The main limiting factor in the development of the vegetable growing industry is the low technical level of vegetable cultivation. It should be noted that many works in domestic breeding, as well as in seed production of vegetable crops, are carried out manually. The decrease in the share of Russian varieties in the market of seed material of vegetable crops is largely due to the fact that the technological level and technical equipment of most originating institutions of Russian varieties are simply not comparable with the level of modern Western European breeding and seed production centers and companies that seek to increase the supply of seed material to the Russian market. One of the significant factors in increasing the efficiency of vegetable production is the use of highly efficient agricultural machinery and equipment. At the moment, there are no machines for performing the main operations of cultivating vegetable products in Russia, and the available agricultural machines for vegetable producers are on the verge of physical wear and tear and have long ago exhausted their depreciation resource. The existing foreign analogues presented on the Russian market do not fully meet the agrotechnical requirements imposed by Russian farmers on foreign-made machines. Based on the analysis of the technical support of the vegetable growing industry in the Russian Federation, the need for commodity producers in modern hightech complexes of machines for the production of vegetable crops is economically determined based on the total sown area of vegetable crops. The results of the statistical studies carried out made it possible to assess the current state of agricultural engineering for the production of the required number of machines for vegetable growing. The increase in sown (planting) areas and the expected increase in the production of the main types of crop products against the background of a decrease in the availability of agricultural machinery contributes to an increase in the load per unit of equipment and creates risks of a decrease in the level of agricultural mechanization. Currently, low volumes of domestic seed production are associated, among other things, with the low level of technical equipment of breeding and seed-growing organizations with specialized machines and equipment.

Species Cucurbita pepo L., which includes marrow, squash, hard-barked pumpkin and a number of other crops, has a high polymorphism both in plant structure and in shape, size, color of the bark and fruit pulp. The color of the bark of the fruits of this species can be white, cream, yellow, green, orange with or without a pattern. Appearance can greatly influence the marketing success of new hybrids among the target audience. This is explained by the fact that there are strong regional consumer preferences regarding the color of fruits, although most often, on the shelves of chain stores, in fresh or canned form, you can find fruits of bright, saturated colors and shades. At the same time, brightly colored fruits are more often used for canning, while light-colored ones are used for processing into caviar [1]. Paris H.S. and Brown R.N. summarized the identification of more than 80 gene loci that affect fruit color in Cucurbita pepo L., some of which are multi-allelic [2]. The color of the fruit in hard-barked pumpkin depends on the presence and interaction between the loci responsible for this trait, and many other factors, including growing conditions [3,4]. In cucurbits, in different phenophases, different genes are responsible for color [5–7]. All this makes the selection of summer squash and scallop on the basis of the color of the fruit bark very difficult. Knowing the genetics of coloration can make this task easier. In this article, we tried to summarize the results of studies presented in foreign literature sources on the study of Cucurbita pepo L. genes responsible for the color of the surface of the fruit and pulp, its intensity, the presence or absence of a pattern of various colors and configurations. No domestic studies on this topic could be found.

At the Primorskaya vegetable experimental station – branch of the Federal state budgetary scientific institution «Federal scientific vegetable center», selection and introduction into production of a new legume crop for Russia – adzuki cowpea. The varieties Asia (for universal cultivation) and Far East (for horticultural vegetable growing) were created and included in the State Register of the Russian Federation. Promising specimens have been created, which, in terms of their biological and economic indicators, are not inferior to the varieties Asia and Far East. Primary seed production of new varieties is underway and their introduction into farms and garden vegetable growing. The grain yield of cowpea-adzuki universal samples ranged from 3.15 t/ha (Asia variety, standard) to 2.77 t/ha (sample POOS 31-15). The highest grain productivity was observed in the standard (Asia - 22.5 g/plant) and in sample POOS 44-15 (20.8 g/plant). The Asia variety and the promising sample POOS 31-15 (20.2 pieces/plant) produce the most beans per plant. It was noted that the Dalnevostochnaya variety has the greatest resistance to cracking of beans during their ripening (7.2 points). Samples for universal cultivation have above average resistance to bean cracking (5.8-6.5 points). The plant height of promising samples is quite favorable for combine harvesting: 64 (POOS 31-15) – 71 (POOS 39-15) cm. Due to the fact that the flowering of cowpea-adzuki is extended, the ripening of beans is rarely 100%. For promising samples, this indicator is high and amounts to 95.5% (POOS 44-15) - 99.8% (POOS 31-15), which fully complies with the ATT requirements (more than 90%). The creation of varieties of a new vegetable crop for Russia will improve the economics of agricultural production in the difficult climatic conditions of the Far Eastern Federal District.

