Full Ripeness Research Articles

Breeding of a large-sized tomato cultivar ‘Momotaro’ series, with high quality, good flavor and long shelf life that enables shipment at full ripen stage

Breeding of a large-sized tomato cultivar ‘Momotaro’ series, with high quality, good flavor and long shelf life that enables shipment at full ripen stage

Agrobiological characteristics of spelt wheat and intermediate wheatgrass in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Estimation of spelt wheat and the species of intermediate wheatgrass by the main agrobiological indicators (calendar dates of the beginning of the main phases of plant development, plant height dynamics, dry mass accumulation, grain yield and protein content) compared to soft wheat was done. The index of stability of grain yield formation was determined. It was found that the main phases of development in spelt wheat occurred on average 10–15 days later than in soft wheat. Plants of intermediate wheatgrass in the first year of cultivation had slower growth. The main phases of development in plants of intermediate wheatgrass of the second and third year of growth occurred almost in the same time with soft wheat. It was established that spelt wheat and intermediate wheatgrass were significantly superior to soft wheat in plant height. In the earing phase, the height of these plants was on average more than 100 cm, which had to be taken into account when growing these crops. It varied from 25 to 42 cm in spelt wheat and from 29 to 57 cm in intermediate wheatgrass during the stem elongation phase depending on the weather conditions of the research year. This indicator ranged from 107 to 113 cm and from 96 to 117 cm, respectively, in the earing phase, and from 137 to 168 cm and from 107 to 196 cm in the phase of milk ripeness of grain. Plants of spelt wheat and intermediate wheatgrass had a high stability index of the formation of dry matter and grain yield. It should be noted that intermediate wheatgrass formed a significant vegetative mass even in the earing phase. The vegetative mass in spelt wheat was formed during the earing period – full ripeness of grain. These crops (spelt wheat – 22.1 ± 0.4, intermediate wheatgrass – 22.4–24.6 ± 0.2–0.5) were significantly superior to soft wheat (12.1 ± 0.5) by the content of protein in grain, so it was recommended to involve them in the selection programs to create species with high productivity. However, spelt wheat (5.58 ± 0.13) was less and intermediate wheatgrass (0.98–1.22 ± 0.14–0.18) was the most inferior to soft wheat (8.03 ± 0.27) in terms of grain yield.

Characterization of the phenolic ripening development of ‘BRS Vitoria’ seedless table grapes using HPLC–DAD–ESI-MS/MS

Determining the harvest date of table grapes is very important to achieve high-quality bunches with adequate soluble solids content, low titratable acidity, and high concentrations of polyphenols. Table grape consumption has increased worldwide due to its phenolic compound content and its beneficial effects on human health. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the phenolic ripening of ‘BRS Vitoria’ seedless table grapes at different ripening stages using HPLC–DAD–ESI-MS/MS. For this purpose, a trial was carried out during 2016 in a commercial vineyard of ‘BRS Vitoria’ seedless grape located in Marialva, state of Parana (Southern Brazil). Berry samples were assessed weekly, starting at véraison until full ripeness. At each ripening stage, the berries were analyzed to determine their physicochemical characteristics and polyphenolic profile. It was observed that ‘BRS Vitoria’ grapes can be harvested approximately 28 days after véraison, when the berries reach soluble solids content higher than 15°Brix and low titratable acidity. The grapes presented a typical anthocyanin profile of hybrid grapes, composed of 3-glucoside and 3,5-diglucoside derivatives. In addition, pelargonidin traces were also observed, and this aglycone is rarely detected in grapes. The total anthocyanin concentration, as malvidin-3,5-diglucoside equivalents, is close to 596.9 mg kg−1. Concerning flavonols, myricetin and quercetin are detected in greater proportions, and this cultivar can also be considered an important source of proanthocyanidins.

