Relevance. Tomato is the most widespread vegetable crop in the southern regions of Russia and one of the most popular with the population in all natural and climatic zones of the country. The majority of products is produced in large vegetable-growing, farming and private household farms. One of the most important tasks is to improve the assortment taking into account natural and climatic conditions of cultivation and directions of use. In this regard, the selection of industrial tomato with a high level of flexibility and resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors for the south of Russia is an urgent task.

   The aim of the study is to evaluate economically valuable features of perspective lines and new hybrids of tomato of industrial type, adapted to the conditions of southern Russia.

   Material and methodology. The work was carried out in the open field conditions of experimental production farm of the Federal Scientific Center of Vegetable Industry (Moscow region) and Biryuchekutskaya vegetable breeding experimental station – branch of the FSBSI FSVC (Rostov region).

   The objects of research were breeding material and 6 perspective new hybrid combinations of tomato of selection of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific and Scientific Institution of the Russian Federation.

   Results and discussion. As a result of step-by-step study and selection, the most promising samples were identified for further use as source material for practical breeding: B-6-C-2014, VS-B-№7, VS-B-18, VS-B-20, VS-B-35, VS-B-38. As a result of the competitive testing, the best hybrid combinations were identified: F1 B-1, F1 B-2, F1 B-4, meeting the requirements of commercial production in the south of Russia. It is shown that the hybrid combination F1 B-2 exceeds both standard samples F1 Meteor and F1 Perfectpeel both in terms of total yield (by 10.9 t/ha and 9.6 t/ha), marketability of fruits, and dry matter content in fruits (6.1 % vs. 5.1% and 5.2 %). Taking into account the complex of economic characteristics, a precocious F1 hybrid of tomato F1 B-2 called F1 Profy has been submitted to the State Variety Testing, as it shows stable economic characteristics over several years of study.

   Relevance. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetables in the world. Every year the number of identified viruses and diseases increases, infection with which causes significant crop losses and significantly worsens the quality of agricultural products, especially in tomatoes.

   Material and methods. In the present study we compared the growth of the vegetative and reproductive traits of tomato plants ‘Dokia’, ‘TY Red 250’ and ‘Pilabi’ grated onto bacterial wilt (caused by Ralstonia solanacearum) and Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) diseases tolerant rootstock “Spider” (Takii seed, Japan). The non-grafted (control - CT) and grafted tomato plants (GR) were transplanted on 4 March of 2021 to the four season (vinyl) greenhouse on substrate perlite (mixture of perlite no. 1 and no. 3) and cultivated until September 20.

   Results. The results showed that responses of the tomato cultivars to grafting combination was different, where agronomical traits depends on the each cultivar’s features can be ranged. The reduction of the values of stem diameter (SD), leaf length and width (LW), fresh fruit weight (FFW), fruit diameter (FD), fruit pericarp thickness (FPT) and fruit hardness (FH) with aging of plants and rising ambient temperature was detected. However, fruit soluble solids among all cultivars regardless of treatments were slightly increased. The index of fruit yield per truss (FYT) significantly decreased among all cultivars after 10^th truss regardless of the treatments when the daily temperature increased from July to August. In grafted tomato ‘TY Red 250’ were identified the highest fruit yield per plants (FYP) than in CT plants, whereas in other tomatoes did not found similar differences between CT and GR plants.

   Relevance. Although there is notable success in breeding vegetable crops to obtain heterotic F1 hybrids, traditional selection methods have been gaining in popularity as a means of improving the economically important traits of local traditional varieties in Russia today. These varieties suffered the reduction in their valuable starting parameters (yield, the uniformity of marketable produce and biochemical composition) over the many years of reproduction. The Department of Potato Breeding and Horticulture (FSBSI “FSC of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A. K. Chaiki”) have been working on the creation of new squash variety-populations with large fruits using the variety-population Banannaya 42, bred by V. Ya. Smolei at the Far Eastern experimental station of the All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Plant Breeding in the 1940^s, as the starting material. We carried out a multi-year research on the selection of promising families belonging to this variety to increase yield, improve the uniformity of fruits and the main biochemical parameters.

