Forest-steppe Zone Research Articles

Influence of plant growth regulators on the main morphological parameters of Paeonia

The article reflects the results of studying the effectiveness of the action of the specialized preparations «Lignohumate» and «Trener» on the growth, development and decorative qualities of some representatives of the Paeonia L. genus complex in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Bashkir Cis-Ural. For the first time in the conditions of the Southern Ural, the influence of new growth stimulants on the decorativeness of some varieties of Paeonia lactiflora from the collection of the SUBGI UFRC RAS was studied. It is shown that under the influence of the studied preparations there was an increase in the number of shoots and flowers on one peduncle, as well as a change in the diameter and height of the flower. It was noted that the use of growth regulators significantly affected the following decorative features: the size of the flower, the abundance of flowering and the number of buds on the peduncle. Among the economic and biological parameters, a large difference between the control and the experiment was noted for the traits: productivity and duration of flowering, reproductive ability and resistance to diseases and pests. Thus, the studied plant growth regulators can be recommended for use in floriculture, as they increase the decorative effect of cultivars.

Influence of weather conditions on yield and protein content in winter wheat grain

The results of three-year studies (2020–2022) conducted in the forest-steppe zone of the Samara region in the agrocenosis of winter wheat are presented. The purpose of the work was to study the influence of natural and climatic conditions of the research area on the formation of yield indicators, protein content in winter wheat grain. The material was 10 varieties from the Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) collection and 5 varieties of selection of the Povolzhsky Scientific Research Institute of Selection and Seed Growing named after P.N. Konstantinov. Yield, grain protein content and protein yield per hectare were determined. Varieties characterized by high yield and high amount of protein in grain, showing maximum protein yield in different weather conditions of the years were identified. Over the years of research, the year 2022 was the most favorable for the formation of high yields (between 6 and 8.5 t/ha were harvested in the indicated year), where a large amount of precipitation was observed in May – the first ten-day period of June. The protein content in grain was the highest in 2021 (14–19%), when high temperatures were observed during the grain filling period in the absence of precipitation. For each variety, the correlation dependence of the sum of active temperatures and the amount of precipitation during the spring-summer vegetation period with the studied indicators was established. There was a negative correlation between the sum of active temperatures and yield (from –0.553 to –0.981) and a positive correlation with the protein content indicator (from 0.605 to 0.984) depending on the variety. The amount of precipitation was in a positive correlation with the yield index, the dependence on the protein content in the grain was ambiguous and depended on the variety. The studied indicators were influenced not only by natural and climatic conditions, but also by the genotypic features of the studied varieties, which explains the diverse correlation dependence.

Evaluation of alfalfa varieties by economically valuable characteristics in the southern foreststeppe zone of the Republic of Bashkortostan

The purpose of the research (2019–2022) is to identify promising alfalfa samples based on a complex of economically valuable traits that are resistant to biotic and abiotic environmental stress factors for the conditions of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The novelty of the research is that for the first time in the conditions of the southern forest-steppe zone of the Republic of Bashkortostan, new promising hybrid populations with ecological plasticity and increased yield potential were studied. Records and observations were carried out according to the VIR method. As a result of the research, promising cultivars were identified that combine high feed and seed productivity. Samples of Emerald (variegated hybrid) High-protein (variegated hybrid population), Precocious (variegated hybrid population), Tatar pasture differ in the earliest flowering. The largest excess of the green mass yield was noted by samples: From 3-8 (blue hybrid, created by individual — family selection) exceeding the standard by 37.4%; Population 25 (mixture) by 33.2%; P 85044 (blue hybrid, created by individual and family selection) by 29.3%; Population 8 (synthetic population, belongs to the yellow–variegated hybrid variety type) by 27.7%. A positive correlation was established between the seed yield, the amount of precipitation (r = 0.481) and GTC (r = 0.470). The presence of a weak negative correlation between the seed yield and the average daily temperature regime (r = -0.276) was revealed. The results of the research can be used in the selection of alfalfa in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia and is of interest to researchers-breeders of the world community.