The development of classical methods of soaking and growing seeds to the method of hydropriming and its further improvement based on the introduction of new knowledge and integrated approaches are shown. Priming is a controlled hydration of seeds (saturation with a limited amount of water), which causes the activation of metabolism, the initiation of germination (preventing the appearance of a root) and ensuring the subsequent reversibility of this process (by drying) while maintaining a stimulating effect. P.A. Genkel, who presented a thorough theoretical justification and detailed experimental confirmation of the effectiveness of pre-sowing soaking and subsequent drying (often multiple times) to increase drought and salt tolerance of plants. For a complex of methods for influencing seeds with water and osmotic solutions, W. Heidecker proposed the term priming, which is widely used in the English language, but at first did not take root in Russian literature. The characteristic of the internal reasons for the decrease in the viability of seeds, associated primarily with the aging process, during which the depletion of nutrient reserves, the accumulation of growth inhibitors, mutagens, reactive oxygen species and other harmful substances, the denaturation of proteins and nucleic acids, the oxidation of unsaturated lipids and external (abiotic and biotic), and their interactions. The article provides information about agents and methods, technical solutions and priming techniques. The role of water, conditions, factors, parameters, fundamental morpho-anatomical, physiological and biochemical substantiation of the germination process are described. The shortcomings of priming and ways to overcome them are outlined on the basis of an in-depth study of the metabolic processes occurring in the process of priming and subsequent germination in order to understand the mechanisms for increasing the sowing and productive properties of seeds. The necessity of maximizing the practice of applying priming, especially in difficult environmental conditions, was noted.

Background. Various plant hormones are used (cytokinins, auxins) to increase the regeneration efficiency and the net reproduction rate of buckwheat in vitro. However, the growth and development rates of plantlets have been noted to be low under these conditions. For this reason, search for the plant extracts that are able to stimulate the regenerative ability of plants is a promising direction of biotechnological research.

Materials and methods. Aseptic single-node cuttings of common buckwheat plantlets (varieties Dikul and Izumrud) were grown on MS nutrient media with plant extracts from Fagopyrum esculentum and Reynoutria japonica (0.1, 0.5, and 1%) for 21 days. The following morphobiological paramaters of the plantlets were evaluated: plant height, the number of internodes, the number of leaves, leaf length, and the number and length of roots.

Results. Dealcoholized aqueous solutions of the extracts from F. esculentum and R. japonica in the studied concentrations (0.1-1%) significantly stimulated the growth and development of the buckwheat plantlets increasing their net reproduction rate (4.00-6.00) and rhizogenesis. The media with the plant extracts in concentrations of 0.1-0.5% were observed to produce the strongest positive effect. As the result, the morphobiological characteristics of the plantlets and the success rate of the micropropagation were the highest.

The collection of winter garlic from Yekaterinburg was transferred to the Federal Agrarian Research Center of the Republic of Dagestan. The Ekaterinburg collection contained specimens of Dagestan origin; when transferred to Dagestan, it was significantly expanded with local forms. Total studied in 2021-2022 60 samples, all of them belong to the group of autumn shooters.

According to the average mass of bulbs over 20 g, seven samples were distinguished: 1-4-3, 1-20-2, 1-20-3, 1-21-3, 1-21-4, 2-5-3, 2-9-2. They also noted the largest masses of bulbs – 25,8- 30,4 g, the coefficient of variation did not exceed 33%. For reproduction by air bulbs, taking into account their number and weight of the bulb, out of seven samples marked by the mass of the bulb, three were distinguished: 1-4-3, 1-21-4 and 2-9-2, the indicators exceed the average values. According to the maximum mass of an air bulb (150 mg), sample 1-22-2 stood out, but this sample had an average bulb weight of 13,9 g. Sample 2-13-1 also exceeded the average values for the number of bulbs and bulb mass, but it had an average bulbs less than 20 g and a coefficient of variation of 41%. The results of studying the collection of Dagestan origin showed that the samples represented a complex population with high differentiation in bulb mass and inflorescence characteristics, which made it possible to isolate the source material using individual selection. According to the average mass of bulbs, samples 1-4-3, 1-20-2, 1-20-3, 1-21-3, 1-21-4, 2-5-3, 2-9-2 were distinguished, of which for propagation by air bulbs –samples 1-4-3, 1-21-4 and 2-9-2.

