Relevance. In agriculture, the adoption of modern innovative technologies aimed at increasing crop productivity and improving product quality is highly relevant. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of using polyethylene (PE) and polyolefin (PO) films under hydroponic strawberry cultivation conditions, as well as to examine the effect of light intensity on yield, berry quality parameters, and the economic feasibility of applying these technologies.

Methodology. The experiment used strawberry varieties Fragaria × ananassa Duch., such as Seolhyang, Maehyang, Jukhyang, King’s Berry, Keumsil, as well as the Japanese hybrid Yotsuboshi F1 (red strawberry), grown in greenhouses with the use of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PO) films, which differ in their light transmission capacity.

Results. The conducted studies made it possible to determine the effect of light intensity on stem development, leaf growth, leaf surface area, yield, and fruit quality characteristics of different strawberry varieties. During the cultivation of five strawberry varieties and hybrids that were genetically significantly different from each other, it was established that PE film maintained an average daytime temperature of 22.5°C and a nighttime temperature of 15.4°C, whereas PO film maintained temperatures of 23.6°C during the day and 17.3°C at night. Due to the reduced level of light transmission under PE film, yield decreased by up to 5.0 t/ha, while PO film ensured a stable light regime and made it possible to obtain an additional yield ranging from 3.3 to 5.0 t/ha.

Relevance. It is necessary to develop effective methods for the adaptation of micro plants ex vitro, which will increase their resistance to unfavorable environmental factors and ensure a high yield of high-quality planting material. Modern biotechnologies based on the use of specialized climate chambers and varying spectral compositions of lighting offer unique opportunities for optimizing the adaptation process, which is extremely important in modern agriculture, which is focused on resource conservation and environmental friendliness.

Materials and Methods. Tomato varieties Gnome and Chelnok from the collection of the Solanaceae Breeding and Seed Production Laboratory of the Federal Scientific Center of Oncology were adapted to ex vitro conditions using traditional technology and a chamber with automatic climate control manufactured by VIM (Russia). The illumination had a radiance spectrum of 16B:42G:39R:3FR mmol/m² s (control) and 15B:1G:84R:0FR mmol/m² s. The total photon flux density (TPD) for both treatments was 140 mmol/m²s.

Results. Using climate chambers equipped with specialized light sources, we achieved significant advantages in plant development compared to traditional technology. Specifically, CID-W (16B:42G:39R:3FR) LED lighting resulted in maximum shoot length (20.3 cm), while CID-RB (15B:1G:84R:0FR) promoted the best accumulation of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a –  1.3 mg/g, chlorophyll b – 0.56 mg/g, sum of a+b – 1.86 mg/g). Furthermore, carotenoid content increased to 0.34-0.38 mg/g in the climate chambers, while traditional technology resulted in minimal concentrations (0.20-0.21 mg/g).

Conclusion. The studies confirmed the positive impact of a climate chamber and specialized LED lighting on the growth and development of tomato microplants. Optimizing the spectral composition increased shoot length, leaf count, and the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments. Varieties also responded differently to different lighting types, highlighting the need for a personalized approach for each variety. Future research focuses on improving adaptation technologies and developing optimal spectral regimes to enhance tomato productivity.

Relevance. The aim of the study was a comprehensive evaluation of hypocotyl length in breeding lines of cucumber as a morphological trait affecting seedling resistance to lodging, as well as an assessment of the stability of this trait depending on growing dates.

Materials and Methods. The studies were carried out in 2019-2021 and 2025 in the seedling compartment of a winter greenhouse at the FSBSI Federal Scientific Vegetable Center (Moscow Region, Russia) using breeding lines of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Each year, about 30 lines were evaluated, and hypocotyl length was recorded for the most contrasting genotypes. Sowing was performed in March and May; seedlings were grown in 0,7 L pots without supplementary lighting. Hypocotyl length was measured at the cotyledon and first true leaf stages on 10-16 plants per accession. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Fisher’s LSD and Duncan’s multiple range test at p≤0.05.

