Southern Steppe Of Ukraine Research Articles

Systematization of sunflower genotypes based on seed phenotypic characteristics using neural networks

In recent years, various datasets related to the phenotyping of sunflower genotypes have become increasingly accessible. However, one of the key challenges remains the efficient and accurate prediction of phenotypes based on genotypes in the context of climate change. Analyzing phenotypes at different levels of organization and detecting connections between phenotypes and genotypes require the integration and processing of large, diverse, and often noisy datasets. Machine learning offers a broad arsenal of methods and approaches for identifying predictive patterns in such data. Therefore, the research aimed to develop a methodology for the systematization of sunflower genotypes based on seed phenotypic characteristics using the data vector quantization method and neural networks. The study revealed the phenotypic characteristics of sunflower seeds from various genotypes selected by the Institute of Oilseed Crops of NAAS, grown in the southern Steppe of Ukraine, including seed length, width, thickness, seed mass, kernel mass, and seed coat cracking force. For this purpose, appropriate laboratory equipment was developed, including two modules for determining the morphological and rheological properties of seeds. The developed methodology for the systematization of sunflower genotypes based on seed phenotypic characteristics includes the following steps: measuring the characteristics of sunflower seeds from various samples (parental components); studying the mutual correlation of characteristics; conducting hierarchical cluster analysis of the data using the Ward's method; determining the optimal number of groups; performing k-means clustering using the vector quantization method; determining the correspondence of ranges of characteristics to the group; training a neural network to group the data by samples and created groups; verifying the adequacy of the neural network on test data. The developed methodology was tested, and the MLP 30-15-3 neural network for grouping data by samples and created groups of sunflower seeds was developed in the Statistica software package. The network's training efficiency was 99.4%, and such of testing and validation was 95.6% and 96.7%, respectively.

An Example of a New Approach, New Assessment, New Statistical Inference, and New Conclusions from the Published Research by Nikipelova, O., Pyliak, N., & Hodorchuk, V. (2023). Organic fertilizers in increase of hazelnut yield. Interdepartmental Thematic Scientific Collection of Phytosanitary Safety, (69), 118-128. https://doi.org/10.36495/1606-9773.2023.69.118-128.

Background: The declining availability of traditional organic fertilizers and the need for sustainable waste management solutions have sparked interest in alternative nutrient sources for agriculture. This study investigates the potential of sewage sludge-based biofertilizers in hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cultivation, addressing both agricultural productivity and environmental concerns. Objective: To evaluate and compare the effects of sewage sludge-based biofertilizers with traditional organic fertilizers on soil agrochemical properties and assess their environmental safety in hazelnut plantations in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Methods: A two-year field experiment (2021-2022) was conducted, comparing six treatments: control (no fertilizer), cattle manure, chicken manure, two formulations of sewage sludge-based biofertilizers, and pure sewage sludge. Soil samples were analyzed for easily hydrolyzable nitrogen, mobile phosphorus and potassium, organic matter content, and ecotoxicity. Advanced statistical analyses, including ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc tests, paired t-tests, and correlation analyses, were employed to assess treatment effects and temporal changes. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between fertilizer treatments for all major nutrients (p < 0.05). Sewage sludge-based Biofertilizer No. 1 demonstrated superior performance in increasing soil phosphorus content compared to traditional organic fertilizers (306.30 mg/kg vs. 174.75 mg/kg for cattle manure, p < 0.05). All organic fertilizers, including biofertilizers, significantly improved soil nitrogen content over the two-year period (p < 0.05). Potassium levels showed a significant increase (13.41% year-over-year, p < 0.05), while changes in nitrogen and phosphorus levels suggested positive trends but did not reach statistical significance. Importantly, ecotoxicity levels remained low (E < 1.5) across all treatments, indicating minimal short-term environmental risk. Conclusions: This study provides compelling evidence for the potential of sewage sludge-based biofertilizers as effective and environmentally safe alternatives to traditional organic fertilizers in hazelnut cultivation. The findings have significant implications for sustainable agriculture, waste management, and circular economy practices. However, long-term studies are recommended to fully assess the cumulative effects on soil health, crop productivity, and potential contaminant accumulation. This research contributes to the development of innovative, sustainable fertilization strategies that can address both agricultural productivity and environmental conservation needs.

