Winter Hardiness Research Articles

Field Evaluation of Raspberry Cultivars in North Dakota

In North Dakota, USA, harsh winter conditions cause considerable winter injury to many floricane fruiting raspberries. Short growing seasons in North Dakota inevitably result in an incomplete fruit harvest of primocane fruiting raspberries. In this study, the winter hardiness of six floricane fruiting raspberry and five primocane fruiting raspberry cultivars had been evaluated for multiple years since 2016. Results showed that five floricane cultivars (Prelude, Boyne, Killarney, Nova, and Encore) showed less than 20% buds damaged, whereas cultivar Amethyst had 20% to 50% buds damaged in the winter. Severe bud damage was observed in five primocane fruiting cultivars (Polana, Autumn Bliss, BP-1, Heritage, and Joan J) in which Polana had the least winter bud damage with significant variations among years, followed by Heritage, Joan J, and Autumn Bliss, and BP-1. No winter damage was observed of the root system. In addition, the fruit quality, cane height, and yield of the six floricane fruiting cultivars were evaluated. Results showed that ‘Killarney’ fruit was the largest (2.50 g per berry) followed by ‘Nova’ (2.35), ‘Encore’ (2.24), ‘Amethyst’ (2.12), ‘Prelude’ (1.94), and ‘Boyne’ (1.84). No significant differences in total soluble solid (TSS) among cultivars were observed except that the TSS of Prelude was significantly lower than the other five cultivars. The cane height of ‘Killarney’ was the shortest (75 cm), whereas ‘Amethyst’ grew the longest canes (129 cm). Prelude is the earliest ripening floricane cultivar (late June) with a short harvest duration (20 to 25 days). The fruit harvest of ‘Killarney’, ‘Boyne’, and ‘Nova’ started 3 to 5 days after ‘Prelude’ with a longer harvest duration (25 to 30 days). ‘Encore’ and ‘Amethyst’ were harvested from mid-late July to early-mid August. Yield estimation indicated that ‘Killarney’ and ‘Nova’ produced more berries than other cultivars.

Allelic variation at the PPD-A1 locus and its associations with heading time and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) agronomic traits in the northern Black Sea region

Aim. The identification of Ppd-1-alleles in winter bread wheat varieties of various origin, including the ones of Ukrainian plant breeding and recombinant-inbred lines Orenburgskaya 48//Cappelle Desprez/2В Chinese Spring, and the evaluation of the effects of allele Ppd-А1_del303, including the interaction with different alleles of gene Ppd-B1, by the duration of the period before heading and the related agronomically valuable traits. Methods. DNA extraction, allele-specific PCR, agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, phenological observations, evaluation of frost resistance in seedlings, and analysis of morphobiological traits and elements of yield structure. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was carried out in Microsoft Excel. The significance of the difference between samples was assessed by Fisher's F test. A difference of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all indicators. Results. The marking of 30 varieties of different origin and 64 recombinant-inbred lines of Orenburgskaya 48//Cappelle Desprez/2B Chinese Spring winter bread wheat was carried out to identify the alleles of the Ppd-A1 gene. The polymorphism of varieties and populations of recombinant-inbred lines in the northern Black Sea region (Odesa) was evaluated for ten traits: frost resistance of plants in the seedling phase, winter hardiness, duration of the period before heading, plant height, grain number per spike, grain weight per spike, thousand grain weight, number of productive tillers per unit area, harvest index and grain yield. The comparison of the lines evaluation data in terms of agronomic traits and the results of the genotypes identification allowed us to identify the influence of Ppd-A1 gene alleles and various combinations of the alleles of Ppd-A1 and Ppd-B1 genes on these traits. Conclusions. A higher prevalence of the Ppd-A1_del303 allele was found both among varieties and recombinant-inbred lines. The genetic differences by the Ppd-A1 gene (Ppd-A1_del303 or Ppd-A1b) are significantly related only to frost resistance of seedlings in the absence of significant differences in other traits. The interaction between Ppd-A1b and Ppd-B1c alleles contributed to the acceleration of early maturity and the formation of the highest indicators of grain weight per spike, thousand grain weight, harvest index, and grain yield. The replacement of the Ppd-A1b allele with Ppd-A1_del303 led to a decrease in the effect of the dominant Ppd-B1c allele on accelerating heading and negatively affected the grain weight per spike, thousand grain weight, harvest index and grain yield compared to the Ppd-A1b Ppd-B1c genotype.