Agrophysical properties of soil depending on crops of grass field crop root summary

Relevance. The agrophysical state of the soil is essential for the successful development of agricultural production. The purpose of the study is to study the influence of grass-field crop rotation on the agrophysical, biological properties of soil fertility and crop productivity in the forest-steppe zone of North Ossetia — Alania.Methodology. The studies were carried out in 2020–2022 in the field stationary crop rotation of the in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the North Ossetia — Alania . The soil of the experimental plot is represented by leached chernozems on pebbles. Bookmarking experiments, phenological observations, statistical processing of the data obtained was carried out according to generally accepted methods.Results. It was found that at the beginning of the growing season, the lumpy fraction under crop rotation varied from 13.34 to 49.45%, in the macrostructure — from 48.42 to 81.77%, for an aggregate 0.25 mm thick — from 1.77 up to 7.99%. By the end of the growing season, the proportion of dusty fraction under winter wheat decreased from 8.01 to 1.09%. The structural coefficient varied from 2.22% (corn) to 2.49% (oats + clover). Studies have shown that the studied soil has a good structure, since it contains from 46.0 to 66.2% of water-stable aggregates. On crops of oats + clover (average (0–30 cm) soil layer), the soil density was 0.95 g/cm3 at the beginning of the growing season, 1.19 g/cm3 — during the period of intensive growth, 1.22 g/cm3 — in the end of the growing season. This trend is manifested in all crop rotation crops. It should be noted that grass links are more productive, where the collection of fodder units (16.37 t/ha) exceeds the indicators of the tilled link by 1.98 t/ha. In general, the exchange energy of the grass-field link of the crop rotation turned out to be 2.17 GJ/ha more than the tilled one and amounted to 13.43 GJ/ha.

New record of Anthocoptes platynotus Nalepa (Acari: Eriophyoidea) and its abundance on Cornus mas L. in the northern part of a Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine

The superfamily Eriophyoidea is a large and diverse group of mites that includes a number of species that parasitise plants of economic importance, mainly perennial plants in agriculture and forestry. The purpose of this study is to examine the cornel plants plantations in the botanical gardens of Kyiv and Zhytomyr (Ukraine) for the presence and damage by mites of the superfamily Eriophyoidea. During the study, field and laboratory methods were used in accordance with generally accepted methods in acarology and plant protection. As a result of the study, on Cornus mas L. plants, a four-legged mite Anthocoptes platynotus Nalepa, 1898 was found. This is the farthest northern distribution zone of the species in Ukraine. New data on the harmfulness of this species were received. It was determined that under A. platynotus feeding, there was a slight deformation of the leaf lamina on both sides of the leaf veins, there was no leaf bleaching. The population level of A. platynotus on six varieties of a plant subg. Cornus was determined. It was established that it was different. Phytophage-mite damaged the varieties “Elegantnyi” and “Kubanskyi” the most. The least affected were the varieties “Mosvir-1” and “Novyi”. The varieties “Bylda” and “Svitliachok” had a medium degree of damage. A. platynotus lives on the underside of a leaf and does not form galls or felt. The peak of phytophagous population in the research region occurs at the end of July. It was noted that a low number of A. platynotus does not substantially affect the growth and development of the leaves on the fodder plant. The practical value of the study lies in the fact that the information on A. platynotus presence, abundance, and spread will help in sampling the mites and making future management decisions

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Forest Vegetation and Their Impacts on Soil Properties in the Forest-Steppe Zone of Central Russian Upland: A Remote Sensing, GIS Analysis, and Field Studies Approach

