Mineral Nutrition Research Articles

Sunflower hybrids productivity depending on the rates of mineral fertilizers in the south of Ukraine

Abstract Areas of sunflower cultivation in Ukraine, Europe, and the world have significantly increased over the past decade, along with an increase in crop yield, largely due to the development of new varieties and hybrids resistant to various abiotic stresses and extreme environmental conditions. The mineral nutrition background is also an important element of sunflower cultivation technology. The influence of mineral fertilizer rates on the productivity of new early-maturing and medium-early sunflower hybrids was the focus of research conducted during 2020–2021 on dark chestnut soils in the southern region of Ukraine. The results of the study showed that optimization of the mineral nutrition background contributed to increased plant height and leaf area. Both indicators were maximized for the cultivation of Alambra KS and Blyutuz hybrids with the application of fertilizers at the rate of N90P60. These experimental variants also ensured the formation of the maximum level of seed yield (3.05 t/ha for Alambra KS hybrid; 3.39 t/ha for Blyutuz hybrid) and the highest indicators of profitability per 1 kg of active substance of fertilizers (0.35 tons for Alambra KS hybrid; 0.45 tons for Blyutuz hybrid). The mineral nutrition background had little effect on the oil content in sunflower seeds. With an increase in the nitrogen fertilizer rate on the phosphorus background, the oil content in the seeds slightly decreased. However, the experimental variants differed in terms of conditional oil output per hectare of sunflower cultivation. Among early-maturing hybrids, the Alambra KS hybrid showed a higher value for this indicator, while among medium-early hybrids, it was the Blyutuz hybrid. The most effective rate of mineral fertilizers in terms of oil output was determined to be N90P60. Based on the results of the study on dark chestnut soils in the southern region of Ukraine, it is recommended to cultivate the Alambra KS hybrid among early-maturing sunflower hybrids and the Blyutuz hybrid among medium-early hybrids, with the application of mineral fertilizers at the rate of N90P60.

Effect of different doses of cobalt on rumen digestion in cattle

Optimization of mineral nutrition is a necessary measure to maintain high productivity of beef cattle which often lack minerals in their feed. The innovative base in this case can be ultrafine particles of essential elements characterized by high bioavailability in a small dose. The effect of ultrafine Co3O4 particles on the digestibility of dry matter of feed in the in vitro system (artificial rumen), the amount of volatile fatty acids, nitrogen forms (total, non-protein, ammonia, urea, protein) and on the amino acid composition (arginine, lysine, methionine, alanine, glycine) of animal rumen fluid was studied. The research was conducted in 2023. Cattle of the Kazakh white-headed breed aged 11-12 months with an average weight of 265-275 kg were used as an object of research. It was found that in in vitro studies, dry matter digestibility of feed was 9.0% higher at a concentration of 0.36 g/mL of Co3O4 ultrafine particles. Analysis of volatile fatty acid concentration showed that this dosage increases acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valerianic acid, and caproic acid. The introduction of ultrafine Co3O4 particles increased the content of protein nitrogen and total nitrogen in the experimental animals, indicating the intensification of rumen microbiocenosis. At introduction of ultrafine Co3O4 particles, shifts in the amino acid composition of the rumen contents were observed, which may be caused by the changes in the nature of nitrogenous substances transformation in the digestive tract. It is concluded that the use of ultrafine Co3O4 particles has a positive effect on the digestive processes in the rumen.

Effect of mineral fertilizers on sorghum crop yields in the southern forest-steppe of Western Siberia

