Southern Steppe Research Articles

AGROCLIMATIC FACTORS AND PRODUCTIVITY OF DIFFERENT MATURITY GROUPS SOYBEAN CULTIVARS UNDER ENDOPHYTIC-RHIZOBIAL INOCULATION IN CONDITIONS OF NON-IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE OF THE SOUTHERN STEPPE OF UKRAINE

The article presents the results of studies of weather and climatic conditions during the production processes in the period of formation of the yield of soybean varieties of different maturity under pre-sowing endophytic-rhizobial inoculation of seeds, as well as the functional activity of the rhizosphere microbiota and plant productivity in conditions of non-irrigated agriculture. The average temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall were determined for the interphase periods, which are the main indicators that affect the evapotranspiration, moisture deficit, and moisture coefficient. The experiments were conducted at the experimental field of the Odesa State Agricultural Research Station, located in the southern steppe zone of Ukraine. The soil of the experimental field is a heavy loamy southern chernozem. The moisture availability indicators show that the southern part of the Steppe zone of Odesa region during the growing season of crops (April-September) in 2023 belonged to the semi-arid zone, and in July and September - to the desert. Evapotranspiration and moisture deficit during the growing season of plants of both soybean varieties (ultra-early maturing Diona and mid-season Sviatohor) varied significantly and depended on the average monthly temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. Evapotranspiration reached 1045.1-1244.0 mm, resulting in a moisture deficit of 913.3-1100.4 mm. Due to insufficient rainfall in June, July and August, most crops experienced an increase in moisture deficit. The use of complex thermotolerant and drought-resistant microbial inoculants with stress-protective functions reduced the negative impact of agroclimatic factors on soybean plants and rhizosphere microbiota. The main directions of scientific and economic activity for obtaining consistently high crop yields in the southern part of the Steppe zone are the structuring of sown areas with an optimal share of irrigated land and the use of innovative biological preparations.

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.

Productivity of the Tsigai sheep breed under different feeding regimens

In the present study, the influence of levels of feeding on the formation and development of economic and commercial traits of Tsigai breed was studied in the conditions of the southern steppe of Ukraine. The research was conducted on purebred sheep from birth to 14 months of age. For this purpose, 2 groups of 3.5-4 years old ewes of the first class were selected with 40 heads in each class. It was established that poor feeding of ewes (experimental diet and below standard nutritional levels) and their offspring at the early stage of ontogenesis had a negative effect on the formation and growth of productive qualities of lambs, means of live weight and wool productivity indicators. Qualitative and quantitative indicators of wool was better in ewes obtained from mothers of the control group (received a balanced diet in accordance with the standard of feeding). Advantage in length of wool in 12 months age was 29.3%, shearing of unwashed wool (26.7%), washed (26.5%), strength of wool at 4 months of age (10.5%), and in the 14th month aged was 5%. The improvement in housing and nutrition conditions in the control group proved that the counts were better and this had a very positive effect on the productivity of the sheep. In conclusion, full-fledged feeding of ewes of the Tsigai breed ensured good development of offspring at all stages of ontogenesis and contributed to the birth of healthy, viable lambs that are capable of high productivity. Any declines in nutrients of Tsigai sheep breed (from standards of commercial formula) can cause considerable deficiency in productivity of animal.

Видра річкова (Lutra lutra) в мережі малих степових річок Північного Причорномор’я

