Winter Wheat Seeds Research Articles

Biological protection of winter wheat against fungal diseases

The purpose of the research is the regulation of the phytosanitary state of winter wheat crops based on the use of biostimulants, biofungicides and chemical fungicides. The article considers the phytosanitary situation of crops, investigates fungal diseases, the degree of their spread, substantiates the use of biological fungicides and biostimulants, analyzes the biological effectiveness of their use, reveals the effect of protective measures on the productivity and quality of grain. The winter wheat variety Moskovskaya 40 was sown on dark gray forest soil. Seeds of the 1st reproduction. The predecessor is buckwheat. The analysis of the results showed that the treatment of winter wheat seeds with the fungicide Scarlet, ME (imazalil + tebuconazole) helped to protect the culture from fungal diseases until the end of June. Double treatment of crops with biofungicide Vitaplan (titer 10 + 10 CFU/g) Bacillus subtilis. Strain VKM-B-2604D + Bacillus subtilis. strain VKM-B-2605D) and the chemical fungicide Amistar Extra, SK (azoxystrobin + cyprocanazole) had a significant effect on reducing the prevalence and development of fungal diseases. The biological effectiveness of the chemical fungicide in comparison with the biological one was higher in the phase of milky-wax ripeness of grain by 23.8%. The increase in yield compared to the control when using biopreparations Nigor (buckwheat bioflavonoids) and Nigor ++ (buckwheat bioflavonoids and exometabolites Trichoderma atrobrunneum VKPM F-1434 in a ratio of components 1: 1) was 7.1%, Vitaplan - 9.5%, Amistar Extra 14.3%.

Formation of Seed Productivity and Sowing Qualities of Soft Winter Wheat Seeds Depending on the Levels of Mineral Nutrition of Plants in the Western Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Today, considerable attention is paid to the intensification of grain production, which depends on the accelerated introduction of highly productive varietal resources with the preservation of the properties of the variety in the process of further reproduction, the production of high-quality and competitive products for the sub-markets of pre-basic, basic, and certified seeds. Improved technologies for growing soft winter wheat should be based on the effective use of the soil and climatic conditions of the studied region, the biological, the genetic potential of varieties, technological innovations in agrotechnical methods of growing crops and the optimal use of material and technical resources. They should be effective for both the producer and the consumer of seed products. The purpose of the research was to determine the features of the formation of seed productivity and sowing qualities of soft winter wheat seeds, depending on the levels of mineral nutrition of plants in the Western Forest Steppe of Ukraine. The methodological basis consisted of general scientific and special research methods. Studies have established that with the low natural fertility of grey forest surface-gley soils of the Western Forest Steppe and considering climate change towards warming with a decrease in precipitation, the introduction of new more productive varieties of intensive type, complex forms of mineral fertilisers, microfertilisers, growth regulators into agricultural production, the questions of the nutrition system of soft winter wheat plants are insufficiently substantiated in this region. The research results presented in the article from 2019 to 2021 demonstrate the issues of the influence of the norm of application of mineral fertilisers with stage-by-stage feeding with nitrogen in different phases of organogenesis on the formation of indicators of seed productivity of varieties of the forest steppe ecological type of soft winter wheat. It was found that the rate of yield of conditioned seeds was the lowest in the control without fertilisers and grew by 16-20% for the application of mineral fertilisers. The seed yield varied from 1.58 t/ha in the control to 4.59 t/ha at the rate of N220P90K160S28, and the multiplication factor, respectively, from 6.3 to 19.8 units. According to this option, the total yield of the large and medium fractions was from 94.9 to 95.2%. A balanced complex of macroelements positively influenced the formation of indicators of sowing qualities of seeds, increasing the weight of 1000 seeds by 5.3-7.5 g, germination energy – from 4.8 to 8.4%, laboratory germination – from 13.6 to 14.4%

Pathogenic mycobiot of seeds of cereal crops under the influence of different growing technologies

