Federal Agricultural Research Centre Research Articles

Immunological structure and yield of winter rye varieties bred by the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the North-East named N. V. Rudnitsky

The study was carried out in the conditions of Kirov region in 2019–2023. Against provocative and infectious backgrounds of snow mold, root rot, ergot, powdery mildew, leaf and stem rust, the immunological state and yield of 15 varieties of winter rye created over a 73-year period were studied. Taking into account the breeding methods, the source material used and the year of creation, they were conditionally distributed over five successive periods of breeding and variety change: I – Vyatka 2, Kirovskaya 89; II – Falenskaya 4, Snezhana, Rushnik; III – Flora, Grafinya, Batist; IV – Lika, Talitsa; V – Symphoniya, Garmoniya, Graphit, Graphit FP, Perepel. When recording diseases, well-known methods were used. Research has shown that as a result of breeding, on artificial infectious backgrounds newly created varieties showed a decrease in the development of root rot (Flora, Perepel, Garmoniya – degree of damage 14.6, 15.5 and 15.0 %) and ergot (Flora, Grafinya, Batist, Lika, Symphoniya, Graphit FP, Garmoniya – damage 11.4...15.9 %), grain contamination with sclerotia – 0.38...1.84 %. In varieties of the I period of breeding the degree of root rot infection was 18.8 %, ergot infection – 31.7 %. There is no progress in breeding for resistance to powdery mildew and rust types. The most productive varieties are Lika and Batist (769.3 and 738.7 g/m2), which significantly exceed the Falenskaya 4 standard (578.8 g/m2). A close and significant dependence (p ≥ 095) was revealed between the yield of winter rye varieties and regrowth of plants after snow mold infection (r = 0.693...0.830) as well as grain contamination with sclerotia (r = -0.531...-0.712). The relationship between the yield of winter rye and the development of other studied diseases is insignificant and weak. Considering the high harmfulness of snow mold and ergot in the research region, it is necessary to continue to carry out breeding improvement of varieties for these characteristics, as well as to increase resistance to powdery mildew and types of rust.

Evaluation of economically valuable traits in millet cultivars bred by scientific research institutions of different geographical locations

In 2022, a study of economic traits was conducted on 16 varieties and lines of millet breeding from various research institutions (RI). The aim of the study was to investigate the productivity structure of millet varieties and lines of different ecological and geographical origins in the vegetation conditions of the Saratov region. To achieve this goal, research was conducted in experimental fields of the Federal Agricultural Research Center of South-East, where Saratov selection varieties and lines were grown, and their comparison was made with varieties of different geographical locations. Phenological and morphological measurements were carried out to assess adaptive properties. The results showed that Saratov selection varieties and lines demonstrate high adaptability to changing weather conditions in conditions of sharp continental climate in the agro-climatic region. They have high yield, economic coefficient, are resistant to smut pathogens and have high grain quality. The results of the study can be used in other research institutions to create new millet varieties combining yield, grain quality, and resistance to variation in hydrothermal conditions.

Studying the effect of heterosis and predicting the prospects of hybrid spring wheat populations in breeding for productivity and drought resistance

Background. In combination breeding, information about the degree of superiority of hybrids in productivity and drought resistance over their parents in early generations, as well as the possibility of preserving their advantages in subsequent generations, are of great practical interest.Materials and methods. In 2018–2021, 16 hybrid populations of spring bread wheat of the 1st through 4th generations, obtained from intraspecific crosses among parent cultivars, were studied at the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the NorthEast. The hybrids and their parents were tested in the field for productivity and in the laboratory for drought resistance. Inheritance types were determined by the degree of phenotypic dominance of plant characters. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using correlation and variance analyses.Results. Hybrids that demonstrated heterosis in the number of grains per ear had an advantage on this basis in subsequent generations. The inheritance type of the 1000 grain weight did not determine the level of this character in older generation hybrids. There was a change in the type of inheritance for the number of radicles during the transition from normal to stressful conditions. Hybrids that showed heterosis in seedling weight in the control and the experiment were distinguished by higher rates in subsequent generations. A significant negative correlation was found between grain yield and the number of radicles formed with a lack of moisture, and a positive correlation between grain yield and the weight of seedlings. Seven promising hybrid combinations fusing productivity with drought resistance were identified.Conclusion. The analysis of hybrids from early generations according to the degree of phenotypic dominance of the number of grains per ear and number of radicles in the experiment, and the weight of seedlings in the control and the experiment can be quite informative for use in breeding programs.

