Favorable Weather Conditions Research Articles

Spectral assessment of winter wheat varieties and breeding lines in the autumn period

The introduction of modern methods of field assessment of winter wheat genotypes is an integral part of improving the quality of the breeding process. The creation, adaptation, and use of innovative screening technologies in breeding are becoming increasingly popular and allow the breeder to evaluate the original forms and newly created material more broadly and objectively. The autumn period is important for winter crops, when under favourable weather conditions (a gradual decrease in temperature) there is a slowdown in the growth rate of winter wheat, physiological and biochemical processes in the plant's body change, which contribute to its transition to a state of winter dormancy. The state of winter wheat crops (morpho-biometric indicators of plants) in the autumn period is largely decisive in the development of a sufficient level of winter hardiness, and therefore affects the further productivity of the crop. According to the results of the examination of morpho-biological and spectral analysis data, it was identified that before overwintering, the best condition for the first sowing period was distinguished by plants of winter wheat varieties: MIP Lada (NDVI=0.48), Erythrospermum 55023 line (NDVI=0.46), Lutescens 60049 (NDVI=0.46), varieties of MIP Vidznaka (NDVI=0.46) MIP IUvileina (NDVI=0.46), MIP Dniprianka (NDVI=0.46), and Lutescens 55198 line (MIP Darunok) (NDVI=0.47). In the standard Podolianka variety, the index value was at the level of 0.45. During the second sowing period, the following varieties were identified: MIP Assol (NDVI=0.32), Balada myronivs'ka (NDVI=0.32), Erythrospermum 55023 (NDVI=0.33), MIP Lada (NDVI=0.33), MIP IUvileina (NDVI=0.32), Lutescens 55198 (MIP Darunok) (NDVI=0.32), and Lutescens 60107 (NDVI=0.32). The NDVI index of the Podolianka variety was at the level of 0.32

Quantitative Parameters of the Body Composition Influencing Host Seeking Behavior of Ixodes ricinus Adults.

Ixodes ricinus, a hematophagous arthropod species with great medical importance in the northern hemisphere, is characterized by an ability to survive prolonged periods of starvation, a wide host spectrum, and high vector competence. The aim of the present study was to determine the quantitative parameters of questing I. ricinus ticks collected in eastern Poland during the spring peak of their activity. The study consisted in the determination of quantitative parameters characterizing I. ricinus females and males, i.e., fresh body mass, reduced body mass, lipid-free body mass, water mass, and lipid mass and calculation of the lipid index. A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean values of the lipid index in females collected during the first and last ten days of May, which indicates the progressive utilization of reserve materials in the activity period. Higher activity of I. ricinus female ticks was observed during the last ten days of May despite the less favorable weather conditions, indicating their strong determination in host-seeking behaviors accompanying a decline in the lipid content and the use of the “now or never” strategy.

Use of Electric Motors in the Context of Glider Aviation

Abstract In sailplane aviation, I attach great importance to the achieved aerodynamic parameters due to the main idea of sailplane flights, which is the flight of a sailplane without external energy supply for staying in the air and only in favourable weather conditions, e.g. increasing thermal movements of the air. Only during take-off, external devices, such as a winch or a towing plane, can be used. Therefore, the use of a propulsion installed in sailplanes and operating only during take-off is a very convenient solution. This is a step towards facilitating the access to flying for a wider group of people due to the reduction of costs related to the take-off processes, and also increases the level of safety of sailplane flights by enabling the use of propulsion at critical moments of the flight. The study presents the current trends in the development of gliding, in particular motor gliders. Additionally, as a result of research works, the energy storage system was shown, which is the weakest element of the system, and at the same time the one with the greatest development potential.