This article showcases the outcomes of a comprehensive spatiotemporal dynamic analysis conducted in forest vegetation areas within the forest-steppe zone of the Central Russian Upland (eastern Europe), spanning the period from 1970 to 2020. This study utilized high-resolution data from the Corona satellite system from the year 1970 as well as satellite imagery from the ArcGIS World Imagery database. Soil properties and their changes were assessed based on the analysis of soil bulk density (930 samples), soil organic carbon features, pH, available phosphorus, and the composition of salt extracts (1362 samples). We collected and analyzed 3920 soil samples in the field to study the impact of shelterbelts on soil moisture over a period of two years. For six selected key sites with a total area of 1722 km2, it was found that over a 50-year period, the area covered by forest vegetation increased from 14% to 24%. This expansion was primarily due to the planting and growth of young shelterbelts in the 1970s–1980s as well as widening anti-erosion shelterbelts on slopes and gullies. The average linear growth rate of forest vegetation boundaries was found to be 23.5 m (4.7 m per decade) for the entire study area. The expansion was highest on west-facing slopes, which was attributed to the higher moisture content from windward atmospheric precipitation events. However, alongside the increase in forest cover, degradation was also observed, particularly in old-age shelterbelts, which was attributed to increased fragmentation and mortality. A gradual increase in the extent of shelterbelt degradation was observed from the northwest to the southeast within the forest-steppe region, corresponding to areas with a drier climate. Additionally, the impact of shelterbelts on soil properties and soil cover was analyzed using four key sites and using fields and laboratory research methods. We detected a lateral uptake of substances from plowed soils into the soils of shelterbelts and vertical uptake from deep layers. The two-year observations (2020 and 2021) of soil moisture during the growing season (May–September) in two climatically contrasting forest-steppe areas revealed a more intensive accumulation of soil moisture in fields west of shelterbelts compared to those to the east of them, particularly within the 10 m zone near the shelterbelts. This can be attributed to arable fields on the windward side receiving more moisture compared to the leeward side. The formation of striped microstructures in the soil cover that occurred under the shelterbelts and on adjacent arable lands was influenced by various factors such as microclimatic conditions, vegetation types, ecological conditions for soil fauna, and human-induced soil processing and transformation along the shelterbelt boundaries. Shelterbelts and their adjacent areas in agro-landscapes are considered to be self-developing natural–anthropogenic geosystems with their own organizational structure. Therefore, their study is recommended as an integral part of modern geographical zoning.

Empirical delineation of the forest-steppe zone is supported by macroclimate

Eurasian forest-steppes form a 9000-km-long transitional zone between temperate forests and steppes, featuring a complex mosaic of herbaceous and woody habitats. Due to its heterogeneity regarding climate, topography and vegetation, the forest-steppe zone has been divided into several regions. However, a continental-scale empirical delineation of the zone and its regions was missing until recently. Finally, a map has been proposed by Erdős et al. based on floristic composition, physiognomy, relief, and climate. By conducting predictive distribution modeling and hierarchical clustering, here we compared this expert delineation with the solely macroclimate-based predictions and clusters. By assessing the discrepancies, we located the areas where refinement of the delineation or the inclusion of non-macroclimatic predictors should be considered. Also, we identified the most important variables for predicting the existence of the Eurasian forest-steppe zone and its regions. The predicted probability of forest-steppe occurrence showed a very high agreement with the expert delineation. The previous delineation of the West Siberia region was confirmed by our results, while that of the Inner Asia region was the one least confirmed by the macroclimate-based model predictions. The appropriate delineation of the Southeast Europe region from the East Europe region should be refined by further research, and splitting the Far East region into a southern and northern subregion should also be considered. The main macroclimatic predictors of the potential distribution of the zone and its regions were potential evapotranspiration (zone and regions), annual mean temperature (regions), precipitation of driest quarter (regions) and precipitation of warmest quarter (zone), but the importance of climatic variables for prediction showed great variability among the fitted predictive distribution models.

Биологически активные вещества в цветках и листьях сортов сибирских ирисов

Abstract. In the last decade, garden varieties of Siberian iris (Iris sibirica L.) of the iris family (Iridaceae Juss.), which are valuable not only as ornamental plants, but also as a source of biologically active substances used in medicine and the perfume industry, have been very popular. Information on the presence of these substances in the generative and vegetative organs of the varieties of Siberian iris studied by us was not noted, which is the novelty and relevance of this work. The purpose of the study is a comparative study and assessment of the quantitative content of biologically active substances in the flowers and leaves of I sibirica and seven varieties from the Siberian irises (SIB) group cultivated in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia. Methods. The content of flavonols, catechins, carotenoids was determined by the spectrophotometric method, pectin substances by the carbazole-free spectrophotometric method and tannins by the titrimetric method. Results. The results of a comparative analysis of secondary metabolites in the aerial organs of irises showed that the content of tannins (1.3–3.2 times), flavonoids (1.5–4.6 times), catechins (5.0–6.3 times), carotenoids (2.6–9.5 times) higher in leaves than in flowers. The content of pectins is higher (3.5–9.5 times) and protopectins (1.2–1.9 times) in flowers. The varieties Fialcovy, Vals Katuni, Kassandra were distinguished by the highest indications for individual components. Variety and species specificity in the distribution of these components in the flowers and leaves of plants, as well as the influence of hydrometrological factors during the growing seasons of growth and development of 2020–2021, were noted. Scientific novelty. For the first time in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Novosibirsk region, a comparative quantitative analysis of the content of tannins, flavonols, pectins, protopectins, catechins, carotenoids in the aboveground organs of Iris sibirica and its varieties: Baltik Blue, Blue Cup, Cambridge, Fialcovy, Kassandra, Mandy Morse, Vals Katuni was carried out.

