AP23488859 Adding values to the Central Asian wheat through the means of whole genome scanning, automated phenotyping and intensive selection
News and events
On a Scientific Business Trip to the People’s Republic of China
From March 19 to March 22, 2026, Kanat Yermekbayev, Acting Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Genomics and Project Leader, undertook an official business trip to Xi’an, People’s Republic of China.
The main purpose of the visit was to strengthen international scientific cooperation, exchange experience, become acquainted with advanced scientific technologies, and discuss opportunities for implementing joint research projects. As part of the trip, official visits were made to Shaanxi University of Science and Technology and Northwest A&F University.
During the visit, the research infrastructure and laboratory facilities at these universities were examined, and ongoing scientific projects in agriculture, biotechnology, genetics, and genomics were reviewed. In addition, meetings were held to exchange experience in plant genetics, crop breeding, molecular marker technologies, genomic analysis, and modern phenotyping methods.
During discussions with researchers from Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, current studies in plant biotechnology and molecular genetics were presented and discussed. Information was exchanged regarding research methodologies, technological approaches, and innovative solutions applied in their scientific activities. Visits to the university’s research laboratories provided an opportunity to observe advanced equipment used for genetic analysis, bioinformatics research, and high-throughput scientific investigations.
At Northwest A&F University, discussions focused on the study of genetic resources of agricultural crops, the improvement of breeding programs, genomic selection, and the implementation of modern agricultural biotechnology approaches. Productive exchanges were held with Chinese colleagues on innovative technologies aimed at the genetic improvement of wheat and other crop species.
Scientific
Mission to Almaty for Coordinating Collaborative Research with Scientific
Partners.
From
September 26 to 27, 2025, Kanat Yermekbayev, Head of the Laboratory of
Molecular Genetics and Genomics at the Research Institute of Biotechnology and
Ecology of I. Zhansugurov Zhetysu University, undertook a scientific business
trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The
purpose of the trip was to monitor the progress of research activities and
coordinate collaborative work with scientific partners within the framework of
Project AP23488859, entitled «Орталық
Азия бидайына толық геномды сканерлеу, автоматтандырылған фенотиптеу және
интенсивті селекция әдістері арқылы құндылықтар қосу».
During
the visit, working meetings were held with researchers from the Kazakh Research
Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing. The participants discussed the
interim results of the ongoing research conducted under the project. Particular
attention was given to evaluating wheat genotypes using automated phenotyping
technologies, collecting and processing phenotypic data, and identifying
breeding materials with high selection value.
As
part of the trip, monitoring of field experimental sites was conducted,
including assessments of experimental design, adherence to research
methodologies, and recording of plant morphological traits. Field activities
included phenological observations, evaluation of plant growth and development
characteristics, assessment of yield-related traits, and quality control of the
collected data.
In addition, discussions were held with specialists at the research organization regarding the application of modern phenotyping platforms, improving the accuracy of data obtained through digital technologies, and integrating them into breeding programs. Approaches to linking phenotypic and genomic information were reviewed, and experience was exchanged on methods to accelerate the breeding process.
During the business trip, plans for the next stages of the project were refined, and agreements were reached to improve the efficiency of field research, enhance automated phenotyping methodologies, and continue collaborative scientific activities.
Scientific Business Trip to Astana
During the period from July 20 to July 26, 2025, Kanat Yermekbayev, Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Genomics at the Research Institute of Biotechnology and Ecology of I. Zhansugurov Zhetysu University and Principal Investigator of the research project, undertook a business trip to Astana to coordinate and monitor the implementation of research activities.
The business trip was organized as part of a grant-funded project supported by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The project, ЖТН АР23488859 «Орталық Азия бидайына толық геномды сканерлеу, автоматтандырылған фенотиптеу және интенсивті селекция әдістері арқылы құндылықтар қосу».
During the visit, Dr. Yermekbayev visited two leading research institutions of Kazakhstan, reviewed the progress of collaborative research activities, monitored the implementation of project objectives, and held working meetings concerning the execution of planned scientific activities:
–S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University;
–A.I. Barayev Scientific Production Center for Grain Farming.
Main Purpose of the Business Trip
The primary objective of the business trip was to monitor the progress of research activities within the project, exchange expertise with scientific partners, and coordinate collaborative efforts to implement modern breeding technologies in wheat research.
Particular attention was given to the following areas:
–evaluation of promising wheat genotypes;
–implementation of automated phenotyping technologies;
–assessment of the organization and quality of field experiments;
–selection of breeding materials with high productivity and resilience to adverse climatic conditions;
–enhancement of breeding efficiency through the integration of genomic and phenotypic data.
During the visit, research facilities and experimental field sites were inspected, and the quality of field trial establishment and compliance with research methodologies were evaluated. In addition, discussions were held on the operating principles of modern automated phenotyping systems and their potential applications in breeding programs.
Working meetings with scientists and specialists focused on:
–analysis of interim research results;
–progress of field and laboratory activities;
–integration of genomic research outcomes with phenotypic evaluation data;
–refinement of the work plan for the subsequent stages of project implementation.
Furthermore, opportunities to strengthen scientific collaboration among institutions, prepare joint scientific publications, and expand the use of modern molecular genetic approaches in breeding programs were discussed.
A patent was obtained as part of the project– Patent