Plant Breeding Institute Research Articles

Vasil Yakovych Yuriev: Life and scientific heritage (on the 150th anniversary of his birth)

The article discusses the main stages of life and scientific activities of the renowned and respected academician-breeder Vasyl Yakovych Yuriev. His name is inextricably linked with the activities of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Plant Breeding, Selection, and Genetics (now Yuriev Plant Production Institute of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine). It is shown that in his scientific work, Vasyl Yakovych paid special attention to the collection of initial material, the selection of parental forms for crossing, developed methods for testing hybrids and varieties at different stages of the selection process, and demonstrated the advantages of the method of selecting pure lines from local wheat populations compared to the ineffective method of mass selection. Based on this method, under his leadership, many high-yielding valuable varieties of winter and spring wheat, rye, millet, barley, and corn were developed. To study the patterns of inheritance of important valuable traits in wheat, V. Ya. Yuriev used intervarietal and interspecies crosses of the diallel type. Many studies have been conducted in the field of breeding varieties for disease and pest resistance and immunity. In recognition of his scientific achievements, the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine established the Vasyl Yakovych Yuriev Prize, which is awarded for the highest achievements in the field of selection and genetics.

Use of Cannabis sativa L. for Improving Cadmium-Contaminated Mediterranean Soils—Effect of Mycorrhizal Colonization on Phytoremediation Capacity

Although the phytoremediation strategy has been studied worldwide, little research data are available regarding the influence of mycorrhizae on the phytoremediation capacity of various plants grown in Cd-contaminated soils in Mediterranean environments. Therefore, a pot experiment was carried out to study the possible effectiveness of hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.) in the remediation of moderately and heavily Cd-contaminated soils and additionally to quantify the effect of Cd on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMFs). For this purpose, an alkaline clay soil collected from the Farm of Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources (North Greece) was contaminated with two levels of Cd (3 and 30 mg Cd kg−1, corresponding to Levels A and B, respectively—first factor) at two incubation times (10 and 30 days—second factor) and six treatments (Control_30d, Control_10d, CdA_30d, CdB_30d, CdA_10d, CdB_10d) were created. Soil Cd concentrations, both pseudo-total and available to plants, were determined after extraction with Aqua Regia mixture and DTPA solution, respectively, before and after the cultivation of hemp plants and after the harvesting. Cd concentrations in the aboveground and underground plant parts were also estimated after digestion with Aqua Regia, while root colonization by AMFs was determined with a microscope. The highest plant’s Cd concentration, more than 50%, was observed in its underground part, at all Cd-contaminated treatments, indicating a strong capacity for cadmium to gather up in the roots. Among different Cd levels and incubation days, significant differences were recorded in the rates of root colonization by AMFs. Among different Cd levels and incubation days, 3 mg Cd Kg−1 soil promoted AMF root colonization, particularly at 10-day incubation, while 30 mg Cd Kg−1 soil diminished it. Colonization was lower with longer incubation times at both levels of Cd. Hemp appears to be a viable option for phytostabilization in Cd-contaminated soils, enabling further utilization of AMFs to assist the phytoremediation process.

Оценка различных форм груши кавказской (P. caucasica Fed.) для селекции на декоративность

