April 12 is Cosmonautics Day, International Day of Human Space Flight. This is a memorable date dedicated to the flight of the first cosmonaut of the planet, Yuri Alekseevich Gagarin, who became a symbol of the earthlings' dream come true. The All-Russian Research Institute of Vegetable Breeding and Seed Production (Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Scientific Vegetable Center (FSBSI FSVC)), like a number of other academic institutions, from the beginning of space exploration, got involved in the work to solve the problem of developing food for astronauts and continues research to this day. In the embodiment of the ideas of K.E. Tsiolkovsky and S.P. Korolev on the creation of space greenhouses received a number of significant achievements in the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Institute of Biochemical Physics N.M. Emanuel, SSC RF IBMP RAS and others. Varieties of vegetable crops have been created, tested and recommended for weightlessness conditions: radish, Chinese cabbage, dill, lettuce and other rapidly maturing plants. The variety of Chinese Vesnyanka cabbage has successfully passed biotechnical tests on the ground model of the Phytocycle-SD space conveyor greenhouse, during which good production and biochemical parameters were obtained. Russian scientists are conducting research on developing a technology for cultivating various vegetable plants under space flight conditions – in closed ecosystems (synergotrons), which can serve as the basis of life support systems during space flights, at space stations or in space habitats, where some conditions specific for ISS. Studies have been carried out to study tomato plants grown from seeds that have been under space flight conditions for a long time. As a result of the study, a statistically significant increase in the levels of ascorbic acid, polyphenols and carotenoids, the total antioxidant activity of tomato fruits compared to plants grown from control seeds (ground control) was found.

The work is devoted to the study of statistical parameters of the linear dimensions of the seed, endosperm and embryo, variability, correlations, and the manifestation of these traits in hybrid combinations. Morphometric parameters largely determine the quality of seeds. The presence of an underdeveloped embryo determines the duration of the period of heterotrophic development of the seedling, affects germination, energy, longevity, seed response to changes in germination conditions, and, ultimately, increases the interphase period from sowing to germination. The article shows the high variability of these parameters in numerous representatives of vegetable crops - representatives of the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family, analyzes the causes that cause them, and predicts the potential use of this variability in breeding programs. The object of research was the seeds of various varieties of carrots, parsley, parsnips, celery, dill. Measurement of the length of the seed and endosperm was carried out using a caliper. The length of the embryo was determined using a microscope and a video eyepiece at ×40 magnification using the Scope Photo program. The experiment was repeated four times, in each repetition at least 20 seeds. The values of the coefficient of variation in the length of the endosperm and seed varied from 9 to 19%, depending on the species and cultivar characteristics. The variability of the embryo reached 18-28%. between the size of the embryo on the one hand and the length of the endosperm (0.208-0.369) and seed (0.213-0.376) on the other, weak correlations were noted, indicating the independent inheritance of these parameters. The hereditary conditionality of the variability of the embryo, endosperm and seed of carrots (50.8-86.5%) and parsnips (49.6-58.9%) is shown, which characterizes the real possibility of their breeding improvement. In the process of studying distant hybrids of carrots (the parental forms of which differed sharply in morphometric parameters of seeds), it was found that F₁ hybrids for these traits predominantly showed positive overdominance (38.1%) and dominance (16.7%). According to the complex of relative parameters (indices), negative overdominance (23.8%) and dominance (4.8%) were more often noted. The results of many years of research indicate that the morphometric parameters (length of the seed, endosperm, embryo) and their ratios (indices) of seeds, like any other biological traits, are genetically determined and depend on species and cultivar characteristics. A comparison of wild-growing and varietal samples of carrots indicates that in the process of cultivation, the size of the embryo underwent significant upward changes, even in the absence of targeted selection. Therefore, when applying artificial selection in this direction, one can expect more significant results.

Relevance. A mathematical model of the distribution of the leaf area of a cucumber plant has been developed. On this basis, it is possible to determine the area of the leaf surface of the plant without removing them from the plants. By measuring the minimum number of parameters: the length and width of the largest leaf and the number of leaves on the plant.

