Vegetables are essential plant-based foods in the human diet. A large proportion of the existing variety of vegetable crops is made up of beetroot crops, among which beetroot is of particular value. Beetroot is recognized as a strategically important vegetable crop in the Russian Federation, and therefore, within the framework of the import substitution program, the self-sufficiency of the domestic market in commercial products should be at least 90% of the population's needs, and in seeds – at least 75%. In fact, in the industrial sector of vegetable growing over the past ten years, there has been a reduction in the acreage under this crop, however, due to a systematic increase in yields, through the intro- duction of highly productive varieties and hybrids and optimization of the technological process, there has been an increase in gross yields. In the whole country, the self-sufficiency of marketable beetroot products, taking into account the volume of consumption, com- pared with other vegetable crops, is at a fairly high level. The production of beetroot seeds in Russia is in a critical situation and satisfies the market by no more than 20%, which makes domestic producers dependent on imports. In addition, despite the high cost, manufacturers prefer foreign hybrids, which poses a threat to the country's food security and contributes to a steady decline in their own production of commercial beet seeds. It is possible to achieve the necessary level of self-sufficiency in seed material not only for beetroots, but also for other vegetable crops, if we use the joint potential of domestic breeding science, Russian seed companies with their experience in global seed production areas and advanced vegetable farms. Within the framework of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Agriculture, public-private partnership projects have been launched, as a result of which it is planned to create and develop a competitive fund of original seed material of domestic varieties and hybrids of agricultural crops; the development of new varietal technologies that promote the introduction of breeding achievements in commercial production.

Relevance. Over the years, there has been a growing trend in the production of commercial sweet pepper fruits in Russia, both in protected and open ground. However, the domestic seed industry currently does not produce enough high-quality hybrid sweet pepper seeds. The use of cytoplasmic male sterility F1 hybrids in seed production and hybridization in protected soil conditions makes it possible to increase the profitability of production and produce high-quality seed material. There is a problem when working with some CMS lines: under the influence of poorly controlled environmental factors (in particular, temperature) Such lines can form fertile flowers, self-pollinate and produce offspring with non-standard hybridity, thereby reducing the heterotic potential of the hybrid generation. The purpose of the study. To study the effect of the temperature regime on the manifestation of sterility in the CMS line of sweet pepper, which is unstable for this reason.

Materials and Methods. The experiment was conducted in 2024-2025 on the basis of the Department of vegetable growing and the Laboratory of Biotechnology and molecular Biology of the Federal State Budgetary Budgetary Institution "FNC Rice" in an artificial climate chamber with the separation of the studied material into two experimental variants: 1 – night temperature less than 18^oС, 2 – night temperature more than 18^oС. The research material is a temperature–affected CMS line ms Yant 85. In the experiment, the following calculations and observations were carried out: measuring the length of buds in branching orders in mm with the stage of bud development fixed; visual assessment of the sterility and fertility of flowers by branching order; microscopic analysis of the sterility and fertility of flowers, as the fruits formed and matured, the number of seeds that had set was calculated.

Results. The conducted research revealed a tendency of sterility and fertility on the temperature–affected CMS line. Thus, the night temperature of less than 18°C in the first version of the experiment, which persisted throughout the entire flowering in tiers up to the sixth order, affected the formation of fertile flowers, followed by the formation of fruits on parts of the studied plants. In the second version of the experiment, the established night temperature of more than 18^oС affected the formation of mostly sterile flowers. Keywords: sweet pepper, first-generation hybrid, seed production, cytoplasmic male sterility, temperature factor, sterility, fertility, artificial climate chamber.

Relevance. Garlic is grown almost everywhere in spring and winter forms. The soil and climatic conditions of winter garlic cultivation zones are different and require varieties that are able to realize their biological potential to the maximum extent in the proposed conditions. Local plant material may have special properties as a result of adaptation to local agro-ecological conditions, and conservation of such material can increase the biodiversity of collections. The study of winter garlic forms based on a set of economically valuable traits isolated from populations of the Omsk, Kemerovo regions and the Altai Territory is relevant for the West Siberian region.

Materials and Methods. The research was conducted on the territory of the Scientific and Practical Laboratory "Gardening" of the educational and experimental farm of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Omsk State Agrarian University in 2022- 2025. The objects of the study were samples of local populations of winter garlic of the Omsk, Kemerovo regions and the Altai Territory.

