Relevance. Determination of the heterosis effect in F₁ hot pepper hybrids for the main economically valuable traits when grown in the conditions of the Mogilev region of the Republic of Belarus is relevant.

Methodology. The studies were conducted in 2018-2020 under greenhouse conditions in unheated polycarbonate greenhouses on the experimental field of the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ecology and Radiology of the Belarusian State Order of the October Revolution and Red Banner of Labor Agricultural Academy, following generally accepted methods in breeding work.

Results. The positive heterosis effect in hot pepper hybrids for early yield was noted in samples where Lara, Volgograd, and Line 9 served as the maternal components, and Yezhik and Feferona Krasnaya as the paternal components. For total yield, Lara, Jalapeno, and Line 9 were the maternal components, and Yezhik was the paternal one. The greatest heterosis effect for capsaicin content was observed in the hybrids: Zimrid × Kitay (96.7%), Agdas × Kitay (80.0%); for vitamin C content – Agdas × Kitay (62.7%), Line 9 × Feferona Krasnaya (42.7%); for dry matter content – Jalapeno × Yezhik (24.7%), Che Guevara × Yezhik (20.2%); and for carotene content — Jalapeno × Red Dragon (114.6%), Zimrid × Kitay (105.4%).

Conclusion. The best hybrid combinations exhibiting a range of economically valuable traits – Lara × Yezhik, Agdas × Yezhik, and Jalapeno × Yezhik – were registered under the names Dydysh F₁, Vasilek F₁, and Zakhar in the State Register of Agricultural Plant Varieties in 2022 and recommended for cultivation in home gardens.

Relevance. The article presents the results of studying the production processes of rice agrophytocenoses in order to identify the morphophysiological characteristics of plants associated with the coefficient of economic efficiency of photosynthesis (or harvesting index HI) for improving the evaluation methods in breeding for yield.

Methodology. In a vegetation experiment, photosynthetic and production activity was studied in 5 rice varieties on three backgrounds of mineral nutrition.

Results. Varietal differences in yield on one background of mineral nutrition are not associated with the parameters of photosynthetic activity, but are determined by the nature of the distribution of assimilates formed during photosynthesis among plant organs. Their intensive influx into storage tissues to developing panicles and grain determines the increased productivity of the varieties Rapan 2, Nautilus and Yubileiny 85. The traits of varieties that determine the activity of the photosynthetic apparatus, the distribution of assimilates among plant organs, the size and structure of the biological and economic yield and donor-acceptor relations, which are the leading factor in the production process at the level of the whole plant and agrophytocenosis, have been identified. The harvesting index of the cenosis varied from 35.5 to 50.3% and of the main shoot from 34.7 to 52.1%, the yield varied from 0.652 to 1.124 kg/m². A high genotypic relationship has been established between the harvesting index (HI) and the yield (0,90±0,25), the grain content of the agrophytocenosis (0,88±0,27) and the weight of grain per plant (0,99±0,03). A high genotypic relationship was established between the harvesting index (K_hoz) and yield (0.90±0.25), grain content of the agrophytocenosis (0.88±0.27) and grain weight per plant (0.99±0.03) under optimal nutritional conditions.The analysis has shown similar relationships with the coefficient of economic efficiency of photosynthesis of the main shoot (HI of the main shoot), which allows it to be used for assessing productivity.

Relevance. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. convar. botrytis (L.) Alef. var. cymosa Duch.) is of considerable interest for vegetable production and breeding due to its high nutritional and biological value. For the North-West of Russia, the identification and selection of accessions combining earliness, stable yield, high marketable head quality, and a valuable biochemical profile is particularly relevant.

The aim of this study was a multi-year comprehensive evaluation of broccoli accessions from the VIR collection under the soil and climatic conditions of the North-West of Russia in order to identify sources of economically important traits for further use in breeding programs.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the “Pushkin and Pavlovsk Laboratories” of VIR (Pushkin, Leningrad region, Russia) in 2016-2018. Forty broccoli accessions of diverse ecogeographical origins from the VIR collection were evaluated. Field trials were established in accordance with the VIR guidelines for studying and maintaining the world cabbage collection (1988) and the “Methodology of Field Experiments in Vegetable Production” (2011). Biochemical assessment of heads at the marketable (technical maturity) stage was performed at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of VIR. Statistical analyses were carried out using MS Excel and Statistica 14.