EFFECTIVENESS OF PRECISION AGRICULTURE ELEMENTS IN POTATO PRODUCTION IN THE WESTERN SIBERIAN FOREST-STEPPE

Theresultsofcomprehensiveresearchconductedin 2020-2022 usinggeoinformationtechnologies in potato cultivation at ZAO Plemzavod "Irmens" in the Ordynsky District of the Novosibirsk Region, located in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia, are presented. Potatoes require specific environmental factors to achieve high yields with good product quality. Using satellite navigation systems ensures an increase in potato yield and product quality. The research aims to develop elements of potato cultivation technology using innovative satellite navigation systems. The experiments were conducted in the soil and climate zone of drained forest-steppe in the northern forest-steppe area of the Priobye foothills. The soil of the experimental plots is alkaline black soil with a humus content of 6.32%, total nitrogen content of 0.28%, phosphorus content of 0.23%, and potassium content of 1.19%. The concentration of quickly hydrolysable nitrogen was 10.3, exchangeable phosphorus was 20.7, and exchangeable potassium was 14.4 mg/100 g of soil, with a pH of Early potato varieties Gala and Riviera were cultivated in the experiments. During the research period, aggregated data were obtained, and regression equations between yield indicators, the sum of productive soil moisture reserves, and precipitation in interphase periods of potato varieties were calculated. Correlation coefficients were determined for specific interphase periods. The dependence of potato yield on precipitation indicators in interphase periods was established. The significance of precision agriculture elements in ensuring early potato varieties' high product and quality was noted.

RESPONSIVENESS OF POTATO VARIETIES TO BALANCED MINERAL FERTILIZER APPLICATION RATES

The effectiveness of applying balanced rates of mineral fertilisers for potatoes was studied in the forest-steppe zone of the Southern Urals, taking into account potato varieties and agronomic practices. It was established that the crucial factor affecting the formation of planned tuber yields is the level of mineral nutrition, which accounted for 67% of the yield variation in 2019, 40% in 2020, 45% in 2021, and 39% under the conditions of 2022. For comparison, the planting density determined the variation by 8.4%, 41.5%, 37.2%, and 23.2%, respectively, and the genotype accounted for 15.2%, 10.9%, 14.3%, and 13.2% of the total tuber yield variation. In 2022, single irrigation of potatoes determined 20.4% of this parameter's variance. The fertiliser rate calculated to achieve the planned yield of 40 t/ha led to an average increase in tuber yield for the Zakhar variety by 8.16 t/ha, Kashtak by 9.08 t/ha, Amulet by 7.76 t/ha, and Cavalier by 9.75 t/ha. The fertiliser rate calculated for a 60 t/ha yield increased by 13.56, 12.92, 14.71, and 18.33 t/ha, respectively. The target tuber yield of 40 t/ha was achieved by the Zakhar (39.8 t/ha) and Kashtak (41.8 t/ha) varieties in 2019 (correlation coefficient 0.91), Amulet (39.1 t/ha) in 2020 (correlation coefficient 0.85) with a planting scheme of 75 x 19 cm, Cavalier (38.7 t/ha) in 2021 (correlation coefficient 0.39), and Amulet (41.8 t/ha) in 2022 with a planting scheme of 75 x 14 cm. The planned yield of 60 t/ha was achieved by the studied varieties only in 2022 with single irrigation (300 m3/ha) and a dense planting scheme (75 x 14 cm) for Amulet (60.9 t/ha) and Cavalier (58.4 t/ha), also with a planting scheme of 75 x 19 cm. The formation of planned potato yields in the forest steppe of the Chelyabinsk region can be ensured by cultivating adaptive varieties of local selection (Zakhar, Kashtak, Amulet, and Cavalier) and regulating the water regime through critical irrigation. In 2022, potato irrigation increased the average yield by 11.1 t/ha for Cavalier, 10.7 t/ha for Kashtak, 10.6 t/ ha for Zakhar, and 10.1 t/ha for Amulet compared to the rain-fed variant, thereby increasing the profitability of mineral fertilisers with an additional tuber yield by 1.5 to 2 times.