Results. Phenotypic evaluation of the plant height feature revealed forms 04-22, 11-23, 12-23 and TM-22, this indicator exceeds the meter mark by 2-17 cm. Forms 03-22, 07-22, 08-22, 15-24 and DD-22 are low-growing, the height ranged from 81 to 87 cm. The diameter of the garlic bulb varies from 4.0 to 5.4 cm, the largest ones are in the forms 08-22, 09-22, 15/24 and TM-22. An average direct relationship was noted between the bulb diameter and the yield, the correlation coefficient was 0.6. Forms 12-23, 15-24, DB-22 and TM-22 are marked by a small number of large cloves - 6 pieces in a bulb, forms 01-22 and 11-23 have 9-12 small cloves. Forms 08-22, 09-22, 12-23, 15-24 and TM-22 can be recommended as sources of high productivity, this indicator was 13.14-15.96 t/ha.

Conclusion. Based on the results of the assessment of economically valuable traits winter garlic forms 08-22, 09-22 and TM-22 were identified and recommended for participation in the further selection process.

Relevance. Triumph garden class tulips are among the most popular plants for spring flower arrangements, and the issues of their vegetative propagation to obtain planting material within the framework of the import substitution concept in Russia today are relevant. As part of a comprehensive study of new varieties of Triumph garden class tulips for the collection of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden – National Scientific Center, a study was conducted to identify the features of their vegetative propagation when introduced in the conditions of the Steppe Crimea.

Materials and Methods. A study of 39 varieties was conducted in 2022-2023. Based on the results obtained, the average general and commercial coefficients of vegetative propagation of varieties, the yield of commercial bulbs and the resistance of bulbs to fungal diseases during storage were calculated for two years, and differences in these indicators depending on the variety and year were revealed.

Results. It was established that the new varieties of the Triumph class have higher studied indicators than the old varieties of the same garden class, which were studied earlier in the same conditions. At the same time, all the studied varieties had the I type of formation of replacement bulbs, i.e. the yield of commercial bulbs was less than 60%. As a result of the study, 12 varieties were identified that have consistently high yields of commercial bulbs and their stability during storage in the conditions of the Steppe Crimea. We recommend these varieties for propagation for use in landscaping, as well as for breeding work to create new domestic varieties for the conditions of the south of Russia. Keywords: tulips; garden class; variety; general coefficient of vegetative propagation, commercial coefficient of vegetative propagation, type of formation of replacement bulbs, yield of commercial bulbs.

Relevance. In onion breeding, the priority is the development of interline hybrids based on cytoplasmic male sterility. To obtain these hybrids, it is necessary to develop a pool of inbred lines characterized by high combining ability across a range of economically valuable traits and resistance to biotic and abiotic factors. The most damaging diseases of onions are Fusarium wilt and bacterial wilt, which can cause yield losses of 40% or more.

The aim of the research. To evaluate parental lines and hybrid combinations based on them for resistance to native strains of Fusarium and bacterial rot pathogens.

Materials and Methods. The study was conducted from 2022 to 2024 at the FSBSI FSVC in the Odintsovo District of the Moscow Region. Twelve onion breeding lines and nine hybrid combinations were analyzed. The onions were grown from seedlings in breeding and hybrid nurseries according to generally accepted methods. The resistance of the studied samples to Fusarium and bacterial rot was assessed using phytopathological selection methods.

Results. It was established that under the vegetation conditions of the Moscow region, the basis of the pathocomplex of mixed rot of onions consisted of Fusarium spp. and Pseudomonas spp., while under storage conditions – Fusarium spp., Penicill spp., Botrytis spp., Aspergillus spp., Pseudomonas spp. Immunological assessment of parental lines for resistance to fusarium and bacterial rot allowed us to isolate two maternal sterile lines «A» and five paternal fertile lines «C» with a low damage index under natural infectious background conditions (I=0,5-1,5). Inclusion of these lines in the selection process made it possible to obtain two hybrid combinations (10/22 and 20/22) with group resistance to native strains of fusarium (F. acuminatum and F. annulatum) with Vп=0-472 mm³; two (7/22 and 10/22) – with group resistance to bacterial rot pathogens with Vп=0- 514 mm³. The sources of resistance to highly aggressive strains of P. marginalis are hybrid combinations 3/22 and 4/22 (Vп=40-472 mm³), P. fluorescens – 7/22 and 22/22 (Vп=0-371 mm³). In the 11/22, 19/22, and 10/22 combinations, overdominance was observed relative to the best parent in terms of bulb survival during storage (heterosis effect of 8,3-30,5%). Promising resistant lines and hybrid combinations have been included in the breeding program for the development of domestic competitive heterotic onion hybrids.

