Forest-steppe Zone Research Articles

Economically valuable characteristics and breeding indices of spring barley varieties of different ecological and geographical origin in the conditions of the Ryazan region

The article presents the results of research conducted in the collection nursery of spring barley in the conditions in 2020–2022. The purpose of the research is to identify economically valuable traits and calculate breeding indices of selected sources of spring barley of different ecological and geographical origin in the conditions of the forest–steppe zone of the Ryazan region for inclusion in the hybridization program. It was revealed that the varieties Reliable (RF) and Dzivosny (Belarus) had the highest productivity in the conditions of the region with an average yield of 6.48 and 6.40 t/ha, respectively. It was found that the shortest straw had the German varieties KVS Vermont and Ellinor, whose height is in the range of 63-67 cm and varies little over the years of research (CV, % = 3.9 ...6.0). According to the length of the ear, the varieties Bente (Germany) (8.2 cm), Jaromir and Noble (8.0 cm) (RF) stood out. It was revealed that the maximum number of grains in the ear is formed by the Yaromir and Noble varieties – 23.7 pcs. and 23.4 pcs., respectively. According to grain size, the varieties Kufal, Raider (Belarus) and Bente were distinguished, having a mass of 1000 grains of more than 50.0 g. When calculating the breeding indices, it was found that the productivity of domestic varieties was influenced by the Canadian Ki index (r= +0.829) and the harvest index of KHOZ, % (r= +0.559), the Belarusian varieties of the IPPR plant productivity index (r= +0.478), German varieties Ki (r= +0.747) and the linear density index ear of LPC (r = +0.604). On average, according to the number of selected indices, the Noble and Dzivosny varieties come out on top – the maximum indicators for three indices, Yaromir (RF), Ataman (Belarus), KVS Harris, KVS Vermont, Beatrice (Germany) – in second place – for two indices. The varieties of spring barley distinguished by the individual studied positive signs and their complex are recommended for use in breeding programs.

Amaranth yield depending on the sowing rate

The main value of amaranth lies in its ability to accumulate a large amount of protein in its seeds and leaves. With a seed protein content of 15-18%, amaranth surpasses wheat (12-14%), rice (7-10%), maize (9-10%), and other grain crops. The purpose of this study was to establish the optimal seed sowing rates for amaranth under the conditions of the Western Ukrainian Forest-Steppe zone. The study employed general scientific methods such as analysis, synthesis, experimentation, description, observation, and comparison, as well as field methods like phenological observations and record-keeping, along with statistical and correlation-regression analyses for data processing. The sowing rates of the variety Kharkivskyi 1 were investigated under conditions of sufficient moisture on dark-grey forest soil. It was found that the field germination varied with different sowing rates. At a sowing rate of 0.2 million seeds/ha, the field uniformity was 70%, but it decreased to 60% at a sowing rate of 1.2 million seeds/ha, representing a 10% decrease. Higher sowing rates resulted in greater plant density. In the seedling stage, there were 14 plants per 0.2 million seeds/ha sowing rate, while at 1.2 million seeds/ha, the number of plants increased to 72/m². Plant survival during the vegetation period sharply decreased with increased planting density, from 86% at a sowing rate of 0.2 million seeds/ha to 45% at a sowing rate of 1.2 million seeds/ha. Therefore, before harvesting, the plant density was adjusted to 12-32 plants/m². The best combination of the main elements of the structure was found to be 21 plants/m² and 26 plants/m², with a grain weight per plant of 20.4g and 16.1g, respectively. The highest grain yield of amaranth variety Kharkivskyi 1 was obtained at sowing rates of 0.4 million seeds/ha and 0.6 million seeds/ha, resulting in 4.28 t/ha and 4.20 t/ha, respectively. Any increase or decrease in sowing rates led to a decrease in the yield level. The results of this study can be used for further establishment and improvement of the main elements of amaranth cultivation technology by both scientific institutions and agricultural farms

Evaluation of the nature of honeysuckle fruiting in the conditions of the southern forest-steppe zone of Bashkortostan