Results. Analysis of hypocotyl length, internode length, and plant height showed that these traits were predominantly genotype-determined (72% contribution). The effects of year and the “line × year” interaction were statistically significant but less pronounced. Comparable light conditions in 2021 and 2025 allowed year-to-year differences in the studied traits to be interpreted mainly as a result of genetic variability. According to Duncan’s test, the lines were grouped into three classes based on hypocotyl length: short (3,8-5,4 cm), medium (6,1-7,6 cm), and long (6,2-8,8 cm). Lines with a short hypocotyl generally showed a higher coefficient of variation than those with a longer hypocotyl, indicating the feasibility of selection for this trait. Of particular breeding interest was line Ur., which combined a short hypocotyl with a lower coefficient of variation compared with other short-hypocotyl lines.

Conclusion. Correlation analysis revealed a strong relationship between hypocotyl length and internode length (r=0,76), reflecting their coordinated development, while the effect of hypocotyl length on plant height was weak (r=0,15). This allows breeding for seedling lodging resistance in lines differing in plant height. Lines with a short hypocotyl conferring increased lodging resistance were identified and can be used in breeding medium-height (Ur., Gar.) and tall (Mer., Mon.) parthenocarpic cucumber hybrids for spring greenhouses and temporary shelters.

Relevance.  The relevance of the study is driven by the increasing water scarcity and the need to intensify agricultural production, particularly in the non-chernozem zone of Russia. Eggplant, being a crop with high demands for moisture and nutrition, presents a pertinent case for investigating water use efficiency under drip irrigation systems. The objective of this research was to quantify the patterns of total water use and the water consumption coefficient of eggplant under drip irrigation, as influenced by different levels of pre-irrigation soil moisture and mineral fertilizer application.

Methodology. Field experiments were conducted in the southern part of Moscow Oblast from 2022 to 2024. The study investigated three levels of pre-irrigation soil moisture (70%, 80%, and 90% of Field Capacity) and two levels of mineral nutrition (no fertilizer and N150P90K140). Total water use was determined using the water balance method, with soil moisture monitored by tensiometers.

Results. The findings indicate that the primary sources of moisture were irrigation water (35.5–65.2%) and precipitation (27.7–53.2%). Increasing the pre-irrigation moisture threshold from 70% to 90% on a fertilized background resulted in a rise in total water consumption from 3219 to 3777 m³/ha. The peak average daily water use (29–39 m³/ha/day) was recorded during the budding-to-fruiting phases. The water consumption coefficient ranged from 80 to 104 m³/t. The optimization of irrigation and fertilization regimes: maintaining 90% on an unfertilized background reduced by 9.8%, while fertilizer application against a background of 70% reduced it by 10.8%. The highest water use efficiency (84 m³/t) was achieved by combining a high moisture supply (90%) with intensive mineral fertilization (N150P90K140). This agronomic practice secured water savings of 17.5% compared to the control.

Conclusion. The results substantiate the expediency of adopting eggplant cultivation technologies based on maintaining pre-irrigation soil moisture levels at 80–90% in combination with balanced mineral nutrition.

Relevance.  Biostimulants based on different compounds is increasingly used in agriculture due to the need to increase plant yield under unstable climate conditions. Exogenous application with amino acids on various agricultural crops increased productivity, the content of biologically active compounds, and improved their resistance to abiotic stress. Common chicory is a promising medicinal plant for obtaining pharmaceutical substances with a high content of chicory acid. Due to the content of various classes of phenolic compounds in the leaves, extracts from the aboveground part of chicory have an immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effect.

