Autumn Sowing Research Articles

The effect of natural moisture availability on the yield of Agropyron in arid conditions of the south of Russia

The Volgograd right bank belongs to a very arid natural and climatic zone (HTC 0.3-0.7), the main limiting factor of which is the moisture supply of plants. Therefore, this study was aimed at establishing the influence of the moisture availability of the region and meteorological factors, as well as the timing and methods of sowing on the yield of Agropyron cristatum and Agropyron fragile in arid agro-climatic conditions on light chestnut salty soils of southern Russia. The research was carried out at the experimental production field of the Research Centre of Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the period from 2019 to 2022. Field experiments, records, analyses and statistical processing were carried out in accordance with the methodology of field and agrotechnical research with forage crops. Methods of mathematical statistics of the STATGRAPHICS program and the MatLab package were used to process and analyze the results obtained. A close correlation was noted between the yield of Agropyron and moisture reserves (r=0.935) at the autumn sowing period. A close positive relationship (r=0.859-0.856) was noted with the ordinary and cross-seeding method between the moisture reserves in the soil and the crop yield, which indicates a high value of moisture availability during the formation of the phytomass of the crop. Close links between the hydrothermal coefficient (HTC) of the growing season and the yield of Agropyron were noted in April (r=0.960), when plants grew intensively and required sufficient moisture. A promising species can be called Agropyron fragile, the yield of which is 5.0-8.4% higher than the yield of Agropyron cristatum. Moreover, Agropyron produces the highest yields in the third year of life (3.16-3.30 t/ha).

The Effect of Some Elements of Cultivation in Stubble on the Glycine max Performance

In the irrigation conditions of Azerbaijan, the cultivation of Glycine max in stubble fields after harvesting the barley crop along with spring sowing is also economically very important. Sowing in stubble fields makes it possible to obtain additional grain yield and fodder from a single area, and to use reclamation facilities efficiently. At this time, the soil is provided with organic matter for autumn planting, and at the same time salinization is prevented, soil erosion and weed control issues are fully resolved. Cultivation of stubble field crops in large farms increases the possibilities of more efficient use of labor force, irrigation networks, agricultural machinery and equipment. During the conducted research, different results were obtained regarding the effect of different irrigation regimes and fertilizer rates on soybean grain yield. The resulting productivity depended on the plant coverage factor, leaf surface area, changes in wet and dry biomass. The smallest indicator of the yield was 10.0 centners in the variant with soil moisture of 60% before irrigation, and the highest indicator was 25.8 cwt/ha in the variant of the fertilizer rate calculated when the soil moisture was 80%, which is the same as the yield obtained from the autumn sowing of barley of the previous year (39 cwt/ha) together, it is equal to the yield of 67.9 cwt/ha from 1 hectare of land in one year.

THE ECONOMIC EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VARIETAL TECHNOLOGY OF GROWING CHAMOMILE IN THE CONDITIONS OF UKRAINIAN POLISSYA

The developed domestic pharmaceutical industry is currently the driver of medicinal plant production, as it constantly needs plant raw materials for the production of medicines. There is a shortage of medicinal chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) on the market of medicinal plants. The correct cultivation technology of chamomile is the main component of the entire process of obtaining the maximum level of harvest, and from an economic point of view, funds should be directed to the planned harvest in such a way as to obtain the highest level of profitability. On the basis of the conducted research, there was revealed the high economic efficiency of the cultivation of medicinal chamomile varieties - Perlyna Lisostepu, Bodegold and Zlatiy Lan. It was found that production costs for growing and obtaining ready-made medicinal raw materials from chamomile depend on varietal characteristics, fertilizer, sowing dates and price policy of the marketing year. For the Perlyna Lisostepu variety, the costs were, regardless of the elements of growing technology, in the range from 12.43 to 15.35 thousand UAH/ha, for the Bodegold variety, they were 13.45–15.85 thousand UAH/ha and for the Zlatiy Lan variety, respectively - 13.36–15.83 thousand UAH/ha. The average market value of medicinal plant raw materials of chamomile flowers over the years of research was UAH 46,000/ton. The cost of gross production on fertilized plots of three varieties during the autumn sowing period varied from 29.90 to 50.14 thousand UAH/ha, and from 26.68 to 36.64 thousand UAH/ha during spring sowing, respectively. The largest conditionally net profit was obtained from the Perlyna Lisostepu variety on the plots with application of N16P16K16 (main) + N10 (foliar fertilization) and the autumn sowing period - 34.79 thousand UAH/ha. This variant has the highest yield of medicinal raw materials (1.09 t/ha) and profitability – 226%.

