Bank Forest-Steppe Of Ukraine Research Articles

Monitoring of the species composition and number of insects and mites on the apple trees in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Goal. To monitor the species composition and abundance of insects and mites on apple trees in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.
 Methods. Field, laboratory, microscopic, mathematical, statistical and calculation methods. The research was carried out according to generally accepted methods in entomology and plant protection, starting in early spring (late April — early May before harvest).
 Results. Monitoring of the number of insect pests and mites on apple trees in three types of plantations was carried out: a young orchard on stunted rootstocks with an intensive protection system; an old orchard on tall rootstocks with a protection system; an old orchard without treatments (long-term control).
 Conclusions. Monitoring of species composition and dynamics of pests number makes it possible to study and substantiate the patterns in the structure of insect and mite populations, to predict their harmfulness and to improve the protection system of apple trees or its individual components.

BIOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF SAFFLOWER (CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS L.) UNDER THE INFLUENCE ON SEEDING RATE AND ROW SPACING

The aim of the present work was to establish the peculiarities of the formation of biometric parameters of safflower varieties depending on the influence of the elements of cultivation technology – the seeding rate and the row spacing in the conditions of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. This study was conducted in the field of the Agronomic Research Station of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine in the years 2021-2023 on typical low-humus soils. The scheme of the three-factor field experiment was made to study the influence of the following factors: factor A – varieties “Dobrynia” and “Soniachnyi”, factor B – row spacing: 19, 38 and 57 cm, factor C – seeding rate: 100, 200 and 300 thousand seeds/ha. Results. It is established that the row spacing of 19 cm and a seeding rate of 300 thousand seeds/ha contributed to the formation of a better height of safflower plants than on the variants with a row spacing of 38 and 57 cm, while the plants did not overgrow under such conditions. It was investigated that the number of heads was higher in both varieties with the row spacing of 38 cm, at the same time the average number of heads of the variety “Dobrynia” was made 20,2-22,2, and of the variety “Soniachnyi” – 19,2-22,1. The mass of 1000 seeds was higher with a row spacing of 57 cm, and for “Dodrynia” variety in average it was made 47,7 g, for “Soniachnyi” variety – 49,2 g. For “Dobrynia” variety the number of seeds per plant under the seeding rate of 100 thousand seeds/ha and row spacing of 19 cm was made 450,9 and for “Sonyachnyi” variety the number of seeds per plant under the seeding rate of 100 thousand seeds/ha and row spacing of 38 cm was made 455,4. On the same variants of the experiment, the seed weight per plant was made 20,6 and 21,1 g/plant, which corresponded to the best indicators in context of the variants. Conclusions. It has been studied that the formation of plant height, the number of heads and the mass of 1000 seeds is influenced by the row spacing in the range of 53.2-68.9%, and varietal peculiarities determine the limits of deviations of the characteristics by 13-29.8%. At the same time, the seeding rate had a slight effect on the studied indicators. In contrast to these characteristics, the number of seeds per plant and the weight of seeds per plant significantly depend on the seeding rate of safflower (at the level of 71.3-78.7%), while the row spacing affects only 14.6-22.6 %, and the variety has no significant effect on these parameters.

Formation of productivity of amaranth varieties in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine under the influence of MaxiMarin absorbent

Purpose. To carry out an economic evaluation of amaranth varieties ‘Kharkivskyi­1’, ‘Helios’ and ‘Sem’ for the application of MaxiMarin absorbent used to compensate for lack of rainfall and uneven moisture in the forest steppe of Ukraine. Methods. During 2021–2023, three varieties of amaranth and MaxiMarin brand absorbent in the form of granules were studied in the field (Uman, 48°46¢N, 30°14¢E) at an application rate of 25 kg/ha. The varieties were evaluated according to the following parameters: weight of leaves, inflorescence and roots, yield of green mass in the flowering and full maturity phases. Amaranth grain yield, protein, fat and starch content were also determined. The methods of analysis of variance and correlation were used. Results. The absorbent applied had a significant effect on the productivity indicators, which were characterized by a significant difference between varieties. In particular, the average increase in the mass of leaves per plant for the studied varieties of amaranth was 12.2%, the mass of inflorescence – 8.9%, or 3.6 g/plant. The variety ‘Kharkivskyi­1’ responded best to the introduction of an absorbent that improved growth conditions, the weight of its inflorescence increased by 12.6%, or 5.3g/plant. The strengthening of growth processes was made possible by the improved deve­lopment of the root system and an increase in its mass, depending on the variety, of 12.3–24.6% (2.1–3.0 g/plant). At the same time, total plant weight increased by an average of 12.4% (11.2–13.3% in different varieties). Green mass yield increased by 13.6–16.5% (4.75–5.75 t/ha) due to the use of absorbent and was in the range of 33.0–40.0 t/ha. The highest values were characterized by the variety ‘Sem’ – 34.3 t/ha in the control and 40.0 t/ha in the experiments with added absorbent. Its application also caused an increase in the yield of different varieties of amaranth by 0.30–0.38 t/ha or 16.0–18.3% (the most productive was the variety ‘Sem’ – 2.08 and 2.46 t/ha, depending on the variant of the experiment) and a significant decrease in the concentration of protein (by 0.1–10.0%), fats (by 7.4–19.5%) and starch (by 3.2–8.2%). Conclusions. Absorbents are an effective tool for levelling moisture imbalances and ensuring maximum realization of the productive potential of amaranth, but improving the water regime has a negative effect on the accumulation of protein, fats and starch.