Methods. In this study, the effect of foliar application with single-component solutions of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan at two concentrations (10 mg/L and 25 mg/L) on plant productivity and the content of phenolic compounds in the leaves of common chicory is assessed. Results. Treatment with amino acids at a concentration of 10 mg/L was most effective. The use of tryptophan increased the productivity of the aboveground part by 29-57% depending on concentration (from 112 g to 144-176 g). Treatment with all amino acids contributed to increase the phenolic compounds content: phenylalanine – from 4.84% to 5.49%, tyrosine – up to 7.25%, tryptophan – up to 6.23%. Amino acids application did not have a significant effect on the root weight. It was noted that under favorable climate conditions for plant development, the use of amino acids is more effective, but under unfavorable conditions, there is no significant decrease in plant indicators.

Results. Treatment with amino acids at a concentration of 10 mg/L was most effective. The use of tryptophan increased the productivity of the aboveground part by 29-57% depending on concentration (from 112 g to 144-176 g). Treatment with all amino acids contributed to increase the phenolic compounds content: phenylalanine – from 4.84% to 5.49%, tyrosine – up to 7.25%, tryptophan – up to 6.23%. Amino acids application did not have a significant effect on the root weight. It was noted that under favorable climate conditions for plant development, the use of amino acids is more effective, but under unfavorable conditions, there is no significant decrease in plant indicators. Results indicate the prospects of using amino acids as an element of agricultural practices to increase plant productivity and the content of biologically active substances.

Relevance.  In accordance with scientifically based nutrition standards in Russia, it is necessary to produce about 17 million tons of vegetable products, however, the provision has been achieved only for 8-11% of the country's population. Given the high need for vegetable products, as well as the popularity of tomatoes, the search for promising ways to increase tomato yields is currently relevant. One possible environmentally friendly way is to use biologics. The purpose of the study is to study the effect of the drug "Naturost" (Bacillus subtilis) on the growth and productive indicators of tomato.

Materials and Methods. The experiment was staged in a polycarbonate greenhouse in 2021-2023. (Manych tomato) and within the framework of production experience (Prodezo F1 tomato) – in 2023. The studied drug "Naturost" was introduced twice: under the root system during transplantation and along the phyllosphere by spraying plants. The studies evaluated the height of the plants, the number of flowers and buds, the number and weight of fruits. Harvesting of fruits and their assessment in the conditions of a polycarbonate greenhouse was carried out as the fruits were browned, in the production experience – twice a week.

Results. Application of the drug "Naturost" increased tomato plant height and flower number by 5–13% and 2.0–3.4 times under polycarbonate greenhouse conditions. The total number of fruits in the variant with the application of the drug was higher than the control by 1.9–3.7 times, the productivity of the crop – by 50–117%. The results of the production experiment demonstrated a less significant effect of the drug in strictly controlled and adjusted hydroponic tomato cultivation conditions: differences in plant height and yield reach only 3–4%. Probably, the main mechanism of activation of tomato growth during the application of the microbial preparation "Naturost" is to increase the resistance of plants to unfavorable cultivation conditions.

Relevance. Molecular genetic research, including microsatellite DNA markers, has recently been used to develop domestic breeding programs and increase the efficiency of the breeding process. The time is saved in selecting the most productive hybrid combinations whith creating heterotic hybrids, where analyzing the combining ability of genotypes is important.

Materials and Methods. The study was made at the A.L. Mazlumov All-Russian Research Institute of Sugar Beet and Sugar. The experiments utilized diploid, dioecious, male-sterile sugar beet varieties, which were crossed with fertile diploid (topcross type), unioecious pollinators (selected by the A.L. Mazlumov All-Russian Research Institute of Sugar Beet and Sugar). The resulting hybrids were evaluated for productivity traits (yield, sugar content, and sugar yield). Molecular genetic experimental studies were conducted in triplicate. Eight pairs of primers to microsatellite loci of the genome were used for genotyping sugar beet breeding samples.