Agrobiological study of the collection of winter rye

The paper presents the results of studying collection samples of winter rye for yield and agrobiological traits in the Kirov Region. The authors conducted the field research in 2021–2022 at the experimental field of the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the Northeast (Kirov City). The study aimed to identify sources of valuable traits for breeding winter rye in the Kirov Region. Weather conditions contributed to the manifestation of the adaptive potential of the samples. Overwintering conditions were at the climatic norm level. Drought in May 2021 (hydrothermal coefficient 0.8) led to a deterioration of spike indicators. More favourable moisture conditions during the spring-summer vegetation were observed in 2022 (hydrothermal coefficient for May-July 1.2–2.5). As a result of the study, the most adapted samples were identified: K-10474 Edelhofer New, K-10394 Otello, Snow 2 242/15, K-10028 Low-stemmed, with productive stem density of more than 200 pcs/m2 and yields of 168–180 g/m2. Sources of high earliness (52–56 pcs.) and spike productivity (1.75–1.86 g) were identified, such as Snow 2 242/15, K-11821 Donskaya, K-11823 Nika 3; spikelet quantity per spike (33 pcs.) – K-11515 Pallada, K-11649 UH 14; 1000 grain weight – K-11693 Warko (33.6 g). For selection for lodging resistance, promising samples are K-11674 Talovskaya 2, K-11635 Polko, K-11649 UH 14, donors of dominant monogenic short stem K-10028 Low-stemmed, donors of recessive polygenic short stem K-10149 Carstens, K-10229 Danae. To increase the genetic diversity of breeding material of winter rye in the Kirov Region, samples K-10394 Otello (Sweden), K-10474 Edelhofer New (Austria), K-11410 SCW 1662 (Germany), K-11693 Warko (Poland), Snow 2 242/15 (Russia), K-11821 Donskaya (Russia), K-11823 Nika 3 (Russia), K-10028 Low-stemmed (Bulgaria), K-11515 Pallada (Ukraine) are proposed for crossing with local varieties.

Accumulation and morphological properties of starch in tubers of new potato hybrids

The article presents the results of studying potato accessions according to the accumulation and morphological properties of starch in tubers in the nursery of dynamic testing in agroecological conditions of the Kirov region (Volga-Vyatka region) in 2022. The objects of the research were 11 new hybrids bred by the Falenki Breeding Station – branch of the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the North-East named N.V. Rudnitsky. The early-maturing variety Udacha, the middle-early variety Nevsky, and the mid-season variety Chaika were used as standards. There have been identified hybrids with increased starch content (19 % and higher) on the 80th day of vegetation: early-maturing 172-13, medium-early – 165-00, 27-07, 13-18, mid-season – 182-13, 580-13, 252-18. The hybrids of the middle early group had the largest average size of starch grains: 165-00 (34.3±2.6 microns), 132-18 (36.0±3.0 microns), 233-12 (39.2±3.3 microns). Most of the hybrids had starch grains of regular rounded shape, accessions 233-12 and 232-12 – mostly irregular (angular) shape. In the course of the research, it was found that storing potatoes at the temperature of 3...4 ° C led to a decrease in the fraction of starch grains of very large size: in early-maturing varieties from 9.2 to 2.7 %, in middle early – from 13.5 to 5.0 %, in mid-season – from 9.6 to 3.2 %, which was due to starch resynthesis. As a result of the breeding work, promising potato hybrids of various maturation periods have been identified for transfer to state variety testing with improved agronomic traits, including high potential productivity: early-maturing 172-13, middle-early 233-12, mid-season 182-13 and 580-13.