Formation of the photoassimilation apparatus of pea (Pisum sativum L.) crops under biostimulants in arid conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

The Southern Steppe of Ukraine is characterised by a range of unfavourable agro-climatic conditions, which leads to inhibition of growth processes, disruption of physiological processes and loss of crop yields. The use of environmentally safe bioregulators stimulates growth processes, optimises nitrogen nutrition, increases the adaptability of legumes to adverse conditions and increases yields. The purpose of this study was to find out the specific features of the influence of biostimulants on the formation of the photoassimilation apparatus of pea of the Oplot variety in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. A 3-year small-plot study was conducted to determine the leaf area index, total chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic productivity in pea crops. The biostimulants were used for pre-sowing and foliar treatment of pea crops in the budding phase at concentrations described in the methodology. It was found that Stimpo (25 ml/t + 20 ml/ha) increased the leaf surface index in different stages of vegetation of pea variety Oplot by 1.12-1.54 times and Regoplant (250 ml/t + 50 ml/ha) increased the leaf surface index by 1.18-1.38 times compared to the control. A significant increase in the chlorophyll content in pea stipules was recorded after foliar treatment of crops with biostimulants and exceeded the value of control plants by 9.0-10.4% in the BBCH stages 61(65) – 75(79). Based on 3-year results, the positive impact of biostimulants on net photosynthetic productivity was proven. Thus, Stimpo and Regoplant increased the net photosynthetic productivity of pea crops by 35% and 22%, respectively, in the budding (BBCH 51-61) and flowering (BBCH 55-65) phases. The obtained scientific results contribute to the widespread use of the studied biostimulants in the technology of pea cultivation in the Southern Steppe zone of Ukraine to increase crop productivity and obtain a high-quality crop

Efficacy of insecticides against wheat thrips Haplothrips tritici Kurd. in winter wheat crops

Goal. To develop an effective system of winter wheat protection against wheat thrips Haplothrips tritici Kurd. Determine the technical effectiveness of insecticides Karate Zeon 050 CS, SC (lambda-cyhalothrin, 50 g/l); Match 050 ES, CE (lufenuron, 50 g/l); Enjio 247 SC, CS (thiamethoxam, 141 g/l + lambda-cyhalothrin, 106 g/l); Talstar, 10% CE (bifenthrin, 100 g/l); Mospilan, VP (acetamiprid, 200 g/kg); Inazuma, VG, (acetamiprid, 100 g/kg + lambda-cyhalothrin, 30 g/kg) in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine.
 Methods. The experiment was set up on winter wheat crops in 4-, 5- and 8 replications in 4x replication. The plots were arranged by the method of randomized blocks. The pest was counted by sampling 20 ears of wheat, which were placed in paper bags, tightly closed, delivered to the laboratory and counted live and dead adults by analyzing each ear for all samples from each experiment. Larvae were counted by the method of distillation using selectors.
 Results. To control the number of thrips, the effectiveness of the insecticide Engio 247 SC, CS at four application rates (0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 l/ha) and Karate Zeon 050 CS, SC; Inazuma, VG; Match 050 ES, CE; Mospilan, VP; Talstar, 10% CE was studied. As a result of observations of changes in the number of thrips during 2017—2019, it was found that its appearance on winter wheat crops occurs from May 08 to 24. Peculiarities of weather conditions influenced the dynamics of thrips numbers. The duration of individual phases of wheat thrips development by years depending on the GTC was studied. The studies revealed the main patterns of wheat thrips population development and showed the possibility of controlling its number with the help of various insecticides.
 Conclusions. The use of insecticides Match 050 ES, CE; Karate Zeon 050 CS, SC; Talstar, 10% CE; Mospilan, VP; Inazuma, VG at consumption rates of 0.3 l/ha, 0.2, 0.1, 0.075, and 0.24 l/ha, respectively, on winter wheat crops against wheat thrips in the phase — «beginning of earing» (VVSN 51) effectively controls the number of thrips and provides technical efficiency of 93.7—96.1%. The use of the insecticide Engio 247 SC, KS at consumption rates of 0.05 l/ha, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 l/ha provides technical efficiency of this drug against pest larvae at the level of 90.2%, 94.7, 95.9 and 96.4%, respectively.

