Introduction Of New Varieties Research Articles

Current Status of Bacterial Diseases of Vegetable Crops

Emerging bacterial plant diseases became a major threat for the vegetable production system. In the recent past, with changes in farming practices, abrupt weather climate, and the introduction of new varieties and hybrids are considered major factors for the emergence and outbreak of new bacterial pathogens (diseases). The bacterial wilt is an emerging threat for the cultivation of almost all the solanaceous vegetables caused by Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum in India. Incidence of more emerging bacterial diseases in vegetable crops viz tomato leaf blight (Xanthomonas axenopodis pv vesictoria) up to 20% and fruit canker- (Corneybacterium michiganens) up to 5%, bacterial speck (Pseudomonas syringae); brinjal little leaf of brinjal (phytoplasma) up to 40%, cabbage and cauliflower black rot (X. compestris pv compestris) up to 10% and summer squash soft rot and wilting (Erwinia spp.) up to 20% on summer sqash and 19.5% on cauliflower has been recorded. It clearly revealed the cross-infectivity of the bacterial pathogen, indicating the emergence of these pathogens as a broad spectrum covering a wide host range. Future research in this field will include a better understanding of the molecular basis of variability in the pathogen, pathogenesis, accurate and reliable diagnostic of the disease and to engineer novel and durable protection strategies against devastating post-harvest diseases of vegetable crops.

Agronomic performance and energy potential of cassava varieties under Amazonian edaphoclimatic conditions

Cassava is a crop that stands out in the Amazon region of Brazil, due to its regional scope and substantial production at the national level. However, the average yield of cassava in Amazonian environments is still considered low. The introduction of new varieties and the development of appropriate techniques for the cultivation of cassava under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Amazon can improve its yield in the region. The objective of this research was to evaluate the agronomic performance and energy potential of six cassava varieties (BRS Mari, BRS Poti, BRS Formosa, Manivão, Jurará and Coraci) cultivated under Amazonian edaphoclimatic conditions. The study was conducted in Juruti, PA, Brazil and a randomized block design was used, with six blocks and six treatments (varieties), totaling 36 experimental units. The agronomic performance was evaluated based on the emergence index (EI), survival index (SI), plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), above-ground biomass (Yab), yield of storage roots (Ysr), and harvest index (HI). The energy potential was evaluated based on reducing sugars (RS) and total soluble sugars (TSS). All studied varieties presented satisfactory agronomic performances. The Jurará and Coraci varieties stood out in terms of EI and SI, with average values above 0.9. The Manivão variety showed the highest average values of PH and SD, 2.7 and 0.023 m, respectively, at the end of the evaluation period. The BRS Mari variety had the highest RS content among the studied varieties, while the BRS Formosa variety had the highest TSS, with average values of 2.91 and 2.66%, respectively. All varieties showed an HI above 50%, a Ysr amplitude between 15 and 26 Mg·ha-1, and a Yab between 8 and 21 Mg·ha-1, indicating good adaptation to Amazonian edaphoclimatic conditions.

Soybean yield dependence on the timing of sowing in the conditions of the foothill zone of the RNO-Alania

The article presents the results of research on the reaction of soybean plants depending on the timing of sowing in the foothill zone of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. The need to improve the timing of sowing occurs with the introduction of new varieties of various ripeness in the main and intermediate crops. The purpose of the paper is to study the effect of sowing dates on the yield of soybean seeds in the conditions of the foothill zone of the RNO-Alania. The scientific novelty was to establish optimal sowing dates that would ensure optimal plant growth and development and high productivity. Our research was carried out in the experimental fields of the North Caucasian Research Institute of Mountain and Piedmont Agriculture of the VSC RAS in 2018-2021. The object of research was the varieties of breeding of the Federal scientific center "V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops. Two main types of soils prevail in the foothill zone: chernozems of varying degrees of leaching, as well as meadow and meadow-boggy soils. The arable layer contains from 3 to 4.4% humus. Down the profile, the amount of humus decreases gradually. The reaction of the soil solution in the upper horizons is neutral, in horizons deeper than 80-90 cm – slightly alkaline. The predecessor of the experimental plots was corn for grain. It was found that at early sowing dates (April 20 - May 5) resulted in higher field germination (87-93%), plant foliage of 46.9 thousand m2/ha and their survival rate for harvesting 84-91%. More nodules formed on the roots of the plants. The maximum yield is 2.6 t/ha, obtained during sowing on April 30.

COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY AND BIOLOGICAL VALUE OF APPLE FRUIT OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES GROWN IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ADYGEA

Background. Apple fruits are a valuable food product with a unique chemical composition that determines the taste and biological value. The chemical composition of fruits depends on the variety of apples, ripening terms, conditions and place of growth, which makes research relevant in the conditions of a certain region, including the Republic of Adygea, where horticulture not only has deep historical roots, but has been actively reviving and developing in recent decades. with the use of new technologies and the introduction of new varieties.
 Target. Carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the quality and biological value of apple fruits of different varieties grown in the conditions of the Republic of Adygea on the basis of a study of organoleptic, physicochemical and biochemical indicators.
 Materials and methods. The objects of the study were samples of apple fruits of the agricultural enterprise LLC “Yumiks” of 5 varieties: Braeburn, Granny Smith, Idared, Florina, Simirenko, grown in the conditions of the Republic of Adygea. In the samples under study, the determination of organoleptic, physicochemical and biochemical parameters was carried out: soluble solids (SS), titratable acids per malic acid, vitamin C, total sugars, iron, polyphenol oxidase activity, antioxidant activity (AOA). Statistical data processing was carried out in MS Excel 2016.
 Results. For the first time, on the basis of a complex of organoleptic, physicochemical and biochemical methods, studies of apple varieties grown in the Republic of Adygea were carried out: Florina, Idared, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Simirenko. It has been established that the highest index of sensory quality has apple varieties Braeburn and Simirenko, the Braeburn variety is distinguished by a high content of solids and sugars, more harmonious taste, i.e. the optimal ratio of sugar to acid is found in the Braeburn and Florina varieties. The highest content of vitamin C and bioavailable iron is characteristic of Braeburn and Simirenko apple varieties. Polyphenol oxidase activity in Simirenko, Idared and Florina varieties was higher than in samples of other varieties, while a higher AOA value was found in Granny Smith.
 Conclusion. The data obtained by us on the basis of a comprehensive study of apple varieties new to the Republic of Adygea, but already in a certain consumer demand, will allow us to give an objective assessment of their contribution to the biological value of the diets of various population groups, and also, subject to further monitoring studies, can be used gardeners of the Republic of Adygea when expanding the area under varieties with the highest taste and stable indicators of biological value.

Priority areas for the development of field fodder production in view of the climate crisis

This article covers the topical issue of the general impact of climate change on Ukrainian agriculture and on the field fodder production industry specifically, as well as the problems of adapting agriculture to modern environmental conditions. The authors set out to substantiate promising ways of developing modern field fodder production considering climate change. For this, the study employed the abstract-logical method, system analysis, methods of systematisation and classification, and a range of economic and statistical research methods (comparison, series of dynamics, method of structural groupings). Both negative and positive manifestations of the climate crisis in crop production were highlighted, and possible measures to counteract risks and ways to use potential opportunities to develop field fodder production given the impact of climate change were systematised. Particular attention was paid to the global practices of agriculture in the face of climate change, namely, the components of a climate-smart crop production system. The study also described the main promising measures of adaptation of field fodder production to climate change: irrigation of agricultural land, arrangement of snow retention systems in the fields, rainwater harvesting, selection and introduction of new varieties of fodder crops, effective crop rotation, increase in sowing of drought-resistant fodder crops, optimisation of agricultural technologies to reduce losses of fodder crops at the stages of harvesting and storage, application of organic farming, the latest soil fertilisation technologies and the use of nanotechnology in soil cultivation. The findings of this study can be used by managers of specific agricultural enterprises, as well as by advisory services and government agencies in the field of agricultural policy implementation.