Duration of periods of growth and development of common common bean plants under the effect of the technological measures of cultivation

Purpose. To determine the duration of the vegetation and interstage periods in different common bean varieties under the effect of the method of sowing and plant density in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine.
 Methods. Field research was conducted in 2020–2022 at the experimental field of the State Enterprise Experimental Farm Salivonkivske (Kyiv Region) of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine in typical low-humus chernozem according to generally accepted methods in crop production. The design of the field experiment provided for the study of the following factors: A – variety (‘Bilosnizhka’, ‘Ros’, ‘Slaviia’); B – sowing method (wide row with a row width of 45 cm, ordinary row with a row width of 15 cm); C – plant density (400, 500, 600, 700 thousand/ha). Phenological observations of the growth and development of bean plants were carried out in accordance with the Methods of State Variety Testing of Crops.
 Results. The period from germination to full grain maturity in common bean was 80–90 days. Thickening of crops extended the growing season of plants of all studied varieties by 1–3 days. The shortest growing season in the studied varieties ranged from 80 to 88 days for the wide-row method of sowing and plant density of 400,000/ha. With conventional row width and a plant density of 700,000/ha, the growing season increased to 82–90 days. The duration of the vegetation period was significantly influenced by weather conditions. The longest vegetation period of 85–97 days was in 2022. In 2020, under the influence of a long-term moisture deficit against the background of high air temperatures, the growing season shortened to 72–81 days. The period from germination of full emergence to the beginning of the budding stage is longer in the varieties ‘Bilosnizhka’ and ‘Ros’. The thickening of crops and the usual row width led to the prolongation of the interstage period of the third trifoliate leaf − budding in all studied varieties. From the flowering stage to full maturity, the duration of the interstage periods was determined only by the varietal properties of the plants.
 Conclusions. The longest growing season, 88–90 days, was observed in ‘Bilosnizhka’ variety and the shortest, 80–82 days, in ‘Slaviia’. Sowing by the usual row method and the increased plant density prolonged the growing season of all varieties. Agrotechnical measures affected the duration of interstage periods only until the onset of the phenological stage of budding, then the growth and development of plants largely depended on the genetic characteristics of the variety and the weather conditions of the year.

Influence of sowing dates on the biometric parameters formation of cold-resistant plants of sugar beet seeds using the direct method (no-planting method)

The influence of sowing dates on the formation of biometric indicators of cold-resistant sugar beet seed plants in the autumn-winter period was studied using the direct method (non-planting method) under conditions of unstable moisture in the Right Bank Forest-Steppe. The purpose of the study was to determine the biometric indicators of the root crops of sugar beet seeds, which contribute to the formation of cold-resistant plants and their preservation in the autumn-winter period using the direct method (no-seeding method) of growing at different sowing times. The research was conducted during 2021–2023 at the Bila Tserkva Research and Selection Station, Bila Tserkva District, Kyiv region, in conditions of unstable moisture in the Right Bank Forest Steppe. The experiment was carried out in accordance with the methodological requirements for field assessment of seed crops of sugar, fodder beets, methods of field experiment and the methods of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. It was found out that the formation of biometric indicators of roots of sugar beet seeds, which correspond to the indicators of cold-resistant plants, were optimal during the first period of sowing and had higher preservation. In 2021–2022, the preservation of non-emergent seeds of the first sowing period was 71.7 % of the emergency component, 38.0 % of the multi-seeded pollinator, which is quite enough to obtain seeds of the second season, respectively, 64.9 and 35.8 %. In 2022–2023 the survival rate of non-emergent seed plants of the first sowing period was 76.4 % of the component emergency, multi-seeded pollinators – 73.9 %, the second term – the component emergency was 71 %, of the multi-seeded pollinator – 38.4 %. The research results show the prospects of using the direct method (no-planting method) of growing sugar beet seeds in the conditions of the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Key words: biometric indicators, cold resistance parameters, plant growth and development, sugar beet seeds, plant preservation.

FEATURES OF GROWING VEGETABLE BEANS IN THE OPEN GROUND

The cultivation of green beans is restrained, first of all, by the lack of adapted elements of cultivation technology. In order to realize the biological potential of green beans in the soil and climatic conditions of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine, the varietal characteristics of the plant and compliance with the elements of technology are important, namely: pre-sowing preparation of seed material, the timing of sowing in open ground, and the fight against pests. In the State register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine, 68 varieties suitable for cultivation in open and closed soil are registered. All varieties are characterized by a high content of important biochemical compounds and are divided by the degree of ripeness into early, medium and late. Modern farms are interested in the use of promising varieties, and therefore there is a need for their brief detailing. In the forest-steppe zone of the right bank of Ukraine, the varieties Ros, Slavia, Galactica, Lastivka, and White Yas should be considered the most promising for growing green beans. The specified varieties contain a high protein content, and therefore their introduction into production can ensure the collection of protein at the level of 0.57-1.11 t/ha with a total yield of 2.0-4.0 t/ha, provided that the main elements of the technology are observed. Sowing dates are determined, first of all, by the temperature and humidity of the soil. The first term is established after the end of spring frosts, when the temperature of +10...+12 ºС is reached at a depth of 8-10 cm in the soil. In the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine, beans are approximately sown on May 5-15, in Polissia - on May 5-20, in the steppe zone - on April 20-May 15. For rapid seed germination and intensive plant growth and development, the best soil moisture is 75-80% RH. With a lack of moisture, the seeds germinate slowly, seedlings will be uneven, the growth and development of plants slows down, and in dry weather, dwarf plants are formed. Obtaining high-quality products is possible with proper control of weeds, pests and diseases. The most common diseases of beans are anthracnose, root rot, fusarium, alternaria, and bacteriosis. The primary element in the fight against diseases is to observe crop rotation and sowing with high-quality seeds. If necessary, spraying is carried out during the growing season with preparations based on azoxystrobin or tebuconazole. Among the biofungicides, you can use FitoHelp or MycoHelp. The main pest of green beans is considered to be bean weevil, to prevent the spread of which crops should be treated with insecticides with the active substances lambda-cyhalothrin or bifenthrin at the beginning of flowering and after 8-10 days, or use bioinsecticides Actoverm formula or Actoverm 1.8%.

