Second Year Of Vegetation Research Articles

Peculiarities of the weed infestation of young paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa L.) stands

Goal. To study the weeding processes of young Paulownia tomentosa (Paulownia tomentosa L.) plantations for the further development of an effective weed protection system in the conditions of the Forest Steppe of Ukraine.
 Methods. To study the interaction of research objects with weather conditions, cultivation methods and technology, field methods (in particular, small-plot), as well as visual, measuring, weight, quantitative and physiological methods were used. The laboratory method was used to determine the quality characteristics of the soil of the experimental plots. Processing of experimental data was performed using the Microsoft Office Excel computer program.
 Results. It was established that young stands of paulownia in the first stages of vegetation are actually a free ecological niche, which is quickly filled by weeds. The largest number of weed species was from the Gramineae, Brassicaceae, and Asteraceae families. There was one species each from the Polygonaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Solanaceae, and Convolvulaceae families. In the second year of vegetation, the seedlings of Echinochloa crusgalli (L. Pal. Beauv), Chenopodium album L., Elymus repens (L.) Gould, Setaria glauca (L.) Pal. Beauv, Sinapis arvensis L., Polygonum convolvulus L., Thlaspi arvense L. On average, more weed seedlings were recorded during the accounting period than in the first year of crop vegetation.
 Conclusions. It has been experimentally proven that before establishing the plantations, the site should be evaluated for the presence of problematic weed species that can potentially multiply in paulownia plantations and interfere with effective plant care. The presence of weeds in young paulownia stands during the growing season leads to a significant suppression of culture plants. Establishing the features of the formation of weeding of paulownia plantations in the second year of vegetation is impossible without a comprehensive determination of plant growth parameters. Information about the specifics of weeding make it possible to correctly develop an effective system of protection against weeds.

Polyphenolic compounds and ascorbic acid of plants of the genus Arctium L. introduced in the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden

Purpose. To study the accumulation of catechins, anthocyanins, leucoanthocyanins and ascorbic acid in plants of the genus Arctium, introduced to the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden. Methods. Introduced plants of the genus Arctium were used for the study, namely A. lappa L. (greater burdock), A. tomentosum Mill. (woolly burdock), A. nemorosum Lej. (wood burdock) and A. minus Bernh (lesser burdock). Phytochemical analyses of plant organ samples were carried out at different stages of ontogeny. Free catechins, anthocyanins and leucoanthocyanins were determined by the photocolorimetric method. Results. It was found that second year plants accumulate more catechins than first year plants. Their maximum amount is found in the leaf plates of A. lappa and A. minus in the budding phase (180.0 ± 0.3 and 144.0 ± 0.1 mg%, respectively). The content of leucoanthocyanins in the leaf plates of one­year­old plants varied from 72.0 ± 0.4 (A. lappa) to 660.0 ± 0.6 mg% (A. minus); two­year­old plants – from 18.0 ± 0.6 (A. nemorosum) to 165.0 ± 0.5 mg% (A. lappa). Most of these compounds were found in the leaf blade of A. minus in the first year of vegetation. The amount of anthocyanins in leaf plates of one­year­old plants varied from 9.0 ± 0.1 (A. nemorosum) to 42.0 ± 0.4 mg% (A. minus), in petioles from 9.8 ± 0.06 (A. tomentosum) to 117.0 ± 0.6 mg% (A. minus). In the second year of vegetation, their accumulation ranged from 12.0 ± 0.3 (A. minus) to 42.0 ± 0.6 mg% (A. tomentosum) in leaf plates and from 9.6 ± 0.1 (A. tomentosum) to 48.0 ± 0.1 mg% (A. nemorosum) in petioles. Most anthocyanins were found in the petioles of A. minus from the first year of vegetation. Conclusions. The phytochemical studies established that plants of the Arctium genus, introduced to the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden, accumulate varying amounts of phenolic compounds during the growing season. The proportion of flavonoids in leaves was found to be related to air temperature. An increase in temperature leads to a decrease in the content of anthocyanins, while an increase in catechins occurs due to a decrease in temperature. The leaf plates of annual plants belonging to the Arctium genus accumulate the highest levels of ascorbic acid.