One of the important factors in obtaining quality seeds of cereals is the technology of cultivation, which should ensure high yields and quality of grain and be safe for the environment. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the impact of different growing technologies on the pathogenic microflora of the seeds winter wheat and oats. It was established that on the seeds of winter wheat of the variety Oberig Myronivskyi according to the traditional growing technology 7 genera of phytopathogenic micromycetes parasitized such as Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., Acremoniella spp., Bipolaris spp., Penicillium spp., Cladosporim spp., which were characterized by different frequency of occurrence from 10% to 60%. On the seeds of oat variety Timbre we identified such phytopathogenic micromycetes as Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., Chaetomiums spp., Drechslera spp., Penicillium spp., Trichoderma spp., where their frequency of occurrence was from 10 to 50%. The highest frequency of occurrence the seeds winter wheat and oats by traditional growing technologies was characterized by genera Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. This can create a significant problem when storing seeds and suppress its germination. Under organic growing technology on winter wheat seeds of the variety Oberig Myronivskyi micromycetes of the following genera: Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., Chaetomiums spp., Penicillium spp., Trichoderma spp., Bipolaris spp. were identified, where their frequency of occurrence was from 25 to 50%. On the seeds of oats of the variety Timbre there were micromycetes of genera: Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., Chaetomiums spp., Drechslera spp., Penicillium spp., Trichoderma spp. with frequency of occurrence from 10 to 50%. The dominant genus was Trichoderma spp. Fungi of this genus have the ability to multiply rapidly, which will compete with other microorganisms. The growing technology of cereal affect not only the number and frequency of occurrence phytopathogenic micromycetes on seeds, but also sporulation and their reproductive structures. It was found that the seeds of winter wheat and oats, in the conditions of traditional growing technology, the similarity of micromycetes was 56%. At the same time, the coefficient similarity of species the phytopathogenic micromycetes on the seeds of the studied crops, in terms of organic technology, was slightly higher and amounted to 63%. The analyzed indicators, such as the frequency of occurrence and the similarity coefficient, make it possible to evaluate the seeds of growing plant varieties in order to avoid biological contamination of agrocenoses with infectious structures of the phytopathogenic micromycetes.

Influence of Gold Nanoparticles on the Tolerance of Wheat to Low Temperature.

It was shown for the first time that the treatment of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds with gold nanoparticles (average diameter 15.3 nm; solution concentration 20 μg/mL) increases plant tolerance to low temperature. It was found that an increase in tolerance under the influence of nanoparticles is accompanied by a number of changes depending on temperature conditions. In optimal temperature conditions, gold nanoparticles stimulated plant growth and the activity of the photosynthetic apparatus, whereas in conditions of low-temperature hardening (2°C, 7 days) they inhibited growth but maintained photosynthetic activity, contributing to the accumulation of soluble sugars (cryoprotectants) in the leaves. It is concluded that gold nanoparticles can be considered as adaptogens that increase plant tolerance to low temperatures; however, their effectiveness in this role and the subtle mechanisms of action require further study.

The effect of treatment of various strains of Bacillus subtilis on the productivity of winter wheat

In the conditions of the Rostov region of the Russian Federation on ordinary micellar-carbonate chernozems, the effect of Bacillus subtilis strains during the processing of winter wheat seeds on the productivity and quality of grain of the zoned varieties Grom and Kalym was studied. The issues of influence of strains 10-VISR, IPM 215, VKM-V-2605D and 26D on field germination of seeds, winter hardiness and survival of plants for harvesting are considered. The analysis of the dependence of the structure of the yield and the yield of wheat varieties on the Bacillus subtilis strain is given. It was found that the treatment of seeds with the studied strains increases the germination rate for the Kalym variety by 0.9-3.4%, and for the Grom variety by 3.8-5.8% in comparison with the chemical dressing agent based on Tebuconazole. The increase in winter hardiness of the Kalym variety was 3.3-5.0%. Productive bushiness increased by 8-24% for the Grom variety and by 6-21% for the Kalym variety. It was revealed that the maximum weight of 1000 grains per spike was when the seeds were treated with the VKM-V-2605D strain. In general, the greatest influence on the productivity of winter wheat was exerted by seed dressing with the Bacillus subtilis VKM-V-2605D strain - the grain yield of the Grom variety increased by 1.27 t / ha, the Kalym variety - by 2.16 t / ha, the profitability of grain production reached 119- 187%.

Increasing the germination of wheat seeds using the technology of pressing seeds into the sowing furrows

The article presents the results of research on a new design of a combined disc coulter, which makes it possible to implement the technology of sowing wheat by pressing the seeds into the bottom of the furrow. The material for the study was the seeds of winter wheat variety “Zustrich”. Studies have shown that the maximum pressing force of winter wheat seeds is much less than the force of their destruction, the depth of pressing is from 5 to 8 mm, the speed of the seeder is about 10 km · h−1. On the basis of analytical studies, the design parameters and operating modes of the combined disc coulter were substantiated, which made it possible to obtain soil density at the bottom of the sowing furrow of 1.15 t · m−3, seed germination – 86, 9%; uniformity of seed distribution in a row – 83, 6%, which fully complies with agricultural requirements.