Evaluation of durum winter wheat varieties by growth and development indicators

The article presents the study results of the formation of growth and development indicators (growing season length of plants, plant height, density dynamics, ear parameters and grain yield) of domestic varieties of durum winter wheat. It is analyzed that the level of the signs manifestation varies signifcantly depending on the weather conditions of the growing season. However, the growing season duration hardly depend on weather conditions and is 268–269 days. In the full ripeness stage, the height of plants increased 1.4–1.8 times in comparison with earing with insignifcant variation (V=1–5 %) depending on the variety. The lowest plants were Athena, Continent and Laguna – 71–76 cm. Uneven precipitation distribution and high air temperature in 2013 contributed to the formation of fewer stems of durum winter wheat plants compared to more favourable 2014. In the full ripeness stage of durum winter wheat grain in 2013, the coefcient of total tillering was 1.01–1.26 depending on the variety. In 2014, the stem density was the highest. In the full ripeness stage of grain, the number of stems ranged from 650 to 812 pcs/m2 depending on the variety with a total tillering rate of 1.54–1.91. It should be noted that Athena and Linkor varieties retained a higher ability to tillering and stem survival in different weather conditions. The ear length of winter durum wheat varied from 5.9 to 6.7 cm depending on the variety with slight and small variation (V=3–16 %). The number of spikelets in the ear was from 16 to 20 pcs with a small variation coefcient. The ear length of durum winter wheat varied most. Thus, of the nine varieties, the variation coefcient of this indicator in six varieties was average, and in the rest of them - small. However, there was no signifcant difference between the varieties. The highest yields were formed by Argonaut, Gardemaryn and Linkor varieties – 6.00–6.31 t/ha or 13–19 % more than the standard. Grain yield varied signifcantly depending on the weather conditions of the growing season, which is also evidenced by the stability index and was below 1 (0.48–0.64). Less favourable weather conditions in 2013 provided the yield of 3.74–4.63 t/ha depending on the variety. More favourable weather conditions in 2014 provided the grain yield of 5.46–8.25 t/ha depending on durum winter wheat variety. It is obvious that the positive effect of weather conditions in 2014 on tillering and stem survival of winter durum wheat determined the formation of higher grain yield. Key words: durum winter wheat, variety, growth and development indicators, yield.

Energy productivity of sugar sorghum in the central part of the Forest-steppe of Ukraine depending on the harvesting time

Due to global climate change, sugar sorghum (Sorghum saccharatum), due to its fast growth rate, early maturation, efcient use of water and limited need for fertilizers, is the most promising plant for biofuel production in the world. The article presents the results of the study on establishing the dependence of sugar sorghum energy performance indicators on varietal characteristics (varieties 'Silosne 42' and 'Favorit' and hybrids 'Dovista' and 'Medoviy F1') and the green biomass harvesting time. The purpose of the research was to establish the influence of varietal characteristics and harvesting time on sugar sorghum energy productivity in the zone of unstable moisture in the Central part of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The research subject is sugar sorghum energy productivity indicators (yield of green biomass; sugar content of juice; yield of biogas, bioethanol, solid biofuel; total energy yield). The studies were carried out during 2016–2020 in the zone of unstable moisture in the central part of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine in the conditions of the Bila Tserkva Experimental Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. It has been established that the highest yield of biofuel and energy (up to 791.8 GJ/ha) is achieved under growing sugar sorghum of the 'Dovista' hybrid, provided that its biomass is collected in the phase of full seed ripeness (early October). It is advisable to start collecting sugar sorghum biomass for biogas after the panicle throwing phase. To ensure the maximum yield of bioethanol, the optimal time for harvesting green biomass of sugar sorghum is the second decade of September – the frst decade of October. The maximum yield of solid biofuel is achieved under harvesting biomass after the phase of waxy ripeness of grain. The formation of the yield of green biomass of sugar sorghum was more influenced by weather conditions (47.4 %), the influence of varietal characteristics (17.8 %) and the timing of harvesting (12.8 %) was less. But the energy yield was most influenced by the timing of harvesting biomass (37.4 %). A close linear correlation between the energy output and the yield of green (R2=0.81) and dry biomass (R2=0.99) was established. The most ecological plasticity in terms of the total energy yield per unit area turned out to be the 'Medoviy F1' hybrid (b=1.62), which indicates the prospects of growing this hybrid under favorable weather conditions and high level of agricultural technology. Key words: sugar sorghum, varietal characteristics, harvesting time, energy yield, biofuel yield, productivity.

