Today, on 25 November, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, visited the greenhouse for growing lemons and other subtropical fruits on the experimental fields of the Institute of Botany, Physiology and Plant Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.
It was reported that on the experimental plots of the Institute of Botany, Physiology and Plant Genetics, considering the establishment of a collection orchard of subtropical plants, a mother orchard and the future expansion of nurseries of mandarin and orange varieties, research experiments are being conducted on seedlings propagated by cuttings — Meyer lemon, ponderosa, grapefruit, lime, avocado, mango, feijoa, chayote (Mexican cucumber), passion fruit, momordica, papaya (melon tree) and olive. The purpose of these studies is to increase the productivity of these crops and develop scientifically based recommendations for their introduction into production.
It was emphasized that in the experimental zone, in order to study the productivity of dwarf apple trees in intensive orchards, apple trees grafted on dwarf rootstocks have been planted, and phenological observations and scientific research are being carried out. Various kiwi varieties have also been planted in the experimental area to establish kiwi cultivation in the future under the climatic conditions of Tajikistan; methods of cultivation and propagation are being studied.
During the visit, it was noted that citrus plants represent a large group of evergreen fruit trees belonging to the genus Citrus, which is part of the subfamily Aurantioideae of the family Rutaceae. In Tajikistan, citrus plants have been grown in trenches and lemon houses since the 1930s. The climatic conditions of the Khatlon and Sughd regions, Hisor valley, Lower Kofarnihon valley, Panj river valley, and the valleys of the Surkhob and Yakhsu rivers, as well as central districts, are particularly suitable for their cultivation.
It was also stated that chayote — the Mexican cucumber (Sechium edule L.) - is a perennial climbing plant. Its fruits have been used as food by American Indians since ancient times. Chayote was first brought to Tajikistan by researchers of the Institute of Botany, Physiology and Plant Genetics of the Academy of Sciences from the Krasnodar region of Russia and was included in scientific studies. The methods of chayote propagation, cultivation techniques and fruit quality are being comprehensively studied. Chayote fruit contains oils, proteins, sugar, starch, carotene, mineral substances — potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamins C, B1, B2, PP, as well as proteins containing 19 amino acids, eight of which are essential.
It was reported that passion fruit (marakuya) is a tropical fruit belonging to the group of climbing plants. It has a brightly colored and attractive flower. The fruit is oval, 8–10 cm long. Although the outer appearance of the fruit may seem unattractive, the inside is bright yellow, aromatic and delicious. Due to its rich biochemical composition, passion fruit has high nutritional and medicinal value. The fruit contains 25–40% juice. Passion fruit juice contains provitamin A, vitamins C, B2, B3, B6, B9, microelements K, Fe, Mg, P, and also 73% water, 22% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and 0.7% fat.
In addition, momordica (Momordica) is a tropical climbing plant. The cultivation of momordica on the experimental plots of the Institute of Botany, Physiology and Plant Genetics is the first study of this plant under the conditions of Tajikistan. The plant grows 2.5–3 meters in a season and bears fruit in the same year. The fruit grows up to 10–15 cm. Due to its rich biochemical composition, momordica has significant nutritional and medicinal value. It is used to treat hypertension, hemorrhoids, gastric ulcer, diabetes, leukemia, reduce blood cholesterol levels, strengthen immunity, reduce weight, and оthers.