Estimation of the efficiency of <i>in vitro</i> anther culture method for obtaining haploid triticale plants (×<i>Triticosecale</i> wittmack)

Anther culture is one of the most popular methods for obtaining haploid triticale plants. The current paper has presented the study results of the efficiency of the method for obtaining haploid plants in promising winter triticale forms bred by the Federal Agricultural Research Center of South-East. There has been estimated haploproduction parameters for the studied genotypes on the nutrient media C-17 and P-2. There were no genotypes unresponsive to androgenesis. There has been found that the medium Potato-2 had a significant positive effect on the total number of embryogenic structures per 100 cultivated anthers in four of the six studied genotypes when the index increased in 1–3 times. The mean value of the EC/100KP indicator was 23.3 with a variation of 6.4-75.1. The largest number of ES (45.8 and 75.1) was found in genotype No. 96 (F5 Zimogor/win.br.wheat L.39) on induction media C-17 and P-2. The genotypes No. 95 and No. 97 were characterized by the lowest indicators F4 DH13/ win.br.wheat ‘Atkara’//Vodoley/ADP-2///Colina and F5 MAG/Vodoley//TI-17. Plant regeneration varied from 3.4 to 22.1 with an average value of 12.6 per 100 EC. The mean number of green plants per 100 EC was 3.9, varying from 0.4 to 12.1. The proportion of green plants, depending on the genotype, varied from 5.0 to 76.9 %. Two-way analysis of variance has identified the dominant role of the genotype at all stages of haploproduction. The proportion of effect of the nutrient medium was statistically significant, but insignificant in comparison with the genotype. There has been established that, along with genotypic dependence and albinism, the limiting factor of the method is a low frequency of regeneration of embryo-like structures. In total, there were obtained 949 regenerated plants out of 7538 embryogenic structures, of which 326 were green. The ratio of green plants to albinos was 1:2.

Screening of <i>Stb</i> leaf blotch resistance genes of the common wheat varieties

Currently, leaf blotch is one of the main problems in wheat production around the world. The use of DNA markers for screening a large amount of breeding material makes it possible to identify wheat leaf blotch resistance genes quickly and accurately. In this regard, the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the North-East named after N. V. Rudnitsky conducted a search for DNA markers linked to Z. tritici resistance in the genotypes of the collection material of common wheat. There were studied 75 spring and 12 winter bread wheat varieties for the presence of the Stb2, Stb11, Stb12 and Stb13 genes. As a result, Stb leaf blotch resistance genes were found only in 8.0 % of varieties. In the genotype of the spring wheat variety ‘Irmenka 1’, there was determined the presence of three loci of resistance Stb2, Stb11 and Stb13, which were responsible for age-related and juvenile resistance to the disease. The genes of juvenile leaf blotch resistance Stb11 and Stb13 were found in the genotype of the spring common wheat variety ‘Tertsiya’. The Stb2 gene controlling age-related leaf blotch resistance was found in the genotypes of spring wheat varieties ‘Dariya’, ‘Egisar 29’ and ‘Epos’. In the genotypes of winter varieties ‘Gene’ and ‘Ble-seigle’, there were found one gene Stb11 and Stb13, respectively. The Stb12 leaf blotch resistance gene was not identified in the studied wheat varieties. All spring and winter common wheat varieties with Stb-genes can be recommended as sources of leaf blotch resistance in breeding with highly productive varieties adapted to local conditions.

Influence of the degree of ergot damage on the productivity elements of winter rye varieties

Under the conditions of the Kirov region in 2020-2022 there were studied 21 varieties of winter rye bred by Russian scientific institutions according to the nature of the relationship in the patho-system "Secale cereale L. – Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul.". Under artificial inoculation of flowers with a suspension of the pathogen all the studied varieties were affected by ergot in the range from 3.17 (Graphite FP) to 34.69 % (Saratovskaya 10), with grain contamination with sclerotia – from 0.13 (Graphite FP, Quail) up to 1.87 % (Amber), which indicates their susceptibility to the disease. However, taking into account the signs of "damage by ergot", "contamination of grain with sclerotia" and "yield" for further breeding for ergot resistance, it is possible to recommend varieties Perepel, Lika and Graphite FP (bred by the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the North-East named N. V. Rudnitsky. The influence of the genotype on the biometry of sclerotia has been revealed. This is indirectly evidenced by the significant variability of their parameters in different varieties of rye, which should be taken into account during the mechanical cleaning of grain. Using the Graphite variety as an example, a significant (P ≥ 095) decrease in the grain content and productivity of an ear has been established when more than two sclerotia are formed in it, and four sclerotia form 1000 grains. With an increase in their number to 11 pieces, this pattern remained unchanged, and the harmfulness of ergot reached 64.05 % (ear grain size), 79.60 % (ear productivity) and 46.32 % (grain size). In the process of regression analysis, it has been established that with an increase in infection of the ear by 1-2 sclerotia, the number of grains in the ear decreases by 4.96 pieces, the mass of grain per ear – by 0.26 g, the grain size – by 2.49 g. The similar calculations with a preliminary analysis of the degree of plant damage can be of prognostic value in assessing the potential harmfulness of ergot.