Relevance. Modern agriculture faces a shortage of specialized tomato varieties and hybrids of determinate growth type, adapted to cultivation in closed agroecosystems with artificial lighting and at the same time possessing an increased content of valuable biochemical substances, such as vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants. The solution to this problem involves the active development of the breeding process aimed at creating adapted hybrids and applying scientifically based approaches to the selection and evaluation of genetic material, which will form the basis for the successful implementation of intensive technologies for growing vegetables in closed agroecosystems. The purpose of the work: to identify the best tomato hybrids of domestic selection, suitable for cultivation in a closed agroecosystem with artificial lighting, through a comparative analysis of their productive and biochemical characteristics.

Materials and Methods. The tests were carried out on 11 specially selected hybrids, which made it possible to objectively assess their potential for use in intensive technologies of mod- ern vegetable growing. The study included a detailed assessment of the morphobiometric characteristics, dry weight gain dynamics, photosynthetic activity intensity, fruit biochemical composition, and overall hybrid productivity. Standard statistical analysis techniques and modern bioassessment approaches were used.

Results. It was noted that the F F₁ VS-21-23 hybrid was the most successful: it was characterized by high productivity (4.04 kg/plant), a short ripening period (81 days), a rich amino acid profile, high vitamin content, and low nitrate levels (177.58 mg/kg). The other five hybrids also demonstrated good adaptation to artificial conditions, but the F F₁ VS-21-23 hybrid significantly outperformed its competitors by most criteria.

Conclusion. The F F₁ VS-21-23 hybrid is promising for intensive cultivation in closed agroecosystems with artificial lighting, capable of consistently producing high yields of quality products.

Relevance. Тomato is one of the most popular vegetable crops in the southern regions of Russia. Recently, more and more attention has been paid to varieties that better meet the most diverse requirements of agricultural organizations, peasant farms, gardeners, summer residents, and the canning industry. New, more productive and original varieties are required, which have comprehensive resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors of the region. This is especially true in the south of Russia, where high solar insolation contributes to sunburn of fruits, and weather conditions are favor- able for the development of diseases and the stress load on plants is maximum.

The purpose of the study. To create varieties and heterotic hybrids with a combination of valuable economic characteristics by crossing lines with different genotypes adapted to the natural and climatic conditions of southern Russia and meeting the requirements of producers.

Materials and Methods. Long-term research was carried out in the department of vegetable growing of the "Federal Scientific Rice Centre" located in the central soil and climatic zone of the Krasnodar Territory (Southern Federal District). The research material includes varieties, hybrids, and promising combinations based on functional male sterility. The methods of classical breeding were used in the breeding work.

Results. As a result of many years of continuous breeding work, new high–yielding tomato varieties and hybrids have been created in recent years: F₁ Zarnitsa-75 and Zhanna hybrids for salad purposes; Malysh variety for processing; Victor variety for universal purposes. All varieties and hybrids with stable realization of their potential, with a high level of plasticity and resistance to adverse environ- mental factors have a determinant bush type, good foliage, which completely protects the fruits from sunburn.

Relevance. The climatic conditions of Krasnodar region allow for the cultivation of early-ripening white cabbage, a source of vitamins and microelements, from mid-April to mid-July, using spring film greenhouses and open ground. Building a product pipeline requires a diverse range of hybrids adapted to the growing conditions. Given that foreign hybrids predominate in the commercial vegetable industry, it is crucial to focus efforts on developing competitive domes- tic alternatives.

The aim of the study is to develop early-ripening hybrids that meet modern requirements for the early production of crops from protected and open ground in Kuban in the period from April to July.

Materials and Methods. Breeding work to develop early hybrids was conducted using self- incompatibility in a two-line system, as well as using CMS, in the Heterotic Breeding Department of the KNIIOKH from 2005 to 2010 and the Vegetable Growing Department of the Federal Scientific Rice Centre from 2011 to 2023. Source material: F-2 populations of commercial foreign hybrids and promising hybrid combinations. Inbred lines were grown as direct crops in a spring greenhouse, with periodic selection in the field. Hybrid testing included field testing under drip irrigation and in spring greenhouses. Foreign (Parel F₁, Tiara F₁, Ranini F₁) and domestic (Ritsa F₁, Kazachok F₁) hybrids served as standards.

Results. As a result of many years of work, 25 homozygous lines were created. The best combinations for a set of economically valuable traits were subjected to competitive testing for 2- 3 years, and the hybrid that best corresponded to the adopted model was submitted to State Variety Testing. The following hybrids entered the State Register: the early-ripening hybrid Ritsa F₁ (2016) for cultivation in spring film greenhouses, under covering material and in the open ground; the early-ripening, high-yielding hybrid Milana (2019) for cultivation under covering material and in the open ground; heat-resistant, high-yielding early and mid-early hybrids Ataman F₁ and Mlada F₁ for growing in a conveyor belt and delivering produce from the first ten days of June to mid-July (2011). The universal hybrid Vasilisa F₁, which is well adapted to the conditions of a film greenhouse without heating and also shows high results in open ground in terms of early maturity and yield, was submitted for State Variety Testing in 2023.