Results. The evaluated broccoli accessions exhibited high variability in phenological, morphological, and biochemical traits. The highest coefficients of variation were observed for yield-related traits: head weight (CV=54,75%), number of side shoots (CV=71,37%), and side-shoot weight (CV=72,73%). Considerable variation was also recorded in head biochemical composition, with high variability for total sugars (CV=59,5%), ascorbic acid (CV=27,08%), and plant pigments (CV=41,97%). Promising accessions were identified for breeding based on a trait complex: for productivity and head characteristics –Marathon (F₁), Comanche (F₁), Senshi (F₁), and Decathlon (F₁); for resistance to head loosening – Senshi (F₁); for elevated ascorbic acid content – Sureen, Cape Queen (F₁), and Emerald City (F₁); and for increased plant pigment content – Coastle 87038.

Relevance. In the context of the objectives of the Food Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation, breeding and seed production work to develop domestic heterotic hybrids of table beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. conditiva Alef.) is particularly relevant. This review is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) trait, both as a technological basis for hybrid breeding in general and as it manifests in Beta vulgaris L., including table beet.

Results. A number of biological features of the reproductive system and traits associated with CMS in table beet are examined. Attention is paid to the tissue-specific manifestation of CMS, associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in the cells of the tapetum the nutrient layer of developing pollen grains leading to impaired male reproductive function. CMS is characterized by maternal inheritance and is molecularly controlled by the interaction of the mitochondrial (determining the sterile phenotype) and nuclear (capable of restoring fertility) genomes. In red beet, the CMS trait is characterized by variability in the degree of pollen sterility. Specific changes in anther color (from pink to brown) and morphology (shrinkage, deformation) serve as informative markers for the visual assessment of sterile phenotypes. This review examines and characterizes the main CMS types in the species Beta vulgaris L. (Owen, G, E) at the molecular genetic level. Each type is associated with a unique structure of chimeric mitochondrial open reading frames (S-orf). Expression of these mitochondrial genes disrupts cellular energy metabolism. Fertility restoration occurs through the action of nuclear restorer genes (Rf), whose products likely suppress or neutralize the action of Sorf. The potential for using molecular markers tightly linked to mitochondrial CMS genes and nuclear Rf genes for marker-assisted selection (MAS) of sterile and fertile forms at the early stages of parental line development is discussed, significantly accelerating the process of producing commercial hybrids.

Conclusion. Deeper research into the molecular basis of CMS and the development of modern breeding technologies based on these studies will provide the scientific and technological foundation for the development of competitive beet vegetable production.

Relevance. Assembling a base-collection of potato in vitro is an integral part of original seed production. The combination of the biotechnological methods for potato micropropagation and field clone selections is a reliable way of maintaining the productivity and high quality of seed material at the level of the genetic potential of a given variety. The research goal was to renew the in vitro collection of some virus-free potato varieties bred in Primorie region of Russia for further use in breeding and seed production programs.

Methods and Materials. Potato plants belonging to varieties Smak and Kazachok created at the Federal Scientific Center of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A.K. Chaiki and anti-viral product ribavirin were used as the research objects. To detect viral infections in the plant material, we employed the PCR method. The in vitro potato collection was renewed by combining a field clone selection with the laboratory methods of virus elimination. The clones were introduced into the culture with an additional anti-viral therapy.

Results. The research on virus elimination in potato plants based on the selected highly productive basic clones in 2023-2025 allowed us to introduce potato varieties Smak and Kazachok into the culture. Subculturing the apical isolates on the growth media supplemented with ribavirin showed their high viability. The survival rate of the biomaterial was 85.0% at a ribavirin concentration of 10 mg/l, 81.7% at 20 mg/l, and 71.2% at 30 mg/l. During the elimination of a complex mosaic virus infection (comprising PVY, PVM, and PVS) from potato, PCR analysis confirmed the successful generation of virus-free in vitro microplants in ten weeks (73 days) of chemotherapy. The average rate of the complete elimination of the complex viral infection across two potato varieties was 8.4%, corresponding to 17 independent lines. Antiviral treatment with ribavirin at a concentration of 0.02% yielded five virus-free lines, while a concentration of 0.03% yielded twelve lines. The performed antiviral therapy also resulted in partial virus elimination in a substantial number of microplants. Virus elimination was observed in 173 in vitro lines, with PVY absent in 43 lines (43.2%), PVM in 60 lines (57.6%), and PVS in 70 lines (66.3%).