BREEDING AND GENETIC FEATURES OF SOYBEAN VARIETIES BASED ON THE MANIFESTATION OF TRAITS IN F1 HYBRIDS IN TOPCROSSES

Further increase in gross soybean production requires the introduction of new varieties with an optimal combination of elements of the crop structure. Hybridization in soybeans is the main effective method of creating new varieties. Increasing the efficiency of hybridization in obtaining heterotic offspring is possible when using parental forms with high combinational ability in crosses. In the study, a two-tester analysis of topcrosses of soybean varieties differing in economically valuable traits was used. Based on the results of the combinational ability assessment, the value of soybean varieties was determined by the elements of the yield structure. Heterotic combinations in first-generation hybrids were identified, from which it is more likely to select highly productive forms in later hybrid populations F2-F4. The high effects of ZKZ and SCZ on plant height in varieties Medea, Kyivska 97, Sawyer 2-95 and KiVin tester; on the height of lower bean attachment in varieties Sawyer 2-95, Ustia, Kharkivska skoroglya and KiVin tester; on the number of productive nodes - in varieties Kyivska 97 and Goverla tester; by the number of beans per plant - in varieties Sawyer 2-95, Kyivska 97 and tester Goverla; by the number of seeds per plant - in varieties Medea, Kyivska 97 and tester KiVin; by the weight of 1000 seeds - in varieties Sawyer 2-95, Kyivska 97 and tester Goverla; by the weight of grain per plant - in varieties Sawyer 2-95, Kyivska 97 and tester Goverla. It was found that additive effects of genes were predominant in the genetic control of plant height and lower bean attachment, elements of yield structure and grain weight per plant, but there is a smaller influence of non-additive effects. The manifestation of true heterosis (dominance in 100% of cases) in hybrids (F1) was found in crosses with both testers for the number of productive nodes, number of beans and seeds per plant, and grain weight per plant.

Production potential of new varieties of plums in the ecological conditions of the south of Russia

The introduction of new varieties of fruit crops remains an important direction in improving the assortment and is associated with their study in new soil and climatic conditions. The article presents the results of a variety study of new introduced varieties of plum (Prunus domestica L.) – Big Stanley, Blue Moon, August Delight and Chinese plum (Prunus salicina L.) – Dark Sunlight and Crimson Glo in conditions of southern gardening. The aim of the research was a comprehensive assessment of the introduced varieties of common plum and Chinese plum, the selection of varieties - sources of valuable traits for breeding use and renewal of a group of promising industrial varieties. It has been established that, according to the ripening time, the introduced plum varieties August Delight, Blue Moon belong to the group of medium-late ones, Big Stanley, Crimson Glo, Dark Sunlight - to the group of late ones. The duration of the fruit ripening period of the studied varieties is 137-152 days, depending on the characteristics of the variety. It was revealed that the trees of the Dark Sunlight variety are characterized by a restrained growth force, not exceeding 2.5 m. More active growth (3.0-3.5 m) was noted in the trees of the Big Stanley, Blue Moon, August Delight and Crimson Glo varieties. On the basis of "fruit weight", the studied varieties belong to the group of large-fruited. Chinese plum varieties Crimson Glo (71.5 g) and Dark Sunlight (79.0 g) are classified as very large-fruited, domestic plum varieties August Delight (44.6 g) and Big Stanley (48.0 g) are classified as large-fruited. It is confirmed that in the conditions of the southern region, new varieties of Chinese and domestic plums are productive. Higher yields were formed in Chinese plum varieties Dark Sunlight (36.4 t/ha) and Crimson Glo (34.6 t/ha), domestic plum Big Stanley (32.4 t/ha) and August Delight (29.0 t/ha), it was lower in the Blue Moon variety (24.7 t/ha). The introduced varieties Big Stanley, Blue Moon, Dark Sunlight have high taste qualities of fruits, confirmed by the sugar-acid index – 14.1-14.9. New introduced varieties Crimson Glo, Dark Sunlight, Blue Moon and Big Stanley, recommended for creating modern plum plantations and breeding for individual traits, have been identified based on a set of economically valuable traits.

Description and Evaluation of the Present Resource Use, Management Practices, and Socio-Economic Conditions in the Medo Watershed, Central Rift Valley Area of Ethiopia

