Rye Varieties Research Articles

Assessment of morphophysiological parameters of resistance of various varieties of winter rye to chloride salinity in laboratory conditions

Determining the tolerance of cultivated plants to salts is considered important and necessary in breeding practice in areas with primary and secondary soil salinization. This article examines the effect of salinity (NaCl) in laboratory conditions on the growth and development of plants of three varieties of winter rye (Chusovaya, Yantarnaya, Alisa) and the effectiveness of early diagnosis on resistance to the stress factor. The purpose of the study was to determine the resistance of winter rye varieties to chloride salinity based on the variability of morphophysiological characteristics under simulated conditions. Based on the identified differences in indicators characterizing the growth processes of plants in vegetation vessels in the control and on the substrate with NaCl, the varieties according to resistance to salt stress are distributed in the following order: Chusovaya, Yantarnaya, Alisa. The data obtained indicate the specificity of the response of varieties to a stress factor. It is shown that for a more objective characterization of genotypes for salt tolerance, a comprehensive study of traits (seed germination, morphometric parameters of shoots and roots, chlorophyll content in leaves, plant biomass) is necessary. The results of the study can be used in the selection of initial forms for the selection of winter rye, as well as in the cultivation of the studied varieties in different agro-ecological conditions.

Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Hybrid Rye Ground to Two Particle Sizes and Fed With or Without Multienzyme Supplement to Young Growing Pigs.

A newly developed hybrid rye with enhanced ergot resistance has potential as an alternative energy source for pigs. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of particle size (PS) and multienzyme supplement (MES) on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients and the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in hybrid rye fed to growing pigs. Bono and Gatano, two hybrid rye varieties, were ground to either a coarse (1111 and 1210 μm) or a fine (594 and 717 μm) PS using a hammer mill. Eighteen ileal-cannulated barrows (initial BW = 18.2 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 9 dietary treatments in a replicated 9 × 3 incomplete Latin square design to give six observations per treatment. Among the nine experimental diets, eight featured two hybrid rye varieties (Bono or Gatano), either coarsely or finely ground, as the only source of AA with or without MES, while an N-free diet was used to estimate the endogenous losses of AA at the distal ileum. All diets contained titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. Each period lasted 9 days, with the first 5 days being for adaptation followed by 2 days each for faecal and ileal digesta collection. Data were analysed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with the final model having variety, PS, MES, their two-way interactions, and a three-way interaction. No interactions were noted except that the apparent ileal digestibility and SID of crude protein (CP) and most AA in Gatano had greater effects of MES than Bono (Variety × MES; p < 0.05). The ATTD of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE) and CP were greater (p < 0.05) in Bono diets than in Gatano diets. Finely ground hybrid rye diets had higher (p < 0.05) ATTD of neutral detergent fibre assayed with a heat stable amylase and expressed inclusive of residual ash (NDF) and ether extract compared to coarsely ground hybrid rye diets. Dietary MES supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the ATTD of DM, GE, CP, NDF, acid detergent fibre expressed inclusive of residual ash, and ash in hybrid rye diets. In conclusion, the nutrients digestibility of hybrid rye can be affected by its variety. PS reduction improved the nutrient digestibility in hybrid rye, and MES supplementation improved the energy and AA digestibility in hybrid rye fed to growing pigs.

Comprehensive assessment of adaptability, stability and stress resistance of diploid winter rye varieties under conditions of Western Siberia