Improvement of agrotechnical conditions of growing paulownia in the Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to improve the agrotechnical conditions for growing paulownia and its artificially bred variety Clone in vitro 112 in the Forest Steppe zone of Ukraine.
 Methods. Field, laboratory, visual, measuring and weighing, mathematical and statistical.
 Results. The article presents the results of research on the improvement of agrotechnical growing conditions and establishment of indicators of growth and development of paulownia plants in the Central Forest Steppe of Ukraine. The methods of planting, the optimal width between the rows, and the options for caring for the plantation of plants have been substantiated. It was established that in the first year of vegetation, the root system of paulownia plants is intensively formed. In order to obtain high-quality wood, after the first year of vegetation, it is necessary to make a technical cut at a height of 2–3 cm from the surface of the ground and remove young newly formed shoots (tillers). The highest trunk height of Clone in vitro 112 was formed in the first and second year of vegetation and reached 5–6 m. The optimal planting density is 625 plants per hectare. Conclusions. It was established that paulownia seedlings in vitro should undergo adaptation to the temperature conditions of the growing area for two to three weeks before planting in open ground.

Подбор кормовых кустарников для реставрации деградированных полупустынных пастбищных экосистем

Abstract. The purpose. the study is aimed at the introduction and adaptive assessment of perennial fodder plants from the collection of the Uzbek Research Institute of Karakul Breeding and Desert Ecology for use in the restoration of arid degraded pasture ecosystems in the semi-desert zone of southern Russia. Methods. An assessment was made of adaptive capabilities, including: response to drought, frost resistance, productivity, nutritional value of fodder shrubs of the families Chenopodiaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Polygonaceae, Asteraceae from the collection of the Uzbek Research Institute astrakhan breeding and desert ecology in modern conditions of climate aridization on light chestnut soils of the Astrakhan region. Results. The studies were carried out in arid climatic conditions on infertile soils (humus content – 0.91–1.2 %). In the second year of vegetation, the plant height was 0.82–1.29 m, which will contribute to the retention of snow on the pasture. All studied fodder shrubs had a significantly high energy feed unit index - 0.802–0.972 and a green mass yield of 5.7–38.7 t/ha, respectively, a smaller weight (5.7 t/ha) during the growing season was increased by Haloxylon aphyllum. Scientific novelty. All the studied introduced shrubs showed a high adaptive life potential in the arid semi-desert conditions of the study region, including high drought resistance, undemanding soil fertility, a long growing season (200–230 days) and high energy capacity, which exceeded the energy feed unit of the natural grass stand by 0.07–0.24. The use of these shrubs in the restoration of degraded pastures will increase their species diversity, productivity and nutritional value. All this will make it possible not only to increase the fodder capacity of reclaimed pastures, but also to improve their reclamation state, due to snow retention.

Productivity of giant miscanthus plantations depending on the applied elements of cultivation technology in the conditions of the Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Purpose. To improve the technology of caring for giant miscanthus plantations, starting from the second year of the crop vegetation, and to establish the peculiarities of the formation of biomass yield with the use of different types of fertilizers. Methods. The research was carried out in the years 2020–2021 in the conditions of the Bila Tserkva Experimental and Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences located in the zone of unstable moisture of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. The design of the experiment involved the application of mineral fertilisers (ammonium nitrate N24 kg/ha a. i., ammonium nitrate + ammonium sulfate N24 + S6 kg/ha a. i.) in row in the spring, foliar application of humates (Vermisol, 8.0 l/ha, Humifield VR-18, 0.4 l/ha), and complex fertiliser with amino acids (Quantum Aminomax, 0.5 l/ha). Mineral fertilizers were applied locally in row before the emergence of miscanthus seedlings. Split foliar application of humates and amino acids was carried out in the five-leaf stage and two weeks later. Results. Productivity of miscanthus plants differed significantly over growing seasons, while the main regularities of the influence of the investigated elements of plantation care technology on the productivity formation were maintained. In the second year of vegetation (2020), each plant formed from 18 to 37 shoots and in the third year from 37 to 50 shoots. Four-year-old plants had 28–50 shoots each. The yield of raw biomass at the end of the growing season in 2020 varied from 14.5 to 43.5 t/ha. Compared to 2020, in 2021 the biomass yield increased 1.5–2 times – up to 31.0–74.6 t/ha. According to the experiment, the average yield of biomass for the fourth year of the growing was 17% lower compared to the respective indicators of 2021 and varied according to the experiment treatments from 25.3 to 67.1 t/ha. The yield of dry matter varied from 9.78 to 28.30 t/ha in 2020, from 17.50 to 37.85 t/ha in 2021, and from 12.11 to 32.46 t/ha in 2022. The estimated energy output from miscanthus biomass, depending on the influence of the experimental factors, was 174.8–509.6 GJ/ha in 2020, 315.5–683.2 GJ/ha in 2021, and in 2022 – 219.0–587.3 GJ/ha. Conclusions. The minimum values of all studied productivity indicators of miscanthus were obtained in the control treatment of the experiment. Application of ammonium nitrate (N24) and ammonium nitrate with ammonium sulfate (N24 + S6) in spring contributed to a significant increase in the number of shoots per plant, as well as biomass yield and estimated energy yield per hectare. Similarly, significant increase in all indicators of productivity was ensured by foliar application of humates (Humifield BP-18, 0.4 l/ha and Vermisol, 8,0 l/ha). In general, over the years of research, the maximum indicators of the number of shoots per plant, the yield of biomass and the estimated energy output from biomass were obtained under the combined application of mineral fertilisers [ammonium nitrate + ammonium sulfate (N24 + S6)] with two-time foliar application of humates (Vermisol, 8.0 l/ha or Humifield VR-18, 0.4 l/ha) and complex fertiliser Quantum Aminomax, 0.5 l/ha.

