Decade Of June Research Articles

A GIS Assessment of the Green Space Percentage in a Big Industrial City (Dnipro, Ukraine)

Abstract Green spaces in an industrially polluted city are extremely important for the physical activity and mental health of its inhabitants. The study aim was to analyze the urban green space dynamics and the greening degree of different functional zones typical for a big Ukrainian industrial city (Dnipro, Ukraine). This article used the remote sensing methods and geographic information systems (GIS) to assess the percentage of green spaces in the city of Dnipro, its eight districts, parks, ravines, and sanitary protection zones. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used for mapping the urban green spaces within the ravines, parks, and sanitary protection zones. According to our results, 67% of Dnipro city is greened (NDVI >0.3). On average, there are 219 m2 of green spaces per person, which is 24 and 4 times more than the minimum and optimal values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), respectively. It was found that the NDVI values were significantly lower in the territories of sanitary protection zones, compared to the other functional zones. The results of NDVI analysis indicate a significant variation of the studied parameter during the vegetative season, with two typical peaks of the green space vegetative activity. The peak of plant vegetative activity occurs in the first decade of June, followed by slight decline for 2–3 weeks, then there is another increase in the activity, reaching the maximum in mid-July. Even in autumn, the photosynthetic activity remains relatively high for most of the urban areas, declining only from mid-October. In addition, a method and algorithm for estimating and standardizing the level of the urban area greening based on the remote sensing methods and zonal statistics tools are proposed.

Micropropagation of belarusian cultivars of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L. var. kamtschatica)

For blue honeysuckle cultivars of Belarusian selection (Zinri and Sinyavokaya), a method of micropropagation for the production of high-quality planting material is proposed. Initiation of in vitro culture: in the period of intensive growth of shoots – the first decade of June. Explants were apical points isolated from the apical and axillary buds of green shoots. The nutrient medium was WPM supplemented with 6-BA at a concentration of 1.0 mg/l. Micropropagation stage: MS medium containing double strength iron chelate with 1.5 mg/l of 6-BA. In vitro rhizogenesis: in MS medium the concentration of macroand microsalts and iron chelate was reduced to half strength, the sucrose concentration was reduced to 20 g/l, IBA – 1.5–2.0 mg/l). Ex vitro adaptation: substrate – perlite. It is possible to reduce the cost of obtaining the planting material by eliminating in vitro rooting stage from micropropagation scheme. Simultaneous direct ex vitro rooting and adaptation of microplants should be carried out on the substrate of Sphagnum L. moss with a surface layer (0.5 cm) of peat. Long-term storage (up to 12 months) at low positive temperatures (+3–4 °C) in refrigerator should be carried out at rooting stage (in MS medium the concentration of macro- and microsalts and iron chelate was reduced to half strength, the sucrose concentration was reduced to 20 g/l, IBA – 1.0 mg/l).

SOME REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FLORA OF THE SANGLOK MOUNTAIN (TAJIKISTAN)

The authors of the article found that on the territory of the observatory of the Institute of Astrophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan and its environs (Mount Sanglok) in the period from the second decade of May to the end of the first decade of June, mainly 132 plant species are in active vegetation. These plants belong to 37 families and 98 genera. Of this number, 12 species are used in traditional medicine; 26 are most often used in conventional medicine; 5 are as food plants; 2 are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Tajikistan; and 13 are endemic plants. Among these plants, plants with the life form of hemicryptophytes dominate - 39.4% and phanerophytes - 23.5%. Of the 132 species found, the most common are representatives of the families Fаbaceae and Asteraceae - 17, Rosaceae - 16, Poaceae - 11, Lamiaceae and Brassicaceae - 8, Ranunculaceae - 6 species, and the remaining families are represented by 4, 3, 2 and 1 species.