The results of studying the productivity of sorghum crops under different conditions of mineral nutrition on meadow-chernozem soil of the southern forest-steppe of Western Siberia are presented. The study was conducted in 2019–2022 in the Omsk region as part of a long-term stationary field experiment. The soil of the experimental plot is meadow-chernozem moderately deep heavy loamy soil. The arable horizon is characterized by neutral reaction of the soil solution (pH 7.0–7.2). The scheme of the experiment is two-factor, includes application of nitrogen (N0, 30, 60) and phosphorus (P0, 60) mineral fertilizers before sowing sorghum crops. The dynamics of moisture content in the meter soil profile is closely related to the hydrothermal conditions of vegetation periods. In the most wetted year of 2019, the soil profile had a more stable and uniform moisture content, especially in the second half meter. In subsequent years, the atmospheric moisture deficit was clearly manifested in the content of total moisture both along the soil profile and in time. Drying out of the meter profile even in the initial growing season was observed in 2022, which can be considered as a result of low residual moisture in the preceding, also dry, season. In the control, mineral nutrition was limited by the low content of mobile phosphorus. The studies have shown that in conditions of insufficient and unstable moisture, typical for the south of Western Siberia, it is advisable to cultivate sorghum crops with high responsiveness to the use of mineral fertilizers in field fodder production. In the average of two years, the maximum yield of green mass of sugar sorghum on intensive background was 21.07 t/ha, sorghum-sudangrass hybrid – 16.62 t/ha, which is higher than the control by 47.2 and 62.7%, respectively. The most effective was the complex application of mineral fertilizers, which provided an increase in dry matter content of sugar sorghum from 3.97 to 6.08 t/ha (53.0%), sorghum-sudangrasas hybrid – from 2.81 to 4.73 t/ha (68.3%).

Influence of different protection systems on phytosanitary situation in plantings of colored potato varieties

The results of the studies on the influence of various protection systems on the phytosanitary situation in planting colored potato varieties in the conditions of the Novosibirsk region are presented. It has been established that the chemical protectant Celest Top more effectively reduces the development of rhizoctoniosis (black scab) in comparison with the biological preparation Bactofort. On average, this indicator when using the chemical system was significantly lower by 4.8 times in the germination phase, and 2.0 times lower in the period of budding-beginning of flowering of the culture. A significant influence of the optimization of mineral nutrition for the biological preparation Bactofort was established, in this case, against the background of mineral fertilizers, the development of rhizoctoniosis is 1.2 times lower. In the phase of budding – the beginning of flowering the disease development on the fertilized background with the use of chemical system of protection is marked significantly higher by 1.4 times in comparison with the background of natural fertility, with the biological system in this period this indicator has no differences. The number of the Colorado potato beetle when using the chemical system was significantly lower by 3.6 times in comparison with the biologized one. Optimization of mineral nutrition with the use of a chemical protection system significantly increased the number of the pest by 5.0 times in comparison with the background of natural fertility, while with a biological system this indicator does not have significant differences. The productivity of the culture is significantly higher when using a chemical protection system in comparison with a biologized one by 1.5 times. On a fertilized background, when using a chemical protection system, the productivity of potatoes is significantly higher by 1.2 times in comparison with the background of natural fertiity. At the same time, with a biologized system, this indicator does not have significant differences. Individual reaction of the varieties to the studied protective techniques has been noted. Among the four varieties studied, All Red should be singled out, in which the development of rhizoctoniosis on the stems on both protection systems at both levels of mineral nutrition was generally the smallest among all variety samples. The varieties All Red and Violet were the least populated by the Colorado potato beetle – an average of 0.50–0.55 ind./plant. The highest yield was obtained when growing the Rosemaria variety (average factor 22.3 t/ha). To control rhizoctoniosis and Colorado potato beetle on potatoes, it is possible to use biological protection systems, but taking into account the biological characteristics of the varieties.

Influence of targeted protein-vitamin-mineral concentrates on the beef traits of steers of different breeds