Relevance. Perennial onions are an exceptional product of fresh greens. Biological features of onions and methods of their cultivation allow to obtain cheap fresh products, rich in vitamins with high commercial qualities. Plants of perennial onions, having a rich chemical composition, are widely known for their healing properties, are used in nutrition, are raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. Being a valuable vegetable crop, perennial onions are not very com­mon, are grown in a small assortment and on small areas. To popularize and interest in grow­ing this crop, increase demand and consumption of fresh products, it is necessary to study and select valuable varieties of interest for obtaining early greens. This will expand and enrich the varietal diversity of the perennial onion crop. The aim of the research was to study collection varieties of perennial onions, identify sources of high marketability, quality of green leaf yield, frost resistance, late bolting, early regrowth, resistance to diseases and pests, necessary for obtaining early greens.

Methods. The initial material was 46 variety samples of 5 types of perennial onion of different ecological and geographical origin from the VIR collection and 5 varieties approved for use in the Russian Federation. The studies were conducted on the site of the Krymsk EBS, VIR Branch (Krasnodar Region, Krymsk).

Results. As a result of studying the phenological, biological, and morphological characteris­tics, an assessment was made of perennial onion varieties based on a set of economically valu­able traits: early maturity and yield of commercial products.

Relevance. The purpose of the research is to develop technological methods of primary seed production that ensure stable production of rice seeds to ensure import independence.

Methods. The research was conducted at the Federal State Budgetary Budgetary Institution "FNC Rice". Objects of research: seeds of three varieties of rice, selected by the Federal State Budgetary Budgetary Institution "FNC of Rice". Objects of research: rice varieties of FGBNU "FNC rice" Anita 20, Legend, Voskhod. The assessment of the seeding qualities of seeds was carried out under the conditions of laboratory experience in 2025. The sowing qualities of rice seeds were carried out in accordance with GOST 12038-84, morphological features were taken into account according to generally accepted methods. Pre-sowing treatment of rice seeds is carried out according to the recommendations and the scheme of experience.

Results. An analysis of the results showed that the use of fungicides for the pre-sowing treat­ment of rice seeds has a positive effect on crop quality, plant growth and development. An assessment of the sowing qualities of rice varieties showed that the differences may not be sig­nificant: germination varies from 97.0 to 99.0%. For all the studied variants, an increase in ger­mination energy was noted in the experiment in comparison with the control variant, since the drugs used have a high physiological activity and have a growth-stimulating effect. In the vari­ants with high sowing rates, the largest seedlings were noted (the average length is 5.7-6.5 cm), the average root length of which can reach 4.8-6.5 cm. The greatest biological effectiveness of the applied fungicides in the experiment was found in the Legend variety using the Baritone preparation (100.0%), in the Anita 20 variety using the Lomador preparation (86.7%), in the Legend variety using the Baritone variant (71.4%).

Relevance. Seed germination is a critical stage of plant development, regulated by a complex network of hormonal signals. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a highly important secondary metabolite in plant that acts as an antioxidant and phytohormone, and therefore is involved in both physiological processes and stress defense responses. The key enzymes in melatonin biosynthesis are serotonin Nacetyltransferases (SNATs). Despite the previously demonstrated effectiveness of exogenous melatonin in stimulating germination, the feedback mechanisms regulating its endogenous biosynthesis, particu­larly the expression of SNAT genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), remain poorly understood.

Materials and Methodology. This study was aimed to analyze the effects of exogenous melatonin differ­ent concentrations on S. lycopersicum seed germination and the SlSNAT1 and SlSNAT2 gene expres­sion. The germination dynamics of control seeds and those treated with melatonin solutions (4 pM and 100 pM), as well as the expression profiles of SlSNATI and SlSNAT2 (using real-time PCR) were assessed.

Results. Melatonin was shown to stimulate seed germination. The most significant difference in the num­ber of seeds germinated per day was observed on the second and third days after treatment. The SlSNAT1 and SlSNAT2 expression levels were found to be different in both control and melatonin-treated samples. On the first and second days of control seedling development, SlSNAT2 was expressed high­er than SlSNAT1, and on the tenth day, vice versa. Treatment with different concentrations of melatonin affected the expression profile of SlSNAT genes differently: when exposed to 4 pM melatonin, a gradual increase in the expression of both genes was observed within 10 days, while for the 100 pM variant, cycli­cality (rise-fall-rise) was shown in the case of SlSNAT1, and an increase (day 2) followed by a slight decrease (days 3, 10) was shown in the case of SlSNAT2. The data obtained expand our understanding of the exogenous melatonin effects on seed germination and the expression pattern of melatonin biosyn­thesis key genes in tomato.