Relevance. Evaluate varieties of honeysuckle with stability of fruiting in the climatic conditions of the southern forest-steppe zone of Bashkortostan with the stability of biotic and abiotic stressors.Materials and methodology. The objects of research are 8 introduced varieties of blue honeysuckle, located in the Kushnarenkovskiy breeding center for fruit and berry crops and grapes of the Bashkir Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture of the Ural Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Research is carried out in accordance with the program and methodology of selection and variety study of fruit, berry and nut crops.Results. All studied varieties of honeysuckle had a high level of adaptation to the conditions of the southern forest-steppe zone of Bashkortostan. Over the entire period of research, honeysuckle showed good winter hardiness. As a result of a 15-year study, it was revealed: in the 4th year after planting, it enters fruiting, until the 6th–8th year, the yield increases, from the 9th to the 12th year it stabilizes, from the 13th year it decreases. Varieties Bakcharskaya, Chelyabinka, Cinderella, Berel, Pamiati Gidzyuka differed in average precocity. The yield of varieties Bakcharskaya, Chelyabinka, Berel in the 11th year of fruiting exceeded the control by 13–20%. Blueberry and Tick were characterized by stable fruiting and yield — 1.32–4.5 kg/bush, in the control variety Blue spindle yield of 1.5 kg/bush was noted on the 11th and 12th year after planting. Rejuvenating pruning with the removal of perennial branches at a height of 30 cm from the soil level showed that most varieties had an increase in yield in the third or fourth year, and a decrease in the future. When pruning the varieties Bakcharskaya, Galochka, Chernichka, the yield decreased by 27–60% of the control variant (before pruning).

Structural and functional changes in the leaves of black currant seedlings using nanoparticle solutions

When propagating black currant by lignified cuttings in order to obtain high-quality planting material in one growing season in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, solutions of biogenic ferrihydrite nanoparticles were used in three modifications with the addition of traditional growth hormone (indolyl-3-acetic acid): control (soaking cuttings in water); treatment of cuttings with indolyl-3-acetic acid (IAA); IAA+ferrihydrite (IAA+Feh); IAA+Co-doped ferrihydrite (IAA+Feh_Co); IAA+ferrihydrite doped with Mn (IAA+Feh_Mn). The object of the study is blackcurrant plants of the Selechenskaya variety. The area of the assimilation surface and the pigment composition of the leaves were assessed in dynamics. Before planting, black currant cuttings were soaked in nanoparticle solutions (exposure 12 h), then, during the growing season, four times (with an interval of 14 days) exogenous treatment of the leaf surface of rooted cuttings with the same solutions of nanoparticles, but without the addition of IAA, was carried out. The results of studying the concentration of pigments in leaves and biometric observations in the dynamics of the growing seasons of 2021 and 2022 are presented. It has been established that the maximum concentration of chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids in black currant leaves by the end of the growing season was affected by the use of solutions of ferrihydrite nanoparticles doped with cobalt and manganese with the addition of IAA. Thus, the concentration of chlorophyll a, b increased by 1.3 and 1.6 times, respectively, in the variant with cobalt-doped ferrihydrite nanoparticles compared to the control. In our studies, the values of the assimilation surface of leaves depended on the climatic parameters of the year of study and on the content of photosynthetic pigments in blackcurrant leaves. Between the area of the leaf blade and the concentration of chlorophyll a, a direct relationship was noted (r=0,87), a close relationship: in 2021 between the area of the leaf blade of black currant and the amount of precipitation (r=0,83-0.94), in 2022 between the area of blackcurrant leaf blade and air temperature (r=0,85-0,93). It has been established that the best conditions for the formation of the assimilation surface of blackcurrant leaves of the Selechenskaya variety are created by soaking cuttings and foliar treatment of vegetative plants with ferrihydrite nanoparticles doped with cobalt and manganese.

Diversification of entrepreneurial activities in the agricultural sector of Ukraine’s economy in the post-war period

In the context of modern development of agricultural producers, assessing the level of their activity efficiency and searching for an appropriate strategy for further development is essential. The aim of the article was to formulate a concept of sustainable development for agricultural producers based on identifying the most viable development strategy. The article’s methodological framework included the following methods of scientific inquiry: descriptive method, measurement and comparison methods, economic-mathematical modelling, induction, deduction, analysis and synthesis, system-structural analysis. The essence of diversification of activities in the agricultural sector was examined and revealed, defining their role in forming sustainable development. To achieve this, theoretical concepts of Ukrainian and foreign scholars, as well as the categories of “diversification” and “sustainable development,” were synthesized. Subsequently, an analysis and forecast of land use by agricultural enterprises were conducted. The dynamics of changes in the structure of cultivated areas from 1991 to 2021 were determined, as this period marked the implementation of agricultural reform aimed at finding effective agricultural product producers. Changes in the magnitude of costs for primary resources in farm enterprises of the Kyiv region on the eve of the war were defined, and the economic efficiency of cultivating major agricultural crops was analysed. Based on established data, a development strategy was modelled for an average farm in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine, considering the concept of diversification through the implementation and development of animal husbandry. Furthermore, directions for further development of agricultural entities were substantiated by deepening the diversification of activities through optimizing cultivated areas. The research outcomes could be considered in shaping the development strategy of entrepreneurial structures and evaluating their impact on sustainable development in the post-war period.