Селекция сортов подсолнечника с высокой масличностью

The article presents the results of long-term research on the creation of high oil and large-fruited sunflower varieties for use in 5 (Central Chernozem) and 7 (middle Volga) regions. Increasing the yield of sunflower oil seeds and improving their quality largely depends on targeted breeding work. Agricultural production needs highly productive precocious and early maturing varieties that are adaptable to local agroecological conditions and tolerant to the main common pathogens. Agroclimatic conditions of the region do not allow growing foreign-selected sunflower hybrids here, as they do not reach economic maturation (full ripeness). Breeders created a new high-oil (53.3%) variety of sunflower Chakinsky 100 with a yield potential of up to 50 centner per hectare in the Tambov research Institute (a branch of the I. V. Michurin Federal Research Center). The variety is included in the state register of breeding achievements in 2018 (patent no. 9648).

Influence of drought on the photosynthetic apparatus activity, senescence rate, and productivity in wheat plants

Effects of soil drought at flowering stage on the functional state of photosynthetic apparatus and chloroplast enzymatic antioxidant defense systems in flag leaf during reproductive period, and the productivity of winter wheat plants of high-protein Natalka variety and drought-tolerant Podolyanka variety were studied in pot experiment. Until flowering and for the control plants during the entire vegetation, the soil moisture content was maintained at a level of 60—70 % of field capacity (FC). Drought treatment (soil moisture 30 % FC) was applied for 7 days covering flowering—early kernel watery ripe period (BBCH 61—71). After that, watering of plants was resumed to a control level which was maintained until the end of the growing season. The estimation of the chlorophyll and Rubisco content, the chloroplast antioxidant enzymes activity, and the net CO2 assimilation and transpiration rates was carried out on flag leaves. The measurements were taken on the third day of watering cessation (the first day the soil moisture reached 30 % FC, BBCH 61), at the end of the drought period (seventh day at 30 % FC, BBCH 71), and after watering resumed at the medium milk (BBCH 75) and late milk (BBCH 77) stages. The components of plant grain productivity were determined by weighing air-dry material at grain full ripeness. It was revealed, that drought stress during flowering inhibited CO2 assimilation and accelerated induction of senescence processes in wheat plants associated with degradation of photosynthetic apparatus and manifested in quicker ontogenetic drop in chlorophyll and Rubisco contents and loss of leaf photosynthetic activity. This exacerbated the drought impact on the plant organism so that after optimal watering return, the physiological and biochemical parameters were not restored to the values of control plants that were all time under optimal moisture supply. Stress-induced premature senescence reduced the supply of plants with assimilates and ultimately led to a decrease in their grain productivity. Impact of drought on flag leaf photosynthetic activity and especially on senescence induction were much more pronounced in the high-protein wheat variety Natalka with a genetically programmed earlier start of the nitrogen-containing compounds remobilization from leaves than in Podolyanka variety. The drought-tolerant variety Podolyanka keep ability to maintain much higher CO2 assimilation activity during drought period and to preserve photosynthetic apparatus from early induction of senescence due to likely more efficient chloroplast antioxidant defense systems, thereby gaining a better assimilates supply for yield formation.

ОЦЕНКА ЛИНИЙ ITMI ЯРОВОЙ МЯГКОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ НА УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬ К ТВЁРДОЙ ГОЛОВНЕ

The aim of the study is to search for new sources of resistance to stinking smut among the ITMI population lines. The article presents analysis of data on the study of reaction of spring soft wheat, which is resistant to stinking smut, to the introduction of pathogen. The experimental part of the work was carried out in 2016-2018 on an infectious background of a phyto-stage in the conditions of the forest-steppe of the Middle Volga region (Samara ARI-branch of SamRC RAS, Bezenchuk country). 77 lines of ITMI mapping population were used as objects, as well as a population of Tilletia caries pathogen collected from zoned and susceptible varieties. In the experiment, healthy seeds (control) and seeds infected with pathogen were sown. For inoculation of wheat seeds with this pathogen, the A. I. Borggardt-Anpilogov method was used. Cleaning was carried out manually, by cutting plants from the plot in the phase of full ripeness. Accounting for damage to samples of stinking smut was carried out in the phase of milk-wax stage of the grain, carefully viewing and counting all the spikes on the plot. A five-grade scale created by V. I. Krivchenko was used for classing the samples resistance to stinking smut. Weather conditions in the years of research were different, but developed mainly favorable for creating an infectious background, as well as for the growth of spring wheat plants. 4 lines had immunity (ITMI-40, 75, 90, 91). Practical stability was observed on 5 lines (damage from 4.3 to 10.0%). 8 lines were poorly susceptible (the maximum lesion was 21.0%). With an average susceptibility, 21 lines were isolated, the remaining lines were mostly affected by more than 50%. Selected samples can serve as a valuable source material for use in immunological breeding programs.