PRE-SOWING STIMULATION OF WHEAT SEED GROWTH BY INFRARED RADIATION

Wheat production is the most common edible crop in the world, accounting for one third of the world’s diet. Therefore, the main thesis of the development of modern crop production in Ukraine is to reduce costs and introduce innovative technologies for the production of quality wheat. The quality of grain and seed depends on many factors, namely: agro-climatic conditions, sowing condition of the seed material, quality characteristics of the soil, yielding properties of seeds, pre-sowing seed treatment. etc. For this purpose, the photosynthesis and intensity of photosynthesis need to be limited to the width of the leaf and the height of the leaves by a smaller cut of the stem. It is extremely important to ensure that the head and side pagons of wheat are in good condition. All parameters are often secured by the technology of grain preparation before delivery. Prior to this technology, it is possible to introduce processing of the material in the form for the development of the material. This article presents the effectiveness of the use of infrared irradiation for the pre-sowing treatment of winter wheat seeds in Sekobra Research, Germany.

Effect of Laser Biostimulation on Germination of Wheat

HighlightsThe effect of laser biostimulation on wheat germination was explored using a single- and dual-wavelength (DW) laser.An 80 mW green-infrared DW laser treatment significantly enhanced several germination traits of wheat.The effect of a 100 mW single-wavelength red laser on wheat germination was non-significant.Abstract. Laser biostimulation of seeds has established itself as a safe and sustainable alternative to genetic modification or chemical use to enhance plant germination and growth. A knowledge gap, however, exists to define optimal laser parameters for different seeds as inappropriate irradiation may seriously damage or destroy germinability. To this end, the effect of laser biostimulation on germination of Canada Western Red Winter (CWRW) wheat seeds was evaluated using two low power portable lasers: 1) a single-wavelength red laser (659 nm) and 2) a dual-wavelength (DW) green/infrared laser [531 and 810 nm (ratio ~10:1)]. The seeds were pretreated with laser light before germination tests for 5, 10, and 15 minutes using total power densities of ~14.2 and 11.3 mW/cm2, respectively. Laser treatment with a DW laser for a duration of 10 min was found to be the most efficient as it significantly enhanced mean germination time, germination rate index, germination speed, number of roots, and hypocotyl length by 14.3%, 15.2%, 15.2%, 31.8%, and 60.9%, respectively, with respect to control samples. The effect of single-wavelength red laser on CWRW wheat seed germination traits was not statistically significant. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first on evaluating the effect of DW laser treatments in plant biostimulation and introduces a new pathway for manipulating the germination, growth, and development of seeds/plants. Keywords: Agriculture, Biostimulation, Dual-wavelength laser, Laser, Wheat.

Modes of treating pre-sowing grain seeds with ozone

Ozonation enables to abandon the pre-sowing seeds treatment with pesticides, reduce their possible use. The effectiveness of ozone application equals to that of chemical disinfection. However, during pre-sowing ozone treatment of seeds, it is difficult to maintain the specified operating modes of the ozonizer. Therefore, it is much easier to vary the operation time with regards to the capabilities of a particular ozonation plant. Thus, the most rational modes of pre-sowing ozone treatment of seeds were determined based on the crop and the average concentration of ozone in the ozone-air mixture. The ozonation time should be in the range 23 … 41, 32 … 52, 40 … 60 and 17 … 45 min during pre-sowing ozone treatment of the seeds of winter wheat, spring barley, oats and maize with ozone concentration in the ozone-air mixture equal to 4.21, 2.57, 1.45 and 1.87 mg/m3, respectively. If the ozonizer fails to maintain a specified operating mode, then the dose of ozone treatment should be regarded. The ozone treatment dose for winter wheat varies from 96 to 234 min mg/m3, for spring barley – from 84 to 116 min mg/m3, for oats – from 45 to 86 min mg/m3, for maize – from 32 to 75 min mg/m3. In this case, it will be necessary to calculate the ozonation time depending on the actual concentration of ozone in the ozone-air mixture. The average duration of pre-sowing ozone treatment of grain crops is 38 minutes.