Calypso bulbosa (Orchidaceae) on the northern border of its distribution range (Komi Republic, Russia): population structure, fruit and seed set

Orchids form one of the most threatened plant families in the world. For a successful conservation of these species, comprehensive studies of their biology and ecology are necessary, and long-term demographic studies are especially valuable in this regard. This article aimed to present results of long-term observations of two populations of Calypso bulbosa , a rare orchid included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation, on the northern border of its range, in the Komi Republic (northeast of European Russia). Seasonal development, ontogenesis, number of individuals and structure of populations, and reproductive success of C. bulbosa were studied. The influence of weather factors on the peculiarities of the small and large life cycles of this species has been revealed. Populations of C. bulbosa located in various habitats differ in a number of characteristics (e.g. number of individuals, spatial placement of plants, their size, the number of generative individuals). The fruit set of C. bulbosa on the northern border of the range is quite low (28.4%). This is compensated by the formation of a large number of tiny (0.68 × 0.11 mm) seeds. The pollination efficiency of the species is affected by the temperature of the beginning of the growing season and precipitation of the second decade of June, as well as by the flowering time. With deterioration of habitat conditions (more northern or shaded habitats), the seed index increases. The seeds become more volatile, which increases chances of reaching favourable sites for seed germination. One capsule of C. bulbosa contains an average of 19 900 seeds. The real seed production is 6500 seeds per plant. The seed production of C. bulbosa varies greatly year by year; it depends on the weather conditions of the first decade of June. In both studied populations, the presence of juvenile individuals (from 3.3% to 41.4%) during all years of the study indicates a successful seed regeneration, which, along with vegetative growth, ensures the stable existence of C. bulbosa populations on the northern border of the range.

Development of recommendations on partial transfer of land to gravity irrigation in zone of Bandyhan - I substandard pumping station with compensation of expenses from Tupolang reservoir

Based on the analysis of the work of the Khazarbagh irrigation system, water use plans, the household regime of the Tupolang River, the operation mode of the pumping station–I, proposals have been developed for the partial transfer of machine irrigation lands to gravity for the zone, the Bandyhan–I subcommand pumping station. With a two–fold accumulation of water in the Tupolang reservoir up to 40-60 million m3 and the use of this water for compensation through the end part of the Khazarbag canal, the distributor P – I in the Bandyhan canal, we recommend turning off the pumping station for the period from February to the first decade of June and from September to November. At the same time, the energy savings amount to 8.38 million kWh.

THE TROPHIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARASITIC ENTOMOPHAGES (HYMENOPTERA: APHIDIIDAE) AND SPECIES OF APHIDS (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE) TO THE WHEAT CROP

It was demonstrated that the aphid species Schzarium graminium and Sitobion avenae reached the highest degree of population density in the wheat crop in the first decade of June (18,0 and 16.6% respectively). It was found that aphids and entomophages reached the highest degree of development when the gray crop entered the phenological phase of buttoning. Thus, the population density of aphids was 23,0 % and that of entomophages – 16,0%. 6 species of natural entomophages were highlighted (Aphidina evri Haliday, 1834; Ephedrus sp.; Lysiphlebus sp.; Diaeretiella rapae M. Intosh, 1855; Praon volucre Haliday, 1833; Ephedrus persicae Froggatt, 1904), which can control the population density of of the 3 most widespread species of aphids (Schzarium graminium L.; Sitobion avenae F.; Myzodes persicae Sulz.) in the wheat crop.

ФЕНОЛОГИЯ БОЛЬШОЙ СИНИЦЫ (PARUS MAJOR) В БИРОБИДЖАНЕ (ЕВРЕЙСКАЯ АВТОНОМНАЯ ОБЛАСТЬ)

The author reveals phenological parameters of the Great Tit in Birobidzhan (Jewish Autonomous region) and shows the dates for the first, mass, and early morning singing of males; the period of courtship and competition for females, laying eggs and incubation of full clutches; the appearance of chicks and fledglings, migrations, late broods and autumn singing. In the period from the end of December to the third decade of March, there occurs a distribution of birds over nesting territories and formation of pairs. The period of early morning singing of males, from the third decade of March to the third decade of June, is the height of the breeding season.