Relevance. Implementation of the program "Development of agriculture and regulation of markets for agricultural products, raw materials and food in the Saratov region"; introduction of new types of equipment for obtaining high-quality seedlings and vegetables requires an increase in labor, material costs and additional capital investments.

Methods. Statistical data were collected from the “Accounting reports” of the Saratov region (SR): Form No. 5APK, Form No. 9APK, etc. General scientific methods of induction and deduction were used to calculate and analyze the main cost and physical indicators: economic, statistical, mathematical.

Results. The results of the analysis of the main economic and financial indicators of greenhouse complexes - leaders of the Saratov region for the period 2014-2023 were demonstrated. Overall, the region has seen an increase in areas, including: by 50.34 p.p., 28.04 p.p., 27.12 p.p., 2.28 p.p. in REHN LLC, Volga JSC, Leto-2002 LLC, and Sovkhoz-Vesna JSC, respectively. Income also has an upward trend, which is associated with higher growth rates of consumer prices over the growth rates of unit cost of production by 14.77 percentage points in the region as a whole. Direct labor costs per 1 centner of vegetables averaged 4.26 man-hours for 2014–2023, which is 6.9 times higher than labor costs per unit of grain production; however, over the past decade, there has been a trend toward a significant reduction by 43.37% (from 6.13 to 3.47 man-hours).

Conclusion. An in-depth analysis of the company's financial and economic activities, including a forecast based on a polynomial equation and planning using the least-squares trending method, revealed changes in the industry's economic parameters for the purpose of shaping investment potential.

Relevance. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a highly valuable multipurpose crop, widely used in medicine, the food industry, perfumery, and agriculture. The VIR world col- lection includes 790 accessions from 78 countries and represents an extensive source of coriander genetic diversity for research and breeding. The aim of the study was to investigate the essential oil (EO) content in coriander fruits and characterize its component composition.

Materials and Methods. The object of the study was seeds of 208 coriander accessions from the VIR collection. The EO content was determined by hydrodistillation. The component composition was analyzed by GC-MS.

Results. The EO content varied from 0.10% to 3.00%, averaging 1.01%. Sixty-six com- pounds were identified, the main one in all accessions was linalool (averaging 68.2%). The conducted study confirmed high variability in both the quantitative content and qualitative composition of EO among the coriander accessions from the VIR collection. Accessions from Abkhazia (k-424, vr.538), Georgia (vr.336), and Russia (vr.939, Alekseevsky 413) with a balanced EO composition, which are of the greatest commercial value for the perfumery-cosmetic and food industries, have been selected. The obtained data provide a basis for the targeted selection of sources of valuable traits in breeding programs.

Relevance. The growing popularity of kimchi worldwide is due to its beneficial properties and distinctive flavor. Kimchi has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and immune-boosting properties, and is low in calories. During its production, lactic acid fermentation occurs, the quality of which depends on the initial biochemical composition of the leafy greens. Ultimately, this also influences the organoleptic characteristics of the finished product.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the suitability of modern Chinese cabbage hybrids for kimchi production.

Materials and Methods. Nine head Chinese cabbage hybrids were studied: F₁ Hydra, F₁ Cha-cha, F₁ Kudesnitsa, F₁ Medalist, F₁ Manoko, F₁ Emiko, F₁ Mirako, F₁ Yuki, and F₁ Nika. Fermentation was carried out according to a traditional recipe, and kimchi quality was assessed based on biochemical and organoleptic characteristics. Fermentation indicators were determined by the number of dominant bacterial microbiota groups.

Results. After 28 days of fermentation, the sugar content in kimchi leveled out in all the studied hybrids, dry matter increased and averaged 11.6%, in the F₁ Kudesnitsa and F₁ Nika hybrids – 12.5%. The nitrate content in kimchi did not exceed the MAC. The highest score for taste characteristics was received by the F₁ Medalist hybrids – 4.41 points and F₁ Mirako – 4.37. The control sample received the lowest score. Of the tested Chinese cabbage hybrids, the fastest fermentation process was observed with the F₁ Hydra, F1 Medalist, F₁ Mirako, F1 Yuki Chinese cabbage hybrids. The slowest fer- mentation rate was noted when using the F₁ Nika, F₁ Cha-cha, F₁ Emiko hybrids for kimchi preparation. Of the studied biochemical parameters, the depth and speed of fermentation best correlated with the content of vitamin C and sugars in the original raw material.