Comparative assessment of yield and adaptive potential of pea and soybean varieties in the conditions of the northern foreststeppe zone of Northern Trans-Urals

The research aims to comprehensively assess pea and soybean varieties based on their ranking by yield and adaptive parameters in the conditions of the northern forest-steppe zone of the Tyumen region for the years 2019-2021. The authors identified the significant environmental variability during the years of variety testing. The best pea variety in terms of average yield and average yield in contrasting conditions was Ostinato (33.8 and 36.9 c/ha, respectively), while for soybean, it was the Siberiada variety (13.2 and 11.9 c/ha, respectively). The realisation of yield potential was low for all varieties and did not exceed 75%. Pea varieties outperformed soybean varieties regarding 1000 grain weight and plant height. The vegetation period for soybean varieties was 25-30 days longer than for pea varieties. All sorts exhibited high resistance to lodging. Stress resistance was low for all types, especially peas, ranging from -11.8 for the Siberian variety to -20.0 c/ha for the Ostinato pea. Yield variability among varieties ranged from 33.4% (Ostinato pea variety) to 53.4% (SibNIISK-315 soybean variety). The regression coefficient for all pea and soybean varieties was equal to or close to one, from bi = 0.96 (Siberiachka soybean variety) to bi = 1.04 (Ostinato pea variety and Siberiada soybean variety), indicating their plasticity. Soybean varieties exceeded pea varieties in terms of homeostasis. The best for peas in this indicator was the Ostinato variety (Hоm = 5.06), and for soybeans, it was the Siberiada variety (Hоm = 2.06). The pea variety Ostinato (2.4) and the soybean variety Siberiada (0.8) demonstrated the highest overall adaptive ability. Based on the sum of rankings for yield and adaptability parameters, the best pea variety was Ostinato (sum of orders 11). For soybeans, it was the Siberiada variety (sum of rankings 11).

Interrelationship between yield of oat varieties and key traits in the Priobskaya forest-steppe zone

This study presents the research results on the interrelationship between biological oat yield and its components in the Priobskaya Forest-Steppe zone of the Novosibirsk region. The experiments were conducted at the Siberian Research Institute of Plant Cultivation and Breeding - a Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS branch from 2012 to 2021. The material for the study consisted of 37 oat varieties included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements. It is approved for use in the West Siberian and East Siberian regions of the Russian Federation. The study aims to determine the priority elements of oat yield structure by ripening groups and varieties in contrasting meteorological conditions. Of the 37 types, three are early, 14 are mid-early, 19 are mid-season, and one is mid-late. All years of the study are divided into two categories based on the average yield over ten years, with favourable and unfavourable conditions for yield formation. It has been established that the density of productive stems remaining at harvest is the main element in oat yield formation for mid-early and mid-season varieties in the Priobskaya Forest-Steppe zone under suitable conditions. Under unfavourable conditions, the productivity of the ear is crucial. The study demonstrates the correlation between structural elements and the biological yield of varieties in contrasting conditions. The influence of stem density on yield in unfavourable conditions was observed in Tubinskiy, Phobos, Tayezhnik, Uran, Anchar, Mustang, and Barguzin. In contrast, it was evident in favourable conditions in varieties like Anchar, Otrada, Korifey, Togurchanin, Krupnozerny, and Kemerovskiy 90. A strong correlation between increased grain weight from the ear and higher yields was found in unfavourable conditions for varieties like Tarskiy 2, Tubinskiy, Otrada, Talisman, Orion, Phobos, Barguzin, Irtish 22, Uran, Pamyati Bogachkova, Altayskiy Krupnozerny, Narymskiy 943, Pegas, and in favourable conditions for varieties like Rovyesnik, Belozerny, Anchar. In both sets of states, a strong correlation was observed in types like Tayezhnik, Novosibirskiy 88, Tulunskiy 19, Irtish 21, Kemerovskiy 90, Korifey, Togurchanin, Sig, Tayezhnik, Krasnoobskiy, Sibiryak, Baykal, Novosibirskiy 5, Mustang, Irtish 13, Togurchanin, Krupnozerny, Sig. The impact of 1000-grain weight on yield was noted in unfavorable conditions for varieties like Krasnoobskiy, Sibiryak, Baykal, Anchar, Oven, Tubinskiy, Sig, Orion, Korifey, Uran, Novosibirskiy 88, Mustang, Togurchanin, Otrada, Altayskiy Krupnozerny, Irtish 21, Egorich, Narymskiy 943, and in favorable conditions for varieties like Novosibirskiy 88, Creol, Irtish 21, Belozerny, Metis, Irtish 13.