Competitive Variety Testing of winter common wheat in the conditions of the Penza region

The current paper has presented the results of winter common wheat, studied in the nursery of the Competitive Variety Testing in the forest-steppe zone of the Penza region for 2016–2020. The purpose of the study was to estimate breeding lines of winter common wheat of the Competitive Variety Testing according to the main economic and biological traits and to identify samples with a complex of economically valuable traits and properties, in which the productivity level is stably maintained. The objects of the study were 35 winter common wheat lines developed by the FSBSI “Federal Research Center of Fiber Crops”. The zoned variety of winter common wheat ‘Fotinya’ was used as a standard one. The productivity of winter common wheat lines in the competitive variety testing ranged from 4.31 t/ha (the line ‘Erythrospermum 17/01-1-08’) to 4.85 t/ha (the line ‘Erythrospermum 12/00-16-04’). According to productivity, the standard variety ‘Fotinya’ significantly exceeded 13 lines, the increase of which ranged from 0.37 to 0.92 t/ha, НСР05 = 0.24 t/ha. During the study period, there was carried out a comprehensive estimation of winter common wheat lines to identify the best of them as carriers of economically valuable traits, which can promote developing new highly productive varieties with a high level of adaptability to the conditions of the forest-steppe of the Middle Volga region. The lines ‘Erythrospermum 12/00-16-04’, ‘Erythrospermum 29/03-2-06’, ‘Erythrospermum 21/00-3-08’, ‘Erythrospermum 18/04-3-08’, ‘Erythrospermum 17/01-7-08’ are of great interest for breeding, since they have been distinguished by a set of indicators (with a mean yield of 4.38–4.85 t/ha, more than 90 % of winter resistance, early maturity, 9 points of resistance to lodging, natural grain weight of 767–780 g/l, 86–90 % of kernel hardiness, 28.2–32.2 % of gluten in grain, 14.8–17.1 % of protein in grain). The selected lines have been recommended for inclusion in breeding programs for the development of highly productive winter common wheat genotypes.

Влияние стимулятора роста на биолого- морфологические параметры многолетних травянистых растений

Abstract. Purpose is to study the effectiveness of the “Lignogumat” drug on the growth, development and decorative qualities of some flower and ornamental crops (Campanula persicifolia L., C. carpatica Jacg., Phlox paniculata L.) in the forest-steppe zone of the Bashkir Cis-Ural. Methods. Observations of the seasonal rhythm of plant development were carried out according to the method of phenological observations in botanical gardens, the assessment of ornamental features was carried out according to the generally accepted method of state variety testing of ornamental crops. Scientific novelty. For the first time in the conditions of the Bashkir Cis-Ural, the influence of the growth stimulator “Lignogumat” on the decorative qualities of some types of flower crops of the collection of the SUBGI UFRC RAS was studied. Results. The features of phenology, growth, as well as the decorative qualities of plants during fertigation with a growth regulator are analyzed. When evaluating decorativeness on a 100-point scale in C. persicifolia, it was found that “Lignogumat” is effective for such decorative features as the number of leaves, the abundance of flowering and the density of the inflorescence; there is also a reduction in the duration of the period from regrowth to flowering by 5 days. In C. carpatica, such morphometric parameters as flower and inflorescence size, abundance and duration of flowering have improved; also, the drug helps to increase the area of the horizontal projection of the color spot on the bush by 2.6 times compared to the control. Ph. paniculata “Lignogumat” is effective for such decorative features as the size of the inflorescence, the abundance and duration of flowering, also during fertigation, the area of the horizontal projection of the color spot on the bush increased by 1.5 times, thereby increasing the decorative qualities of the phlox.