Two major quantitative trait loci control wheat dwarf virus resistance in four related winter wheat populations

Key messageQwdv.ifa-6A on chromosomes 6AL and Qwdv.ifa-1B on chromosome 1B are highly effective against wheat dwarf virus and act additively when combined.Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) is among the most damaging viral pathogens. Its prevalence has increased substantially in recent years, and it is predicted to increase even further due to global warming. There are limited options to control the virus. Growing resistant cultivars would safeguard crops, but most current wheat cultivars are highly susceptible. Thus, the aim of this study was to dissect the genetic architecture of WDV resistance in resistant germplasm and to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) to support resistance breeding. QTL mapping was conducted using four related populations comprising 168, 105, 99 and 130 recombinant inbred lines. Populations were evaluated under field conditions for three years. Natural infestation was provoked by early autumn sowing. WDV symptom severity was visually assessed at two time points in spring. QTL analysis revealed two highly significant QTL with the major QTL Qwdv.ifa-6A mapping to the long arm of chromosome 6A between markers Tdurum_contig75700_411 (601,412,152 bp) and AX-95197581 (605,868,853 bp). Qwdv.ifa-6A descends from the Dutch experimental line SVP-72017 and was of high effect in all populations, explaining up to 73.9% of the phenotypic variance. The second QTL, Qwdv.ifa-1B, mapped to chromosome 1B and is putatively associated with the 1RS.1BL translocation, which was contributed by the CIMMYT line CM-82036. Qwdv.ifa-1B explained up to 15.8% of the phenotypic variance. Qwdv.ifa-6A and Qwdv.ifa-1B are among the first identified highly effective resistance QTL and represent valuable resources for improving WDV resistance in wheat.

Changes in Selected Forage Parameters of Meadow Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) Biomass and in the Soil as a Response to Slurry Interaction with Soil Conditioners

The aim of the research was to assess the effect of slurry and soil conditioners on Phleum pratense yield and its selected parameters and on soil nutrients. The second aspect of the experiment was to obtain information whether slurry and soil conditioners applied together will increase the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil compared to slurry applied on its own or together with NPK fertilizers. The research was carried out on the basis of a three-year (2015–2017) field experiment. The interaction of soil conditioners or mineral fertilizers with slurry was tested on forage grass of the Meadow timothy species of the Secesja variety, sown in autumn 2014. Grass total protein, crude fiber and crude ash content and net energy concentration (NE) were determined; additionally, at the end of the experiment, total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in the soil was measured. The results of plant material analyses were statistically developed using a three-factor analysis of variance, while the results of soil content determination were developed with a one-factor analysis. The interaction of slurry with Humus Active or Rosahumus significantly increased the amount of meadow timothy biomass in relation to plants fertilized with slurry on its own (by 22% and 26%, respectively) or supplemented with NPK fertilizers (by 9% and 7%). The interaction of slurry with the Rosahumus soil conditioner resulted in a significant increase in meadow timothy crude fiber content compared to the effect of slurry applied on its own or with NPK fertilizers (by 5% and 6.5%). The interaction of slurry with soil conditioners did not result in a significant increase in total protein and crude ash content or in the net energy concentration compared to slurry applied on its own or with NPK fertilizers. Soil nutrient content determined after the experiment proved a significant impact of the interaction of soil conditioners and slurry on the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Prospects of cultivation and production of fireweed in the north-east of Kazakhstan