Abstract. The article describes the results of studying the morphological features of 93 forms of P. caucasica Fed. collected in various regions of the Caucasus. The research was carried out in the collection gardens score, and samples with lower scores, but having one or more attractive decorative features. The studied samples of the Caucasian pear had valuable decorative qualities to varying degrees: narrow pyramidal crown (index 2.16) – Kasp-69-59; rounded crown (index 0.88) – 67-Chr-249, 67-B-208, Ard-69-18; large flowers – Ter-69-77, 67-Ku-139, 67-BZ-37, B-69-111, 67-BZ-67, B-69-87, Kasp-69-59; abundant flowering – P. caucasica Fed. № 2, P. caucasica Fed. №3, P. caucasica Fed. №6, B-69-88, L-69-98, L-69-101, Shali-69-36; attractive appearance of leaves, absence of fungal diseases – Arg-69-34, 67-B-190, Ur-69-1, 67-Chr-250, B-69- 78; anthocyanin integumentary coloration of fruits – P. caucasica Fed. №4 and №5, B-69-108, Kasp-69-59. Frost resistance of plants was an important feature for the use in ornamental gardening. This property was noted in the samples of P. caucasica Fed. №4, B-69-78, Ard-69-18. Samples B-69-90, B-69-78 had edible sweet fruits. Selected forms of the Caucasian pear retained their decorative properties during the growing season. The forms B69-88, B-69-78, Kasp-69-59, L-69-96, 67-Ku-127 can have the greatest value for breeding in terms of the sum of points and the presence of valuable features. Keywords: the Caucasus, the Caucasian pear, decorativeness, morphology, diversity of features, selection, breeding Financing source: The research was carried out at the expense of a grant from the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution «Maikop State Technological University» «Assessment of various forms of Caucasian pear (P. caucasica Fed.) for breeding for decorative purposes», registration number of the scientific project: NP 8-2024 of the Maikop Experimental Station – a branch of All-Union Research Institute of Plant Breeding (VIR) in 2021-2023s in accordance with modern methods of studying and assessing the decorative properties of research objects. Twenty-two samples were identified, including those with the highest total decorative

IN MEMORY OF DOCTOR OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, PROFESSOR SVITLANA IGNATOVA

Problem. Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Svitlana Oleksandrivna Ignatova dedicated her entire life to several scientific institutions in Odesa: V. Ye. Tairov Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking (1964–1970), All-Union Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute (1970–1991), the Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center of Seed and Cultivar Investigation (1991–1999 and 2012–2018), and the South Plant Biotechnological Center of the Ukrainian Academy of Agrarian Sciences (2000–2012). Her life and work were inextricably linked to the development of agricultural biotechnology in Ukraine. Aim. The purpose of our research was to honor the memory of Professor S. O. Ignatova, to highlight the main biographical data and the results of her scientific and pedagogical activities. Results. S. O. Ignatova fruitfully worked on theoretical and applied problems of agricultural crops biotechnology and was a pioneer in the use of achievements in Ukraine regarding the successful application in the selection process of the source material obtained by in vitro methods of tissue, organ and cell culture. Under the leadership of Svitlana Oleksandrivna, the principles and complete technology of accelerated production of linear varieties of barley and wheat with the use of haploproducers were developed. The barley varieties – Odessky 115th and Prairie, which were sown on a large area in Ukraine, were created using this technology. The great attention of S. O. Ignatova was devoted to the training of scientific personnel (graduate students, interns and students). Conclusions. S. O. Ignatova’s scientific legacy was a long-term fundamental research in the biotechnology of major agricultural crops, which was a significant contribution to the development of advanced areas of Ukrainian and world science. Svitlana Oleksandrivna was the author of more than 300 scientific works, including monographs, patents, scientific and methodological manuals, methodological recommendations, author’s certificates and publications in leading scientific journals. The life story of S. O. Ignatova is continued by her students, remembering the bright image of their professor – an energetic, determined and inspired woman.

In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation of Ornamental Geophytes in Poland