Ecological testing results of the winter bread wheat varieties and lines developed in the FSBSI «ARC «Donskoy» in the Kursk region

The current paper has presented the ecological testing results of the winter bread wheat varieties and lines developed in the FSBSI «ARC «Donskoy» in the soil and climatic conditions of the Kursk region. The purpose of the current study was to identify promising varieties and breeding lines of winter bread wheat adapted to the conditions of the Central Blackearth region of the Russian Federation. The objects of the study at the initial stage (2018–2020) were such winter wheat varieties included in the State List of Breeding Achievements as ‘Volny Don’, ‘Krasa Dona’, ‘Donskaya Step’, ‘Volnitsa’, ‘Etyud’, ‘Zhavoronok’, ‘Yermak’, and in the following years (2020–2021) there were studied from 15 to 40 lines developed on the basis of hybridization in the «ARC «Donskoy». As a result of ecological testing, there has been identified a number of varieties and lines that are most adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of the Kursk region. A new joint variety of winter bread wheat ‘Vertikal’ has been sent to the State Variety Testing. Productivity of the variety ‘Vertikal’ in the Kursk FANC varied from 50.1 to 71.9 hwt/ha; in SamRC RAS it was from 32.4 to 71.6 hwt/ha; in the Research Institute of Agriculture of the Crimea it was from 38.7 to 49.5 hwt/ha. Productivity of the standard varieties ‘Moskovskaya 39’, ‘Skipetr’ and ‘Ermak’ was 47.8–52.0 hwt/ha, 25.3–63.9 hwt/ha, 37.0–42.2 hwt/ha, respectively. Ecological testing was carried out in the breeding crop rotation of the Kursk Federal Agricultural Research Center (FSBSI Kursk FANC). The soil cover of the experimental plot was represented by typical heavy loamy blackearth (chernozem). The forecrop was black fallow. Sowing was carried out in an ordinary way with a row spacing of 15 cm, with a seeder SKS-6-10. The plots were with an accounting area of 10 m2 in six repetitions, the seeding rate was 500 germinating grains per 1 m2, the standard variety ‘Moskovskaya 39’ was sown every 10 numbers. Lodging and winter hardiness and structural analysis of plants was estimated according to the methods of the State Variety Testing of Agricultural Crops. Over the years of study, there have been identified the winter bread wheat lines with economically valuable traits that exceeded the standard one and could be used in further breeding work. Breeding varieties on a cooperative basis makes it possible to expand the area of distribution of research by breeding centers to develop new varieties in other ecological and geographical conditions.

Morphological and agronomic characteristics of winter rye cultivars in connection with their resistance to lodging

Background. Lodging resistance of winter rye is associated with morphological features of the stem. Searching for source material to breed non-lodging high-yielding cultivars requires studying the varietal phenotypic diversity according to morphological characters of the stem that affect the resistance to lodging and the productivity of the ear.Materials and methods. Experiments were carried out in 2017–2020 at the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the North-East (FARC North-East), Kirov. Field resistance to lodging, morphological characteristics of the stem, yield, and ear productivity were evaluated in 16 winter rye cultivars. The study was based on the International COMECON List of Descriptors for the Genus Secale L., and Methodology for the State Variety Trials of Agricultural Crops. The weight of segments of the second lower internodes was measured in 10 plants of each cultivar under laboratory conditions.Results and conclusions. Negative correlations of lodging resistance with stem length (r= –0.55) and the weight of the second lower internode (r = –0.65) were revealed. Ear productivity of rye cultivars was significantly associated with the wall thickness (r = 0.52) and the length of the second lower internode (r = –0.52). According to the results of the path analysis, the main causes of a decrease in lodging resistance were the weight of the segment (P = –0.467) and the length of the second lower internode (P = –0.408), while an increase was connected with the wall thickness of the second lower internode (P = 0.424). The cultivars differed significantly in their resistance to lodging (LSD05 = 0.8). Cvs. ‘Moskovskaya 12’, ‘Tatyana’, ‘Bylina’ and ‘Yantarnaya’ were identified; they are recommended as source material for breeding for lodging resistance.