Peculiarities of a confectionery sunflower cultivation technology

As of 2022, there are 22 names of confectionary sunflower in the State Register of Plant Varieties Suitable for Dissemination in Ukraine, accounting for almost 2% of the total number of cultivars and hybrids in the Register.
 Valuable economic characteristics of confectionery sunflowers are significantly affected by weather. In particular, 39% of the seed yield variability is determined by weather conditions; the thousand seed weight variability - by 32%; the huskness variability- by 26%; the the 3.8+ fraction proportion variability - by 41%; and the protein content variability - by 12%.
 A review of literature on elements of the confectionary sunflower cultivation technology allowed us to identify major factors of the agricultural technology that affect such commercially important characteristics as yield and quality of seeds. These are basic tillage, optimal doses of mineral fertilizers, and plant density.
 An increase in plant density augments the yields of confectionary genotypes. However, in thin sowing (up to 20,000 plants/ha), the yield of the commercially important large fraction of seeds is raised. Manufacturers prefer cultivars and hybrids with both large thousand seed weights and economically profitable yields. Most researchers agree that seed size decreases as plant density is increased, and therefore it is desirable to aim for a plant density in the field that can produce sufficiently large seeds without significant reduction in the total yield. The best genotypes combine both yield a lot and have large thousand seed weights.
 Regarding the effects of basic tillage options on the confectionary sunflower yields, scientists' opinions are contradictory. In the southern steppe of Ukraine, the highest yield of confectionary sunflower seeds was harvested with moldboard plowing to a depth of 25-27 cm.
 A positive effect of nitrogen fertilizers at doses of 120-160 kg/ha on thousand seed weight was proven by numerous studies. However, one should take into account that excessive nitrogen extends growing periods, reduces resistance to diseases, and contributes to stronger negative reactions to arid conditions.
 Producers of confectionery seeds try to increase the yield of large seeds. Researchers report a high yield of large (4.5+) seed fraction, which in some cases can reach 83.6%. 3.8+ seed fraction is considered economically valuable. In the northern steppe, the yield of this fraction reached 81.4%, which was ensured by selection of genotypes, moldboard plowing, and thin sowing at a density of 20,400 plants/ha.
 Seed specific weight is influenced by many factors, in particular, weather, varietal characteristics, and farming techniques. Specific weight increases when crops are thickened.
 Therefore, the economic characteristics of confectionery sunflower genotypes vary widely due to varietal features and growing conditions (weather and climate, farming). Major elements of the confectionary sunflower cultivation technology are similar to those of the oil sunflower cultivation technology, but the former has certain peculiarities. High yields and desirable technological parameters of seeds are achieved via such farming factors as basic tillage, optimal doses of mineral fertilizers, plant density, and choice of a predecessor in crop rotation. The primary objective is to maintain economically profitable levels of seed yields in thin sowing, which is necessary to obtain large thousand seed weights. Particular attention is to be paid to studies of combined effects of farming techniques on the growth, development, and performance of confectionery sunflowers. Results of such comprehensive studies will allow for development of recommendations on the optimal application of farming techniques to reduce costs and raise the economic efficiency of confectionery sunflower cultivation.

Inheriting the resistance of sunflower to tribenuron methyl under insufficient humidification in the southern Steppe of Ukraine

Aim. This study aimed to investigate the inheritance of resistance to sulfonylurea herbicides in sunflower under conditions of insufficient humidification in the southern Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Isolation, castration, hybridization, herbicide application (Granstar Pro 75 % w.g., containing tribenuron methyl as the active substance (a.s.)), evaluation of herbicide resistance, and statistical analysis of the acquired data. Results. The investigation into the inheritance of resistance to sulfonylurea herbicides involved the utilization of both resistant (SURES-1, OS 1099 V, OS 2017 V) and non-resistant (Od 1002 B, Od 1318 V, OS 1295 V) sunflower genotypes. Through crossing, four F1 hybrid combinations were generated, namely OS 2017 V × OS 1099 V, SURES-1 × Od 1002 B, SURES-1 × Od 1318 V, and Od 1318 V x OS 1295 V. Subsequent treatment of F1 plants with the herbicide Granstar Pro 75 % w.g. revealed that three combinations (OS 2017 V × OS 1099 V, SURES-1 × Od 1002 B, SURES-1 × Od 1318 V) exhibited complete resistance to the herbicide. In the second generation, following herbicide treatment, the hybrid combinations SURES-1 × Od 1002 B and SURES-1 × Od 1318 V displayed segregation into resistant and non-resistant plants. Conversely, the plants in the combination OS 2017 V × OS 1099 V maintained complete resistance to the herbicidal effects. Conclusions. The investigation, conducted in the challenging climatic conditions of the southern Steppe of Ukraine, demonstrated complete resistance to sulfonylurea herbicides in three hybrid combinations of both F1 and F2 generations. Notably, the combination OS 2017 V × OS 1099 V exhibited uniform resistance throughout the second generation, devoid of segregation. Moreover, the results of F2 segregation analysis in the SURES-1 × Od 1002 B and SURES-1 × Od 1318 V populations indicated that resistance to tribenuron methyl is primarily governed by the presence of a dominant gene allele. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of sunflower hybrids with enhanced herbicide resistance, particularly in regions with adverse climatic conditions.