Results. The parental components selected using molecular genetic markers demonstrated high productivity as compared to the standard. Microsatellite analysis revealed that the highest productivity was demonstrated by parental pairs whose components had the greatest genetic distances. Field trials revealed that hybrid combinations based on MS 9047, MS 94 Ap, and LBS 16 components, combined with OP 15676 and synthetic pollinators containing OP 15676, demonstrated high productivity (yield and sugar content), sugar yield From 7,3 to 9,9 t/ga, significantly exceeding the standard for 43-93%.

Conclusion. The results of molecular genetic analysis of SSR markers predicting heterosis in hybrid combinations of sugar beet are confirmed by experimental field studies.

Relevance. The breeding process of root crops, especially those with a biennial development cycle, is a lengthy process. It takes 14-20 years or 7-10 generations to develop a beet variety or hybrid (hybridization or inbreeding, selection, evaluation). Nowadays, the market and large commercial agricultural producers place special requirements on breeding achievements regarding the size of the root crop and its shape, productivity, biochemical composition, and a number of other technological indicators. Therefore, the development of methods that accelerate the introduction and reproduction of new beet varieties and hybrids in demand in industrial production is very essential.

Materials and Methods. The selected mother plants were planted in the second decade of January in a winter glazed greenhouse (years 2020-2022) and in a winter polycarbonate greenhouse on tables (years 2023-2024), in pots filled with a peat-perlite mixture. The seed plants were cared for using traditional technology. As the seeds ripened, after 108-120 days, they were threshed and sown in the open ground, simultaneously with the selection crops in the general field starting from the third decade of May.

Results. Planting elite mother root crops in protected soil using low-volume technology with supplementary lighting and formation of a seed bush of the first type, together allows to obtain seed progeny from the beet plants, sow seeds of the current year's crop in the third decade of May in open ground and harvest commercial root crops in one calendar year with formed varietal and economically valuable traits.

Relevance. The aim of our work was to create initial material for the breeding of F1 hybrids of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum) with resistance to downy mildew.

Materials and Methods. To achieve this goal, interspecific hybridization was carried out using A. roylei (donor of the dominant resistance gene Pd1) and A. galanthum (donor of the Ga-type cytoplasm inducing CMS), followed by backcrossing with A. fistulosum (cultivar 'Ishikura' and self-pollinated lines from the 'Katana F1' hybrid). Pollen fertility was assessed using the acetocarmine staining method, calculating the proportion of stained grains in three fields of view. Evaluation of resistance/susceptibility of the obtained populations was conducted under an artificial infection background (inoculum of the pathogen Peronospora destructor at a concentration of 106 spores/ml), as well as using the molecular SCAR marker DMR1.

Results. It was found that first-generation hybrids (A. roylei × A. fistulosum) and (A. galanthum × A. fistulosum) are characterized by extremely low pollen fertility (17.9% and 14.9%, respectively), caused by meiotic disturbances during distant hybridization. However, a single backcross of the hybrid (A. roylei × A. fistulosum) with A. fistulosum led to a complete restoration of male fertility in the BC1 population, where the average fertility was 95.4%. Phenotypic analysis under the artificial infection background revealed an absence of downy mildew symptoms in all plants of the BC1 and its populations containing genetic material from A. roylei, which does not correspond to the expected monogenic dominant segregation. At the same time, PCR analysis with the DMR1 marker demonstrated the amplification of non-specific fragments (350, 490, and 580 bp) in BC1 plants, indicating structural rearrangements in the introgression region of the Pd1 gene. The study demonstrated the possibility of transferring the CMS-inducing factor from A. galanthum and the Pd1 resistance gene from Allium roylei into the genome of Welsh onion. The obtained BC populations represent valuable material for the breeding of heterotic Welsh onion hybrids resistant to downy mildew.