Methods. We determined the area by two methods: using scales and by scanning the leaves in black-and-white image mode. We present here a step-by-step instruction on determining the area of the sheet in both cases: by weighing and by using graphic editor (program) for his scan file. The accuracy of determining the area is ± 2%.

Results. We have developed and practically tested a system for mass determination of the area of cucumber leaves. It includes the development of a mathematical model of the distribution of leaf area by plants at the time of accounting. For practical use of the obtained formulas, it is enough to measure only three parameters on each plant: the number of leaves, the length and width of the largest typical leaf. A typicality criterion based on the ratio of the length and width of the sheet was proposed. The model coincides with the actual plant area with a typical distribution of ±5%. This allows two people to account for up to 500 plants in one working day. The proportion of plants with a typical leaf area distribution ranges from 90% at the beginning of the growing season to 80-85% at its end. This allows relatively accurate calculation of the total area in agrotechnical experiments at minimal cost. The leaves of the plant do not receive any impact and continue to grow at the same time.

Conclusion. The developed method allows taking into account the area on the same plants repeatedly, at different phases of ontogenesis and in different periods of vegetation.

The article presents the results of the selection work of the laboratory of breeding and seed production of table root crops of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center for the culture of Chinese radish (loba). From the collection material (a total of 23 samples were studied), a promising material was selected under the number No. 600 for a complex of economically valuable features. The purpose of the research is to create a variety of Chinese radish – loba for open and protected ground. Based on this goal, the objectives of the research included: to evaluate a promising variety of loba in a nursery of competitive variety testing in open and protected ground conditions, to assess alignment according to the main morphobiological parameters, as well as to assess the safety and resistance to diseases during storage.

Results. As a result of repeated individual and family selection in the direction of productivity, resistance to premature stem formation and diseases of vegetation and storage, as well as improvement of taste qualities, a new variety of Chinese radish Serdtse Podmoskovya was bred. The new variety belongs to the pink-red rounded varietal type. The root crop is flat-rounded, large in size. The flesh is white, juicy, with a slightly spicy taste. The variety is medium-ripened, the growing season is 65-75 days, suitable for use in early summer, autumn and winter, resistant to longterm storage (95-96% preservation) and low light. The yield of the variety in protected ground is 2.7 kg/m², marketability – 88.7%, root crop weight – 533 g; dry matter content – 6.26%, sugars – 2.56%, ascorbic acid – 19.36 mg%. The variety on this background was distinguished by the absence of flowering and diseased plants. The yield in the open ground was 31.2 t/ha (3.12 kg/m²), marketability – 81.2%, root crop weight – 281 g. The variety under these conditions was characterized by a higher content of dry matter –11.0%, sugars – 3.2% and ascorbic acid – 20.13 mg%; a small percentage of flowering (9.4%) and affected plants (6.3%) was noted. For this variety, a technology has been developed for obtaining original and elite seeds according to a one-year development cycle in the conditions of the Central region ща Russia.

Relevance. From an agrotechnical point of view, beans are a valuable crop capable of greening agriculture. Legumes have the ability to enter into symbiotic relationships with nodule nitrogen-fixing bacteria and assimilate atmospheric nitrogen. The creation of highly efficient plant-microbial systems in agrocenoses by breeding new varieties of legumes with a high symbiotic potential is a promising direction that makes it possible to control the efficiency of plant biomass accumulation and the quality of agricultural products. There is a need to evaluate varieties for adaptability and nodule-forming ability to implement breeding programs to create highly productive and high-quality varieties that can realize the genetic potential of productivity in the sharply continental climate.