   Results. The breeding work conducted on the families of variety-population 945 in 2011-2022 resulted in the improvement of some economically important traits (the uniformity of fruit shape, yield, and biochemical parameters) compared to the started form. The eleven years of research allowed us to achieve high uniformity of fruit shape in the selection of the ninth year (PIP 2) – 90.0-90.7 % (increased by 34.9-36.0 %). The yield increased from 28.4 t/ha to 38.2-45.3 t/ha or by 34.5-59.5 %. The following biochemical parameters were improved through selection: the content of dry mater from 8.5 to 12.9 % or by 51.8 % on average, the content of sugars from 6.1 to 9.1 or by 49.2 %, the content of carotene from 1.7 to 3.8 or by 123.5 %, and the content of vitamin C from 9.6 to 21.1 or by 119.8 %. We selected the families of the same type from variety-population 945 (variety-population Banata) with improved and uniform economically important traits for submission to the State variety testing. The yield was 38.2-45.3 t/ha, fruits were heart-shaped, skin was greyish green, pulp was orange, and the content of sugars was 9.0-13.2 %. Large-fruited variety population Banata was included in the State register of breeding achievements admitted to use in the Russian Federation in 2024.

   Relevance. Fermentation makes it possible to improve the properties of the final product, increase its nutritional value and organoleptic characteristics. It has been scientifically proven that the use of fermented foods (with high nutritional and biological value) on a regular basis has a positive effect on human health, increases immunity, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Dry fermented products with a long shelf life can be recommended as part of the diet in space.

   The aim is to creation of a dry base for fermented long-term storage beverages based on cabbage and table carrots, applicable in the diet of space nutrition.

   Objects and methods of research. The objects of the study were the domestic hybrid of white cabbage F1 Severyanka and the domestic variety of carrot table Margosha, and the dry fermented products obtained from them.

   Results. It was found that, according to biochemical and organoleptic quality indicators, the domestic hybrid of white cabbage F1 Severyanka and the domestic carrot variety Margosha are suitable for various types of processing, including fermentation and manufacture of dried fermented products. The comparison of the number of microorganisms in fermented cabbage and cabbage dehydrated by LTVD (low temperature vacuum drying) and VFD (vacuum freeze drying methods was carried out. The survival rate of microorganisms was 1.62 times higher in LTVD. The ways of accelerating the fermentation process of table carrots are considered. The expediency of using starter cultures obtained on the basis of the fermented product has been confirmed. It has been found that using starter cultures in the form of a fermented product dried by the LTVD method accelerates fermentation and allows you to reach the desired pH level 1.33 times faster than the base one and does not affect the final organoleptic characteristics.

   Seed storage of agricultural crops in the conditions of International Space Station (ISS) is an effective method of quick plant breeding aimed to enhance the adaptability, and improve the biologically active compound accumulation and crop yield. Biochemical and mineral composition (ICP-MS) of lettuce grown in greenhouse from seeds stored for one year at the ISS was assessed. High varietal differences in lettuce tolerance to the effect of micro-gravity and radiation were evaluated using the values of yield, biometrical parameters, antioxidant status and plant mineral composition. Among the cultivars studied, i.e. Petrovich, Synthesis, Moskovsky parnikovy, Picnic, Cavalier and Bouquet, only the cvs. Retrovich, Synthesis, Moskovsky parnikovy and Picnik retained seed viability. Significant yield increase was recorded for the cv. Moskovsky parnikovy, while the cvs. Petrovich, Synthesis and Picnic demonstrated a tendency to the yield decrease. Improvement of photosynthetic pigment accumulation due to seed space storage was recorded for the cv. Moskovsky parnikovy and, particularly, the latter cultivar differed from the other cvs. due to the significantly higher proline level and lower MDA levels in leaves. Though space stress did not cause any significant decrease in antioxidant accumulation of plants, the latter demonstrated valuable changes in mineral composition. Among the 23 elements tested, V, Se. Fe and Cr showed higher concentrations compared to those in the control plants. Positive correlations between Ca, Sr, Cd, Cp, Mg, Mo and Pb were recorded (r > 0.9; p < 0.001).

   Introduction. The relevance of the work is due to the need to find ways to preserve the nutrient composition of vitamins and other necessary raw materials to create finished food products that can diversify the diet of astronauts, taking into account their habitat.

   Goal – Comparison of methods for dehydrating plant materials and creating finished food products with a certain degree of dehydration, recommended for feeding astronauts. These methods were used to produce so-called “frips” from fresh fruits and berries; this is a type of snack that is also widely used and developed in modern industry.