Relevance. Establishing the parallelism of potato resistance to the Colorado potato beetle and the potato ladybird beetle was an important step for Russian breeding in the 1960s. In his scientific work “On the parallelism of potato resistance to Epilachna vigintioctomaculata Motsch and Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say”, I.M. Gontyurov stated that the complete metamorphosis of the potato ladybird beetle and the Colorado potato beetle was possible only on plants belonging to the genus Solanum and that the larvae of the potato ladybird beetle were not polytrophic, which was contrary to the existing publications by Ivanova, Kurentsov, and other researchers reporting the polyphagous nature of the potato ladybird beetle. A.I. Kurentsov noted that H. vigintioctomaculata was a typical representative of the Manchuria fauna, populated the areas bordering on mixed coniferous and temperate broad-leaf forests in the Far East, and inhabited grasses in forest clearings before the onset of mass agricultural practices. This directly contradicted the postulate of I.M. Gontyrov. His analysis of the ecological characteristics of the species was erroneous, which led to further unfortunate mistakes in the design and performance of the experiment as well as in the interpretation of the research results.

Materials and Methods. Our research goal was to analyze the existing methods for determining the ecological plasticity of the Colorado potato beetle and the potato ladybird beetle, including the use of our data.

Results. There are no studies reporting the parallelism of the ecological plasticity of the Colorado potato beetle and the ladybird potato beetle. This is due to the fact that the bioecological characteristics of the potato ladybird beetle significantly differ from those of the Colorado potato beetle: polyphagous insect, migrates between trophic and winter hibernation sites, self-regulation of the population density, higher reproductive coefficient, and higher net consumption rate. Additionally, there are differences in the feeding preferences of the insect species for potato varieties. This suggests different influence of the secondary metabolites on the ontogeny of the phytophagous insects. All this provides a wide range of work for researchers and breeding institutions.

Relevance. Beans are a source of vitamins and other biologically active substances. One of the promising areas is the enrichment of beans with trace elements, in particular, Se. From the standpoint of environmental safety, it is also of interest to study the effect of various forms of selenium (sodium selenite and nanoselene) separately and against the background of heavy metal pollution (lead and chromium) on the growth, development, yield and chemical composition of beans of domestic and foreign varieties.

Methods. The influence of selenium, chromium, and lead compounds on the growth, development, yield, and chemical composition of beans of various varieties has been evaluated. Field experiments were conducted in 2022-2024 in the southern foreststeppe of Western Siberia, the objects of research were vegetable beans of the varieties Russian black, Belarusian, Hangdown Grunkernig, Dreifach Waibe.

Results. Depending on the form of selenium used, the influence of heavy metals, and variety specificity, the difference in selenium content in beans can be very significant (41...1325mcg/kg). The use of sodium selenite significantly increases the selenium content in plants, while the level of the trace element increases by 6.4...12.2 times, and when using nanoselene by 1.4...3.8 times. Anthropogenic intake of heavy metals reduces the selenium content in beans in all studied varieties, with the largest decrease by -96.4% observed when exposed to lead. Various ways of using selenium and the varietal specifics of its accumulation affect the growth and development, and, as a result, the yield of vegetable beans. The interaction of heavy metals and selenium affects the production process.

Conclusion. The effectiveness of using selenium for bean enrichment depends on the method and form of its intake, interaction with other elements, in particular, heavy metals. Varieties of beans of domestic and foreign breeding have different responsiveness to the use of trace elements.

Relevance. The relevance of the article lies in the analysis and study of modern forms of nitrogen fertilizers in the mineral nutrition of potatoes. This research direction is driven by the emergence of diverse forms on the mineral fertilizer market.

Methodology. The article presents comparative data on the effects of traditional nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, urea, liquid ammonia, ammonia water) and relatively new developments (stabilized urea UTEK, nitrogen-limestone fertilizer (UAI), nitrogen fertilizers with sulfur additives such as UAN+S, sulfonitrate, etc.). The article shows the results of field experiments (2020-2022) to assess the effectiveness of root dressings with some of the above forms: ammonium nitrate, inhibited urea UTEK, nitrogen-limestone fertilizer (UAI), on domestic potato varieties – maturing Udacha, Meteor, Zhukovsky and mid-season Favorit, Grand. Standard research methods were used in setting up and conducting the shortterm field experiments.