Conclusions. The most promising Chinese cabbage hybrids for kimchi production are F₁ Medalist, F₁ Nika, F₁ Kudesnitsa, and F₁ Mirako, distinguished by their high organoleptic properties and vitamin C retention. Kimchi made from the F₁ Medalist hybrid was superior in organoleptic properties and vitamin C levels to kimchi from other hybrids.

Relevance. The potential to enhance the stress resistance of plants in a changing climate underpins the improvement of modern agricultural technologies. Understanding the role of micro- and macroelements in the growth and development processes of plants allows for the regulation of their resilience to various stresses, among which water deficit is one of the most significant. Long-term global research has identified the stress-protective function of selenium, confirming the importance of this element in enhancing the life functions of organisms and its high effectiveness in plant survival under stress conditions. However, information regarding the effects of selenium on different plant species, the forms of selenium-containing preparations and fertilizers, and their concentrations varies. Consequently, research aimed at identifying the influence of selenium-containing preparations on the growth of plants in the Asteraceae family (Asteraceae) under conditions of water deficit is highly relevant.

Methods. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of a selenium-containing preparation on the growth of common species in the Asteraceae family: Аnnual aster (Callistephus chinensis), Tagetes patula (Tagetes patula), and Hybrid dahlias (Dahlia × hortensis) under water deficit conditions in a controlled environment. Biometric parameters were evaluated for the studied plants: stem height (cm), number of leaves (pieces), and leaf area (cm²), which affect their ornamental quality. Measurements were taken on the 7^th day after stress exposure.

Results. Specific reactions of the studied species of Asteraceae family plants to the effect of a selenium- containing preparation under conditions of water stress were revealed. It was found that the use of the studied preparation during the drought period promotes the growth of shoots in Аnnual aster, Tagetes patula, and Hybrid dahlias plants, the preservation of existing leaves and the growth of new leaves in Аnnual aster and Hybrid dahlias plants, and the increase in leaf area in Аnnual aster plants, which generally affected the greater vitality of the plants, their faster recovery after drought, and the preservation of their decorative properties. It was noted that Tagetes patula showed the highest resistance to water stress among the studied species of the Asteraceae family.

Conclusion. The use of the selenium-containing drug had a positive effect on plant growth in the studied species of the Asteraceae family (Asteraceae): Аnnual aster (Callistephus chinensis), Tagetes patula (Tagetes patula), and Hybrid dahlias (Dahlia × hortensis) in conditions of water scarcity, contributing to the preservation of vitality and decorative properties.

Relevance. Black crowberry (E. nigrum L.) is a wild plant that contains high levels of biologically active substances. It is currently attracting increasing interest as both a berry and a medicinal plant. Therefore, it has potential for cultivation as a source of medicinal plant material containing high amounts of flavonoids. There is therefore a need to develop accelerated methods of vegetative propagation, including clonal micropropagation. A critical step in this process is adapting the plant to non-sterile conditions. The aim of our research was therefore to develop methods for adapting and inducing rhizogenesis ex vitro of microcuttings of black crowberry (E. nigrum L.) cultivar 'Irland' grown on various substrates using different rooting stimulants.

Methods. The study focused on unrooted microcuttings of black crowberry (E. nigrum L.) plants of the 'Irland' variety, which were obtained through clonal micropropagation in vitro. The crowberry microcuttings were planted in the third ten-day period of November in mini-greenhouses in various substrates (high-moor peat with pH_KCl ≤ 3.5-4.0, sphagnum moss, and agroperlite). Experimental microplants treated with root formation stimulants ('Radygreen zelonyy', 'Mycofriend', 'BioKoren', 'KorneWin Ultra') were planted in these substrates. The control variant was a variant without treatment. The mini-greenhouses were located under Zěma ZML-0160 LED phytolamps, with a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 120 µmol·s⁻¹·m⁻² at a distance of 50 cm from the plants, with a 16/8-hour (light/dark) photoperiod for 45 days. After adaptation to non-sterile conditions, the plants were maintained in a greenhouse (temperature 22-30 ºC, air humidity 70-75%).

Results. On the 45th day of adaptation and rooting process of the black crowberry microcuttings', the advantages of cultivating them on an inorganic substrate agroperlite and treating the basal parts of the microcuttings with the mycorrhiza-forming preparation ‘Mycofriend’ was revealed. With a rooting of 88.9%. Significant differences were found in the morphometric indicators of the root system: in the number of roots – 4.00 ± 0.41 pcs., compared to the control 2.52 ± 0.35 pcs.; the total root length – 6.24 ± 0.83 cm, compared to the control – 2.71 ± 0.40 cm. The maximum total shoot growth was obtained in a substrate with acidic peat using the mycorrhiza-forming preparation ‘Mycofriend’ and amounted 6.78 ± 0.88 cm, compared to the control 3.97 ± 0.25 cm.