Adaptability of high-protein barley genotypes under the conditions of the Volga-Vyatka region

Background. Barley grain is unique raw material of versatile uses. More than 60% of the grain produced In the Volga-Vyatka region goes directly to fodder production purposes. One of the urgent tasks is to develop high-yielding cultivars with good grain quality, thus reducing protein deficiency in farm animal feeds and meeting the need for fodder grain that increases every year. Its successful solution requires a search for new high-yielding and high-protein source genotypes adapted to the conditions of the Volga-Vyatka region and their involvement in the breeding process.Materials and methods. Experimental work was carried out in 2018–2020 at the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the North-East named N.V. Rudnitsky, Kirov. Protein content in grain, yield, resistance to lodging, and duration of the growing season of 31 barley accessions were assessed. The barley collection was studied according to the International COMECON List of Descriptors for the Genus Hordeum L. and Methodological Guidelines. Protein content was measured using a universal rapid analyzer (INFRAMATIC 8620).Results and conclusions. Protein content had a strong correlation with Selyaninov’s hydrothermal coefficient in the interphase period from ear emergence to maturity (r = 0.85); the sum of effective temperatures during the entire growing season (r = 0.75); and precipitation in the period from seedling emergence to maturity (r = 0.67). Traits of breeding value (yield, lodging resistance, environmental plasticity, and stability) were observed in the following accessions: k-30574 (‘Filippa’, Sweden), k-30256 (‘Rodos’, Poland), ya-52 (‘Crusades’, Great Britain), k-35415 (NCL 95098, Argentina), k-30892 (‘Naran’, Russia), k-15619 (‘Polyarny 14’, Russia), ya-4 (752A, Switzerland), k-30349 (Landrace, Peru), k-5983 (Local, Afghanistan), k-3506 (Local, India), k-2929 (Local, China), k-2930 (Local, China), and k-5210 (‘Makbo’, Australia).

Assessment of oat genotypes for resistance to frit fly in the conditions of the Kirov region

The oat fly (Oscinella frit L.) is a dangerous pest in oat crops. Studies on resistance to phytophagus were conducted in 2016-2021. The stability of 200 promising lines and varieties bred by the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the Nort-East named N. V. Rudnitsky was evaluated in the nursery of a competitive test under natural conditions for the development of the pest according to the scale of the All-Russian Research Institute for Plant Protection, the percentage of the stem damage by larvae was determined on the basis of "drying of the central leaf during the period "tillering-shooting" trait. The best conditions for the development of the pest were formed in 2016. (Ij = 3.0) and 2021 г. (Ij = 2.7), with maximum plant damage of 34 % in hulled and 22 % in naked genotypes, respectively. Unfavorable conditions for the phytophagus developed in 2017 (Ij = -2.7) and 2019. (Ij = -2.9) – damage to plants did not exceed 3 %. In 2018 and 2020, with the index of environmental conditions close to zero (Ij = -0.41 and 0.10, respectively), the damage of oat plants by the oat fly (Oscinella frit (L.) did not exceed 5 %. The studies established an inverse correlation between the damage of oats by the oat fly and the HTC during the "sowing-tillering" period (r = -0.73), total (r = -0.30...-0.39) and productive bushiness (r = -0.59...-0.77), grain yield (r = -0.20...-0.61). A direct correlation was established between plant damage and the plasticity of genotypes to damage (r = 0.88). Lines with minimal stem damage have been selected: 233h12, 394h12, 251h14, 194h13, 63h11, 21h12o, 153h13, 157h13, 65h11, 72h11. Low plasticity was noted in the lines: 178h13, 4h14, 114h12, 4h12, their yield did not change significantly from the amount of damage by oat fly (Oscinella frit (L.). The most stable according to the studied trait were the lines: 4h14, 178h13, 2h12o, 63h11, 4h12 and varieties Sapsan, Falenets.