Results. The system of mineral nutrition of potatoes, combining the main application of complex NPK fertilizers (nitroammophoska 14:14:23 or diammophoska 10:26:26, etc.) before planting in moderate doses (N40-56P56-104K92-104) with root nitrogen fertilizing in doses not exceeding N100 in the initial period of vegetation (plant height 10-15 cm – beginning of budding) with modernized forms of nitrogen fertilizers (inhibited urea UTEK) or nitrogen-limestone fertilizer (UAI), is capable of fully revealing the potential of potato varieties. It was found that when growing domestic potato varieties on sod-podzolic sandy loam soil, the yield increase from nitrogen top dressing at a rate of N100 was: for early varieties (Udacha, Meteor, Zhukovsky early) 3.0-8.8 t/ha or 7-25%, and for mid-late varieties (Grand, Favorit) 3.0-7.7 t/ha or 11-20% over the mineral background (N56P56K92), where the yield level reached 27-32 t/ha. Root nitrogen top dressings contributed to a significant increase in potato yield and marketability, with no observed "growth dilution" of nutrients in the produce.

Relevance. To obtain high-quality planting material in West Siberia, it is impossible to create a favorable soil moisture regime without irrigation. Drip irrigation combined with mulching is an advanced technology that reduces water consumption and dampens acute fluctuations of moisture content and temperature in the upper soil layers. The research goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of moisture conservation when using various mulching and covering materials during completing of growing orchard crop seedlings in a nursery.

Materials and Methods. The research was carried out in 2025 at the site of the Experimental Production Division of the Federal Altai Scientific Center of Agro-Biotechnologies, in the Department of the Lisavenko Siberian Research Institute of Gardening, in the forest-steppe zone of the Altai Region. The experiments on completing of growing seedlings of honeysuckle (Berel variety) and sea buckthorn (Zhemchuzhnita variety) in the nursery included the following variants: control; 3-4 cm thick straw layer; 3-4 cm thick sawdust layer; black spunbond; white spunbond. The number of registration plants in one plot was 30 (450 plants in the experiment). The soils of the experimental site were meadow-chernozem soils; the moisture content was maintained at a level of 70% of the minimum field moisture capacity and above. The studies were carried out according generally accepted methods for determination and evaluation of the water-physical soil properties.

Results. Organic mulching materials (straw and sawdust) as well as black spunbond turned out to be the most effective in terms of moisture conservation. In the one-meter soil layer of the nursery for growing sea buckthorn and honeysuckle seedlings against the background of drip irrigation, the average increase in total moisture storage per season was as following: 20.8-30.1 mm under black spunbond; 18.6-28.5 mm when mulching with straw; 17.7-22.3 mm in the sawdust variant; 8.2-23.9 mm when using white spunbond.

In the upper fifty-centimeter root layer of drip irrigation plots used for growing orchard seedlings in a nursery, mulching with straw creates additional productive moisture storage of 11.6-13.3 mm, sawdust - 8.8-13.3 mm, black spunbond - 5.3-11.8 mm, and white spunbond - 3.8-10.0 mm.

Relevance. In the industrially tense region (Donbass), as a result of socio-economic upheavals since 2014, many lands have been withdrawn from agricultural use and are now abandoned and degrading. Areas of active military action create beligerative landscapes characterized by profound geophysical and geochemical transformations. These areas are hotbeds of toxic environmental impacts and require targeted restoration measures. Phytoremediation stands out among the most effective methods for optimizing natural-territorial complexes of the DPR as the most effective, economically advantageous and aesthetically attractive.

Materials and Methods. Agricultural and recreational ecotopes in the Central Donbass were studied. A field assessment of the state of local geosystems was conducted. Morphological analysis and description of plants, as well as calculations for determining life strategies (CSR), were applied. Analytical methods (atomic absorption, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and neutron activation) were used.