The article is devoted to the study of the prospects of fireweed cultivation and production in the northeast of Kazakhstan. Based on the analysis of literary sources, got data on the chemical composition of fireweed, which has a rich chemical composition and excellent taste and aromatic properties. A wide range of useful properties of fireweed finds its application in food technology. The article describes the morphological, biological, and ecological characteristics of the local populations of fireweed. The results of introducing fireweed, to study the effective methods of summer and autumn sowing and planting in the conditions of the Zhelezinskii district of the Pavlodar region, are presented. The features of phenology and morphology of plants, depending on the timing and methods of sowing and planting, were studied. Based on the results of the research revealed the optimal methods of agrotechnics of growing fireweed in the northeast of Kazakhstan. Adapted to local conditions, technologies of harvesting and processing plant raw materials in Phyto tea were proposed. Based on the analysis of productivity of natural populations of fireweed, the effectiveness of its introduction into the culture and market conditions the economic prospects of production of Ivan tea based on local wild and cultivated plant raw materials.

Procena profita i kritičnih vrednosti u proizvodnji spanaća u Republici Srbiji

The subject of this research paper is the evaluation of spinach's (Spinacia oleracea L.) production profitability, given that spinach is an important vegetable species for human nutrition and health. The research started with an overview of spinach production worldwide and in the European Union in the past ten years (2012-2021). The Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia (SORS) does not monitor the production and yield of spinach as a separate vegetable species, so comparison between Serbia and other world countries is not possible. Therefore, the paper analyzes the values of spinach exports and imports in Serbia. In the end, the evaluation of profit and critical values is given on the example of open field spinach production by an agricultural producer in the area of AP Vojvodina, in the South Banat district. The analysis of achieved profit was made based on the calculation of spinach production for one production cycle (autumn sowing 2021/harvest 2022) on an area of 1ha. The achieved results show that the production of spinach in this district is profitable, and the financial result is positive.

Influence of Pre-Sowing Irrigation on Seed Generation in Winter Wheat

The effect of pre-sowing irrigation on the germination of wheat seeds was studied during the autumn sowing of varieties from the regional nursery of Central Asia and Kazakhstan. Pre-plant irrigation and seeding on moist soil resulted in stronger seedlings and a larger and deeper root system compared to seeding on dry soil and watering after seeding. The average germination of seeds in the control variants for all varieties sown in three agility on dry soil and row irrigation after sowing was 76.7% or an average of 200 seeds per square meter, and with presowing irrigation it was 83.4% or, on average, 20 seeds more than control. The highest water use efficiency and seed germination were observed when planting on moist soil, suggesting that the combination of preplant irrigation and phosphorus application had a beneficial effect on germination and seed retention of wheat.

Inheritance of spike color in einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum L.)

Aim: specify the spike color inheritance in einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum L.) hybrids. Methods: reciprocal hybrids between the black-spikeed UA0300282 and white-spikeed UA0300311 cultivated einkorn accessions were created with the use of the “single cross” method. Four generations were analyzed using the segregation analysis method: P1, P2, F1, and F2 at autumn and spring sowing. Results: it was found that for the combination UA0300311 × UA0300282 at autumn sowing, the most suitable inheritance model is MX2-EA-AD, which implies the presence of two main genes with an equal additive effect plus polygene systems with an additive-dominant effect. In the plants of spring sowing, spike color is described by the MX2-CD-AD model, which suggests the presence of two major genes with full dominant effect plus polygenes with additive-dominant effect. In the reciprocal combination UA0300282 × UA0300311, the optimal model that describes best the spike color dispersion in plants of autumn sowing is MX2-ADI-AD, which suggests the presence of two main genes with an additive-dominant-epistatic effect plus polygenes with the additive-dominant effect. Distribution of the spring-sowing plants in terms of the spike color is well described by the MX2-ADI-ADI model – two main genes with an additive-dominant-epistatic effect plus a system of polygenes also with an additive-dominant-epistatic effect. The genes manifest themselves differently in the trait control depending on the weather conditions determined by the sowing time. In the group of direct combination plants (UA0300311 × UA0300282) of autumn sowing, heritability determined by the main gene is 97%, while that determined by polygenes is 2.7%; at spring sowing, these values are 67% and 32% respectively. In the reciprocal combination (UA0300282 × UA0300311) of autumn sowing, the main genes heritability effect is 99%, and the polygenic system accounts for 1%; in plants of spring sowing, respectively, 72%, and 28%. Conclusions: on the basis of the spike color expressiveness in the crossing combination of the einkorn kinds of wheat UA0300311 × UA0300282, the parental forms differ in two main genes and polygenes. The ratio of spike color heritability components depends on the growing conditions: at autumn sowing, 97–99 % of heritability is determined by the main genes, the polygenes account for 1–3 % of phenotypic variability; at spring sowing, the heritability component increases to 28–33 % due to the polygenic complex.