Characterizing the socio-economic systems in integrated watersheds is to identify and prioritize production constraints for designing appropriate R&D interventions. The random sampling method was used to select 81 households, and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Formal and informal surveys were conducted to gather information about the socioeconomic and institutional issues. Descriptive statistics and diversity indices were used for data analysis. According to the results of the study, agriculture is the largest source of income in the study areas, followed by off-farm activities such as daily labor, handcraft and pension. The dominant crops grown in the watershed are maize, teff, and haricot bean, respectively. Livestock rearing is also the major means of livelihood in the study area. About 37%, 19% and 17% of the farmers owned cows, sheep and goat, respectively, in the Edo watershed. The watershed is characterized by a dynamic farming system. For instance, about 63% and 32% in the introduction of new varieties and declining in soil fertility changes over the last decade were recorded, respectively. About 58% of the households indicated that there has been a decreasing and irregularity in rainfall, while 20% of the households reacted that there is the emergence of animal and plant diseases, increasing temperature, and decrease in river flow and springs over the last 10 years in the watershed. The baseline study also identified that water erosion, deforestation, and over-tillage are the major causes of the degradation of natural resources in the watershed. In general, this study concludes that land degradation and biodiversity loss are serious concerns in the watershed. Awareness creation and strengthening capacity of rural communities on integrating crops, livestock, and natural resource management technologies for effective soil and water conservation measures should be enhanced for sustainable livelihood improvement.

Grain yield and adaptation of spring wheat to Norwegian growing conditions is driven by allele frequency changes at key adaptive loci discovered by genome-wide association mapping

Key messageAdaptation to the Norwegian environment is associated with polymorphisms in the Vrn-A1 locus. Historical selection for grain yield in Nordic wheat is associated with TaGS5-3A and TaCol-5 loci.Grain yields in Norwegian spring wheat increased by 18 kg ha−1 per year between 1972 and 2019 due to introduction of new varieties. These gains were associated with increments in the number of grains per spike and extended length of the vegetative period. However, little is known about the genetic background of this progress. To fill this gap, we conducted genome-wide association study on a panel consisting of both adapted (historical and current varieties and lines in the Nordics) and important not adapted accessions used as parents in the Norwegian wheat breeding program. The study concerned grain yield, plant height, and heading and maturity dates, and detected 12 associated loci, later validated using independent sets of recent breeding lines. Adaptation to the Norwegian cropping conditions was found to be associated with the Vrn-A1 locus, and a previously undescribed locus on chromosome 1B associated with heading date. Two loci associated with grain yield, corresponding to the TaGS5-3A and TaCol-5 loci, indicated historical selection pressure for high grain yield. A locus on chromosome 2A explained the tallness of the oldest accessions. We investigated the origins of the beneficial alleles associated with the wheat breeding progress in the Norwegian material, tracing them back to crosses with Swedish, German, or CIMMYT lines. This study contributes to the understanding of wheat adaptation to the Norwegian growing conditions, sheds light on the genetic basis of historical wheat improvement and aids future breeding efforts by discovering loci associated with important agronomic traits in wheat.

Evaluation of the lines of the control nursery of spring soft wheat in arid conditions North of Kazakhstan

Relevance. Northern Kazakhstan is a region where the main production of spring soft wheat grain is concentrated. The creation and introduction of new varieties that meet the requirements of modern production are relevant.Methods. The objects of research are 76 breeding lines of spring soft wheat. The experience was laid in the steppe zone of the North Kazakhstan region. The climate is arid, the average annual precipitation is 240–330 mm. The soil is ordinary carbonate heavy loamy chernozem, humus — 4.5–5.0%. Records and observations were carried out according to the Methodology of the state test (2010). The mass of 1000 grains was determined according to GOST 10842-89, the gluten content — according to ST RK 1046-2008, the nature of the grain was determined on a laboratory device Wile 200.Results. The evaluation of the breeding material was carried out in harsh arid conditions according to several economically valuable characteristics: the duration of the growing season, productivity and grain quality. Six most promising lines have been identified for further study in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan: 433 SP-2/20, 438 SP-2/20, 446 SP-2/20, 448 SP-2/20, 619 SP-2/20, 769 SP-2/20 with a yield of 24.0–27.7 kg/ha, weighing 1000 grains — 37.2–42.8 g, in kind — 771–789 g /l, gluten content — 32.32–36.32%.