Биологическая эффективность фунгицидов нового поколения против листостебельных болезней озимой пшеницы

The article presents the data on the research of biological effectiveness of two-component fungicides Altrum Super, SE and Alkor Super, SE in crops of winter wheat variety Alekseich in the phase of the end of earing - beginning of flowering in the climatic conditions of the Central part of the Non-Chernozem region. The field experiment was carried out in 2021-2022 at the All-Russian Research Institute of Agrochemistry named after D.N. Pryanishnishnitsky. D.N. Pryanishnikov, Agricultural Engineering Department, sod-podzolic-loam soil, 1st agroclimatic zone, Domodedovo Microdistrict, Moscow Region. Barybino. Combined systemic fungicides Altrum Super, KE and Alkor Super, KE with the same active substance, but different manufacturers and winter soft wheat variety Alekseich were the objects of research. The investigations were carried out by generally accepted methods. As a result of studies, it was found that the first manifestations of diseases in wheat crops were observed in the second decade of June. Depending on the date of registration, application of new generation fungicides in winter crops provided biological effectiveness against pyrenophrosis 62,1-84,5%, powdery mildew 63,1-83,3%, stem rust 63,0-83,0%, brown rust 65,3-84,0%, septoriosis 62,4-85,9% and yellow rust 62,7-81,4%. The maximum yield in the experiment was achieved with a single treatment of the crop fungicides Altrum Super, KE and Alkor Super, KE at a rate of 0.5 l/ha. In relation to the control, Altrum Super, SE (250 + 80 g / l) -0.4 l / ha, Altrum Super, SE (250 + 80 g / l) - 0.5 l / ha and Alkor Super, SE (250 + 80 g / l)- 0.5 l / ha allowed to increase the yield by 11.80%, 15.80% and 14.10%, respectively.

Сontrol of brown leaf spot for environmentally safe protection of grain sorghum in Ukraine

Purpose. The purpose of the research was to determine the effectiveness of the complex application of biological preparations in grain sorghum crops to control brown spotting and their impact on the crop yield level in Ukraine. Methods. The study of the effectiveness of complex biological protection for the control of brown spotting of grain sorghum was carried out during 2018–2022 by conducting surveys of agrocenoses in the conditions of the educational and research field of the Polish National University and PE "Chaykivka" of the Radomyshl district of the Zhytomyr region. Field and laboratory methods were used to conduct the experiment. Results. The causative agent of brown spotting of grain sorghum is the fungus Helminthosporium turcicum (Luttr.) K.J. Leonard & Suggs. During the research, the first spots on the leaves were visible already in the first decade of June, and the development of brown spotting of sorghum did not exceed 1.6%. The disease reached its maximum development in 2022 and was 29.5%. It was possible to achieve the maximum reduction in the development of brown spotting in sorghum crops as a result of two-time spraying of the cenosis with biological preparations, which reduced the level of the development of the disease by 10.7% in the phase of milky-waxy grain ripeness. Complex application (two-time spraying with biopreparation Agat-25K, PA, 0.03 kg/ha and plant growth regulator Endophyt EM-1, v.s.r., 0.010 l/ha at the 30th stage of development) provided the maximum value of technical efficiency - 39.5%. The maximum productivity of the hybrid 419 x 124 was realized with environmentally safe protection of grain sorghum: two-time application of the biopreparation Agat-25K, PA, 0.03 kg/ha and plant growth regulator Endophyt EM-1, v.s.r., 0.010 l/ha on at the 30th stage of development, which was 6.24 t/ha. Conclusions. Due to the use of complex biological protection, we solved the urgent problem of ecologically safe control of brown spotting in crops of grain sorghum in Ukraine.

Efficiency of foliar fertilization of spring wheat variety of String myronivska by zinc and manganese in Polissia of Ukraine

The results of foliar fertilization of spring wheat crops of Struna myronivska variety with aqueous solutions of zinc, manganese and their chelated analogues in EDTA (zinc and manganese complexates) at different stages of plant growth and development are presented. The research was conducted on sodmedium podzolic gley sandy soils of Polissia contaminated by radionuclides after the Chernobyl accident. On the average, in 2014–2016 yy. the foliar fertilization of crops at different stages of growth and development of plants the yield of grain and straw of spring wheat did not increased. However, a statistically significant effect of fertilization was observed in the arid conditions of 2015, caused by almost complete absence of precipitation during the second and third decades of May and the first decade of June against the background of high average daily temperatures. Foliar fertilization of crops with zinc solution and chelated forms of trace elements (EDTA) in drought conditions increased wheat grain yield by more than 30 % compared to the control. Foliar fertilization of wheat plants with manganese solution increased grain yield by at least 30 % regardless of the stage of plants growth and development at the time of spraying. Similar patterns were observed for straw. Under ordinary weather conditions (2014 and 2016) foliar fertilization did not increase wheat yield. It is also shown that with increasing yield of wheat grain due to foliar fertilization of crops with aqueous solutions of zinc, manganese and their chelated analogues (EDTA), the concentration of iron, manganese, copper and zinc decreases. The increase in the level of straw yield due to fertilization is negatively correlated with the concentration of zinc and boron in it (r = −0.57). Key words: soil, iron, potassium, wheat, manganese, copper, radiocaesium, zinc.