ХIМIЧНИЙ ЗАХИСТ ПШЕНИЦІ М’ЯКОЇ ОЗИМОЇ ВІД КОРЕНЕВИХ ГНИЛЕЙ

We are given research results of the effectiveness of pre-sowing treatment of soft winter wheat seeds with combined chemical fungicides against root rot and its influence on grain yield in the eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The research results shown that development degree of root rots as Helminthosporium (Bіpolarіs so-rokіnіana Shoemaker) and Fusarіum (Fusarіum Lіnk.) in control variant without fertilizers and protection at the spring tillering stage was 10.1 % with a prevalence of 22.6 %. In meteorological and phytosanitary con-ditions of research years, the intensity of root rots development in the spring tillering stage was reduced with pre-sowing seed treatment from 3.9 (Vitavax 200 FF standard) to 0.1% (Lamardor Pro). The technical effi-ciency of the pesticides was for Insure Perform - 69.7 %; Scenic - 77.4 %; Vincit Forte - 77.9 %; Lamardor 400 and Lamardor Pro - at the level of 78.3-78.8 %; Vitavax 200 FF standard - 50.0%, compared to the un-fertilized control. In the grain dough stage, pesticides were ineffective. Grain yield in unfertilized control was 6.64 t/ha, and in the fertilized control - 7.37 t/ha, which is 10 % more. The combined action of fertilizers and pre-sowing seed treatment significantly increased grain yield gain - from 0.78 (Vitavax 200 FF) to 1.15 t/ha (Scenik), or by 11.7–17.3 %. Seed dressing with Vincit Forte, Insure Perform, Lamardor 400, Lamardor Pro and Scenic resulted to obtain the relatively net profit of 795, 687, 763, 139 and 857 UAH/ha, respectively. Lamardor 400, Insure Perform and Vincit Forte provided the highest profitability of 119 %, 93 % and 78 %, respectively. Keywords: soft winter wheat, root rots, systemic seed dresser, technical effectiveness, yield.

Linear Growth of Representatives of Wheat Seeds Mycobiota

Seed-born fungi of wheat interact with the plant at various stages of its development and with each other. With the highest growth rate, they should be isolated because of competition. The purpose of this study was to compare the growth of colonies on a nutrient medium for the gradation of fungal genera and species from wheat seeds according to aggressiveness. These data helped concluding on the effectiveness of mycoexpertise of winter wheat seeds. Potatoglucose agar (PGA) was used for the analysis of the fungal complex. Seven-day fungal cultures were sown in the centre of Petri dishes. Linear growth of fungal colonies on PGA with gentamicin was determined. The specific features of the development of 12 representatives of seeds mycobiota from the Northeast of Ukraine of the 2017-2019 harvest were investigated. The dominance of Alternaria sp. and a slight release of Fusarium sp. were established by analysis of the fungal complex. The first comparison of the linear growth of Fusarium graminearum, F. poae, and Alternaria tenuissima in 2017 showed that Fusarium colonies grow faster on nutrient medium. In 2018, the growth characteristics of A. arborescens, which quickly became dominant in wheat seeds mycoflora, and the littlecommon Trichothecium roseum were studied in detail. By comparing the growth of fast-growing F. graminearum with the common Aureobasidium pullulans and the aggressive Nigrospora oryzae, the fastest development of the third and the slowest of the second species was established. F. poae filled the Petri dish on day 6, Penicillium – on day 22. In 2019, in the first experiment comparing F. poae, F. sporotrichioides, and A. avenicola, the second species had the worst growth rates. It became the second fastest growing colony in the study of the growth of seven species in the second experiment. Isolates of N. oryzae in 2018 were more aggressive than in 2019. Specific features of colony growth on PGA did not affect the effectiveness of the analysis of mycobiota of winter wheat seeds. N. oryzae had the highest radial speed under the general dominance of Alternaria sp. Fusarium sp. (F. poae, F. sporotrichioides, F. verticillioides, and F. graminearum) and B. sorokiniana developed rapidly. A. arborescens and A. avenicola grew at the same level as A. pullulans. Penicillium and T. roseum lagged behind other fungi in speed and filled Petri dishes for the longest time. A. tenuissima had the lowest radial growth rate

Analysis of winter wheat varieties suitable for cultivation in conditions of flooding