Currently, research is relevant to the development and testing of recipes for proteinvitamin- mineral concentrates (PVMC) based on extruded soybeans and synthetic nitrogen-containing substances, which allows optimizing the protein and mineral nutrition of animals. The purpose of the research was to study the infl uence of targeted PVMC on meat productivity and beef quality of steers of diff erent breeds in the Kurgan region. The eff ect of PVMC on meat productivity was studied on steers of Black-and-White and Aberdeen-Angus breeds. For this purpose, three groups were formed in each breed, which included 15 heads of steers aged 12 months. The steers of the control group were fed PVMC -65, the steers of the 1st experimental group were fed the experimental PVMC-65K, and the 2nd experimental group were fed PVMC-65KB at 200 g per 100 kg of live weight. Feeding targeted PVMC-65KB had a positive eff ect on the meat productivity of steers. Over 150 days of fattening, the live weight of steers of Black-and-White breed was 8,9 % higher, and steers of Aberdeen-Angus breed was 6,1 % higher compared to the control herdmates. The slaughter yield for steers of the experimental groups received PVMC-65KB was 53,7 % for steers of Black-and-White breed and 57,3 % for steers of Aberdeen-Angus breed, which was 1,62 and 1,56 abs.% more than their herdmates from control groups. The proportion of muscle tissue in the experimental groups of steers received PVMC-65KB was higher by 1,73 abs.% in Black-and-White and by 2,37 abs.% in Aberdeen-Angus compared to control herdmates. It was found that optimization of feeding of steers stimulated muscle raising in animals of the experimental groups, in the same time in the control group at this age the deposition of adipose tissue had already begun.

Impact assessment of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi on phytochemical constituents and nutrient uptake in Gomphrena globosa

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are recognized to amend the biosynthesis of metabolites in plants through symbiosis. This relationship provides an opportunity to use host-fungus combinations that maximize secondary metabolite synthesis. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of two different AMFs (Rhizophagus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae) individually and in combination on the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential and nutrient uptake in Gomphrena globosa. The findings showed an increased concentration of total phenols (29.10 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (25.84 mg QE/g DW), saponins (105.77 mg DE/g DW) and tannins (137.38 mg TAE/g DW) in the methanol leaf extract of G. globosa inoculated with the combined AMF treatment. Moreover, the existence of phenol (benzoic acid) and flavonoid (kaempferol) was also observed using HPTLC analysis. GC-MS study of methanol extract revealed that hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester and 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester were the major active compounds with the highest area percentage (26.60 % and 23.74 % respectively) found in the combined AMF treatment. Changes in the functional groups due to AMF associations were observed using FTIR analysis, with the maximum level of metabolites reported in the combined treatment, as evidenced by their higher peak intensity. Furthermore, the plants inoculated with both R. intraradices and F. mosseae showed higher concentrations of P (1477.53 mg/kg), K (28872.88 mg/kg), Mg (10137.96 mg/kg), Ca (28723.07 mg/kg), Fe (125.29 mg/kg) and Mo (0.36 mg/kg), as well as antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 523.09 µg/mL and FRAP 7845.81 µM Fe (II) equivalent) in comparison to control. Overall, it was concluded that co-inoculation of R. intraradices and F. mosseae enhanced the production of secondary metabolites in G. globosa leaves which may be due to the improved mineral nutrition.

Exploring the Impact of Potassium on Growth, Photosynthetic Performance, and Nutritional Status of Lemon Trees (cv. Adamopoulou) Grafted onto Sour Orange and Volkamer Lemon Rootstocks

(1) Background: This study investigates the effects of potassium (K) and rootstock on the growth, photosynthetic activity, and mineral nutrition of lemon trees; (2) Methods: Lemon trees (cv. Adamopoulou) grafted onto sour orange (Citrus aurantium) (SO) or Volkamer lemon (Citrus volkameriana) (VL) rootstock were cultivated hydroponically under 0.00, 0.75, 1.50, 3.00, and 6.00 mM K. Plant growth and nutrition parameters, as well as leaf photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, intracellular CO2, chlorophyll, and carotenoid concentration were assessed; (3) Results: Under K deficiency (0 mM K), plants exhibited chlorotic and necrotic symptoms, more pronounced in older leaves. Potassium deficiency adversely affected various physiological processes in lemon leaves, including a decrease in photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, water use efficiency, CO2 utilization efficiency, chlorophyll a/b ratio, and carotenoid concentrations (some effects were rootstock-dependent). Low photosynthetic rates under K deficiency were due to both stomatal- and non-stomatal limitations. Elevated K in the nutrient solution consistently reduced the total plant uptake of P, Ca, Mg, B, Mn, and Zn, resulting in nutrient imbalances, as evidenced by the significant decrease in P, Ca, Mg, and Zn concentrations found in scion tissues (especially at the 6 mM K treatment). Rootstock-dependent responses were also observed in scion leaf and stem growth and in mineral nutrient concentrations, uptake, and distribution across plant parts; (4) Conclusions: Our study reveals interesting aspects on how to optimize K fertilization in lemon trees in the context of sustainable agriculture by considering nutrient interactions and rootstock-dependent effects. Understanding these complex interactions and improving K fertilization practices is expected to improve lemon tree performance, yield, and fruit quality.