Perspective varieties of sweet pepper for the conditions of the Lower Volga region

The article presents the results of experimental research on the search, study and use of qualitatively new traits of varieties and lines of sweet pepper that can complement the existing assortment of crops and ensure the import substitution of foreign varieties and hybrids in domestic vegetable seed production.The purpose of the work. The aim of the research was to create new competitive varieties of sweet pepper to expand the range of crops in the framework of the development of domestic seed production.Methods. Scientific breeding work on the research topic was carried out by the Department of Breeding and Seed Production of the VNIIOOB-branch of the Federal State Budget Scientific Institution "PAFSC RAS" in 2020-2022 as part of the implementation of the State task on the experimental field of the Institute (Kamyzyak, Astrakhan region) according to generally accepted methods. In the experiments, the zonal agrotechnology of crop cultivation, recommended for irrigated agriculture in the Lower Volga region, was used. The objects of research were 7 promising samples of sweet pepper. The zoned varieties of sweet pepper "Gift of Moldova" and "Gift of the Caspian" were used as a standard.Results. The article presents the results of a study of economically valuable qualities and traits of breeding lines and new varieties of sweet pepper "Zarnitsa" and "Prince Caspian" VNIIOOB breeding. The sweet pepper variety Zarnitsa was created and entered in 2023 in the State Register of Breeding Achievements Approved for Use in the Russian Federation. Mid-season (118-120 days), characterized by early and amicable setting and ripening of fruits of an even, cone-shaped shape with a light green color in the technical and red in the biological phase of ripening. The average fruit weight is 150-160 g, fruit wall thickness is 0.5-0.6 cm, fruit yield is 55-60 t/ha, marketability is up to 93%. The sweet pepper variety Prince Caspian was created and submitted for state variety testing in 2022. Mid-season (120-125 days), prism-shaped fruits with green color in technical and red color in biological maturity. The average fruit weight is 175-180 g, the average fruit wall thickness is 0.7 cm, the average yield is 52-53 t/ha, the fruit marketability is up to 95%. As a result of the research, a promising breeding line SL - 154/20 with large cube-shaped fruits weighing 184 g and a wall thickness of up to 0.8 cm has been identified. Recommended for fresh consumption, canning and home cooking.Conclusion. The introduction of new varieties of sweet pepper into production will contribute to import substitution and food independence of the state.

Assessment of the state and prospects of rapeseed production in Ukraine and in the world

The article analyses the statistical data of the United States Department of Agriculture on the main producers, exporters, importers and consumers of rapeseed, oil and meal and establishes that the EU, Canada and China are the leaders in terms of rapeseed production in the world. According to the forecasts, in 23/24 MY almost half of all imported seeds will be from the EU (5.1 mln tonnes) and China (3.0 mln tonnes). Canada is the world’s largest exporter of rapeseed and rapeseed products, and it is forecast that about 8.6 mln tonnes of the seeds will be sold to other countries, including the EU and China. Canada has been the largest exporter of rapeseed for many years. According to analysts’ forecasts, 8.6 mln tonnes of seeds, which is 48.6% of the total world exports, will be sold to other countries. Canada will export 3.1 mln tonnes of oil and 5.25 mln tonnes of rapeseed meal. In 23/24 MY, the EU countries are forecast to use 25.4 mln tonnes of rapeseed and its products for domestic consumption, while China — 18.4 mln tonnes. According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, in 2013, 0.95 mln ha of winter rapeseed were harvested, the gross harvest amounted to 2.28 mln tonnes, and the average yield was 2.40 t/ha. In 2022, the gross harvest of winter rapeseed was 3.25 million tonnes. At the same time, the harvested area was 1.13 mln ha, and the average yield in the country increased to 2.87 t/ha. Thus, over the past 10 years, the sown area in Ukraine has increased by 19%, and the gross seed harvest by 42.4%. The increase in sown areas, gross seed harvest and average yields was driven by improvements in certain elements of winter rape growing technology and the introduction of new varieties and hybrids. The State Register of Plant Varieties Suitable for Distribution in Ukraine includes 350 varieties and hybrids of winter rape. Over the past 10 years, 306 varieties and hybrids of winter rape have been included in the Register, which is 87.4% of the total. At the same time, 20 varieties and 6 hybrids of winter rape of Ukrainian breeding and 16 varieties and 264 hybrids of foreign breeding were registered.

