Relevance. The development of F1 hybrids distinguishing it from cultivars by high productivity, plant uniformity in ripening date, fruit sizes and quality is the promising trend in breeding program in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

The aim of the study was to optimize the gynogenesis induction condition in culture of unpollinated ovules in vitro in order to broad the generation of new breeding forms and to accelerate homozygous line production.

Materials and methods. Eight promising cucumber accessions from Laboratory of Cucurbit Breeding and Seed Production (FSBSI FSVC) were taken for the study. The protocol developed in Laboratory of Biotechnology (FSBSI FSVC) for production of doubled haploid in Cucurbitaceae family was used in the experiment. The medium IMC with 30 g/L sucrose and 7g/L agar supplemented with 200 mg/L ampicillin and 0.2 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ) was applied to induce gynogenic development.

Results. The half-open bud or flower was shown to be the most suitable to be taken as an explant for cultivation. Highest number of embryo-like structures in all accessions developed from ovaries 2.1-2.6 cm long. Exposure to sterilization solution of sodium hypochlorite for 15 min made ovary wall softer and ovules can be then easily extracted without traumatizing. The traumatized ovule resulted in inhibited gynogenic development. Embryoids and calli had developed in all studied cucumber accessions, but well-formed plants were only obtained in six accessions. In total 26 plants were produced. The maximum gynogenesis induction equal to 63.1% was achieved in accession 1810. Maximum number of plant produced was twelve in accession 1763, but the greatest plant outcome 7.7% of the ovules with induced gynogenesis was observed in accession 1807. 

Relevance. In recent years vegetable crop Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis var. purpuraria (synonyms: Brassica campestris L. var.purpurea Bailey; Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis var. purpurea) is gaining popularity as an object of genetic and molecular researches, and as an economically valuable vegetable plant due to the high content of biologically active compounds and distinctive economically valuable traits. Effective technology for development DH-plants to accelerate the breeding process for this culture has not been developed yet, so research in this area is relevant.

Materials and methods. The study included two varieties from the collection of Vavilov AllRussian Research Institute of Plant Industry (VIR): No. 1301 (China) and No. 1357(Netherlands). Both protocols standard unmodified and with addition of silver nitrate (AgNO3) in the medium for embryogenesis induction were used in experiments for production of DH plants from isolated microspore in vitro. Direct chromosome counting in meristem cells and flow cytometry were used to determine the ploidy of regenerating plants.

Results. As a result of the study embryogenesis in B. purpuraria culture can develop with the use of a standard protocol as well as with the addition of silver nitrate that showed a positive effect on the induction of embryogenesis. The yield of embryoids varied depending on the genotype of the individual plant within the variety accession. The highest yield of embryoids was 40 embryoids/petri dish. The main problem at the stage of regeneration is that about half of the regenerating plants occurred to be albinos and were not viable. We show a high degree of spontaneous chromosome doubling in regenerated plants (all analyzed plants were doubled haploids). In total 38 regenerated plants were obtained from accession No. 1301. It was shown that four DH-plants had self-incompatibility after self-pollination, but seed progeny from other plants was obtained. The created material was taken for genetics study and breeding work. 

Relevance.It is very important not only to create a hybrid of cucumber, which in all respects suits the producers of vegetable products, but also to ensure that the production of hybrid seeds with high varietal and sowing qualities is not unprofitable. A high yield of hybrid seeds can be obtained only with good pollination of the maternal line, for this purpose there should be enough male flowers on the paternal form and the flowering time of the parent forms should coincide.

Materials and methods. The research was carried out in the first turn of the winter greenhouse with low-volume cultivation technology in 2017-2018. The object of research was the parent forms of a promising hybrid of parthenocarpic type F1 Murava. The maternal form is of the female type, the paternal form is predominantly of the female type of flowering. Terms of sowing of parental forms were studied: simultaneously and with a difference of 7-8 days. Experiments on different variants of treatments of the paternal form with gibberellic acid (concentration 0.09-0.1%) were laid in order to obtain a sufficient number of male flowers for pollination of the maternal form. The parent forms were planted at the hybridization site according to the 3:1 scheme. Pollination of female plants was carried out manually daily.

Results. As a result, it was concluded that for good pollination of the maternal form of the hybrid F1 Murava, two triple treatments of the paternal form with gibberellic acid in the phase of two real leaves are needed. Treatment with gibberellic acid paternal form, sown a week later, was more effective. Obviously, this is due to the improvement of growing conditions at a later date of planting seedlings. When sowing the mother form a week later than the father, the seed productivity of hybrid seeds was higher, compared with simultaneous sowing of parent forms and reached 53.5 g per plant. 

Domesticated crops are characterized by narrow genetic base reflecting one or more bottlenecks during millennia-long selection. As a result, current breeding programs are limited in available germplasm and are forced to deal with incremental improvements of yield, resistance, nutritional value, etc. Since the establishment of modern genetics and biotechnology, several new approaches have emerged to extend the genetic base and germplasm improvement. Among these methods, induced mutagenesis appeared as most useful conventional breeding tool. Although, its successful application currently requires good knowledge of modern molecular tools. In this paper we will make an attempt to overview SSR, ISSR and ISAP techniques as well as to offer examples of their application in tomato breeding programs.

Relevance. Most of the pea varieties used in the production of canned vegetables have similar morphological structure of the stalk: shortened internodes, their limited number and location in the upper part of the stalk. The deficiency of such plant architectonics is the limitation of yielding capacity in relation to small number of yielding nodes, yielding capacity instability, and high degree of affliction by plant diseases. The production of pea varieties having an increased number of yielding nodes will allow changing the relation between the nonproductive and reproductive parts to the advantage of the latter.