Вміст жирних кислот і продуктів перекисного окиснення ліпідів у сироватці крові молодняка української м’ясної породи при дії солей міді, селену та марганцю

Fatty acids have a significant impact on the overall metabolic processes in the body. One of the links of the general metabolism is the formation of peroxidation products during the oxidation of fatty acids. The aim of our work was to investigate the relationship between the content of fatty acids and lipid peroxidation products under copper, selenium, and manganese deficiency. The study was conducted on calves of the Ukrainian meat breed aged 6 months. An appropriate dose of deficient trace elements was added to the basic diet of the experimental groups. Determination of the spectrum of fatty acids in blood serum was performed using a gas chromatograph. The diet with copper, selenium and manganese increased the content of short-chain saturated fatty acids and the level of monounsaturated fatty acids decreased. The obtained results indicate the influence of individual fatty acids on the formation of peroxidation of products as a result of increased oxidation of the corresponding substrates. It is shown that deficient copper, selenium and manganese affect the correlation between fatty acids and peroxidation products. The revealed regularities can become the basis for the development of sound strategies for the mineral nutrition of beef cattle by including deficient trace elements and polyunsaturated omega fatty acids. In addition to obtaining important data on the relationship between biochemical processes in the body of beef cattle, the study of the influence of dietary strategies on the nutritional value and fatty acid composition of beef is provided by our further research.

Physiological processes in Phalaenopsis pulcherrima cultivated in hermetically sealed vessels

The hermetic condition is the least studied factor associated with the spaceflights. Phalaenopsis pulcherrima is promising for space farming as it can be cultivated in small substrate blocks, and its photosynthetic apparatus is well adapted to elevated CO2 concentrations and temperatures.Three-year-old meristematic P. pulcherrima plants were planted into plastic (acrylic) vessels filled with fibrous substrate. In control, vessels had an open top. The hermetic conditions were reached by sealing the vessels’ covers with a parafilm. Both control and hermetic vessels were placed in a plant growth chamber where test plants were cultivated under controlled conditions of air temperature, illumination, air humidity, and soil moisture. After 6 and 24 months of cultivation, the CO2 concentration in the hermetic and control vessels was measured, and the physiological characteristics of each test plant, such as the content of macro- and micronutrients, photosynthetic pigments, free amino acids, and content of labile carbohydrates (%) in the leaves of the test-plants were determined.It was revealed that cultivation of P. pulcherrima in hermetic conditions affected its basic physiological processes such as photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, carbohydrates, and amino acid metabolisms. The effect size of this stress factor depended on the duration of exposition period. Long-term cultivation of P. pulcherrima under hermetic conditions promoted the accumulation of nonenzymatic antioxidants (viz. chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and amino acids), which contributed to the adaptation of this orchid species to oxidative stress caused by hermetic environment.

Nitrogen supply effect on lettuce response to Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia minor

Background information: Cultural practices play an important role on the development of pathogens (Datnoff, et al. 2007). In this context, several authors have been interested in studying the effects of mineral nutrition on the resistance of vegetables and fruits to fungi during storage, especially nitrogen. The purpose of the study: In this work we tested the effects of three contrasted regimes of nitrogen supply, with nitrate concentrations in the nutrient solutions of 2 mM (low), 10 mM (normal) and 20 mM (high) on the susceptibility of Lactuca sativa L towards Botrytis cinerea (BC87) and Sclerotinia minor (SM) during storage. Once harvested, the outerleaves of the plants derived from the three nitrogen regimes were inoculated with either Botrytis cinerea (BC87) or Sclerotinia minor (SM). Data showed that the resistance to this two pathogens increase when plants were developed under low nitrogen concentration. This resistance observed is correlated with low values in oxidative stress indicators (MDA and H2O2) and high values in total phenols.