Currently, the adaptability and stability of the trait under study, i.e., the ability of a variety to maintain the optimal level of the trait in different soil and climatic conditions, is of particular importance in the breeding process. A research was conducted to comprehensively study the parameters of adaptability, stability and stress resistance in terms of yield of diploid winter rye varieties of different ecological and geographical origins in the conditions of Western Siberia. The experimental part of the study was carried out during 2019–2021, at the experimental site of SibNIIRS - a branch of the ICG SB RAS, located in the West Siberian region. The material for the research was: 6 varieties of winter rye from of the FRC «N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Genetic Resources» (Korotkostebelnaya 69, Sibirskaya 87, Chulpan, Pamyati Kunakbaeva, Sinilga, Alisa) and 8 varieties from the Republican unitary enterprise «Research and Practical Center of National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Belarus for Arable Farming» (Lota, Kalinka, Golubka, Vostok, Verdun, Talisman, Zubrovka, Yubileinaya). According to the results of two-factor analysis of variance, the yield was influenced by genotypic differences between varieties - 77.34% (P &lt; 0.05) and the prevailing growing conditions in different years of research - 11.98% (P &lt; 0.05). The varieties Sibirskaya 87 (689.0 g/m2) and Yubileinaya (706.0 g/m2) were characterized by productivity at the level or higher than the standard Korotkostebelnaya 69 (650 g/m2). As a result of a comprehensive assessment using ranking for adaptability, stability and stress resistance, the following winter rye varieties were identified: Yubileynaya (102), Korotkostelnaya 69 (97), Sibirskaya 87 (87), Zubrovka (79), Alisa (77), Talisman (74). The selected varieties are capable of producing relatively high yields in the contrasting conditions of Western Siberia.

Influence of parameters of the carbohydrate-amylase complex and protein content in grain on the baking quality of Winter Rye

The studies were carried out in 2018–2022. in the Samara region in order to identify the influence of the parameters of the carbohydrate-amylase complex and protein content in grain on baking properties in order to use the most informative indicators in the selection of winter rye for baking in the conditions of the Middle Volga region. The material was 4 varieties and 3 promising lines – Saratovskaya 7 (standard), Bezenchukskaya 87, Bezenchukskaya 110, Antares and lines GK-80, GKNP-3, GKNP-4. The soil is ordinary chernozem, medium deep, medium loamy, predecessor is pure fallow, repeated four times. The main parameters that determine the state of starch and influence the rheological properties of rye dough and baking evaluation reached: the «falling number» indicator – 188…255 s, the maximum viscosity on the amylograph – 424…570 u. a. The relationship between the height of the ammylogram and the «falling number» in 2019, 2020 and 2022. was strongly positive (r= 0.95; r= 0.89; r= 0.92). In 2020 and 2021 There was a positive correlation between the height of the amylogram and the volumetric yield of bread (r = 0.86; r = 0.82), the falling number also in these years was significantly positively correlated with the volumetric yield of bread (r = 0.65; r = 0.76). On average, over the years of research, the content of water-soluble pentosans, depending on the variety, varied from 2.46 to 3.00 %. In 2019, the highest values of this indicator were noted – 2.70…3.55 %, the volume of bread was also the highest – 520…655 cm3, and only this year a positive relationship was noted between the values of these indicators (r = 0.72). The relationship between pentosans and the «falling number», which is also responsible for the baking properties of winter rye, was significantly positive in 2019, 2020 and 2022. (r= 0.80; r= 0.78; r= 0.70). Protein content was positively correlated with bread volume yield (r=0.80; r=0.75) only in 2018 and 2019. A negative correlation was established between protein content and amylogram height in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022. (r= –0.80; r= –0.80; r= –0.82; r= –0.78). There is also a negative relationship between protein content and the number of falls in 2019, 2020 and 2022 (r = –0.84; r = –0.80; r = –0.67). When selecting varieties of winter rye for baking, it is necessary to carry out conjugate selection based on the height of the amylogram and the «falling number» while stabilizing the protein at an acceptable level of 12.0…12.8 %.