Methods. The pea varieties from the collection of bean cultures laboratories of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center were used as the research varieties. The main method of work was intervarietal hybridization with subsequent single plant selection. In 2018-2019 the selected lines were seeded in a nursery with an area of 7 m2 . The forms with changed flowering pattern (Pervenets, Ranniy 28-11, Wenson) and the most yielding early and midseason varieties (Dakota, Ranniy Gribovsky 11, Voronezhsky Zelyony, Korsar, Orus, Viola, Zelyonaya Strela, Quartella) were used as parent components. The selection was performed on the basis of the following features: changed flowering pattern, the number of yielding nodes, the number of legumes on a node, as well as the length of a bean and the number of seeds in a legume. A finometer was used for the determination of the green pea hardness.

Results. Sample 50-4-19 having a relatively low number of yielding nodes (6, 9) had the highest characteristics and was considerably superior to all the other samples by its yielding capacity during the first and the second harvesting periods (7.24 and 9.55 tons per hectare). The selection of the early forms with the changed flowering pattern and the shift of the attraction centre to the 2nd or to the 3rd node allow carrying out breeding aimed at increasing the early ripeness and the yielding capacity of peas. 

Relevance. Common dill (Anethum graveolens L.) is an annual plant of the celery family (Apiaceae). It has alternated variously repeatedly pinnatisected simple leaves character- ized by a number of morphological features including color, presence of waxy bloom, size and density of the final segments, size and shape of the leaf blade. Leaves on different nodes of the same plant can be variable. Environment conditions of plant cultivation also affect some morphological characteristics of the leaf (inc. size of the leaf and its final segments). But, under the same conditions each variety of dill possess a certain set of morphological features that determine the variety identity. In recent years, dill varieties with new morphological features of the leaf blade have emerged, and it is important to evaluate and classify the existing morphologic diversity of the plant.

Methods. Several methods are currently used to describe morphological features of dill leaves structure: developed by VIR (All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources), UPOV, the plant approbation manual, description of leafy vegetables in “Cultivated Flora” compendium. There are similarities and differences between the methods in description of characteristics and their grouping according to the extent of the characters. In this study the current methods for description of the morphological features of dill leafs were compared. The described morphological evaluation of the dill varieties was carried out at 2016–2018 in open field in the Research Institute of Vegetable Crop Breeding (LLC), in the “Gavrish-Slobodskoy” Plant Breeding Center (Pavlovskaya Sloboda, Istrinsky district, Moscow region).

Results. As a result, it was revealed that the UPOV method more comprehensively describes the morphological characteristics of dill leaf blade. This method can be extended in the following direction: Establish groups according to the length of leaf, using leaf blade length without petiole: small leaf blade – 5-12 cm, medium – 12-25 cm, large – 25- 40 cm; Establish new character: a density of leaf segments (in parts of the 2nd order) and identify the following groups: thin (up to 5 segments), medium density (6-15 segments), and dense (16 or more segments) arrangement of the segments; Establish new character: segment length, grouping it according their actual length: up to 1 cm – short, from 1 to 1.5 cm – medium, and more than 1.5 cm – long leaf segments. According to the evaluated leaf morphological characteristics: size, color, presence of waxy bloom, “leaf patterns”, the dill plants are very diverse. Two dill morphotypes can be distinguished by presence or absence of waxy bloom, 3 morphotypes by the leaf shape (diamond-shaped, elongated, triangular), and 27 morphotypes – by location and size of the final leaf segments. 

Relevance. Tomato considered a significant vegetable crop that plays a prominent role in the field of human health. At present, there are large numbers of tomato cultivars with a wide range of morphological and sensorial characteristics which determine their use. Farmers often use some chemical substances which have similar structure and activity with endogenous plant hormone called (exogenous) as a low-cost alternative to regulate plant growth and increase yield. Thus, the use of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) has become an important component of the agro-technical procedures for most cultivated species.

Methods. This study aims to evaluate the effect of four growth regulators (Krezacin, Chitosan, Zircon and Energene) on growth, productivity and quality of two Russian tomato varieties (Moriana and Superjol) under delta Volga conditions. Each type applied three times on both cultivars (Soaking tomato seeds before sowing, spraying on plants at vegetative phase, spraying on plants at flowering phase with three replications.

Results. The results showed that; combination between Energene and cultivar Moriana enhanced the most of studied characters (Germination – 83.1%, fresh weight of Arial parts – 241.9 g, dry weight – 74.4 g, Number of № flowers/plant – 51.0, № fruits /plant – 35.6, fruit set – 69.8%, plant yield – 2.44 kg, TSS – 5.1°Brix, Content of Ascorbic Acid – 25.6 mg/100 g); Interaction between “Energene x Superjol” gave the maximum value for Plant height (85.6 cm), Fruit weight (72.6 g); while “Krezacin x Moriana” registered the highest fruit dry matter (6.77%) and Acidity (0.53%); Applying Zircon on Cultivar Moriana increased number of leaves/plant (56.8) and nitrate contents (27.6 mg/kg); the maximum LAI (150.1 cm2 ) obtained from interaction between Chitosan and cultivar Superjol whereas, “Chitosan x Moriana” treatment gave the highest level of Carotenoids (4.12%). 

Relevance. Garlic is one of the most valuable food products and the increase in its production is associated with the growing needs of the population, the processing industry and medicine. Garlic is very responsive to the use of fertilizers, which are an integral part of the cultivation of individual crops and are aimed at obtaining high and stable yields with good quality products.

Methods. The purpose of the research is to study the productivity of winter garlic, depending on the application of various norms of fertilizers. The studies were conducted in the arid zone of the Stavropol Territory. The objects of research were varieties of winter garlic Lyubasha, Leader, Jubileyny Gribovsky, the rate of mineral fertilizers. Potassium nitrate, monopotassium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, ammophos were used as mineral fertilizers.