430 Awardee Talk: Recent Breakthroughs in Mineral Nutrition Research That Are Influencing Commercial Swine Diet Formulation

Abstract Mineral nutrition research continues to be of great importance to swine nutritionists because of the direct impact on swine performance and health, and consequently producer profitability. The emphasis of recent mineral research has often been focused on trying to overcome areas of concern in commercial production as opposed to the foundational work that historically was designed to establish basal nutrient requirements. Increased prevalence of post-wean diarrhea has stimulated a renewed interest in adding pharmacological levels of Zn from ZnO in nursery diets. However, environmental and regulatory concerns are creating the need to find ZnO alternatives that will yield similar growth promotional benefits while also reducing diarrhea. Additionally, formulating nursery diets with an ABC-4 formulation concept considers the influence of dietary mineral concentrations and could allow for less dependence on high ZnO inclusion in nursery pig diets. Interest in identifying the correct Ca and P inclusion rate and relationship that supports optimum growth, feed efficiency, and bone mineralization continues to be of high importance, especially with the increased observation of lameness in commercial barns. Properly adjusting dietary P with the use of phytase is increasing in complexity as the number of new phytase sources enter the market. Research comparing different sources of minerals such as Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, and Fe continues to be conducted to identify the combination of source and inclusion rate that yields the greatest return for the producer. The trend for mineral research conducted in commercial barns with pigs exposed to a wide range of stressors will continue in the future. Additionally, an enhanced focus on research conducted with the goal of improving sustainability through life-cycle assessment analysis will drive future mineral research interests. While mineral-focused research has a long history in swine nutrition, the evolution of commercial production needs and consumer demands means that there will be heightened interest in studies that demonstrate optimum mineral feeding strategies in the future.

Effects of NPK Fertilizer on Growth, Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity of Purslane (Portulaca grandiflora)

Purslane (Portulaca grandiflora) is a succulent plant that contains phytochemicals including flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenolic acids, sterols, and reducing agents. The pharmacological properties of this plant include antioxidant activity, and the plant is used in sore throat and skin rashes medications, and for detoxification purposes. The plant’s secondary metabolite content is influenced by mineral nutrition. The types and amounts of plant secondary metabolites are determined by soil nutrients. Therefore, this research aimed to observe and analyze the NPK fertilizer effect on plant growth, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity in purslane. Purslane planting was carried out by applying NPK fertilizer (doses of 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha) in August-October 2022 at the Green House of the Department of Biochemistry, IPB University, Indonesia. The total number of leaves and branches was found to be highest with 200 kg/ha dose of NPK fertilizer treatment. The highest total phenolic content, 0.7346 mg GAE/g FW, was found for the treatment with 100 kg/ha dose of NPK fertilizer. The highest increase in antioxidant activity was observed in extracts treated with 100 kg/ha (FRAP, CUPRAC) and 200 kg/ha (DPPH, ABTS) of NPK fertilizer. Therefore, applying NPK fertilizer at optimal doses can increase the plant growth, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of purslane. From the research, the recommended doses was 100 kg/ha, which gave the highest total phenolic, and the highest single electron transfer antioxidant activity (FRAP, CUPRAC). Moreover, there was no significant difference in growth parameters at higher doses.