The study of ecological flexibility and adaptability of black current varieties in conditions of Kirov region

The researches had been held in 2015-2021ss in FSBSI FARC of the North-East (FEDERAL STATE BUDGET SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION “FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE”). The studied objects were 36 varieties of black current collection of 2013 planting year. The check variety was Vologda. The aim of the researches is to estimate black currant varieties for productivity, fruiting stability, sustainability and adaptability in conditions of Kirov region. The most common technique to estimate productivity of the varieties is comparison with the check variety. 13 varieties were referred to the most numerous group of high productive (4.7-14.3 t/ha), including the varieties of FARC of the North-East, such as, Benefis (Benefit) and Sputnick (Satellite). The coefficient of productiveness stability (S) and the coefficient of adaptability (CA) were calculated for detection of adaptive varieties in conditions of the region. On the coefficient of productiveness stability (S) in conditions of Kirov region, the black current varieties with maximum demonstration of this feature were distinguished: Fortuna (Fortune) (0.86), Arcadia (0.83), Mulatka (Mulatto) (0.83), Dobriy Dzhin (A Kind Jenie) (0.82), Alivas (0.79) and the check variety Vologda (0.77). The estimation of the adaptability coefficient (CA) allows distinguishing 16 black current varieties with high adaptability (101280 % on average over 7 years). The coefficient of regression (bi) shows how far the amount of harvest varies in changing environmental index per unit and characterizes flexibility of the variety. 10 flexible, high-intensity varieties, which coefficient of regression was 6.8-1.4, were identified. The technique, which was suggested by S. N. Shcheglov, allows the combination of productivity and sustainability. The applying of the technique permitted to distinguish 13 varieties with above the average productivity among the whole complex of varieties (more than 4.5 t/ha). As a result of the research, the following black currant varieties were emphasized: Benefis (Benefit) which was differed in high productiveness stability, average fruiting stability, high flexibility and adaptability; Sputnick (Satellite) and Naslednitsa (Inheritress), which combined high productiveness stability, high flexibility and adaptability. The adaptive varieties of the intensive type Cherniy Zhemchug (Black Pearl) and Nezhdanchik showed high but instable productivity during the years. The productive varieties Arcadia (the selection of FARC of the North-East) and Dobriy Dzhin (A Kind Jenie) were prominent for high fruiting stability and adaptability.

Evaluation of potato hybrids by the dynamics of accumulation of yield and starch content in tubers in agro-ecological conditions of the Volga-Vyatka region

The article provides the results of studying the accessions of potato in the nursery of dynamic test for 2019-2021 in agro-ecological conditions of the Volga-Vyatka region (Kirov region) by the yield and starch content in tubers. The objects of the study were 10 hybrids bred by Falenki Breeding Station - branch of Federal Agricultural Research Center of the NorthEast named N. V. Rudnitsky (FARC North-East). Early variety Udacha (Russian Potato Research Centre), middle-early variety Nevsky (North-West Research Institute of Agriculture), mid-season variety Chaika (FARC North-East) were taken as standard. Promising potato hybrids of different maturity groups with high potential yield have been selected: early variety 172- 13 (24.1 t/ha), middle-early varieties 27-07 (22.7 t/ha), 179-10 (22.9 t/ha), 233-12 (24.0 t/ha), mid-season 232-12 (22.4 t/ha). By favorable agro-weather conditions (2019) the highest yield (more than 28.0 % t/ha) was developed by hybrids: early 172-13, middle-early 27-07 and 179-10, mid-season 580-13. In the unstable environment of 2020 and 2021 the following hybrids were noted: middle-early 233-12 (19.6 and 27.7 t/ha) and mid-season 232-12 (19.2 and 24.0 t/ha). In the group of middle-early varieties with high starch content (15 % and more) during the years of study there were selected the hybrids 27-07, 179-10, 72-13, 182-13. The maximum accumulation of starch (18-21 %) was noted in mid-season hybrid 580-13. Significantly high inter-seasonal correlations by yield on the 60th day from the planting have been established, that characterized all the varieties as the most stable. On the 80th day there were noted weak inter-seasonal correlations that proved the instability of this parameter during the years which differed in weather conditions (strong interaction “genotype-environment”, that is the yield of variety samples during this period depended on the effect of environment factors). High inter-seasonal correlations by the parameter “starch content” on the 80th day have been revealed. The varieties and hybrids by the time of complete ripeness preserved the stability by this indicator unlike early harvesting periods when they were more dependable on the fluctuations of environmental factors.