Results. As a result, it was established that with the use of fertilizers, the quantitative and qualitative indicators of the formation of the yield of garlic increased. The largest vegetative mass of garlic was formed when using the N120P95K50 in the food system; the highest values for plant height and leaf area were obtained, the difference with respect to control, was between 5-18 cm and 9-45 cm2 , respectively. The largest mass of the bulbs was obtained when making garlic N120P95K50 – 51-85 g, which exceeded the control by 15-18 g. Garlic plants grown with the use of N80P95K50 were the least affected with diseases - the degree of development of the diseases was less than with control, by 0.2-1.5%. The use of fertilizers in the cultivation of garlic contributed to an increase in crop yield: the highest indicators were obtained when applying N120P95K50 – 19.4-21.3 t/ha, which was more control, by 0.4-3.2 t/ha. Most of the nutrients in the bulbs accumulated when using N80P95K50: the dry matter content exceeded the control, N80P95K75 and N120P95K50 by 3-10%, sugars – by 0.3-1.4%, essential oils – by 0.02-0.1 mg/100 g, vitamin C – 2-8 mg per 100 g wet weight. The amount of nitrates in garlic bulbs was lower than the MPC by 3-33 mg/kg. 

Relevance. Vegetable beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) – a valuable high-protein culture, which has multilateral use in the national economy, is recommended for dietary nutrition. The protein content in green beans and seeds varies from 18 to 30%, which in terms of amino acid composition is at the level of protein in milk and meat.

The aim of the research is to create a new indeterminate medium-late resistant to major diseases varieties for farms growing that provide fresh produce (green beans) with a long fruiting period, without fiber and parchment in the leaflets of the green bean.

Methods. Studies were carried out from 2008 to 2018 on breeding fields of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center (Moscow Region, Odintsovo District). Scientific work was started in 2013 with an individual selection from collection sample No. 90K (Republic of Crimea). Since 2015, the constant form was propagated with a two-year test of offspring. All the necessary phenological, biometric and phytopathological observations and counts were performed according to the methods generally accepted for this culture.

Results. The article presents data on a new variety of vegetable beans Malume of indeterminate (curly) type of growth. As a result of competitive variety testing in the conditions of the Central Non-chernozem Zone since 2018 to 2019, against a natural infectious background, the new variety significantly exceeded the Fatima standard for the yield of green beans and seeds, was characterized by a high content of mono-, the amount of sugars, starch, and was resistant to major diseases. At the end of 2019 year transferred to the State Variety Test.

Relevance. Among vegetable crops beans are leaders in terms of protein and essential amino acids, rich in vitamins, carbohydrates, organic acids, biologically active compounds and microelements, they are classified as functional nutrition. Beans can also be very relevant for modern ecological farming systems. The achievements of domestic selection in this culture are modest. Only 16 varieties of vegetable beans have been included in the State Register of breeding achievements approved for using in 2019; 3 of them (19%) from the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center.

The purpose of the work is to create a new midseason high-yielding variety of vegetable beans.

Materials and methods. Studies were carried out from 2008 to 2018 on breeding fields of the FSBSI “Federal Scientific Vegetable Center” (Moscow Region, Odintsovo District). We studied samples of vegetable beans from the world collection of VIR and Federal Scientific Vegetable Center for quantitative and qualitative characteristics.

Results. As a result selection work for many years, a new mid-season high-yielding variety of vegetable beans with light seeds and a light seed scar has been created. Hybridization was carried out by step crossing in 2009 followed by multiple individual selection. The surface of the beans is smooth, the color in the technical stage of ripeness is green. Seeds are light, egg shaped, have a light scar. The variety has a complex resistance to major diseases. According to the results of the competitive variety testing of 2016 - 2018, a new variety of Russkie belye vegetable beans was transferred to the State variety testing, and in 2019 it successfully passed an expert assessment. 

Relevance. In recent years, interest in the edible honeysuckle culture has increased in Russia, the wide distribution of which is hampered by the lack of quality planting material. The technology of clonal micropropagation allows for a short time to obtain a large amount of honeysuckle planting material, more than a thousand regenerated plants per year from one meristematic apex introduced into an in vitro culture. It is hundreds of times more than in traditional methods of vegetative propagation. Adaptation to non-sterile conditions is the final and most crucial stage of clonal micropropagation, the loss of which can be from 50 to 90%. It should be noted that there is practically no research on how the further development of adapted honeysuckle plants takes place during subsequent growing.

Methods. Researching of growth regulators of the new generation Superstim 1 and Superstim 2 effect in low and ultra-low doses on the survival rates and development of honeysuckle plants at the stages of adaptation subsequent growing.

Results. Superstim 1 is more effective at physiological concentrations – 1 x 10-7 and in the field of ultra-low doses – 1 x 10-14, 1 x 10-15%. At the stage of subsequent growing, a positive after-effect of physiological concentrations – 1x10-3 and 1x10-7 was observed, and an ultra-low dose – 1x10-17%. The growth regulator Superstim 2 at the stages of adaptation and subsequent growing is effectively used only in one concentration – 1x10-16%. The additional foliar treatments at the stage of subsequent growing are not necessary. 

Relevance. Recently, the number of hot and dry years has increased significantly. Under the influence of drought, the leaves of the apple tree prematurely fall, the ovaries and fruits fall off, which significantly affects on the yield. In this regard, the study of the water regime of apple remains relevant under drought conditions.

Methods. The studies were carried out on the basis of the laboratory of physiology of fruit plant resistance at VNIISPK in 2016-2017. Apple cultivars of the VNIISPK breeding growing on the semi-dwarf rootstock 54-118 were studied. Antonovka Obyknovennaya was taken as a standard cultivar. The experiments were laid in 2013, the spacing scheme was 5 m x 3 m. The crown shape is of spindle type. The row-spacing and near-trunk stripes are kept under the fall fallow. The method of artificial dehydration was used to determine drought resistance of apple cultivars. The apple cultivars were studied with the aim to determine the physiological parameters of water regime relative to their drought resistance.