Recovering Alpine Secale cereale (Rye) Varieties: Insights from Genetic, Agronomic, and Phytochemical Analyses to Support Sustainable Mountain Agriculture Economy

Rye (Secale cereale L.) cultivation has a long history in the Alpine region, where local ecotypes have been honed through generations of human selection. Despite the introduction of commercial varieties during the 20th century, traditional ecotypes are believed to persist in Valtellina, especially in the medium/upper valley (Teglio and Bormio). Our study aims to identify and preserve these local rye ecotypes by comparing them to commercial varieties. We examined 14 rye accessions through population genetic analyses (by using eight SSR makers), agronomic trials (germplasm characters, plant traits, and yields), and phytochemical analyses (total phenolic compound, flavonoids, and the radical scavenging activity). Two commercial varieties were used—one from Poland, previously genetically characterized (C_POL_P1; i.e., P1 ancestry), and one with an unknown origin. Additionally, we analyzed eleven accessions from Valtellina (medium and upper valley) and one from another alpine valley in South Tirol (Laimburg; LAI). Molecular markers analysis revealed the presence of two distinct genetic lineages: the first (P1) comprised all Teglio accessions and the commercial one from Poland, while the second (P2) grouped the two alpine accessions from Bormio (upper Valtellina) and South Tirol, along with a commercial one of uncertain origin. The clusters P2 exhibited significantly lower average values of the number of alleles (z = 2.03; p &lt; 0.05), Shannon index (z = 2.35; p &lt; 0.05), and expected heterozygosity (z = 1.97; p &lt; 0.05) than in P1. Significant differences were observed in plant traits and agronomic performance between P1 and P2 accessions, with the latter displaying superior traits. For instance, the seed weight of germplasm was the highest in P2 (H(chi2) = 22.44; p &lt; 0.001). Phytochemical analyses did not reveal a clear pattern between genetic lineages but identified some very well-performing Valtellina landraces in terms of scavenging activity. Characterizing these local rye varieties helps establish a short food supply chain to support Valtellina’s mountain economy. The medium valley (P1) and upper valley (P2) varieties have the potential for agroecological valorization, benefiting local farmers. Phytochemical analyses identified better accessions within P1 and P2 for nutraceutical use and commercialization. Additionally, selecting and conserving resilient ecotypes can address future challenges from extreme climate conditions.

Genome-wide identification and phylogenetic and expression pattern analyses of EPF/EPFL family genes in the Rye (Secale cereale L.)

Rye (Secale cereale L.) is one of the major cereal crop species in the Triticeae family and is known to be most tolerant to diverse abiotic stresses, such as cold, heat, osmotic, and salt stress. The EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR (EPF) and EPF-LIKE (EPFL) families of small secreted peptides act to regulate many aspects of plant growth and development; however, their functions are not widely characterized in rye. In this study, we identified 12 ScEPF/EPFL genes, which can be divided into six groups and are evenly distributed on six rye chromosomes. Further examination of the gene structure and protein conservation motifs of EPF/EPFL family members demonstrated the high conservation of the ScEPF/EPFL sequence. Interactions between ScEPF/EPFL proteins and promoters containing hormone- and stress-responsive cis-acting elements suggest that the regulation of ScEPF/EPFL expression is complex. Expression profiling analyses revealed that ScEPF/EPFL genes exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns. Notably, ScEPFL1,ScEPFL7, ScEPFL9, and ScEPFL10 displayed significantly higher expression levels in spikelets compared to other tissues. Moreover, fluorescence quantification experiments demonstrated that these genes exhibited distinct expression patterns in response to various stress conditions, suggesting that each gene plays a unique role in stress signaling pathways. Our research findings provide a solid basis for further investigation into the functions of ScEPF/EPFLs. Furthermore, these genes can serve as potential candidates for breeding stress-resistant rye varieties and improving production yields.