The purpose of the research is to study the reaction of winter wheat varieties to artificially simulated flooding and to identify forms resistant to this factor in the field conditions. In a series of laboratory experiments to study the adaptation of winter wheat seeds to lack of oxygen (hypo- and anoxia) in 2019-2021 and field studies in 2017-2021, the objects of research were 10 varieties of winter wheat. The depressing effect of laboratory hypoxia is manifested in severe germination depression and a large number of defective seeds. The number of rotted seeds ranged from 49.8 to 79.9%, the number of non-normal germinated seeds ranged from 1.3 to 8.4%. The following varieties were characterized by a low degree of germination process inhibition: Angelina (43.7%), Anfisa (41.6%), Boyarka (31.5%). Moreover, the coefficient of variation (CV) of germinating seeds over the years in these varieties was the lowest – 15.3-26.4%. A high degree of conjugacy of the selected varieties with the HTCMin September was noted: plant germination in autumn (r=+0.864 ...+0.982), the number of preserved plants after overwintering (r=+0.229...+0.745), yield (r=+0.454 ...+0.622). The positive conjugacy of the HTCMof March on the number of preserved plants after overwintering was revealed (r=+0.601). Field studies have shown that the largest number of preserved plants in the field were formed by the varieties Anfisa (77.8%), Boyarka (72.8%), and Angelina (74.4%). These varieties can be recommended for conditions of lowlands, poorly permeable soils, and other places where the soil may be waterlogged in autumn or spring, including accumulation and stagnation of precipitation.

Features of development of winter wheat plants in the autumn-winter vegetation period as affected by pre-sowing seed treatment

Purpose. To identify the peculiarities of growth and development of winter wheat plants in the autumn-winter vegetation period as affected by pre-sowing seed treatment in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.
 Methods. The experiments were carried out at the Agronomic Research Station of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (Pshenychne, Bila Tserkva district, Kyiv region) in the years 2019–2021: inoculant Binok Grain, complex micro fertilizer Harvest Start, organic biostimulant containing enzymes Rhizomax and bacterial formulations Trichodermin and Planoryz at the application rates recommended by their manufacturers. The background (control) for the study was a treatment where seedbed preparation included the application of nitroammophos N32P32K32 together with a complex granular fertilizer Actibion. The cultivation technology in the experiment is generally accepted for the research area.
 Results. In the control treatment, on average for the years of research, the field germination of bread winter wheat seeds was 82.7% with a plant density of 414 per 1 m2. The use of protective and stimulating formulations for seed treatment increased these indicators compared to the control by 1.9–4.8% and 9–26 plants/m2, respectively. The highest sugar content in the tillering node (14.2%) and, accordingly, winter hardiness of plants (96.8%) was obtained in the treatment with Binok Grain + Harvest Start. In other seed treatments, these indicators ranged between 12.6 and 14.0% and 93.4–96.0%, while in the control between 12.4% and 82.7%, respectively. In the control treatment, the incidence of Septoria in autumn was 1.6%, powdery mildew 5.6%, and Fusarium root rot 2.9%, while in the case of using biological formulations the values were 0.1–0.9%, 0.1–3.0 and 0.0–1.4%, respectively. Complete control of these diseases in sowings (plant damage was not detected) is provided by the combined use of Binok Grain + Harvest Start. Most likely, this is because Binok Grain contains antagonists of pathogens, phytohormones, antibiotics, vitamins, amino acids, and growth regulators. Harvest Start, in addition, to trace elements, contains auxins, amino acids, and B vitamins.
 Conclusions. The use of all studied protective and stimulating formulations for the winter wheat seed treatment ensured a significant increase in the field germination of seeds, plant density, sugar content in the tillering node, winter hardiness, and limit the development of dangerous pathogens in crops. Consequently, these biological formulations may be recommended for implementation in the current cultivation technologies practiced in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.

Raman Spectroscopy Enables Non-Invasive Identification of Mycotoxins p. Fusarium of Winter Wheat Seeds

Identification of specific mycotoxins p. Fusarium contained in infected winter wheat seeds can be achieved by visually recognizing their distinctive phenotypic species. The visual identification (ID) of species is subjective and usually requires significant taxonomic knowledge. Methods for the determination of various types of mycotoxins of the p. Fusarium are laborious and require the use of chemical invasive research methods. In this research, we investigate the possibility of using Raman spectroscopy (RS) as a tag-free, non-invasive and non-destructive analytical method for the rapid and accurate identification of p. Fusarium. Varieties of the r. Fusarium can produce mycotoxins that directly affect the DNA, RNA and chemical structure of infected seeds. Analysis of spectra by RS methods and chemometric analysis allows the identification of healthy, infected and contaminated seeds of winter wheat with varieties of mycotoxins p. Fusarium. Raman seed analysis provides accurate identification of p. Fusarium in 96% of samples. In addition, we present data on the identification of carbohydrates, proteins, fiber and other nutrients contaminated with p. Fusarium seeds obtained using spectroscopic signatures. These results demonstrate that RS enables rapid, accurate and non-invasive screening of seed phytosanitary status.