The Lower Bug region is the habitat of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra¬), which, relying on channel reservoirs as reserves, also exploits the seasonal and permanent resources of small steppe rivers. With the climate-driven decrease in surface runoff, small rivers have become subject to complete or partial drying up, making it difficult for semi-aquatic mammals to live. The survival of the otter in the Southern Steppe is ensured by its use of the static and foraging potential of channel reservoirs and ponds. The latter are the key sites that serve as permanent and off-season reserves for the species, ensuring the survival and sustainable existence of otters in the small river network. The habitat specificity of the otter's sustainable habitats covers areas with different spatial and landscape characteristics, and hydrological, and foraging features, which allows us to distinguish three ecologically and ethologically distinct forms of the species. The first is the primary riverine form, represented by animals inhabiting the Southern Bug, Syniukha, and Ingul rivers, the second is the lyman-estuarine form, and the third is the river-pond form associated with small rivers. The current number of otters in the Lower Pobuzhzhia is estimated at 86–108 individuals, which is 38.5% more than in 2000–2005 and 58.1% more than in 1992–1995. The average breeding density is 0.489 individuals/10 ha of water area (excluding the coastal and marine zone). In some habitats, the local density of otters ranges from 0.181 (Berezansky estuary) to 1.14 individuals/10 ha (lower reaches of the Syniukha River, Kovalivsky plains). At the same time, the main reserves of the species generally remain unchanged—the channel-floodplain habitats of the Southern Bug, Ingul, and Ingulets, from which the animals disperse to the tributaries of these rivers and adult males migrate through local watersheds. Some small otter habitats are associated with the peaks and banks of the Tiligul and Berezan estuaries. The least studied was and remains the Ingulets centre of existence of the species, which was significantly affected by the consequences of hostilities.

Photosynthetic activity of sunflower hybrids under growth regulators in the Steppe of Ukraine

The climate of the southern steppe zone of Ukraine in recent years has been characterized by substantial warming, with a low, uneven amount of precipitation during the growing season of plants, which leads to a decrease in the reserves of productive moisture in the soil, and hydrothermal stress occurs in plants. Opportunities to increase the adaptation of plants to adverse factors are the use of plant growth regulators and the use of various methods of tillage aimed at preserving moisture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the plant growth regulator AKM+Ca on the operation of the photosynthetic apparatus of sunflower hybrids against the background of various methods of basic tillage in the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. The following methods were used during the study: field, chemical (to determine qualitative indicators), and statistical (to assess the reliability of data). Field studies were conducted during 2017-2019 on southern heavy loamy chernozems. In the experiment, modified plant growth regulator AKM+Са was used for pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar spraying of sunflower plants (beginning budding phase) of Talento and Colombi hybrids against the background of deep loosening or ploughing. It was found that the use of deep loosening, in contrast to ploughing, helps increase the dry matter content in sunflower plants and the net productivity of photosynthesis due to better preservation of moisture in the soil. The use of plant growth regulator AKM+Са, regardless of the method of soil cultivation, contributes to the increase in the leaf surface area up to 31.2%, increases the photosynthetic potential of plants to 21.6% and the net productivity of photosynthesis to 15.9% during the growing season, and also increases the content of dry matter, compared to the control. The proportion of influence of the plant growth regulator AKM+Ca on the formation of the leaf surface area is 54.2%. The maximum positive effect was obtained with the combined use of AKM+Ca for pre-sowing treatment and spraying of sunflower plants during the growing season against the background of deep loosening of the soil. The research results can be used to adjust elements of agricultural technologies for growing sunflower seeds, increase crop productivity and conduct profitable agribusiness

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.

Investigation of the response of sweet cherries to root mycorrhisation with biologics for sustainable horticulture development

Sustainable horticulture development is a priority area considering climate change, especially in the context of reduced water supply. The search for ways to regulate the resistance of fruit trees to stressors is an urgent issue for the world community. The use of beneficial microorganisms to inoculate plant roots helps reduce the use of synthetic substances and is an alternative for sustainable horticulture. The purpose of the study is to identify the specific features of the effect of root inoculation by mycorrhizal fungi on the reaction of sweet cherries to develop strategies for managing the production of fruit products. The study was conducted during 2018- 2020 in the sweet sweet cherry orchard of the southern steppe subzone of Ukraine. Such research methods as field, laboratory, biochemical, physiological, and statistical were used. The regularities of the influence of mycorrhizal fungi on the total moisture content and water-holding capacity of sweet cherry leaves were examined. In the first year of studies on endomycorrhizal root inoculation, these indicators were higher compared to the control group. The positive effect of endo-ectomycorrhiza on the waterholding capacity of sweet cherry leaves was elucidated. The total leaf surface and the content of green pigments in the leaves were determined as one of the main indicators of the photosynthetic potential of a fruit crop. The effect of inoculation of sweet cherry roots by mycorrhizal fungi on the ratio of chlorophylls (a/b) in leaves was established. The parameters of the content of total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in sweet cherry leaves were determined. The use of mycorrhizal fungi increases the adaptive properties of sweet cherry trees to stressful factors, namely, arid conditions in the south of Ukraine. The research results can be used by fruit producers to improve climate-optimised technologies, which will substantially reduce risks and possible economic losses, and preserve biodiversity