Combination of different means of parcel deliveries in urban logistics in adverse weather conditions

Purpose. The main purpose of the article is to assess the economic and socio-environmental costs of the urban delivery of small shipments in difficult weather conditions with a combination of different delivery means - a car, a motorcycle, a bicycle and a pedestrian courier.
 Methodology. The methodology for determining the integrated costs of urban logistics for small shipments in difficult weather conditions is based on an assessment of the region's synoptic data, statistics on road accidents and congestion levels, as well as on the specific operating conditions of the delivery company.
 Results. The result of the work is the cost of combining all-season delivery means with a motorcycle and a bicycle, which can only be used under favorable weather conditions.
 The theoretical contribution. The theoretical contribution consists in the presentation of a methodology that makes it possible to estimate the complex costs of a combination of various urban delivery means.
 Practical implications. Practical implementation consists in calculating the total costs for the delivery of goods for an online store in Kyiv with various combinations of delivery means, which allows to choose the most successful alternative.

Parents' Perceptions on Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity among Schoolchildren: A Qualitative Study.

Given that physical activity (PA) plays an important role in early childhood, understanding the factors that affect the practice of PA at an early age could help develop effective strategies for overcoming barriers and increasing activity levels in this age group. A qualitative study was conducted based on grounded theory aimed at exploring the perceptions of mothers and fathers from Cuenca and Ciudad Real (Castilla La Mancha, Spain) regarding barriers and facilitators of physical activity of their children during the adiposity rebound period. Data were collected using focus groups involving 46 parents of children in the 3rd grade of pre-school and 1st grade of elementary school. During the analysis, the socio-ecological model and grounded theory were used. The barriers encountered were the preferences of children for sedentary activities (individual factors), academic tasks as a main priority of parents, the influence of older siblings and the unfavorable school environment (microsystem), the lack of family conciliation (mesosystem), and barriers related to the built environment or lack of facilities for physical activity (exosystem). Facilitators were the preferences for active games (individual factors), parental models including the co-participation of parents in activities, the influence of friends, living in large homes, the support provided by teachers and the school (microsystem), living in rural areas, having sufficient facilities, favorable weather conditions (exosystem), and the existence of free or subsidized activities (macro system). Programs aimed at promoting PA in early childhood should include strategies that address contextual factors and not only focus on individual factors related to the child.

Migrating curlews on schedule: departure and arrival patterns of a long-distance migrant depend on time and breeding location rather than on wind conditions

BackgroundDeparture decisions in long-distance migratory bird species may depend on favourable weather conditions and beneficial resources at the destination location, overarched by genetic triggers. However, few studies have tried to validate the significance of these three concepts simultaneously, and long-term, high-resolution tagging datasets recording individual movements across consecutive years are scarce. We used such a dataset to explore intraspecific and intra-individual variabilities in departure and arrival decisions from/to wintering grounds in relation to these three different concepts in bird migration.MethodsWe equipped 23 curlews (Numenius arquata) wintering in the Wadden Sea with Global Positioning System data loggers to record their spatio-temporal patterns of departure from and arrival at their wintering site, and the first part of their spring migration. We obtained data for 42 migrations over 6 years, with 12 individuals performing repeat migrations in consecutive years. Day of year of departure and arrival was related to 38 meteorological and bird-related predictors using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to identify drivers of departure and arrival decisions.ResultsCurlews migrated almost exclusively to Arctic and sub-Arctic Russia for breeding. They left their wintering site mainly during the evening from mid- to late April and returned between the end of June and mid-July. There was no difference in departure times between the sexes. Weather parameters did not impact departure decisions; if departure days coincided with headwind conditions, the birds accounted for this by flying at higher altitudes of up to several kilometres. Curlews breeding further away in areas with late snowmelt departed later. Departures dates varied by only < 4 days in individual curlews tagged over consecutive years.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the trigger for migration in this long-distance migrant is largely independent of weather conditions but is subject to resource availability in breeding areas. The high intra-individual repeatability of departure days among subsequent years and the lack of relationship to weather parameters suggest the importance of genetic triggers in prompting the start of migration. Further insights into the timing of migration in immatures and closely related birds might help to further unravel the genetic mechanisms triggering migration patterns.

Associations between weather conditions and physical activity and sedentary time in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the associations between weather conditions and physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) in children and adolescents. A systematic search of six databases identified 11,816 articles, of which 26 studies were included in the review. Several weather conditions were included, such as rainfall, temperature, wind speed, day length, sunlight, humidity, snowfall, and clouds. Meta-analyses showed that higher temperatures were associated with more moderate-to-vigorous PA, while lower temperature and heavily rainfall was associated with longer ST. Children and adolescents showed more PA and less ST during favorable weather conditions. Future longitudinal and intervention studies on PA and ST should focus on how weather conditions promote or hinder these behaviors.