Relevance. Salvia officinalis, Its leaves are a medicinal raw material containing essential oil. In addition, they contain: alkaloids, resins, flavonoids, uvaol, glycosides, polysaccharides, poradiphenol and others. Previously developed agro-recommendations provided for all key aspects of cultivation technology, but the issues of nutritional optimisation were not given suffi­cient attention.

Materials and methods. The main objective of the research conducted from 2022 to 2024 in the zone of unstable humidification on leached chernozem (North Caucasus branch of VILAR) was to select com­plexes of organomineral preparations and growth regulators for feeding Salvia officinalis.

Results. Foliar application along with an increase in raw material yield and essential oil content, provided an increase in the adaptive potential of plants to hydrothermal stress. Treatments of sage of II year of life in the phase of the beginning of regrowth with EcoFus and Lignogumate (fertilisers) by 1.5 l/ha, and in the phase of budding with Zircon and Epin-extra (growth regula­tors) by 0.1 l/ha contributed to a significant strengthening of growth processes regardless of weather conditions. As a result, at the time of harvest, plant height increased by 10-15% com­pared to the control, yield increased by 13-20%, and essential oil collection by 38-56%. Analysing biometric indices, under drought conditions compared to optimum, it was found that the use of the studied complexes allows to reduce yield losses to 12-18% with 26% in the con­trol. When using Epin-extra, the collection of essential oil decreases to 6-8%, while when using Zircon, even a slight increase of 2-5% is observed.

Relevance. When growing sweet peppers, the quality of the product is determined by strict adher­ence to agricultural regulations. Sweet peppers, which are highly sensitive to soil moisture, place particular demands on irrigation regimens, necessitating the development and strict adherence not only to irrigation parameters, a key factor in the successful cultivation of this crop, but also to the application of mineral fertilizers.

Materials and methods. The article investigates impact of various irrigation schedules (70%, 70-80%, 80% MWCminimum water capacity) and mineral fertilizers norms (N60P120K60, N90P180K90, N120P240K120) on pepper growth, development, water consumption and yield under climatic conditions of Central Non-Black Soil Region.

Results. Investigation results showed when before irrigation soil moisture content increases from 70% to 80% MWC, the total plants water consumption grows in 15-20%. At the same time, mineral fer­tilizers application didn’t significantly change this index value. Maximal yield (161 c/ha) was achieved at irrigation schedule of 80% MWC and fertilizer norms of N90P180K90, that is in 59-60 c/ha higher than the control one. At the same time, water consumption index went down up to 213,7 m³//t, that shows higher water consumption efficiency. It is interesting that further increase of fertilizer norms up to N120P240K120 led to insignificant yield decrease that shows the optimal level of mineral consumption. Phenological studies showed that phases of plants development under all variants went on synchro­nously but biometric parameters (plants height, number of leaves and fruits) had maximal value at combination of high irrigation schedule (80% MWC) and mean fertilizer norms. Under these condi­tions stable marketability of fruits remained high (95,4-98,1%) independently of the testing variants. The obtained data have important practical meaning for growers working in the central part of Non­Black Soils zone of Russia; these data enable optimization of pepper water consumption and miner­al fertilizing. Investigation revealed that optimal results in pepper growing can be obtained at irriga­tion schedule of 70-80% MWC is practiced with application of mineral fertilizers (nitrogen N90, phosphorus P180, potassium K90). Such combination enables to obtain high yields at simultaneous resources consumption decrease.

Relevance. Cucumber plants are very sensitive to high salt content in the soil, which poses a serious threat to industrial production of cucumbers, as it negatively effects the normal growth and develop­ment of plants and, consequently, productivity and commercial yields.