Sources of winter rye resistance to fungal diseases for phytoimmunity breeding

The work was carried out at the Federal Agrarian Scientific Center of the North-East in 2020–2022. More than 140 domestic varieties of winter rye were studied under conditions of Kirov region on provocative-infectious background of snow mold, powdery mildew, brown and stem rust, septoriosis, root rot, ergot. Commonly known methods were used to account for diseases. During the plant ontogenesis (from phase 31 to 85 on Zadoks scale), we analyzed the growth of fungal infection in the variety biocenoses. The nature of plant-microbe interactions and resistance parameters were evaluated according to two indicators PKRB (area under the disease development curve) and IS (resistance index). We identified 28 sortes characterized by nonspecific resistance to two or more diseases and slow (slow rusting) growth of infection in varietal biocenoses. Among them: Lika, Harmonia, Symphony, Perepel, Graphite, Graphite FP, Era, Eureka, Vikras, Amber, Chusovaya, Saratovskaya 7, etc. They can be used in breeding for phytoimmunity as sources. The highest yielding (840–1060 g/m2) among them are: Batiste, Dymka, Perepel, Lika, Symphony, Kiprez, Grafit FP, Flora, Eureka, Dana, Marusenka, Era, Saratovskaya 7, Chusovaya. The correlation coefficient (r) between the yield and regrowth after snow mold lesions varies from 0.49 (2022) to 0.87 (2020), which confirms the high harmfulness of this disease in the region. Rada, Kiprez, Flora, Lika, Batiste, Harmony, Symphony, Chusovaya can be of certain immunological value in breeding for ergot resistance, as they were much less affected by ergot than the standard and other varieties. The regression equations are linear (R2 = 0,96–0,99) and show a daily increase of brown rust (from 5,4 to 16,4 %) and stem rust (from 4,7 to 26,5 %).

Identification of a Rye Spring Mutant Derived from a Winter Rye Variety by High-Altitude Environment Screening Using RNA Sequencing Technology.

Wintergrazer-70 and Ganyin No1 are high-yield forage varieties suitable for cultivation in high-altitude areas of Tibet (4300 m above sea level). Ganyin No1 was developed from Wintergrazer-70, with the latter serving as its parent variety. Ganyin No1 was identified as a spring variety, and subsequent RNA sequencing was conducted. RNA sequencing analysis identified 4 differentially expressed genes related to vernalization and 28 genes related to photoperiod regulation. The Sc7296g5-i1G3 gene is related to the flowering inhibition of rye, which may be related to the phenotypic difference in the Ganyin No1 variety in winter and spring. This finding provides valuable insights for future research on Ganyin No1, especially in addressing feed shortages in Tibet during winter and spring.

Immunological structure and yield of winter rye varieties bred by the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the North-East named N. V. Rudnitsky

The study was carried out in the conditions of Kirov region in 2019–2023. Against provocative and infectious backgrounds of snow mold, root rot, ergot, powdery mildew, leaf and stem rust, the immunological state and yield of 15 varieties of winter rye created over a 73-year period were studied. Taking into account the breeding methods, the source material used and the year of creation, they were conditionally distributed over five successive periods of breeding and variety change: I – Vyatka 2, Kirovskaya 89; II – Falenskaya 4, Snezhana, Rushnik; III – Flora, Grafinya, Batist; IV – Lika, Talitsa; V – Symphoniya, Garmoniya, Graphit, Graphit FP, Perepel. When recording diseases, well-known methods were used. Research has shown that as a result of breeding, on artificial infectious backgrounds newly created varieties showed a decrease in the development of root rot (Flora, Perepel, Garmoniya – degree of damage 14.6, 15.5 and 15.0 %) and ergot (Flora, Grafinya, Batist, Lika, Symphoniya, Graphit FP, Garmoniya – damage 11.4...15.9 %), grain contamination with sclerotia – 0.38...1.84 %. In varieties of the I period of breeding the degree of root rot infection was 18.8 %, ergot infection – 31.7 %. There is no progress in breeding for resistance to powdery mildew and rust types. The most productive varieties are Lika and Batist (769.3 and 738.7 g/m2), which significantly exceed the Falenskaya 4 standard (578.8 g/m2). A close and significant dependence (p ≥ 095) was revealed between the yield of winter rye varieties and regrowth of plants after snow mold infection (r = 0.693...0.830) as well as grain contamination with sclerotia (r = -0.531...-0.712). The relationship between the yield of winter rye and the development of other studied diseases is insignificant and weak. Considering the high harmfulness of snow mold and ergot in the research region, it is necessary to continue to carry out breeding improvement of varieties for these characteristics, as well as to increase resistance to powdery mildew and types of rust.