Aspects of introduction and prospects for the use of Juglans L. representatives in Central Russia

Background. Human health security is an important goal of contemporary society. The combination of beneficial properties in Juglans nuts makes them one of the most valuable plant genetic resources, capable of ensuring a wholesome supply of nutrients required by the human organism. The Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) has the largest set of useful agronomic traits among the representatives of the genus, except for winter hardiness. Its cultivation in areas farther to the north from the conventional area of distribution for commercial walnut orchards would be possible if Juglans spp. with higher resistance to unfavorable climate conditions could be involved. Interspecies hybridization can be used to increase winter hardiness in walnut. The objective of this study was to analyze the gene pool of Juglans L. and screen its bioresource collection at the arboretum of the Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding (VNIISPK) in the context of useful agronomic indicators promising for plant breeding and landscaping. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in the VNIISPK arboretum (Orel Province, 53°00’N, 36°00’E) where 7 Juglans spp. are maintained. Results and conclusion. The results of the screening highlighted J. mandshurica Maxim., J. cordiformis Maxim., and Vekhov’s hybrid (J. cinerea L. × J. mandshurica Maxim.) as the most resistant to adverse environmental effects. They are recommended for use in plant breeding and landscaping programs under the conditions of Central Russia. A seedling of cv. ‘Astakhovsky’ demonstrated the best agronomic indicators among the Persian walnut (J. regia) genotypes. It can be used by breeders to develop new cultivars with useful agronomic traits for the environmental conditions of the region of study.

First Report of Strawberry Anthracnose Crown Rot Caused by Colletotrichum siamense in New England.

In the summer of 2023, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station was contacted by a farm in southern Connecticut due to reports of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) plants showing signs of severe wilting and crown rot across multiple fields, covering ~20 hectares. Cut crowns from diseased plants had marbled red and white lesions typically associated with anthracnose crown rot (ACR). Symptomatic plants were collected from five June-bearing cultivars (cvs. AC Valley Sunset, Lyla, Dickens, and Allstar) spanning four non-adjacent fields with incidence ranging from 5-90% and severity ranging mild wilting in low incidence fields to severe wilting/mortality in high incidence fields. Internal tissue from diseased crowns was surface sterilized in 0.6% NaOCL for 3 minutes, rinsed with sterile water, and plated on potato dextrose agar. After one-week, hyphal tips of fungi were transferred to fresh plates which formed dense mycelial mats of fluffy, greyish-white hyphae. Orange spore masses formed near the center of the colonies, each of which contained numerous cylindrical and fusiform straight conidia, matching spores within the genus Colletotrichum (De Silva et al. 2019). Average conidia (n=192) length was 15.7 ± 1.6 µm and width was 5.4 ± 0.7 µm. Fungi matching this morphology were isolated from 83% of the collected symptomatic crowns and hyphae were collected from two isolates, CT5-1 and CT23-1, for DNA extraction using the GeneJET Plant Genomic DNA Purification Kit. PCR was performed using primers targeting actin (ACT), calmodulin (CAL), β-tubulin (TUB2), GAPDH (gpdA), and ITS, followed by Sanger sequencing, which yielded identical sequences for both isolates (CT5-1 Accessions numbers: PP002078-81, OR999066)(Carbone and Kohn 1999; Hassan et al. 2018; Templeton et al. 1992). These were combined with sequences from fourteen Colletotrichum genomes, all of which were aligned, trimmed, and concatenated using Mega11 (Tamura, Stecher, and Kumar 2021). Model selection was conducted using IQ-TREE and selected parameters were used to generate maximum-likelihood trees from all five loci individually and the concatenated sequence, all of which placed the isolates in a high confidence cluster with Colletotrichum siamense (Nguyen et al. 2015). To confirm the pathogenicity of the pathogen, strawberry plants (cv. Jewel) (n=5) five weeks after bare root transplant were infected. The base of each crown was penetrated 5 mm deep with a sterile 20 µL pipette tip and then inoculated with 10 µL of spores at a concentration of 106 spores/mL. Control plants (n=5) were inoculated with 10 µL of sterile water. Plants were maintained at 30°C day (16-hour)/20°C night (8-hour) in a growth chamber and assessed after 14-days. Four of the five inoculated plants had visible wilt symptoms and bisected crowns revealed the marbled red and white lesions typifying ACR. Control plants had no clear wilting and bisected crowns were visibly healthy. C. siamense re-isolated from infected tissue presented with identical hyphal /spore morphology and ITS/Tub2 were re-amplified and sequenced, yielding identical sequences to CT5-1. Plant inoculations with the same variety were repeated, yielding identical symptom development and crown lesions. C. siamense has been a dominant source of ACR throughout the southeastern US but has not previously been a major problem in the Northeast. Given the extent of the field infection, it is likely that these isolates can survive the colder winter temperatures of New England, but further experimentation is necessary to determine the extent of the pathogen's winter hardiness.