Methods. This article presents the results of evaluating the effect of saline solutions (NaCl, Na2SO4, NaHCO3) on the root length of cucumber seedlings (Cucumis sativus L.). The research was conduct­ed at All-Russian Research Institute of Vegetable Growing branch of the FSBSI "Federal Scientific Vegetable Center", and the Agrofirm Poisk (Vereya village, Ramenskoye District, Moscow Region, Russian Federation). The experiment was carried out four times in the laboratory. Three types of saline solution (sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)) were used at six concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mmol/l) and distilled water (H2Odist.) as a control to assess the effect on the root length of cucumber seedlings.

Results. The experiment showed that the toxic effects of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and sodium bicar­bonate (NaHCO3) solutions on the root length of cucumber seedlings are similar to those of sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. It was noted that a concentration of 200 mmol/l, regardless of the type of saline solution, has a negative effect on seed germination and leads to the death of cucumber seedlings. As a result of the correlation analysis, stable direct positive relationships were estab­lished between the root length of cucumber seedlings and the type of saline solution (sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), sodium chloride (NaCl), and sodium hydrocarbonate (NaHCO3)), with a correlation coeffi­cient (r) greater than 0,90. A two-factorial analysis of variance showed that it is possible to equally use sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) solutions to evaluate the salt tolerance of cucumber plants.

Relevance. The climatic conditions of the Astrakhan region, with an extended growing season, allow for the use of direct sowing for eggplant cultivation. In this context, improving the seed sowing prop­erties is a significant method for achieving uniform emergence, especially critical in the sharply con­tinental climate where rapid temperature increases and drying of the topsoil occur in spring.

Materials and Methods. This article presents one method of pre-sowing preparation for eggplant seeds—priming (Seed Priming) using plant growth regulators. The aim of this method is to achieve uniform and full-fledged emergence when sowing eggplant in open ground using the most effective plant growth regulators. The research was conducted at the experimental field of the Chechen Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture in the Kamyzyak district of the Astrakhan region from 2022 to 2024. The influence of pre-sowing treatment of eggplant seeds with growth regulators Melafen, BR; Biodux, Zh; Epin Extra, R was studied on the laboratory and field germination of region­al varieties: Nizhnevolzhsky (St), Astrakom, Almazny, and Alekseevsky.

Results. The conducted studies showed that priming of eggplant seeds influenced the increase in both laboratory and field germination energy and rates. It was found that the germination energy of primed seeds of the Almazny variety with Melafen and BR treatment exceeded the control variant by 7.9%, while with Epin Extra and R treatment, the increase was 8.1%. The maximum laboratory germi­nation of 94.2-96.4% was observed on the 10th day with Melafen and BR growth regulator treatment. The Biodux, Zh preparation improved laboratory germination by 5.8-6.6%, and Epin-Extra, R by 9.3­10.1% compared to the control. The stimulating effect of seed priming with growth regulators was maintained under field sowing conditions. The most active emergence was noted with Epin Extra, R and Melafen, BR treatments. The most stable stimulating effect was observed with Melafen, BR seed treatment. For the Nizhnevolzhsky variety, the use of Melafen, BR increased the number of sprouts by 11.9%, while for the Alekseevsky variety, the increase over control was 14.8%. On the 12th day, the field germination of eggplant seeds reached a maximum of 84-86% with Melafen, BR seed treat­ment and 80-84% with Epin-Extra, R.

Relevance. For salad onions, long vegetation period is characteristic that is why it is necessary to grow onion seedling during 50-55 days. It makes more complicated growing for a vegetable-gardener. On the other side, there is a limited market during realization and poor storage that excludes the perspective of large special salad onions growing. The purpose of this work is to justify the increasing of salad onion cultivation and realization by organization of small-scale produce of specific farms.

Materials and methods. On the first stage of the work, the preliminary comparative research of onions of Russian State Agrarian University Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy selection «Salatnyy rozovyy TSKHA» and «Exhibition» was made according to generally accepted field-laboratory methods.

Results. The received results shown that domestic sample is not as productive as «Exhibition», but is of interest for a customer, because of its weight interval up to 300 gr (more than 60 % of onion bulbs), while «Exhibition» about 18 %. The expedience of salad onion seedlings in the cassettes with a small volume of cells of 21 cm3 is confirmed. During field-laboratory researches was specified the cultivation technol­ogy of salad onion on beds, including placing of plants, combined foliar feedings, protection of plants from diseases and pests and other operations. These practices were used during a work in the farm. On the second stage together with the specialists of the farm the technology of salad onions growing and realization was used by example of sort Exhibition.