The protection of biological diversity in nature and in agriculture, including the production of ornamental crops, has become increasingly important in Poland as well as worldwide. The Convention on Biological Diversity, signed in 1992 at the Earth Summit of the UN in Rio de Janeiro and ratified by the Polish government in 1995, imposed new regulations related to the protection of nature and the genetic resources of cultivated crops in Poland. The conservation of the genera, varieties and cultivars of ornamental geophytes—a group of plants of great interest from a botanical and physiological, but also a horticultural point of view—takes place in situ (both in nature and in the places of cultivation) and through the establishment of ex situ gene banks and collections. The natural genetic resources of ornamental geophytes include species from the genera Allium, Fritillaria, Gladiolus, Iris, Leucojum, Lilium and Muscari, among others, and more than a dozen species are protected by law due to varying degrees of threats. Botanical gardens play an essential role in the conservation of endangered species. Their activities focus on genus monitoring, managing ex situ gene banks (including National Collections), developing propagation methods and carrying out their reintroduction. In order to protect the national genetic resources of cultivated plants, the National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatisation Institute—National Research Institute, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, was established. Concerning ornamental geophytes, the National Centre coordinates two field collections of cultivars of the genera Gladiolus, Lilium, Narcissus and Tulipa, which are of great economic importance and have a long tradition of breeding in Poland. The first one is located at the National Institute of Horticultural Research in Skierniewice (central Poland), and the second one is at the Experimental Substation of Variety Testing in Lisewo (northern Poland). The history of tulip collections in Poland dates back to the 1960s. At that time, the first breeding work for this species began. The collection of bulbous crops in Skierniewice is currently one of the largest in Poland, with a total of 934 accessions. Most of them are tulips (522) and lilies (222). Other plants in the collection in Skierniewice are gladiolus and narcissus. The most valuable accessions are grown under special protection (tunnels with dense nets) to guard against insects and maintain a mild climate inside. The genetic resources of the ornamental bulb plant collection in Lisewo currently consist of 611 accessions, mainly tulips (358), daffodils (121) and gladioli (132). All bulbous crops in both collections (Skierniewice and Lisewo) are grown in accordance with all principles of agrotechnics (negative field selection, fertilisation, soil maintenance). A particularly important task of botanical gardens, universities, research institutes and the National Centre is leading research on the methods of storage for survival organs, in vitro cultures and cryopreservation. We have discovered that the various activities for the species conservation of ornamental geophytes require a great deal of constantly deepening knowledge and extraordinary measures, including frequent monitoring of the effects of the applied measures.

Multidimensional assessment of yield and quality of starchy potato cultivars

Tubers destined for starch production in potato industry need to meet certain commercial quality standards. The objective of the work was to conduct a multivariate assessment of yield potential and tuber quality of starchy potato cultivars. An analysis was performed of data describing potato cultivars listed in the National List of Potato Varieties (KRO) in Poland published by the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute – National Research Institute at Radzików. Very early and early as well as medium late and late starchy potato cultivars were analysed in terms of 13 quantitative characteristic using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. It was demonstrated that, regardless of earliness group, the following traits had the greatest share in the total variation of starchy potato cultivars: tuber yield, starch content, starch yield and bioethanol yield. Cluster analysis allowed the division of very early and early cultivars into 3 groups. The cultivars Szyper, Zuzanna, Kuba and Jubilat, included in the first group, produced superior yields, the highest bioethanol yield and were the most resistant to potato blight. Medium late and late cultivars were divided into two groups. The first group (Pokusa, Gandawa, Rudawa, Hinga, Inwestor, Pasja, Pomorska and Ikar) gave poorer yields and lower bioethanol yields but were more resistant to potato blight in comparison with the second group (Sonda, Kuras, Jasia, Bzura, Skawa and Danuta). The multidimensional methods applied allowed a simultaneous assessment of starchy potato cultivars in terms of many characteristics, and grouping into clusters sharing similar traits.

Commercial Quality of Potato Tubers of Different Varieties from Organic and Conventional Production System

Research conducted at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute—NIR in Poland in 2020–2022 assessed the commercial quality of potato tubers depending on the production system (organic, conventional), variety, and weather conditions prevailing in the years of research. The tuber size distribution and the share of tuber defects was assessed. It was found that all tested factors influenced the commercial quality of the yield but to different extents. The production system had the greatest influence on most of the examined features, followed by weather conditions and the least influential factor being the variety. The production system had the greatest impact on such features as: tuber size distribution (all fractions), pest damage, scab infection, tuber deformations, and share of green tubers. Weather conditions had the greatest impact on scab infection, pest damage, deformation, cracks and share of large tubers. The variety factor had the greatest influence on such features as: deformations, cracks, green tubers, black scarf, and share of the smallest (non-commercial) tubers. In the conventional system, a significantly better tuber yield distribution was found. The share of tuber defects varied depending on the production system. In the organic system, a greater share of defects such as scab (68.3 and 41.3) and pest damage was found (6.8 and 0.2), while in the conventional system, a greater share of deformations (9.2 and 4.9), cracks (5.4 and 2.4), and rust spots (0.61 and 0.06) occurred.