Results. A difference in the range of informative structural features variation of some indicator plants for use in phytoremediation purposes in post-conflict areas – sites of active military operations in Donbass – has been established. New geochemical anomalies were identified in post-conflict areas for a number of technophile elements (Mn, Р, Zn, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Cr, La, Co, Se, As, Cd). For the plant species Cichorium intybus L., Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg, Plantago major L., and Diplotaxis muralis (L.) DC., the implementation patterns of life-sustaining strategies (visualization of CSR in the Grime-Ramensky triangle) and ecological plasticity in areas affected by the militarization of the region were determined. Anatomical and morphological pathologies of the studied species were identified. The ecological valence of species allows them to support the initial stages of active succession during the first two to three years, forming a vegetation cover that performs anti-erosion and habitatforming functions. Based on plant morphopathologies and elemental composition data, geochemical anomalies were identified and a range of geochemical background values for elemental composition in plant samples was described. A phosphorus-lanthanum anomaly (P-La), a consequence of military operations in the DPR, is described for the first time.

Relevance. Forest shelterbelts in the steppe zone play a crucial role in stabilizing agrolandscapes by influencing the water regime, humus formation, and the biogeochemical cycle of soils. However, their impact on the carbon and nitrogen content of Chernozems remains insufficiently studied.

Methodology. The research was conducted in the Kamennaya Steppe Nature Reserve along a transect crossing a forest shelterbelt and adjacent arable fields. Total carbon and nitrogen contents were determined within the soil profile, as well as their spatial distribution in relation to topography and slope exposure.

Results. The results show that forest shelterbelts promote intensive organic matter accumulation and the development of highly humus-enriched Chernozems. Mean total carbon and nitrogen contents under forest vegetation significantly exceeded their levels in AgroChernozems. In contrast, arable soils were characterized by enhanced mineralization of organic matter, nutrient removal with crop harvests, and degradation to moderately humus-enriched types. The spatial distribution of carbon and nitrogen was influenced not only by land use but also by microrelief, prevailing wind directions, and snow accumulation conditions. Forest shelterbelts in agrolandscapes represent a key factor in maintaining the fertility of Chernozems and enhancing their ecological stability.

Conclusion. The findings emphasize the importance of preserving and expanding forest shelterbelt systems as an element of sustainable land use.

Relevance. Fungiculture is currently one of the most relevant areas of development in Russian agriculture. Some of the most popular edible mushrooms in the world are the species Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and Flammulina velutipes (enoki), however in Russia they are grown in limited quantities. This is due to the lack of existing technologies for cultivating edible mushrooms and the lack of high-quality mycelium of domestic production.

Materials and Methods. In the period from 2024 to 2025, the elements of technology for growing mycelium and fruit bodies of fungi of the species P. ostreatus and F. velutipes on nutrient substrates of various compositions were developed. The substrates were based on sawdust of various tree species, and brewer’s grains were used as a nutrient additive (as a waste from brewing production). The control was a substrate with the addition of wheat bran in a concentration of 5%. The work was carried out at the microbiological laboratory of Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University. The fungus strains P. ostreatus 135 and F. velutipes F-562 from the Russian National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms of the NRC “Kurchatov Institute” GOSNIIGENETIKA were used for research work.

Results. It was found that the best substrate for P. ostreatus is birch sawdust with the addition of brewer’s grains in an amount of 10% by weight of sawdust. Good mycelium growth was observed in Petri dishes, the colony diameter was 73.1 mm, which was 18% higher than the control, while the onset of primordium formation and a high growth coefficient (94) were noted. During cultivation in the substrate blocks, rapid overgrowth of the substrate (10 days), early formation of primordiums (13 days) and fruit bodies (15 days) took place. The yield was 187.5 g per 1 kg of substrate. F. velutipes developed better on a substrate of apple sawdust with the addition of 10% brewer’s grains.