EVALUATION OF NEW BLUEBERRY CULTIVARS IN PEDOCLIMATIC CONDITIONS FROM RIFG PITESTI-MARACINENI

Vaccinum corymbosum is one of the species highly valued for the taste and dietary value of its berries. The new blueberry cultivars obtained in the breeding activity have high productivity, resistance to diseases and pests, and large and easily removable fruits. The success of the extension of blueberry crops depends on the adaptability of the cultivars to soil conditions and regional climate changes. A study was carried out at the Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti-Maracineni, in the period 2019-2022, and was focused on the vegetative growth and fruiting processes, berries quality, and evaluated the disease and pest behavior of 13 new blueberry cultivars, currently in their 4th year ('Top Shelf', 'Blue Ribbon', 'Calypso' and 'Valor'), respectively 6 years from planting ('Duke', 'Bluejay', 'Draper', 'Liberty', 'Elliott' and 'Aurora'). The ripening period of the new cultivars covered a period between the second decade of June (12.06.2020, 'Duke') and the end of August (27.08.2021, 'Aurora', 'Last Call' and 'Elliott'). Depending on the age of fruit ripening, the cultivars were divided into very early ('Duke'), early ('Huron'), early-middle ('Blue Ribbon', 'Draper', 'Bluejay'), middle ('Top Shelf', 'Valor', 'Calypso'), late ('Cargo' and 'Liberty') and very late ('Last Call', 'Elliott' and 'Aurora'). At the end of the four years of study, the analysis of the data recorded for the vegetative growth and fruiting processes indicated that, for the younger plants (4th year after planting), for an average bush volume of 0.41m3 (0.14- 0.84 m3) berry yield fluctuated around 7.27 t/ha (1.66-16.59 t/ha). The cultivars with superior vigor were 'Valor', 'Last Call', and 'Cargo' (0.49-0.53 m3), the most productive being 'Cargo', with approximately 13.6 t /ha. For blueberry in the 6th year after planting, where the average volume of the bush was 0.53 m3 (0.19-0.82 m3), the fruit production was 6.89 t/ha (1.87 -14.4 t/ha). The cultivars with superior vigor were 'Bluejay', 'Aurora' and 'Liberty' (0.59-0.62 m3), and in terms of productivity, 'Duke' (9.13 t/ha) and 'Liberty' stood out (9.92 t/ha). For plants of the same age (3 and 4 years after planting), the average berry weight fluctuated around 2.25 g (0.7-5.72 g), the firmness recorded an average of 43.95 (15.9-77.50 units), while juice pH and total soluble substance content showed average values of 3.44 (2.24-5.72) and 13.32˚Brix (7.9-23.40). The highest berry weight was determined for 'Top Shelf' cultivar (2.9 g). The cultivars 'Aurora' and 'Last Call' stood out for their superior content of total soluble solids (17.14 and 16.01˚Brix), and the cultivars 'Blue Ribbon' and 'Top Shelf' for their high fruit pH (4.18 and 3.69). Last but not least, the high firmness of the fruits highlighted the Aurora and 'Blue Ribbon' cultivars (57.90 and 52.28 HPE-II-FFF Bareiss units). Regarding the phytosanitary status of the studied shrubs, increased sensitivity to diseases of the 'Huron' cultivar was highlighted (ISV 2.9%), especially to the attack of Phytophthora spp. (1.6%attack degree), which influenced significantly plant survival. At the end of the study period, we can recommend the cultivars 'Duke', Liberty', and 'Cargo' for cultivation in similar pedoclimatic conditions, the first standing out for its earliness and productivity, and the last two for their high fruit production.