Formation of the above-ground biomass of willow under the influence of varietal characteristics and the type of planting material

Purpose. To reveal the regularities of the formation of the energy willow above-ground biomass structure and evaluate the qualitative and quantitative indicators of the biomass components under the effect of varietal characteristics and the type of planting material.
 Methods. Field experiments were conducted at the experimental field of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet (Ksaverivka 2, Kyiv region) located in the zone of unstable moisture in the central part of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine in 2019–2022. Cuttings and shoots were harvested in autumn and stored in various ways until planting. In the spring, after planting the shoots in the open ground, the biometric parameters of plants were determined: plant height, stem diameter and the number of stems. The measurements were taken on the same day every month during the three years of the experiment. Two willow varieties were used in the experiment: Salix triandra L. variety 'Panfylska' and S. viminalis L. variety 'Zbruch'.
 Results. The intensity of growth of the above-ground biomass of willow, which also depends on the yield of planting material (cuttings or shoots), was determined by plant height, stem diameter and the number of stems. These indicators were higher in 'Zbruch' compared to 'Panfylska'. Thus, in the second year of vegetation, on the first date of measuring (in spring), the plant height of 'Panfylska' variety was 136.3 cm, while in autumn. on September 21, it was 242.8 cm. In 'Zbruch', the indicators were higher by 12.4 and 13.5 cm, respectively. A similar dependence was found when planting shoots. It should be noted that within one variety, no regular and reliable difference in plant height depending on the type of planting material was found. In the third year of vegetation, a similar dependence of plant height on varietal characteristics was obtained. On average, in 2021–2022, when planting willow cuttings of 'Zbruch' variety, plant height was 276.1 cm in the spring, while in 'Panfylska' it was 20 cm lower (256.1 cm). In autumn, plant height was higher in 'Zbruch' also by 20 cm. Depending on the year of vegetation, the increase in plant height was the greatest in the first year of vegetation compared to the second and third years. Weather conditions during the growing season affected the height of plants; However, in all years of the research it was higher when planting cuttings and shoots of 'Zbruch' compared to 'Panfylska'. No significant influence of variety and the type of planting material on the stem diameter and the number of stems was found in all years of the research.
 Conclusions. Plant height and diameter of stem in dynamics depended on varietal characteristics. In 'Zbruch' variety, when planting cuttings and shoots, the increase in plant height and stem diameter was higher compared to 'Panfylska' both at the beginning of the growing season and in autumn. During the three years of vegetation, varietal characteristics and the type of planting material (cuttings and shoots) showed no significant difference in the plant height, stem diameter and the number of stems.