INFLUENCE OF SOWING METHODS AND SEEDING RATES ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF SPRING BARLEY VARIETIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE NNPC MNAU

The article presents the results of studies of spring barley of different varietal composition (Helios, Stalker) under the influence of sowing methods (ordinary row (15 cm), narrow-row (7.5 cm)) and seeding rates (3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 million germinating seeds per hectare) in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Our data show that the optimal seeding rate in the experiment was sowing with 4.5 million germinating seeds per hectare using a narrow-row sowing method for the mid-season variety Helios. This variant ensured the formation of 3.60 t/ha of grain, conditional net profit of 12895.00 UAH/ha and a profitability level of 120.7%.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF HERBICIDES ON THE WEEDS AND THE PRODUCTIVITY OF HYBRIDS MAIZE

In the early stages of maize (Zea mays L.) development, it is important to limit weeds that compete with maize for nutrients, moisture, light. Weed control has various methods, for example, agrotechnical, chemical. The aim of the study is to evaluate of the Effects of Weeds and Hybrids on the Productivity of Maize grain in Ukraine. The research was conducted in field conditions in 2019-2021 at the Mykolayiv National Agrarian University, which is located in the southern steppe of Ukraine. The results of the study show that weeds significantly (P0.05) reduced the maize grain yield. During the grain harvesting period, the number of weeds in GS 89 decreased to 137 and 121 weeds m-2. In the experiment, the predominance of early summer weeds (more than 66%) over late summer weeds (about 49%) was found. Effective weed reduction requires the use of several agrotechnical elements. Grain yield of maize hybrids increased significantly in areas where herbicides were applied. The corn hybrid 'Gran 6' was more productive. Maize hybrid Gran 6 is 1.3 times more productive than maize hybrid Odesskii 385 МВ in all test variants, which was also influenced by the hybrids' biological differences: maize hybrid Gran 6 has a shorter vegetation period and is taller (on average 209.1 cm) than maize hybrid Odesskii 385 МВ, which is 198.0 cm tall on average. Moisture consumption differed in vegetation years (2019-2021), the highest was in 2021 (70.6%), when a higher corn grain yield was also established.

Features of growth and development of Lavandula angustifolia when grown under drip irrigation conditions in the Southern Steppe zone of Ukraine

In the context of climate change, agriculture must respond to new challenges – one of them is the search for and adaptation of new plant varieties in areas where they have not been grown on an industrial scale. The research aims to investigate the effect of biological treatment on the growth and development of Lavandula angustifolia under different irrigation methods to increase the efficiency of its use as an industrial crop in the Southern Steppe zone of Ukraine. The species L. angustifolia is primarily important as an essential oil crop and is used in the preparation of food and beverages, perfumery, medicine, pharmacy, cosmetics, industry, for air purification from particulate matter in urban plantations, as a honey plant and for decorative purposes. In the research. A randomized scheme of blocks with a 2x2 factorial arrangement was used with two bacterial preparations (“Azogran A” and “Biocomplex BTU”) and two moisture levels (80-70-70% MHC and 90-80-70% MHC) in triple repetition. Plants in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year of vegetation were analysed following several factors, such as the beginning and end of the vegetative phase, the beginning of the budding phase, the flowering period, and the ratio of these indicators to the amount of heat received during the growing season. Phenotypic characteristics, green and dry mass yields, percentage of essential oils, and conditional yields were also evaluated under all the studied conditions. Overall, it was established, that the biggest stimulative effect on the growth of L. angustifolia was found when growing lavender under the irrigation regime of 90-80-70% MHC with double top dressing of plantings in the budding phase “Biocomplex BTU” – these plants were the most developed and had noticeably higher dry mass and theoretical yield. Therefore, the control of irrigation and treatment with biological products makes the prospect of industrial lavender cultivation in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine more accessible

The results of studying the productivity indicators of three-line sunflower hybrids and their parental forms under the influence of weather conditions