Winter Rye Varieties That Can Be Used as Sources of Resistance against Fungal Diseases in Phytoimmunity Breeding

Winter Rye Varieties That Can Be Used as Sources of Resistance against Fungal Diseases in Phytoimmunity Breeding

ОЦЕНКА СОРТА ОЗИМОЙ РЖИ СИБИРЬ 5

The objective of the study is to evaluate the new variety of tetraploid winter rye Sibir' 5 in terms of yield and grain quality, and elements of crop structure. The experiments were conducted in 2021–2023 in the fields of the Omsk Agricultural Research Center. The object of research was tetraploid rye varieties from competitive variety testing of the winter crop selection laboratory. Sibir' 5 variety was obtained by individual-family selection from a combination of crossing Yubileynaya 25 / Tetra korotkaya. The growing season of the new variety is 327 days. Winter hardiness of Sibir' 5 variety is at the level of the standard Sibir variety (95 versus 96 %). The new variety is resistant to shattering (5 points) and lodging (4.4 points). Sibir' 5 va¬riety is more productive than Sibir' and Sibir' 4 winter rye varieties previously created in the laboratory. The excess in grain yield amounted to 0.43 to 0.49 t/ha. The new variety is less tall. Sibir' 5 variety is distinguished by better expression of productive tillering, grain content and ear grain weight. Among the grain quality indicators, the new variety is characterized by a high falling number (171 s). Among the elements of the yield structure, it has an average level of variation in the ear grain content (17.1 %). This trait in all rye varieties is most closely associated with the ear grain weight (r = 0.854–0.897), and therefore selection by it will be more effective than by the weight of 1000 grains (r = 0.582–0.686). Sibir' 5 variety has been submitted for State Variety Testing in 2023 and is recommended for use in the Ural, West Siberian and East Siberian Regions.

ВЛИЯНИЕ АБИОТИЧЕСКИХ ФАКТОРОВ СЕВЕРО-ЗАПАДНОГО РЕГИОНА НА УРОВЕНЬ СОДЕРЖАНИЯ БЕЛКА И АДАПТИВНУЮ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТЬ ДИПЛОИДНЫХ СОРТОВ ОЗИМОЙ РЖИ

The aim of the study is a comprehensive analysis of winter rye varieties for environmental sustainability and identification of the most promising ones. The object of the study is 9 varieties of diploid winter rye (Grafinya, Kiprez, Flora (Kirov Region), Moskovskaya 18 (Moscow Region), Talovskaya 45 (Voronezh Region), Saratovskaya 10 (Saratov Region), Novosibirskaya 17 (Novosibirsk Region), Sudarushka (Tomsk Region)), which have been added to the VIR collection in recent years. The Era variety (Leningrad Region) served as a standard. The study was carried out on the experimental fields of the Pushkin and Pavlovsk Laboratories of VIR National Research Scientific and Practical Institute in 2019–2022. The soils of the experimental field are sod-weakly podzolic, sandy loam in mechanical composition, with neutral acidity (pH = 7.1–7.6). The thickness of the humus horizon is 23–47 cm, the humus content is 2.1–3.0 %. The supply of mobile forms of potassium is average, phosphorus is high, the predecessor is pure fallow. For an accurate and reliable assessment, the following indicators were used: environmental variation (Si2), variation coefficient (CV), measure of superiority (Pi), indicator of agroecological superiority (Jsp), stress susceptibility index (SSPi), stability indicator (YSi), ecological valence (Wi), degree of adaptation (DAA), reaction effect (Er), intensity indicator (I), stress resistance (Ymin – Ymax), compensatory capacity (Ymin + Ymax)/2, stability (Ymin/Ymax), responsiveness coefficient (Kr). Significant variability of protein content in grain was determined from 11 % in 2020 to 13 % in 2022. The varieties Talovskaya 45, Moskovskaya 18, Novosibirskaya 17, Sudarushka exceeded the standard variety Era by 1–0.4 %. Of the 14 indicators used, the following should be used for a more reliable assessment: the coefficient of variation (CV), the measure of superiority (Pi), the index of susceptibility to stress (SSPi), the ecological valence (Wi), the degree of adaptation (DAA), the effect of reaction (Er), the intensity index (I). The varieties Moskovskaya 18, Novosibirskaya 17, Sudarushka, Talovskaya 45 have a high degree of adaptability.