Materials and methods. On the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Novosibirsk State Agrarian University in 2018-2020, an assessment was made of green bean varieties of different ecological and geographical origin with a bush type of growth. Experimental fields are located in the village of Michurinsky (left bank of Novosibirsk) and the educational and production farm "Garden of Michurintsev" (right bank of Novosibirsk). The study of samples in terms of adaptability parameters, as well as the ability to form nodules, was performed in accordance with generally accepted methods. We took into account the characteristics that affect the productivity of the crop - the number and weight of beans per plant, the weight of one bean, and the yield. The aim of the work is to evaluate the varieties of vegetable beans for adaptability and nodule-forming ability in the conditions of the forest-steppe of the Siberian region.

Results. When forming the symbiotic apparatus, the growth conditions were taken into account. It has been established that high rates of biomass are observed on the territory of the village of Michurinsky. Varieties Morena and Maguyra are characterized by intensive growth in the experimental field of the village of Michurinsky, varieties Zoluyshka and Solnyshko – the educational and production farm "Garden of Michurintsev". The total number of nodules per plant varied from 29 (Kormilitsa) to 66. (Zoluyshka), active nodules – from 9 (Kormilitsa) to 49 (Zoluyshka). It is noted that the varieties Solnyshko and Zoluyshka have high rates of general adaptive ability and breeding value of the genotype. A strong relationship has been established between the characteristics of leaf mass and the number of active nodules, the number of active nodules and the leaf surface area; average - between the number of active nodules and plant biomass.

Relevance. The article highlights the issues of growing medicinal and essential oil crops, the seeds shortage and the problem of chemical polymorphism of raw materials. As a possible way to solve this problem is considered a wide introduction of seedling technologies for medicinal and essential oil crops. An analysis was carried out and information was systematized on individual elements of the technological process.

Purpose. To analyze and explore the possibilities for the introduction of seedling technologies in medicinal plant growing, taking into account the experience at other branches of plant growing, primarily vegetable growing.

Methods. Information obtained from literary sources was systematized by individual elements of the technological process, presented in a logical sequence and analyzed for applicability in medicinal plant production.

Results. The result of the literary sources analysis, the personal experience of researchers on the use of the seedling method for medicinal, and essential oil crops growing, they showed the prospect the seedlings technology for generatively and vegetatively propagated plants. Thanks to modern growth regulators and fertilizers, it is possible to intensify the process of seedling production, and specifically to increase the germination and energy of seed germination, rooting of cuttings, shorten the period from sowing (planting cuttings) to planting in the ground and get cassette seedlings with a well-developed root system. The mechanization of the sowing and planting processes can significantly reduce the costs of these operations, a longer interval for planting allows you to prepare the field with the highest quality and successfully fight weeds by mechanical means. The technique used for these operations in commercial vegetable growing is suitable for medicinal and essential oil crops without further modification. Conclusion. The widespread introduction of the seedling method can be the best solution to the problem of lack of seeds, difficulties of direct sowing in the ground and a long germination phase, care after planting and weed control in the first period, and will also allow obtaining raw materials with a stable biochemical composition.

Relevance. This article shows the research conducted by researchers from the agrotechnical department of the Bykovskaya melon breeding station from 2018 to 2020.

Results. The data obtained make it possible to scientifically substantiate the most cost-effective methods and techniques for treating table watermelon plants to increase productivity in the Volgograd Trans-Volga region. Indicators of economic efficiency of production make it possible to compare the results of economic activity and reveal the productivity of the enterprise for this period in connection with an increase in the use of means of production and labor. In modern conditions of development of agricultural production, there is a need to develop new technologies adapted to the new conditions of land use. In connection with the sharp decline in recent years in the use of fertilizers, the problem arose of finding ways to maximize the use of the biological factor. To obtain stable yields, it is necessary to increase the adaptive capabilities of plants to extreme conditions in which gourds are grown in the zone of industrial melon growing in the Volgograd Trans-Volga region. One of them is the use of plant growth regulators and water-soluble fertilizers. One of the advantages of these drugs is their simplicity, variety of methods of their application and low cost. According to the cost-effectiveness data, it can be seen that the foliar treatment of table watermelon plants was the best option. In the first experiment, the Fitozont regulator, in the second, the water-soluble fertilizer Khakafos with one and a half norm (0.9), in the third experiment, the best results were shown by the variant with foliar treatment with a growth regulator in combination with the water-soluble fertilizer Vigor Forte + Agrovin Profi at a dosage of (0.05+0.5).