Topicality. At the present stage, the basis of the Ukrainian economy is agricultural production. Agriculture is the only sphere that is as dependent on weather fluctuations as any other. And it constantly has to adapt to the ongoing climate change. Climate changes, which cause an increase in temperatures, changes in the amount of precipitation and its distribution during the growth season, unstable weather conditions, the spread of pests and diseases, threaten the production of sunflower hybrids. The question about the influence of weather factors on the formation of productive traits of both hybrids and their parental forms, the dependence of agricultural crops on weather factors (temperature and precipitation, both for the entire growth season and for several months) is relevant. Purpose. To study of the influence of weather conditions on the formation of productive traits of hybrids and their parental components. Materials and Methods. The triple hybrids of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Ahent, Ahronomicnyi, Kameniar, Marshal, Zaporizkyi 28, their parental components – single-cross sterile hybrids ZL(22х102)A, ZL(42х46)A, ZL(42х58)A and the restorers of fertility ZL512Rf, ZL678Rf and ZL7034Rf were studied. Results. Over the years of research, yield fluctuations reached to 0.90 t/ha for Ahent hybrid, 1.66 t/ha – Agronomichnyi, 0.13 t/ha – Marshal, 0.96 t/ha – Kameniar and 0.58 t/ha – Zaporizkyi 28. The highest yields and oil yield per unit area were in 2018. According to the results of three-year trials on hybrids and their parental forms, the Marshal hybrid had the highest yield – 2.64 t/ha with seed oil content of 50.78 % in 2016. Also in 2016, all pollen fertility restorers had the highest yields and oil yields. In 2018, four out of five hybrids showed the highest yields and oil yield per unit area. In 2017, the lowest oil content in the seeds of the tested hybrids was in the range of 45.16–48.49 % for Ahent and Zaporizkyi 28, respectively. Conclusions. It was established that Marshal is the most productive hybrid for sunflower cultivation in the southern Steppe of Ukraine, its average yield was 2.56 t/ha that exceeded by 0.27–0.48 t/ha this indicator in other hybrids. Key words: sunflower, hybrid, yield, oil content, 1000 seeds weight, oil yield, weather conditions, precipitation, temperature, sum of active temperatures, correlation coefficient

Chemical composition of winter pea plants in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

Topicality. When new crop varieties or cultivars are introduced into production, their chemical composition should be studied, since the latter depends on the climatic conditions of the region and cultivation technologies. Therefore, the study of the peculiarities of the formation of macro- and microelements composition of a new variety of winter peas in the climatic conditions of the Southern Steppe is advisable. Purpose. To evaluate the chemical composition of winter pea and the distribution of macro- and microelements in the structural parts of plants depending on their development stages in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Samples of winter peas were selected by development stages in stationary and temporary experiments, as well as in production and testing crops of agricultural farms of the Odesa region. The following methods were used: laboratory method to determine content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microelements; statistical method to perform correlation, analysis of variance and statistical evaluation of research results. Results. The paper presents the data on the chemical composition of winter pea cultivated in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. The peculiarities of accumulation and distribution of macro- and microelements by the leaf-stem mass, grain and roots of winter pea are established. It was found that the rate of toxic elements accumulation in the vegetative mass of pea plants increased and decreased when they moved from plant leaves and stems to grain. Conclusions. The average content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microelements in grain and by-products of winter pea in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine were determined. We found significant changes in the microelement composition of the leaves and stems, grain and roots of winter pea. A higher variability of microelement content (12.7–70.7 %) was noted in contrast to the macroelement content (7.7–48.3 %). The low resistance of root barriers to the entry of Cd and Pb toxicants into the aboveground organs of winter pea over the entire growing season and the high intensity of the leaf-stem mass resistance to the absorption of these metals by grain were determined. Key words: winter peas, microelements, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, content

Productivity of annual forage agrocenoses depending on their composition and methods of application in the southern steppe of Ukraine

Productivity of annual forage agrocenoses depending on their composition and methods of application in the southern steppe of Ukraine

The yield of chicory endive depends on the growing terms in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

The yield of chicory endive depends on the growing terms in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