Economic efficiency of seedling method when growing St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) under drip irrigation

One of the most popular medicinal plants is St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). The main source of obtaining its raw materials is collecting in natural groups. Quite often, the amount of St. John’s wort collected does not satisfy the demand in the domestic market of the country, besides, there are cases that it does not contain a sufficient amount of biologically active substances. Research in recent years shows the high prospects of using medicines made on the basis of St. John’s wort as a powerful antiviral agent, especially in the treatment of COVID19. Therefore, industrial cultivation of this crop to increase the raw material base is relevant. Research on improving the technology of growing St. John’s wort was carried out during 2019–2020 at the Research Station of Medicinal Plants of the IAEM of the National Academy of Sciences. The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of plant planting density on the productivity of St. John’s wort under drip irrigation and perform calculations to determine the optimal plant planting density from an economic point of view. Studies have shown that with an increase in the density of planting plants, the yield of the crop also increased. The growth of the harvest of raw material — dry grass, correspondingly increased the costs of its production. The sum of all expenses in the first year of cultivation ranged from UAH 192757/ha — in the variant with a density of 42 thousand plants/ha, to UAH 277289/ha — in the variant with the highest studied St. John’s wort planting density — 167 thousand plants/ha. From an economic point of view, the most profitable in the first year is the cultivation of St. John’s wort with a planting density of 42–56 thousand plants/ha, a further increase in the planting density of plants reduces the profit, while the profit was UAH 79043–85404/ha, the cost of the raw materials received 63803–73747 UAH/t, with a production profitability of 41.0–41.1%. Analysis of the structure of costs for growing and primary processing of raw materials revealed the factors that most significantly affect the cost of the obtained products. When growing St. John’s wort, the most expensive item was the payment of labor, as in the production process, manual labor was used to care for the crops, maintain the irrigation system, dry the received raw materials, and other operations. Labor costs amounted to UAH 71550–77300/ha. In the second year of St. John’s wort vegetation, the cost of growing the crop decreased compared to the first year of vegetation, and the yield of dry raw materials increased, as a result, the economic indicators were significantly higher. The amount of costs was from UAH 152810 to UAH 160364/ha, depending on the density of planting. The profit was from 175690 to 196036 hryvnias/ha, the profitability of production was from 115.0 to 122.2%. The cost of one ton of dry raw materials ranged from UAH 40496 to UAH 41866. An essential item of expenses in the second year of growing St. John’s wort remains the payment of labor, with an increase in St. John’s wort productivity, it increased, in the version with a planting density of 42 thousand plants/ha with a crop yield of 3.5 t/ha of dry raw materials, it amounted to UAH 60950/ha. The highest labor costs of UAH 64955/ha were in the variant with a planting density of 83 thousand plants/ha, where the highest yield of dry raw materials was 3.96 t/ha. From an economic point of view, in the second year of vegetation, the most profitable is the cultivation of St. John’s wort with a density of 83 thousand plants/ha, for which the highest economic indicators were obtained. The high efficiency of the seedling method of growing St. John’s wort under drip irrigation conditions has been proven.

Antibacterial and Phytochemical Screening of Artemisia Species

Taking into account the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, actual research focused on plant extracts is vital. The aim of our study was to investigate leaf and stem ethanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium L. and Artemisia annua L. in order to explore their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Total phenolic content (TPC) was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS. The antibacterial activity of wormwood extracts was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enteritidis cultures, and by zone of inhibition in Klebsiella carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Escherichia coli extended-spectrum β-lactamases cultures (ESBL). The Artemisia annua L. leaf extract (AnL) exhibited the highest TPC (518.09 mg/mL) and the highest expression of sinapic acid (285.69 ± 0.002 µg/mL). Nevertheless, the highest antioxidant capacity (1360.51 ± 0.04 µM Trolox/g DW by ABTS and 735.77 ± 0.02 µM Trolox/g DW by DPPH) was found in Artemisia absinthium L. leaf from the second year of vegetation (AbL2). AnL extract exhibited the lowest MIC and MBC for all tested bacteria and the maximal zone of inhibition for Klebsiella CRE and Escherichia coli ESBL. Our study revealed that AbL2 exhibited the best antioxidant potential, while AnL extract had the strongest antibacterial effect.