Early Neolithic of the Middle Don in the Light of Current Research (based on materials from the Cherkasskaya-5 site)

The article deals with the latest overview of the Early Neolithic site Cherkasskaya-5, located in the Middle Don, southern part of the forest-steppe zone, Voronezh Oblast. The site is characterized by particular preservation of organic remains and a range of materials available for dating, which is rare for sites of the Don forest-steppe area. The first radiocarbon dates, along with particular early Neolithic flint assemblage, allowed attributing the complex to the early Neolithic. First archaeozoological analysis suggested the presence of bones of domesticated species. However recent re-examination of the faunal collection did not allow identifying any domesticated species. New AMS-radiocarbon dates made on organic crust and animal bones confirmed the Early Neolithic age of the site. Direct dating of the organic wrapping of a Cretaceous sinker allowed refining the age of the early Neolithic period to the first quarter of the 6th mill BC. Excavations conducted in 2014–2015 allowed obtaining a ceramic collection, which does not have any analogies within the surrounding Neolithic sites of the Middle and Upper Don region, and finds more similarities with Lower Volga ceramic tradition. It allows us to put a new glance at the process of Neolithisation of the region.

Bioarchaeology and Paleoclimate Aspects of the Study of the Upper Don Region Population of the Middle Bronze Age

The paper presents the reconstruction of the lifestyle, environment, and climate conditions of the inhabitants of the forest-steppe zone of the East European Plain in the Middle Bronze Age. Presented study is based on the results of archaeological work on the territory of the archaeological heritage site «Volkhonskiye Vyselki 1, kurgan» carried out in 2021 by the expedition of the Lipetsk regional scientific public organization «Archaeological Research». The mound belongs to the Middle Don Catacomb culture and contains 9 graves. It was demonstrated that the climate at the time of the creation of the mound were more arid than at modern times by soil-archaeological method. Levels of mobile P forms in soils suggest that the site was used for feasts, both before the creation of the mound and after. The gender and age, osteometric and pathological characteristics of the skeletons of 15 buried are given. Because of the results of isotope analyzes it has been assumed that the diet of the deceased was based on plant food.

Agricultural landscape zoning of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine to develop organic gardening

The relevance of this study lies in the applied use of general scientific methods of landscape ecology in organic horticulture of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The purpose of the study was to develop a system of targeted agricultural landscape assessment of the territory to determine the prospects for the development of organic horticulture on the example of the right-bank part of the Western Forest-Steppe. To fulfil this purpose, the methodology of targeted agricultural landscape zoning of agricultural land was used. For this, maps and diagrams of the distribution of the main structural components and factors of the agrosphere, namely, landscapes and morphological structures of the relief, soil and vegetation cover, water chemistry, rocks, functional use of land and traditional areas of agricultural production, were used. The cartographic method and expert assessments of land suitability for organic horticulture were based on the study of 8 natural and anthropogenic factors that form the corresponding taxonomic classification of agricultural landscapes of the Forest-Steppe from 30 taxa. The spatial differentiation of the factors is determined by the relevant quantitative and qualitative parameters of orchard lands. The expert assessment of agricultural landscapes for organic horticulture is based on the percentage level of alteration of the natural structure of the land. A full-scale model of the target map of agricultural landscapes was developed to assess the prospects for the development of organic horticulture on the example of the central part of the Right Bank of the Western Forest-Steppe. The study area of 5,400 square kilometres was located at the intersection of three administrative regions, namely Zhytomyr, Kyiv, and Vinnytsia. The study identified 21 agricultural landscapes, the territories of which are homogeneous in 8 parameters. Their comprehensive regional perspectives for organic horticulture are rated from 11 to 21. It was proposed to define 5 categories of agricultural landscapes according to their suitability for organic horticulture: the highest (21 points), high (19-20 points), medium (17-18 points), low (15-16 points) levels of suitability and unsuitable (11-12 points). Half of the study area is covered by agricultural landscapes of high suitability for organic horticulture, 15% each of medium and unsuitable, and 10% each of high and low suitability. The targeted classification of land for organic horticulture on an agricultural landscape basis is the scientific and methodological basis for the widespread development of a new, environmentally sound type of agricultural activity in Ukraine