Анализ и векторы развития отрасли рисоводства

Purpose: analysis of the state of rice industry for determining the points of further growth. Materials and methods. Materials of state and federal programs, technical reports of the FGBU “Management “Kubanmeliovodkhoz”, Rosstat, Krasnodarstat were used and analyzed. The research methodology is based on historical and system analysis. Data analysis was carried out using statistical software packages. Results. It has been stated that rice growing in Russia has been developing for about 100 years, from the beginning of the development of inappropriate lands in the regions of southern Russia, the Far East, Transcaucasia, Central Asia, and the Lower Volga region. It was found that at present the area of land reclamation systems for rice production is 407.8 thousand hectares, of which about 190 thousand hectares are used for rice crops, taking into account the crop rotation. The rice grain production output is 1.2 million tons annually, about 450 thousand tons of cereals are produced from it. It is shown that in connection with the increase in the rate of rice consumption from 4 to 7 kg/(year person), it is required to increase the production of cereals in the country consumer market up to 1.1 million tons in the future. The dynamics of rice yield growth due to the introduction of new varieties and technologies under climate change is substantiated. It has been determined that for the rice growing industry in the Krasnodar Territory, the water intake is 3.0 million m³, or 97 % of the total volume of water for irrigation, water supply is 2.5 million m³, of which about 500 thousand m³ are reused drainage water. It is shown that 40.4 thousand hectares of irrigated lands of the rice irrigation fund are in an unsatisfactory reclamation condition, including in terms of soil salinity, groundwater mineralization and their depth. Conclusions: the further development of the industry should be based on the introduction of new varieties of rice and technologies for their cultivation, rational water use, efficient use of land resources, maintaining the balance of the ecological system of the territories involved in rice growing.

Environmental Lessons of Virgin Lands: Organisational and Scientific Aspects

This article considers the reasons for the aggravation of the ecological situation which manifested itself in the wind erosion of soil over vast territories during the mass development of virgin lands in the Soviet Union through the prism of the history of agricultural science. The author refers to materials from central and regional archives, most of which are being introduced into scholarly circulation for the first time; the article also refers to special agricultural literature. The author outlines the main approaches to solving the grain problem in the eastern part of the USSR: the introduction of new territories into agricultural use, on the one hand, and the introduction of new varieties of grain crops into production, on the other. In conditions where the main attention of the state was directed to accelerated industrialisation, scientists considered these approaches the most accessible and realistic. It is substantiated that the subsequent reorientation of science towards selection as the main means of developing agricultural production led to the curtailment of research in the field of soil science and agricultural technology. According to the author, this negatively affected both the process of allocating land for virgin land development and limited the possibilities of science in terms of the operational development of a soil-protective system of agriculture. Later, by the end of the 1950s, the accumulation of virgin soil experience and research by scientists made it possible to propose recommendations to ensure soil protection from wind erosion. However, their implementation was restrained by the predominance of administrative approaches in implementation activities and the associated mistrust of production workers in the recommendations of science. The author concludes that the widespread introduction of a soil-protective system of agriculture became possible only in the second half of the 1960s when the necessary state-legal and organisational-scientific conditions were created for this and administrative “excesses” were eliminated. The development of the entire front of scientific research and the formation of a mechanism for the rapid introduction of scientific recommendations into production are necessary conditions for the implementation of major national economic programmes.

Variability of yield components in winter wheat varieties and breeding lines under environment of Ukrainian Forest-Steppe

Topicality. The main task of winter wheat breeding is to increase productivity, therefore, the development and introduction of new varieties of winter wheat with high productivity potential being well adapted to changing growing conditions into agricultural production is an urgent area of research. Breeders' efforts are aimed at developing varieties with a successful combination of high parameters of all the main productivity elements in one genotype, which will maximise grain yield. Breeding work is determined by many factors, among which the search and development of new genetic sources with high performance indicators. Therefore, the peculiarities of yield potential realization and the study of the mechanisms of productivity element formation under changing meteorological conditions are important for establishing the response rate and selecting the most stable productive genotypes and their further involvement in breeding programs. Purpose. To identify the best varieties and breeding lines of winter wheat in terms of productivity elements in the environment of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine for their involvement in crossbreeding programmes. Methods. Visual – phenological observations; laboratory-field – determination of biometric indicators; mathematical and statistical – establishing the reliability of the obtained data. Results. It was found that the maximum realisation of the yield potential of winter wheat plants by structural elements occurred under optimal growing conditions such as in years with higher moisture availability and sowing on 5 October. Yield formation was significantly influenced by the weather conditions of the year, genotype and unaccounted factors. Sowing dates had a significant effect only on the manifestation of the plant height trait. There was a minor variation (3.8 %÷5.5 %) in plant height in all varieties and breeding lines. Different levels of variability were found for the following traits: number of productive stems varied from Cv=16.4 % (second sowing date in the dry 2019/20) to Cv=27.6 % (first sowing date in the favourable 2020/21); main head grain content and thousand grain weight – Cv=10.7÷17.6 % and Cv=8.8÷16.9 %, respectively. Regardless of varietal characteristics, the main spike length had insignificant (Сv=5.6÷8.8 %) phenotypic variability with a range of variation of 0.2–2.0 cm. There were determined the variability levels of traits by the spikelet number per spike (Сv=5.7 %÷8.6 %), by grain weight per spike (Сv=13.1÷20.5 %) and per plant (Сv=20.5÷36.3 %). Conclusions. The varieties MIP Assol, Hratsiia MYR, MIP Dniprianka, MIP Yuvileina and breeding lines LUT 55198, LUT 37519 consistently formed a high level of productivity elements regardless of sowing dates and conditions of the growing year, which indicates their high adaptive capacity. They are recommended for breeding programmes as valuable parental components. Key words: productivity parameters, trait, variation, sowing date, year conditions