Use of Meat Industry Waste in the Form of Meat-and-Bone Meal in Fertilising Maize (Zea mays L.) for Grain

The processing of meat industry waste into meat-and-bone meal (MBM) provides the opportunity to use it as fertiliser in the cultivation of agricultural crops. This study was conducted in the years 2014–2017 at the Experimental Station in Tomaszkowo, Poland to assess MBM effects on yield and quality of maize cultivated for grain. An example of the effective use of nutrients contained in MBM applied at doses of 2.0 and 3.0 t ha is the cultivation of maize in 2016, which was affected by favourable weather conditions. The effect of the accumulation of MBM doses and, consequently, the provision of a greater amount of nutrients ensure sufficient amounts to obtain yields, greater than those provided by mineral fertilisation only. The macronutrient concentration in the maize grains following the application of MBM was similar to the composition of the grains of maize fertilised with mineral N, P and K fertilisers. With the MBM, micronutrients are introduced in amounts that are able to satisfy plants with these components, yet this study failed to demonstrate any effect of increased MBM doses on the concentration of the analysed elements in the maize grains.

Agroecological bases of optimization of formation of agrophytocenoses of agricultural crops in the Central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Purpose. Identify the features of growth and development of crops in ontogenesis depending on the weather conditions of the growing season and fertilizer rates and establish certain theoretical relationships.&#x0D; Methods. Laboratoryfield, statistical.&#x0D; Results. A comprehensive system of observations and assessment of crops was carried out during 2008–2017 in crop rotation in farms of Tetiiv district of Kyiv region and in SE Shevchenkivske of IBCSB NAAS of Ukraine. Crop rotation productivity is a function of the complex interaction of weather (HTC) and agrotechnical (fertilizer) factors. It is established that the potential productivity of crop rotations by 8–47% depends on the weather conditions of the growing season. The most favorable weather conditions (HTC) were in 2008 (1.1), 2010 (1.2), 2012 (1.2), and 2014 (1.8). The results of the research also showed a close relationship between crop yield and fertilizer factor. On average, over the years of research, the maximum yield of the main products was obtained with the combined use of mineral and organic fertilizers: sugar beet 40.91–43.21 t/ha, fodder beet 69.3–69.5 t/ha, corn for grain 5, 906.03 t/ha, corn for silage, 60.0 62.3 t/ha.&#x0D; Conclusions. To create highly productive agrophytocenoses of agricultural crops, it is necessary to reach the parameters of optimal density, which contributes to the maximum biological productivity of plants in the system ‘hydrothermal conditions–plants–components of technology’.

Monitoring of Spring Wheat Cultivation Under the Climatic Conditions of Kursk Region

With the help of generalization and mathematical processing of statistical data, the author found that in Kursk Region, the yield of spring wheat from 1995 to 2018 increased more than 2.5 times (from 1.58 metric tons / ha in 1995 to 3.97 metric tons / ha in 2018), although in Russia there were no significant changes in crop yield. While conducting a correlation analysis of the associated data of spring wheat yield in Kursk Region for the period studied, a close relationship was established with the application of basic nutrients (0.84) and with the prevailing weather conditions of a particular year of cultivation (0.86). It was found out that spring wheat grew under optimal weather conditions in 50% of cases. Adverse and favorable weather conditions are formed equally in 25 % of cases of years. Under optimal weather conditions, a high direct linear relationship between yield and the sum of active temperatures is recorded, which is significant at 99% level. Crop shortage in unfavorable years was associated with high air temperature during the entire growing season of the crop and a lack of humidity from seedlings to grain ripeness and an increase in humidity during the harvest of the crop. A linear regression relationship between yield and moisture coefficient was revealed. Thus, the moisture coefficient is the limiting agro-climatic resource of spring wheat yield under the conditions of Kursk Region.