Seasonal Quality of Some Cool-Season Turfgrass Species in Cold Semi-Arid Climate

The study was carried out to determine winter hardiness, establishment speed, and seasonal variation in quality characteristics of some turf cultivars belonging to the common cool-season turf species in cold semi-arid climates. Nineteen different cultivars of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, red fescue, Chewing’s fescue, slender creeping red fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass were examined for six seasons in 2014-2016 years. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The score-based measurements of turf texture, color, and general quality were taken in the middle of every season (2 summers, 2 springs, and 2 falls) for 2 years and the data were analyzed using non-parametric tests. Results showed that Stravinsky (perennial ryegrass) and Cardinal (red fescue) greatly lost their dark green color in autumn, while SR8600 (tall fescue) kept its satisfying green color. General quality decreased as the seasons proceeded, but Rosita (slender creeping red fescue) remained in high quality considering other red fescue species. Low adaptation ability was observed in Miracle and Evora cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass species due to their poor winter hardiness scores. These cultivars are also the slowest establishing among other cultivars. Results stated that Stravinsky, Esquire, Kokomo, Grandslam2 (perennial ryegrass), Maximal (red fescue), and Rosita (slender creeping red fescue) maintained high quality throughout summer and spring but decreased in autumn. However, Forte (tall fescue) and Evora (Kentucky bluegrass) presented better quality in autumn but the quality of Evora decreased in the next year. These cultivars should be used in a mixture to maintain high-quality turf through spring, summer, and autumn but Evora could require overseeding in some years. More and especially newly released cultivars should be tested to increase the turf quality of the mixtures.

Productivity and quality parameters of Allium fistulosum L.

ABSTRACT The growing demand for non-traditional plant products encourages research into new plant species and cultivars. Allium fistulosum is the earliest leafy plant cultivated in the open field in Lithuania. Therefore, it is important to study plant cultivars and determine the harvesting time to obtain quality products. The study was conducted in the experimental vegetable field of the Institute of Horticulture of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2022–2023. The phenological stages of two different cultivars, morphological characteristics, productivity, and the plant's winter hardiness were observed. Measurements were performed and harvest was done three times: in spring, summer, and autumn. The results showed that genetic origin and harvesting time influenced differences in the morphometric parameters, productivity, and ascorbic acid accumulation of A. fistulosum cultivars. Cultivar ‘Bajkal’ is distinguished with longer and wider foliage, the highest productivity rate, and better adaptivity. This cultivar's most intensive plant growth was determined in autumn, but the highest weight of the plant reaching 0.5 kg was determined in spring. Cultivar ‘Marozka’ is distinguished by the higher ability of ascorbic acid accumulation compared with the cultivar ‘Bajkal’. The content of ascorbic acids reached 34.9 mg g−1 of cultivar ‘Marozka’ during the spring harvesting and up to 8,8 mg g−1 of ‘Bajkal’, respectively. The total sugar amount and weight of dry matter were more intensive in spring for both cultivars. In the cultivars ‘Marozka’ and ‘Bajkal’ leaves were found a higher amount of nitrates at 45.7 and 50.9 mg kg −1 in autumn.

Multi-trait modeling and machine learning discover new markers associated with stem traits in alfalfa.