IMPROVED TECHNOLOGIES FOR GROWING SEEDLINGS OF FOREST-FORMING SPECIES IN THE VOLGOGRAD REGION

Background. Issues on improvement of technologies of cultivation of planting material are associated with the need to intensify this process to provide an accessible and adapted assortment of woody species. Modern strategies for implementation of natural climatic solutions on degraded lands of Volgograd region provide for attraction of forest-forming adaptive tree species: Quercus (39,8%), Pinus (15,8%), Populus (7,5%).
 Purpose. Improve the technology of production of Quercus robur planting material.
 Materials and methods. On the basis of the Nizhnevolzhsk tree breeding station - a branch of the Federal Research Center of Agroecology RAS (Kamyshin, Volgograd Region), outdoor and indoor plots were allocated to improve production technology. Certified seed material Quercus robur L. (certificate of quality №34/25675, 34/25727) was used in the experiments. To ensure optimal conditions for development, the scheme of irrigation and nutrient regime (ammonium nitrate, Solar universal) were developed. Experimental data on the growth of seedlings were processed by methods of mathematical processing. The standard of seedlings is determined in accordance with the Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia from 04.12.2020 № 1014.
 Results. The effectiveness of growing seedlings Quercus robur L. with closed and open root systems is shown. The characteristics of the substrate are given, the regime of mineral nutrition, as well as the regime of watering to maintain the optimum temperature and humidity of the air and substrate are developed. Analysis of the dynamics of biometric data of plants with closed root system showed that 92% reached the standard within 2 months, with open root system - 56% of seedlings at the end of the growing season.
 Conclusion. According to the indicators of quality, time and volume of production, the advantage of the technology of growing Q. robur L. with closed root system.

Агроэкологическое обоснование приемов возделывания озимой пшеницы на серых лесных почвах Центрального Черноземья

Studies of gray forest soils used for cultivation in the grain-tillage crop rotation in the Kursk region are presented. Based on the research results, a conclusion is made about the problems of gas exchange in gray forest soil in the study region. The quality of agriculture in the conditions of the research site meets the standards and the indicators of the content of various forms of nitrogen are within the normal range for the formation of a high-quality winter wheat crop. Keywords: GRAY FOREST SOIL, WINTER WHEAT, MINERAL NUTRITION, FUNGICIDE, HERBICIDE, SOIL NITRATES

Comparison of Citrus Orchards with Good and Conventional Agricultural Practices in terms of Mineral Nutrition in Çukurova Conditions

Yoğun ve bilinçsiz gübre kullanımından kaynaklanan çevre kirliliğinin azaltılması, verim ve kalitede yaşanan düşüşleri önlemek ve üretimin ekonomik olarak sağlanması için, son yıllarda dengeli gübreleme/beslenme programlarını amaçlayan ve konvansiyonel tarıma alternatif olan iyi tarım uygulamaları öne çıkmaktadır. Bu amaçla, önemli turunçgil üretim alanlarından biri olan Adana’nın Karataş ilçesinde iyi tarım uygulamaları (İTU) ve konvansiyonel tarım uygulamalarının (KTU) yapıldığı 80 farklı turunçgil (portakal, limon ve mandarin) bahçesinden yaprak örnekleri alınmış, besin elementi analizleri gerçekleştirilerek mineral beslenme durumları karşılaştırmalı olarak belirlenmiştir. Sonuçlar genel olarak değerlendirildiğinde ağaçların K bakımından büyük oranda yetersiz olduğu buna karşılık N,P, Ca ve Mg açısından önemli bir beslenme probleminin olmadığı görülmüştür. Ayrıca, yaprak örneklerindeki element konsantrasyonlarının KTU yapılan alanlarda kısmen daha yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir. Çalışmaya konu olan alanlardan alınan yaprak örneklerindeki Fe ve Cu konsantrasyonlarının kritik konsantrasyon sınır değerlerine göre %100’ünün yeterli düzeyde ve üzerinde olduğu buna karşılık Zn konsantrasyonunun iki uygulamada da %85 oranında ve Mn konsantrasyonunun İTU yapılan bahçelerde %20, KTU yapılan bahçelerde %25 oranında kritik konsantrasyon sınır değerlerinden düşük olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Yaprak örneklerindeki ortalama mikro besin elementi sonuçları değerlendirildiğinde Fe, Zn, Cu ve Mn değerlerinin her iki uygulama bahçelerinde birbirine yakın olduğu ve uygulamalar arasında anlamlı bir fark olmadığı belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, İTU yapılan alanlarda çiftçilerin gübreleme alışkanlıklarının değişmediği, bitkinin besin ihtiyacının toprak ve bitki analizlerine dayalı olarak belirlenerek uygulamaların buna göre yapılması gerektiği ve bunu teşvik eden uygulamaların sürdürülülebilirliğinin önemli olduğu anlaşılmıştır.