Very intensive mycelium growth was noted in Petri dishes, the colony diameter was 78.9 mm, which was 11% higher than the control. In the substrate blocks, active overgrowth of the substrate (18 days), rapid formation of primordiums (32 days) and fruit bodies (37 days) were noted. The yield was 234.2 g per 1 kg of substrate.

Conclusion. It is recommended to use a birch sawdust substrate with the addition of 10% brewer’s grains for growing P. ostreatus (oyster mushroom). For growing F. velutipes (enoki), the best solution is an apple sawdust substrate with the addition of 10% brewer’s grains.

Relevance. The study focuses on minimizing the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) application in vegetable farming, aligning with global trends such as Responsible AI and AgriTech Sustainability.

Methods. A quantitative risk assessment methodology was proposed, including: risk identification (technical, economic, agrotechnical, social, legal); probability (P) and potential damage (L) assessment for enterprises of different scales (large, medium, small); risk calculation and ranking using the criterion R=L×P; proposing mitigation strategies (prevention, insurance, reserve funding).

Results. The study yielded the following conclusions. Large enterprises face the highest potential losses (up to $4 million USD), primarily due to economic and agrotechnical risks. Mediumsized enterprises are most vulnerable to high initial costs and supplier dependency (estimated damage ~$2.1 million USD). Small enterprises are exposed to monopolization and bankruptcy risks, despite lower absolute losses (~$952,000 USD). An analysis of global risk mitigation approaches revealed differences in strategies. The U.S. relies on market mechanisms (insurance, model calibration). The European Union emphasizes strict regulation (GDPR, AI Act). China adopts state platforms and centralized control. Russia focuses on pilot projects under government programs and import substitution. In the Russian context, risk mitigation faces challenges such as: Legal uncertainty due to unclear AI liability criteria and difficulties in proving insurance cases. Technological limitations due to the lack of unified risk assessment methods and insufficient data for actuarial calculations. Market barriers, including high premiums and insurers' excessive caution.

Conclusion. The study summarizes key findings and provides the following recommendations for AI risk mitigation. For large enterprises: Implement backup systems, insure against cyber risks, and monitor environmental impacts. For medium enterprises: Focus on ROI analysis, partner with reliable suppliers, and train personnel. For small enterprises: Use localized AI solutions, participate in government support programs, and collaborate to reduce dependency. At the government level: Develop regulatory frameworks for AI in agriculture, incentivize risk insurance, and support AgriTech R&D.

Relevance. Climate change is a severe problem in Ethiopia as a whole, but especially in the study area, where people rely on subsistence rain-fed farming. Effective adaption changes in climatic conditions are critical to securing resilient farmers' livelihoods.

Methodology. As a result, this study investigated farmers' choices and factors influencing their adaptation strategies to climate change in Semen Bench District, Southwest Ethiopia, which is heavily impacted by climate change pressure. This study utilized a cross-sectional survey and time series data research design. A multistage stratified random sampling procedure collected from 216 randomly selected sample households using a pretested questionnaire survey. The supplementary data were collected from purposely-selected fifteen key informants; (twenty) focus group participants. Farmers' climate change adaptation techniques were described using descriptive statistics and an econometric model. To determine the characteristics influencing household adaptation methods to climate change, a multivariate probit model was used.

Results. The model results showed that the likelihood of families employing soil and water conservation (SWC), enhanced and diversified crops, tree planting and agroforestry, irrigation, and organic fertilizers were 47.8%, 38.9%, 54.1%, 63.4%, and 59.6%, respectively. Multivariate probit model were applied to identify factors that influence the farmer's decision to adapt to climate change. The MVP model confirmed that the factors had statistically significant (P<0.01, 0.05, and 0.1) effects on the choice of adaptation responses such as the household head's sex, age, education level, household size, farm size, farm income, ownership of tropical livestock, access to credit, extension visit, farmer-to-farmer extension, access to climate information, farmer experience, and the average distance from home to the farm.