Evaluation of Rearing Factors Affecting Clanis bilineata tsingtauica Mell Larvae Fed by Susceptible Soybean Variety NN89-29 in Spring and Autumn Sowing.

Clanis bilineata tsingtauica Mell is a nutritious edible insect. In the present study, soybean variety NN89-29 susceptible to leaf-feeding insects was used as the experiment material to evaluate the rearing factors affecting the production of C. bilineata tsingtauica in spring and autumn sowing. We artificially inoculated C. bilineata tsingtauica eggs to soybean plants, and the relevant indexes of larvae and soybean plants were recorded. The main results from spring sowing were as follows: (1) Larval number, single larval weight and plot-larval weight were all higher in the V6 stage (sixth trifoliolate) than those in the R3 stage (beginning pod) of inoculated eggs. (2) Larval number, single larval weight and plot-larval weight significantly decreased under higher planting density. Meanwhile, the soybean plant height and internode length increased, while the main stem node number of soybean decreased under higher planting density. (3) Single larval weight and plot-larval weight were not significantly affected by different numbers of eggs inoculated, but the larval number was significantly affected. Under autumn sowing conditions: (1) The larvae production and soybean plant growth were not significantly affected by covering the top of the net house with plastic film to isolate rainwater. (2) More eggs inoculated were associated with higher plot-larval weight. Conversely, fewer eggs inoculated resulted in a higher proportion of single larvae weight more than or equal to 6 g (≥6 g). Compared to spring sowing, the low biomass of autumn-sown soybean plants did not provide sufficient food for C. bilineata tsingtauica growth, and competition for food resulted in lower larval number, single larval weight and plot-larval weight.

INHERITANCE OF PLANT HEIGHT IN EINKORN WHEAT BY RESULTS OF SEGREGATION ANALYSIS

The genetic control of plant height – important trait associated with yield – is practically not studied in diploid wheats. In this paper, using reciprocal crosses between two Triticum monococcum accessions – var. monococcum (UA0300311) and var. nigricultum (UA0300282) in autumn and spring sowing, inheritance of the plant height is studied. The sowing period significantly affects the expression of einkorn plant height. Data from the generations P1, P2, F1, F2 were used for segregation analysis. For a combination of UA0300311 × UA0300282, the optimal models for plant height inheritance are: at autumn sowing – one main gene with a negative complete dominant effect, its additive effect is –8.05; at spring sowing – one main gene with an additive-dominant effect, its additive effect is –24.51. For the reciprocal combination UA0300282 × UA0300311, at autumn sowing, the optimal model of plant height was one main gene with an equal additive-dominant effect, it additive effect is 10.94; at spring sowing – one main gene with a negative complete dominant effect, its additive effect is –18.37. The heritability was in all cases from 96.52% to 99.70%. The high dispersion of the trait in the second hybrid generation suggests that the studied parental forms differ not only in the main gene, as follows from the results of segregation analysis, but also in the system of modifier genes with a weak effect.