Results. As a result of the two-year studies, the cultivars were characterized by the average content of water in leaves (61.2-65.1%). Water deficiency in most varieties was optimal in the field and did not exceed 10.0%. The increase in water deficiency in apple leaves was noted in drought modeling. For two years, of the leaf tissues water deficiency was in leaves of the Veniaminovskoye cultivar both in the field (5.2%) and after drought modeling (22.4%). During the growing season, the distribution of precipitation and temperature during the passage of individual phenophases by apple plants influenced the overall water content in the leaf tissues. The decrease of the water content in the leaf tissues and the increase of water deficiency were observed when dry conditions occurred. The decrease of the water regime and water deficiency in leaves was notes to a greater extent during the formation of fruits. It was found that all of the studied apple cultivars had an average level of resistance to drought. The study of water regime parameters showed that Veniaminovskoye was characterized by more stable indices and this indicated greater resistance to drought. 

Relevance. It is known that peppermint (Mentha х piperita L.) is characterized by significant polymorphism, due to both genetic factors and growing conditions. Cultivated varieties and populations are distinguished by their economically significant characteristics, such as yield, winter hardiness, resistance to diseases, the content and composition of essential oil. Identification of new highly productive varieties and populations of Mentha x piperita L., distinguished by high productivity of essential oil in the Non-chernozem zone of the Russian Federation, as well as identification of morphological features characteristic of highly productive varieties, remains relevant.

Methods. The object of the study was plants of 8 varieties of 2 year old plants and samples of Mentha x piperita L. from the collection of the SI Botanical Garden Rostovtsev RGAU-Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K.A. Timiryazev and from the collection of the Botanical Garden of All-Russian Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR), were used as the object of the study. Peppermint leaves (FS.2.5.0029.15 Peppermint leaves) and essential oil (GOST R 53593-2009) are used as herbal medicinal products. Microscopy used Primo Star Carl Zeiss light microscopes and LOMO MIKMED-1. Quantitative determination of the essential oil was carried out by distillation with water vapor, followed by measuring the volume of the resulting oil (GF RF XIV). The oil content was expressed in volumetric-weight percent in terms of dry raw materials.

Results. As a result of a comparative study of the epidermal structures of the leaves of plants of 8 varieties of Mentha х piperita L., the density of stomata, the type of stomatal apparatus, density of location and length of multicellular trichomes, density and diameter of essential oil glands, and content of essential oil were determined. The variety specificity and variation of these indices are noted over a wide range, which is explained by the significant intraspecific variability characteristic of the genus Mint (Mentha L.). The most promising varieties of essential oil content were identified. 

Relevance. Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) is an annual herbaceous plant whose essential oil and extracts are used in medicine, perfumery and the food industry.

Methods. The article presents the results of studying the effect of the ratio of blue (BL) and red light (RL) in the total spectrum of LED lamps on the morphometric parameters of plants of summer savory varieties Gnom and Perechny aromat in vitro. For in vitro culture, seeds were sterilized with 5% NaCl solution for 10 minutes, placed in Petri dishes with Murashige and Skoog culture medium (MS). Aseptic seedlings at the age of 4-5 days were transplanted into tubes and transferred to racks with LED lamps (for 28 days): (1) from 1st day to 14th day 100% RL, from the 15th to the 28th day 60% RL, 40% BL; (2) 90% RL, 10% BL; (3) 60% RL and 40% BL; (4) 32% RL and 68% BL. The total illumination intensity in all variants was 175 μmol/m2 s.

Results. It was found that a change in the RL:BL ratio in the total spectrum affects the morphometric parameters of the savory plants in an in vitro culture. When cultivated under 100% RL, tall plants with long internodes and small leaves are formed, a reduction in the share of RL to 60...32% results in more short-growing plants with large leaves. The results of this work can be used to develop the technology of clonal micropropagation of valuable breeding forms, as well as to create source material for breeding by in vitro culture methods. 

Relevance. Meeting the needs of the pharmaceutical industry with essential oil raw materials and natural essential oils is relevant.

Methods. The aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness the complex application by organomineral fertilizer EcoFys and the growth regulator Zircon on sage (Salvia officinalis L.) in conditions of Non-chernozem zone of the Russian Federation. The experimental part of the work was performed in Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in 2014-2015 by field experiments.

Results. It has been established, that integrated application EcoFys and Zircon can increase yield of culture. In addition, it is shown that contain of essential oil in medicinal raw don’t increase and raising collection of essential oil provides only due to higher yield of herb. 

Relevance. One of the most important factors which can influence on the growth and development of strawberries is the negative temperature in winter and especially in its snowless period. We were interested to study special aspects of the oxidative stress, accumulation of protector’s conjunctions, antioxidant and water status in autumn period of varieties strawberry garden different ecologicalgeographical origin in the conditions of the Orel region.

Methods. The objects of the research were the leaves of Fragaria ananassa of different ecological and geographical origin in autumn period: Tsaritsa, Alba, Sara, Korona, Kokinskaya Rannya, Solovushka, Urozhainaya TsGL.

Results. As the result was shown that in autumn period, when plants began preprocessing for winter, strawberry varieties Solovushka, Tsaritsa, Sara and Korona have been marked by increased antioxidant activity (for example, the enzymes SOD and catalase), little formation of reactive oxygen species and, in the end, low structural and functional damage to cell membranes. Also it was shown an increase in bound and a decrease in free water in the leaves of plants when the temperature decreased. At the same time, in the end of autumn, on the background of high content of free proline (19.38-29.73 mg/kg) and sucrose (2.65-6.46 mg/g), the varieties Solovushka, Tsaritsa, Sara and Korona had the highest ratio of bound/free water (4.10-8.10) in comparison with the with Urozhainaya TsGL and Alba. Thus, the varieties Solovushka, Tsaritsa, Sara and Korona are characterized by high adaptability to the winter conditions in the Orel region. 