Многолетняя динамика пожаров в южных степях Северного Прикаспия и Мугоджар

The purpose of the study is to identify regional features of the formation and long-term dynamics of grass fires in the southern steppes. A vast expanse covering mainly the southern steppe landscapes of the small-scale Mugodzhara massif, the plains of the Northern Caspian and Turgai is accepted as the key territory. The presented results are based on the analysis of the formed database of geospatial data containing information about the time and spread of fires for 1986-2021. The source materials were satellite images of Landsat and MODIS (Terra and Aqua satellites). As an indirect indicator of the pyrological state of the steppes, long–term statistical data on the number of grazed cattle (cattle, sheep and goats, horses). A significant heterogeneity of the pyrologic conditions for the years under review was revealed, three phases were identified: low (1986–2000), high (2001– 2010) and medium (2011–2021) fire activity. A comparison of the data obtained with the results of similar studies conducted by the authors earlier on the northern steppes indicates a high degree of similarity in the long-term dynamics of wildfires. By identifying the closeness of connections, it was established that the observed changes in the nature of fire–hazardous situations are due to changes in the intensity of use of plant and land resources, mainly during the agricultural development of the region. The intensification of fires was the result of the spontaneous restoration of steppe vegetation on uncultivated arable and little-used pasture lands associated with a sharp reduction in the level of agricultural production in the countries of the former USSR. It took about 8 years to restore the previously degraded vegetation to a state capable of supporting the steady spread of fires. One of the factors of pyrogenicity is the floral composition of plant communities and the density of herbage. The deterioration of the pyrological situation in the southern steppes (as well as in other steppe subzones) has become a specific regional response to the changed conditions.

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

Материалы по бронзолитейному производству эпохи палеометалла в долине реки Кия и новые данные элементного состава бронз из могильника Шестаково I

In the Mariinsk forest-steppe and on its western periphery in the valley of the Kiya River archaeological communities of the Upper Ob, Middle Yenisei, northern taiga and southern steppe interacted in ancient times. This historical and cultural region is commonly referred to as “contact”, “transit” or “marginal”. To study the influence of such specifics on bronze foundry, the author reviewed materials on bronze foundry production in the valley of the Kiya River and also studied bronzes from the Shestakovo I burial ground, the most western burial ground of the Tagar culture, to reveal whether the regional specificity affected the development of the Tagar metallurgy. The analysis of the sources on bronze foundry showed that bronze objects on the Bronze Age sites are rare - a fragment of a knife, a celt from the settlement Archekas III, copper splash and slag from the settlement Ustye-Kozhukha I, objects of an unclear fate from the settlements Novoaleksandrovka and Archekas II. To the east of the valley of the Kiya River, up to the Uryup River, the complex of relevant materials is wider and is represented by traces of metal production from the settlements Dvornikovo and Tambar III. The picture of the “metal content” of the sites of the Kiya River valley in the Early Iron Age is different. More than 600 bronze objects from the burials of the Tagar and Tashtyk cultures are dated to this time. Single traces of bronze casting are known from the settlements -slag, stone tools, a clay core for casting socketed products from the fortified settlement Shestakovo I and the settlement Shestakovo II. To the east of the valley of the Kiya River, things (thousands of objects) from burial grounds also predominate. Bronze objects from settlements come, for example, from Tretyakovo I, Utinka I. Thus, in the structure of data on bronze foundry in the northeast of Kemerovo Oblast, the sources are distributed unevenly both chronologically and geographically. This is the reason for the reconstruction of local non-ferrous metallurgy based on data on bronze objects and on the elemental composition of their alloys. Metal from the burials of the Tagar culture of the Kiya valley, the Shestakovo I burial ground, was studied for the first time (excavations by A.I. Martynov, 1968). The elemental composition of 39 shafthole pickaxes, adzes and knives from Kurgan 4 was studied. The chemical-metallurgical groups of “pure” copper, arsenic, tin and tin-lead bronzes were distinguished. Copper items and arsenic-bronze shafthole pickaxe come only from Grave 1. This is explained by its later relative dating. The alloying of copper with tin, fixed in the metal of Graves 2, 3 and 4, is traditional for the Saragashen Stage of the Tagar culture (5th-4th centuries BC). The metal of Grave 1 makes it possible to “catch” the emergence of a trend towards the manufacture of implements from arsenic bronze and copper, characteristic of the Lepeshkino Stage (3th-2th centuries BC) and later of the Tesinsky burial complexes (end of the 2nd century BC - 2nd century AD). Thus, this section of the Kiya River's basin saw the same process as the rest of the steppe and forest-steppe areas of the Tagar tribes, namely, a decrease in the proportion of bronzes alloyed with tin in the 3rd-2nd centuries BC.