MILK PRODUCTIVITY OF COWS UNDER DIFFERENT OPTIONS OF PARENTAL PAIR SELECTION

Introduction. One of the main ways to improve dairy herds is through the identification and utilization of the most effective combinations of parent pairs. This can be achieved by both within-line selection and crossbreeding. It is important to identify the most promising lines and their optimal combinations to ensure their effective utilization for further herd improvement. According to many authors, a systematic approach that involves identifying successful and unsuccessful combinations with the repeated use of the most effective variants will reliably contribute to the increase of the genetic potential of dairy cattle productivity.
 Materials and methods of research. In light of the above, the aim of our research was to investigate the formation of milk production traits in Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy cows in different farms of Ukraine, depending on various options for parent selection. The research was conducted on first-calf heifers and mature cows (third lactation) of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed in three farms: SE EF "Oleksandrivske" in Vinnytsia region (Forest-Steppe zone, n = 714), LLC AE "Imeni Volovikova" in Rivne region (Polissya zone, n = 1840), and SE "Experimental farm "Askaniyske" in Kherson region (Steppe zone, n = 926). The sample included cows that had completed at least the third lactation during the research. In the study animals, the milk production traits (milk yield, milk fat content, and milk fat yield) were studied based on various options of within-line and between-line parent selection through retrospective analysis of zootechnical records data over the past ten years.
 Research results. The analysis of between-line selection of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy animals in SE EF "Oleksandrivske" showed that the most successful combinations for milk yield and milk fat yield in first-calf heifers were when the dams belonged to the Valiant line and the sires belonged to the Chif line. For mature cows (third lactation), the most successful combinations were when the dams belonged to the Eleveishn line and the sires belonged to the Starbuck line. The lowest values of the mentioned traits for the studied lactations were observed in cows obtained from the crossbreeding of the R. Meximes-Chif and S. T. Rokita-Chif lines, respectively.
 In LLC AE "Imeni Volovikova", the most productive animals for the first lactation were those obtained from the combination of the Starbuck-Bella lines, while for the third lactation, the individuals derived from the crossbreeding of the Bella-Chif lines showed the highest productivity. The least successful combination for both studied lactations was when the dams belonged to the S. T. Rokita line and the sires belonged to the Bella line, as animals resulting from this crossbreeding had the lowest milk yield and milk fat yield values.
 SE "Experimental farm "Askaniyske", the highest milk yield and milk fat yield values for the first lactation were observed in individuals whose dams belonged to the Seateischna line and the sires belonged to the Starbuck line. For the third lactation, the highest values of the mentioned traits were found in cows obtained from the combination of the Chif-Starbuck lines. The lowest productivity for the mentioned lactations was observed in cows resulting from the crossbreeding of the R. Sovering-Bella and R. Sovering-Chif lines, respectively.
 In the internal line breeding at the SE EF "Oleksandrivske," the most productive individuals were found to be first-generation offspring whose parents belonged to the Chief line, and mature cows from the Starbuck line. In the LLC AE "Imeni Volovikova" the animals from the Bella line showed superior performance in both lactations. In the SE "Experimental farm "Askaniyske" cows from the Eleveishn line were found to be the most productive.
 Regarding milk fat content in the Forest-Steppe zone, the best performers were first-generation offspring resulting from the combination of the Cavalier-Chief lines, as well as mature cows from the Eleveishn-Starbuck cross. In the Polissya zone, animals obtained from the Eleveishn-Bella and Starbuck-Bella crosses showed the highest milk fat content. In the Steppe zone, first-generation and mature cows whose mothers belonged to the R. Sovereign line and fathers belonged to the Chief and Bella lines, respectively, demonstrated superior traits.
 Conclusions. Thus, improvement of economically important traits in animals can be achieved through both internal line breeding and interline breeding. In this regard, it is crucial to identify the best line combinations and effectively utilize them in further breeding work.

Analysis of habitats and bioecological composition of communities with the participation of species of the genus Delphinium in the southeast of European Russia

Between 2013 and 2020, 47 communities with seven species of the genus Delphinium were studied on the territory of 12 regions of the southeast of European Russia. The analysis of habitats by vegetation cover using the ecological scales of L. G. Ramensky showed that soils under communities with species of the genus Delpinium are often quite rich and very slightly alluvial.
 D. subcuneatum communities grow in habitats with the highest moisture-meadow-steppe (moist-steppe) and wet-meadow habitats; communities of D. duhmbergii grow in less humid habitats with dry-meadow (and fresh-meadow) moisture; with dry-meadow (and fresh-meadow) and meadow-steppe (moist-steppe) humidification - communities of D. dictyocarpum, D. litwinowii, and
 D. pubiflorum; in meadow-steppe (moist-steppe) humidification, communities of D. sergii. D. puniceum communities grow in the least moisture-provided habitats, with moisture ranging from dry-steppe and middle-steppe to semi-desert (desert-steppe). The biomorphological composition of communities with species of the genus Delphinium is dominated by hemicryptophytes, among which, the most numerous are tap-rooted, short-rhizomatous, and long-rhizomatous. The composition of cenomorphs reflects the confinement of communities with the majority of Delphinium species presented in the study to the forest-steppe zone, and communities with D. sergii and D. puniceum - to the steppe and semi-desert zone. In communities, the first place among trophomorphs is occupied by mesotrophs, and the second by megatrophs. The spectrum of hygromorphs is quite wide and includes species from xerophytes to ultrahygrophytes, however, xerophytes, mesoxerophytes, xeromesophytes, and mesophytes are the predominant groups most often. Judging by the predominance of heliophytes among heliomorphs, communities with all studied species of the genus Delphinium prefer open spaces. The spectrum of thermomorphs of all studied communities is dominated by mesotherms, for which the ecological optimum coincides with a moderate heat supply regime.