The importance of assessing the population structure and biology of psylla species for pest monitoring and management in pear orchards

The species of pear sucker, also called pear psylla or pear psyllid, which are destructive insects belonging to the genus Cacopsylla (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) cause substantial damage to pear tree plantations. Two consecutive years of research were conducted on the population structure and biological cycle of psylla in a small, elderly, and unmaintained pear orchard in northern Romania. Of the two identified species (C. pyri L. and C. pyricola Forster), C. pyri dominated the psylla population with a percentage of 77.8-80.1%. Adults of both species emerge from hibernation in the first part of March and produce three generations per year. First-generation adults emerge in the first decade of June, the second generation in the last decade of July, and the third generation in the first decade of September as they enter the hibernation phase. Larvae of the first generation appear in the second half of April, the second generation at the end of June - the beginning of July, and the third generation in the second decade of August. There have been reports of up to 11 adults and 27 larvae per leaf, 9 larvae per petiole, and 14 larvae per fruit. The number of adults captured on yellow sticky traps exposed on the southern side of the tree crown was significantly higher compared to the northern side. Following the intense attack, the well-known cv. ‘Williams’ was heavily affected, pear trees were badly defoliated, blackened, and aged prematurely. The climatic conditions of the two years did not influence the phenology of the pests, but the importance of monitoring psyllids is widely argued, considering that it remains the key to integrated protection programs in pear orchards.

NEW SWEET CHERRY BELITSA VARIETY

The article provides a description of a new variety of sweet cherry called “Belitsa”. The Belitsa variety has no domestic and foreign analogues in the assortment released in terms of ripening period in conditions found in Belarus (a very early ripening – the second decade of June). It has high productive potential (26.0 t/ha), winter hardiness of wood and generative sphere, resistance to coccomycosis and monilial burn, medium-sized fruits (average weight 5.6 g), high taste qualities (tasting score – 4.8 points) and market values (marketability – 90 %). The variety is self-infertile. The best pollinator is the Syubarovskaya sweet cherry variety. On the seed rootstock of wild cherry trees of the Belitsa variety come into fruition in the 4th year after planting in the garden and rapidly increase the yield. It is recommended for use in commercial and homestead gardening. A unique genetic passport has been compiled using 10 SSR markers for the new sweet cherry Belitsa variety.

Ecology of preimaginal phases of mosquitoes in the north of Yakutia

The experimental part of the work was carried out in the Momsky district of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in 2008. Office processing of the collected material was carried out at the Yakut Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture, the All-Russian Research Institute of Veterinary Entomology and Arachnology. The larvae were taken with a net from the mill gas and their number was counted. To determine the density of larvae, a recalculation per 1 m2 of the water surface was performed. Then the larvae and pupae were placed in vessels with water and delivered to the laboratory, where they were preserved with 70% aqueous alcohol solution in 10 ml vials with rubber stoppers, the vials were supplied with labels. Samples were taken once a week, from the third decade of May to the third decade of July. A total of 14120 mosquito larvae were collected. district is located at 66°27ў18ўў north latitude and 143°13ў11ўў east longitude. In temporary reservoirs, the density of mosquito larvae in the second decade of June is up to 876 ind./m2. At the beginning of the third decade of June, the density of larvae reaches up to 1432 ind./m2. At the end of June, a decrease in the density of mosquito larvae to 233 ind./m2 was noted with a simultaneous increase in the number of pupae. The species composition of adults emerging from the cage was determined as Aedes punctor Kirby and A. hexodontus Dyar. The percentage of emergence from pupae is 95%. Mosquitoes have been flying since June.