The effectiveness of breeding work on the improvement of the main economically important traits of traditional variety population Banannaya in Primorsky kray

Relevance. Although there is notable success in breeding vegetable crops to obtain heterotic F1 hybrids, traditional selection methods have been gaining in popularity as a means of improving the economically important traits of local traditional varieties in Russia today. These varieties suffered the reduction in their valuable starting parameters (yield, the uniformity of marketable produce and biochemical composition) over the many years of reproduction. The Department of Potato Breeding and Horticulture (FSBSI “FSC of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A. K. Chaiki”) have been working on the creation of new squash variety-populations with large fruits using the variety-population Banannaya 42, bred by V. Ya. Smolei at the Far Eastern experimental station of the All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Plant Breeding in the 1940s, as the starting material. We carried out a multi-year research on the selection of promising families belonging to this variety to increase yield, improve the uniformity of fruits and the main biochemical parameters. Results. The breeding work conducted on the families of variety-population 945 in 2011-2022 resulted in the improvement of some economically important traits (the uniformity of fruit shape, yield, and biochemical parameters) compared to the started form. The eleven years of research allowed us to achieve high uniformity of fruit shape in the selection of the ninth year (PIP 2) – 90.0-90.7 % (increased by 34.9-36.0 %). The yield increased from 28.4 t/ha to 38.2-45.3 t/ha or by 34.5-59.5 %. The following biochemical parameters were improved through selection: the content of dry mater from 8.5 to 12.9 % or by 51.8 % on average, the content of sugars from 6.1 to 9.1 or by 49.2 %, the content of carotene from 1.7 to 3.8 or by 123.5 %, and the content of vitamin C from 9.6 to 21.1 or by 119.8 %. We selected the families of the same type from variety-population 945 (variety-population Banata) with improved and uniform economically important traits for submission to the State variety testing. The yield was 38.2-45.3 t/ha, fruits were heart-shaped, skin was greyish green, pulp was orange, and the content of sugars was 9.0-13.2 %. Large-fruited variety population Banata was included in the State register of breeding achievements admitted to use in the Russian Federation in 2024.

ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ГЕНОФОНДА ПШЕНИЧНО-РЖАНОГО АМФИДИПЛОИДА МИРОВОЙ КОЛЛЕКЦИИ ВИР В УСЛОВИЯХ РСО-АЛАНИЯ

The paper presents the data of the results on the study of the comparative characteristics of varieties of winter triticale of local and foreign breeding in the conditions of the Russian Federation. Varietal samples of winter triticale from the world collection of the All-Russian Institute of Plant Breeding named after N. I. Vavilov (VIR) have been studied according to a complex of economically valuable features. The sources of high grain productivity, short stalk, resistance to ear fusarium, etc. are highlighted. A collection of source material for the breeding of winter triticale varieties adapted to the conditions of the foothill zone of the North Caucasus has been created. The VIR Winter triticale collection is represented by 36 samples from Russia, including: Rostov region 5, Voronezh Region 1, Leningrad Region 6, Dagestan 17, Krasnodar Territory 7, as well as from Azerbaijan 1, Kazakhstan 1, Poland 4, France 3, Czech Republic 1, Switzerland 4, Bulgaria 4, Germany 1, Sweden 1, Hungary 1, USA 2, Ukraine 1. The highest value of the ear length was noted in the samples: Rarity, Garnet, PRAG 559, Adasa, Topaz. On average, the length value of winter triticale samples was 10.5 cm. The grain weight of an ear is a complex feature that characterizes the mass of one grain and the total number of grains in the ear. By weight of grain from one ear, Topaz – 2.8 g, Yasha, Adas, Diamond – 2.7 g are distinguished from winter triticale samples. The lowest grain weight from one ear in ATPL samples is 1.5 g, Vocalise and Makar – 1.7 g. By weight of 1000 grains, the best result in Legion samples is 49.3 g, Ratne – 49.0 g, Adas – 48.8 g . Cultivars with a complex or separate economically valuable features have been identified from the collection material of winter triticale: Knyaz (Russia), Kunak (Russia), Bogdo (Russia), Ramzai (Russia), PRAG 531 (Russia), Hortenso (Poland), Moderato (Poland), Zenit Odessa (Ukraine), Pawo (Poland), Varvara (Russia), GR-16-2 (Russia) and others.