Alfalfa biomass can be fractionated into leaf and stem components. Leaves comprise a protein-rich and highly digestible portion of biomass for ruminant animals, while stems constitute a high fiber and less digestible fraction, representing 50 to 70% of the biomass. However, little attention has focused on stem-related traits, which are a key aspect in improving the nutritional value and intake potential of alfalfa. This study aimed to identify molecular markers associated with four morphological traits in a panel of five populations of alfalfa generated over two cycles of divergent selection based on 16-h and 96-h in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility in stems. Phenotypic traits of stem color, presence of stem pith cells, winter standability, and winter injury were modeled using univariate and multivariate spatial mixed linear models (MLM), and the predicted values were used as response variables in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The alfalfa panel was genotyped using a 3K DArTag SNP markers for the evaluation of the genetic structure and GWAS. Principal component and population structure analyses revealed differentiations between populations selected for high- and low-digestibility. Thirteen molecular markers were significantly associated with stem traits using either univariate or multivariate MLM. Additionally, support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) algorithms were implemented to determine marker importance scores for stem traits and validate the GWAS results. The top-ranked markers from SVM and RF aligned with GWAS findings for solid stem pith, winter standability, and winter injury. Additionally, SVM identified additional markers with high variable importance for solid stem pith and winter injury. Most molecular markers were located in coding regions. These markers can facilitate marker-assisted selection to expedite breeding programs to increase winter hardiness or stem palatability.

A Wheat Cultivar, “Joongmo2015” with Good Noodles Quality, White Grain Wheat, Higher Winter Hardiness and Adaptable Paddy Culture

A Wheat Cultivar, “Joongmo2015” with Good Noodles Quality, White Grain Wheat, Higher Winter Hardiness and Adaptable Paddy Culture

ВСХОЖЕСТЬ, ЭНЕРГИЯ ПРОРАСТАНИЯ И ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ РЫЖИКА ОЗИМОГО

The current structure of arable land in the Volgograd region leads to a number of problems in our agricultural complex, which must be solved through expanding the set of crops. In the current situation, winter ginger may turn out to be a real alternative to sunflower, partially replacing it in the group of oilseeds. In this regard, it is extremely important to improve the elements of the technology of growing winter ginger in relation to the conditions of light chestnut soils of the Volgograd region. The aim of the research was to study the effect of sowing dates and growth regulators on the productivity of winter ginger in the subzone of light chestnut soils of the Volgograd region. Field experiments were conducted in 2014-2017 in the conditions of the UNPC of the Volgograd State Agrarian University "Gornaya Polyana", Volgograd. Laboratory germination of winter ginger seeds of the Penzyak variety before sowing on average for 2014-2016 in the variant without treatment with growth stimulants was within 95.3%. On the Humat + KalMag variant, it was 1.8% more. In the variant with Humate, the laboratory germination was 2.7% higher compared to the control. In the variant treated with Zircon, laboratory germination was 3.0% higher compared to the control. And the highest laboratory germination was observed on the variant with the Epin-extra preparation and amounted to 99.4%, thereby exceeding the laboratory germination of the variant without growth stimulants by 5.1%. The field germination of winter ginger by sowing dates was not the same and on average over 3 years of research ranged from 62.0% at the first sowing period to 68.2% at the third term. The influence of growth regulators on field germination turned out to be more significant. Zircon increased field germination from 5 to 8.2%, and Epin-extra from 7.3 to 8.2%. Over the years of research, the winter hardiness of winter ginger varied from 66.1 to 77.4%. The maximum yield of winter ginger on average for 2015-2017 was formed on option 3 of the sowing period (September 17-20) and was equal to 2.26 t/ha. The minimum yield for an average of three years of research was formed on the control variant without seed treatment with growth regulators at the first sowing period and amounted to 1.57 t/ha.

Adaptability of winter rye cultivars by yield in the conditions of the Kirov region