Rare plant communities in forest-steppe zone of the Priobskoe plateau

Rare plant communities in forest-steppe zone of the Priobskoe plateau

DETERMINATION OF WATER DEMAND FOR IRRIGATION BASED ON THE CLIMATIC WATER BALANCE IN THE EASTERN FOREST STEPPE OF UKRAINE IN VIEW OF THE NATURAL WATER SUPPLY

The results of the research show that even today crop cultivation in the entire territory of the steppe and in a large part of the forest-steppe zone is carried out in conditions of a significant deficit of the climatic water balance, which necessitates a significant expansion of irrigation application as a mandatory element of the of highly efficient and sustainable cultivation technologies of the most of crops. Therefore, without active measures to adapt agricultural production to climate change, which is accompanied by a significant increase in the frequency and duration of drought events and, accordingly, a shortage of moisture supply, the restoration and development of irrigation remains the main factor in increasing the productivity of field crops. The research was conducted in the Eastern Forest Steppe zone. For the assessment and analysis of climate change, raw meteorological data for 1961-2020 were used. The data source is the Global Climate Monitoring (GCM) system developed by the Climate Research Group of the University of Seville. According to the results of the assessment of the dynamics of the average annual air temperature for 1961-2020, it was established that over the past 30 years the temperature has risen on average by 1.2oC, and since 1987 the rate of its growth is 0.79oC over the decade, while the annual amount of precipitation remains practically unchanged. It was established that the potential evapotranspiration increased by 70 mm and is almost 850 mm per year. With such a difference between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration, the deficit of the annual climatic water balance reaches on average almost 300 mm over the last 30 years, against 247 mm in 1961-1990, and the tendency to its increase persists. Simulation modeling of the economic efficiency of irrigation based on preliminary results indicates the efficiency of its implementation, and especially restoration on areas with existing reclamation infrastructure.

Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Reserves with Zero Processing of Chernozem in the Conditions of the Forest-Steppe Zone of the Middle Volga Region

The transition from conventional soil treatment technology to zero treatment technology contributes to an increase in carbon sequestration (Sorg) in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into the soil and, as a result, a reduction in the adverse effects of the greenhouse effect on the ecological state of the environment. The effectiveness of the application of zero tillage is to a greater or lesser extent due to specific agro-climatic conditions, crop rotation systems, fertilizers and plant protection, soil quality and stability. The influence of zero tillage on the dynamics of sorghum reserves and greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, N2O, CH4) in the agro-climatic conditions of crop production (LLC “Orlovka AIC”, Samara region) was investigated. The study was conducted on agrochernozem heavy loam in September–November 2021 in conditions of an abnormally arid growing season and high summer temperatures. On plots with zero tillage, plant residues were received: 268–1720 kg С/ha, 3–66 kg N, 0.2–7.7 kg P and 12–44 kg K/ha. Based on the results obtained, recommendations are proposed for further improving the efficiency of zero tillage technology due, firstly, to reducing its adverse effect on the density of soil composition, and, secondly, taking into account the influence of underlying parent rocks and relief on water erosion of soil and redistribution of granulometric fractions of soil in the agricultural landscape, which will allow using this technology according to principles of adaptive landscape farming.

State and Stability of Forest Ecosystems of the Region with Extreme Anthropogenic Transformation (Evidence from the Oka River Basin)

Using satellite sounding data on the forest cover of Russia and three GIS programs, mapping of forest cover and average crown density in the Oka river basin was carried out. Considering hydro-ecological role of forests, these parameters were differentiated according to water management areas. The progressive decline in the wooded areas, thinning and defoliation of forest stands confirm the validity of classifying the Oka river basin as a territory with a catastrophic environmental situation. This is especially true for the forest-steppe zone, where the forest cover ranges from 2.4 to 40%. The average canopy density of the forests in the basin is 50.7%, which makes a significant part of them approaching the state of sparse hemi-xerophytic forests. Using the methods developed by the authors, the indices of the resistance and elastic-plastic stability of forests were calculated and the corresponding maps for the Oka river basin were constructed. It was found that the replacement of primary mixed and broadleaf forests with secondary small-leaved forests leads to a general increase in the dynamism of forest communities: to an increase in their sensitivity to disturbing signals and to an acceleration of ecogenetic successional changes that tend to transfer them to their previous (or new) stable state. The ordination of forest formations of the Oka river basin was carried out according to the gradients of the indices of resistance and elastic-plastic stability. The overwhelming majority of forest formations are characterized by high sensitivity to the initial signals of external disturbances, but at the same time, by sufficiently developed mechanisms of ecogenetic successions, which represent their elastic-plastic stability. This indicates the high reforestation potential of the degraded lands of the Oka basin, which makes it possible to include its forest areas in the global system of biosphere reserves. Two opposite mechanisms exhibiting the known buffer properties of the forest litter have been revealed. In response to the unfavourable impacts, the forest community switches from some leading processes of its functioning to others – from the level of autotrophic biogenesis to the level of detrital metabolism.