Study of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding material potential for in vitro androgenesis.

Doubled haploid technology is a valuable biotechnological approach in plant breeding that enables one to quickly create new varieties through the single-stage production of homozygous lines. The aim of this study was to assess the indicators of in vitro androgenesis in the anther culture of the initial breeding material of varieties and combinations of F1 and F2 and to identify promising accessions with good responsiveness. For that purpose, the plant material that proved promising for the breeding programs of Siberian Research Institute of Plant Production and Breeding (SibRIPP<B) was used. Ten cultivars of common wheat and the F1 and F2 hybrids of nine combinations were evaluated for the main parameters of in vitro androgenesis such as the number of new formations, albino, green and all regenerated plants. Induction of androgenesis in vitro was carried out in anther culture in growth medium Chu (N6) containing 1 mg/l of growth regulator 2,4-D. The studied samples showed different responses to induction. The maximum level of new formations was found in F2 hybrids Novosibirskaya 15 × Lutescens ShT-335. The largest number of green plants was found in F1 Novosibirskaya 15 × Lutescens ShT-335. According to the results of variance analysis, a significant ( p < 0.01) influence of genotype on the studied traits was established. Varieties with good responsiveness to anther culture (Novosibirskaya 15) and lack of responsiveness to in vitro androgenesis (Novosibirskaya 31) were identified. Novosibirskaya 16 was characterized by a low regeneration capacity of new formations. A significant heterotic effect was revealed considering the number of new formations per 100 anthers among the hybrids of such combinations as Novosibirskaya 15 × Lutescens ShT-335, Novosibirskaya 15 × Lutescens 111/09, and Zagora Novosibirskaya × Obskaya 2. Novosibirskaya 15 was recommended for inclusion in crossings as a parental form that provides high hybrid responsiveness during in vitro androgenesis. The use of doubled haploid technology made it possible to quickly create DH-lines based on the breeding material.

Assessing nutritional and genetic variations within foxtail millet (Setaria italica) landraces collected from indigenous communities across the Philippines

Unknown to many, the Philippines is host to a few remaining accessions of the underutilised and understudied cereal foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.). We collected together accessions of this crop from different eco-geographical locations within the Philippines, along with a few accessions from Lanyu, Taiwan, to undertake a study of their nutritional value and genetic diversity. All accessions were field-grown in 2022, dry season (DS) at the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) Experiment Station, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. The accessions were tested for micronutrients, including Zn and Fe, nitrogen as a proxy for protein, β-carotene, phytic acid, and a number of phenolic compounds with known nutritional potential. Of the 20 accessions tested, the accessions Bayaras and GB61438 had the highest level of Zn (107.1 mg/kg) and Fe (70.52 mg/kg), respectively, higher than levels found in traditional rice varieties. For β-carotene the highest concentration was found in the accession Balles (∼10 μg/g). Twelve phenolic compounds were detected, with catechin, syringic acid, ferulic acid and kaempferol having the highest concentrations. To assess the genetic diversity, we sequenced a set of eight samples selected from among the accessions to a depth of at least 25-fold using whole-genome re-sequencing. Analysis of the population structure, using genome-wide, high-quality SNPs, showed modest diversity among the accessions, with two unadmixed groups. The accessions are monophyletic relative to their earliest common ancestor, with the very light brown accessions emerging earlier than the light brown and reddish-brown varieties. Analysis of zinc-regulated, iron-regulated transporter-like protein (ZIP) transporters within the foxtail millet reference sequence, var. Yugu1 identified 17 putative ZIP transporters. Variant calling identified SNPs primarily within 3′ and 5’ regions, and introns, indicating variation between foxtail millet accessions within regulatory gene regions rather than in structural proteins. The local foxtail millet accessions, therefore, represent a potential alternative source of nutrients which may help in addressing malnutrition in the Philippines.