Cold air ventilation for cooling and drying of poplar wood chips from short rotation coppice in outdoor storage piles in Germany

The storage and natural drying of wood chips from short rotation coppices (SRC) in open-air piles can be related to high dry matter losses (DML) of more than 20%. Thus it should be researched, whether such loss can energy efficiently be reduced using cold air ventilation (CAV). Respectively, a dedicated channel system for sensor controlled ventilation and drying of wood chips was developed and tested in the drying process of two storage piles of poplar chips (2 × 90 m³). The ventilation of the storage piles was facilitated in two consecutive program phases: a cooling program, subsequent to the harvest in the month of March, and a drying program under more favorable weather conditions in the month of April. The characteristically high temperature rise typical for wood chip storage immediately subsequent to storage intake could be limited to an average storage pile temperature of 6.3 °C with just 41 blower operation hours due to the cooling program in the month of March. Due to the subsequent drying process in April, the storage pile could be dried further from 51.5% to 11.9% in 196 blower operation hours. The required energy input for the process of CAV, consisting of cooling and drying, amounted to 456 MJ t−1 (dry matter). At a total demand of electric energy of 5332 MJ per storage pile, a more than six times higher thermal energy advantage of 35,233 MJ was achieved. DML of 11% were measured at the end of wood chip drying using CAV.

Characteristics and source attribution of PM2.5 during 2016 G20 Summit in Hangzhou: Efficacy of radical measures to reduce source emissions

A field campaign was conducted to study the PM2.5 and atmospheric gases and aerosol's components to evaluate the efficacy of radical measures implemented by the Chinese government to improve air quality during the 2016 G20 Summit in Hangzhou China. The lower level of PM2.5 (32.48 ± 11.03 µg/m3) observed during the control period compared to pre-control and post-control periods showed that PM2.5 was alleviated by control policies. Based on the mass concentrations of particulate components, the emissions of PM2.5 from local sources including fossil fuel, coal combustion, industry and construction were effectively reduced, but non-exhaust emission was not reduced as effectively as expected. The accumulation of SNA (SO42−, NO3−, NH4+) was observed during the control period, due to the favourable synoptic weather conditions for photochemical reactions and heterogeneous hydrolysis. Because of transboundary transport during the control period, air masses from remote areas contributed significantly to local PM2.5. Although, secondary organic carbon (OCsec) exhibited more sensitivity than primary organic carbon (OCpri) to control measures, and the increased nitrogen oxidation ratio (NOR) implied the regional transport of aged secondary aerosols to the study area. Overall, the results from various approaches revealed that local pollution sources were kept under control, indicating that the implementation of mitigation measures were helpful in improving the air quality of Hangzhou during G20 summit. To reduce ambient levels of PM2.5 further in Hangzhou, regional control policies may have to be taken so as to reduce the impact of long-range transport of air masses from inland China.

Physiological features of northern soybean ecotype varieties cultivated in the conditions of the central black earth region

In 2017–2019 on 7 soybean varieties and 2 breeding lines of FSBSI «Federal Scientific Center of Legumes and Groat Crops» (FSBSI FSC LGC) the physiological mechanisms of adaptive reactions of soybean plants in contrasting meteorological conditions, influencing the formation of productivity, have been studied. The optimal area of soybean leaves for the formation of high grain productivity in unfavorable conditions of lack of heat and excess of moisture is 50 thous. m 2 /ha; in favorable conditions of a warm year with sufficient moisture supply, this indicator increases to 100 thous. m 2 /ha. In favorable weather conditions, the proportion of leaves and beans in the total plant mass increases. The adaptive reactions of the pigment complex consist in an increase in the content of chlorophyll b and carotenoids under conditions of drought and excessive illumination and carotenoids under high humidity and lack of heat and light. Two groups of varieties have been identified: 1. early ripening Lantsetnaya, Krasivaya Mecha, Osmon', distinguished by a balanced distribution of plastic substances in conditions of excessive moisture and forming a grain yield at the level of 2.5–2.8 t/ha; 2. middle-ripening Zusha, Mezenka, L-85, under these conditions, forming a large area of leaves and a mass of nodules, which leads to a decrease in grain productivity to 1.9– 2.2 t/ha. The early ripening varieties Lantsetnaya and Krasivaya Mecha have a balanced distribution of plastic substances and are able to form a high yield, both with an excess of moisture and a lack of heat, and in arid conditions. Line L-85, characterized by high values of photosynthetic and symbiotic parameters, formed the maximum yield of dry matter (12.3 t/ha) and grain (2.8 t/ha) on average over 3 years. The greatest amount of nitrogen in the vegetative organs of soybeans and in the grain accumulates in years with high humidity in comparison with favorable conditions of the growing season. Effective assimilation activity of leaves, active nitrogen fixation of nodule bacteria lead to increased accumulation of nitrogen in the grain. By the amount of crude protein in grain, the varieties Krasivaya Mecha (42.5%), Shatilovskaya 17 (41.2%) and the L-216 line (41.3%) were distinguished; for the collection of protein with a grain of 1.1 t/ha — Krasivaya Mecha and line L-85. A high positive correlation was found between the yield of the aboveground mass and the photosynthetic potential and leaf area at the level of r = 0.8–0.9; with a mass of nodules at the level — r = 0.6–0.8 for all 3 years of research. A close relationship between grain productivity and photosynthetic and symbiotic indicators was noted in a favorable 2018 at the level of r = 0.7–0.8.