Кріль європейський (Oryctolagus cuniculus) в Україні: 140 років від інтродукції до згасання популяцій

An analysis of the history of introduction, population growth and extinction of the European rabbit populations in Ukraine is presented. The history of the initial and subsequent introductions of the species, which were initiated in the northern Black Sea region about 140 years ago, is considered in detail. The centres of introductions were the balka systems near Kherson and the slopes of seaside estuaries near Odesa. The earliest dates of introductions are 1882 and 1894 in the Kherson region and 1898 and 1900 in Odesa region, later in other regions. There are contradictions in determining the status of introduced animals as to whether they were domestic or wild rabbits. The details of the earliest introductions and the subsequent fate of populations by region are considered: for Odesa, Ternopil, Poltava, and Mykolaiv oblasts, and for the Crimea. Attempts to describe the general range of the European rabbit in Ukraine are ana-lysed, including reviews of 1973 and 1994. The cadastre of recent (1960–1990) and modern (since 2000) finds of the species in Ukraine was compiled. In the cadastre, the data is summarized for seven regions: Odesa Oblast (14 locations), Mykolaiv Oblast (1), Kherson Oblast (4), Zaporizhia Oblast (2), Crimea (8), other regions of Right-bank Ukraine (3), other regions of Left-bank Ukraine (3). All such data are marked on a map. The cadastre includes also collection materials; NMNH (Kyiv) houses 81 specimens, including 27 specimens of the wild form from Odesa, 5 from Kherson Oblast, and 49 from Crimea. Four aspects of the European rabbit’s occurrence in Ukraine are discussed, particularly the limits of species range, type habitats, population decline in the 1980s–1990s, and factors that impacted the extinction of populations. Among the latter, evidence is given in favour of three factors: epizootics, overhunting, and climate change; each of them is an important factor in the existence and disappearance of a species. Finally, information on modern remnants of former colonies, which actually survived only thanks to artificial support, is considered: the outskirts of Odesa, Mezhyhiria, and some other regions with local introductions within individual hunting farms mainly in the forest-steppe zone. The prospects for the further existence of the species that has gone through a difficult path from being a successfully introduced species to a species that has almost completely disappeared are considered.

Вовк (Canis lupus) у степовій зоні України на зламі ХХ–ХХІ ст. та динаміка його чисельності

The article presents data on the extirpation of the wolf in southern Ukraine in the 18th to the 20th century, which was financially supported by landowners and the state. This contributed to keeping the wolf population at a low level and then led to a reduction in its range. In the 1970s, in the steppe and forest-steppe zones, wolves permanently lived only in Moldova; in the north of Odesa Oblast; in the Pavlohrad district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast; in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts, as well as in the north of Poltava Oblast. From here, they spread to neighbouring territories, where they were quickly extirpated. The level of wolf decline was so significant, that in 1970 only 18 wolves were recorded in the steppe zone, and 270 in the whole of Ukraine. This contributed to the dispersal of the roe deer, wild boar, and elk to the south. After the reduction in the size of wolf hunting premiums, hunting pressure on wolves also decreased. Since there is a significant positive correlation between wolf population and hunting pressure (r = 0.93), the wolf's range and population began to grow rapidly. While in 1970 it was found in 14 regions, in 1976 it was already recorded in 18, and in 1981 in 21; in 2000, the wolf occurred in all regions of mainland Ukraine, and in 2003 it entered the Crimea. The process of restoring the wolf's range was accompanied by the emergence of wolf–dog hybrids, some of which are still occurring. Despite the harvest of 616.8 ± 102.68 wolves per year in 1970–1981, the wolf population increased by 6.5 times in Ukraine, and by more than 10 times in the steppe zone. A significant increase in its numbers was facilitated by a decrease in hunting pressure due to the adoption of the USSR Law ‘On the Protection and Use of Wildlife’ in 1980, which prohibited the use of inhumane methods in hunting on wild animals. In 1982–1992, the volume of wolf culling in Ukraine reached 71.1% (45.3–81.5), and in 1993–1999 was equal to 43.1% (34.9–49.3) per year. Naturally, due to the decrease in wolf hunting, there was a sharp increase in the wolf population, which in the steppe zone increased by 1.51 times from 2000 to 2010, and in our country in general by 1.03 times. The process of intensive growth of its population stabilised only at the beginning of the 21st century, when the annual take increased from 34.9% (2000) to 84.0% (2009).