Openly living phytophages and entomophages of the agrocenosis of winter soft wheat in the forest-steppe of the Samara region

Studies were conducted to study the species composition of open-living insects of phytophages and entomophages in the agrocenosis of winter soft wheat on varieties Povolzhskaya 30 and Povolzhskayaniva. The studies were conducted in 2020-2022, which differed in meteorological conditions, in the forest-steppe zone of the Samara region. In the agrocenosis of winter wheat, 28 species of phytophagous insects were identified, which belonged to 16 families. The most numerous in terms of species composition were the families: Chloropidae, Chrysomelidae ,Aphididae, Scutelleridae. The families were small in species composition: Phlaeothripidae, Pentatomidae, Berytidae, Miridae, Acrididae, Elateridae, Cephidae, Carabidae and Scarabaeidae. All phytophagous insects were divided into 6 orders: Bubble-legged or Thrips (Thysanoptera), Hemiptera or bugs (Hemiptera), Diptera (Diptera), Coleoptera or Beetles (Coleoptera), Straight-winged (Ortoptera), Hymenoptera (Hymenoptera). Numerous species composition of phytophagous insects was observed in the orders of Hemiptera (39.0%), Diptera and Coleoptera (25.0% each). The majority of phytophagous insects fed only on vegetative parts of plants (64.0%) (roots, stems, and leaves), 7.0% of species fed on generative parts of plants (mainly grain feeding). 29.0% of the species had a mixed type of nutrition, on vegetative organs (mainly in the larval stage) and on generative organs (mainly imago). Among phytophagous insects, the proportion with a gnawing mouth was 54.0%, and the proportion with a sucking mouth was 46.0%. The species composition of openly living entomophages in the agrocenosis of winter wheat was diverse. It is represented by 6 detachments. The largest number of species was observed in the orders Coleoptera or Beetles (Coleoptera) and the order of Spiders (Araneae). Ladybugs (Coccinellids) dominated among entomophages, which were represented by 9 species.

Influence of the preparation «Lignohumate» on the decorative effect of perennial plants

Purpose of the article is to study the effectiveness of the «Lignohumate» preparation 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. 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. For the first time in the conditions of the Bashkir Cis-Ural, the influence of the growth stimulator «Lignohumate» on the decorative qualities of some types of flower crops of the collection of the SUBGI UFRC RAS was studied. 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 out that «Lignohumate» 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 preparation helps to increase the area of the horizontal projection of the color spot on the bush by 2.6 times compared to the control. In Ph. paniculata «Lignohumate» 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.

Species composition and ecological structure of ground beetle communities (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in reclaimed rock dumps in the south of Western Siberia

Coal mining has a strong negative impact on the environment. It transforms natural landscapes into technogenic ones with high rock embankments and deep depressions, i.e., dumps and quarries. Such areas are good model sites for studying primary successions. Using the example of the Krasnobrodsky coal mine, this paper investigates the ecological and faunal structure of the ground beetle communities which inhabit the rock dumps of various ages in the forest-steppe zone in the south of Western Siberia. A total of 125 ground beetle species from 38 genera were collected. It was also established that fresh dumps were quickly populated by ground beetles. The basis of the taxocene is formed by species with high ecological plasticity, confined to anthropogenic biotopes. According to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), ground beetle communities in dumps differ from native reference ecosystems. The Jaccard similarity index between 2- and 7-year-old dumps was 54%, while for the control zone and the site at the foot of the 25-year-old dump, this value was 68%. During 35 years of succession, the species composition of carabidocenoses varied, while the species abundance and dynamic density decreased (r = -0.78, p < 0.001). A wide range of life forms has been established for ground beetles. This indicates the active development of ecological niches, formed in technogenically transformed territories. This study demonstrates that the time interval of 35 years used for consideration is insufficient for recovering ground beetle communities to a climax state, typical to the ecosystems of a corresponding forest-steppe zone.