Simulacija primene dve mere adaptacije na klimatske promene na prinos pšenice, kukuruza i suncokreta modelom AquaCrop

Frequent occurrence of droughts over the last two decades, as well as increases in the air temperature increase have led to the rise farmers' concerns that field crop production would not be possible without irrigation. The aim of this research is to assess how two adaptation measures, sowing dates and irrigation and water excess impacts the yields of wheat, maize and sunflower in Serbia. In order to assess the future of climatic condition five representative locations have been selected for the analysis (Novi Sad, Valjevo, Kragujevac, Negotic and Leskovac). For the analysis of future climatic conditions, results of the ensemble of nine regional climate models from the Euro-CORDEX database were used. The period between 1986 and 2005 was used as a reference, while time slices in the future are: 2016-2035 (near future), 2046-2065 (mid-century) and 2081-2100 (end of the century). Analyses were made for the scenario of GHG emmisions RCP8.5. Aquacrop model v.6.1 was used for the yield, sowing period, and irrigation requirement assessment. The analysis and the results have indicated that earlier start of the growing season of maize and sunflower for 5, 11 and 19 days in near future, mid and end of the century, respectively, whereas optimal sowing period for rainfed wheat will vary from September 20 to November 30, depending on rainfall occurrence, and for irrigated one in optimal sowing period (beginning of October). The warmer climate will shorten the growing cycle of all studied crops. However, the shortening significantly differs among locations. The growing cycle of maize shortened from 34 up to 48 days in Valjevo in near future through the end of the century, while in Negotin it could be less only for 6 days. The increase in air temperature and earlier start of the growing season will enable the most sensitive phenophases, flowering and fruit formation, to appear in a period of more favorable weather conditions, together with the increase in CO2 concentration, can help mitigate the negative impact of the climate change, so that there will be no reduction in sunflower yields. Slight increment of sunflower yields could be expected by the end of century (2.3 - 13.8%), whereas yield of maize will remain on the present level. The increase of wheat yield could be expected only in the near future (up to 8.3 %), but also it can be reduced at some locations by the end of the century. Irrigation water requirements of all studied crops will remain at the same level the same level as the present, but only if sowing applied in the optimal period. Although it is known that irrigation changes microclimatic conditions, ie., the air humidity increases, and the air temperature decreases (the so-called oasis effect), which can affect the extension of the vegetation period, and thus the increase in yield. Such subtle changes in the microclimate cannot be "recognized" by models, so even simulated yields cannot be fully (accurately) predicted. This research come to the conclusion that in addition to irrigation, shifting the sowing dates earlier can have an impact on mitigating the consequences of climate change in crop production, which is of great importance for areas where there is not enough water for irrigation. The risk of drought will exist on shallow and sandy soils as well as on overwetted lands that cannot be plowed until drained to be sown in optimal terms and all crops sown in the late spring.

Формування врожайності інтенсивних насаджень черешні (Cerasus avium L.) залежно від довжини інтеркаляра ВСЛ 2 в зоні Південного Степу України