БИОХИМИЧЕСКИЙ СОСТАВ СУХОГО ВЕЩЕСТВА НАДЗЕМНОЙ БИОМАССЫ И СЕМЯН РАПСА

The aim of the study was to analyze the biochemical composition of dry matter of aboveground biomass and seeds of Akkord spring rape to determine their value when used for feed. Rape was grown in 2016–2019 on sod-podzolic medium loamy soil of middle Urals with a humus content of 1.96 ... 2.25%, mobile phosphorus and potassium 166 ... 268 and 175 ... 273 mg/kg, respectively, рНKCl - 5.4 ... 5.7. The meteorological conditions of the growing season in 2016 were characterized as moderately arid and insufficiently wet (GTC - 0.51 ... 0.73), 2017 - moderately warm and humid (GTK - 1.94 ... 2.36), 2018 - optimal moist (GTK - 1.10 ... 1.70). We analyzed samples of dry matter of the aboveground biomass harvested during the budding period – beginning of flowering, as well as seeds in the phase of full ripeness. The concentration of most of the 70 evaluated chemical elements in seeds, with the exception of magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, bromine, was lower than in the aboveground biomass. Of the regulated elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, As, Cu, Xn, Fe, Sb, Se, Ni, Cr, Mo, Co) in the dry matter of green mass and seeds used for animal feed, the minimum permissible concentration did not exceed the established norms for all elements. The content of crude protein (22.8%), feed units (1.36 per 1 kg), metabolizable energy (13.0 MJ/kg) in rape seeds exceeded the values of these indicators in the dry matter of aboveground biomass –11.2%; 0.75 feed units and 9.6 MJ, respectively. The amino acid content also tended to increase in the seeds compared to the dry matter content of green mass: the total content of 13 amino acids was 14.14% and 6.40%. The removal of nitrogen from 1 ton of dry matter of aboveground biomass and rapeseed was, respectively, 30.9 and 58.2 kg, phosphorus - 6.5 and 25.5 kg, potassium - 22.0 and 40.5 kg

Influence of ecological factors on formation of quality of grain of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) of varieties of myronov selection

The research was conducted during 2015–2018 in the conditions of the V.M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat National academy of agrarian sciences of Ukraine (Forest-Steppe) and the Nosivska Plant Breeding and Experimental Station (Polissia). The research was carried out in accordance with conventional methods and guidelines. Weather conditions were contrasting, namely optimal in 2015/16, arid in 2016/17 and excessively humid — 2017/18. It was found that they significantly affected protein content. Thus, the largest one was formed in 2016/17, when in the period from the beginning of milk state of grain to the end of wax ripeness the hydrothermal coefficient (HC) was 0.7. Less protein content was formed in 2015/16 and 2017/18, when cool weather with high humidity was observed during grain filling. The protein content of the varieties was in the range of min 8.20 and max 12.95% in the ForestSteppe, min 8.10 and max 11.80% in the Polissia. In 2017/18, in the conditions of Polissia there was observed a phenomenon when gluten content was slightly lower at almost the same protein content in the varieties studied as compared with its content in these varieties in the Forest-Steppe zone. During the period from full ripeness to harvesting varieties in Polissia and Forest-Steppe in 2017/18 HC = 4.2 and 2.5, respectively. Wheat varieties have formed on average for three years gluten content in the range of min 20.18 and max 26.09% in the Forest-Steppe, min 15.50 and max 30.0% in the Polissia. There were found moderate correlation r = 0.56 between grain protein and gluten content for the varieties studied in the Forest-Steppe zone and strong correlation r = 0.85 in the Polissia zone. The ratio of gluten to protein in winter wheat grain on average varied from 1.7 in some points of climatic conditions of the ForestSteppe and Polissia in 2015/16 for the variety MIP Valensiia to 2.7 for the variety Hratsiia myronivska in the Forest-Steppe zone in 2016/17 and for the variety Horlytsia myronivska in the Polissia zone in the same year. The impact of the factor «variety» on protein content was 19%, interaction of factors «variety — year» was 15%, the influence of the factor «year» on gluten content in winter wheat grain was the maximal — 41%, the interaction of factors «variety — year» was 14%. Weather conditions of winter wheat cropping season, especially during grain formation, significantly affected the quality indices. They are formed the best under moderate supply of plants with moisture to and worse — with excessive moisture. Increase in gluten mass fraction significantly depended on the conditions of the year and varietal characteristics