Pre-Sowing Treatment of Winter Wheat Seeds with a Surface Discharge: Freezing Tolerance

Pre-Sowing Treatment of Winter Wheat Seeds with a Surface Discharge: Freezing Tolerance

Weather Factors and Their Influence on the Adaptive Properties of Winter Wheat Varieties in the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

The yield potential of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is formed in changing weather conditions and depends on the proposed agro-technological measures, to which the response of a particular variety is different. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of weather factors on the field germination of soft winter wheat seeds, the growth and development of plants in the autumn and wintering in the zone of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, by sowing high-quality basic seed, careful soil preparation and the presence of optimum environmental factors. A sufficient level of productive soil moisture, which protects young shoots from possible deficiency after germination and is a long-term source of moisture at the next stages of organogenesis, has a great influence on obtaining friendly and timely shoots. Often overwintering conditions, when plants suffer from low negative temperatures at the beginning and at the end of the winter period, ground ice crust, resumption of vegetation in winter are the causes of freezing, loss, and ultimately a decrease in yield and seed quality. It has been confirmed that an increase in the temperature regime in 244-247°C in the autumn-winter period and the optimal amount of precipitation contribute to sufficient (31.6-34.6 mm) productive soil moisture (0-20 cm), which positively influences the process of germination of soft winter wheat, provides a high percentage of field germination of seeds of varieties (93.8-94.5%), lengthens the autumn development of plants by 3-12 days, which causes 3.5-5.7% higher accumulation of sugar content in the tillering nodes and a high percentage of overwintering (up to 95.5-96.4%). Varieties of the forest-steppe ecological type of soft winter wheat have insignificant phenotypic variability of adaptive traits, therefore, in the production of grain and seed products, it is recommended to give preference to the plant varieties listed in the Register, suitable for distribution in Ukraine for the Forest-Steppe zone, Polissya. The recommendations set out in this scientific work will help agricultural producers of the studied soil and climatic zone to carry out an effective, more ecologically plastic, highly productive variety replacement

Field evidence of UK wild bird exposure to fludioxonil and extrapolation to other pesticides used as seed treatments

We determine the exposure of wild birds to pesticides via consumption of fludioxonil-treated winter wheat seeds following autumn drilling. We recorded the density of seeds left on the soil surface, bird density, and consumption of pesticide-treated seed by birds using camera traps. We calculated the dose ingested by each bird species in a single feeding bout and if they ate treated seeds exclusively for 1 day. We extrapolated this for an additional 19 pesticides commonly used as seed treatments, assuming equal consumption rates. All three fields contained grains on the soil surface (mean 7.14 seeds/m2 on sowing day). In total, 1,374 granivorous birds spanning 18 different species were observed in the fields, with 11 species filmed eating the seeds. Fludioxonil appears to pose a low risk to birds, with <1.14% of the LD50 potentially ingested by a bird for a daily maximum amount of seeds. Analysis of the further 19 pesticides commonly used as seed dressings suggests that the neonicotinoid insecticides imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam represent the highest risk for granivorous birds. For example, chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) could consume 63% of LD50 of imidacloprid in a single feeding bout, and 370% in a day. Further investigation is clearly required to determine whether seeds treated with these other pesticides are consumed as readily as those treated with fludioxonil, as if so this is likely to cause significant harm.