The breeding of winter rye for adaptability is an important factor in increasing yield and stabilizing gross grain yields. The research was conducted in 2018–2023 in the central agroclimatic zone of the Kirov region. Thirteen cultivars of winter rye (Secale cereale L. var. vulgare Koern.) of the mid-late maturity group of different breeding periods (‘Falenskaya 4’ as standard) were studied in the nursery of competitive variety testing. Based on the “yield” trait, the parameters of the general adaptive ability of the cultivar (GAAi), stability (σ2SAAi), breeding value of the genotype, and responsiveness of the genotype to changes in environmental conditions (bi) were determined using the method of A. V. Kilchevsky and L. V. Khotyleva. The "year" factor had the greatest influence on the “yield” trait (the influence of factor hx2 = 60 %). With high winter hardiness (4.7 points) and plant regeneration (89 %), the yield of winter rye is associated with the amount of precipitation during the resumption of vegetation in April (r = -0.92), as well as during the period “seedlings-autumn tillering” and the “earing” phase (r = 0.55). According to the yield, the ‘Grafinya’ (5.09 t/ha) and ‘Lika’ (5.07 t/ha) cultivars were distinguished with a significant increase to the standard of 0.40 t/ha and 0.38 t/ha, respectively (LSD05 = 0.24 t/ha). The ‘Grafinya’, ‘Lika’, ‘Batist’, and ‘Perepel’ cultivars had a high general adaptive ability (GAAi = 0.23–0.51). Cultivars of late breeding periods were characterized by a higher general adaptive ability (GAAi = 0.09–0.51) compared to previously created cultivars (GAAi = -0.61…0.01). The cultivars ‘Vyatka 2’,’Kiprez’, ‘Kirovskaya 89’, ‘Sadko’, ‘Grafinya’, ‘Batist’, ‘Rushnik’, ‘Perepel’ were distinguished by high stability of the "yield" trait (σ2SAA = 0.50–0.73). The lowest stability indicators were found in the cultivars ‘Flora’, ‘Lika’, ‘Talitsa’ (σ2SAA = 1.13–1.35). The cultivars ‘Flora’, ‘Lika’, ‘Talitsa’, ‘Falenskaya 4’, ‘Perepel’, ‘Rushnik’ were highly responsive to improving growing conditions (bi = 1.1–1.4). The cultivar ‘Grafinya’ combined high yield and stability (selection value of the genotype 2.9).

БИОХИМИЧЕСКАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ТЕХНИЧЕСКИХ ГИБРИДОВ ВИНОГРАДА СЕЛЕКЦИИ АЗОСВиВ

The aim of the study is to investigate new hybrid grape forms by their main biochemical parameters with the prospect of obtaining new high-tech varieties from them. The paper presents the results of scientific studies of biochemical parameters of new technical hybrid grape forms. These forms were obtained by breeders of the Anapa Zonal Experimental Station of Viticulture and Winemaking, a branch of Federal State Budget Scientific Institution North Caucasian FSC of Horticulture, Viticulture, Wine-making (AZOSViV, a branch of the North Caucasus FSC for Horticulture, Viticulture and Winemaking) and are characterized by late ripening, high productivity, winter hardiness and phylloxera tolerance. Biochemical analysis of the berry must of the studied hybrids was carried out at the institute. Sugars, titratable acids, ammonium compounds, cations and organic acids were studied. The technical grape variety of late ripe-ning Krasnostop Anapsky was used as a control for a comparative analysis of the main biochemical cha-racteristics. A pressing issue for breeders has always been the creation of new sustainable and high-tech grape varieties with their subsequent recommendation for implementation in the production process. The research results showed that the studied hybrids 59-39 and 62-23 annually have stable yields, high sugar accumulation compared to the control variety: 59-39 – 24.2 g / 100 cm3, 62-23 – 24.1, control – 24.0 g/100 cm3. The content of ammonium compounds in hybrid forms is small and comparable to the control. For example, in form 59-39, the content of ammonium compounds is 20 mg/dm3, which is at the level of the control variety. The concentration of metal cations in the juice of berries indicates a high content of these compounds in the soil. The content of potassium in the must is especially high. The studied hybrid forms of grapes have prospects for further study in order to obtain a new variety.

Sea Buckthorn: A Review on the Hidden Treasure of the Temperates

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is one of the most common yet underutilized dioecious fruit crop of the temperate region. This plant is known as the gold mine of the cold deserts due to its exceptional winter hardiness and multiple uses. It is a potential functional food which is rich in nutritional and medicinal values and holds the potential to emerge as a future food cum medicinal crop. Traditionally, the crop is used as a folk medicine, fence, wind break, firewood and fodder. The fruits are rich in tannins, flavonoids, sterols, carotenoids, tocopherols and lipids. The cultivation of sea buckthorn is low demanding and it is seen growing wild in the valleys, riverbanks, slopes and mountains in the temperate regions. Though extensive research and developmental activities are progressing, commercial cultivation and popularization of sea buckthorn is still in the nascent stage. Some of the challenges faced by the sea buckthorn industry include lack of awareness regarding its potential, its short harvest season and high moisture content that prevents the farmers from cultivating crop and also hinders development of value-added products. An enhancement in the production aspects of this crop can be a boon to the horticulture industry. Proper interventions and policies from government, standardization of production technology, production of quality planting material of promising cultivars etc. are some of the ways towards popularizing the crop.