Зараженность вирусами желтой карликовости ячменя и полосатой мозаики пшеницы сортов озимой ржи (Secale cereale L.), выращиваемых на Среднем Урале

Rye is a strategically important crop in Russia, which is less demanding than other crops on soil fertility, mineral nutrition conditions and plant protection measures. Monitoring of the phytosanitary condition of winter rye varieties is a necessary measure for its stable yield. Four varieties of domestic selection Secale cereale L. (Nika, Vikras, Parom and Chusovaya), grown in the conditions of the Middle Urals in the experimental fields of the Perm and Ural Research Institute, PCR diagnostics of viral infections was carried out. RNA samples of 4 varieties of winter rye were analyzed by real-time PCR for infection with the Barley yellow dwart virus (BYDV) and the Wheat streak mosaic virus (VSMV). Barley yellow dwart virus was diagnosed in 60% of all studied samples of winter rye leaves, and wheat streak mosaic virus was diagnosed in 15% of the studied samples. The most resistant to the barley yellow dwart virus of barley leaves is the variety of winter rye Chusovaya, since it is infected only in the field of the Perm Research Institute. Varieties Nika 3, Vikras and Chusovaya are the most resistant to the wheat streak mosaic virus. A variety of winter rye was infected with this virus by Parom (30%). Further monitoring of the phytosanitary situation and profiling of viral infections of winter rye varieties in the territory of the Middle Urals is necessary.

Yield and quality of new varieties of winter rye in the conditions of the Forest Steppe and Polissia of Ukraine

Yield and quality of new varieties of winter rye in the conditions of the Forest Steppe and Polissia of Ukraine

Ecological variability of winter rye yield in the Middle Volga region

Rye grain yield in the Russian Federation has had a positive trend over the last 12 years, with an increase of 0.45 kg/ha per year. The Volga Federal District is the centre of rye growing in Russia. We evaluated the adaptability of Tatarstan winter rye varieties of own selection - first (Tatarskaya 1, Radon) and last generation (Tantana and Zilant) in terms of grain yield. From 2019 to 2023, these varieties will be tested in a competitive variety trial at the Tatar Agricultural Research Institute, FRC Kazan Scientific Centre of RAS. The breeding strategy was not focused on increasing the "upper limit" of yield, but on reducing the varieties' sensitivity to the environmental conditions of the production area. Cultivar plasticity ranged from 0,743 (Tatarskaya 1) to 1,246 (Radon). The research results showed that the latest generation varieties (Zilant, Tantana) are characterised by higher yields, plasticity and good stability compared to earlier developed varieties. The cultivar Zilant achieved the optimum balance of ecological variability parameters.