Monitoring of the PAL Enzymatic Activity and Polyphenolic Compounds in Leaves and Fruits of Two Myrtle Cultivars during Maturation

The leaves and berries of myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) are rich in phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and flavanols. The richness of these antioxidant compounds allows the potential use of myrtle biomasses as raw materials for medicinal and functional food products. Most of the phenolic compounds originate from the phenylpropanoid pathway, where phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzyme activates the first step. The objective of this research is to study the activity of PAL as related to accumulation in the myrtle fruits and leaves of some phenolic compounds in the period between blossom and full berry ripening. With this aim, we compared two model genotypes with different fruit coloration. In leaves and berries of two cultivars, ‘Giovanna’ with pigmented berries and ‘Grazia’ with white berries, the PAL activity and content of polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and tannins were determined with spectrophotometric methods. PAL activity was quite constant in leaves and variable in berries: Greater in berries of ‘Giovanna’ than in those of ‘Grazia’ cultivar, and increasing from berry color-break to full ripening. In berries, a positive correlation between PAL and flavonoids (r = 0.44), and between PAL and anthocyanins (r = 0.69), as well as a negative correlation between PAL and total polyphenols (r = −0.471), were found.

Influence of winter wheat varieties and precursors on soil fertility, grain yield and quality in Stavropol territory

Research was conducted on the basis of JSC "Agrohleboprodukt" branch "Agrokevsalinsky" Ipatovsky district of Stavropol territory in 2017-2019 to determine the feasibility of sowing varieties of soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on sunflower and chickpeas with No-till technology. The production experience was carried out on an area of 3000 m2. The scheme of the experiment is 2-factors: varieties (factor A) – Zustrich (St.), Bagira, Bagrat; precursors (factor B) – sunflower and chickpeas. 
 The climate of the zone is arid. The average annual temperature is 10.3°С. The average annual precipitation is 36.1 mm. The soil of the farm is dark chestnut carbonate heavy loam. Indicators of water resistance (for sunflower and chickpeas was 49.5 – 49.9 % and 66.7 – 68.2 % respectively) and the coefficient of structure (1.9 – 2.1 and 2.1 – 2.3 respectively) of dark chestnut soil before sowing varieties of winter wheat had optimal values for all predecessors. On average, the soil density for the growing season for sunflower is 1.28 g/cm3, chickpeas – 1.20 g/cm3. For varieties from sowing to the full ripeness phase, the soil density increases by 4.8 % and 2.5 % respectively. On average, the reserve of productive moisture for the growing season for sunflower is 64.7 g/cm3, chickpeas – 76.2 g/cm3. The greatest moisture availability is observed when sowing sunflower and chickpeas in the Bagrat variety – 66.2 mm and 78.8 mm respectively.
 The content of humus in the soils of the farm is 2.62 – 2.69 %, exchange potassium – 362.5 – 400.5 mg/kg; mobile phosphorus – 32.7 – 37.0 mg/kg; nitrogen – 13.4 – 13.9 mg/kg. In terms of humus content during the growing period, Bagrat varieties have the highest indicators for sunflower and legume precursors (2.62 % and 2.70 %), as well as for exchange potassium, mobile phosphorus and nitrogen (365.7 – 403.0 mg/kg; 33.2 – 37.4 mg/kg; 14.4 – 14.9 mg/kg).
 The average yield for sunflower and chickpea varieties is 4.44 t/ha and 4.67 t/ha respectively. Bagrat variety proved to be the most productive for both predecessors (for sunflower – 4.72 t/ha, for chickpeas – 5.00 t/ha) with high grain quality indicators (the amount of raw gluten – 27.1 %, nature – 726.4 g/l, vitreous – 86.3 %). The constructed trend models reflected a very high relationship between the predecessors, soil fertility indicators and winter wheat yield (r=1.0).