Research and Comparative Testing of a Grain Flattener with a Feeding Device

Introduction. The article presents the results of experimental and theoretical research of technological process of the PZ-1M grain flattener with a feeding device. The research was carried out at the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the North-East Named after N. V. Rudnitsky in 2011‒2019. The purpose of the research is to design a feeder scheme for the grain flattener, determine rational parameters of its working body (feed roller) and test the improved grain flattener. Materials and Methods. A constructive and technological scheme of the grain flattener with a feeding device is proposed, the novelty of which is confirmed by patents Nos. 2628297 and 2557780. The structural scheme of grain flattener with a feeding device comprising an active working body – a feeding roller with blades is developed. There was carried out theoretical research of the grain motion along the feeder roller blades to determine the patterns of grain motion depending on the values of the roller parameters. Results. It is established that with the size of the feed roller inner radius 0.045 m and more all the grain passes down from the roller blade into the feed channel and through it for flattening at the required exit angle of 60°, roller speed of not less than 400 min–1 and the value of the coefficient of the grain friction on the roller blade less than 0.4. When these parameters are observed, the feeding roller and the device are effective. Taking into account the results of researches, we have developed the design documentation and produced the PZ-1M grain flattener comprising a feeder. Departmental and comparative tests of the flattener were conducted, which showed high efficiency of its application: machine reliably and qualitatively performs the technological process of flattening grains. Discussion and Conclusion. The use of a power device in the design of the flattener increases the conditioning capacity by 2.08 times while reducing the energy intensity of the process by 1.6 times; the annual economic effect of using the PZ-1M grain flattener with feeding device compared to its analogue is 67,583 rub. at the level of intensification of 49%.

Reaction of sunflower varieties and hybrids to weather conditions and their adaptability parameters

In regions with contrasting weather conditions, which include the Saratov region, it is necessary to conduct selection and evaluate breeding material not only in terms of productivity, but also in terms of adaptability to abiotic environmental factors. The experimental part was carried out on the experimental field of the Federal Agricultural Research Center for South-East Region in 2015–2021. There were 10 genotypes in the study, which were evaluated by the ability to form the highest productivity in different years in terms of moisture and heat supply. The HTC in the years of research was as follows: 2015 - 0.61, 2016 - 0.47, 2017 - 0.95, 2018 - 0.52, 2019 - 0.6, 2020 - 0.83, 2021 - 0.58. The coefficient of variation, stress resistance and genetic flexibility, the drought resistance index, and the coefficient of responsiveness to favorable growing conditions were indicators of adaptability. According to long-term data, the average yield of oilseeds of the studied varieties and hybrids varied from 1.98 to 2.54 t/ha. In some years, the yield of varieties Saratovskiy 20, Stepnoy 81, Stepnoy 82, Lyubimchik and hybrid YuVS 7 exceeded 3.0 t/ha. In 9 out of 10 varieties and hybrids, a high variability of the trait is noted (V = 21.7-33.1%). The average yield variability was found in the UVS 3 hybrid (V = 19.1%). Varieties Stepnoy 81, Lyubimchik are characterized by high genetic flexibility ((Ymin + Ymax)/2 = 2.50 and 2.75, respectively) and responsiveness to favorable environmental conditions (Kp = 2.52 and 2.23, respectively). The hybrid YuVS 3 is characterized by high stress resistance (Ymin + Ymax = -1.15) and drought resistance (DSI = 0.92). High genetic flexibility ((Ymin + Ymax)/2 = 2.45) and drought resistance (DSI = 0.98) had SVS 7. It is advisable to include varieties and hybrids with high adaptive properties in the further breeding process as initial material.