Exploring leaf architecture in varieties of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Malvaceae)

Leaf architecture has been successfully used in the taxonomic and systematic studies of many plant families, genera, and species but little employed at the variety level. The present study demonstrated how leaf architecture can be equally important for plant varieties as well. The leaf architecture of four Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. varieties namely ‘Reddy or Not’, ‘Nay Isa’, ‘Lolay’, and ‘Saskia De Lang’ from the Institute of Plant Breeding was studied. A total of 150 leaf specimens were digitized, examined, measured, and described. The semicraspedodromous pattern of the secondary veins and the angle between the 3° to 1° vein were characters found to have taxonomic significance in describing H. rosa-sinensis species while the angle of the 2° vein was important for delineating H. rosa-sinensis varieties. The resulting dendrogram from the cluster analysis grouped all the H. rosa-sinensis from the outgroup and further created three subclusters that were closely related.

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.

Alleles at the Gli-A3 locus in groups of ukrainian winter common wheat cultivars of different origin

Aim. The aim of the study was to analyze the diversity and frequencies of alleles at the minor gliadin locus Gli-A3 in groups of common winter wheat cultivars developed in different breeding institutions of Ukraine in different periods of time. Methods. Acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of gliadins was carried out. To identify the Gli-A3 allele of the cultivar Myronivska storichna, segregation in a sample of F2 seeds from crossing with the cultivar Bezosta 1 was analyzed. Results. Alleles at Gli-A3 were identified in 511 Ukrainian cultivars. In addition to the alleles a-d, a new allele Gli-A3e encoding two omega-gliadins was identified in Myronivska storichna. The alleles a and b predominate in the total group of cultivars. Differences in the allele composition and frequencies were revealed between some groups of cultivars. A significant reduction in the frequency of Gli-A3b was detected for the groups of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute (PBGI) and the V. Ya. Yuryev Plant Production Institute (IPP) cultivars released after 2010. Conclusions. The frequencies of the predominant alleles a and b are similar in the groups of the Central Forest-Steppe cultivars in different periods of breeding. An increase in the frequency of the allele a was noted for the groups of PBGI (the Steppe) and IPP (the Eastern Forest-Steppe) cultivars, which may indicate its adaptive value under conditions of an increase in the average annual temperature in these zones.

Search for productive, drought-resistant accessions of soft spring wheat for breeding in the conditions of Kirov region