Changes in the root mass and yield of rice depending on different water and food regimes drip irrigation in the lower Volga region

The article reflects some results of long-term research conducted in 2013-2015 at the research field of VNIIOZ. After analyzing the research material, the following results were obtained on the influence of water or nutrient regimes of the soil on the formation of the mass of rice roots during drip irrigation. So, when maintaining the water regime of the soil 100-80% MWHC in the 0.6 m layer, the root mass was 4.96 m in the 0.4 m layer and 5.64 t/ha in the 0.6 m layer. In the variant where the soil moisture was maintained at 100-80% MWHC in this variant, the aboveground part of the plants was more developed, which contributed to an increase in the root mass of rice in the 0.4 m layer to 5.40, and in the 0.6 m layer – 6.14 t / ha. In the variant of the water regime of the soil with a humidity of 100-80% MWHC from sowing to the end of the tillering phase in the 0.4 m layer with subsequent increase to 0.6 m, and from waxy to full ripeness of the grain is not less than 70% MWHC, the number of roots in comparison with the second option for three years in the 0.4 m layer was less by 0.18 t/ha, and in the 0.6 – 0.20 t/ha layer, but more than the first in the 0.4 m layer by 0.26 and 0.6 m – 0.30 t/ha. The applied doses of fertilizers had a greater impact on the root system of rice than the water regime of the soil. As a result of the research, it was found that the maximum grain yield (6.95 t / ha) was obtained under the water regime of the soil 100-80% MWHC sequentially in layers of 0.4 and 0.6 m with the introduction of N137P90K108 (7 t/ha). The lowest yield, 4.88 t / ha, was obtained in the variant of the water regime of the soil 100-80% MWHC in a layer of 0.6 m with the addition of N95P62K75 (5 t / ha).

The content of biologically active substances in fruits of golden currant accessions breeding of research institute of horticulture of Siberia

Berries of golden currant have a nutritional value and a high content of biologically active substances (BAS). Variability and a high level of manifestation of accession parameters indicate the possibility of breeding for improving the biochemical composition of berries. The purpose of the work is to evaluate and select of golden currant accessions according to its high content of carotenoids, pectin and sum of pectin substances in fruits. The work was carried out at the Research Institute of Horticulture of Siberia, Department of Federal Altai Scientific Center of Agro-Biotechnologies, in 2016- 2018. Weather conditions of 2016, 2017 were characterized as quite warm and quite moist, 2018 was dry and cool. Biochemical analysis was carried out in the laboratory of industrial technologies during the period of full ripeness of berries. Pectin substances were determined by the titrometric method (GOST 29059-91), carotenoids – according to I. K. Murray (GOST 8756.22-80 ST SEV 6519-88). The objects of the research were the varieties and selected forms of golden currant breeding of the Research Institute of Horticulture of Siberia. The control variety was Levushka. As a result of the work, varieties and selected forms were evaluated by the content of biologically active substances (carotenoids, pectin, pectin substances), promising forms with maximum biochemical parameters were identified. The content of carotenoids in the accessions varied widely 0.5 – 11.9 mg/100 g, on the average 3.5 mg/100 g. Levushka varieties (11.9 mg/100 g) as well as Podarok to Ariadne (7.7 mg/100 g), Ida (6.5 mg/100 g), selected forms 4198-06-9 (6.9 mg/100 g) and 4197-06-1 (5.5 mg/100 g were noted with high values. Varieties Valentina and Otrada showed stability over the years, the coefficient of variation was 5.8 and 12.0 %, respectively. The pectin content in berries varied from 0.5 to 1.5 %, on the average 1.0 %, in the accessions Valentina, Ida, Otrada, 4190-06-13 – 1.3%, in 4268-07-1 – 1.4 %, 4197-06-1 – 1.5 %. The total amount of pectin substances in berries amounted to 0.9 – 1.6 % on the average – 1.3 %, with an increased value Ida variety, forms 4190-06-13, 4197-06- 1, 4198-06-9, 4268-07-1 were highlighted. Over the years of the research, the stability in the content of the sum of pectin substances was shown by accessions 4197-06-1 (V = 8, 7 %), 4268-07-1 (V = 10.7 %), 4190-06-13 (V = 1.7 %)