Timeliness. The prerequisites for the cultivation of bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) in industrial plantations have led to an increased demand for high quality planting material obtained by clonal micropropagation (in vitro). Studies have been carried out on the of ex vitro growing completion of cranberry plants using different mineral fertilizers and types of light under greenhouse conditions.

Methods. Ex vitro plants of a selected form of cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) obtained using the clonal micropropagation technique were the objects of research. Experimental adapted cranberry plants were planted in 0.5 L containers in 'Veltorf' peat substrate with an acidity of at least pH 3.5-4.0, to which mineral fertilizers were added according to the variants: APAVIVA N15P15K15(S10) 0.08 and 0.16 g/L, Sulfoammophos N16P20(S12) 0.072 and 0.144 g/L, N12P52 0.1 and 0.2 g/L, control without fertilizer. The plants were placed under different types of light: under LED phytolamps (UnionPowerStar – 40W-T) with a photoperiod of 16 hours and under natural light (without the use of additional lighting) under greenhouse conditions.

Results. It was found that during of the ex vitro growing completion of bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) plants in containers, the advantage of LED phytolamps was revealed, when using them in all experimental variants on the 42nd day of growing the morphometric indicators of plant development were almost 2 times higher than in plants grown under natural light. The type of mineral fertilizers and type light significantly influenced the total length of shoots (82.9±13.74- 107.4±35.95 cm vs. 58.6±20.92 cm in control) and leaf surface area (41.1±6.46-54.1±4.67 cm2 vs. 22.9±9.63 cm2 ).

Conclusion. The results we obtained contributed to a better representation of the ex vitro growing conditions of bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) plants using different types of lighting (phyto-lighting with a 16-hour photoperiod and natural light – without adding additional light) and the selection of optimal doses of mineral nutrition. The best, under LED lighting, were N16P20(S12) at a concentration of 0.072 g/L and N15P15K15(S10) at a concentration of 0.16 g/L.

Common chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a promising source of raw materials for both food (roots) and pharmaceutical industries (leaves). One of the ways to increase the biologically active compounds content in medicinal plant materials is the use of various growth stimulants, which include amino acids. The article presents the results of an experimental study conducted in 2021-2022 which study the effect of of L-alanine and a racemic mixture of alanine (DL) on the accumulation and qualitative composition of phenolic compounds (PC) in the leaves of chicory.

Results. It was found that the use of alanine in different concentrations did not have a significant effect on the increase of phenolic compounds content, and also did not affect the on their accumulation dynamics. The use of alanine enantiomers did not affect the qualitative composition of phenolic compounds, but led to a change in the ratio of hydroxycinnamic acids to each other. It has been established that during the growing season the percentage ratio between the main phenolic compounds in chicory leaves changes - the content of chlorogenic acid increases in proportion to the decrease in chicory acid. Treatment with L-alanine at a concentration of 25 mg/l during the study period in both varieties led to the largest reduction in the content of chicory acid compared to others. It was noted that the total content of PC is higher in a year with warmer and more arid weather, it was higher on average by 0,7 %.

This paper analyzes the literature data on the practical use of plants of the genus Filipendula as a nutritional component and a promising source of biologically active substances. For immunomodulatory action, the flowers and leaves of the meadowsweet are mainly used, which have demonstrated a significant effect in numerous in vitro and in vivo models. Among the diseases in which the immunomodulatory properties of plants of the genus Filipendula are found the most application are inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract, a number of inflammatory disorders of the skin, as well as a diaphoretic and antispasmodic, in bronchial asthma, etc. An analysis of the literature data allows us to conclude that these plants have a beneficial effect on human health, both individually and as a component of food, due to their unique phytochemical profiles.