Characteristic of Salvia officinalis L. Genotypes in the Steppe of South Ukraine

In this study gives the characteristic of Salvia officinalis L. genotypes (Lamiaceae)grown in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. S. officinalis one of the most well-known plants from Salvia L. genus that is used as an aromatic, medicinal, and culinary herb. The plant raw material of this plant is characterized by numerous biological activities that allow use in the pharmacological industry. This plant is characterized by morphological polymorphism and the selection of new genotypes within S. officinalis has a polyfunctional meaning. The plant material of this study was the genotypes of S. officinalis (108-14, 109-14, 108-14-1, 108-14-2, and 113-16). It investigated 3d years of living plants at the flowering stage from the experimental collections of aromatic and medicinal plants in the Kherson region, v. Plodove (Institute of Climate Smart Agriculture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine). The height of plants of investigated genotypes was 65.02–86.37 cm, the diameter of the plant was 89.37–117.03 cm, the leaf length was 8.20–11.06 cm, the leaf width was 2.95–3.79 cm, the inflorescence length was 14.52–26.01 cm, the inflorescence diameter was 4.07–5.57 cm, the number of whorls in inflorescences was 8.12–10.55, and the number of flowers in the whorl was 10.02–12.14. The colour of the leaf surface, the character of the leaf surface (wrinkles), and colour of the flowers depended on genotype. The mass of raw from the shrub was determined from 350.11 to 560.27 g and the average mass of essential oil of one plant was from 1.37 to 2.01 g depending on genotype. The essential oil content in the herb, leaves, and inflorescences on dry mass was 1.0–1.5%, 1.09–1.79%, and 0.98–1.28%, respectively. In the herbs and leaves, minimal and maximal content of oil were found in genotypes 113–16 and 109–14, respectively. These results can be useful for further selective work within S. officinalis species and including other species of this genus.

Influence of Weather Conditions on the Duration of Interphysical Periods and Yield of Durum Winter Wheat

Despite the high genetic potential of productivity of new varieties, the yield of durum winter wheat remains low. One of the reasons for this is non-compliance with the recommended cultivation technologies, which would take into account the genetic characteristics of different varieties, their adaptation to the climatic conditions of the region. Due to insufficient scientific studies of the impact of weather conditions on the productivity of durum winter wheat, taking into account the main strategy of agricultural adaptation to negative climate changes in the southern steppe of Ukraine, the research topic is relevant. The aim of the work was to determine the degree of influence of changes in weather and climatic conditions in the main interphase periods on the growth and development and yield of winter durum wheat grain, depending on the varietal composition. Field studies were conducted during 2014-2020 years in the experimental field of the MNAU training, research and practical center with four varieties of winter durum wheat. In the course of the study, generally accepted methods were used: system approach and systems analysis, monographic, analysis and synthesis, field research and statistical mathematical, etc. Its predecessor was black steam, the sowing period was October 1st. According to the results of research, it was determined that the formation of winter durum wheat grain yield was significantly influenced by the duration of interphase and vegetations and the amount of precipitation. The weather conditions of 2014, 2016 and 2019 were more favorable for the germination of winter durum wheat seeds, when the plants reached the sum of effective temperatures of 70.0-89.1 ° С, the duration of the interphase period "sowing-seedlings" was only 11-12 days. In favorable yields in 2016 and 2019 years the duration of the vegetation of plants was the longest – 296 and 288 days, respectively, with the amount of precipitation for the reporting period – 358.5-402.0 mm, and in unfavorable years in 2018 and 2020 years the vegetation was 272 and 276 days with the amount of precipitation 256.9 and 308.9 mm. The highest average yield of winter durum wheat grain by variety was formed in 2016 year as 7.24 t/ha, which was by 8.3-43.5% higher than in other years studied

Modern aspects of informatization of agricultural production based on modeling and forecasting the production process of lentils under different conditions of moisture supply