Conclusion. The information is useful in the scientific understanding of the rooting ability of ever- green plants ex vitro, using the black crowberry cultivar 'Irland' as an example. It could also help us to obtain high-quality planting material for large-scale commercial production.

Relevance. This review is devoted to the systematization of modern data on the potato anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum coccodes, its pathogenesis, epidemiology and protective measures. The increasing importance of the disease in recent decades has been associated with increasing requirements for the presentation of washed and packaged potatoes, which necessitated a comprehensive analysis of the accumulated knowledge.

Methodology. The review is based on an analysis of domestic and foreign publications of recent years, including the results of mycological, molecular genetics and epidemiological studies. Information on the symptoms of the disease, sources and ways of spreading the infection, diagnostic methods (mycological, PCR-oriented, digital), as well as data on agrotechnical, chemical and integrated potato protection strategies were used.

Results. It has been shown that Colletotrichum coccodes has a wide range of hosts, including more than 50 species of cultivated and weedy plants, which significantly complicates disease control. The main source of infection is sclerotia in the soil and on plant remains, which persist up to 8-13 years. The most harmful manifestations are associated with a deterioration in the marketable quality of tubers, especially during prolonged storage. Diagnosis in the field is difficult due to the similarity of symptoms with silver scab, but modern PCR tests provide high accuracy. Chemical fungicides have limited effectiveness, while the greatest results are achieved with their preventive use in combination with agrotechnical measures. A promising area is integrated protection, including the use of healthy planting material, the destruction of weeds, reservoirs of infection, optimization of agricultural machinery and monitoring of the pathogen.

Conclusion. Potato anthracnose remains a significant threat to potato production, reducing the yield and marketability of tubers. Effective control is possible only with the use of a set of preventive and integrated measures. Further research is needed to develop resistant varieties, new fungicides, and digital disease monitoring systems.

Relevance. Bacterial diseases that reduce tomato yield in both open and protected ground occupy a special place due to their harmfulness, intensity of transmission in agrocenosis, and difficulty of treatment. The widespread distribution of bacterial phytopathogens on tomatoes worldwide is due to their ability to remain viable for a long time on the surface and inside seeds. The aim of this study is to clarify the composition of cultivated bacteria associated with seeds of different tomato varieties and to identify pathogenic species.

Material and Methodology. The work was conducted in the Bacteriology Department of the All- Russian Plant Quarantine Center (Moscow Region, town of Bykovo). To study the composition of cultivated bacteria, seeds from 24 varieties and hybrids of tomatoes were used. Seed samples were inoculated onto YDC nutrient medium in duplicate using the Drigalski method. Petri dishes were incubated at 27°C. DNA extraction from pure bacterial cultures was performed using the boiling method. Isolates were identified using Sanger sequencing. For pathogenicity testing, a bacterial suspension of isolates Pseudomonas sp. and Curtobacterium sp. was prepared from a two-day pure culture in sterile distilled water at a concentration of 10⁶ CFU/ml. Tomato seedlings were grown from seeds of three hybrids. Artificial infection of the plants was conducted after the appearance of 2-3 true leaves by injecting into the stem between the cotyledons and the first true leaf in triplicate.

Results and Discussion. During the phytosanitary examination of the obtained tomato seed material, bacterial isolates belonging to 10 genera were identified: Sphingomonas, Micrococcus, Phyllobacterium, Ralstonia, Frigoribacterium, Arthrobacter, Devosia, Agrococcus, Pseudomonas, and Curtobacterium. Using artificial infection of tomato seedlings, it was demonstrated that representatives of the genus Pseudomonas and Curtobacterium were pathogenic to tomato plants. It was found that plants of the Bellioso F1 hybrid are most susceptible to infection with Pseudomonas bacteria, with more numerous and large necrosis on the leaves compared with the Callanzo F₁ hybrid and especially with the Senserno F₁ hybrid. The bacteria of the genus Curtobacterium were less aggressive, and the necroses they caused on the leaves were smaller than those caused by Pseudomonas bacteria. Significant growth inhibition of the tested varieties was noted. Upon inoculation with Pseudomonas sp., the plants lagged behind the control by 40-50%, while infection with Curtobacterium sp. resulted in a growth delay of 44-54%, depending on the hybrid. Thus, qualitative and timely diagnosis of phytopathogenic agents of bacterial diseases, along with the culling or disinfection of seeds, is an effective way to reduce yield losses and increase the profitability of tomato production.