Chemical composition of Lavatera thuringiaca L. biomass ash after pre-sowing stimulation of seeds with He–Ne laser light

The article presents the effect of pre-sowing Lavatera thuringiaca L. seeds stimulation with He–Ne laser light on the chemical composition (P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn content) of ash obtained after combustion of shoots of different ages. Results varied, but it was confirmed that pre-sowing exposure of seeds to this physical factor for 10-min has the most pronounced effect on K, Cu and Mn content increase (6%, 20%, 31% increase respectively) in the ash after the first year of vegetation as well as on Cu, K and Zn content increase (9%, 19%, 22% increase respectively) after the second year of vegetation. However, 30-min stimulation significantly increases Ca (8%), Mn (20%) and Fe (72%) content in ash after the second year as well as results in ash richer in Ca (22%), P (48%), K (70%) and Zn (95%) after the third year of Lavatera vegetation. The pre-sowing application of He–Ne laser light depending on the time of stimulation can intensify the content of preferable macro- and microelement groups in Lavatera ash, in respective cultivation years. It can be an innovative method of biomass ash enhancement and its more effective use in agriculture as commercial fertilizers substitute.

Morpho-biological features of growth and development of golden currant in Tashkent province, Uzbekistan

This scientific article presents the results of a study on the growth and development of varieties of golden currant in order to identify the most promising for cultivation in the conditions of the Tashkent region. Studies have established that, according to the development of shoots in the above-ground part, the varieties Uzbekistanskaya large-fruited and Elixir differ in vigorous growth, in which the height of the bushes by the end of the second year of vegetation reached 109.7-112.5, and in other varieties this figure was in the range of 88.2-97.5 cm. Of the tested varieties of golden currant, the earliest onset of the flowering phase was observed in the Venera variety March 23, in the rest a little later. The variety of golden currant Rukhshona had the latest start of flowering, in which this phase occurred on March 26, that is, four days later. In the Uzbekistan large-fruited variety, the completion of the flowering phase occurred five days later than in the Uzbek sweet variety. Of the varieties of golden currant, the phase of complete set of berries was observed most intensively within 30 days in the variety Venera. In the Elixir variety, the full set of berries ended two days later, and in the rest within 34-36 days.

The effect of nitrogen fertilization and foliar application of fertilizers on yield and energy efficiency of giant miscanthus plantations

Purpose. To improve the technology of caring for giant miscanthus plantations and establish the features of its productivity formation with the use of different types of fertilizers, starting from the second year of crop vegetation.
 Methods. The research was carried out in the years 2020–2021 in the Bila Tserkva Experimental and Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, which is located in the zone of unstable moisture of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. The design of the experiment included application of mineral fertilizers [ammonium nitrate + ammonium sulfate (N24 + S6 kg/ha a.i.), ammonium nitrate (N24 kg/ha a.i.)] in a row zone in spring, foliar application of humates (Vermisol, 8.0 l/ha, Humifield BP-18, 0.4 l/ha) and complex fertilizer with amino acids (Quantum Aminomax, 0.5 l/ha). Mineral fertilizers were applied before the emergence of miscanthus sprouts; foliar application of fertilizers was carried out in the 5-leaf stage and the second time after two weeks.
 Results. Giant miscanthus plants in second year of vegetation formed from 18 to 37 shoots with an average weight of 76.3 to 111.0 g, with the maximum weight of one plant reaching 4091 g. In the next year of research, the number of stems per plant and their average weight increased by 1.5–2 times, and the maximum weight of one plant was 7016 g. Biomass yield of giant miscanthus in the third year of vegetation was 31.0–74.6 t/ha, the estimated yield of solid biofuel was 19.2–41.6 t/ha and energy 315.5–683.2 GJ/ha.
 Conclusions. Application of mineral fertilizers (ammonium nitrate + ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate) in spring contributed to significant increase in the indicators of raw biomass yield, solid biofuel output, and energy yield per hectare. Foliar application of Humifield BP-18 has a significant positive effect on the productivity of giant miscanthus. The best indicators of crop productivity were obtained in treatments combining spring fertilization with ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate (N24 + S6) followed by two-time foliar application of humates (Vermisol, 8.0 l/ha, Humifield BP-18, 0.4 l/ha) and complex fertilizer with amino acids Quantum Aminomax, 0.5 l/ha.