Resistance of oats to smut diseases in the forest-steppes of the Pre-Ob region

Loose smut (Ustilago avenae (Pers.) Jens.) and covered smut (Ustilago kolleri Wille) are considered to be the most harmful and widespread in the forest-steppes of the Pre-Ob region. The poor grain yields in some years could reach up to 25%, and up to 50% in the years of epiphytoties. The purpose of the current study was to identify the resistance of oat varieties to dusty and covered smut in the forest-steppes of the Pre-Ob region. The study was carried out at the phytopathological plot of the laboratory for plant gene pool of the SRIPCB, the branch of Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS in 2018–2021. The objects of research were Russian varieties from the world collection of VIR named after V.I. Vavilov. There have been studied 64 oat genotypes for resistance to local populations of loose and covered smut. There has been established a significant correlation between plants’ damage caused by loose and covered smut and soil temperature during the period ‘third decade of May – the first decade of June’ (r = 0.76 and r = 0.73). There was no significant correlation between plants’ damage and the average daily air temperature (r = 0.32 and r = 0.48). There has been determined a negative relationship (r = –0.77 and r = –0.71) between the manifestation of the disease and the amount of precipitation during the period ‘sowing-sprouts’. There has been established that most varieties are susceptible to pathogens. According to smut fungi resistance under conditions of an artificial infectious background, there have been identified such oat varieties as ‘Sibirsky Gerkules’, ‘Fakel’, ‘Rysak’ and ‘Uralets’. These varieties are characterized by large productivity, 1000-grain weight, resistance to lodging.

Economic and biological assessment of foreign strawberry varieties in the Orenburg Region

Studies of the strawberry economic and biological parameters were carried out in the Orenburg branch of the Federal Research Center of Horticulture from 2019 to 2021. The objects of the study were varieties of foreign breeding. The zoned varieties Orletz and Zenga Zengana served as control. According to the main phenological phases of plant development, there was a difference in the onset of the flowering phase, in the observed varieties it was 3 — 5 days. The total duration of flowering on average ranged from 10 to 12 days. The beginning of berry ripening in the Orenburg region in early varieties occurs in the first decade of June, in middle repining varieties in the second decade of June. The average duration of the fruiting period was 12-21 days. According to winter hardiness, the most resistant during the observation period from 2019 to 2021 were the zoned varieties Orletz and Zenga Zengana, among the varieties of foreign breedig Bogota, Bounty, Venta, Ducat, Lord, Polka, Troubadour, Junia Smides. Over the years of research, strawberry mite damage was noted up to 1 point, on varieties: Florence, Honeoye, Corona, Rumba, Sonata, Troubadour, Bounty. White spotting was noted in 2019 on the varieties Polka, Vima Xima, Corona, as well as in the Zenga Zengana zoned variety. Brown spotting in a weak degree from 0.5 — 1 points affected all the studied varieties. On average, over 3 years of observation, the number of peduncles in early ripening varieties was 4 pcs.; for varieties of the average ripening period — 4-6 pcs. On the studied strawberry varieties, the number of berries ranged from 14 to 28 pcs./ bush. According to the yield assessment, the studied strawberry varieties Junia Smides, Bogota, Polka and Zenga Zengana are medium-yielding — more than 12 t/ha.

Вплив куниці лісової (Martes martes) на гніздування птахів у штучних гніздівлях північного сходу України

Passerines are the most threatened by predators during the nesting period. According to the results of visual observa-tions conducted during 2019−2021 in forests of north-eastern Ukraine, a high proportion of bird nests destructed by the pine marten (Martes martes) in artificial nest boxes was revealed. The impact of the predator was assessed ac-cording to the following signs: the front wall of the nest box fell off, the bird’s nest was destroyed and torn, traces of claws on the front wall of the nest box, fragments of feathers and bones of the bird found nearby. In the pine forest of the Hetmansky National Nature Park near Kamenka village, the share of destroyed by the pine marten nests increased during 2019−2021 from 15.6% to 36.0% and 45.2%, respectively. In a forest of the Homilshansky Lisy National Nature Park near Zadonetske village, the largest share of nests ruined by the forest marten was 51.1% in 2020 and 33.3% in 2021. Cases of predation predominated in net boxes with nests of Parus major in the third dec-ade of May (21.05−31.05)—15.9% (n = 47) in the Homilshansky Lisy National Nature Park; F. albicollis in the first decade of June (01.06−10.06)—19.1% (n = 43) in the Hetmansky National Nature Park near Kamenka village. In general, the results indicate an increase in the destruction of nests in nest boxes by the pine marten in the first dec-ade of June (01.06−10.06) and in the first or second decade of July (01.07−20.07) for most bird species, including Parus major, Ficedula albicollis, Phoenicurus phoenicurus, Ficedula hypoleuca, and Erithacus rubecula. At the end of the third decade of February and during March, an inspection of nest boxes showed that a large number of adults of Parus major spend the night in the nest boxes. At the same time, in 2021, their share was 15% (n = 100), of which 10% became victims to the forest marten in the Homilshansky Lisy National Nature Park near Zadonetske village. In the territory of Hetmansky National Nature Park near Kamenka village, in 2020, Parus major was also the main victim of the pine marten, with a share of 5.0% (n = 120). Among the adult birds in the nest boxes that did not form breeding pairs or of which, eventually, the male or female died, the inspection of nest boxes also revealed cases of predation by the pine marten.