Conclusion. Placement scheme of onion plants on beds was suggested, the original method of the com­bined irrigation is used: furrow irrigation, overhead and point-drip watering, a simple and effective method of root feedings of onion plants was found, etc. The suggested technology can be used in field also with plant seedlings manually or by special machines of Ferrari type. This way of growing and real­ization of seedling is perspective, which is proved by our researches. Great attention is paid to questions related to sales market of onions and onion seedling. The capacity for the farm is defined.

Relevance. The development of innovative methods of pre-sowing seed treatment is the key to the development of sustainable and highly productive agriculture. Unlike traditional pickling, the use of electrolytes after activation of their solutions with low-temperature plasma for seed treatment can solve a complex of biological, environmental and industrial problems of vegetable growing, therefore it is a promising area of research. This approach to seed priming allows achieving several effects: the destruction of surface seed infection, increased hydrophilicity, activation of enzymatic systems and the rate of growth processes. This study is aimed at evaluating the biological effectiveness of pre-sowing treatment of tomato seeds with electrolyte solutions activated by low-temperature plas­ma.

Methodology. Tomato seeds of the late blight-susceptible Tallalikhin 186 variety were treated with activated and initial solutions of KNO3 and KCl at various temperatures (22°C and 50°C) and expo­sures (from 30 to 120 minutes), followed by an assessment of germination, biometric parameters of seedlings, plant productivity and disease incidence. The effects of the treatment were evaluated immediately after exposure and after a year of storage of the treated seeds in laboratory and field experiments.

Results. It was found that plasma activation of solutions significantly enhances the growth-stimulat­ing and immunomodulatory properties of electrolytes. The highest efficiency at the juvenile stage of development was achieved when treating seeds with an activated 1% solution of KNO3 at 22°C, where laboratory germination increased by 16%, and the length of the root of seedlings increased by 138%. An important result is the positive aftereffect of seed priming on plant productivity and resistance. All variants with activated solutions, and especially the activated KNO3 solution, consistently provid­ed a maximum increase in commercial yields and a significant reduction in fruit blight.

Conclusion. Electrochemical activation of solutions significantly enhances the physiological activity of electrolytes, which opens up prospects for the development of environmentally friendly ways to stimulate plant growth and development. The technology demonstrates the potential to increase tomato productivity and resistance to pathogens.

Relevance. The Volgograd Trans-Volga region is considered one of the zones of risky agriculture. The presence of frequent dust storms, prolonged absence of productive precipitation and high air temperature often lead to low yields or crop loss of melons, which are almost impossible to grow in this area without well-established technological elements, such as foliar treatment of plants during the growing season.

Methodology. These studies were conducted on the territory of the Bykovsky Melon Breeding Experimental Station, a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, located in the Bykovsky district of the Volgograd Region. The objects of research were: medium-ripened melon Cassandra, water-soluble fertilizers (Aquarin vegetable, Novalon Foliar, Hakafos). All water-soluble fertilizers were applied to vegetating plants in the phas­es: "the beginning of lash formation" + 10 days ("before the closure of the lashes").

Results. The use of water-soluble fertilizers for the treatment of plants during the growing season, as studies have shown, is a promising technique for growing melons. The working solution rate is 300 l/ha. The best result was obtained using the water-soluble fertilizer Hakafos(0.9).

Relevance. During the industrial processing of rosehip fruits, sepals and peduncles are separated and discarded as waste in accordance with regulatory documentation requirements. Following the principle of comprehensive use of the medicinal raw materials, it seems promising to study them. The aim of our study was a comparative research of some pharmacognostic and phytochemical characteristics of sepals and peduncles in comparison with the hypanthia for several species of the genus Rosa: R. majalis Herrm., R. rugosa Thunb., R. acicularis Lindl., and R. mollis Smith.

Materials and methods. Gravimetric methods were used to determine: the mass fraction of sepals in cynarrhodia, desiccation dynamics, dry matter and moisture content. Titrimetric methods were employed to determine: ascorbic acid content, monosaccharide content, the total content of antioxidants in alcohol extract and the total content of water-soluble antioxi­dants. The content of polyphenolic compounds was determined by spectrophotometry. Statistical calculations were performed in Microsoft Excel using Student's and Fisher's tests, with a critical significance level of 0.05.