The article presents the results of the application of modern systems for modeling and forecasting the production process of lentils in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. The correlation-regression analysis shows the high reliability and practical value of the obtained mathematical models of growing lentils for grain depending on the conventional tillage, fertilizer rate, and plant density under different moisture conditions; that is confirmed by the curves based on the experimental data and calculations. Mathematical models of lentils grain yield under different moisture conditions were compiled according to the obtained regression coefficients and free members: without irrigation - Y=1,5896+0,0032×Х1+0,0007×Х2-0,2561×Х3, and when applying irrigation Y=1,0200+0,0051×Х1+0,0022×Х2+0,2656×Х3.
 The following results were obtained for the dependent variable for different conditions of moisture supply after conducting a regression-normalized analysis of the researched factors in view of yield of lentils, where: in variant without irrigation R = 0.7059; R2 = 0.4983; adjusted R2 = 0.4682; F (3,50) = 16,551 p <0,00000 and standard estimation error was 0,1232; in variant with irrigation R = 0,6131; R2 = 0.3759; adjusted R2 = 0.3385; F (3.50) = 10.04 p <0.00003 and the standard estimation error was 0,2591.
 Nonlinear multilayer artificial neuron models have been developed for the first time to predict lentils grain yields. Generalized regression artificial neural network GRNN (4-12-7-1) with 12 neurons in the first hidden layer and seven ones in the second hidden layer; learning productivity was 0.215; control productivity was 0.290; test productivity was 0.362; learning error was 0.136; control error was 0.049; test error was 0.066. Taking into account nonlinear patterns of factor effect on lentils grain yield the multiple correlation was 0.96. Based on the results of ranking the researched factors' effect on the dynamics of formation and yield of lentils, it was found that moisture conditions (water consumption, m3/ha) with an impact factor of 4.21 which exceeds other researched factors by almost 2.2 times, are in the first place. Plant density (million/ha) was in second place with a factor of 1.62. The rate of mineral fertilizers (kg/ha of active substance) was in third place, which was slightly inferior to the density of standing plants, resulting in a total of 1.61. The depth of tillage (cm) was in the last fourth place with an impact factor of 1.01.

The production process of peas (Pisum sativum L.) under the influence of Ryzohumin and biostimulants in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

Soil fertility deterioration and crop resistance weakening are among the undesirable consequences of the agricultural production intensifcation. The use of microbiological preparations and biostimulants complexes in the crops cultivation technology stimulates their growth processes, optimizes mineral nutrition, increases yields in adverse conditions. The paper aims to study the features of separate and joint influence of microbiological preparation Ryzohumin and biostimulants (Stimpo, Rehoplant) on growth, development, photoassimilating apparatus and yield formation processes in peas of Devis variety in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. During the experiment, the number of root nodules was calculated, the leaf area index, the content of chlorophyll were determined, and the netto-photosynthesis productivity was calculated. The structural elements of the biological productivity of pea crops were recorded. It was established that the joint effect of Ryzohumin with biostimulants (Stimpo, Rehoplant) increased the number of root nodules on pea plants at different stages of the vegetation. The tested preparations increased the leaf area index of pea crops at maximum in 1.5 times during vegetative growth and in 1.6 times during generative development. The combined use of Ryzohumin with biostimulants allowed to form a larger area of the pea plants leaf surface than when was used in separate application. In the case of joint interaction of Stimpo with Ryzohumin, the productivity of nettophotosynthesis at the phase of 5–6 stipules-budding exceeded by 21–27 % and at the phase of flowering-bean formation exceeded by 7–14 % the best option with separate use of preparations. The use of Ryzohumin, Stimpo and Rehoplant resulted in an increase in the number of beans on plants by 22 %, 4 % and 11 %, respectively, and compared to the control. The obtained biological yield of peas under combined application of Ryzohumin with Stimpo exceeded by 12–14 %, and Ryzohumin with Rehoplant – by 6–11 %, comparing with the yield of pea crops, where the studied preparations were used separately. The obtained data confrm the future perspective to research of the pea crops productive processes under the influence of biological preparations. Key words: peas, biostimulator, Ryzohumin, Rehoplant, Stimpo, photoassimilation apparatus, yield.

Influence of irrigation and weather conditions on the duration of interphase periods of winter wheat varieties

The autumn growth and development of plants depend on a complex of external factors: the average daily air temperature, the amount of precipitation, the humidity of the seed layer of the soil, nutrients, light, etc. If winter wheat is sown at a later date, there are risks that the plants will enter the winter not well developed. It is possible to accelerate the passage of interphase periods with the help of irrigation, which is a necessary agrotechnical measure in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. The purpose of the research is to establish the influence of varietal characteristics, irrigation and weather conditions on the duration of interphase periods of winter wheat in the autumn period on an international scale. Experimental research was carried out during 2020-2021 on southern chernozem, on the basis of the Educational Scientific and Practical Center of the Mykolaiv NAU with two varieties of winter wheat. Field, laboratory and comparative calculation methods were used during the research. The establishment and conduct of experiments were carried out according to the methodology of the research case. Soil moisture was determined by the thermogravimetric method, and phenophases were determined simultaneously throughout the experiment. It was determined that irrigation for 1-2 days reduces the duration of the interphase period of BBCH 00-09; for 3 days – BBCH 10-12; for 11 days – BBCH 13-19; for 5-7 days – BBCH 20-22. In natural conditions (without irrigation), the duration of the interphase periods (from BBCH 00-09 to 20-22) of the growth and development of plants of the studied varieties of winter wheat in 2020 was 93-96 days, which is 23-25 days more than in 2021. In plants of the Ovid variety under conditions of natural moisture (without irrigation), the interphase periods came 1-3 days later than in the Duma Odeska variety, while under irrigation conditions there was no significant difference. The obtained scientific results of the research will contribute to the wider implementation of irrigation, which will ensure the rapid and full growth and development of winter wheat plants in the autumn period, which will further contribute to increasing the yield and gross harvest of grain

