A group of researchers from the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, under the leadership of Academician Irada Huseynova, conducted a scientific mission to the Gobustan Regional Experimental Station of the Agricultural Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Within the framework of the visit, comprehensive monitoring and research activities were carried out to investigate the drought tolerance of wheat genotypes. The physiological status of the plants was assessed non-invasively using a digital phenotyping device based on 25 parameters, while the content of photosynthetic pigments was determined using a chlorophyll meter.

Plant specimens collected for molecular and biochemical analyses were frozen in liquid nitrogen and transported to the institute.

Observations revealed that, due to the rainy weather conditions prevailing this year, yellow rust disease has become widespread and, in some fields, has reached the level of an epiphytotic outbreak. At the same time, these conditions have provided a favorable opportunity for the selection of yellow rust-resistant genotypes.

The studies demonstrated that the Yubiley 100 and Chirag 95 genotypes, as well as German-origin genotypes and their hybrids, exhibited a high level of resistance to yellow rust.