Technological Aspects of Introduction Crocus Alatavicus According to GACP Requirements

According to the forecasts of the World Health Organization, the share of herbal medicines in the global pharmaceutical market is more than 40%. The pronounced growth trend of phytopreparations can lead to depletion of stocks of medicinal plants and the introduction of medicinal plants into the culture is a suitable solution to the problem. In order to ensure the quality of medicinal plants, in 2003 the World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidelines on Good cultivation and harvesting practices (GACP) medicinal plants. This article presents the results of the introduction of the Crocus alatavicus plant by seeds. The aim of the study is to develop a technology for the introduction of Crocus alatavicus by the method of seed propagation according to the principles of GACP. The development of the introduction technology according to the principles of GACP guarantees the provision of domestic pharmaceutical production with high-quality plant raw materials. The introduction was carried out at the pilot production plantation of "Phytoleum" LLP. The results of the study showed that during seed propagation, autumn sowing of Crocus alatavicus seeds is preferable. The introduction of organic fertilizer of vermicompost before sowing seeds has a positive effect on the germination of seeds and the survival of seedlings. The plant in the fourth year of vegetation goes into the generative period and the fruit will form. The results of the introduction of Crocus alatavicus by seeds in the period from 2018 to 2022 showed good seed germination and high survival of seedlings, which makes it possible to recommend the plant for introduction into culture. It is important to emphasize that the ability to cultivate C. alatavicus from seeds creates new opportunities for use as domestic raw materials for the purpose of further rational use in scientific and practical medicine, preserving this species in culture.

Variety and Sowing Date Affect Seed Yield and Chemical Composition of Linseed Grown under Organic Production System in a Semiarid Mediterranean Environment

The use of suitable species and varieties in organic cropping systems is essential for improving resource use efficiency, biodiversity, and agroecosystem resilience. Within the SIC-OLEAT project, a 2-year field trial was carried out in two contrasting environments of Central Italy, with the aim to hypothesize a production path for linseed inclusion within organic farming. The effects of location, genotype and sowing date on crop phenology, agronomic performances, and qualitative traits were evaluated. Generally, linseed showed good agronomic traits that make it suitable to be introduced in organic systems. Autumn sowing coupled with milder and wetter conditions seemed to be more favorable for linseed cultivation, allowing a higher seed yield (2.1 vs. 1.3 Mg ha−1) and oil content (47.2 vs. 45.2%). From multivariate analysis, the superior genotypes were Kaolin > Szafir > Galaad, and among these Kaolin had the highest production stability. On the contrary, Libra was the lowest performing one and the most unstable. These findings underline the importance of a site-specific approach for choosing the most suitable variety, since both sowing date and location are meteoclimatic-related factors. Definitively, our results demonstrated that linseed might be a valuable autumn alternative for organic cropping system diversification, contributing to the local production of vegetable oils and proteins.

Optimized number of suction cups required to predict annual nitrate leaching under varying conditions in Denmark

Nitrate concentrations in soil water leaving the root zone measured by suction cups combined with water transport modeling is a commonly used practice in Denmark for calculating nitrate leaching. Two suction cups installed in one plot giving one water sample and replicated four times, (eight total suction cups) to reduce variability between samples. For practical reasons, it would be beneficial to minimize the number of suction cups used yet maintain reliable predictions. To assess the variability in reducing suction replicates, this study analyzed data from five research sites across Denmark representing annual field nitrate leaching predictions for different combinations of soil, weather conditions, crops, N-fertilizer rates, and winter soil cover, covering a total of 173 annual nitrate leaching experiments. The analysis was conducted having different nitrate leaching predictions using different numbers of replicates of suction cup measurements. Linear regression was used to identify the different influences of leaching year (hydrological year), N rate applied, soil characteristics, and crop sequence on nitrate leaching. The analyses were set up on three 2-yr and two 3-yr field experiments in five different sites. Crop effects showed that cereals and winter cover sown in autumn 2017 had significantly more nitrate leaching than in 2015 and 2016 leaching years due to high precipitation rates in the autumn. Furthermore, decreasing the number of suction cup replicates from four (eight total) to three replicates (six total) did not have a significant effect on nitrate leaching prediction. In contrast, decreasing replicates from four to two (four total) and one (two total) replicates did show a significant difference. Therefore, using three replicates is a viable solution for future sampling strategies and a good trade-off between costs and accuracy.

