The perspectives of the development of agriculture in Russia in modern times and main results of work of the Committee of the State Duma on Natural Resources, Management and Ecology are presented in the article. For the purpose of food sovereignty, the import ration should not be exceeded 25% from overall volume of food production. The Russian Academy of Agricultural Science worked on the potential of agricultural sector, which has to be the duty-bearer of food supply security of Russia and the source of raw materials for the trade. Up to now, the Russian scientists have developed a lot of competitive varieties and hybrids, widespread commercial introduction of which is able to guarantee of high quality products.

The potato is one of the main strategic crops in the Russian Federation, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Currently, we have achieved significant advances in the understanding of metabolic mechanism of carbohydrate and interconversion «sucrose – starch» in potato tubers. Sucrose synthase (Sus) is a key enzyme in the breakdown of sucrose. Sucrose synthase (Sus) is catalyzing a reversible reaction of conversion sucrose and UDP into fructose and UDP-glucose. The identification and subsequent characterization of the genes encoding plant sucrose synthase is the first step towards understanding their physiological roles and metabolic mechanism involved in carbohydrate accumulation in potato tubers. In the present work the nucleotide and amino acid polymorphism of the Sus4 gene fragments containing sequences of the sucrose synthase domain were analyzed. Sus4 gene fragments (intron III – exon VI) in 9 potato cultivars of Russian, Kazakh and Belarusian breeding were analyzed. The polymorphism of the Sus4 sucrose synthase domain sequences was first examined. The length of analyzed fragment varied from 977 b.p. (cultivars Favorit, Karasaiskii, Miras) to 1013 b.p. (cultivars Zorochka, Manifest, Elisaveta, Bashkirskii). It was demonstrated that the examined sequences contained point mutations, as well as insertions and deletions. The common polymorphism level was 5.82%. It was shown that the examined sequences contained 58 SNPs and 4 indels. The most variable were introns IV (12.4%) and V (9.18%). The most variable was exon IV. 7 allelic variants were detected. 6 different amino acid sequences specific to different varieties were also identified.

Intervarietal and ecological variability of biochemical parameters of six varieties and hybrids of Daucus carota L. of VNIISSOK’s breeding was studied. These data can be used for breeding of carrot for consistent high quality of product.The sources of high potential of such traits as the “total carotenoid content” (Moscowskay Zimnya A-515, Nantskya 4, Minor), the “total sugars” (Marlinka, Mars F1), the “content monosaccharides” (Gribovchanin F1) were identified. The sources of stability of biochemical parameters were identified. They are cv. Nantskya 4 and Minor (for the trait of the “total carotenoids”), cv. Marlinka and Moscowskay Zimnya A-515 (for the trait of the “total sugars), and hybrid Gribovchanin F1 (for the trait of the “total monosaccharides”). The environment of Moscow and Bryansk regions was used as a background for selection for adaptability of such traits as “total sugar content”, “total carotenoids”, and “nitrate content”. Along with the ecologo-geographic method, the step-type sowing method can be used. The most informative factor for evaluation of traits adaptability is a quality crop production developed at the first sowing time (6th May, 1st May, 5th May) and the second sowing time (16th May, 10th May, 15th May). Demonstration of stability of main biochemical parameters of carrot varieties and hybrids was determined. The possibility of screening of adaptable genotypes for traits of product quality, which depend on sowing time, was shown.

One of the way of increasing of genetic variability of onion (Allium cepa L.) is the interspecific hybridization. Development of onion interspecific hybrids consists of the study of initial breeding forms, its heterogeneity, ways of crossing and pollination, overcoming of outbreeding problem, sterility and weak fertility of the hybrids of first and next generations, specifics of hybrid’s seeds development, identification and selection of recombinant forms with breeding valuable traits. The stages of development of the bulbous forms of interspecific hybrids of onion are presented in the article. The study was conducted in the “All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of vegetable breeding and seed production” of the Moscow region. The plants of inbreed progenies I1-5 from BC1-2F5 of bulb forms of interspecific hybrids A. cepa х A. Fistulosum as well as the parental forms were analyzed. The breeding and phytopathological assessment of recombinant forms of onion interspecific hybrids was done for qualitative and quantitative traits and for resistance to downy mildew. Using the individual selection for quality and quantity traits, it was found that the forms, whose traits were not undergo the inbreeding depression because of the higher homozygosity can be used for development of linear initial material for breeding for heterosis. The forms with the inbreeding depression have to be used for crossbreeding. Along with increasing of homozygosity, the new modified genotypes appear because of potential variability and genes recombination. It allows to make the purposive selection of recombinant forms for valuable traits. The selected onion forms from inbreed progenies of I1-5 from BC1-2F5 which have bulbs of flat and well-rounded-flat shape are characterized by high resistance to downy mildew and bulbs with good storage ability. The selection process of the recombinant forms from progenies of onion interspecific hybrids obtained based on repeated inbreeding is shown. Using such techniques as stage-by-stage crossing of A. Cepa L. and A. fistulosum L., embryo culture, polyploidization, backcrossing, inbreeding, selection of recombinant forms, etc., the technology of creation of new initial breeding material of onion was developed.