Productivity and crop quality of Salvia officinalis L. in the conditions of the Southern steppe of Ukraine

One of the important elements of ecological production of medicinal plant raw materials is the development and implementation of innovative technologies for growing medicinal crops based on biologized approaches and minimizing anthropogenic pressure on the environment. Therefore, the research aimed to determine the effect of doses of mineral fertilizers and biopreparations Biocomplex-BTU on the yield of green mass of Salvia officinalis L. plants and the content of essential oil in it. Experimental studies were conducted in the ecological conditions of Mykolayiv National Agrarian University (Ukraine) from 2016 to 2021 years. It was found that biometric indicators of plants changed significantly depending on the years of vegetation and the factors studied. Thus, regardless of the year of vegetation, the greatest influence on the formation of biometric indicators of plants was influenced by the combination of applying mineral fertilizers at a dose of N60P90 and carrying out foliar top dressing of plants during the growing season with a Biocomplex-BTU. In this variant of the experiment, 4.04-24.26 t ha– 1 of green mass of plants was obtained, depending on the year of cultivation. The plant nutrition also affected the content of essential oil. Most of it was in plant leaves using N60P90 and Biocomplex-BTU - 2.68%. At the same time, it was determined that most of the essential oil was contained in Salvia officinalis L. plants in the budding phase.

Field germination of seeds, the viability and survival rate of spring barley plants under various variants of the nutrition system in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

The article presents the results of three-year studies on the influence of various variants of the nutrition system on the field germination of seeds, the viability and survival rate of spring barley plants in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Formulation of the problem. Analysis of the spring barley yield in Ukraine indicates a significant lag behind the leading agrarian countries of the EU. Now there is a tendency for a gradual increase in its yield in Ukraine, in particular in 2018, 2019 and 2020 it was 2,75, 3,25 and 3,27 t/ha. At the same time, it is still half as much in comparison with the leading EU countries, which is why there is a need to look for ways to increase the yield of spring barley in specific growing conditions. The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of various options for the main application of complex fertilizers and foliar dressing with various options for a mixture of urea, biostimulant and polymer fertilizers on field germination of seeds, viability and survival rate of spring barley plants in the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Research methodology. The studies were carried out during 2018–2020 on the fields of the educational and experimental farm of the separate structural unit "Novokakhovskiy specialized college of the DmytroMotornyiTavria State Agrotechnological University", located in the central part of the Kakhovka district of the Kherson region. The two-way experiment was carried out by the split-section method in four repetitions and two tiers. Five options for the main application of mineral fertilizers and five options for foliar dressing were studied. The sowing area was 120 m2, and the counting area was 80 m2. Research results. In the course of the research, a tendency to increase the indices of field germination of seeds was established for all variants of the main application of complex fertilizers. It was the highest on the options for using ammonium nitrate phosphate fertilizer at the rate of N30P30K30 and N60P60K60 82.9 %, which is almost 2,0 % higher than in the control. The main application of fertilizers and foliar dressing, by improving nutrition and leveling exogenous stresses, significantly increased the viability and survival rate of spring barley plants. By optimizing the feeding system (variant of the main application of ammonium nitrate phosphate fertilizer N60P60K60, followed by two foliar dressings: during microphase 31 with a mixture of carbamide (N10 kg/ha), Efisoil Renovation at a dose of 0,4 l/ha and Folik Micro at a dose of 1,5 l/ha and during microphase 39 with a mixture of Efisoil Renovation at a dose of 0,4 l/ha together with Folik Micro at a dose of 3,0 l/ha), the safety and survival of plants was 5,6 and 10,5 % higher, respectively, than in the control. Thus, the optimization of the feeding system of spring barley, even under the condition of the same indicators of all other elements of the yield structure, only due to the higher survival rate of plants, provides an increase in grain yield by more than 10,0 %. Key words: spring barley, main fertilization, foliar feeding, field germination, viability, survival rate.