Influence of different sowing times on yield and biochemical characteristics of different opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) genotypes

BackgroundOpium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is an important industrial plant that could be cultivated in Turkey during autumn and spring seasons. However, the impact of different seasons on yield and biochemical attributes of different genotypes in Turkey is rarely tested. This study determined the effect of different sowing times (autumn and spring) on alkaloid, oil content, yield and related traits, and phenological properties of different opium poppy genotypes. MethodsThe experiment was conducted at two different locations (Topcu and Yerkoy) during autumn and spring seasons of 2020 and 2021. A total 18 different poppy genotypes available for cultivation were included in the study. Data on yield related traits and biochemical attributes were recorded at harvest. ResultsAlkaloid and oil contents were higher in spring sowings than autumn sowings. However, autumn sowings recorded higher yield and yield-related traits compared to spring sowings. During autumn sowings, morphine ratio varied from 0.33 % to 1.40 %, morphine yield ranged between 4.28 and 21.97 kg ha−1, capsule yield differed between 1156.1 and 2393.3 kg ha−1, and seed yield ranged from 1162.0 to 2420.0 kg ha−1. Similarly, during spring sowings, morphine ratio differed from 0.40 % and 1.50 %, morphine yields ranged between 3.13 and 17.44 kg ha−1, capsule yield varied between 721.7 and 1757.8 kg ha−1, and seed yield ranged from 656.0 to 1676.4 kg ha−1. The genotypes ‘Celikoglu’, ‘Tinaztepe’, ‘Seyitgazi’, ‘Ofis 95’ and ‘Afyon 95’ are recommended for autumn sowing, whereas genotypes ‘Huseyinbey’, ‘Ofis 96’, ‘Celikoglu’, ‘Seyitgazi’ and ‘Ofis NM’ are recommended for spring sowing due to their higher yield and yield characteristics. The genotypes ‘Ofis 1’ and ‘Ofis 2’ can be used in both autumn and spring sowings for morphine production. The genotypes ‘Ofis 8’ and ‘TMO 1’ during autumn sowings, and ‘Ofis 96’ and ‘TMO 1’ are recommended for spring sowings to obtain higher oil contents. ConclusionThe results have grouped and identified the available genotypes according to their specific traits. Therefore, the selection of the genotype must be done for the required purpose based on the results of the current study.

Segetal vegetation in Matricaria recutita (l.) crops according to protection methods and its influence on growth dynamics and inflorescence formation

Aim. After all, the quality of medicinal raw materials, and subsequently the preparations made from them, directly depend on the number of weeds present in the crop. Currently, producers of agricultural products who cultivate medicinal plants, namely medicinal chamomile, are faced with such a question as the protection of medicinal crops from harmful organisms, especially weeds, during cultivation technology. The research was aimed at establishing the dependence of the growth dynamics of medicinal chamomile plants and the productivity of inflorescences on the degree of weediness of crops by segetal plants. Methods. The weed protection system included agrotechnical, chemical and integrated methods of control. Results. It was found that the most common weeds in the chamomile agrophytocenosis were Centaurea cyanus L., Polygonum patulum, Convolvulus arvensis L., Avena fatua, Echinochloa crus-galli L., Galinsoga parviflora Cav., Chenopodium album L., Galium aparine L., Raphanus raphanistrum L., Barbarea vulgaris R.Br. It was established that the use of the autumn sowing period of chamomile contributed to more effective suppression of weeds, since a certain number of weeds die in winter at low temperatures.The average weediness after harvesting the predecessor before preparing the field for sowing medicinal chamomile was 115–123 pcs./m2. Agrotechnical protection measures reduced the number of weeds to 42–50 pcs./m2, the use of herbicide, respectively – 17–18 pcs./m2, integrated protection – 12–15 pcs./m2. Conclusion. We have established that the Perlyna Lisostepu variety has significant resistance to weeds. As for the dependence of the growth dynamics and productivity of chamomile on the implementation of weed control measures, the combination of all measures, that is the use of only an integrated method, makes it possible to best deal with harmful plants namely to reduce their number on average over the years of research to 12 pcs./m2 and obtain a yield of 1.5 t/ha of raw mass of inflorescences.