The article presents the results of study of 73 varieties of soft spring wheat from the new samples in the world collection of the Federal Research Center "All-Russian Institute of Plant Breeding named after N. I. Vavilov" in order to include the productive, drought-resistant samples into the working collection on crop breeding in the conditions of the Kirov region. According to the results of the field assessment of 2019...2021, which includes an analysis of the elements of productivity and yield structure, 23 samples were identified as sources of breeding-valuable traits. According to the lowest depression of thevalues of productivity elements in a dry year (2021, НTC = 1.07) relative to the optimal moisture supply (2019, НTC = 1.30), domestic medium-ripened samples RIMA (Moscow region, Ryazan region), Tobolskaya (Altai Kr.), Ulyanovskaya 105 and Ekada 70 (Ulyanovsk region) are classified as drought-resistant, which allows them to be included into breeding work for resistance to summer drought. Resistance to early spring drought was evaluated in the laboratory conditions under simulated drought (sucrose solution, osmotic pressure 6 atm.) and normal humidification conditions (distilled water, 0 atm.) according to the percentage of germination of seeds and the parameters of one seedling (the number of seminal roots, the mass of dry matter). As the result, 19 potentially drought-resistant samples of soft spring wheat were identified. For inclusion into breeding work for resistance to early spring drought, medium-early varieties Zauralochka (Kurgan region, Russia) and Chayka (Belarus), medium-ripened RIMA (Moscow region, Ryazan region, Russia) and Uralosibirskaya (Omsk region, Russia) are recommended.Highly productive samples with complex drought resistance Ekada 109 (Tatarstan, Russia) and Ekaterina (Sverdlovsk region, Russia) have been identified, which provides them to be considered as universal donors for the creation of varieties of soft spring wheat adapted to the conditions of the Kirov region.

Frequency of Outcrossing and Isolation Distance in Faba Beans (Vicia faba L.)

Faba beans (Vicia faba L.) constitute a partially outcrossing species requiring an isolation distance to maintain genetic purity when more than one variety is grown in field conditions. This information is crucial for seed growers and faba bean breeders. A study was conducted at the University of Sydney’s Plant Breeding Institute, Narrabri, over two years to examine the extent of natural outcrossing using a creamy white flower characteristic as a morphological marker, which is controlled by a single recessive gene. The white-flowered genotype (IX225c) was grown in paired rows of 150 m length in four directions from a central 480 m2 plot of the normal flowered genotype PBA Warda. A beehive was placed in the central plot at the flowering time and natural pollination was allowed. At maturity, seed samples were taken from the white-flowered genotype at designated intervals along each axis and 100 seeds from each sample were grown in the glasshouse/birdcage to the 4–5 leaf stage and the proportion of plants displaying a stipule spot pigmentation (normal flower color and spotted stipule are linked) was used to determine the percentage of outcrossing. Maximum outcrossing of 2.28% occurred where both genotypes were grown side by side (0 m) and the degree of outcrossing decreased as the distance along each axis from the central plot increased. At a 6 m distance, the outcrossing was less than 1%; however, on occasion, it increased to 1% beyond a distance of 100 m, indicating the volatile and unpredictable nature of bee flights. Distance had a major effect on outcrossing but the direction and its interaction had no effect. The results suggest that to limit outcrossing to below 0.5%, a distance of more than 150 m between plots of different faba beans cultivars would be required. It also indicated that Australian faba bean genotypes are mostly self-fertile and a relatively narrow isolation distance will ensure self-fertilization in seed production and breeding programs.

Evaluation of oat varieties adaptive properties by productivity in the Priobskaya forest-steppe zone

The results of evaluation of adaptive properties of released oat varieties of Siberian breeding by yield in the Priobskaya forest-steppe of Novosibirsk region are presented. The experiment was conducted on the experimental field of the Siberian Research Institute of Plant Production and Breeding in 2012-2021. The object of the study were 37 oat varieties included in the State Register of the Russian Federation and released in the West Siberian (№ 10) and East Siberian (№ 11) regions. Yield estimation and phenological observations were carried out according to the methodology of N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources. For statistical data processing the method of B.A. Dospekhov was used. Potential productivity and adaptability of the varieties were determined by L.A. Zhivotkov et al. method, resistance of the varieties to stress conditions - by A.A. Goncharenko, the yield spread - by V.A. Zykin. Analysis of yields by groups of ripeness showed a natural tendency: as the growing season lengthens by groups of ripeness, the productivity potential also increases. The following varieties had high indicators of productivity potential in favorable years and adaptability to adverse environmental factors: Krasnoobsky, Mustang, Metis, Oven, Otrada, Talisman, Irtysh 21, SIR 4, Orion. The varieties Oven, Novosibirsk 5, CIR 4 showed high adaptability and stability. Four varieties were characterized by the ability to give not the maximum, but high stable yield under any conditions: Krupnozerny, Novosibirsk 88, Belozerny, and Korifey.