Results. The study revealed that cynarrhodia dried 7.2 times longer than sepals with peduncles. The sepals desiccation coefficient was on average 1.68 times lower than that of cynarrhodia. The moisture content of hypanthia and sepals did not differ among species. The sepals moisture con­tent was on average 2.2 times higher than that of hypanthia. The maximum total content of water­soluble antioxidants was found in the R. majalis sepals and hypanthia: 111.85 and 88.62 mg-eq ascorbic acid/g, respectively; the antioxidants in the alcoholic extract on average in the R. majalis and R. rugosa sepals were 68.26 and 73.76 mg-eq gallic acid/g, respectively. The greatest accumu­lation of ascorbic acid was noted in the R. majalis and R. acicularis sepals and hypanthia: 79.20 and 260.04 mg%; 83.60 and 231.00 mg%, respectively. The content of polyphenolic compounds in sepals and hypanthia did not differ significantly among species. High content of monosaccharides was noted in the R. mollis sepals and hypanthia: 5.79±0.37% and 7.14±0.06%, respectively.

Relevance. A pest control system for bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plays an important role in the cultivation of this valuable crop. Currently, there are no insecticides for use on bean crops on the List of Approved Substances, so research aimed at studying bean pest control is essen­tial. Naturally occurring insecticides (biopesticides) and environmentally safe products that do not have a significant negative impact on the environment are particularly important.

Materials and Methodology. This article presents the results of testing the insecticides Fitoverm (50 g/L aversectin S), Vertimek (18 g/L abamectin), Triumfator (50 ml/L emamectin benzoate), and Sarmat (100 g/L spirotetramate) against bean pests. The research was conduct­ed at the Voronezh Vegetable Experimental Station, a branch of the Scientific Vegetable Center. The experiments were conducted using standard methods on the Zhuravushka bean variety, bred by the Voronezh Vegetable Experimental Station, zoned for the Central Black Earth Region. Plants were treated with bioinsecticides by spraying when the pest reached the eco­nomic threshold (ETH). The experiments were repeated four times. The plot size was 10 m².

Results. The most common pests of green beans during the study years were Aphis fabae and Acanthoscelides obtectus. Bioinsecticide treatment significantly reduced pest numbers com­pared to the control. The use of the bioinsecticide Triumfator (50 ml/l) during the growing sea­son ensured a decrease in the number of aphids on green beans by 92.6, 98.4 and 86.0% according to the daily counts, the use of Vertimek by 100, 100 and 82.6%, the use of Sarmat by 94.4, 100 and 91.9%, the use of Fitoverm Extra (50 g/l) 94.4, 100, 84.9% of the control. The results of the count of the infestation of grain with bean weevil after a single treatment with bio­logical products showed a decrease in the pest number by 58.9-66.1%, in the standard 46.4%. To completely eradicate the pests and prevent damage to bean seeds, repeat treatments are necessary. The use of Vertimek (18 g/L), Sarmat (100 g/L), and Triumfator (50 ml/L) bioprepara­tions increased bean yield by 14.08-14.3% and bean grain yield by 16.0-22.0% compared to the control. The data obtained will be used to develop an environmentally friendly pesticide port­folio for bean pest control.

Relevance. Despite valuable profile of biologically active compounds, high adaptability and beneficial effects on human health mosses have never been utilized in agriculture as growth stimulators.

Materials and Methodology. The present work aimed to evaluate the antioxidant status of 7 Jugra moss species and record the possibility of their water extract utilization for radish seedling growth.

Results. The total antioxidant activity (AOA) and polyphenol content (TP) determined via visual titration and Pholin-Chiocalteu methods accordingly were in the range of 14.6-30.4 and 8.7-24.4 mg GAE/g d.w. accordingly with the higher values typical to the Khanty-Mansiysk city (Misne) and lower – to the suburbs (Shapsha) and Uksovski spring сompared to the high AOA, TP values for the Pleurotium schreberi of the southern Karelia and Vladimir. Direct correlations between AOA and TP for all species investigated (r=0.843) and between AOA and proline (0.936) for mosses gathered in Samarovski Chugas were indicated. Water extracts (0.02%) of five from 7 moss species recorded the ability to stimulate predominantly radish roots growth with the highest growth stimulation ability of Sphagnum russowi and Callieregonella lindbegii extracts and the lowest of Pleurozium schreberi.