Yield structure of safflower under the influence of row width and seeding rate

Purpose. To establish the peculiarities of the productivity formation of different safflower varieties under the influence row width and seeding rate in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. The research was carried out in typical chernozem at the agronomic research station of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine in 2021–2022 as a three-factor field experiment. Factor A (variety): ‘Dobrynia’ and ‘Soniachnyi’; factor B (row width): 19, 38, and 57 cm; factor C (seeding rate): 100, 200 and 300 thousand seeds/ha. Results. In the experiment, plant height of the variety ‘Dobrynia’ varied between 100.7 and 114.3 cm and 'Soniachnyi' between 93.5 and 108.9 cm.  The number of heads per plant was 15.5–20.6 and 7.0–19.8, 1000-kernel weight 40.6–45.4 g and 38.8–47.7 g, respectively; number of seeds per plant 148–513 and 145–508, seed weight per plant 6.9–22.5 and 6.9–22.7 g/plant. As for plant height, in both varieties, its indicators increased with an increase in the seeding rate for all variants of row widths, reaching maximum values with a row width of 19 cm and a seeding rate of 300,000 seeds/ha. The rest of the biometric parameters, on the contrary, showed a clear regularity to decrease along with an increase in the seeding rate. At the same time, the highest number of heads and the seed weight per plant were in variants with a row width of 38 cm; the highest 1000- kernel weight was for the row width of 57 cm; the highest number of seeds per plant was for the row width of 19 cm. The biological yield of seeds in the experiment ranged from 1.25 to 2.55 t/ha in ‘Dobrynia’ and from 1.21 to 2.52 t/ha in ‘Soniachnyi'. In both varieties, biological yield increased with an increase in the seeding rate, reaching maximum values at a row width of 38 cm. Conclusions. Both studied varieties demonstrated the highest yield for the row width of 38 cm and a seeding rate of 300,000 seeds/ha: 2.55 t/ha ‘Dobrynia’ and 2.52 t/ha ‘Soniachnyi’. Despite the fact that these safflower varieties are recommended for the cultivation in the southern regions, they are quite adaptive for the cultivation in the north of Ukraine as well, taking into account the gradual increase in average annual temperatures and high soil fertility.

Peculiarities of photosynthesis in spelt (Tríticum spélta L.) in the Forest Steppe Zone of Ukraine

Purpose. To reveal the peculiarities of the influence of the cultivation technology elements on the course of photosynthetic processes in sowings. Methods. The research was carried out in the years 2019–2022 at the experimental field of the Scientific Research Center of Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University (Kyiv region) located in the zone of unstable soil moisture of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Spelt varieties ‘Zoria Ukrainy’, ‘Europe’, and ‘Atterhauer Dinkel’ were grown with the application of foliar fertilizer potassium humate HK-17 (400 g/ha) in the earing and milk ripeness stages, and Agriflex Amino growth regulator (200 g/ha) in the earing stage.  Results. In the flowering stage, the average leaf area in the experiment was 44.9 thousand m2/ha. In particular, in variety ‘Zoria Ukrainy’ it was 45.3 thousand m2/ha, ‘Europe’ 45.5 thousand m2/ha, and ‘Atterhauer Dinkel’ 43.8 thousand m2/ha. A positive effect of foliar application of potassium humate in the earing stage was determined. Potassium humate contributed to an increase in the leaf area in the flowering stage of 2.1 thousand m2/ha, while an increase in the leaf area provided by application of Agriflex Amino in the earing stage was 1.0 thousand m2/ha. In the stage of milky grain ripeness, the average leaf area was 27.1 thousand m2/ha: 27.6 thousand m2/ha in ‘Zoria Ukrainy’, 27.8 thousand m2/ha in ‘Europe’, and 25.9 thousand m2/ha in ‘Atterhauer Dinkel’. The application of potassium humate HK-17 in the earing stage contributed to obtaining a additional leaf area of 0.98 thousand m2/ha and Agriflex Amino of 0.48 thousand m2/ha. At the same time, the application of potassium humate HK-17 in the stage of milk ripeness did not affect the change of this indicator. The highest indicators of net productivity of photosynthesis in variety ‘Zoria Ukrainy’ (1.07–1.08 g/m2 of dry matter per day) were in the treatment with potassium humate HK-17 in the earing stage and repeated in the milk ripeness stage. On the other hand, in ‘Europe' variety, the treatment with potassium humate in the earing stage repeated in the milk ripeness stage in combination with the application of Agriflex Amino growth regulator in the earing stage was 1.17 g/m2 of dry matter per day: it appeared the best treatment. The highest indicators of NPP were in sowings of ‘Atterhauer Dinkel’ variety, despite the fact that it had a slightly smaller leaf area. In particular, in the case of application of potassium humate in the earing stage repeated in the milk ripeness stage, the NPP was 1.18 g/m2 of dry matter per day, and for the combination with the application of Agriflex Amino growth stimulator in the earing stage it was 1.21 g/m2 of dry matter per day. Conclusions. The conducted research confirms the expediency of the foliar application of fertilizer potassium humate HK-17 and growth regulator Agriflex Amino in cultivation of spelt, which improves the course of photosynthetic processes in sowings during vegetation and thus provides optimal conditions for the obtaining high crop productivity.