Peculiarities of the biomass yield and quality formation in giant miscanthus under the effect of agricultural technology components

Purpose. To establish the peculiarities of the dry biomass productivity and quality formation in giant miscanthus under the effect of agricultural technology components.
 Methods. The research was carried out at the Bila Tserkva Experimental and Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet National Academy of Agrarian Sciences in the years 2019–2021. In the research, generally accepted methods were used. Giant miscanthus variety ‘Osinnii Zoretsvit’ was grown in a three-factor field experiment with the use of the following formulations: Azophosphoryn for inoculation (1,0 l/ha), adsorbent MaxiMarin granulated (30 kg/ha), Humate potassium (Humifield) (50 g/ha) and Antistress AminoStar (1,0 l/ha) for foliar fertilization over vegetation.
 Results. The productivity of miscanthus in the second year of vegetation (2020) was quite low since the development of plants was aimed primarily at forming a powerful root system, particularly rhizomes. On average in the experiment, the leaf and stem biomass weight of one plant ranged from 177.0 to 240.0 g, and the yield of solid biofuel from 5.84 to 7.92 t/ha. The maximum values of these indicators were observed in the treatments with the combined use of Azophosphoryn and MaxiMarin (236–240 g/plant. and 7.79–7.92 t/ha, respectively). At the same time, the foliar application of fertilizers in the first year of the experiment was ineffective: the differences in plant productivity indicators were rather tendentious. In the third year of miscanthus cultivation (2021), all treatments demonstrated a significant – approximately threefold – increase in the productive indicators. In particular, the weight of one plant was 531.8–772.2 g, solid biofuel yield 17.5–23.8 t/ha, and energy yield 287.8–391.1 GJ/ha. As in the previous year of research, their maximum values were obtained in the treatments with the combination of inoculant and adsorbent; foliar fertilization also proved to be an effective practice. As for the qualitative characteristics of the obtained crop biomass, on average in the experiment, the content of dry matter was 48.8%, cellulose 40.0%, lignin 10.3%, and ash 1.3%. The variation of these indicators under the effect of the studied factors was mostly insignificant (within the limits of error).
 Conclusions. In the third year of giant miscanthus variety ‘Osinnii Zoretsvit’ cultivation, the highest yield of solid biofuel (23.8 t/ha) and energy yield (391.1 GJ/ha) was provided by the combined use of inoculant Azophosphoryn, adsorbent MaxiMarin granulated and foliar application of fertilizer Potassium humate (Humifield) + Antistress AminoStar.

Study of Chemical Composition of an Industrial Crop for Russia – Miscanthus Ч giganteus Harvested in 2019–2021

A chemical composition assessment was performed on a industrial crop in Russia, Miscanthus Ч giganteus harvested in 2019–2021. It was found that, regardless of the habitat, after the second year of vegetation, Miscanthus Ч giganteus has a cellulose content exceeding 50 %, which makes it a cellulose-based material. The positive impact of Miscanthus Ч giganteus on the environment was demonstrated. Cultivation of Miscanthus Ч giganteus regulates CO2 exchange, and its processing into cellulose, biofuels and high-tech products will reduce deforestation.

Allelopathic activity of plants Hyssopus officinalis L.

The need for phytoremediation prompts the introduction of plants into the culture, which will not only have several directions of use of the obtained raw materials, but also contribute to the improvement of the soil and be a good precursor for the further successful cultivation of the following agricultural crops. It is known that essential oil crops activate the development of beneficial microbiota and prevent soil fatigue. The article presents the results of research on the allelopathic activity of plant parts of medicinal hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) of the Marquis variety, taking into account age characteristics under conditions of climate change in Southern Ukraine. The aim of the work was to reveal the influence of allelopathic activity of aqueous extracts of leaves, stems and flowers of hyssop, soil in the rhizosphere zone and plant age on the growth of watercress roots. In the research process, empirical methods were used, in particular, an experiment. As a result of research carried out with the medicinal hyssop culture of the first, second and third years of vegetation on the basis of the experimental field of the Mykolaiv National Agrarian University during 2019-2021, the optimal concentration of water extracts of the culture with a stimulating effect was found. The dependence of the allelopathic activity of water-soluble biologically active substances of aerial organs of medicinal hyssop plants is shown, and the concentration of the solution, which causes an inhibitory effect, is revealed. Thus, the highest allelopathic activity was noted on the variant using hyssop flowers of medicinal plants of the second year of vegetation in a concentration of 1:10. Aqueous solutions of the soil layer of the root system where medicinal hyssop plants grew in the third year of vegetation have an inhibitory effect on the linear growth of watercress roots. It was the largest in the leaf + stem variant at a concentration of the aqueous solution of 1:10. This suggests that it is necessary to use the culture of medicinal hyssop in crop rotation carefully taking into account its ontogenesis features. The obtained results will have practical application in enterprises of various forms of ownership that will have the desire to grow medicinal hyssop and use it in the structure of crop rotation