Преимущества сортов груши с хорошей восстановительной способностью после подмерзания в условиях Южного Урала

Abstract. A long period of consumer maturity and the keeping quality of pear fruits are qualities that, when crossed with wild, highly hardy species, are poorly manifested in hybrid offspring. The purpose of the work is to evaluate the quality of fruits and yields on pear varieties with different levels of winter hardiness in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Chelyabinsk region. Methods. The study was conducted at the Chelyabinsk State Variety testing site for fruit and berry crops. The 2009 bookmark experience included 68 varieties and promising numbers, some of which were excluded from the discussion due to very low yields. Scientific novelty. With good regenerative ability, less hardy varieties with high fruit qualities are not inferior in yield to hardy varieties. Results. In the group of hardy varieties (with the highest freezing score of 2), fruits are often characterized by low fruit qualities, medium-sized, high content of stony cells and other disadvantages. In the group of insufficiently hardy varieties, there are significantly more varieties with high fruit qualities. In the group of hardy varieties, the average annual yield ranges from 29.3 c/ha (Lel’) to 171.6 c/ha (Kuyumskaya). In the group of slightly hardy varieties – from 23.6 c/ha (Zabava) to 100.1 c/ha (Zolotoy shar). With a difference in the average yield values for varieties (84.3 c/ha for hardy and 46.3 c/ha for weakly hardy), statistical processing did not reveal significant differences between the groups in the degree of winter hardiness. In the conditions of the Southern Urals, some varieties bred in northern latitudes are prone to maceration of the pulp at the time of maturation.

Selection varieties of meadow clover with high productive qualities for the conditions of the Volgo-Vyatka region

The results of evaluation of five breeding varieties of meadow clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in terms of fodder and seed productivity are presented. Breeding varietal populations of P-15, GPF-49-3, GPF-86-3 SGPF-159-3, SGPF-159-3 + SGP-117 of the double-cut type were investigated in comparison with the standard Dymkovsky for 3 years of economic use of grass stands (2020-2022) in a competitive varietal trial of 2019 sowing. The studies were conducted on strongly acidic (рНKC1 = 4,47) sod-podzolic soils with high content of exchangeable forms of phosphorus and potassium (192.5 and 217.9 mg/kg), low – humus (2.2%). The weather conditions in the years of research were characterized as moderately warm. The average monthly air temperature for April-August amounted to 13.0-15.6 °C with different precipitation supply: in 2020 – excessive, in 2021 – with a slight deficit, in 2022 – close to normal. During the years of research, high winter hardiness of all the studied varieties (more than 80%) was established. The duration of plant development periods in the varieties at mowed and seed use of grass stands was determined. The economic and biological characteristics of the varieties were given, describing the nature of the changes in plant height and foliage, fodder and seed productivity in comparison with the standard Dymkovsky. Two breeding varieties GPF-49-3 and P-15 have been identified based on the results of this research. The winter hardiness of these varieties was 92.6 and 96.9 %, total dry matter yield for 2 years – 21.90 and 21.56 t/ha (+12.7 and 11.0 % to the standard) and the seed yield on average for 2 years – 1.72 and 2.14 kg/ha (+8.9 and +35.4 % to the standard). These varieties are promising for testing in the Volga-Vyatka region and are suitable for state variety trials.

Small Stomates and Xylem Vessels Associated With Freeze Tolerance in Winter Barley

ABSTRACTFreeze tolerance is a complex agronomic trait that is difficult to evaluate in the field because of year‐to‐year variation in weather. Discovering plant characteristics closely related to freeze tolerance would enable more effective selection for this important trait. To explore possible physiological mechanisms and search for useful characteristics related to freeze tolerance in winter barley, we conducted field and growth chamber experiments with seven freeze‐tolerant and seven freeze‐susceptible genotypes that exhibited contrasting winter survival in preliminary field screenings. In a 2‐year field experiment, malondialdehyde, proline and water‐soluble carbohydrate concentrations were measured during cold acclimation and deacclimation to investigate differences in osmoregulation and membrane stability between freeze‐tolerant and freeze‐sensitive genotypes. All parameters varied by sampling year, and significant differences between freeze tolerance groups were found mainly during cold deacclimation in the spring. In growth chamber experiments, the size of xylem vessels and stomates was measured with and without cold acclimation. Freeze‐tolerant genotypes had smaller xylem vessels and stomates than freeze‐sensitive genotypes with and without cold acclimation, and small stomatal length was associated with a small xylem vessel area. Thus, it may be possible to improve freeze tolerance in winter barley by selecting smaller xylem and stomate cells. This study also validated germplasms of winter barley with differential freeze tolerance for future projects on breeding for improving winter hardiness and on plant physiology and genetics in response to freezing stress.