Relevance. Potatoes with red and purple flesh are highly valued dietary products and sources of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity, especially anthocyanins. It has been found that the anthocyanin content in potatoes correlates with the total soluble phenolic content and antioxidant activity. These measures are significantly higher for coloured potatoes. The total phenolic content in particular the total anthocyanin content increases during the cold storage of coloured potatoes. Pigmented potatoes are also more preferable for food and industrial processing because of retaining of antioxidant properties and improving of final products quality. Сoloured potatoes selection and biotechnological approaches of regulation of anthocyanins accumulation are based on the understanding of the molecular genetic processes of anthocyanins biosynthesis. The anthocyanin biosynthesis is a part of the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway. It is controlled by the MBW complex. The MBW complex includes the transcription factors MYB, bHLH, and WD40. A number of the MYB complex genes have been identified in potatoes. The key role in potatoes pigmentation variability is currently assigned to the StAN1 gene. According to available data anthocyanins play a protective role in response to various types of stress in potatoes.

Relevance. Fermentation of cabbage is a common way of processing, which allows to preserve and strengthen its useful qualities. To date, breeders have proposed a significant number of varieties and hybrids of cabbage, each of which has its own individual biochemical characteristics. Traditional sauerkraut is carried out after harvest. Long storage can affect the change in the content of organic acids and sugars in cabbage.

Methods. The aim of the work was to study the parameters of the fermentation process of eight varieties and hybrids of cabbage by selection in the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Scientific Vegetable Center by the intensity of sugar reduction, accumulation of organic acids, organoleptic parameters and activity of lactic acid microorganisms. Fermentation was carried out after a 5-month period of storage of heads.

Results. The results showed that the storage period did not affect the fermentation result of most of the studied varieties and hybrids of cabbage. There are varietal differences in the initial content of mono-and disaccharides, organic acids, which affected the fermentation process. The increased content of malic acid in the variety population Podarok, F1 Severyanka contributed to the slowdown of the first stage of fermentation. Varietal features of the Parus population contributed to the slowdown of the first and second stages of fermentation, which was manifested in a decrease in the rate of destruction of sugars. Variety Zymovka 1474 in the process of processing by fermentation accumulates a significant amount of succinic acid, which can characterize its special difference among the studied varieties and hybrids. The best organoleptic characteristics were distinguished by hybrids of fermented cabbage F1 Likova, F1 Natali, F1 Mechta and F1 Snezhinka. The results of the study suggest that the processing of cabbage by fermentation should take into account its individual varietal biochemical features. This will not only preserve the valuable nutritional properties of the cabbage itself, but also strengthen them by optimizing the natural process of lactic acid fermentation. The result will be the best organoleptic effect achieved by an optimal combination of lactic and citric acids and mono-sugars. 

Relevance. Cabbage is one of the most popular products, which is mainly fermented with the addition of various vegetables. When fermentation is not only the original nutrients such as vitamin C, amino acids, dietary fibers, etc., but also develop functional microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria. Fermentation has an important effect on the quality and taste of cabbage, so it is important to study the fermentation process, microbial diversity and changes in nutrients and chemical elements in the fermentation process. L. mesenteroides is considered to be the dominant species on heterofermentative early stages of fermentation. However, there is little information on the diversity of species and strains of Leuconostoc involved in fermentation of sauerkraut. Studies that used traditional biochemical methods to study fermentation of sauerkraut showed that four main types of lactic acid bacteria were involved in the fermentation process: Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactobacillus brevis. Taking into account the importance of two-stage fermentation of vegetable raw materials in order to create optimal conditions for the development of the "main" pool of lactic acid microorganisms at the first stage, it becomes urgent to conduct a complex of studies aimed at reproducing the "natural" process in which the main role is played by bacteria of the genus Leuconostoc mesenteroides at the second stage – monocultures of lactic acid microorganisms and their consortia.

Methods. The paper studies the dynamics of the type of interaction of lactic acid microorganisms in paired consortiums on model media pretreated by the culture of the species Leuconostoc mesenteroides, at the main stage of step fermentation of white cabbage of the "Parus" variety.

Results. It is established that the sum of the criteria, the consortium "L. mesenteroides \ L. casei + L. plantarum" demonstrates the most pronounced advantage compared with monoculture cultivation of appropriate format of pseudotensorial; despite the pronounced synergy in the cultivation of the consortium "L. mesenteroides \ L. brevis + L. plantarum", the dynamics of the comparison index on the rate of increase in the concentration of microorganisms indicates the need for additional research. 

Relevance. The quality of food products in Russia and delivered to retail chains for mass consumption is currently one of the most important food safety priorities.

Methods. The article contains the results of studies of nitrate content in fruit and vegetable products during 2018-2019 period, obtained from VNIITeK laboratory, comparisons were made with the permissible level of Maximum residue levels (MRL) for nitrate, which are set in Technical regulation TR TS 021/2011. Totally, 252 samples were studied, for the period from January 2018 to April 2018 inclusive 2019.

Results. The nitrate content was determined by liquid chromatography. It was shown, that content of nitrate ions in fruit and vegetable products varies in a wide range, depending on the selected group, at the same time, the lowest level of nitrate is established in children 's fruit puree, the highest levels are found in tomato sauce. 

Relevance. Analysis of the present range of pesticides that are used in flower orangeries showed critical shortage of allowed pesticides. Now there are no methods for registration testing of insecticides designed to protect flowers in greenhouses. Thus, the purpose of our research is to develop methodological approaches to assessment of abundance of major pests for flower cultures of protected ground and determination of biological effectiveness of new insectoacaricides.