Features of the accumulation of heavy metals in vegetables for different periods of their cultivation

The article is aimed at studying the intensity of the accumulation of heavy metals (cadmium, copper, zinc) in vegetables of different growing seasons on dark gray podzolized soils in the Tyvrovsky district of Vinnitsa region. The results of studies on the study of the features of the accumulation of cadmium, zinc and copper in garlic, carrots and parsley, depending on the period of their vegetation, are presented. Varieties were selected for research: Lyubasha for garlic, Greta for carrots, and Naida for parsley. The period of sowing garlic, carrots and parsley was carried out throughout 2020– 2021: in the autumn period – at the end of October and in the spring – the last decade of April. For the study, the vegetative mass of parsley, root crops of carrots and heads of winter garlic were used. The selection of vegetables was made by the method of point samples from each batch of autumn and spring sowing. Based on the results of the analysis of primary sources, the dependence of vegetable crops on environmental factors, in particular, agro-climatic indicators, was determined; features of assimilation by vegetables during the growing season of the main nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium); accumulation of heavy metals by plants. The article presents the results of our own feld and laboratory research. It has been established that the content of cadmium, zinc and copper in garlic of the Lyubasha variety, carrot of the Greta variety and parsley of the Naida variety did not exceed the maximum allowable levels of DSTU- 323395 for both autumn and spring sowing. It was found that the content and coefcient of accumulation and danger of cadmium in garlic, carrots and parsley during their spring sowing was higher, and zinc and copper were lower compared to similar vegetables in autumn sowing. In general, the hazard coefcient of cadmium, zinc and copper in garlic, carrots and parsley grown in the experimental areas did not exceed 1.0, which indicates the safe content of these heavy metals in vegetables. Key words: carrots, parsley, garlic, cadmium, zinc, copper, hazard coefcient, accumulation coefcient, concentration.

Comparative characteristics of planting material of silver birch grown from seeds of autumn and spring sowing

Annual seedlings of silver birch ( Betula pendula Roth.), grown from seeds of autumn and spring sowing period, were analyzed. Planting material was kept in protected ground. Before sowing, various growth substances were incorporated into the soil - mineral and organic fertilizers, forest soil. It was revealed that autumn sowing increased the height of seedlings 1.031.66-fold in the variants compared to the control, except for the variants with the use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, where the largest number of plants per unit area was observed. In the variants with Humatophosphate, boric acid, Trichocin, humus and forest soil, from 60 to 100 % of seedlings reached standard values in a year. A similar experiment with the same growth substances, but spring sowing of seeds, showed a significant lag in seedling growth. The use of nitrogen fertilizer in spring, in contrast to the autumn period, had a positive effect on plant height, annual seedlings had the highest height in the experiment - 14.1 cm. Seedlings in variants with humus and forest soil also had good indicators. All variants overtook the control seedlings in height by 1.062.68 times. Therefore, the time of sowing seeds is important - all indicators of autumn seedlings significantly exceed the similar ones of spring seedlings. This fact is explained by several reasons: during the autumn period, the seeds are sown freshly harvested, they undergo pre-sowing preparation (snowing and stratification) in natural conditions, the seeds are not stored, in case of violation of which the seeds significantly lose their germination capacity. In addition, the seeds begin to germinate and shoots begin to grow much earlier than if they were sown in the spring. Shoots are not exposed to late spring frosts, as they are protected by covering material.

The spread of agriculture in south-eastern Europe: new data from North Macedonia

North Macedonia is a crucial region for understanding the spread of agriculture into the Mediterranean and Central Europe. To date, however, the area has been subject to relatively limited archaeological research. Here, the authors present use-wear and archaeobotanical analyses on material from two Neolithic sites, Govrelevo and Vrbjanska Čuka, to investigate practices that were previously unstudied in this part of the Balkans, such as sowing, cultivation and harvesting techniques. The results suggest the presence of permanent crop fields located in wetlands, with autumn and spring sowing, and harvesting using curved sickles. The study illuminates early agricultural practices in North Macedonia and adds to our knowledge of the spread of the Neolithic package across Europe.