РАСТИТЕЛЬНОСТЬ ПРИОБСКОГО ПЛАТО: СИНТАКСОНОМИЧЕСКАЯ ИЗУЧЕННОСТЬ

На основе опубликованных данных проведен анализ фитоценотического разнообразия растительности Приобского плато с позиций флористической классификации. Составлен продромус, включающий 17 классов, 29 порядков, 44 союза и 103 ассоциации. Для степной и лесостепной части левобережья и правобережья Приобского плато проанализирован состав растительных сообществ, приведена ординация ассоциаций на градиентах увлажнения и богатства-засоления почв. Выявлены слабо изученные биотопы и административные районы в пределах Алтайского края и Новосибирской области. The Priobskoe plateau is characterized by a high diversity of plant communities. It is associated with the specific features of the relief, hydrology and edaphic factors. Currently, a lot of separate works on the syntaxonomy of vegetation have been published for certain areas of the Priobskoe Plateau, but there is't unified checklist of communities. Its compilation will allow assessing the phytocoenotic diversity of the region and identifying “blind spots” in the study of the territory. A database of 1530 published geobotanical descriptions was created in the IBIS 7.2 program in order to analyze the syntaxonomic coverage of the vegetation in the Priobskoe plateau. Based on those, the prodromus of vegetation was compiled, which included 17 classes, 29 orders, 44 alliances and 103 associations. It covers the frequency of associations in the right-bank and left-bank parts of the plateau - separately for the steppe and forest-steppe zones (table). For each association, the position on the soil moisture and richness-salinization gradients was determined using phytoindication scales. This resulted in the creation of the ordination schemes of associations (Fig. 2). The vegetation of the forest-steppe zone on the left bank of the Ob is represented by 63 associations, 35 alliances, 24 orders and 16 classes. Steppes, meadows, forests, halophytic, aquatic and semi-aquatic communities are widespread here. The diversity of aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation is associated with the large number of rivers and lakes. Forest coenoses are formed along the ravine and hollow systems and suffusion depressions. Natural meadows are found in small areas in the edges and clearings of small-leaved forests, ribbon forests, along the fields and idle lands. The tops and slopes of the ravine and hollow systems feature well-preserved steppes. The steppe zone vegetation of the Priobskoe plateau left bank is less diverse. It is represented by 22 associations, 13 alliances, 10 orders and 8 classes. Moisture deficiency results in the dominance of steppe communities and is the reason for the small number of associations representing meadows and forests. To date, complete information on the diversity of the forest, halophytic, aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation in this area is not available. The right-bank part of the Priobskoe plateau is represented by 50 associations, 23 alliances, 14 orders and 6 classes. The vegetation of this territory is close to the left-bank forest-steppe. The main difference is the absence of halophytic communities. This is related to the good drainage of landscapes, which prevents the development of saline soils. Our studies have revealed the diversity of the Priobskoe plateau vegetation. The three areas of the plateau differ from each other markedly in terms of syntaxonomic diversity. This is associated with the differences in natural conditions and the degree of coverage.

MONARDA FISTULOSA L. FROM THE FOREST-STEPPE ZONE OF WESTERN SIBERIA: ANTI-INFLUENZA ACTIVITY OF PLANT COMPONENTS DURING THE VEGETATION PERIOD

This is a study on antiviral activity of various extracts from the plant Monarda fistulosa L. cultivated in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia during the vegetation period. The activity of aqueous and aqueous-ethanolic extracts of M. fistulosa during the whole vegetation period and two polyphenolic fractions from this plant at the flowering stage was investigated against human influenza virus A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) and avian influenza virus A/chicken/Kurgan/05/2005 (H5N1). The anti-influenza activity was compared among the extracts and the polyphenolic fractions from M. fistulosa at the flowering stage. It was shown that antiviral activity against each subtype of the influenza A virus differed throughout the entire vegetation period, depending on the developmental stage of M. fistulosa and the type of extraction. Influenza virus A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) infectivity was most strongly inhibited by aqueous-ethanolic extracts from M. fistulosa raw material collected at the growth stage and by the aqueous extract from the fruiting initiation stage. Inhibition of the infectivity of influenza virus A/chicken/Kurgan/05/2005 (H5N1) was achieved by one or another M. fistulosa extract almost throughout the whole vegetation period. It is found that Polyphenolic Fractions 1 and 2 are more active against influenza virus A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2), but aqueous and aqueous-ethanolic extracts are more active against influenza virus A/chicken/Kurgan/05/2005 (H5N1). On the condition of further in-depth studies, our experimental data suggest that M. fistulosa plant components can be recommended as medicinal (antiviral) substances against influenza viruses A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) and A/chicken/Kurgan/05/2005 (H5N1).