On the lunula stone pendants and their taiga counterparts

The paper provides brief information about crescent-shaped or moon-shaped stone pendants from the Bronze Age sites of Southern and Western Siberia. These artifacts belong to the category of rather rare finds. Across the vast territory from Cisbaikalia in the east to the Middle Irtysh Basin in the west only about 50 such items are known from the complexes of Glazkovo, Okunevo, Elunino, Odino, Krotovo, and Stepanovo archaeo-logical cultures. In most cases, lunula pendants originate from the burial complexes. Particular attention is paid to the items associated with the archaeological cultures of the taiga zone of Western Siberia (Kulyegan, Polymyat, and Vary-Khadyta). The context of 13 finds, their raw material and shape has been characterized in detail. The items of the forest series feature small dimensions: a length from 4.7–5 to 8.5 cm and a thickness from 0.17 to 0.45 cm. In comparison with the larger artefacts of the Glazkovo, Krotovo, and Odino Cultures, the taiga pendants look like their miniature imitations. Most of the items were found in the settlements. The Eneolithic — Early Bronze Age archaeological sites of the taiga Ob Basin, whose materials contain lunula pendants, belong to the 3rd — early 2nd mil. BC. This chronological range coincides with the presence of such artifacts in the forest-steppe zone. The peculiar stone pendants are interpreted as an attribute of a new symbolism in the cultures of the forest communi-ties, introduced by the Seima-Turbino groups of the population. Migrations of the Seima-Turbino populations along the Ob and Irtysh Rivers were accompanied by the mass distribution in the taiga zone of large fortified dwellings, new types of metal tools and weapons, advanced metal production technologies, and the widespread use of tin bronzes. They explain the similarity of the pottery materials and stone inventory of the taiga and the forest-steppe sites. The discovery of stone pendants in various forest zone regions, including its Arctic outskirts, allows one to interpret them as a characteristic Siberian symbolic attribute of the Palaeometal Period.

Varietal zoning of spring wheat and estimation of its varieties according to productivity and adaptability in the Tyumen region

The purpose of the current study was to estimate the varietal zoning of spring wheat in the Tyumen region, as well as a productivity and adaptability potential of its varieties in the conditions of the northern forest-steppe zone of the region. Varietal zoning of spring wheat in 2022 included 18 varieties. The largest mean productivity was produced by the varieties ‘Ekaterina’ (3.14 t/ha, a middle-early variety), ‘KVS Akvilon’ (3.60 t/ha, a middle maturing variety) and ‘Melodiya’ (3.86 t/ha, a middle late variety). The best stress resistant varieties were ‘Novosibirskaya 15’ (a middle-early variety, –1.59), ‘Chernyava 13’ (a middle maturing variety, –1.42) and ‘Melodiya’ (a middle late variety, –2.08). The varieties ‘Ekaterina’ (a middle-early variety), ‘Ikar’, ‘Aviada’, ‘Omskaya 36’, ‘KVS Akvilon’ (a middle maturing variety), ‘Riks’ and ‘Melodiya’ (a middle late variety) belong to the strongly responsive, intensive varieties, with a regression coefficient bi > 1. The best stable varieties in the middle-early group were the varieties ‘Iren’ (Si 2 = 1.82), ‘Tyumenskaya 25’ (Si 2 = 0.92) and the varieties ‘Lutescens 70’ (Si 2 = 0.92), ‘Chernyava 13’ (Si 2 = 1.18), ‘Tyumenskaya 29’ (Si 2 = 1.61) in the middle maturing group. The varieties ‘Ekaterina’ (Pcond = 197.8 %, a middle early variety), ‘Tyumenskaya Yubileinaya’ (Pcond = 202.5 %, a middle early variety), ‘Chernyava 13’ (Pcond = 170.9 %, a middle maturing variety), ‘Grenada’ (Pcond = 122.9 %, a middle maturing variety) and ‘Melodiya’ (Pcond = 154.2 %, a middle late variety) were characterized with the largest indicator of the productivity level and stability. According to the general adaptability, the best middle early variety was ‘Ekaterina’ (GA = 0.39), the middle maturing ones was ‘Chernyava 13’ (GA = 0.18) and ‘KVS Akvilon’ (GA = 0.26), the middle late variety was ‘Melodiya’ (GA = 0.19). According to the sum of the ranks of productivity and adaptability indicators, the most valuable variety in the middle early group was ‘Ekaterina’ (the sum of ranks was 20), in the middle maturing group was ‘Chernyava 13’ (the sum of ranks was 23) and in the middle late group was ‘Melodiya’ (the sum of ranks was 10).