Success of introduction of species of the genus <i>Cotoneaster</i> Medik. in the Komi Republic

Among the woody plants preserved and studied in the arboretum of the Botanical Garden of the Institute of Biology of the Komi Scientific Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for nine years (2013–2021) include representatives of the polymorphic genus Cotoneaster of different geographical origins. As a result of generalization and analysis of data on biomorphology, characteristics of the generative period, dynamics of seasonal growth and development, winter hardiness of plants of species of the genus Cotoneaster introduced in the North, based on an assessment of the main indicators of viability, the studied plants were divided into groups of prospects for cultivation in the northern region. Plants of Eurasian origin C. melanocarpus and C. integerrimus, which undergo a full cycle of seasonal development, are characterized by high winter hardiness, form full-fledged seeds and retain their vital form under introduction conditions, are classified in Group I as quite promising. The East Asian species C. dammeri, C. horizontalis are assigned to the II group of promising plants and C. ascendens to the III group of unpromising plants. These introduced species were characterized by an extended period of growth and development, late completion of the growing season, low winter hardiness, but good shoot recovery ability after winter damage. C. bullatus turned out to be an unpromising species (group V) with low winter hardiness, and therefore the impossibility of transition to the generative period of development. Additional study of this decorative species with the involvement of other specimens is necessary. Based on the data obtained, species such as C. melanocarpus, C. integerrimus, C. dammeri and C. horizontalis can be recommended for cultivation and use in landscaping in some areas of the Komi Republic.

Some results of the introduction study of <i>Leonurus cardiaca</i> plants in the middle taiga subzone of the Komi Republic

The article summarizes the results of many years of studying Leonurus cardiaca L. under cultural conditions in the North. It was revealed that in the first year of life, with the seedling method of cultivation, motherwort plants are in the pregenerative period. The transition of individuals into the generative period is noted in the second year of life. The winter hardiness and stability of plants in agrocoenosis is quite high. Under cultural conditions, specimens of L. cardiaca plants of different geographical origins retained the rhythms of seasonal development characteristic of this species. It was revealed that plants of L. cardiaca are characterized by extended periods of flowering (38–44 days) and fruiting (35–40 days). The growing season from the beginning of regrowth to seed collection was 127–132 days. In the years studied, different samples of L. cardiaca formed mature seeds weighing 1000 pcs. seeds 0,86–1,03 g and laboratory germination of 55–91%, which meets the requirements for the quality of seed material of this type. L. cardiaca plants reached their maximum development in the third to fifth years of life, being in a middle-aged generative ontogenetic state: plant height 98–166 cm, shoot-forming capacity – 18–22 pcs. per individual, inflorescence length 26–36 cm, raw material of the main shoot 7,2–8,6 g of wet and 2,1–2,9 g of air-dried phytomass. For the first time the mass fraction of nitrogen (2,4–2,9%) and the amino acid composition of proteins were determined in the above-ground raw phytomass of L. cardiaca. 17 amino acids were quantified, including seven essential ones (39,4% of the total). The highest content in plants was observed for amino acids: glutamic (12,5%), aspartic (11,6%), leucine (9,9%), lysine (8,3%), alanine (6,6%), valine (6,6%) and arginine (5,8%).