Productivity of oat (Avena sativa L.) as affected by fertilization

Purpose. To identify varieties of oat (Avena sativa L.) by yield in the northern part of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine, establish the efficiency of sulfur in the fertilization system and the specifics of the impact of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur application rates on crop productivity. Methods. Field studies were carried out at the Agronomic Research Station of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (Kyiv region) in 2021–2023 in typical low-humus chernozem soils according to the scheme of a two-factor experiment: factor A: variety [‘Neptun’ (control), ‘Lehin Nosivskyi’, ‘Svitanok’, ‘Zakat’, ‘Zubr’, ‘Albatros’, and ‘Aivori’]; factor B: fertilization system. According to the scheme of the experiment, the application of NPK) and N8P24K24S9 fertilizers was foreseen. Equalization of the nitrogen dose with the introduction of N8P24K24S9 was carried out by the introduction of ammonium nitrate. Ammonium nitrate was also used for nitrogen fertilization at the microstage BBCH 31–32. Results. The yield of oat varieties on average over three years yielded from 2.28 t/ha in the control option for the cultivation of the ‘Neptun’ variety to 5.54 t/ha for the cultivation of the ‘Aivori’ variety and the introduction of N120P120K120S45 + N30. A yield increase ranged from 0.32 to 2.83 t/ha, depending on fertilizers. Among the seven studied oat varieties, the most productive was the 'Aivori' variety, the yield of which, depending on the year and the fertilization system, varied from 2.38 t/ha in the control version in 2022 to 5.98 t/ha when applying N120P120K120S45 + N30 in 2023. The yield increase on average for the application of N120P120K120S45 + N30 was 2.73 t/ha compared to the control and 0.66 t/ha with the option where an equivalent rate of macronutrients was applied, but without sulfur. All oat varieties show a positive reaction to sulfur by increasing productivity, but its growth varies against the background of different rates of fertilizer application. Yield increases in varieties ‘Zakat’, ‘Zubr’ have a positive correlation dependence on the use of sulfur against the background of increasing rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium application. Conclusions. Oat varieties are characterized by a specific reaction; however, all respond positively to increasing rates of fertilizers and the introduction of sulfur into the nutrition system, which increases the resistance of oats to lodging and the level of nitrogen use. The combined introduction of sulfur with macroelements provides a significant increase in yield, which is due to more efficient use of nitrogen by plants. Optimizing nitrogen-sulfur nutrition ensures increased efficiency of mineral fertilizers.

Peculiarities of plant growth, development, and chemical composition of the Paulownia biomass

Purpose. To establish the peculiarities of plant growth, development, and chemical composition of the paulownia biomass of two species in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Field, laboratory, measuring and weighing, mathematical and statistical. Results. The biological properties of two Paulownia species, namely Clone in vitro-112 and Paulownia tomentosa, were studied. The maximum number of leaves per plant at the end of the vegetation season was 24–26 in Clone in vitro-112 and 22–24 in Paulownia tomentosa. Leaf area per plant was 5.0–5.5 m2 and 4.0–4.5 m2, respectively. The main period of wood accumulation falls during the first three years of vegetation, and during this period, biomass productivity indicators are the highest. Five-year wood yield per tree was about 0.35 m3 in Clone in vitro-112 and 0.24 m3 in Paulownia tomentosa. The research determined the optimal content of nutrients, the lack or excess of which negatively affects biomass quality. Nitrogen is mostly concentrated in leaves (2.3–2.6%) and petioles (0.67–1.1%). The content of phosphorus was quite low: 0.33–0.36% in leaves and 0.22–0.23% in petioles. Plants contain a significant amount of potassium in the leaves: 1.25% in Clone in vitro-112 and 0.75% in Paulownia tomentosa. Conclusions. Clone in vitro-112 can be recommended for cultivation in the Right Bank Forest Steppe Zone of Ukraine. One hectare can produce 200–250 m3 of industrial wood and the same amount of branch biomass for 5–6 years. Branches are suitable for the production of fuel pellets and chips with low ash content (0.8–1.5%). At the same time, leaves and petioles of paulownia have an increased ash content (3.9–7.1%) due to the higher content of nutrients, in particular nitrogen. Therefore, it is not advisable to use them as feedstock for the production of solid biofuel, but they are suitable for the production of biogas.

Representation of in situ forest genetic resources of broadleaf tree species according to forest types in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

The article analyzes the formation and localization of in situ forest genetic resource conservation facilities in the conditions of the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine in terms of the main forest types. Peculiarities of the state and selection structure of the forest genetic reserves (FGR) and plus stands (PS) were studied. The established that the largest area of forest genetic reserves and plus stands of broadleaves forests within the Right Bank Forest-Steppe is concentrated in the Vinnytsia region, based on the results of the research. The largest number and largest areas of these objects are concentrated in this region. It was established that the largest area of FGR located in fresh forest type conditions — 3475.9 ha, according to the distribution of forest genetic reserves and plus stands. The largest number of objects — 92 (78.0%) — is concentrated in this type of forest. The largest area of FGR is concentrated in fresh hornbeam beech — 842.3 ha in the Roztoch-Opil district of the forest typological region. There are 44 genetic reserves located in the conditions of the Podilsk sector of the Polysk-Prikarpattia district of wet hornbeam forests of the forest typological region of the wet cluster 3d. The largest area of forest stands is fresh beech forest — 234.0 ha. There are 40 FGR with a total area of 2,001 hectares of fresh hornbeam forests in the Podilskyi and Pravoberezhny sectors of the Dnipro tipologycal district. Forest genetic reserves are mainly concentrated in fresh hornbeam forest — 1584.6 hectares (29 units). The representation of the objects of in situ conservation of the gene pool of forest tree species in terms of forest types is insufficient and reflects only 16% of the entire diversity of forest ecosystems within the boundaries of the Roztoch-Opil district and 21–24% of the Dnipro districts of Polisko-Prikarpatskiy. This requires the introduction of measures for the additional creation of forest genetic reserves in other types of forest with the aim of the widest possible representation of the ecosystem diversity of the forest landscapes of the region.