FEATURES OF PLANT DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL OF SPRING WHEAT VARIETIES OF DIFFERENT ORIGIN IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE SOUTH OF UKRAINE

Purpose. To study the features of development and productivity potential of spring wheat varieties of different origin during autumn and spring sowing time. Select the best samples for inclusion in the breeding program for the creation of facultative varieties of wheat and the improvement of winter genotype of common wheat. Methods. For the study were taken Varieties of spring wheat of different genetic origin: from Ukraine – Kharkivs’ka 26 (standard), Kharkivs’ka 30 and breeding lines d.104/06 and d.118/06; from Western Europe - Triso, Jara, Typic; from Canada, Glen Lee, AC Superb; from North America - Babax and Trap1. Varieties for two years (2007-2008) were sown in two seasons and three terms: 1st term 06.10.06/09.10.07 (sowing of winter samples); 2nd term 13.11.06/21.11.07 (sowing of winter and spring samples); 3rd term 19.03.07/18.03.08 (sowing of spring samples). In sown in autumn, winter wheat varieties were taken as control: Bezosta 1, Odes’ka 16, Odes’ka 267, Viktoriya odes’ka, Kuyalʹnyk and Kiriya. The size of the plot was 10 m2. Phenological observations were carried out according to the methodology of the State Variety Testing. The reaction to photoperiodic sensitivity was studied by the difference in heading date under short daylight conditions - 10 hours compared to the usual natural day - 16 hours (May-June). The winter was soft for two years, which contributed to the optimal development of the spring wheat plant. Results. One of the main elements that forms productivity is tillering. The difference of the number of stems per 1 m2 and the between the varieties of winter and spring types of development was not observed. The level of tillering depends on the characteristics of the variety, and does not depend on the type of wheat growth habits. Heading of spring varieties when sown at the optimal time occurs very late for our zone on June 1-8. During autumn sowing time, according to the heading date indicator (May 18-29), contrast was not found between the samples of spring and winter wheat. Heading time and maturing occurs at the same time with a difference between varieties of up to 9 days. just like of heading dates, the reaction to photoperiod sensitivity depends on the genetic characteristics of the variety and does not depend on the type of wheat growth habits. The varieties Kuyalʹnyk, AC Superb, Typic, Trap1 are not sensitive to the length of daylight hours with a difference in heading (4-5 days) between short and full days. The yield level for 2 years in spring varieties was significantly lower if compared with winter varieties. Even sowing in autumn and high intensity of regrowth, the same level of tillering, neutral reaction to photoperiodic sensitivity of some varieties are not able to give a yield at least at the level of modern varieties of winter wheat. The best yielding varieties of spring wheat of the second sowing period AC Superb (3.61 t/ha), Babax (3.55 t/ha), Trap (3.35 t/ha), line d.118/06 (3.23 t/ha) were at the level of winter wheat varieties Bezosta 1 (3.44 t/ha) and Odes’ka 16 (3.33 t/ha) and significantly less than variety Kuyalnik (4.48 t/ha). During spring sowing, the yield of spring wheat varieties was low (maximum 2.45 t/ha) due to the specific conditions of the South of Ukraine. There was no significant difference in yield between spring wheat varieties when sown in spring. Conclusions. The results of the study showed that for the South of Ukraine it is expedient to develop a program with crossing winter wheat with spring wheat to obtain facultative forms which would be at the level of winter wheat yields, early maturing and with a neutral reaction to photoperiodic sensitivity. According to the results of this work for the breeding program, a number of varieties of spring wheat were identified: Ukrainian pool - line d.118/06, Kharkivs’ka 30; Western European pool - Triso; Canadian pool - AC Superb; Central American pool - Babax.