Carotenoids, Polyphenols, and Ascorbic Acid in Organic Rosehips (Rosa spp.) Cultivated in Lithuania

Carotenoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid are valuable and important biologically active compounds that contribute to the health benefits of different foods, and rosehips are known for their high biologically active substance contents. The aim of this research is to identify and compare the contents of carotenoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid in the flesh and seeds of different rosehip species grown organically. A field experiment was conducted during the period 2017–2018 on an organic farm in Lithuania. Rose fruits were collected at full ripening in September. The quantitative and qualitative determinations of polyphenols and carotenoids in rosehips flesh and seeds were conducted by HPLC methods. The following polyphenolic compounds were identified: five different flavonoids (rutin, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, luteolin, quercetin, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside) and five phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic) from different rose fruit fleshes and seeds species. In addition, six carotenoids (β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cis-lycopene, and trans-lycopene) in rosehip flesh and five different carotenoids in rosehip seeds (α-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cis-lycopene, and trans-lycopene) were identified. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that the highest content of total phenolic acid is in rosehip seeds, while higher concentrations of carotenoids, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid are present in rosehip flesh.

The principle of identity of conditions for zonal tests of grain harvesters

The paper presents the analysis results of the methods applied to comparative tests of combine harvesters for threshing grain crops in various climatic zones of Russia. In the USSR, in accordance with the current GOSTs, machine testing stations carried out comparative tests of combines during threshing grain crops with a yield of 4 t/ha by direct combining method in the phase of full ripeness of grain, but no later than 7 days after its onset. At the design stage, the throughput of a combine harvester is calculated taking into account the design parameters of the working bodies of the combine, engine power, thresher width, specific power per unit of throughput, hopper volume and other factors. The classification of combines according to design parameters does not characterize their potential functionality and work efficiency under production conditions with significant fluctuations in the yield of grain crops. It is necessary to comply with the main principle of comparative tests of combines – the identity of their operating conditions. If this principle is violated, it makes no sense to analyze the results. It is necessary to substantiate the methodology of comparative tests of combines in various climatic zones of the country. Given the different yields in certain zones of Russia, especially in the Siberian region, it is necessary to determine not only the nominal throughput for the rational use of the harvester, but also to what extent it can vary depending on harvesting conditions. A technological passport is needed for each combine, which will allow to quickly develop an operation process chart for threshing grain crops in relation to a specific field and taking into account yield and other production efforts. Operation process charts, unlike technological passports, determine the task for performing specific work, subject to technological modes, that ensure high quality products by direct combining and swath harvesting methods with rational loading of the combine thresher. They help to identify actual and estimated cost of grain, taking into account the need in combines and combine operators.

STUDY THE REEVALUATION BERRIES GROWTH FOR SEVEN GRAPE VARIETIES AT SLAHALDEN CONDITION

The study was carried out in the Department of Horticulture & Landscape research station – college of Agriculture, University of Tikrit for the two seasons 2010-2011, on seven grape varieties (Saadani, seedless, Dasaliniz, Black Hamburk, Halawni, Kamali and Black monika), age 8 years ,2.5 x 2.5m planting, Kamariat training. Factorial experiment were carried out in the design R.C.B.D.three replicates and were compared on the basis of less significant defference LSD the level of risk 0.05. The result for tow season average conducted that the berries wight & valium increase and depress same time different between varieties, the total soluble solid decrease after three to five week frome full bloom and increase to berries ripe, acid significant decrease to ripening accept Kamaly and black monica varieties rise after first measuring and decrease anther time to full ripe, Respiration decrease until fruits ripe in varieties Sadany and Black monica, anther varites rise in last measuring when berries ripening.