Methods. The following phytophages represent flower pests that are predominant in the protected ground: aphids: green peach – Myzus persicae Sulz., melon and cotton – Aphis gossypii Glov., greenhouse-potato – Aulacorthum solani Kalt., potato – Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thom., green rose – Macrosiphum rosae Linn.; whiteflies: greenhouse whitefly – Trialeurodes vaporariorum Wstw., silverleaf whitefly – Bemisia tabaci Genn.; thrips: tobacco – Thrips tabaci Lind., rose – Th. fuscipennis Hal., western flower – Frankliniella occidentalis Perg., heterophagous – F. intonsa Tryb., greenhouse – Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis Bouche; mites: red spider – Tetranychus urticae Koch.; red greenhouse – T. cinnabarinus Boisd

Results. Researches related to assessment of abundance of major pests for flower cultures and choosing methods related to determination of biological effectiveness of insectoacaricides were performed in flower orangeries of Leningrad Region on hybrid tea roses Rosa L., chrysnatemums Chrysanthemum L., gerberas Gerbera G. As a result, the algorithm for performing tests related to study of new insectoacaricides on flower cultures in greenhouses is developed. Methodology instructions that we offer for assessment of abundance of major pests for flower cultures of protected ground and determination of biological effectiveness of new insectoacaricides are intended for ensuring the uniform methodological approach to performance of registration tests of modern means to fight against these pests and opportunity for analysis of tests in various agroclimatic areas and obtaining a reasonable general conclusion and findings related to pesticides taking into account international requirements. 

Relevance. Microscopic fungi exhibit the greatest exoenzymatic activity, and xylotrophs are capable of possessing a complex of oxidase and hydrolase enzymes to destroy lignin.

Methods. Among the soil micromycetes isolated from the rhizosphere of annual leguminous crops, a search was made for strains that are promising from the point of view of effective microorganism technology, in order to create optimal conditions for increasing soil fertility and crop yields. The detection of total phenol oxidase activity was carried out according to the method of Bavendamm, cultivating the strains on microbiological agar with the addition of an aromatic lignin derivative (0.06% tannin) and the growth factor was calculated. The cellulase activity of the strains was judged by the degree of hydrolysis of the filter paper. Alternaria alternata, Bipolaris, Botrytis fabae, Cunninghamella echinulata, Curvularia lunata, Macrophoma phaseolicola, Trichoderma koningii, Trichoderma viride and Ulocladium botrytis strains were found to cleave lignin and cellulose.

Results. When comparing the phenoloxidase activity of the strains, it was proposed to take into account the growth factor, expressed as the ratio of the diameter of the colony on the substrate with the addition of tannin to the diameter of the colony without tannin. Thus, perspective strains of T. koningii and U. botrytis strains with respect to the complex activity of enzymes were identified. The strains C. lunata, A. alternata and B. australiensis showed high cellulase activity. The strain of non-pathogenic soil fungus C. echinulata has the ability to degrade lignin 

Relevance. The introduction of plant protection systems with minimal use of pesticides is one of the main conditions for improving the environment. Phytosanitary construction of agrocenoses is the basis of plant-free plant protection. The creation of agrocenoses with a balanced predatorprey system by stimulating self-regulation mechanisms that create favorable conditions for the accumulation of natural predatory entomophages is a very promising direction in the biologization of plant protection.

Methods. For 10 years, the author conducted faunistic studies, identified predatory entomoacarifagi, and showed their regulatory role in the fight against spider mites on grapes. It is established that in addition to the destruction of the spider mite on grapes, predatory mites are able to suppress the number of thrips and whiteflies. The article describes the relationship in the predatorprey system for the predatory tick Amblyseius longispinosus, which is a specialized monophage.

Results. Based on many years of research, the regulatory role of the predatory tick Amblyseius longispinosus has been shown. Its high efficiency against spider mites has been proved. 12-15 days with a predator:prey ratio of 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4. Based on sketches and biometric measurements, the morphological description of Amblyseius longispinosus is supplemented. Based on the obtained research results, methods have been developed to create reproducible reserves of the number of predatory ticks in agrocenoses of Dagestan. 

Relevance. Potato ladybug is a polyphagous pest. Its distributed throughout the Far East, in India, Korea, Japan and the countries of South America. Most affected by it are potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkin, melon, beans. Leaving the veins intact pest eats the soft tissue of the leaf. Such leaves die quickly. Potato ladybug is a carrier of some diseases of potato and it also causes damage to plants. But insecticides pollute products and sustainable insect populations. The use of varieties with high resistance to pest damage eliminates the need for mass application of insecticides.

Methods. The data on a preliminary assessment of potato varieties of domestic and foreign selection for resistance to a twenty-eight-point potato ladybug Henosepilachna vigintiomaculata Motch. (Fabricius, 1775) in the Primorye Territory. This work aim work was a preliminary assessment of the traditional potato breeding resistance factors to pest damage. The experiment out using generally accepted methods for the study and evaluation of potato varieties for pests with minor modifications was carried.

Results. As a study result it was found that Belmonda, Labella, Red Lady, Queen Anna, Lilly, Sante varieties were the least suitable for passing the stages of ontogenesis and nutritional nutrition of the pest. The most tolerant to the pest – varieties Smak, Casachok, Yantar. The maximum mortality of potato ladybug larvae was observed in varieties Belmonda, Dachny, Augustin, Yubilyar, Labella, Sante, Koroleva Anna, Laperla in laboratory experiment. Minimum on varieties Smak, Casachok, Yantar, Red Lady. The data indicate the manifestation of an antibiotic barrier in potatoes, which must be confirmed by a field experiment. 