Analysis of the range dynamics of rare species of vascular plants of the flora of Ukraine. 1. Cymbaria borysthenica (Orobanchaceae)

The range dynamics of Cymbaria borysthenica Pall. ex Schltdl. (≡ Cymbochasma borysthenica (Pall. ex Schltdl.) Klokov) (Orobanchaceae) during almost 100 years has been analyzed. This relict species endemic to the Northern Black Sea – Sea of Azov region sporadically occurs in the southern steppe part of Ukraine (with several localities in adjacent eastern territories). It grows mainly on steppe slopes with washed-out soils in steppe, petrophyte steppe and petrophyte communities of the class Festuco-Brometea. The modern range of the species is rapidly shrinking under the influence of anthropogenic factors (plowing of the steppes, construction of hydrotechnical facilities, mining industry in the valleys of the rivers Saksagan, Ingulets, Kamenka, and now also military activities). At present, the species has disappeared from the territories of Crimea and Donbas. Therefore, in order to protect the species, it is necessary to carry out urgent measures to record and confirm the areas of its occurrence and to ban economic activities in these territories until their efficient protection.

Dynamics of photosynthetic solar active radiation in Ukraine over 1986 - 2015

Photosynthetically active solar radiation (PSR) – solar radiation within the wavelength range of 380 ¼710 nm – forms a basis of plants' life that determines their photosynthesis. No measurements of photosynthetically active solar radiation (PSR) take place in Ukraine due to the lack of standard devices. Direct, scattered and total PSR is calculated via transition measurements and coefficients, whereas total PSR is measured via sunshine duration – using the indirect method. The purpose of the research is to determine PSR and its dynamics during specific months and the warm period of the year (April-October). The components of the radiation regime within the network of actinometric and meteorological observations in Ukraine for 1986 - 2015, 1986 - 1995, 1996 - 2005, 2006 - 2015 were obtained using mathematical statistics and climatological methods. In the course of the research changes in the PSR during specific months and the warm period over specific decades were determined. During the months of the warm period over 1986 -2015, direct, diffused, total PSR and total PSR calculated via sunshine duration tend to increase from the west, northwest or Ukrainian Carpathians to the southern steppe zone and Crimea. During the warm period over 1986 - 1995, the amount of direct PSR varies within 472 ¼ 891 MJ/m², diffused radiation – 887 ¼ 1156 MJ/m², total radiation – 1457 … 1917 MJ/m², total PSR calculated based on sunshine duration – 1621 … 2056 MJ/m²; over 1996 - 2005 the amount of direct PSR varies within – 469 … 1030 MJ/m², diffused – 802 … 1004 MJ / m², total – 1305 … 1973 MJ/m², total PSR calculated based on sunshine duration – 1654 … 2192 MJ/m²; over 2006 - 2015 the amount of direct PSR varies within 485 ¼ 1065 MJ/m², diffused radiation – 737 ¼ 951 MJ / m², total PSR – 1270 … 1977 MJ / m², total PSR calculated based on sunshine duration – 1649 … 2233 MJ / m². The increase in integrated direct solar radiation over 1996 - 2005 compared to 1986 - 1995, as well as over 2006 - 2015 compared to 1996 - 2005, led to an increase in direct PSR; the decrease in diffused solar radiation led to a decrease in diffused PSR; and ambiguous changes in the components of total solar radiation led to fluctuations in total PSR; increase in sunshine duration is accompanied by an increase in total PSR calculated based on sunshine duration. The research is relevant due to the factor of modern climate variability at the global and regional levels. The study of PSR changes is an urgent task of modern agrometeorology. It enables long-term effective planning of agricultural development.