Relevance. Plant breeding for resistance to pests is the most radical and effective method for decreasing the enormous yield loss caused by leaf-eating, sucking, and mining insects. Passportization of potato varieties is a popular tool for improving the system of registration and certification, intellectual property management, and the control over the genetic homogeneity of plant varieties. Description of a given variety should contain the results of its molecular-genetic and immunological evaluation.

Our research goal Compilation of immunological passport of the promising potato variety Askol’d.

Materials and Methods. Potato variety Askol'd was used as the research object. The methods of Shapiro et al. (2006), Ibragimov et al. (2006), and Tukalo and Zarik (1970) were employed to study the content of glycoalkaloids in fresh leaf tissue of potato plants, the content of stress hormones expressed as mg% of adrenaline in the bodies of insects, and the activity of the proteases of the pest and proteinase inhibitors in potato. The methods of Sainakova et al. (2018) and Strygina et al. (2019) were used in the molecular- genetic research.

Results. The genotype with variants of gene StAN1 lacking the main functional variant r1 can be viewed as a marker for the passportization of potato variety Askol'd if all the other are present. Based on the results of the conducted molecular and genetic evaluation, variety Askol'd had markers of the genes responsible for plant resistance to the golden cyst nematode, potato wart disease (pathotype 1), and Phytophthora blight. Variety Askol'd was observed to have strong immunity. This conclusion could be drawn from its biochemical profile, the reparative ability of tubers, and the response of hypersensitivity in leaves.

Conclusion. Potato variety Askol'd was found to be highly resistant to pathogens and pests. This quality makes the specimen valuable both for breeding and agricultural production. Growing resistant varieties often allows farmers to avoid using pesticides. This plays a significant role in minimizing the threat of product contamination with chemical residues and in preserving the natural ecosystems.

Relevance. Solving food security issues in the Russian Federation requires improving the system of protective measures and thoroughly studying the species structure of harmful organisms that reduce the yield and quality of agricultural crops. Table beet (Beta vulgaris L.), being a valuable vegetable root crop grown in the Russian Federation and the Bryansk region, is damaged by a variety of pests.

The aim of the scientific research was to study the taxonomic composition, structure of polyphagous and specialized pests of table beet in the Bryansk region, compile phenological calendars of dominant species of phytophages, clarify the period of harmfulness of table beet plants by phytophages in order to draw up recommendations for insecticide treatments.

Materials and Methods. In the conditions of the educational and experimental field of the Bryansk State Agrarian University in 2020-2023. conducted a study of the species structure of beetroot pests. The object of the study was the Bordeaux one-seeded beetroot plant variety. To clarify the species composition and account for the pests, the following observation methods were used: mowing with an entomological net, sticky traps, soil excavation, and yellow cups (Mörike vessels).

Results. During the studies to establish the taxonomic composition of beetroot phytophages and to clarify the ecological characteristics of polyphagous and specialized pests, representatives of the main group of polyphagous and oligophagous pests of the Insecta class from the following orders and families were identified: Coleoptera: Elateridae, Scarabidae, Chrysomeliidae; Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Noctuidae; Homoptera; Aphididae; Diptera: Anthomyiida; Hemiptera: Miridae; and also polyphages from the class Gastropda: Boettgerillidae and the class Mammalia. The excess of the EPT was established for two species of broad oligophages: sugar beet flea beetle (Chaetocnema concinna Marsham) (EPT – 1 imago/plant in the seedling-fork phase, 3-10 imago/m ²) and sugar beet aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.) (EPT – 10% of inhabited plants on the site in the phase of 3-6 pairs of true leaves).

Conclusion. Based on the obtained data, the taxonomic composition, structure of polyphagous and specialized pests of table beet in the conditions of the Bryansk region were studied, phenological calendars of dominant species of phytophages were compiled.

Relevance. Potatoes have a high nutritional value and therefore, being an integral element of the population's nutrition system, play an important role in ensuring the country's food security. The current course of Russia's agricultural policy is focused on increasing the export of agricultural products, in connection with which the task of activating supply growth becomes relevant. In these conditions, a strategy is needed that allows increasing the production potential of the product, including in regions promising for the development of potato growing.

Purpose of the study consisted of conducting an economic assessment of the strategy for increasing production potential in regions with underdeveloped potato growing.