Relevance. The main source of the natural pigment betanin is table beet, known for its medicinal and antioxidant properties, earliness and long shelf life, rich in bioactive compounds, minerals and vitamins. This research was induced by the lack of information required by breeders to increase betanin content in beet. Metabolite profiling is an effective way to assess the interplay between individual metabolites and betanin content in table beet.

Materials and methods. The material was selected from the the N.I. Vavilov Institute of plant industry (VIR) collection. Biochemical analysis was based on VIR’s guidelines, and metabolite profiling on gas chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometry.

Results. 17 free amino acids were found in the beet root extract. The greatest number of positive correlations with other amino acids (r˃0.72) was found in tyrosine, alanine and phenylalanine. A significant (r = –0.66) negative correlation was observed between betanin and succinic acid, credibly associated with betalamic acid. Sucrose predominated among carbohydrates (95%). Sucrose and maltose showed a weak positive correlation with betanin. Unsaturated oleic and saturated palmitic acids dominated among fatty acids (52% and 20% of total fatty acids, respectively). Earlier-ripening and cold-resistant table beet accessions showed a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids and lower betanin content. The disclosed interactions are important for betanin-rich red beet breeding.

Relevance. The study is aimed at evaluating the biological effectiveness of insecticides to reduce the number of tobacco thrips and gourd aphids in a film greenhouse on gourds. These pests cause significant damage to plants and can carry a viral infection. In greenhouse conditions, tobacco thrips can produce up to 7-8 generations, and melon aphid – up to 16 generations per season. The recommended pest control products have a limited protective duration in protected ground conditions, and in most cases promote the development of resistance in insects.

Results. The article presents the results on the use of the insectoacaricide MatrinBio, BP against melon aphids and tobacco thrips, and the biological effectiveness in reducing the number of pests is determined. A single treatment with a bioinsecticide kills up to 90% of tobacco thrips insects. Efficiency against melon aphids is 27% lower. It is noted that the period of the protective action of MatrinBio, BP lasts up to seven days, then decreases. On the fourteenth day, the biological effectiveness against pests is; for thrips – 72%, and for aphids – 40%. For comparison, bioinsecticide Fitoverm, EC, was chosen as a standard, which showed worse results in reducing the number of tobacco thrips (less by 20...25%), but had the best protective effect against melon aphids - by 19...21%. Re-treatment with drugs seven days after the first one significantly reduced the number of pests. To prevent the emergence of resistance in pests in protected ground conditions, it is recommended to include MatrinBio, BP in the integrated protection system and alternate with insectoacaricides from other classes or use in various combinations.

Relevance. Currently, greenhouse complexes use water for irrigation from open surface sources (ponds, lakes, rivers) and underground water from wells, adding a return (drainage) solution to it. At the same time, water from both open sources and drainage solution often becomes a source of emergence and spread of phytopathogenic infection in greenhouses, which brings economically significant crop losses. In this regard, the need to develop guaranteed methods and methods for the disinfection of drainage water and water from open sources is relevant. One of the methods of water disinfection is the use of ultraviolet irradiation, but for the effective use of irradiation, it is necessary to ensure the minimum effective UV dose. This UV dose is typical for each pathogen.

Results. Work was carried out to experimentally establish doses of UV irradiation that allow complete inactivation of vegetative cells and spores of bacteria and fungi (Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Pythium debaryanum, Fusarium oxysporum, Verticillium dahliae, Phoma destructiva) in a solution prepared on the basis of distilled water. A dose of UV irradiation of 40 mJ/cm² ensured complete inactivation of the bacterial pathogen, and a dose of 60 mJ/cm² showed complete inactivation of the pathogens of the studied fungal infections.