Efficiency of the sowing date of spinach in the southern steppe conditions of Ukraine

The population of Ukraine should receive fresh greens from early spring to autumn from open field production and the period of growing spinach will ensure the supply of fresh greens. The purpose of the research was to study the possibility of extending the period of fresh greens supplying from the open field due to the extension of the seed sowing period in the open field. The research was conducted in 2019-2021 in the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. For the research, field, statistical, calculationanalytical and laboratory methods were used. The varieties Fantaziia and Malakhit were studied. The behaviour of plants after six sowing dates was examined. The control variant was the variety Fantaziia for sowing in the 1st decade of April. It was found that plants of both varieties of spinach had a larger leaf surface (114.2-127.7 cm2 ) in the early sowing period. Plants which were sown in August had a smaller leaf surface – 86.0-106.2 cm2 . The highest yield of marketable green mass was obtained for sowing in the 3rd decade of April and 2nd decade of May. The variety Fantasia provided 22.9-23.0 t/ha, and the variety Malakhit provided 23.3-23.9 t/ha. The sowing date had a significant influence on the main chemical parameters of spinach of the Fantaziia and Malakhit varieties. The higher indicators were the sowing dates in the third decade of April and the second decade of May, when the brix reached the level of 6.4-6.8%, the sugars content – 2.3-2.4% and the content of vitamin C – 58-70 mg/100 g. It was established that the soil and climatic conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine were suitable for sowing spinach in six dates and would ensure an uninterrupted supply of products from the 3rd decade of April to the end of September inclusive, and in years with favourable weather conditions in the 2nd to 3rd decades September to mid-October. Such approach will solve the problem of seasonality in the consumption of fresh vegetables. The sowing dates are recommended to agricultural producers of spinach in order to extend the period of receiving fresh greens from the 3rd decade of April to the end of September and in some years to the middle of October

The role of mineral fertilizers in increasing the productivity of oats (Avena sativa L.) under changing climatic conditions of the steppe Volga region

The results of the effectiveness of the use of mineral fertilizers on oat crops in a six-field crop rotation (8 rotations, 24 years of cultivation) under conditions of a long stationary experiment on the chernozem of the southern steppe Volga region are presented. The nature and direction of natural changes in agro-climatic parameters during the period of oat cultivation and the level of their influence on its productivity when applying various doses of mineral fertilizers are determined. During the studied period, there was a tendency to increase the aridity of the climate, which was expressed in a decrease in the values of the hydrothermal coefficient and an increase in the sum of active temperatures. In the experiment, in the period from 1-4 to 5-8 rotation of crop rotation, there was a tendency to increase the average monthly air temperature in July. It was found that these climatic changes contributed to a decrease in the productivity of oats in the experiment. At the same time, the share of increases in relation to the control in the obtained yield values on fertilized variants increased. The most effective were medium and high doses of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers.