The ecologization of protected soil is currently one of the most important tasks of agricultural production, in this regard, for the vegetable growing of protected soil, the introduction of effective microorganisms into the substrate when growing plants in low-volume technology is of great interest. Biologics can enhance metabolic processes in the nutrient substrate and plants, plant resistance to adverse environmental conditions, increase plant productivity and improve product quality. Therefore, the purpose of our work is to analyze the effect of a complex of biological products on the agrobiological parameters of cucumber hybrids Mewa F1 and Valigora F1 on the 39, 67, 95 and 123 day of cultivation from the appearance of mass shoots. The research was carried out in conditions of high industrial greenhouses of the "Venlo" type, in the winter-spring turns of 2021 and 2022. The preparations were introduced into the tank mixture and fed to the plants through a drip irrigation system. Measurements of economically valuable indicators were noted weekly. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA methods were used for statistical data analysis.

Results. When using biological products, a positive effect was noted on the growth and development of cucumber plants, as well as on the increase in leaf plate and leaf surface area (LAI). The dates of the onset of single and mass flowering of plants and single fruiting occurred earlier when using a complex of biological preparations for 1-5 days. When assessing the effect of the complex of biological products on the development of the photosynthetic apparatus, the positive effect of biological products on the area and index of the leaf surface on the 39, 67 and 95 days of cultivation was established. In addition, a significant effect of the complex on the increase in yield per m2 per turnover was revealed. In the conducted studies, the increase in yield was due to an increase in the weight and diameter of fruits. The total height of the plants and the weekly growth of the complex of drugs practically did not affect. A comparative analysis of the growth processes and yield of cucumber hybrids Mewa F1 and Valigora F1 when applying root fertilizing with a complex of biological preparations showed great effectiveness from their use.

The use of technologies in greenhouse vegetable growing that ensure environmental safety, high plant productivity is an important component. In this regard, the issues of hormonal regulation of the processes of fruit set, their growth, and the causes of abscission are topical. The synthesis of auxin in the nascent seed and the synthesis of gibberellins in the pericarp is carried out due to cell division and elongation and cause intensive fruit growth. In the literature review, the necessary production conditions for good pollination of flowers are considered - temperature, humidity, pollen amount and pollinating insects.

Relevance. In the middle zone of Russia, industrial cultivation of pear fruits is almost not produced due to the lack of intensive rootstocks. In regions with a mild climate, this problem has long been solved by grafting pears on common quince, but in more northern regions, quince is not hardy enough. In recent years, as a result of the long-term work of VNIISPK scientists, winter-hardy rootstock forms of common quince have been obtained, capable of restraining the growth of grafts and accelerating their entry into the fruiting season. They have a wide prospect of being used to intensify the production of pear fruits in central Russia. However, the grafting of pears on quince is remote intergenerational and not all varieties can be cultivated on it due to different degrees of compatibility. There is no single methodology for determining compatible and incompatible graft-rootstock combinations of pear varieties with quince, therefore, it is an important and urgent task to identify signs by which non-viable combinations can be identified starting from the nursery.

Materials and methods. The research was carried out in the conditions of the VNIISPK production nursery in 2008-2010; 2019-2022. The object of research was graft-rootstock combinations consisting of quince seedlings of ordinary selection of VNIISPK used as rootstocks and various varieties of pear collection of the Institute. Pear seedlings were used as a control. Propagation of varieties was carried out by the method of oculation at a height of 20 cm from the ground in the first decade of August. The repetition of the experiment is 3 times 30 plants in each. Agrotechnics of experience is generally accepted. In order to identify the most common signs characterizing the degree of compatibility of graft-rootstock combinations, starting from the awakening of the eyes of the graft, observations were made every 5-7 days on their development in a nursery.

Results. In the course of observations, a number of additional signs were identified that can be indicators of positive or negative accretion of pear varieties with quince and on the basis of which it is possible to determine viable and non-viable graft-rootstock combinations already in the nursery. The conducted studies also made it possible to divide pear varieties into three groups of compatibility with quince: A – well compatible varieties. Their development on the quince rootstock is better than on the pear rootstock. B – satisfactorily compatible varieties. They can grow on common quince, that is, they can be viable graft-rootstock combinations, but there are some signs of their incomplete development. It is advisable to use a compatible insert rootstock, on which such varieties develop better. С – incompatible varieties. It is possible to grow such varieties on quince only with the use of a compatible insert rootstock. With direct grafting on common quince, such graft-rootstock combinations are not viable.