Accumulation of Lead and Cadmium by Vegetables at Different Levels of Gray Forest Soil Moistening in the Conditions of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Accumulation of Lead and Cadmium by Vegetables at Different Levels of Gray Forest Soil Moistening in the Conditions of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Mycoflora of strawberry plants

Goal. To identify fungi associated with the tissues of strawberry plants and evaluate the frequency of their isolation at different stages of plant growth.
 Methods. The research was conducted in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine (Cherkasy Region) in 2021—2023, cv. ‘Clery’. Plant samples were taken in the phases of rosette formation (April), budding-flowering (May), fruit ripening (June) and in the post-harvest period (July-August). The analysis was carried out in laboratory conditions using macroscopic and biological methods.
 Results. During the research period, fungi belonging to 27 genera were isolated from strawberry tissues. In general, they can be divided into three groups: pathogens of leaves, which is the most numerous, berries, roots and crown. Representatives of the genera Alternaria, which were isolated from 57—100% of samples, and Fusarium (40—88%) occurred most often. Less often, but also during the entire growing season, Penicillium spp. (36—69%), Podosphaera aphanis (11—80%), Botrytis cinerea (27—67%), Paraphomopsis obscurans (24—77%) were isolated. Among the leaf diseases powdery mildew was recorded during all growing season, with a maximum in the fruit ripening phase. White leaf spot was observed starting from the budding-flowering phase, and leaf scorch was found from the fruit ripening phase. Gray rot was the most common fruit disease. The root system was more often affected by Fusarium spp.
 Conclusions. The obtained results demonstrate that during the entire growing season fungi of the genera Alternaria, Fusarium, Penicillium, as well as Podosphaera aphanis, Botrytis cinerea and Paraphomopsis obscurans were most often isolated from strawberry tissues. R.grevilleana was isolated starting from the budding-flowering phase, and D. earlianum from the fruit ripening phase. Species from the genera Podosphaera, Ramularia, Diplocarpon, Colletotrichum, Pestalotiopsis, Verticillium, Sclerotinia, Gnomoniopsis, Rhizoctonia, Coniella, Rhizopus, Septoria, Cylindrocarpon require constant control of their spread. Under favorable conditions for their development, they can cause damage to plants and a significant lack of harvest. The seasonal monitoring of fungi on strawberry provides a means for establishing the optimal periods for their control and developing effective disease protection system.

The assimilation surface of winter wheat under the effect of seed treatment with biological preparations

Purpose. To establish the peculiarities of the winter wheat assimilation apparatus development under the effect of seed treatment with biological preparations.
 Methods. Research was conducted using field, laboratory and mathematical methods in 2019–2022 in the stationary crop rotation of the Department of Crop Production of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine on typical podzolized chernozems in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. The peculiarities of the formation of the assimilation area of winter wheat under the application of biological preparations for seed treatment were studied with the use of the following preparations: Binok Zerno, Rizomax, Trichodermin, Planoriz, Urozhai Start. N32P32K32 fertilizer and complex granular fertilizer DuraSOP actibition were applied in seedbed preparation. The leaf area and glumes were calculated using the Petiole Pro program. The area of the stem was determined by the formula of the external area of the cylinder.
 Results. The flag leaf is quite important for the formation of a high yield of winter wheat, since its loss or damage significantly reduces the flow of photosynthetic assimilates into the plant. In particular, in the earing phase (BBCH 57), on average its area was 7.68 thousand m2/ha and good indicators of the formation of the area of the flag leaf were in the treatments with Binok Zerno and Harvest Start, both separately and in combination. In the next phase of development – flowering (BBCH 65) – the patterns were preserved, although the combination of Binok Zerno in a complex with fertilizer Harvest Start was better – 9.24 thousand m2/ha. A decrease in the total assimilation area was observed as a result of the gradual dying off of the leaves of the lower tiers, a reduction in the possibility of photosynthesis of the flag leaf and a decrease in the area of the ear involved in assimilation. In particular, on average according to the experiment, in the earing phase (BBCH 57), the total assimilation area of winter wheat was 51.9 thousand m2/ha; in the flowering phase (BBCH 65) 51.8 and in the phase of milk grain ripeness (BBCH 75) 29.3 thousand m2/ha. The total area of the assimilation surface in the earing phase (BBCH 57) was the largest for the combined seed treatment with the biological preparation Binok Zerno and the fertilizer Urozhai Start – 61.7 thousand m2/ha. In the future, in the phases of flowering (BBCH 65) and milk ripeness of grain (BBCH 75), the obtained patterns were preserved and the best treatment was the combined application of Binok Zerno and Harvest Start. By the end of the vegetation season, the concentration of the main photopigments in the leaves of winter wheat decreased In the phase of milk ripeness of the grain (BBCH 75), the content of chlorophyll a was 11.01 mg/g and chlorophyll b 3.93 mg/g. However, at earlier stages of wheat ontogenesis, the content of chlorophyll b in leaves increased, while chlorophyll a per gram of leaf dry matter decreased. It was established that the average content of chlorophyll a was 11.6 mg/g during the earing phase (BBCH 57), while the content of chlorophyll b was 4.09 mg/ha. In the flowering phase (BBCH 65), their content was 11,4 and 4.14 mg/ha, respectively. It was determined that the complex seed treatment with Binok Zerno + Harvest Start together with fertilizer N32P32K32 + Actibion ensured a higher content of chlorophylls – 16.3; 16.0 and 15.4 mg/g of dry matter, respectively.
 Conclusions. The application of the studied biological preparations for the seed treatment of winter wheat seeds contributes to a significant increase of the indicators of the total assimilation area of plants throughout the vegetation season, in particular its components, such as the area of flag leaves, blumes and stems, as well as the content of photosynthetic pigments. Established regularities of plant growth and development are important factors for optimizing crop cultivation technology in the conditions of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine.