The comparative evaluation of the predicted (biological) and actual yields of the sweet cherry Valerii Chkalov and Melitopolska Chorna, grafted on the interstem VSL 2 (the main rootstock is Mahaleb seedlings) was carried out in the intense orchards under the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. The trees with the interstem VSL 2 length 30 cm appeared to be characterized by the highest spur density, displaying an increase by 19 and 11 %, as compared to tress with the interstem length 20 cm (control) and 50 cm respectively. Cv Melitopolska Chorna on the 2-4-year-old wood had the 1.3-1.6 times higher spur density than ‘Valerii Chkalov’. The analysis of the total number of spurs per tree showed that for VSL 2 length 20 and 30 cm, this index was, on the average, 1233 and 1252 pcs./tree respectively. Only when the interstem length increased to 50 cm, there was a decrease in the number of spurs per tree by 23 %. That can be explained by the reduction in vigour of the trees in this variant. The studied varieties proved to react to the change of VSL 2 length in different ways: the average yield of the ‘Valerii Chkalov’ – trees in 2014-2018 in the variants with the interstem length 20 cm (control) was equal to that with the length 30 cm – 8.9 and 9.0 t/ha respectively, but than lower with length of 50 cm – 8.6 t/ha. The trees of ‘Melitopolska Chorna’ with the interstem length 30 cm showed the highest yield – 10.1 t/ha. That surpassed the control variant by 26 %. The decrease of the yield in the variant the VSL 2 length 50 cm on the both studied strains can be explained by the lower vigour causing fewer amount of the spurs formed on a tree. In the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine the intense sweet cherry orchards during the years with the favourable weather conditions, turned out to be able to apply their productivity potential by 69-78 %.

Realization of sweet cherry varieties productivity in stressful conditions in the south of Russia

The main stress factors for sweet cherries in the Krasnodar region are: late return frosts and early exposure to frost after a warm autumn. Against the background of late return frosts, the death of the generative organs of sweet cherry was 95%, the realization of the productive potential − 3.3%; after early spring frosts, freezing of cherry fruit buds was 30%, the realization of productive potential − 47.8%. The early impact of frost after a warm autumn, the death of the generative organs of sweet cherry was 90%, the realization of the productive potential − 5.6%. Under favorable weather conditions, i.e. in the absence of any type of stress, the yield of sweet cherry varieties reached 40.5 kg/tree or 27 t/ha, and the implementation of the production potential − 57.8%. Mathematical analysis showed a high correlation (R2 = 0.97) of the yield of varieties from the abnormal temperatures in March and the degree of exposure to stress, i.e. damage to generative organs (R2 = 0.9). Domestic varieties Alaya, Sashenka and Volshebnitsa, can be recommended for creating sustainable plantations in the south of Russia.

Спектральна оцінка сортів та селекційних ліній пшениці озимої в осінній період

The introduction of modern methods for field assessment of winter wheat genotypes is an integral part of improving the quality of the breeding process. The creation, adaptation and use of innovative screening technologies in breeding is becoming increasingly popular and allows the breeder to more widely and objectively evaluate the original forms and newly created material. Important for winter is the autumn period, when under favorable weather conditions (gradual decrease in temperature) there is a slowdown in the growth rate of winter wheat, changing physiological and biochemical processes in the plant, which contribute to its transition to hibernation. The state of winter wheat crops (morpho-biometric indicators of plants) in the autumn is largely decisive in the formation of a sufficient level of winter hardiness, and thus affects the further productivity of the crop. According to the results of analysis of morpho-biological and spectral analysis data, it was established that before overwintering the best condition for the first sowing period was winter wheat plants: MIP Lada (NDVI = 0.48), erythrospermum line 55023 (NDVI = 0.46), Lutesens 60049 (NDVI = 0.46), varieties MIP Distinction (NDVI = 0.46) MIP Jubilee (NDVI = 0.46), MIP Dnipryanka (NDVI = 0.46) and line Lutesens 55198 (MIP Gift) (NDVI = 0, 47). In the standard variety Podolyanka, the index value was at the level of 0.45. During the second sowing period, the following varieties were identified: MIP Assol (NDVI = 0.32), Ballad Myronivska (NDVI = 0.32), Erythrospermum 55023 (NDVI = 0.33), MIP Lada (NDVI = 0.33), MIP Jubilejna ( NDVI = 0.32) and Lutesens 55198 (MIP Gift) (NDVI = 0.32) and Lutesens 60107 (NDVI = 0.32). NDVI index of Podolyanka variety was at the level of 0.32.

Evaluation of Pakistani Wheat against Aphid, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) under Favourable Weather Conditions in Peshawar, Pakistan

Evaluation of Pakistani Wheat against Aphid, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) under Favourable Weather Conditions in Peshawar, Pakistan