A Contribution to the Study of Pollination of Alfalfa Medicago Sativa (L.) by Bees Osmia Cornuta (latreille, 1805) (HYMENOPTERA: MEGACHILIDAE) in the Donbass Region

O. cornuta is a monovaltine polylectic bee, which in natural conditions prefers to forage, visiting fruit and berry crops, or, if they are missing, other plant species. With the aim of defining whether a bee under study is able to mate and build a nest in the summertime, detecting temperature conditions of the first emergence of individuals and specifying the duration of a lifecycle of breeding stock during the period of active flight, we conducted an experiment on the field of alfalfa Medicago sativa (Linnaeus, 1753) in agricultural limited liability company “Timiryazevskoe” in Amvrosievskiy raion, in the summertime (the third decade of June – the first decade of July). The data were obtained after artificially prolonged cold diapause of cocoons. For prolongation of diapause, refined cocoons of imagoes were placed in the fridge. After removal of cocoons from the fridge, incubated breeding stock was transported to the experimentation area and placed in previously prepared artificial nesting constructions. For nesting of future offspring bundles of single-channel reed were used. When nesting constructions had been installed, we started to observe emergence of male imagoes, followed by emergence of female imagoes. The article provides information about seasonal and circadian activity, lifecycle of bees O.cornuta. The received data could be used to plan artificial breeding of O.cornuta with a view to pollination of entomophilous agricultural plants on open ground during the summer period.

Application of Artificial Neural Network Sensitivity Analysis to Identify Key Determinants of Harvesting Date and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) Cultivar Augusta

Genotype and weather conditions play crucial roles in determining the volume and stability of a soybean yield. The aim of this study was to identify the key meteorological factors affecting the harvest date (model M_HARV) and yield of the soybean variety Augusta (model M_YIELD) using a neural network sensitivity analysis. The dates of the start of flowering and maturity, the yield data, the average daily temperatures and precipitation were collected, and the Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficients were calculated during a fifteen-year study (2005–2020 growing seasons). During the experiment, highly variable weather conditions occurred, strongly modifying the course of phenological phases in soybean and the achieved seed yield of Augusta cultivar. The harvesting of mature soybean seeds took place between 131 and 156 days after sowing, while the harvested yield ranged from 0.6 t·ha−1 to 2.6 t·ha−1. The sensitivity analysis of the MLP neural network made it possible to identify the factors which had the greatest impact on the tested dependent variables among all the analyzed factors. It was revealed that the variables assigned ranks 1 and 2 in the sensitivity analysis of the neural network forming the M_HARV model were total rainfall in the first decade of June and the first decade of August. The variables with the highest impact on the Augusta soybean seed yield (model M_YIELD) were the mean daily air temperature in the second decade of May and the Seljaninov coefficient values calculated for the sowing–flowering date period.

Management and population dynamics of Garella musculana (Erschov) (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) in newly areas, Turkey

The Walnut moth Garella (Erschoviella) musculana (Erschov) (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) seriously damages fresh shoots and fruits since first detected in 2016. The population dynamics of a newly invaded pest is important in developing management strategies in walnut areas. The populations of immature life stages, damage, overwintering, and management of G. musculana were evaluated for two consecutive years (2017-2018) in walnut orchards in Bartın, Turkey. The larvae of G. musculana were determined to damage in young shoots and under fruit pericarp. The first larva stage was recorded to feed at about 5 cm shoots of walnut trees in late-June. The adult flights were also seen in the last decade of June. Although the highest adult population was detected in July and August, significant damage was recorded in the last August and an increase occurred in September. The overwintering pupae were determined under the bark or in cardboard in early October. The damage of the collected fruits was reported about 11-60% in early harvest. The moths were caught only from melas trap throughout the cropping season in the second year, but this study was conducted on long-term population dynamics in both orchards.