Dynamics of growth processes and decorative state of <i>Miscanthus sinensis</i> during introduction in the steppe zone

Relevance. Miscanthus sinensis Andersson is one of the most popular cereals in ornamental gardening around the world. It can be used to decorate the shores of reservoirs, in rocky gardens, rockeries, mixed borders, as a solitaire on the lawn, to create decorative group plantings in gardens, parks, squares. The objective of the paper is to study the dynamics of growth processes and the decorative state of Miscanthus sinensis varieties during the growing season in connection to the thermal resources of the southern steppe zone of the European part of Russia.Methods. Processing of the results of phenological observations, calculation of the sums of effective temperatures and mathematical processing were carried out according to standard methods.Results. The results of a study of 13 varieties of Miscanthus sinensis are presented. It is shown that during the growing seasons 2019–2021 they preserve rhythmic processes similar to natural ones. The beginning of vegetation came on 12–17.04 and the completion of growth processes in the flowering phase in earlyflowering varieties — on 5–12.08, medium-flowering — 16–22.09, late-flowering — 12–18.10, when the sum of effective temperatures for the period of the flowering phase had reached in 2019 — 1059.8–1585.7°C, in 2020 — 1026.5–1638.8 °C, in 2021 — 1063.75–1437.0°. Generative shoots of early and mediumflowering varieties reached 60–80% of the final linear size by mid-June, with the development of up to 60–70% of leaf blades, and by mid-July — 80–90% (170–200 cm) and looked decorative due to the shape of the bush and the decorative state of the leaves, which by this time had developed by 75–90%. Dynamic indicators of linear growth of generative shoots correlate with the sum of the effective temperatures of the growing season: in 2019 — r = 0.93–0.96; in 2020 — r = 0.85–0.9, in 2021 — r = 0.90–0.92.

Роль хліборобства у творенні українства

The anti-scientific concept of the common origin of Ukrainians and Russians has been debunked long ago in the works of Mykhailo Hrushevskyi, Vadym Shcherbakivskyi and other researchers. After all it is really impossible to create the same ethnic groups that are in different natural and climatic conditions, affecting also the level of material production. Agriculture has been possible in the pre-historical times just on the territories of the Ukrainians’ ancestors settling. A large part of the most fruitful black earth is concentrated there. Agriculture attracts a person directly to the process of grain-crops growing. It becomes the main consumption product. Along with providing human with bread, this material production, as well as natural and climatic conditions, has a special effect on the formation of the person mentality. The possibility of storing and using grain for a long time, respectively, forms a person’s confidence in the future, at least until the new harvest, does not encourage a constant search for livelihoods. Thus, the stability of the provision, which is guaranteed by husbandry, produces calm behavior, prudence in action and, accordingly, in attitude to the world around. The formation of a calmer character is also influenced by the ox as a working cattle, because on deep black soils it is a more powerful traction force for an iron plow than, for example, a horse harnessed to a plow on light sandy loams. Finally, this fact will affect the creation of chumatstvo as a separate craft of Ukrainians in the future. In particular, they will be involved in the export of salt through the arid Volga steppes from the middle of the 18th century, because the horses can’t stand a long way, and the Russians don’t have the skills to work with oxen. The mentality of the Ukrainians’ ancestors is also influenced by the warm sun, which is inherent on the territory of our settlement. This fact is also pointed out by the famous Russian writer Maksym Gorky, who has an opportunity to compare the nature of the southern steppe and northern forests. This has given him a reason to declare: “These are two completely different worlds! Whether they can have the same psyche, the same language, one worldview, the same way of life? It is clear, they can’t! The ethnographer as well as philologist, economist, politician and religion researcher will prove it to you with a complete clarity”. Tymish Olesiiuk, a member of the Ukrainian Central Council, is eloquent about the separateness of Ukrainians: our people have been autochthonous for many millennia, not a “homeless stray who appears in Ukraine from nowhere, unknown why and what for somewhere in the 14th–15th centuries”.