Relevance. In North Ossetia, there is the Sadon group of several lead-zinc polymetallic deposits, the extraction of which has negatively impacted the environmental situation in the Alagir region. Among environmental monitoring methods, the biological method stands out. Higher vascular plants play a significant role in this method, including Cladochaeta candidissima (Asteraceae), a native species of the Ardon River basin. In connection with the assessment of environmental pollution by heavy metals, the ability of Cladochaeta candidissima to accumulate lead and cadmium in areas with different levels of pollution, as well as the prospects for using this species in phytoremediation, were studied.

Material and Methods. The studies were conducted using a route method in the vicinity of the Unal tailings pond facil­ity and in relatively background territories in the Ardon River basin. Pb and Cd contents in plants and soils were deter­mined using the AAS method.

Results. The content of lead and cadmium in soils and plants of the genus Cladochaeta DC. in the Alagir region of North Ossetia has been studied. A comparative assessment of the content of these elements in polluted and relative­ly background areas is given. A new species-accumulator of cadmium in the Caucasus Cladochaeta candidissima (Asteraceae) has been identified. Field studies of the distribution of this species in the Alagir district have been con­ducted, with GPS data indicating the corresponding sampling points. It has been shown that Cladochaeta candidissima accumulates, on average, high concentrations of lead on technogenically enriched Pb and Cd soils. It has been established that in the vicinity of the Unal tailing dump a technogenic Pb-Cd anomaly has formed, caused by anthro­pogenic activity and the presence of polymetallic ore occurrences in the republic. The gross content of Pb in the soils of these landscapes varied from 255 to 2202, Cd from 1.80 to 66.0 mg/kg dry mass, which is orders of magnitude higher than the permissible concentrations for soils in Russia and other countries. In Cladochaeta candidissima plants, content Pb averaged 8.48 mg/kg with a variability of 0.9-41.7 mg/kg, Cd 3.17 mg/kg with a variability of 1.14-6.00 mg/kg, which significantly exceeded world indicators. Pb content in aboveground plant organs correlates with Pb content in soils (r=0.934, p <0.001), indicating active transfer of Pb absorbed by roots to stem and leaves, depending on Pb content in soils (linear correlation). A statistically significant correlation was found between content Cd in soils and the content Cd in plants (r=0.860, p<0.002).

Conclusion. In the Alagir district of North Ossetia, very high levels of Pb and Cd have been found in soils, which is a consequence of long-term anthropogenic pressure on ecosystems and the presence of polymetallic ore deposits in the republic. Plants of the genus Cladochaeta DC. have been found to have high levels of Pb, and especially Cd. Cladochaeta candidissima has been shown to accumulate Cd. It has been shown that this species can be used in envi­ronmental monitoring of Caucasus landscapes contaminated with both Cd and Pb. The results of the research allow us to recommend Cladochaeta candidissima for phytoremediation of Cd-polluted landscapes of the Caucasus, but only after reintroduction, or after special cultivation of this species and its planting in places of lead-cadmium anom­alies.

Relevance. Establishing conditions for a sustainable and uninterrupted food supply is a key compo­nent of social stability and security in the Arctic zone, including the retention of the working popula­tion in the Murmansk Region and the attraction of new labor force. Food security issues are forcing developed countries to regulate the market situation, maintaining consumer demand and supporting their agricultural producers [1]. Achieving regional development goals and creating reliable living conditions for the population in the Arctic zone begins with an objective assessment of the food sup­ply situation [2]. Murmansk State Agricultural Experimental Station a branch of VIR is one of the oldest research institutions in the Far North. The station turns 100 in 2026.

Results. In 2025, as part of the implementation of the Development Program of the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources, in agreement with the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, 42 potato genotypes were evaluated from the National Catalog of Especially Valuable Samples of the VIR Collection in the Far North of the Russian Federation at the Murmansk GSHOS branch of VIR. In field experiments, the ability to grow and develop plants representing the main groups of the potato gene pool was assessed: wild species of Solanum chacoense, S. jamesii; культурные примитив­ные виды S. ajanhuiri, S. goniocalyx, S. mammilliferum, S. phureja, S. rybinii, S. stenotomum; tetraploid Andean potato S. andigenum; varieties Svitanok Kievsky, Dorisa, Early Rose, Cornflower, Detskoselsky, Lad, Firefly, Karlena, Triada; Chilean indigenous potato Negra (var. Infectum) and 10 clones of interspecific hybrids sources of selectively valuable characters.