Relevance. Significant harm to the culture of tomato, speaking about the middle Russia open ground plantations, is caused by fungal diseases, among which the most common are Fusarium wilt, late blight, alternariosis. To reduce the harmfulness of diseases, it is important to create stable and precocious hybrids that can give most of the crop before the mass development of diseases occurs. The complex system of protection includes preventive measures, the use of growth regulators possessing protective and stimulating action, application of biological preparations and fungicidal treatment. In terms of epiphytotic diseases, the most effective are chemicals, among which the increasing use get multipurpose products, involving several antifungal ingredients.

Methods. The article presents the test results of the Uniform fungicide (321,7 g/l Аsoxystrobin + 123,7 g/l to Мefenoxam) against root rot of open ground tomato culture, grown in Moscow region. The estimation of biological and economic efficiency of Uniform application depending on the rate of consumption and multiplicity of treatments was carried out. The tomato Donskoy F1 hybrid, grown on drip irrigation, was used in experiments. Threefold background mode treatment of plants against late blight was carried out by fungicide Revus Top: at the onset of the first symptoms of the disease and hereinafter with 14 days intervals. Flow rate was 0.5 l/ha with solution consumption reaching 200 l/ha. Treatment of tomato plants by Uniform fungicide was performed by watering at the root under the flow rates of 0.9 l/ha and 1.5 l/ha and solution consumption of 200 l/ha. First application of seedlings was performed when planting, the second – 20 days after the first. The area of experimental plots was 20 m2, area of account plots was 10 m2. The repetition of account monitoring was fourfold.

Results. The best results were achieved when using Uniform at the rate of 1.5 l/ha by root watering during transplanting and repeatedly at 20 days intervals. An increase in survival rate of seedlings, reduction of incidence of root rot by 81.2-86.9% and tomato yield increase by 29.7% to control under the influence of Uniform treatments were observed. 

Relevance. An important feature that determines the technological qualities of varieties and hybrids of beetroot is an erect, compact leaf rosette that persists until the end of the vegetation of plants. In this regard, much attention is paid to the selection of resistance to diseases affecting the leaves of plants, including Cercospora beticola Sacc. When creating resistant to Cercospora interline hybrids based on CMS, the selection of parent components plays an important role. In agroclimatic conditions of the Moscow region, Cercospora on industrial beetroot rarely reaches an economically significant threshold of harmfulness. However, in 2019, epiphytic development of Cercospora on summer first-year crops was observed in the block film greenhouse of the «Federal Scientific Vegetable Center», which allowed to assess the promising breeding material.

Material and method. Phytomonitoring on beetroot plantings and sowing of the experimental production Department of the «Federal Scientific Vegetable Center» growing was carried out by methods of visual diagnostics and microscopy. Cercospora lesion in the breeding nursery was evaluated on an 11-point scale, the ranking of samples into five groups of resistance - according to the degree of disease development (R%). Analyzed: 28 sterile lines (А); 13 fertile lines of fixers (В); 25 lines of pollinators (С) and 38 hybrid F1 (АхВхС).

Results. It was found that more than half of the studied lines were receptive to Cercospora. The share of relatively resistant lines was 13%. Most of them (8%) are ms - lines « obtained by pollination of CMS with mf-lines В. A close relationship (r=0.86-0.89) between the index of lesion of fixators and the degree of disease development of ms- lines was revealed, in some simple combinations a positive effect of heterosis on resistance to Cercospora relative to mf-В was noted. In the submitted sample F1 hybrids mainly observed between the nature of inheritance according to the degree of disease development (R, %), mixed effects the base line stability of pollinator mf-С (r=0,32) and a closer correlation of the stability of hybrid offspring the F1 with the resistant parent ms-line А (r=0.55). As a result of the evaluation, the most resistant to Cercospora ms- and mf-lines and derived from them hybrid F1, among which only 9% were included in the group of relatively resistant to C. beticola. 

Relevance. In recent years, physiologists are very interested in studying the characteristics of the growth and development of seedlings under conditions of etiolation. Etiolated seedlings, as a model object, are interesting in studying the responses of a plant organism to the effects of various biotic environmental factors. In this regard, a comprehensive study of the characteristics of the influence of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Хсс) on growth processes in the early stages of development of white cabbage plants, depending on the racial composition of the pathogen, is very important.

Material and method. The study was carried out on the basis of the immunity and plant protection laboratory of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center (FSVC). The material of research were seeds of two varieties of white cabbage with different resistance to vascular bacteriosis and four races of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Хсс1, Хсс3, Хсс4 и Хсс6). Sterile seeds of each variety were laid out in Petri cups. Infection with different races of Xcc was carried out by introducing into each Petri cup 1 ml of a bacterial suspension of a two-day culture at a concentration of 106 cells/ml. Half of the Petri cups were placed in a thermostat without illumination, the other was exposed to light under a 16- hour regime of illumination with diffused light. The magnitude and orientation of biological effects of studied factors on biometric parameters of seedlings were evaluated by the relative deviation of the difference between parameters of the experimental and control variants.

Results. A different degree of influence of the resistance of the variety and the aggressiveness of the pathogen race on the growth of individual parts of the seedling has been established, and the response of etiolated and photosynthetic seedlings to infection is often the opposite. In the susceptible cultivar Slava 1305, acceleration of root and hypocotyl growth in the dark (Хсс3, Хсс4 and Хсс1) and inhibition of these processes in the light (Хсс1, Хсс4 and Хсс6) were noted. Relatively stable SB-3 F1 hybrid has more pronounced raspecificity of the effect of Xcc on root growth and stimulation of hypocotyl growth in all variants, which was 2-8 times lower in etiolated seedlings when infected with Xcc6 and Xcc1 races than in light ones, and when infected by the races Xcc1 and Xcc4, the effect was comparable. 