Environmental and Agronomical Factors Limiting Differences in Potato Yielding between Organic and Conventional Production System

This paper presents the results of the authors’ own research and literature research on the impact of selected environmental and agronomical factors on the yield of potato grown under the organic system and the possibility of increasing the yield. The results are based on research conducted for several years at the Institute of Plant Breeding and Acclimatization in Jadwisin, Poland. The influence of factors such as soil quality and climatic conditions, selection of varieties, seed potato preparation, irrigation of plantations, complementary fertilization, and protection against the late blight was described. The aim of this work was to indicate which of these factors affect the yield increase and to what extent. It was stated that it is possible to increase the yield of potato tubers grown under the organic system through all of the proposed treatments. In our studies, using drip irrigation and complementary fertilization had the greatest effect (25.5% and 19%, respectively). Seed potato presprouting had a smaller influence (4.3%) on the final tuber yield. In the years with high pressure of the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, the selection of cultivars with high resistance was very important. Most of the agronomical treatments not only improved the total yield of tubers, but also increased the share of tubers with a larger diameter. A very high variability of potato yielding depending on weather conditions and a selection of cultivars was emphasized. We can say that a proper agronomical practice carried out on an organic potato plantation can largely eliminate the yielding gap between a conventional and an organic system.

The effect of weather conditions on the seasonal rhythm of plant development of Amur cork tree (&lt;i&gt;Phellodendron amurense&lt;/i&gt;rupr.) in the forest-steppe of the Ob region

Background. Amur cork tree is a valuable woody plant of great economic importance. Its bark, liber, leaves, and fruits are successfully used in medicine and cosmetology. This tree is very ornamental and serves as is a good honey plant. It can be a potential source of industrial cork. Due to its properties and relative unpretentiousness, Amur cork tree may be of interest for introduction. In this regard, the aim of the research was to study the peculiarities of the influence of weather conditions on the seasonal rhythm of plant development for Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense Rupr.) under the conditions of the foreststeppe in the Ob region.Materials and methods. Thirty two Amur cork trees were used as the material for the study. These trees were successfully introduced in the forest-steppe of the Ob region. Phenological observations to evaluate the rhythm of seasonal growth were carried out according to the methodological recommendations of I. D. Yurkevich and coauthors. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to identify the dependence of the rhythm of seasonal growth on weather conditions.Results. The plants of Amur cork tree were found to be successfully adapted to the conditions of the arboretum of the Siberian Research Institute of Plant Production and Breeding. It was shown that in the year with the highest sum of effective temperatures (2020), the duration of interphase periods was on average 2 days shorter than in other years. At the same time, in the coldest year (2018), the plants did not have time to complete their leaf fall before the snow cover appeared. The vegetation of Amur cork tree was observed to start in mid-May. The completion of the growing season varies greatly from year to year. Conclusion. It was established that the seasonal development of Amur cork tree in the forest-steppe of the Ob region corresponded to the features specific to the development of this species within its natural range.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity Using SSR Markers in Some Rice Genotypes

A study was conducted at the Institute of Plant Breeding, SeedScience and Population Genetics, University of Hohenhiem, Stuttgart,Germany, during 2008 to assess genetic diversity among 17 ricegenotypes by using 36 SSR markers. All the primers showedpolymorphism. A total of 320 alleles was detected at the markers lociacross the rice genotypes. The mean number of alleles per locus was 8.8.Cluster analysis grouped the rice genotypes into 5 major groups as thegenotypes that are derivatives of a genetically similar type clustered moretogether. These genotypes represented a valuable source of diversitywhich can be used in the breeding programmes.