Relevance. Cucumber green mottled mosaic virus (CGMMV) is a highly specialized virus (group Tobamovirus). It is a significant threat to cucurbits. On a high infectious background, cucumber yield losses, both in open and protected ground, can be close to 100%. The spread of the virus occurs in many ways. The most dangerous is the infected seed material. One of the effective methods of preventing CGMMV is the creation of genetically resistant hybrids to viral diseases. An experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the use of the marker F295 for the selection of resistant samples.

Results. When comparing the results of determining resistance against an artificial background and the results of PCR analysis for the same samples, we calculated the efficiency of the genetic marker F295, which was 65%. Since the level of effectiveness is average, for a more objective assessment, it is necessary to create another – the main marker, which will determine the direct presence of resistance to CGMMV. The use of the F295 marker is relevant in combination with other methods for deter[1]mining resistance, which will speed up and increase the efficiency of the breeding process.

Relevance. The use of biological preparations in agricultural technology of agricultural crops contributes to the preservation of agrophytocenosis, reduces environmental pollution and has a positive effect on the growth and development of the plants themselves. In this regard, the determination of the effectiveness of the use of biological products in the presowing treatment of common bean seeds is relevant and timely.

Materials and methods. In our study, we studied the effect of presowing treatment of common bean seeds with biological products: Polydon Bio Profi, Polydon Amino Mix, Polydon Aminomix, Alfastim on germination energy, germination, seed sprout size, number of roots and length of the root system. Three varieties were taken as objects of study: Athlete, Omichka, Sirenevaya.

Results. A different effect of preparations on the time of seed germination was revealed. The average germination time in options 1-4 was higher than the control values for all varieties, i.e. drugs slowed down germination. The seeds of the tested varieties responded positively to treatment with Alfastim (option 5): the average germination time in Fizkulturnitsa and Sirenevaya decreased by 8.5 and 9.8%, in the Omichka variety by 45%, compared with the control. Among the tested varieties, it is necessary to single out the Sirenevaya variety, which has the highest germination energy (ES) from 90% to 100% and seed germination (VS) from 98-100% in all treatment options. The most effective treatment of the Omichka variety was in option 2 (EP-90%, germination rate 90%), the values exceeded the control by 5%. For all options, the germination energy of the Fizkulturnitsa variety ranged from 72 to 90%, germination from 73 to 93%. A positive effect of drugs on the germination of seeds of this variety was established. The defeat of bean seeds by mold fungi was noted. Seed damage is mild to moderate. Seed damage by mold fungi in the variants using Polydon Bio Profi was absent, or it was weak up to 3.3% for all tested varieties. Morphobiometric indicators of seedlings and their root system in all varieties developed more effectively on variants with the use of Polydon Bio Profi and Alfastim preparations, and their mixtures

Relevance. The article describes zones with one or another predominant type of melioration depending on the territorial location of the reclaimed lands, a brief classification of channels is given according to design features, cross-sectional shape, throughput capacity and technical and operational characteristics. Channels are the main elements of reclamation systems. Ensuring high-quality operation of channels with the required bandwidth guarantees the efficient operation of the entire reclamation system. Characteristic canal deformations that occur during operation are given, as well as factors affecting the throughput of canals, such as the appearance of sediment, silting and grass vegetation, the growth of shrubs and small trees. The article presents sewer cleaning machines used on canals of reclamation systems during cleaning and restoration work, describes their design features for cleaning canals of various types and cross sections. Canal cleaners are described, which, according to the mode of operation, are both intermittent and continuous machines, which most effectively and efficiently clean the bottom and slopes of channels of various reclamation systems. The article also provides an explanation of the increase in the efficiency of canal cleaning and the subsequent high-quality work of the reclamation system in the case of using various complexes of sewer cleaning machines, including a variety of machines with different working bodies, sizes and quantities. The choice of the number of machines is directly related to technical and economic indicators: the use of a large number of machines may not be economically feasible, and the use of a minimum number of machines will not provide the re-quired cleaning. Thus, it is important to choose the optimal number of machines of various sizes that form a separate complex.