Screening of the world winter bread wheat collection for leafstem disease resistance in the Lower Volga region

The current paper has presented the study results of collection winter bread wheat samples. The purpose of the study was to screen the world collection of winter bread wheat for disease resistance in the Nizhnevolzhsky region. The study was carried out on the basis of the FSBSI “Federal Agricultural Research Center of the South-East” (Saratov). In 2017–2021 there was conducted an estimation of the resistance of 152 winter bread wheat samples to the main pathogens. The samples were sown at the optimal time with the SSFC-8 seeder on plots of 3 m2 in a single repetition. The seeding rate was 450 germinating seeds per m2 . There have been studied the world collection varietal samples of winter bread wheat VIR (from breeding centers of the USA, Canada, Ukraine, Slovakia, Latvia, Hungary, etc.), as well as the samples of domestic breeding (FANC of the South-East, NTsZ named after P.P. Lukyanenko, Severokavkazsky FNATS, etc.). There have been identified the most harmful leaf-stem diseases, such as brown rust (Puccinia triticina Erikss.) and stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. Tritici), septoria (Septoria tritici Rob. et Desm.) and yellow leaf blotch (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Died) Drechsler). There has been characterized the resistance of the winter bread wheat collection to the complex of leaf-stem diseases. There have been identified two samples with group resistance to brown and stem rusts, septoria and pyrenophorosis; one sample resistant to leaf rust and stem rust; three samples resistant to stem rust and septoria; one sample resistant to leaf and stem rust and septoria; six samples resistant to septoria and pyrenophorosis.

Breeding indices for the creation of spring soft wheat varieties

The article is devoted to the search for possible “markers” of productivity that allow to get at least a preliminary assessment of the adaptive properties of the breeding material of spring soft wheat. The research conducted in the Chuvash Research Agricultural Institute – Branch of “Federal Agricultural Research Centre of the North-East named N.V. Rudnitskogo”, on the breeding lines of spring soft wheat showed that when assessing productivity, the greatest information was obtained when evaluating in aggregate according to three indices: Mexican – Mx, Canadian – Ki, linear ear density – LPK. There are 2 breeding lines for economic validity and 2 for a set of breeding indicators.

Технологический потенциал зерна яровой твердой пшеницы Саратовской селекции

Introduction. Durum wheat is vital for high-quality pasta production. The present research tested the high technological potential of durum wheat varieties developed in the Saratov region. The research objective was to study the effect of the quality of durum wheat on the quality of pasta.
 Study objects and methods. The study featured durum wheat of the following varieties: Saratovskaya Zolotistaya, Valentina, Nik, Krasnokutka 13, Luch 25, Pamyati Vasilchuka, Bezenchukskaya 182 and Annushka. The experiment involved an original PSL-13 press for standard spaghetti with a diameter of 1.8 mm. The content of protein, raw gluten, and their quality were determined by standard methods. The cooking properties of the pasta were evaluated according to the method developed in the South-Eastern Federal Agricultural Research Center.
 Results and discussion. The indicators of raw gluten and protein are known to correlate. The samples of Saratovskaya Zolotistaya and Luch 25 had a high protein content of 15.3 and 15.6%, respectively, as well as a high content of raw gluten (33.2 and 35.1%, respectively). The raw gluten of Saratov varieties proved to be much better than in the control samples. The indicator of microSDs sedimentation was 30–36 mm. The strength of spaghetti followed the increase in crude gluten (33–35%) and protein (15.3–15.6%), which is typical of this type of pasta. The strength, coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.98), and sharing force (R2 = 0.92) depended on the protein content.
 Conclusion. The study established the following optimal selection criteria for durum wheat varieties to be used in strong spaghetti production: virtuosity – 80%, raw gluten – 33–35%, protein content – 5–7% higher than normal, raw gluten – 72–80 units.

The effect of foliar top dressing with growth stimulants on potato yield in the southern part of the Volga-Vyatka region of Russia

On the experimental basis of the Chuvash Research Agricultural Institute-a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Federal Agricultural Research Center of the North-East named after N. V. Rudnitsky “, the influence of microbiological growth regulators on biometric indicators, yield and its structural elements of seed plantings of potatoes of the Chaika variety was studied. The use of leaf nutrition preparations of the agrotechnology combine “Azur-Niva LLC” contributed to: an increase in the vegetative mass of potato plants by 42 %; an increase in the yield of marketable potatoes from one bush, the number of potato tubers increased by 6.8 pcs., and the mass of tubers by 95 %; an increase in potato yield was 32.8 %.