A feature collection of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) by nutritious value of seeds

The study purpose was to summarize and analyze multi-year data on the nutritional quality of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) accessions from the basic collection of the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine (NCPGRU).Materials and methods. In 1992–2018, 555 accessions of the NCPGRU’s basic collection of lentils were studied. Lens culinaris Medik. accessions were represented by two subspecies: subsp. microsperma and subsp. macrosperma.The collection accessions of lentils were investigated and morphologically described; they were grouped by economic and biological features according to the Classifier of the genus Lens L.The protein content in seeds was determined by the Kjeldahl digestion in the Laboratory of Genetics, Biotechnology and Quality of the Plant Production Institute nd. a. VYa Yuriev NAAS.Results and discussion. The nutritional parameters of lentil seeds were evaluated in the full ripeness phase: protein content, cooking time, palatability, colors of cotyledons and seed coat, resistance to infuscation, and seed size.As to the protein content in seeds, the collection includes the following accessions: with a very high protein content (>30%) – one reference accession UD0600398 (Ukraine) with the protein content of 30.34%; with high protein content (29-30%) – 26 accessions; with medium protein content (26–28%) – 55 accessions; with low protein content (20–25%) – 79 accessions. As to the cooking boiling rate, the collection includes 154 accessions: with a very good rate (< 40 minutes) – 45 accessions; with a good rate (40–60 minutes) – 89 accessions; with a medium rate (61–80 minutes) – 20 accessions. Reference accessions for various levels of lentil palatability were distinguished and included in the collection: very low palatability (3 points) – LUG 330/04 (Ukraine); low palatability (5 points) – 1743 T 19 (Canada); high palatability (7 points) – Miledi, (Russia).The seed appearance is an important aspect of the market value of food lentils: the seed coat color, cotyledon color, resistance to infuscation. The accessions were grouped by cotyledon color as follows: yellow – 87 accessions; hot-yellow – 67 accessions; green – 6 accessions. In accordance with the Classifier of the genus Lens, there are currently eight types of the seed coat pigmentation; their references are listed below: white – LUG 45/09 (Ukraine); pink – LUG 116/09 (Ukraine); green – Zelenyy Chervonets (Ukraine); yellow-green – Krasnohradska 250 (Ukraine); gray – 1743 T 19 (Canada); gray-red – Elista (Slovakia); brown – UD0600444 (Ethiopia); and black – Beluga (Israel).Given the ability of the seed coat to infuscate, the reference accessions for this trait were chosen: infuscating – Krasnohradska 250 (Ukraine); non-infuscating – LUG 45/09 (Ukraine).

The dependence of spring triticale yield and its structure on harvesting time and methods

The yield level of the spring triticale and its structure is largely determined by the timing and methods of harvesting, especially in the region where this crop was not cultivated previously. This issue is important for Amur region because it is located in the zone of risky agriculture and harvesting of spring triticale here runs in difficult conditions. The research aims to establish optimal terms and methods of harvesting, which will accelerate the introduction of this new crop in the region. In 2014-2016 field studies were conducted with methods generally accepted for grain crops. It was established that the highest grain yield at optimal terms of sowing, was obtained during harvesting on August 25th (in the phase of grain’s full ripeness). Earlier harvesting resulted in an 11-29% reduction of yield. It was especially noticeable in Carmen variety. During harvesting on August 4th, this variety’s yield decreased by 0.69 tons per hector (metric, t/ha). Similarly, with a later harvest date (September 1st), all varieties showed lower yields. This was especially evident in Ukro variety with a 17% reduction. As for harvesting on August 4th and 11th, while grain moisture exceeded 20%, a separate method of cropping turned out to give the best results. Yields in these experiments amounted to 2.31 - 2.55 t/ha (Dill variety), 2.06 - 2.17 t/ha (Yarilo variety), and 1.81 - 2.26 t/ha (Carmen variety). August 18th is optimal for the two-phase method of harvesting when crops reach the spring triticale phase - the middle of grain wax ripeness. In this case, the yield amounted to 2.33 t/ha.

