Valley, where the thick atmospheric dust layer dropped the visibility to 200 m. PM10 concentrations reached 18,000 µg/m3 (260-fold exceedance of the local long-term average). The PM2.5 concentrations remained above 300 µg/m3 for nearly ten days, indicating an extremely long-lasting event. The dust storm was caused by an extremely strong summer heatwave of 2021 in Kazakhstan with unprecedentedly high temperatures reaching 46.5 °C. The long-lasting drought dried up the soil down to 50 cm depth, triggering the soil cover denudation due to drying out vegetation and losing its moisture. This event was the worst since 1871 and considering the increasing aridity of Central Asia, the onset of potentially recurring severe dust storms is alarming.

In drylands, poor rains combined with high evaporation rates increase the risks of soil salinization in addition to drought stress. Here, we determined the values of the parameters in the Feddes root water uptake function for sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under drought and salinity stresses in a pot experiment using "Lebap-55", which has been bred for the drylands of the Aral Sea Basin but is moderately sensitive to salinity stress. We measured the hourly values of the transpiration, soil moisture, and salinity in the upper and lower soil layers in pots, solar radiation, and root distribution. The values were quantified by two methods. The bulk method uses only daily pot weight data, and the average soil water content and salt concentration are back-calculated from the mass balance. The inverse method uses the monitored values of the soil water content and salinity as well as daily weight data and solar radiation. Both methods could successfully estimate all the parameter values for both stresses. The bulk method performed better under drought stress, even without the measured soil water content or root distribution. It also had satisfactory accuracy in estimating the values under salinity stress. Both methods performed better under drought stress than under salinity stress. The parameter values determined here could be used for irrigation scheduling and salinity management using numerical models for the studied crop.

The strategic goals of the United Nations and the Aichi Targets for biodiversity conservation have not been met. Instead, biodiversity has continued to rapidly decrease, especially in developing countries. Setting a new global biodiversity framework requires clarifying future priorities and strategies to bridge challenges and provide representative solutions. Hyper-arid, arid, and semi-arid lands (herein, arid lands) form about one third of the Earth's terrestrial surface. Arid lands contain unique biological and cultural diversity, and biodiversity loss in arid lands can have a disproportionate impact on these ecosystems due to low redundancy and a high risk of trophic cascades. They contain unique biological and cultural diversity and host many endemic species, including wild relatives of key crop plants. Yet extensive agriculture, unsustainable use, and global climate change are causing an irrecoverable damage to arid lands, with far-reaching consequences to the species, ground-water resources, ecosystem productivity, and ultimately the communities' dependant on these systems. However, adequate research and effective policies to protect arid land biodiversity and sustainability are lacking because a large proportion of arid areas are in developing countries, and the unique diversity in these systems is frequently overlooked. Developing new priorities for global arid lands and mechanisms to prevent unsustainable development must become part of public discourse and form the basis for conservation efforts. The current situation demands the combined efforts of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and local communities to adopt a socio-ecological approach for achieving sustainable development (SDGs) in arid lands. Applying these initiatives globally is imperative to conserve arid lands biodiversity and the critical ecological services they provide for future generations. This perspective provides a framework for conserving biodiversity in arid lands for all stakeholders that will have a tangible impact on sustainable development, nature, and human well-being.

: As the impact of global climate change increases, the interaction of biotic and abiotic stresses increasingly threatens current agricultural practices. The most effective solution to the problem of climate change and a decrease in the amount of atmospheric precipitation is planting extremely drought-resistant and high-yielding crops. Sorghum can grow in harsh conditions such as salinity, drought and limited nutrients, also it is an important part of the diet in many countries. Sorghum can be introduced in many zones of Kazakhstan. Plant height and yield of green plant biomass of 16 sorghum samples in arid conditions were determined based on a set of agrobiological characteristics for field screening. The height of the studied samples of grain sorghum was 0.47 ±0.03 m, and the height of sweet sorghum was much longer, reaching up to 2.88 ±0.12 m. Also, there was a strong difference in green biomass in cultivated areas under different soil and climatic conditions, the green biomass of sweet sorghum was 3.0 Mg∙ha –1 , and in grain sorghum, it reached up to 57.4 Mg∙ha –1 . Based on the data of the field assessment for various soil and climatic conditions, the following samples were identified for introduction into production: samples of sweet sorghum for irrigated and rainfed lands of the Almaty Region and in the conditions of non-irrigation agriculture of the Aktobe Region – a promising line ICSV 93046. For non-irrigation agriculture of the Akmola Region, genotypes of sweet and grain sorghum are ‘Chaika’, ‘Kinelskoe 4’ and ‘Volzhskoe 44’.

Rare earth elements (generally abbreviated as REEs) are the name used to define 17 metals with special physicochemical features. In general, REEs are interest of chemists mainly because of their peculiar chemical abilities. However, this situation started to change, and REEs, recently, turn out to be a hotspot also for environmental biologist, plant biologist, and molecular biologists. Despite that there are diverse studies regarding biology of these elements (also defined as metals), biologist still have limited knowledge about the mechanisms of REE action in living (particular in reducing their toxic effects at high doses) and about the areas in which these metals can be used as biotechnological tools. REEs have a peculiarity that they can bind to other molecules to enhance several physiological activities like growth and development in plants and photosynthesis, and they are able to behave as synergistic agents for the intake of several nutrients. The supply of these elements in several species can be, as well, an important source of synthesis of natural compounds. The exogenous application of REEs in plants has been demonstrated to antagonize damages of salinity and metal stresses. The present review aims to put forward a comprehensive account of the latest findings related to the effects of REEs' on different aspects of plant growth and development. This compilation mainly targets scientists who afford to discover action mechanisms of REEs and researchers focussing on the amelioration of adverse consequences generated by REEs.