History of apple breeding and breeding achievements at FSBSO ARHCBAN

New apple varieties should possess a set of adaptive traits that provide yield, stable fruiting, and highly marketable fruits with a long period of postharvest storage, thus ensuring the profitability of their use in industrial plantings. According to the State Register, the central region of the Russian Federation is one of the leading regions in terms of the number of apple varieties approved for use. Long-term research of scientists and specialists from FSBSO ARHCBAN has greatly contributed to the development and improvement of the assortment both in the region and beyond. The key directions for apple breeding at the institution include improving winter hardiness, resistance to scab, and the columnar shape of the crown. The review article presents the history of shaping the directions for breeding work and modern achievements of FSBSO ARHCBAN in apple breeding, as well as an analysis of the long-term focused scientific activity of breeders. The most significant breeding results were achieved by Prof. V. Kichina, who, together with his students and followers, was the first in Russia to create several columnar apple varieties that offer high winter hardiness, resistance to scab, and marketable qualities of fruits (‘Dialog’, ‘Lukomor’, ‘Malyukha’, ‘Ostankino’, ‘President’, and ‘Chervonets’), as well as fundamentally new high-yielding varieties with a conventional crown shape that possess high adaptability and resistance to pathogens (‘Arkadik’, ‘Legendа’, ‘Marat Busurin’, and ‘Mayak Zagorye’). The article presents the main characteristics of breeding achievements of the last decades: tree crown shape; ripening time of fruits and their qualitative and quantitative indicators (tasting evaluation, average weight, shape, etc.); yield; resistance to abiotic and biotic factors. Data are presented on the use of apple varieties bred by FSBSO ARHCBAN both in agricultural production (on the basis of license agreements) and in scientific and technological cooperation with Russian National Research Universities (inclusion in breeding programs). The apple breeding activities conducted at FSBSO ARHCBAN are described, and the main directions for breeding work are outlined.

СЕЗОННЫЙ РИТМ РАЗВИТИЯ ЕВРОПЕЙСКИХ ВИДОВ РОДА SORBUS L. В ЮЖНО-УРАЛЬСКОМ БОТАНИЧЕСКОМ САДУ

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the results of phenological observations of introduced Sorbus L., their adaptation; to highlight the most stable and promising species for cultivation in the Bashkir Cis-Urals. A brief description of nine European rowan species from the collection of the South Ural Botanical Garden-Institute of the UFRC RAS (Ufa) is given, included in the sections: Sorbus C. Koch – S. aucuparia L.; Lobatae Gabr. – S. × thuringiaca (Ilse) Fritsch, S. × hybrida L., S. intermedia (Ehrh) Pers., S. mougeotii Soy – Willem. et Godr., S. teodorii Liljef.; Aria Pers. – S. aria L.; S. × latifolia (Lam.) Pers.; Chamaemespilus G. Hedi – S. chamaemespilus (L.) Crantz. The average growing season for European species is 151–171 days, the shortest for Western European S. aria is 151 days, the longest for local S. aucuparia is 171 days. As a result of cluster analysis of phenophases, the studied species were divided into 4 groups: early-blooming and early-flowering, mid-blooming and mid-finishing, late-blooming and late-blooming and late-ending. Differences in the timing of the onset of the main phenological phases may be genetically associated with species characteristics or with their origin, which, in different natural conditions of continental Europe, bloom, blossom, bear fruit and end the growing season at different times. Most of the studied European species (with the exception of S. aria) are characterized by unpretentiousness, so they can be used as an ornamental crop when creating landscape compositions and in private gardens. New to the collection, S. teodorii and S. × latifolia have proven themselves to be promising species with high winter hardiness and resistance, which will expand the range of tree and shrub plants in the Bashkir Cis-Urals.

Selection of Bergenia crassifolia specimens based on a complex of decorative characteristics in the flora of Kazakhstan Altai and their introduction in the Altai Botanical Garden

The purpose of the study is to select Bergenia crassifolia specimens from different eco-geographical habitats in natural populations of the Kazakhstan Altai based on a complex of decorative characteristics and their introduction testing in the Altai Botanical Garden, creating promising forms for inclusion in the landscaping assortment. The growth of B. crassifolia in the Kazakhstan Altai has been established on the mountain ranges of the Southern and Southwestern Altai in the mountain forest and alpine belts with a vertical distribution threshold of 1100–1800 m above sea level. For introduction, promising samples of B. crassifolia based on economically valuable indicators were selected on the ridges of the Southern and Southwestern Altai. Classical botanical methods were used. Based on the results of the research, a collection of 74 specimens of B. crassifoliа was created in the Altai Botanical Garden, among them 59 decorative specimens with high winter hardiness, a full cycle of seasonal development, responding to weather conditions by changing the duration of the phenological phases of development. Based on the timing of flowering, the samples are classified as spring-early flowering and spring-mid flowering. Based on the results of a comparative assessment, 8 forms were recommended for inclusion in the landscaping assortment with a decorative score of 87–98 points.