Changes in the polypeptide/ protein banding pattern of guava (Psidium guavajava L.) fruits during ripening on-tree and in-storage

Changes in the polypeptide pattern of guava (Psidium guavajava L.) cvs. viz. Hisar Safeda and Hisar Surkha were examined during ripening on-tree as well as in-storage, at different stages of ripening. Observation of protein banding profile of guava fruits revealed that the profiles differed among cultivars as well as seasons. Both the hybrids revealed reproducible bands ranging from Rf values of 0.48 to 0.98 in rainy season and 0.36 to 0.93 in winter season. Polymorphism was exhibited clearly in fruits of rainy season crop than winter season crop. Also the profiles were affected differentially during ripening on-tree and in-storage. Differences were also observed with respect to maturity stages. There were few bands which were present only at green mature and half ripe stages but absent at full ripe stage while some bands were absent at green mature and half ripe stages but present at full ripe stage. In the present investigations, two unique bands were also observed. One band (Rf value 0.28) was present only in Hisar Surkha at full ripe stage whereas another band (Rf value 0.66) was present in Hisar Safeda at green mature stage only.

The use of herbicides for cultivation of the maize hybrid “Zernogradsky 354 MV” in the south of the Rostov region

The field trials were conducted in 2017–2019 in the laboratory for cultivation technologies of row crops in the FSBSI “Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”. The experimental plots were located in the southern soil-climatic zone of the Rostov region characterized with insufficient and unstable moisture. The soil of the experimental plots was heavy-loamy ordinary blackearth (chernozem) on forestry loams with 3.2% of humus, fertilized with 18.5 – 20.0 mg/kg of P2O5 and 342 – 360 mg/kg of K2O. The current paper has presented the study results of the effect of herbicides on middle ripening maize hybrid “Zernogradsky 354 MV”, included in the State List of RF in 2010. The used herbicides had a positive effect on reducing the contamination of maize sowings with monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weeds (90% decrease), which contributed to an improvement of grain crop productivity. In the phase of full ripeness, the number of weeds in the experimental variants was 2.7–3.1 times less than in the control variant. The productivity increase in the control variant was 0.55–0.83 t/ha. The largest net income (22 545 rub/ha) was obtained due to the use of the herbicide “Elumis”. The high cost of the preparations negatively affected the cost of production, which exceeded the control variant on 436–519 rubles per ton. The profitability of the applied herbicides was lower than the control variant on 30 and 39%. The grain productivity increase obtained in the trials has paid for the costs of herbicides’ use; the payback amount was 1.15–1.57 rubles.

Fermentation quality of ensiled crimped faba beans using different additives with special attention to changes in bioactive compounds

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a grain legume that provides possibilities to increase local protein self-sufficiency both as feed and food in areas where possibilities for cultivation of other protein crops are limited. However, full ripening may not be achieved and storage of the moist beans by crimping and ensiling provides an economic alternative to drying, and is well suited for animal feeding. The objectives of the current experiment were to evaluate the effects of moisture content and various silage additives on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and fate of bioactive compounds of ensiled crimped faba beans in a pilot scale ensiling experiment. Faba beans were combine harvested at moisture level of 443 g/kg and crimped prior to ensiling. The following additive treatments were applied using three replicates: 1) control (CON), 2) two commercial lactic acid bacteria inoculants as mixture (LABmix), 3) In-house LAB inoculant (LABLuke), 4) Formic acid based product (FA) and 5) Salt based product (Salt). Further, two of the additive treatments were prepared with additional moisture: 6) Control with tap water addition (CON + w) and 7) LABmix with tap water addition (LABmix + w). The beans ensiled without additive showed elevated pH, butyric acid and ethanol concentrations and proportion of ammonia N in total N. Addition of water further decreased the fermentation quality. The LAB inoculants improved the fermentation quality of the beans compared to CON. The fermentation was effectively restricted when FA was used. Both LAB and chemical additives improved aerobic stability compared to CON and Salt was especially effective in improving aerobic stability. Vicine disappeared totally during the ensiling period and also convicine was effectively degraded. It seems that promoting microbial activity in the silo either by LAB inoculation or increased moisture promoted the degradation of convicine, while chemical additives decreased the degradation of it. Total and particularly soluble proanthocyanidins were also degraded during the ensiling period. Crimping and ensiling is an alternative preservation method for faba beans which eliminates the energy consumption and investments required for drying. In addition, benefits regarding the concentrations of bioactive compounds may be expected.