Organization of seed breeding activities for leguminous crops and introduction of new varieties in conditions of piedmont and mountainous zones of Armenia

The article presents the results of breeding new leguminous crop varieties at the Scientific Center of Agriculture of the Republic of Armenia and the study results related to their testing and introduction in the piedmont and mountainous zones of the republic. Upon the findings of field experiments and laboratory research conducted throughout 2020-2022, it has been disclosed that the piedmont and mountainous zones of the republic are quite favorable for the growth and development of new varieties of chickpea (Stella), lentil (Erebuni), pea (Kangun) and groundnut (Arina), which were bred at the scientific center with further subjection to state varietal testing. Meanwhile, through the study results, it has been proved, that all mentioned varieties have ensured higher yield capacity and protein content as compared to other regionalized crops in those zones, and thus, it has been recommended to introduce them in a wide range of farm households for further cultivation.

Preferences in sweet cherry fruits among consumers in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

The introduction of new varieties in fruit production should consider consumer attitudes regarding the appearance and taste of the fruits. In order to evaluate the consumer attitudes in Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina (B&H), on the most important characteristics of cherry fruits, an online survey was conducted with 402 respondents. Participation in the survey was taken by 53.23% of respondents from Serbia and 46.77% from B&H, most of which were women (54.23%). Consumers expressed their views on the most important external (fruit colour, fruit shape, fruit size, presence of a stalk on the fruit, length of the stalk and the presence of damage to the fruit) and internal (fruit taste, fruit firmness) characteristics of the fruit. According to the results, the attitude toward the fruit size, the presence of a stalk and the stalk length, as well as fruit firmness was dependent upon respondents’ residence. Both male and female respondents had similar attitudes toward the cherry characteristics except for the fruit taste and the most important cherry characteristics. The age of a respondent influenced the attitude toward the fruit size and the presence of a stalk, as well as the fruit firmness.

A comparative assessment of winter hardiness in varieties and elites of domestic apple trees of various breeding in the conditions of the continental climate of the Samara region

The research was carried out in order to assess the winter hardiness of apple varieties of the Oryol and Michurinsky selection, as well as the elite hybrids of the selection of the Scientific Research Institute of Horticulture and Medicinal Plants Zhigulevskie Sady in the conditions of the continental climate characteristic of the Samara region. Freezing of annual branches taken from trees of 1011 years of age was carried out in the laboratory under controlled conditions of a freezer at extreme negative temperatures for the 2nd (40C) and 4th (35C after thaw) components of winter hardiness. After freezing, their damage was assessed in April, the results were compared by years of research. Simultaneously with the assessment of winter hardiness in the laboratory, the general condition of trees of these varieties and elite hybrids was assessed in the field conditions of the experimental garden of the Scientific Research Institute of Horticulture and Medicinal Plants Zhigulevskie Sady, in August 2020 and 2021. The general condition and adaptation to low temperatures of the objects of the study were compared with dependence on the agro-climatic conditions of the growing season on the basis of meteorological data of the Samara GMC. During the study, varieties and elites of apple trees of various breeding with high winter hardiness were identified, surpassing control varieties such as Antonovka obyknovennaya, Kutuzovets, Severniy Sinap and others in this indicator. It is quite logical that winter-hardy apple trees, in the absence of winter damage, may have stronger immunity to diseases and resistance to pests. Therefore, the widespread introduction of new varieties and hybrids into industrial gardening will contribute to the creation of a more favorable agroecological environment in the gardens of the Samara region and the Middle Volga region.