Evaluation of productivity and biochemical composition of fruits of promising apple varieties, grown in the arid zone

Relevance. The list of imported varieties and rootstocks is often determined by the marketing policy of the producing countries ; they had not been tested for specific conditions. For the first time in the arid conditions of the Astrakhan region a comprehensive assessment of new introduced apple varieties of autumn and winter ripening period was carried out to select a modern adaptive assortment for arid conditions.Methods. The experiment was laid in 2012 in the experimental orchard of the Caspian Agrarian Federal Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The purpose of the research is a comprehensive assessment of apple varieties by economic and biological indicators to optimize the regional assortment and selection of the best varieties for cultivation using intensive technologies in the Astrakhan region. The article presents the results of the study of 9 new apple varieties by productivity components in the semi-desert zone of the Northern Caspian Sea.Results. It was found that in the conditions of the arid zone, the most rapid-fruiting varieties are Renet Simirenko, Prikubanskoe, Pamyati esaulu and Renet Kubansky, who fructified in the second year of vegetation (0.2–0.5 kg/tree). Prikubanskoye (31.0 t/ha), Galakub (31.1 t/ha) and Pinovo (28.7 t/ha) varieties have been characterized by high yields over the past five years. The harmonious taste of apple fruits distinguished varieties Prikubanskoe, Pamyati esaulu, Renet Kubansky (16.7–20.0). Varieties Zolotaya korona, Paskhalnoe, Galakub, Red Chief and Pinovo had sweeter fruits (21.0–35.8).

Leaf epidermis of juvenile and immature individuals of Ferula tadshikorum Pimenov introduced in the Tashkent Botanical Garden

The leaf epidermis was studied in individuals of different ages (juvenile plants of 1st year, immature plants of 1st year and 2nd years of life) Ferula tadshikorum of the family Apiaceae, grown in the conditions of the Tashkent Botanical Garden. The leaves are amphistomatic in the studied individuals of different ages. Plants are characterized by the presence of three types of stomata: anomocytic, hemiparacytic and paracytic, which are simultaneously present on both leaf surfaces. The anomocytic type of stomata is the dominant type. Diagnostic signs of the studied individual’s leaves of different ages are the number of epidermal cells and stomata per unit area, the size of cells and stomata, as well as indicators of the stomatal index. Immature plants 2nd years of life have the highest indicator in terms of the number of stomata and epidermal cells per 1 mm2 on the adaxial side of the leaf. The outlines of the anticlinal walls of the epidermal cells of the leaf on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces in all individuals are rectilinearly rounded. The conducted research shows that despite the new growing conditions, ancestral mesophilic signs remain in plants at the initial stages of development (juvenile individuals), however, already in the second year of vegetation, the appearance of xeromorphic signs is observed in immature plants 2nd years.

Influence of meteorological conditions on Festulolium seed yield formation

The authors assess the influence of meteorological factors on the yield of Festulolium seeds. The analysis of weather conditions over 12 years shows that precipitation during the growing season of Festulolium in the second year of vegetation closely correlates with seed yield (r = 0.85). The relationship between the yield and the amount of precipitation over the growing season is expressed by the regression equation: Y = 190.52 + 3.2894x1. The yield was closely correlated with the HTC (r = 0.80). This relationship can be expressed by the following equation: Y = 189.91 + 562.8x2. It is found that the optimal conditions for Festulolium seed yield formation arise when at least 147 mm of precipitation falls within the growing season (mostly during the period from aftergrowth to flowering), the hydrothermal coefficient is 0.8-1.7, the average daily temperature is within 17-19°C in the flowering phase and 18-21°C during the period of seed formation-ripening, and the proportion of days without precipitation in the flowering phase is at least 57%.