In the laboratory of leguminous crops of the “All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of vegetable breeding and seed production”, more than 100 samples of pea are studied annually. As a result, pre-breeding collection of the sources of agronomical valuable traits was developed. It is utilized for development of new pea varieties resistant to lodging. In 2012- 2014, the crossing were conducted. As a result of selection in F2-F6, the lines of different groups of maturity with lodging resistance were selected. These transgressing forms are suitable for canning, deep freezing, and drying. The following samples are recommended for development of high yielded varieties: «102- 82А5Б4» is the middle-early variety, the progenitor of early ripening cv. «Korsar» applied for the state variety trial in 2015 and two promising samples «15 КСИ 15» and «9 КСИ». The «16-05» is the middle-early variety, the transgressive form for the trait «seed amount per nod» with high attachment of lower bean. The sample «K-8915» is the middle-early genotype, high productive, with high attachment of lower bean. The sample «Troyika» is recommended for development of high productive, late ripening initial breeding material. As a result of step crossing this sample is characterized by late maturity, by three bean per nod, and by high attaching of lower bean. The sample «CM-10 m» is distinct in the aphyllous type of leaf, resistance to powdery mildew, paired bean, suitable for canning and drying. This sample was selected as a transgressive form for stem anatomy structure (spongy cell tissue) from sample developed by complex step hybridization. Owing the distinctive feature in the stem anatomy structure, this sample can be recommended as a main parental form for development of varieties resistant to lodging.

Soybeans is the most important source of high quality protein using as food and oil. Soybean protein is balanced for amino acid composition that is advantage in comparison with other legumes, oil crops, and cereals. Soybean protein contains all the essential amino acids in a ratio close to the animal protein. Due to the acute deficiency of protein, the interest in soybean production and breeding of new varieties are constantly growing worldwide. The early ripening lines for the duration of the vegetation period and interphase periods of development were selected. The soybean samples with a maximum seed weight per a plant, thousand-seed weight and the largest number of seeds in a bean were revealed. The genotypes with the optimal displays of these traits for the breeding in the different directions were identified.

Results of study of the collection accessions of red beet with different level of bolting resistance are presented. Nature of inheritance of this trait in progeny, and also its connection with other biological and economically valuable characters and properties is shown. Bolting resistant accessions and possibility of its use in breeding are described. The promising initial material is selected and recommended. The most rational solution of the bolting problems in the beet is the development of resistant varieties and hybrids. For this purpose, the early-spring and under-winter planting are used, as well as the seed germination at low (30C) temperatures. The availability of the various initial material studied by modern methods of researches plays a key role. When the collection accessions of beet were studied in the VIR Polar branch (The Murmansk Region), the following genotypes were identified: 1 – non bolting, 2 – weak bolting (less than 10% of bolting plants), 3 – moderately bolting (10-50%), and 4 – high bolting (more than 50% of bolting plants). As a result of screening of a gene pool, the genetic sources of bolting resistance of beet were identified. At its crossing with bolting accessions the dominance of the trait «bolting» and monogenic nature of its inheritance are confirmed. For the purpose of beet breeding for bolting resistance, the symphycarpous varieties characterized by complex biological and agronomic characters (increased yield, cold tolerance, quality of production and resistance to blackleg) are the most usable. The cultivars Banko from Sweden (donor), Podzimnyaya A-0474 (VNIISSOK) and Polyarnaya ploskaya-249 (Polar branch VIR) are recommended as a genetic sources of bolting resistance.

The results of pre-sowing treatment of radish seeds aimed at increasing of seed production, yield and its productivity in protected area are presented. The density fractionation of radish seeds by gravity separator is recommended for improvement of planting material quality and increasing of utilization efficiency of frame area.

As a result of crossing with patty pan squash with male sterility, the new parent lines of Cucurbita реро L., «ANZH» and «ANZ», with the original set of morphological traits («kabakson») based on the gene of male sterility of functional type were developed. The F1 hybrids with economically valuable features were obtained. These hybrids are characterized by small fruits of pickling types, high yield and biochemical content.