The use of triticale in feed production

The results of growing new varieties of winter triticale in order to obtain herbage and grain are presented. The effectiveness of the use of triticale in fodder production, in particular, as part of complete mixed fodders when growing young fattening pigs on the materials of the Bryansk region and using it in a green forage chain when growing cattle is substantiated. The research was conducted in the Bryansk region in 2021, 2022. The superiority of triticale in terms of the main parameters in comparison with traditionally cultivated crops: rye and wheat has been proven. The combination of high yield and protein content allows increasing the yield per unit area of more valuable grain. The protein content in the grain of the rye variety Pukhovchanka was 12,4%, in the grain of the triticale variety Forte – 15,2%, and in the grain of the wheat variety Vladi – 14,1%, which indicates the highest protein content of triticale grain in comparison with the most common crops. The best results were obtained on the cultivation of the triticale variety Forte using mineral fertilizers in the amount of N120P130K130, in which the grain yield averaged 91,4 centners per hectare over two years, the excess yield of wheat variety Vladi was 7,6 centners per hectare. The increase in the yield of triticale was due to the combination of rye with many ears and wheat with many flowers which ensured an increase in the mass of grain per ear. With a slight decrease in the density of the stem stand in the crops of triticale, its yield significantly exceeded other studied crops of the variety. When cultivating triticale for green fodder of the Elephant variety, the yield was 407,1 c/ha, which is 106,8 c/ha higher than the yield of the Pukhovchanka variety. The technological ripeness of triticale comes 7 days later than that of rye, so this crop fits well into the green forage chain. Due to high resistance to the most common and harmful diseases such as brown and stem rust, powdery mildew, green fodder triticale during the period of technological ripeness retains consumer qualities at a high level.

Продуктивность озимых зерновых культур в зависимости от степени окультуренности почв

The work is devoted to the bioindication of soils from row spacing and trunk strips of an apple orchard, as well as in their natural state. The soil in these places had different properties. Two varieties of winter wheat and one variety of winter rye were sown on the soils. The different cultivation of the soils of apple orchards is most noticeable in meadow-chernozem and chernozem-meadow soils. The degree of soil cultivation in apple orchards affects the vegetative mass and the content of mineral elements in winter wheat and triticale. In the tillering phase, plants accumulate less vegetative mass on less cultivated soil. The water content in the aboveground mass of crops does not depend on the cultivation of the soil. Plants in the process of their development maintain the hydration of tissues necessary for life, therefore, the water content in plant tissues cannot be used in bioindication as a test indicator of soil cultivation. The productivity indicators of the aboveground mass of winter wheat of the Moskovskaya 70 variety, Moskovskaya 39 variety, winter rye of the Chulpan 7 variety and the content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in their plant tissues are generally consistent with water-physical, physico-chemical parameters and with soil bonification data, therefore, these agricultural plants are recommended to be used as test crops when evaluating the degree of cultivation of soils. Keywords: WINTER RYE, WINTER WHEAT, DEGREE OF CULTIVATION, BIOINDICATION, NATURAL LANDS

Yield structure of highly heterosic winter rye hybrids and features of its formation

In the conditions of the Central Black Earth Region, the peculiarities of yield formation by highly heterotic hybrids of winter rye were studied for 3 years. The purpose of the research is to establish which structural elements and processes are responsible for the formation of higher yields in highly heterotic winter rye hybrids compared to the population variety. Each year 13-18 first-generation hybrids obtained using P-type CMS served as the starting material. The studied hybrids and the standard were sown in pairs on plots of 5 m2 in 6-fold repetition using the standard (dactyl) method. We studied the yield structure only of those hybrids that exceeded the standard—a high-yielding population variety—by 15 percent or more. The studied material was analyzed according to 53 indicators including in addition to the main elements of productivity, a detailed analysis of the ear and stem, as well as a number of characteristics characterizing the cenosis, the plant and its individual organs, physiological characteristics and the quality of the formed grains. As a result of the studies, it was found that highly heterotic hybrids of winter rye form a larger grain yield due to a larger yield of above-ground mass and a larger proportion of grain in it. Large proportion of grain in the above-ground mass of the crop (Kkhos.) is the result of more efficient use by hybrids of reserve plastic substances accumulated as a result of photosynthesis in the stem and ear, in particular. This is confirmed by the lower specific gravity of the stem and its parts (internodes), and higher values of micro-distribution, grain attraction and filling indices, as well as the Canadian index. Heterotic hybrids are characterized by a different type of organogenesis, which differs from that characteristic of modern population varieties. It was concluded that when breeding population varieties of winter rye to increase yield, it is necessary to select genotypes with higher values of the Canadian index and indices of micro-distribution, attraction and grain filling, as well as with a lower specific weight of the stem and its parts.