Determination of Main Spectral and Luminescent Characteristics of Winter Wheat Seeds Infected with Pathogenic Microflora

In connection with the constant growth of demand for high-quality food products, there is a need to develop effective methods for storing agricultural products, and the registration and predicting infection in the early stages. The studying of the physical properties of infected plants and seeds has fundamental importance for determining crop losses, conducting a survey of diseases, and assessing the effectiveness of their control (assessment of the resistance of crops and varieties, the effect of fungicides, etc.). Presently, photoluminescent methods for diagnosing seeds in the ultraviolet and visible ranges have not been studied. For research, seeds of winter wheat were selected, and were infected with one of the most common and dangerous diseases for plants—fusarium. The research of luminescence was carried out based on a hardware–software complex consisting of a multifunctional spectrofluorometer “Fluorat-02-Panorama”, a computer with software “Panorama Pro” installed, and an external camera for the samples under study. Spectra were obtained with a diagnostic range of winter wheat seeds of 220–400 nm. Based on the results obtained for winter wheat seeds, it is possible to further develop a method for determining the degree of fusarium infection.

Influence of genotype on representativeness of Alternaria sp. inside the seeds of winter wheat

Goal. To establish the influence of the genotype of winter wheat on the presence of Alternaria sp. in the seeds of winter wheat under different growing conditions, for different periods of time, among varieties from different original institutions of Ukrainian and foreign selection.&#x0D; Methods. Field — cultivation of wheat varieties in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine; organizational — collection of seed samples; laboratory — analysis of the mycoflora of winter wheat seeds by biological method on the PGA, determination of Alternaria fungi on the environment of the PCA; analytical and mathematical — analysis of the obtained results and their statistical comparison.&#x0D; Results. The study of the influence of the variety on the isolation of Alternaria fungi for their cultivation in different years for the period from 2011 to 2020 and in different growing conditions proved the existence of a significant difference in their total amount and number of individual species, especially dominant. Differences were noted in the presence of Alternaria sp. inside the seeds grown in two climatic zones (Polissya and Forest-Steppe), on farms and in experimental fields. Three-year observation of the species of these fungi on two varieties from one originator showed their different isolation: both the presence of certain representatives and the number of their isolation. Analysis of 9 and 17 genotypes of wheat of Ukrainian and foreign selection during 2019 and 2020 also showed a different picture of the population of Alternaria fungi.&#x0D; Conclusions. Significant influence of genotype on the selection of Alternaria sp. was installed. Based on several years of studying the population of winter wheat seeds with Alternaria fungi, genotypes with a smaller presence were identified: in 2013—2015 — Gordovyta variety, in 2019—2020 — Emil, Pylypivka. It should be borne in mind that fewer alternative fungi reduce the presence of their mycotoxins, but increase the number of other fungi in the mycoflora, sometimes more dangerous.

Black point of winter wheat seeds

Goal. To study infection of seeds of winter wheat varieties by «black point» and to establish the phytopathogenic composition of pathogens in the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.&#x0D; Methods. Laboratory — macroscopic analysis was performed according to DSTU 4138-2002, phytopathogenic composition was identified using nutrient medium, statistical analysis of the obtained data — calculation of the degree of pathogen severity, LSD.&#x0D; Results. A collection of 27 varieties of soft winter wheat was studied to determine the degree of seed infection. The highest percentage of infection was found in varieties Vodogray Bilotserkivsky (Ukraine), Adele (Russia), Balitus (Austria), Viglanka (Slovakia), Sefeg-2 (Azerbaijan). The least susceptible to the disease are varieties Daria (Croatia), Bodycek (France), Gratsia Bilotserkivska (Ukraine, Bila Tserkva DSS), Azano (Sweden), Gospodarka (Ukraine), Kozyr (Ukraine), Morozko (Russia), the number of grains with signs of darkening in the embryonic zone for these varieties did not exceed 1%. The sowing qualities of the diseased seeds were determined. The species composition of phytopathogens that cause the disease has been established. The phytopathogenic complex of seeds with the «black point» included fungi of the genera Alternaria, Fusarium, Curvularia, Bipolaris, Aspergillus, Acremoniella, Stemphillium, Sordaria and Epicoccum. Most often, the seeds were colonized by fungi of the genus Alternaria Nees. Their share in the years of research was 76.6—83.1%.&#x0D; Conclusions. The infection of seeds of winter wheat varieties by black point under conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine in 2018—2019 ranged from 0 to 19.8% depending on the variety and year of research. The phytopathogenic complex included 13 species of fungi from 9 genera: Alternaria, Fusarium, Curvularia, Bipolaris, Aspergillus, Acremoniella, Stemphillium, Sordaria, Epicoccum. The part of Alternaria spp. in the years of research was over 75%, the most common species were A. tenuissima and A. infectoria. The percentage of species from other genera was insignificant and did not exceed 4.6%.