Material and methodology. The correlation method determined that the growth of potato production volumes and changes in its sown areas in organizations are influenced mainly by the costs of purchasing seeds and chemical plant protection products. A methodological approach is proposed that allows substantiating the potential optimal growth of potato sown areas, including a system of proposed criteria (coefficients of interrelations of the sought indicators, industry specialization of the region and enterprises, the share of potato area in the overall structure of agricultural land).

Results. Based on the results of the study, a strategy was developed to increase potato production based on current government support measures and advanced innovations in the field of variety renewal, plant protection, modernization of irrigation systems and storage of commercial products. An economic assessment of the proposed measures was carried out using the example of commodity producers in a typical agricultural region (Saratov Oblast). The multiplier effect that can be obtained in the future when implementing the developed strategy will be: the area under potatoes and its output in the region will increase by 22.3 and 67.6%, respectively. The costs and profitability of tuber crop production in the studied enterprises will increase: taking into account the organization of sprinkling by 34.9% and 7.81 p.p., respectively; drip irrigation - by 35.7% and 7.45 p.p., respectively.

Relevance. Obtaining high-quality seed potatoes of domestic breeding is a key aspect of Russian potato growing successful development and overcoming dependence on foreign varieties. The use of the clonal micro-propagation method can significantly speed up the production process of high-quality elite seeds. Currently, one of the key factors enhancing the efficiency of clonal micropropagation is the use of plant growth regulators that control morphogenetic processes in culture in vitro. The purpose of the study: to study the effect of various concentrations of the organosilicon plant growth regulator Mival-Agro on the growth and development of healthy potato microplants.

Material and methods. Laboratory studies were conducted in the laboratory of microclonal reproduction of Velikiye Luki State Agricultural Academy. The object of research was medium-ripened potato varieties Gusar, Aurora, Manifest, Sirenevyi Tuman and Real. The plant growth regulator Mival-Agro was used as one of the Murashige-Skuga nutrient medium components in concentrations of 2.5 ml/l, 5.0 ml/l and 7.5 ml/l. The experiments were repeated by three times, and 60 test tube plants were studied in each experiment. The data obtained during the experiment were processed by the method of variance analysis.

Results. The development level of the root system is a significant factor determining the successful adaptation and subsequent growth of microplants in soil substrate. During the study, it was found that the optimal concentration of Mival-Agro in the nutrient medium for stimulating rhizogenesis was 5 ml/l. By the 21^st day of cultivation: the Gusar variety developed 10.5 roots per plant, exceeding the control by 4.2 roots, while root length surpassed the control by 36.2 mm. The Avrora, Sirenevyi Tuman, Real, and Manifest varieties developed 8.1, 8.7, 10.4, and 9.2 roots per plant. Root length in these varieties exceeded the control by 25.4 mm, 30.0 mm, 36.7 mm, and 31.4 mm, respectively.

Relevance. Protection of intellectual property rights for selection achievements is important for maintaining selection. To obtain the right, a variety must meet the criteria of distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability. In this case, new varieties are compared by morphological characteristics with standard varieties, varieties with a clearly expressed manifestation of the characteristics by which the assessment is carried out. Many countries strive to create collections of standard varieties of domestic selection. The purpose of our study: evaluation of a collection of spring barley by qualitative morphological characteristics (bush type, anthocyanin coloration of flag leaf auricles, awn tips, nerves of the outer flower scale, position of the ear and flag leaf, pubescence of the lower leaf sheath, waxy coating of the flag leaf sheath) and identification of varieties with stable manifestations of characteristics as candidates for standard varieties of the domestic collection.

Methods and Materials. The study was conducted in 2022-2024 in the central region of the non-chernozem zone on 66 varieties of spring barley. The characteristics were taken into account in accordance with the Methodology for conducting tests on environmental protection.

RESULTS. The following varieties were identified that can serve as candidates for standards: 1601 410 2C, Anna, Blagodar, Buyan, Byyan, Vladimir, Getman, Gris, Granal 32, Dina, Zeus, KVS Irina, KVS Jessie, Kornet Stoykiy, Krasnoyaruzhsky 6, Medikum 157, Odesky 22, Povolzhsky 49, Elf, Nadezhny. Among them are varieties with a unique manifestation of gradations of characteristics: Byyan and Buyan, KVS Jessie, Odesky 22, Anna, Gris, Elf, Medikum 157, Nadezhny. No gradations were found for the characteristic "wax coating on the sheath of the flag leaf". No varieties were found that exhibited gradations of the following characteristics: erect, semi-creeping, creeping bush type; presence of pubescence of leaf sheaths of lower leaves; very strong anthocyanin coloration of ears; bent flag leaf; very strong anthocyanin coloration of awn tips; semi-bent and drooping position of the spike; very strong anthocyanin coloration of nerves of the outer flower scale.