Knowledge of the specificity of accumulation of 137Cs and 90Sr by plants and limits of accumulation by plant fruits plays a key role at breeding of vegetable crops, which make demand for ecological safety of the product. The article is concerned with the study of varietal sources of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) aimed at development of ecological safety product on the territory polluted by radionuclides.The specificity of accumulation of radionuclides 137Cs and 90Sr was studied in 54 varieties of spinach at industrial contaminated and polluted lands. Experimental tests were conducted in the Moscow and Bryansk regions in 2012 and 2014. The absolute value of radionuclide 90Sr was higher than absolute value of radionuclide 137Cs in all studied zones. It was found that the hazard rate of 90Sr is higher because the level of pollution of product reaches up to 76% from maximum permissible concentration (MPC), while the level of product pollution by 137Cs is 26,4% from MPC. The spinach genotype differentiation for 90Sr in the most environments is lower than differentiation for 137Cs. The histograms of distribution 90Sr and 137Cs showed that samples amount in the groups of accumulation for both radionuclides are equal. Statistically significant data for radionuclides 137Cs and 90Sr in spinach were not obtained. The evaluation of spinach for low content of radionuclides should be conducted separately for each radionuclide on various backgrounds.

New tomato varieties suitable for growing in open area and greenhouses were developed. The cultivar «Sodruzhestvo» with low content of acids, high content of sugars and dry matters is recommended for baby foods and dietetic nutrition. The fruits of cv. «Voskhod of VNIISSOK’s» are red, solids, and suitable for stuffing.

The biological properties and cultivation technology of savoy cabbage are presented in the article. The ways of breeding of this crop in VNIISSOK, some varieties and hybrids are described. Up to 2016, the 9 varieties and the 11 hybrids of savoy cabbage were included in to the State Register of selective breeding results (plant variety). The bestknown cultivars of VNIISSOK’s breeding are the early maturing «Yubileynaya 2170» (vegetation season is 102-114 days) and the middle-late «Vertyu 1340» (130-150 days).

Nine red beet varieties of the VNIISSOK’s breeding are described in the article. The methods of its development, maintenance, utilization in the breeding programs are presented. The cultivars «Bordo odnosemyanaya», «Nezhnosty», «Lyubava», «Gaspadinya» are the sources of the separately fruiting. The breeding of red beet based on fertility and cytoplasmic male sterility is conducted. The best sources for heterosis are cv. «Nezhnosty», «Odnorostkovaya», «Lyubava», «Gaspadinya». The best sources for early-ripening are cv. «Nesravnennaya A-463», «Gribovskaya ploskaya», «Podzimnyaya A-474». Because of the high adaptability, the cv. «Bordo 237» can be recommended for breeding programs in all regions of Russia. The volume of sales and seed production of these varieties are shown.

The origin, the biological features, the food and medical value of common hyssop are presented. The agro-technology of growing of common hyssop in condition of central Russia is described. Two common hyssop varieties of VNIISSOK’s breeding included in to the State Register of selective breeding results (plant variety) of Russia are presented. Currently, the laboratory of breeding and seed development of leaf vegetable and spices crops of VNIISSOK is working on the initial breeding material for development of new varieties of common hyssop based on collected and local populations of Hyssopus officinalis L. Evaluation and selection of genotypes with various colors of pink are conducted in breeding nursery.

The area of distribution and data of origin of witloof chicory are presented in the article. The method of development and main characteristics of cv. «Konus» of VNIISSOK”s breeding are described. The way of utilization, food value, medical properties of witloof chicory are shown. The biological features of the crop, adaptive characteristics, agro-technology of growing in open ground are described. Technological properties of growing room, the requirement for substrate, thermal conditioning, and watering are provided. The harvest time, planting material preparation for seed production, crop production practices and harvest of seed plants of witloof chicory are considered.

For a number of years, the study of large-rooted chicory of different ecological-geographic origin has been conducted in the “Rostov experimental station for horticulture of chicory. The genotypes with valuable traits for breeding for high yield, suitability for mechanized harvest owing to short roots were selected. The description of largerooted chicory varieties of Russian and foreign breeding is provided.

The characteristics of new vegetable crop, anguria (West Indian gherkin, Cucumis anguria L.) cv. “Dieticheskiy” is provided. This varieties is mid ripening crop (48-50 days from germination to harvest) with yield 7,15-8,24 kg/mІ. The fruits are transportable, the tasting score is 4,4-4,5 points, the fruit weight is 43-50 g, storability is 7-10 days. The productivity is 45-50 fruits per plant. The cv. “Dieticheskiy” is resistant to powdery mildew and root rot. It is recommended to grow in greenhouses.