Net energy content of hybrid rye fed to growing pigs and effects of particle size on energy values

An experiment was conducted to determine the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy (NE) contents of hybrid rye fed to growing pigs using indirect calorimetry and to investigate the effects of particle size on energy values. Thirty growing barrows (18.06 ± 0.83 kg initial body weight) were individually housed in metabolism crates and randomly allotted to one of five dietary treatments to give six replicates per treatment. Two hybrid rye varieties (Bono and Gatano) were ground in a hammermill mounted with a 4.0-mm or 3.2-mm screen to obtain coarse and fine particle size, respectively. Dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal basal diet and four additional diets containing 300 g/kg of the test ingredients in a 2 × 2 factorial based on hybrid rye variety (Bono or Gatano) and particle size (Coarse or Fine). Pigs were fed experimental diets for 15 days, including 10 days for adaptation and 5 days for total fecal and urine collection to determine the DE and ME of the experimental diets. Pigs were then moved into indirect calorimetry chambers to determine 24-h heat production and 12-h fasting heat production. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the individual pig as the experimental unit. The geometric mean diameter (Dgw) for coarsely versus finely ground Bono and Gatano were 1111 versus 594 µm and 1210 versus 717 µm, respectively. The coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) were greater (P < 0.05) in diets containing finely than coarsely ground hybrid rye. The DE and ME of finely ground hybrid rye were greater (P < 0.05) than those of coarsely ground hybrid rye, and the NE of finely ground hybrid rye tended to be greater (P = 0.084) than that of coarsely ground hybrid rye. No differences were observed for the DE, ME, and NE contents between Bono and Gatano. The determined NE for coarsely and finely ground Bono were 11.06 and 11.77 MJ/kg DM, and the respective NE values for coarsely and finely ground Gatano were 11.09 and 11.57 MJ/kg DM. In conclusion, the energy values of different hybrid rye varieties might be comparable. Particle size reduction could significantly improve the DE and ME values of hybrid rye fed to growing pigs, while the NE value was only numerically improved.

Evaluation of phosphate rock as the only source of phosphorus for the growth of tall and semi-dwarf durum wheat and rye plants using digital phenotyping.

Phosphorus nutrition is important for obtaining high yields of crop plants. However, wheat plants are known to be almost incapable of taking up phosphorus from insoluble phosphate sources, and reduced height genes are supposed to decrease this ability further. We performed a pot experiment using Triticum durum Desf. tall spring variety LD222, its near-isogenic semidwarf line carrying Rht17 (Reduced height 17) gene, and winter rye (Secale cereale L.) variety Chulpan. The individual plants were grown in quartz sand. The phosphorus was provided either as phosphate rock powder mixed with sand, or as monopotassium phosphate solution (normal nutrition control) or was not supplemented at all (no-phosphorus control). Other nutrients were provided in soluble form. During experiment the plants were assessed using the TraitFinder (Phenospex Ltd., Heerlen, Netherlands) digital phenotyping system for a standard set of parameters. Double scan with 90 degrees turns of pots around vertical axis vs. single scan were compared for accuracy of phenotyping. The phenotyping showed that at least 20 days of growth after seedling emergence were necessary to get stable differences between genotypes. After this initial period, phenotyping confirmed poor ability of wheat to grow on substrate with phosphate rock as the only source of phosphorus compared to rye; however, Rht17 did not cause an additional reduction in growth parameters other than plant height under this variant of substrate. The agreement between digital phenotyping and conventionally measured traits was at previously reported level for grasses (R2 = 0.85 and 0.88 for digital biomass and 3D leaf area vs. conventionally measured biomass and leaf area, single scan). Among vegetation indices, only the normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) and the green leaf index (GLI) showed significant correlations with manually measured traits, including the percentage of dead leaves area. The double scan improved phenotyping accuracy, but not substantially.