Analysis of physiological mechanisms of adaptation and resilience of winter wheat accession of different geographical origin

The aim of the study: Analyzing the role of morphotype traits, physiological reactions in adaptation to the conditions of the Left Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine by studying a wide set of winter wheat collection accessions and identifying valuable samples for further involving them in the local breeding program.
 Materials and methods: The article contains the results of the research of 318 samples of winter wheat of different ecological and geographical origin from 27 countries according to the complex of morphological traits and physiological reactions to the environmental conditions of the Left Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine in the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 growing years. A field evaluation (visual score) was carried out at next parameters: evaluation of the state of plants before wintering; assessment of winter hardiness; assessment of the speed of plant regeneration in the spring; fixation of the earing date; assessment damage by foliar diseases. An assessment of morphological traits was carried out in accordance with the methodology for the examination of varieties of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for DUS-test recommended by UPOV and the State Service, the methodology of physiological research in breeding from CIMMYT and the methodology for the selection of winter-hardy wheat genotypes.
 Discussion of the results: Significant variation was found for all studied traits. Analysis of temperature indicators in recent years indicates changes in the passage of the autumn and winter periods of wheat vegetation in the Left Bank Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. The weather conditions of both years of the study were generally favorable for the overwintering of winter wheat plants. It is worth noting that the overwintering conditions in the 2021-2022 vegetation year were somewhat more difficult, wheat plants were more exhausted due to the presence of sudden temperature increases and decreases. It has been studying, what important for the wheat plants adaptation to the weather conditions is not only frost resistance, but also winter resistance in combination with a high level of growth in the initial stages and good regeneration at the spring period. A correlation was established between the traits of field winter resistance and the intensity of growth in the autumn period (r=0.653) and with the regenerative capacity of plants in the spring period (r=0.835).
 Conclusions: Selected samples with high winter hardiness and high intensity of spring regeneration - Lira odes’ka, Oberih Myronivskyi, Dykanka (Ukraine) and varieties of foreign origin - Turkuaz (Azerbaijan) and Andrada (Romania). The following samples had increased winter hardiness (7-8 points) and good regeneration in spring (8-9 points) - Oktava odes’ka, Natalka, Zolotava Nosivska, Lehenda Myronivska, Bunchuk, Orzytsia Nova, PS Tashan’ (Ukraine), T67/X84W063-9-45//Karl92/3 (Turkey), AR800-1-3-1/NW97S320, NE10507 (USA). According to the two years results of the evaluation of the resistance of genotypes to Septoria tritici blotch, next samples can be use as resistance sources - Kraevyd, Mahnatka, Spivanka poliska (Ukraine), Arctis (Germany), Apertus (Austria), AR800-1-3- 1/NW97S320 (USA).

Reserves of available soil moisture, productivity and mass of root residues of winter wheat and post-harvest white mustard depending on cultivation, precursors and fertilizer

Three-year (2020–2022) research at the experimental field of Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University, make it possible to calculate the economic and energy efficiency and to recommend a differentiated system of the main tillage on typical deep, low-humus medium-loamy chernozems of the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine in a five-field specialized (cereal) crop rotation, which involves deep plowing only for row crops, and for winter wheat after both predecessors (peas and buckwheat) and post-harvest mustard for green manure cultivation with heavy disc harrows, respectively, to a depth of 8–10 and 10–12 cm with the introduction of N140P60K100 under the bread plant and N120P60K90 – after peas, and under cabbage – N80P60K80 after both predecessors. For the placement of winter wheat after legume and cereal crops and recommended agricultural measures, the cost of one ton of grain was 3.82 and 4.06 thousand hryvnias respectively, conditional net profit was 18.11 and 16.06 thousand hryvnias/ha, profitability 44.4 and 37.1 %, energy efficiency ratio 2.4 and 1.9. Reserves of available soil moisture under winter wheat are higher in the link with peas than buckwheat. The highest reserves of it in the upper, arable and meter layers in the seedling phase of the culture after both predecessors under differentiated cultivation in crop rotation. In the phase of entering the tube, this indicator is the lowest in the arable layer under differentiated, and in the meter layer - under disk cultivation in crop rotation. On the date of sowing white mustard in the row with peas, the reserves of available soil moisture in the upper layer differed insignificantly according to tillage options, and in arable land they are the highest under shelf-disc tillage. In the meter layer, this indicator did not undergo significant deviations from the control, although it increased compared to it by 1.2–2.5 mm. For the predecessor of buckwheat, the content of soil moisture in the investigated layers (0–10, 0–30 and 0–100 cm) on the date of sowing white mustard increased significantly under differentiated and decreased significantly under disk tillage. In the upper layer of the soil, this indicator is slightly higher in the link with peas (by 0.5 mm), in the arable one with buckwheat (by 2.6 mm), and in the meter layer – it is almost the same for both predecessors. The yield of winter wheat is 0.59 t/ha higher in the link with peas than with buckwheat. After both predecessors, it is the largest under differentiated cultivation of fertilized and unfertilized plots. With chisel-disk and disk processing, this indicator is significantly reduced. Only on unfertilized plots under shelf-disk and disk tillage, the yield of green mass of white mustard is higher in the link with peas than with buckwheat, in the remaining variants of the experiment, the preference is for the grain predecessor. This indicator in the link with peas decreased, for all tillage options, compared to the control, but significantly only for disc tillage. In the link with buckwheat, its significant decrease is observed under disc cultivation and a significant increase under differentiated cultivation of fertilized areas. The dry mass of root residues of winter wheat is significantly lower for chisel-disc and disc than for shelf-disc treatments in both predecessors. Under differentiated processing, this indicator increased, compared to the control, but insignificantly. The mass of the dry root of white mustard in the link with leguminous crop is less for all tillage options, compared to the control, but it is significantly (by 0.19–0.25 t/ha) less for discing the soil. With an increase in fertilizer application rates, the dry weight of the root residues of the studied crops grows more slowly than the yield. At the same time, a slower growth of both above-ground and underground mass of both agrophytocenoses was established for placing them after the leguminous than for the cereal predecessor. Calculations of economic and energy efficiency give reason to recommend a differentiated system of the main soil cultivation on typical deep, low-humus, medium-loam chernozems of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine in a five-field specialized (cereal) crop rotation, which involves deep plowing only for row crops, and for winter wheat after both predecessors (peas and buckwheat) and post-harvest mustard for green manure tillage with heavy disc harrows, respectively, to a depth of 8–10 and 10–12 cm with application of N140P60K100 under the bread plant after 1 buckwheat and N120P60K90 – after peas, and under cabbage – N80P60K80 after both predecessors. For placing winter wheat after leguminous and cereal crops and recommended agromeasures, the cost price of one ton of grain was UAH 3.82 and 4.06 thousand respectively, conditional net profit was UAH 18.11 and 16.06 thousand/ha, profitability 44.4 and 37.1 %, energy efficiency ratio 2.4 and 1.9. Key words: soil, cultivation, productivity, fertilizers, predecessors, cultures, root residues, crop rotation.