ELEMENTS OF NUTRITION OF HYSSOP OFFICINALIS ON DRIP IRRIGATION IN THE SOUTH OF UKRAINE

Purpose. The article is devoted to highlighting the results of scientific research conducted during 2020–2021, the purpose of which was to establish the influence of ecological and agrotechnical growing conditions on the productivity of the medicinal hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) culture under drip irrigation on the black soil of the southern Steppe of Ukraine, as well as the development, scientific justification and implementation of agrotechnical methods of their cultivation for the southern region of Ukraine. Methods: general scientific (dialectical – observation of the dynamics of growth and development of culture; method of hypotheses – scheme of research; method of analysis – study of the object of research; method of synthesis – formation of conclusions, recommendations for production; method of abstraction – theoretical generalization of research; calculation method – establishment of economic and energy efficiency of measures) and special (field method – study of the relationship of the object with biotic and abiotic factors in the specific conditions of the research area; laboratory methods: morphophysiological – biometric parameters of plants; chemical – chemical composition of grain and soil; physical – physical soil and seed indicators; statistical methods: comparative-calculation – economic efficiency of cultivation technologies. Statistical, calculation and comparative-calculation methods were used to generalize and process experimental data: dispersion, correlation and regression analyses. Research results. In the conditions of the arid climate of the Mykolaiv region and temperature fluctuations over the years, an important direction for introducing and increasing the productivity of essential oil crops is the use of irrigation and nutrition elements. Thus, the drip method of irrigation and treatment of plantings with biologics creates optimal conditions for the growth and development of Hyssopus officinalis L. The most developed plants of common hyssop were recorded on the background of N90P90 and treatment of plants in the phases of branching and budding with Combi Helafite. In this variant, the largest number of stems per plant was counted (59 PCs. The height of the plants was 71.4 cm, the diameter of the Bush was 66 cm, and the water consumption for the formation of a unit of yield of flower mass was the lowest (584 m3/t). The yield of hyssop for the best option was 7.92 t/ha, the yield of essential oil was 95.04 kg/ha, profitability reached 224.3% and conditionally net profit was 72,304 thousand UAH/ha at the cost of 1 kg of essential oil as 339 UAH. Conclusions. According to the results of the research, it is recommended for the production of dripirrigated hyssop of the medicinal Marquis variety on the chernozems of the southern steppes of Ukraine, in order to increase productivity, quality and economic indicators, to use mineral fertilizers with a dose of N90P90 and to carry out two foliar feedings with the drug Helafit combi in the phase of branching and budding of the culture.

Dynamics of the average fruit weight and the ratio of stone to pulp in the cherry fruit grown in the south of the steppe zone of Ukraine

The main indicator that determines the competitiveness of cherry fruits is the average weight of the fruit and the ratio of stone to pulp, so the study of cherry fruits of different cultivars according to these qualitative indicators is relevant. The popularity of cherries among consumers is due to the high taste qualities of fruits with an attractive appearance, as well as the early ripening period. The purpose of the research was to study the average fruit weight and stone weight of 33 cherry cultivars of three ripening periods, both introduced varieties and those included in the State Register of plant cultivars suitable for distribution in Ukraine, and to select varieties and variety samples that have scientific and practical value for studied parameters. The determination of the average weight of the fruit, the weight of the stone and their ratio of the stone to the pulp in cherry fruits was carried out in the period of consumer ripeness. Selection and preparation of samples for analysis was carried out according to DSTU ISO 874-2002. The average weight of the fruit in cherry fruits grown in the conditions of the Southern Steppe zone of Ukraine was 8.41 grams, the average stone weight was 0.56 grams. The fruits of the late ripening cherry group had the optimal fruit mass (7.27–12.18 g). The varieties ‘Svit Erliz’ and ‘Rubinova Rannia’ turned out to be the most stable with the minimum coefficients of variation according to the studied parameters in terms of the early maturing cultivars in terms of fruit weight and stone weight. Among the group of medium-ripening varieties, the most stable fruit and stone mass were the fruits of the cultivars ‘Temp’ and ‘Vinka’. In the group of cultivars with a late ripening period, the smallest variability of fruit mass and stone content was recorded in the cultivar ‘Regina’. It was established that the weather conditions of the research years had a dominant influence on the formation of fruit mass in all groups of cultivars. Varietal features had a dominant influence on the weight of the bone. The results of the research will be interesting for industrial and amateur horticulture in Ukraine

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

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.