The allelopathic activity of water-soluble biologically active substances from Hyssopus officinalis L. of Marquis varieties and their effect on the root growth of Lepidium sativum L.

Aim. To study the effect of secretions of bioactive water-soluble compounds from leaves, stems, flowers, and the root system of Hyssopus officinalis L. on the root growth of the test sample (Lepidium sativum L.).Materials and methods. To determine the effect of biologically active water-soluble compounds released by hyssop plants, a series of biotests was conducted; the allelopathic activity of leaves, stems, and flowers of H. officinalis L. and its root system were determined. The preparation of extracts of physiologically active substances was carried out according to the method of A. M. Grodzinsky. The allelopathic effect of H. officinalis L. was assessed by the effect of the water extracts of various concentrations (100 %, 50 % and 10 %) on the root length of seedlings of L. sativum L. test objects. The inhibition index was determined by Williamson method.Results and discussion. According to the results of the research, it was found that the allelopathic activity of water-soluble compounds of common hyssop affected the germination and length of seed roots of L. sativum L. as it changed with the age of the plant : in the first year of vegetation, the stimulating effect of aqueous solutions of hyssop on seed germination was observed, in the second year, the stimulating effect decreased, and in the third year of vegetation, the inhibitory effect on seed germination of the test object was observed. Thus, the index of the allelopathic activity also changed.Conclusions. It was found that the highest allelopathic activity of biologically active water-soluble compounds of root secretions, leaves, stems and flowers of H. officinalis L. was during the flowering phase in concentrations of 100 %, 50 % and 10 %, affecting the length of the roots of seedlings of L. sativum L. test objects. At the same time, the maximum stimulating effect on the length of the roots of the test object was in the variant using an aqueous extract of plant flowers of the second year of vegetation in a 10 % concentration. The use of aqueous solutions of plants of the third year of vegetation had an inhibitory effect on the root length of L. sativum L seedlings.

Evaluation of the Effects of Using the Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus × Giganteus) Biomass in Various Energy Conversion Processes

The giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) is one of the most essential energy plants. It also finds various alternative uses, including installing belts to prevent soil erosion. Biomass from such belts should be removed and rationally managed every year. The parameters of miscanthus biomass were investigated in terms of its suitability for combustion and anaerobic fermentation. Under the conditions of the experiment, miscanthus achieved a stable yield already in the second year of vegetation, mainly due to the high planting density. Energy parameters turned out to be typical for straw biomass (calorific value 18.06 MJ/kg). Relatively low ash melting temperatures (<1400 °C) and their chemical composition meant a high risk of contamination depositing on heating devices, which is often indicated as a shortcoming of biomass compared to hard coal. Miscanthus silage can be a valuable substrate for anaerobic digestion, but it requires a sufficiently early harvest, which affects the yield of biomass. The yield of energy in biomass obtained after drying plants was 163,623.6 MJ/ha. In contrast, the yield of energy from biomass collected in summer and processed into biomethane was much lower and amounted to 72,978.2 MJ/ha.

Impact of Plant Growth Regulators to Development of the Second Generation Energy Crop Miscanthus × giganteus Produced Two Years in Marginal Post-Military Soil

The impact of the plant growth regulators (PGRs) Stimpo, Regoplant, and Charkor on the production of the second-generation energy crop Miscanthus × giganteus on marginal post-military soil was investigated during two vegetation seasons. The land, previously a tank training polygon, has not been in use since 1990 and has become marginal. Biological parameters (stem, shoot, and root lengths) and dry biomass values were evaluated in relation to the applied treatments. The multivariate general linear model (M-GLM) results showed a positive influence of Charkor on M. × giganteus development; the effect was markedly higher in the second year of vegetation. The impact of Stimpo and Regoplant was less noticeable; nevertheless, certain combinations of treatments showed satisfactory results. The M-GLM approach detected the inter-influence of the main factors of the production process, i.e., PGRs, soil, and year of growing. The results showed the predominant influence of year, PGRs and combined factor PGRs × year on the biological parameters; the other studied factors and their combinations were not as effective. Further research should focus on verifying the field-scale results for the M. × giganteus plantation established in a post-military area and compare the lab and field studies.