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF VEGETABLES AND FRUITS USING BIOFORTIFICATION STRATEGIES

An analysis of the state of nutrition of people in Ukraine shows that the population does not eat well, which significantly worsens the state of their health and working capacity. The solution to the problem is possible through changes in the structure of nutrition, and above all, through an increase in the diet of vegetables and fruits of high quality, the varieties of which have been created using biofortification strategies. Biofortification is an innovative and promising approach in solving global problems related to nutrition. The goal of biofortification is to create plants with increased levels of the necessary functional ingredients absorbed from the soil, as well as those synthesized in the plant. Biofortification strategies consist in the development of optimal ways of mineral nutrition of plants, the creation of new species using molecular genetic approaches, and the use of traditional breeding methods. The purpose of the research is to analyze the modern experience of creating varieties of various fruit and vegetable crops with the help of biofortification strategies, which have an increased content of functional ingredients. Based on the literature review, it was established that for many years, an unconventional direction of selection has been developing – the creation of varieties and hybrids of fruits and vegetables with the recommended chemical composition. Created varieties of vegetables and fruits with increased protein content (nuts and legumes); starch (potato); carotenoids, dry matter, disaccharides (carrot, pumpkin); vitamin C, betanin, sugars (table beet); selenium (tomatoes); bioflavonoids, vitamin C (cabbage vegetables); macro- and microelements (bulb vegetables), etc. Such raw materials can be used to create special purpose products, which will significantly improve the quality of the population's diet and health. It is shown that the development of the non-traditional direction in breeding remains promising, and the study of samples of the domestic collection of agricultural crops and the selection of the best varieties from them for various directions of use, and especially for the production of special purpose products, is an important national economic and scientific task of an innovative nature that must be developed, therefore that the problem of improving the nation should come first.

Effect of mineral fertilizers on the formation of the structure indicators of grain sorghum yield capacity

In the process of gradual warming, producers carry out the search of the crops, which develop high productivity of excellent quality grain in the difficult soil-climatic conditions. Grain sorghum is one of these crops. Similar to any other agricultural crop, its productivity depends on the effect of numerous factors including the elements of the cultivation technology. One of these elements is the application of mineral fertilizers. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of the plant mineral nutrition on the formation of the structure indicators of grain sorghum yield capacity in the conditions of the Right bank Forest steppe zone of Ukraine. The experiment was carried out in the zone of unstable humidity in 2016–2020. The trial scheme consisted in studying grain sorghum cultivars and various fertilizer rates; the trial was initiated with the method of regular replications, a fourfold replication was applied. Having analyzed the research results, it was found out that as the fertilizer rates increased, the element indicators of the yield structure also increased; in turn grain yield capacity of the studied cultivars was higher. However, the optimal fertilizer rate for the expected yield is the estimated one which will reduce the production cost of the output.

SIDERATION — A FACTOR OF THE FORMATION OF THE MAIN INDICATORS OF THE SOIL IN ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

The article proves the relevance of using sideral crops in organic farming technologies. The results of scientific research on the use of sideration as an ecologically safe factor in the formation of the main indicators and properties of the soil are analyzed. It is noted that nowadays the cultivation of sideral crops is one of the main alternatives for replacing chemically synthesized fertilizers. Examples of the use of siderates as environmentally safe types of fertilizers that contribute to the restoration of soil fertility and the increase in the yield of agricultural crops are given. It was noted that side crops under organic land use are an effective and productive component of the technology of growing agricultural crops, contribute to improving the structure and quality of the soil, providing mineral nutrition and creating favorable conditions for the growth and development of plants, which affects the increase in yield with the complete rejection of chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. It is noted that when using sideration in organic technologies for growing agricultural crops, it is necessary to make a reasonable selection of sideration crops with a high adaptive potential, taking into account their biological characteristics. The selection of siderates must be carried out taking into account the soil and climatic zone of cultivation, moisture availability and temperature regime of the soil, biological features of growing siderate cultures and the agronomic value of their introduction, features of the effect of siderate on the structure of the soil, its density and porosity, providing the soil with organic matter (humus) and nutritional mineral elements, as well as the yield and quality of agricultural products.