The VIR potato doublet collection maintained at the Polar Experimental Station, includes more than 300 intervarietal hybrids created by the branch’s employees. The work on obtaining and evaluating intervarietal hybrids was carried out in the conditions of the Murmansk region from 1985 to 1999. The source material was the doublet world potato collection VIR. We selected samples: 21/8516 and 15/881. Hybrid 21/8516 was obtained by crossing medium–early and early varieties (Isna × Khibinsky early); 15/881 – by crossing medium-late and early varieties (Krostar N × Khibinsky early). The authors of hybrids 21/8516 (conditional name “Severyanin” and 15/881 (conditional name “Katerina”) are: G.D. Melnichuk, E.M. Vasilyeva, S.V. Abakshina, From 2000 to the present, work is underway to maintain and reproduce these samples. The samples differ in early maturity and yield (46,0 t/ha – from the “Severyanin”; 37,8 t/ha – from “Katerina”), large tubers (tuber weight 98-100 g from the hybrid “Katerina”), good taste, resistance to stressful environmental conditions, environmental plasticity. They can be used in addition to those grown in the Murmansk region. Candidate hybrids are recommended for cultivation in the Murmansk Region in addition to existing varieties. Currently, work is underway to transfer these hybrids to state testing and to enter them into the register of potato varieties.

Relevance. Among the factors of increasing the productivity and quality of cultivated plants, the correct organization and timely implementation of the fight against harmful organisms is of great importance. At the same time, a special place is occupied by quarantine measures. No less important is the timely detection and destruction of quarantine organisms, their localization and elimination in isolated centers of infection.

Methods. The methods for registration testing of pesticides in terms of biological effectiveness (VIZR) and of studying the bioecological features of the tomato leaf miner, adopted by the Scientific Council of the National Institute of Plant Protection and Technical Cultures of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was applied.

Results. In the conditions of the South Caucasus in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the biology of the tomato leaf miner, the degree of development, the prevalence and the harmfulness of the insect pest have been studied in detail for the first time. The reasons for the rapid spread of the pest are indicated, the conditions are favorable to it. Listed agrotechnical measures that reduce the population of the pest and measures of biological and chemical control. Employees of the Institute of plant protection and technical crops and the Azerbaijan State Agrarian University have developed a set of measures for monitoring, prevention and pest control, thanks to which it is possible to control the number of pests.

Golden potato nematole (Globodera rostochiensis Woll.) is a phytoparasite, a microscopic worm that causes potato globoderosis. As a result, the yield is sharply reduced, small tubers are formed, and then the complete death of plants. The damage caused by the golden potato nematode manifests itself when the soil is infected with larvae in the amount of 1 thousand pieces or more in 100 cm3. The decrease in yield in areas of severe infection can reach from 70 to 90%. Early potato varieties are most affected. The best way to protect potato varieties from globoderosis is to use in the production of varieties resistant to golden potato nematode. The aim of the research was to study nematode-resistant potato varieties in the Murmansk region.

Methods. In 2016-2020, 49 potato varieties resistant to globoderosis were studied on the experimental field of the Polar Experimental Station of VIR according to the main biological and economically valuable characteristics. The size of the plot was 0,05 ha, the area of plant nutrition was 70x30 cm. Planting of varieties was carried out in early June. The samples were planted in the field in a row of 10 plants of each variety. Every 10 samples, the Khibinskiy ranniy variety was located. All accounts are performed according to the VIR methodology.

Results. Phenological observations have shown varieties with short periods of passage of phenological phases: Diamond, Grand, Pershatsvet, Khibinskiy ranniy, Roeslau. Berry formation was of the Labadia variety. The yield on the 60th day from planting was 531.7-741.7 g / bush (the maximum yield of the Madeleine variety). On the 90th day from planting, the yield of the varieties was in the range of 747,5-1153,0 g/bush (the maximum for the Eurasia variety). Starch content varied from 8,3% (Arrow grade) up to 20,4% (Albatros). According to disease resistance, the varieties Grand, Gusar, Eurasia, Harmony, Colorit, Rasinka, Albatros, Angela, Courage are distinguished.

Conclusion. Samples of the world potato collection have been studied; sources of valuable traits that can be used in breeding work to create new varieties suitable for cultivation in the Far North have been identified.