Relevance. The most common and most mastered method of growing onions, used in the middle zone of the Russian Federation, as well as in the northern part of European countries, is the cultivation of turnip onions from onion. It is believed that this method provides 75% of the production of the entire onion harvest. Due to the sharp increase in the prices of energy carriers, fertilizers, pesticides and agricultural machinery, the production of sharp varieties of onions, grown in the crop, has become unprofitable, and marketable products have lost competitiveness due to high costs. Significant changes in the reduction of labor costs can be achieved by improving the technology and technical means for the production of onions, creating conditions for their work. The effectiveness of designs for sowing seeds of onions, onion sets and planting onions-uterus is determined by the uniform distribution of the bulbs by area of nutrition, depth and their embedding.

Results. The material presented in the work is devoted to the analysis of designs and some results of studies of a complex of machines for the production of onions developed in the Penza GAU. 

Relevance. Growing plants in artificial conditions (closed agroecosystems) requires precise regulation of plant growth factors, starting from the first stages of ontogenesis. One of the parameters is the presence or absence of light in the period of seed germination. For most types of cabbage the standard method is germination in the dark, but for freshly harvested seeds (at rest) light exposure is necessary. According to the literature, the mechanisms of the effect of light on seed germination are complex and ambiguous, so the issue needs detailed research.

Methods. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to study the germination of seeds of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis), taking into account the light factor and the simultaneous analysis of antioxidant activity as a marker of changes in metabolic processes.

Results. The experiment has revealed a significant increase in the antioxidant activity of the microgreens during germination in the dark compared to germination in the light (in broccoli by 5.5 times, in Chinese cabbage by 4.8 times). Later on, after the seedlings are moved to the light, the differences between the light and dark versions practically disappear. After germination in the light, the antioxidant activity of microgreens in comparison with the original (dry seeds) decreased by 3-3.5 times, while in the dark – on the contrary, increased by 1.5-1.6 times. The final results of germination (germination energy and seed germination) practically do not differ in the versions. In the case of dark germination, the height of microgreens is greater (due to etiolation and stretching in the absence of light), however, later on, the differences in the versions are smoothed out. The biomass of microgreens in the version of light germination on the 4th day after sowing seeds in broccoli is by 9.1% higher, in Chinese cabbage – by 10.5%. In case of Chinese cabbage, differences remained until the end of the experiment (on the 18th day from sowing seeds), in case of broccoli they were smoothed out. Comparison of two kinds of cabbage has showen that broccoli in the closed system of the synergotron forms a much higher aboveground biomass than Chinese cabbage (on the 4th day after sowing – by 37%, on the 18th day – by 75.4% in the dark version).

Relevance. When using precision seeders, seeds that are uniform in weight and size are needed. The maximum uniformity of the seeds can be achieved by by pelleting. Thanks to the coating, small chicory seeds increase their size by 8 times or more. In this case, the composition of the shell can include various plant protection products against pathogens, growth stimulants, micronutrient fertilizers. It is advisable to seed the seeds with their initial germination of at least 95%.

Material and methods. The article presents the results of a study conducted at the Rostov Vegetable Experimental Station for chicory – a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Scientific Vegetable Center, where seeds with fillers were used for sowing root chicory: Maxim fungicide, treater Prestige, Isabion – liquid organic and mineral fertilizer, Agrogel.

Results. As a result, a positive effect of pelleting on the sowing quality of seeds was revealed (germination energy and field germination are higher than in the control, 2% and 0.6%, respectively, and laboratory germination at the control level), effectiveness against root rot during the growing season and during winter storage time, increase in crop root crops yield by more than 30% and ensuring net profit in comparison with the control by 21.4 thousand rubles / ha. At the same time, the level of profitability is increasing by 26%. 

Relevance. One of the main components of the spectrum of sunlight is ultraviolet rays – invisible to the human eye short-wave radiation. The influence of these rays on plant life was considered insignificant until recently, but recent studies have shown the fallacy of such conclusions. Ultraviolet has a beneficial effect not only on the human body and animals, but also on plants, including – crops. The destruction of the ozone layer is currently continuing under the influence of anthropogenic factors. In this regard, the study of the effect of ultraviolet radiation on living organisms, including plants, is very relevant from both theoretical and practical points of view. The epidermis of plant leaves and seed shells are permeable to medium-and long-wave UV radiation, so of particular interest is the ultraviolet radiation of the Sun and artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation in the range of 400...180 nm.

Purpose of work: to assess the nature of the impact of ultraviolet radiation in the time mode on watermelon seeds using cytogenetic analysis.

Methods. The material for research was the seeds of the watermelon variety "Astrakhan". The studies were conducted in 2017-2018.

Results. The results of studies have shown that long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can affect the physiological processes and anatomical structure of plants, as well as have serious genetic changes: aneuploidy, cytotomy, pyknosis and various chromosomal aberrations that lead to mutations or death of plants. However, plants acquire useful mutations with short-term exposure-0.5-2 hours, which can be used later in selection. 

Relevance. One of the types of agricultural raw materials for the food industry is the root chicory, the product from the roots of which is produced in pure form, as well as is an important component in the production of tea and coffee drinks, confectionery. Its value is determined by the content in the roots of inulin, fructose, intibin and chicory. Despite the great economic importance and economic profitability of chicory cultivation, in recent years, the local processing industry is not provided with this type of raw material and is forced to buy the product from dried root crops in other countries, such as Ukraine, Italy and India. Modern agricultural production is in dire need of new varieties of root chicory, combining high yields and chemical and technological qualities, having the form of a root crop suitable for mechanized harvesting, and adapted to cultivation in soil and climatic conditions of the Non-chernozem zone. Purpose of work: to assess the nature of the impact of ultraviolet radiation in the time mode on watermelon seeds using cytogenetic analysis.

Material and methods. The article describes the results of the test in the control nursery of a new sample of chicory root with 0428 selection of Rostov OSC.

Results. As a result of breeding work, a promising sample of root chicory. It was isolated early maturing, with high yields and economically valuable properties, root crop truncated, suitable for mechanized harvesting by commercially available machines.