МИНЕРАЛЬНОЕ ПИТАНИЕ ЯРОВОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ ПРИ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ НОРМАХ ВЫСЕВА НА СЕРЫХ ЛЕСНЫХ ПОЧВАХ ПРЕДКАМЬЯ РЕСПУБЛИКИ ТАТАРСТАН

The article summarizes the results of experiments on the study and development of methods for optimizing mineral nutrition for spring wheat on the soils of the Kama region of the Republic of Tatarstan at different seeding rates in order to increase the yield and quality of grain. Field research was carried out in 2022 on the territory of Agrobiotechnopark LLC of Kazan State Agrarian University, located in the Pre-Kama zone of the Republic of Tatarstan. The object of the study was spring wheat of the Yoldyz variety, cultivated in conditions of gray forest soil. For the experiment, a soil of gray forest heavy loam was selected, containing 3.0 (according to Tyurin) units of humus, 176 mg of mobile phosphorus, 109 mg/kg of exchangeable potassium (according to Kirsanov) and 27.3 bases per 100 g of soil in a layer of 0-20 cm. The saturation of the bases was 87.7%, and the pH of the salt extract solution was 5.6. For the experiment, a series of four seeding rates was applied - 4, 5, 6, and 7 million seeds per hectare for each nutrient background. Several plots with different nutrient backgrounds and consistent seeding rates were randomly located. The total area of the plots was 60 m2, and the accounting area was 50 m2. Scheme of the experiment: I background - without fertilizers (control); II background - calculated background for the planned grain yield of 3 tons / ha; III background - calculated background for the planned grain yield of 4 tons/ha. The optimal seeding rate was 5 million/ha for the fertilized variety and 4 million/ha for the natural variety and led to an increase in yield by 1060-1200 kg per hectare compared to the control. With a seeding rate of 6 million/ha on the II and III nutrient background, the gluten content increased by 1.8% compared to the natural background.

Synergistic Interaction of Rhizobium tropici, Rhizophagus irregularis and Serendipita indica in Promoting Snap Bean Growth

The overuse of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in crop farming has led to a decrease in crop quality and negative impacts on soil and the environment. It is crucial to adopt alternative strategies to maintain soil and environmental quality while enhancing crop growth and yield. To explore this, a study was conducted under greenhouse conditions to investigate the effect of Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899 alone, as well as in association with mycorrhizae (Rhizophagus irregularis) and endophytic fungus (Serendipita indica), on the growth, yield, and nutrient status of snap bean plants. At harvest, the rhizobial strain CIAT 899 demonstrated the highest effectiveness. It significantly increased the number of nodules in both Contender and Garrafal Enana varieties by 6.97% and 14.81%, respectively, compared with the control without inoculation. Furthermore, the results indicated that co-inoculation of Rhizobium and symbiotic fungi had positive effects on nitrogen content, phosphorus availability, and overall plant growth. Regardless of the variety, plants inoculated with R. tropici CIAT 899 and Serendipita indica exhibited the highest values for plant growth parameters. This combination resulted in 168% and 135% increases in root dry biomass, as well as 140% and 225% increases in the number of pods for Contender and Garrafal Enana, respectively, compared with the control at harvest. Additionally, this study highlights the potential benefits of combining R. tropici with either Serendipita indica or Rhizophagus irregularis in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus uptake. These symbiotic microorganisms demonstrated synergistic interactions with snap bean plants, leading to improved mineral nutrition and enhanced growth. Overall, these findings suggest that utilizing these symbiotic microorganisms can effectively enhance the mineral nutrition and growth of snap bean plants.