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

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

Оценка геоэкологических факторов и условий, влияющих на устойчивость аграрного землепользования в лесостепной зоне Алтайского Края

The purpose of the study: analysis of geoecological factors and conditions affecting the sustainability of agricultural land use in the forest-steppe zone of the Altai Krai and its assessment. Research methods: System analysis (landscape analysis) was used in the study of geoecological factors and conditions affecting the landscapes of the study area. The methodological basis of the study was the work of Russian and foreign scientists who at different times studied the problems of climate, soil formation, sustainable development and food security. Monographic, statistical, cartographic methods, methods of GIS technologies and modeling were used in the analysis of areas and land types of the object under study. Research results. The author's approach presented in the paper allows at the local level (land use of an agricultural organization or municipal district) to assess the impact of geoecological factors and conditions on the sustainability of an agricultural territory. On the example of a typical territory for the agrarian regions of the south of Western Siberia and Northern Kazakhstan with an area of about 3000 km2, located in the forest-steppe zone of the Altai Krai, an assessment was made of physiographic, climatic, geomorphological, soil conditions, natural and anthropogenic factors. 11 assessment indicators were identified, which clearly showed the limiting impacts on agricultural landscapes, manifested in the territory in the form of erosion processes that reduce the efficiency of agricultural production. The established regularities of the influence of geoecological conditions and factors make it possible to differentiate the development of a complex of agro-, phytoforestry and reclamation measures aimed at achieving the ecological and economic balance of the territory and, as a result, increase the stability of agrolandscapes at the local level. Conclusions. 1. An algorithm for assessing geoecological conditions and factors at the local level of organization of agricultural land use has been determined to analyze its sustainability. 2. The assessment of the agrarian territory revealed the limiting impacts on the relief, geological structure of the area, soil condition, microclimate of the natural environment, structure, quality of land and other conditions and factors. Limiting impacts on agricultural land use are expressed in the manifestation of erosion processes, high land intensity and low environmental sustainability of the territory, which affects the efficiency of land use. 3. The results of scientific research can be used in the management of land resources at the level of a municipal district and an agricultural organization.

APPLICATION OF BIG DATA TECHNOLOGIES TO ASSESS THE NATURAL MOISTURE OF THE TERRITORY

Due to the sharp changes in climatic conditions in Western Siberia, the most pressing problem is food security associated with forecasting crop yields. There is a need to estimate the natural wetness of the area on the basis of agroclimatic indicators, among which the sum of active air temperatures and precipitation is currently the most widely used.
 Background. However, for a comprehensive assessment of the wetness of the territory, it is necessary to take into account the climate energy resources associated with evaporation of different time resolutions (day, decades, months, vegetation period, year). The initial meteorological parameters are described in the form of poorly structured information of a large volume. Therefore, various technologies and algorithms of machine processing are used in the work.
 Purpose. The application of big data technologies to assess the natural moisture of the territory
 Materials and methods. With the help of the high-level Python programming language and engineering libraries, a comprehensive assessment of the territory was carried out using the example of Mirny of the Kochenevsky District of the Novosibirsk Region in the context of long-term average data and two years 2019 and 2020. That the use of machine processing technologies related to NoSQL data requests, creation of data set and big data slices allows to store and process meteorological parameters using cloud services of different time resolution. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the time for a comprehensive assessment of the territory according to agroclimatic parameters. As a result of the work, precipitation distribution, temperature, relative air humidity, evaporability, humidification coefficients (Ivanov-Vysotsky and Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient) were obtained.
 Results. The paper proposes to use technologies of big data processing using Python, including pre-processing of poorly structured hydrometeorological data, execution of NoSQL queries, compilation of summary reports on agroclimatic parameters. Pre-processing consists of processing hourly meteorological data, filling gaps in the data, making slices in big data to process multi-temporal queries (day, month, growing season, year). By the example of Mirny farm in Kochenevsky district of Novosibirsk region (Russian Federation), big data processing was performed to calculate agroclimatic parameters to assess the natural moisture content of the area and yield forecasting.
 Conclusion. The practical significance of the work is as follows:
 - the application of big data processing technologies has significantly reduced the time for the labor-intensive process of assessing agrometeorological parameters;
 - obtained aggregated meteorological parameters of different temporal resolution (hours, days, decades, months) allowed us to identify a strong variability of agroclimatic conditions for the territory of Mirny farm Kochenevsky district, located in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia;
 - perform an integral assessment of agroclimatic conditions by calculating the integral indices of moisture, climate continentality, and agroclimatic potential.