The evaluation of aflatunskiy onion for accumulation level of 25 elements was done. It was found that this crop is a source of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. It is able to accumulate iodine, magnesium, zinc, ferric, silica. The obtained data shows the nutrition value of the genus of Allium L.

The influence of the pre-sowing soaking of seeds into the solution of Indian “Mykonet” (Mn) and Russian “Micefit” (Mc) on the different phases of development, morphometric and biochemical indices of cucumber has been studied. The both preparations stimulated seed germination, growth, and development of plants. The Mn contents a mushrooms’ spores, which improve the content of soil beneficial microflora. It can explain the prolong stimulation of this preparation and its efficiency. The Mc contents only mushrooms’ metabolites, which made it less effective in the stimulation of growth and development of the plants. The both preparations improved the development of all phenological phases, increased yield because of earlier and prolonged fruiting. The seed productivity and seed weight were also increased. During two-years investigations, application of the Mn has increased the yield and seed productivity up to 15-18%, while the Mc has increased the yield and seed productivity up to 12-16%. The biochemical characteristics (dry matters, sugars) were also improved.

The application of phytogenous mulching materials based on local processed raw materials at potato cultivation in irrigated conditions of the Astrakhan region has allowed optimization of temperature and moisture regime of the soil. It was found that in case of the spring term of planting, the mulching has increased the soil temperature up to 0,6-0,9°C on April-May at a depth of 0,10 m as compared to the control. During heat period, mulching materials have decreased the soil temperature. Antecedent soil water under mulching materials in the phase of tubers formation was on 1,15-1,19 times higher than in the control variant without mulching. The most effective materials for the soils of different grain-size distribution were determined: for the heavy-loamy soil the best mulching material was straw, for the sandy loam soil the more efficient mulching was saw-dust.

The results of study of impact of the new cultivation technology on the growth and plant development, and potato yield in the mountain province. The advantages of the technology “Surface planting” and the factors increasing potato productivity are presented.

The data of yield and tuber quality of earlyripening potato varieties obtained during tuber-formation in the forest-steppe zone of Tyumen region are presented. It was found that cv. Vesna, cv. Severniy, and cv. Red Scarlet are differed in their pattern of tuber formation in different time of growing. The cultivars Alena, Severniy, and Karatop are characterized by high starch accumulation and good taste qualities.

Significant damage to cultivated perennial onions is caused by rust disease (Puccinia allii (DS.) Rud.). The 15 types of perennial onions (17 cultivars and 13 breeding specimens) were tested for resistance to diseases in the conditions of Moscow region. The high degree of susceptibility to rust disease is common to Allium nutans (= Siberian chives or blue chives), Allium schoenoprasum (=chives), Allium galanthum (= snowdrop onion) and Allium amphibolum (the degree of the disease development was more than 15%). Among the varieties of welsh onions the highest degree of resistance to disease was common to the early ripening variety Sprinter. The Allium odorum (= garlic chives), Allium obliquum and Allium senйscens (= German garlic or broadleaf chives) were not susceptible to rust infection. The article discusses the ways of onion protection from rust disease.

Plasmodiophora brassicae Wor. is the one of the causative agent of disease of the family of Brassicaceae, that results in decrease of white head cabbage yield up to 10-60%. The aim of the work was the study of genetic variability of doubled haploid lines of white head cabbage obtained by the isolated microspore culture in vitro aimed at selection of the lines resistant to P. Brassicae and development of resistant hybrids. The doubled haploid lines of white head cabbage were evaluated for resistance to Plasmodiophora brassicae using the method of inoculation of seedlings by pathogen in the control condition of the chamber room. As a result of assessment, the high disease distribution among doubled haploid lines was found (25- 100%), but disease development was not higher than 68%. The score of infestation was 0.5-3.3, that was comparable with the standard (3.5). The plants of the lines 3-3-3 did not exhibit any symptoms of disease that can indicate of efficiency of its gene resistance or pathogen heterogeneity. The lines with high resistance to P. brassicae were used as a parental lines for development of F1 hybrids. Using the top-crossing method the forty-two hybrid combinations were developed based on self-incompatibility. These hybrid combinations were analyzed for clubroot resistance in the field conditions on an artificial infectious background in Moscow region. Based on the data of two-year experiments, all tested hybrid combinations were divided into the groups of relatively tolerant (52.4%) and susceptible (45.2%) genotypes. Only one hybrid combination developed with line 3-3-3 has proved to be tolerant. The score of infestation of hybrid combinations varied from 0 to 1.8. The score of infestation of the standard was 2.5. The disease distribution reached 80% but disease development varied from 0 to 25%.

Professor Dryagina Irina Viktorovna – 95th Anniversary.

Valeeva Zarya Tadzhievna – 80th Anniversary.