STUDY OF THE FEATURES OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY OF KOCHIA PROSTRATA SAMPLES IN A SEMI-DESERT ZONE ON THE TERRITORY OF THE TURKESTAN REGION

Abstract

The article investigates the growth, development, and productivity of samples of perennial izen (Kochia prostrata), one of the valuable forage plants belonging to the subfamily Chenopodioideae (Burnett). The research was conducted in the desert-steppe zone of southern Kazakhstan, including the Turkistan region. The results showed that izen samples collected from Western Kazakhstan exhibited high tolerance to drought and elevated temperatures. The selected samples, distinguished by valuable biological and agronomic traits, were characterized by longevity (15–18 years) and stable productivity under desert-steppe conditions. The study was carried out in 2024 at the «Tassay» experimental station located in the desert-steppe zone of southern Kazakhstan. According to the results, sample K-101.14 demonstrated superior productivity indicators: the average plant height reached 75.4±2.4 cm, the number of stems was 35.5 per plant, and dry forage yield amounted to 320 g/m². In 2025, abundant spring precipitation led to intensive growth of natural grass cover and increased weed infestation, which negatively affected the growth and development of izen. Nevertheless, according to the results of the 5th year of competitive variety testing, sample K-101.14 maintained stable performance, with an average plant height of 68 cm, 63 stems per plant, and an air-dry biomass yield of 15 c/ha. The K-101.14 sample, obtained from Aktobe region, demonstrated high adaptability and productivity and was therefore recommended for further variety testing as a promising cultivar for pasture improvement. The results of the competitive variety trial confirmed its suitability for effective use in desert-steppe conditions.