Nutrient requirement of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivated on marginal land of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

The study aimed to investigate the peculiarities of the nutrient requirement of switchgrass cultivated on marginal land under the application of lime, adsorbent and foliar application of fertilizers in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. The experiment was conducted in the Uladivka-Liulyntsi Experimental Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet National Academy of Agrarian Sciences in 2019−2022. The soil of the experimental field was deep, leached, sandy, medium-loamy chernozem with low humus content in the 0−30 cm layer (3.9 %). Mineral nitrogen content was as following: 16.4 mg/kg (nitrate) and 38.7 mg/kg (ammonium). Mbile phosphorusav ailability was low (8.3 mg/kg), while the content of exchange potassium was high −10.3 mg/kg. Soil pH was 5.1, and hydrolytic acidity was high − 4.2 mg eq/100 g. Application of lime (25 % of the required rate), MaxiMarin granulated adsorbent and foliar fertilizer aimed at the alleviation of plant stress related to soil acidity and formation of high productivity of plantations taking into account nutrient removal with harvested biomass. In the experiment, the nitrogen removal was 57.5 kg/ha, phosphorus 39.3 kg/ha and potassium 118.7 kg/ha, while 25.0 kg/ha of nitrogen, 17.6 kg/ha of phosphorus and 55.8 kg/ha of potassium was returned to the soil with harvest residues. The application of the studied agronomic practices led to an increase in both the removal and recycling of nutrients. In the 4th vegetation season, nutrient recycling of switchgrass (% to the nutrient removal) made up 43.6 % of nitrogen, 44.7 % of phosphorus and 47.0 % of potassium from the total removal of the crop were returned to the soil. Key words: liming, adsorbent, foliar application of fertilizers.

Yield and quality of Panicum virgatum (Panicum virgatum L.) seed depending on varietal characteristics

The article presents the results of research on millet seeds the crop formation and the quality, depending on its varietal characteristics. It was experimentally proven that in the conditions of the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, the passage of phenological phases of growth and development of millet depended both on varietal characteristics (groups of varietal maturity) and on the number of effective temperatures. The crop yield and quality depended on the phenological phases of growth and development, particularly the phases of flowering and seed formation and their conditions. On average, over three years, early and late ripening varieties had signifcantly lower seed yield compared to other variety samples. Early-ripening, mid-early and mid-late varieties had signifcantly higher seed yield. The lowest productivity was in the very early sample of Dakota – 88.3 kg/ha. The yield of very late varieties – Nezalezhnist, Kanlow and Lyadivske – made 89.7, 88.3 and 99.4 kg/ha, respectively. The study on factors affecting seed yield established that the influence of the factor "variety" was the largest and amounted to 61.1 %, and the factor of "growing conditions" affected the crop less – 11.9 %. Germination energy and seed germination, as well as its yield, depended on the maturity groups of the variety samples. Very early, early-ripening and medium-ripening varieties had the highest quality indicators, no signifcant difference was found depending on varietal characteristics. The mid-late varieties had signifcantly lower quality indicators, and the lowest quality was the very late Kanlow variety. The study on factors affecting seed quality established that the influence of the "year conditions" factor on germination energy and germination was the greatest and was 37.6–48 %, and the "variety" factor was 33.8 and 30 %, respectively. It was found that the later is the variety is of the maturity group, the higher is the sum of effective temperatures it needs and, accordingly, the longer the onset of the phenological phases of growth and development of the crop, which affects the features of seed formation and ripening and, accordingly, its quality and yield. The mid-late varieties had signifcantly lower quality indicators and the lowest ones were observed in the very late variety. Mid-late, late and very late varieties do not ripen biologically, which affects the seeds quality its germination is very low. Key words: variety samples, maturity groups, germination energy, germination, phenological phases of growth and development.