Агробиологические особенности и хозяйственно полезные характеристики фестулолиума сорта Аллегро

One of the directions of increasing the efficiency of feed production is the creation and introduction of new varieties of forage grasses with improved economically useful characteristics and a wide range of adaptive properties. Festulolium is a new crop with high fodder qualities, which has a pronounced trend towards expanding the area of crops in the country in recent decades. This is largely due to the creation of a line of new varieties of this crop, the accumulation of positive experience of use in production condi-tions for the procurement of high-quality feed. The Allegro variety was bred as a result of intergenera-tional hybridization of perennial ryegrass and meadow fescue, has a high adaptive potential for cultivation in a wide range of soil and climatic conditions, is characterized by high feed and seed productivity. The variety is winter-hardy, medium-resistant to snow mold and spotting, in comparison with ryegrass, resis-tant to lodging, with a high shoot-forming ability. It is characterized by competitiveness when sowing in grasslands. According to the type of development, it belongs to winter plants and does not form genera-tive shoots in the year of sowing. It is characterized by a high yield of green mass — 25–30 t/ha, with the observance of agricultural cultivation techniques and sufficient moisture supply, it is able to form up to 40–50 t/ha of green mass in total for three mowing. The highest yield of green mass is formed in the second or third years of life. The content of carbohydrates in the dry matter of the green mass in the tube exit phase is 13.4–15%, crude protein — 11–13%, crude fiber — 26%.

Estimation of the winter bread wheat productivity according to the parameters of ecological adaptability in the southern forest-steppe of the Omsk region

The extension of winter bread wheat areas in Western Siberia is accompanied by the introduction of new varieties, the adaptive properties of which require careful evaluation. The purpose of the current work was to characterize the numbers of the Competitive Variety Testing (CVT) according to the parameters of ecological adaptability and stability. The objects of research through the years of 2016–2020 were 12 winter bread wheat samples from the CVT laboratory for winter grain crop breeding of the FSBSI “Omsk Agricultural Research Center”. The highest values of the linear regression coefficient were identified in the lines ‘22/16’, ‘24/16’, the varieties ‘Yubileinaya 180’, ‘Omskaya 4’ (bi = 1.15–1.19). The varieties ‘Priirtyshskaya’, ‘Priirtyshskaya 2’, the lines ‘38/17’, ‘47/16’, ‘42/18’ (bi = 0.81–89) reacted weaker to environmental changes. The lines ‘25/16’, ‘26/16’ and ‘43/18’ (bi = 1.01–1.02) had adaptability close to a unit. The most stable productivity was identified in the line ‘24/16’ (S2 d = 0.01). The similar productivity was provided by the variety ‘Priirtyshskaya’ and the lines ‘47/16’, ‘43/18’ (S2 d = 0.05–0.10). Among the less stable varieties were ‘Omskaya 4’, ‘Priirtyshskaya 2’, the lines ‘22/16’, ‘26/16’, ‘38/17’ (S2 d = 0.30–0.48). The variety ‘Priirtyshskaya’, the lines ‘38/17’, 43/18’ (V = 22.8–23.8%) had a relatively lower productivity variability. The line ‘43/18’ (5.70 t/ha) was the best in productivity. The varieties ‘Priirtyshskaya 2’ (5.29 t/ha), ‘Yubileinaya 180’ (5.19 t/ha), the lines ‘38/17’ (5.18 t/ha), ‘47/16’ (5.01 t/ha), the variety ‘Priirtyshskaya’ (4.85 t/ha) also had a significant excess over the standard variety ‘Omskaya 4’ (4.24 t/ha). In general, the estimation of the productivity adaptability has shown that the best numbers according to this trait are characterized by different reactions to growing conditions. The most productive line ‘43/18’ is adaptable. The variety ‘Yubileynaya 180’ is of intensive type. The response to environmental changes of the varieties ‘Priirtyshskaya’, ‘Priirtyshskaya 2’, the lines ‘38/17’, ‘47/16’ was weak.