Yield structure of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst.) under the effect of seeding rate and varietal characteristics

Purpose. To establish an optimal seeding rate for different varieties of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) based on its influence on the formation of the main elements of the yield structure in the conditions of the Right Bank Forest Steppe.
 Methods. Crambe varieties ‘Belenzian’ (USA) and ‘CRA 5/79’ (Germany) were studied in field conditions (Cherkasy region) in the years 2020–2022. The crop was sown at the beginning of May in a continuous row method at seeding rates from 1.0 to 3.5 m seeds per hectare to a depth of 3–5 cm. Before harvesting, the preservation and biometric indicators of the plants were recorded, after which the seed yield was determined. The harvest was harvested by the direct harvesting method at a seed moisture content of 15%.
 Results. Regardless of the seeding rate, the preservation of plants before harvesting (on average according to the experiment) was somewhat higher in the variety ‘Belenzian’ – 72.8 against 70.4% in ‘CRA 5/79’. The lowest indicators in both varieties (64.1–67.6%) were recorded for the lowest sowing rate (1.0 and 1.5 m seeds/ha) and the highest (74.3–78.1%) for the highest seeding rate (3.0 and 3.5 m seeds/ha); the height of the plants was 73–90 cm on average, reaching a maximum in both varieties at seed rates of 2.0 and 2.5 m seeds/ha. An increase in the seeding rate to 3.0–3.5 m seeds/ha led to a significant decrease in plant height. The longest pods (4.7 and 4.5 cm) in variety ‘Belenzian’ were noted for the seeding rate of 1.0 and 1.5 m seeds/ha, while in variety ‘CRA 5/79’, the longest pods (3.3 and 3.5 cm) were obtained for the seeding rate of 2.0 and 2.5 m seeds/ha, respectively. The highest number of pods (144 and 146 in ‘Belenzian’; 130 and 135 in ‘CRA 5/79’), the weight of seeds from one plant (8.51 and 878 g and 8.04 and 8.23 g respectively) and the weight of 1000 seeds (8.78 and 9.00 g and 7.89 and 8.01 g, respectively) were obtained for seeding rate of 2.0 and 2.5 million seeds/ha. At the same seeding rates, the highest seed yield of ‘Belenzian’ was obtained – 2.12 and 2.23 t/ha, respectively, while in ‘CRA 5/79’ 2.04 and 2.00 t/ha of seeds was obtained at the seeding rate of 2.5 and 3.0 m seeds/ha, respectively.
 Conclusions. Seeding rate has a significant impact on the formation of biometric indicators that are the elements of the yield structure and, ultimately, the yield of crambe seeds. The values of most indicators increase with an increase in the seeding rate, reaching a maximum at 2.5 m seeds/ha, and then gradually decreasing. The optimal seeding rate from the point of view of the formation of a high yield of seeds in both crambe varieties is 2.5 m seeds/ha. The research results can be used to improve the elements of cultivation technology for growing crambe in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine.

Productivity of giant miscanthus plantations depending on the applied elements of cultivation technology in the conditions of the Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Purpose. To improve the technology of caring for giant miscanthus plantations, starting from the second year of the crop vegetation, and to establish the peculiarities of the formation of biomass yield with the use of different types of fertilizers. Methods. The research was carried out in the years 2020–2021 in the conditions of the Bila Tserkva Experimental and Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences located in the zone of unstable moisture of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. The design of the experiment involved the application of mineral fertilisers (ammonium nitrate N24 kg/ha a. i., ammonium nitrate + ammonium sulfate N24 + S6 kg/ha a. i.) in row in the spring, foliar application of humates (Vermisol, 8.0 l/ha, Humifield VR-18, 0.4 l/ha), and complex fertiliser with amino acids (Quantum Aminomax, 0.5 l/ha). Mineral fertilizers were applied locally in row before the emergence of miscanthus seedlings. Split foliar application of humates and amino acids was carried out in the five-leaf stage and two weeks later. Results. Productivity of miscanthus plants differed significantly over growing seasons, while the main regularities of the influence of the investigated elements of plantation care technology on the productivity formation were maintained. In the second year of vegetation (2020), each plant formed from 18 to 37 shoots and in the third year from 37 to 50 shoots. Four-year-old plants had 28–50 shoots each. The yield of raw biomass at the end of the growing season in 2020 varied from 14.5 to 43.5 t/ha. Compared to 2020, in 2021 the biomass yield increased 1.5–2 times – up to 31.0–74.6 t/ha. According to the experiment, the average yield of biomass for the fourth year of the growing was 17% lower compared to the respective indicators of 2021 and varied according to the experiment treatments from 25.3 to 67.1 t/ha. The yield of dry matter varied from 9.78 to 28.30 t/ha in 2020, from 17.50 to 37.85 t/ha in 2021, and from 12.11 to 32.46 t/ha in 2022. The estimated energy output from miscanthus biomass, depending on the influence of the experimental factors, was 174.8–509.6 GJ/ha in 2020, 315.5–683.2 GJ/ha in 2021, and in 2022 – 219.0–587.3 GJ/ha. Conclusions. The minimum values of all studied productivity indicators of miscanthus were obtained in the control treatment of the experiment. Application of ammonium nitrate (N24) and ammonium nitrate with ammonium sulfate (N24 + S6) in spring contributed to a significant increase in the number of shoots per plant, as well as biomass yield and estimated energy yield per hectare. Similarly, significant increase in all indicators of productivity was ensured by foliar application of humates (Humifield BP-18, 0.4 l/ha and Vermisol, 8,0 l/ha). In general, over the years of research, the maximum indicators of the number of shoots per plant, the yield of biomass and the estimated energy output from biomass were obtained under the combined application of mineral fertilisers [ammonium nitrate + ammonium sulfate (N24 + S6)] with two-time foliar application of humates (Vermisol, 8.0 l/ha or Humifield VR-18, 0.4 l/ha) and complex fertiliser Quantum Aminomax, 0.5 l/ha.