   Objects and methods of research. The objects of the study were several types of fruits and berries of various varieties (minimum 2) during dehydration by several types of drying.

   Results. Dehydration using the LTVD (low temperature vacuum drying) method makes it possible to obtain finished products with a given final moisture content, and the product can be made from multi-component raw materials. The duration of the dehydration process using the LTVD method compared to the VFD (vacuum freeze drying) method is reduced by approximately 10-20 % depending on the product, while due to the absence of preliminary freezing, the specific energy costs for drying a food object can presumably be reduced by 15-25 %. Quality indicators of the finished dry product The product dried using the presented methods is comparable, the content of vitamins and microelements is at almost the same level, therefore, when choosing the type of drying, we can recommend the LTVD method as less energy-consuming. The yield of marketable products in the production of frips ranges from 15.0 to 19.5 % by weight of the initial raw materials, which meets the requirements for economic efficiency of production.

   Relevance. In order to expand the range of food products for the crews of the International Space Station (ISS), studies have been conducted on the specifics of developing natural flavoring vegetable additives in the form of powder for freeze-dried dishes.

   The aim is to evaluate new broccoli hybrids as raw materials for the production of natural flavoring vegetable additives in the form of powder for freeze-dried dishes of increased nutritional value and high degree of readiness for consumption, including components of children's, dietary and cosmonaut nutrition.

   Methods. The objects of the study were 6 new broccoli hybrids (2 hybrids of domestic and 4 of foreign breeding).

   Results. In domestic hybrids F1 (Detskiy delikates, Macho), the average vitamin C content in natural flavoring vegetable additives in the form of freeze-dried powder of a high degree of readiness for consumption was 1.66 times higher than in foreign hybrids. The highest vitamin C content was noted in the domestic hybrid children's delicacy 419.4 mg %. β-carotene was best preserved in the hybrids F1 Detskiy delikates (2.58 mg %), F1 Macho (2.56 mg %), as well as in the hybrid F1 Batavia (2.52 mg %). The amount of sugars in natural flavoring vegetable additives in the form of freeze-dried powder was on average 1.17 times higher in domestic hybrids than in foreign ones. At the same time, some foreign hybrids showed a high level of accumulation. So the largest accumulation of the sum of sugars was in the F1 Lord (12.85 %). A high level of sugar content was also observed in F1 Macho (12.84 %) and F1 Detskiy delikates (11.63 %). The F1 Fiesta accumulated the least nitrates (77.1 mg/kg). According to organoleptic indicators, the F1 Detskiy delikates has been identified. High organoleptic indices were also noted in the F1 Macho and the F1 Batavia.

   Relevance. Tomato pink-fruit cultivars and hybrids are of interest for fresh consumption. The biochemical parameters are influenced by the varietal factor and by the growing conditions. It is known that mature tomatoes record low storability. The softening of the fruit is caused by ethylene produced in the ripening fruit. Then pectinase enzymes are synthesized in the fruit tissues, under the action of which the cell walls of the fruit soften. Breeders are creating tomato cultivars whose fruits could be stored for a long time without losing their tasty.

   The aim of the investigation was to study the biochemical parameters of pink-colored tomato fruits under different ripening conditions.

   Materials and methods. The plants were grown on the experimental fields of the Laboratory for Breeding and Seed Production of Solanaceae crops. In the Analytical Department, the biochemical composition of pink tomato fruits was studied during harvesting from the field and after laying for storage in the milky ripeness phase according to the following indicators: dry matter, ascorbic acid, total content of water-soluble antioxidants, titratable acidity, monosaccharides, polyphenols and carotenoids.

   Results. The breeding accession F4 (Lotos x Z6) showed maximum dry matter and monosaccharide content both after storage and in mature fruits. The same sample as F5 (Lotos x Z6) showed the highest ascorbic acid content after storage. Other parameters before and after storage in these samples were comparable. Whereas, breeding accession F6 (Z6 x Lotos) stood out in terms of maximum content of sum of antioxidants in alcoholic extract and content of water-soluble antioxidants after storage.

   Relevance. Tomato occupies a special place among vegetable crops in the world, including in the Republic of Dagestan. The article presents the results of research on the use of biostimulators of growth on the productivity of tomato plants in open ground conditions of the Tersk-Sulak subprovincion of Dagestan. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the biological product Relict R and Humate+7 on economically valuable indicators in the production of tomatoes of domestic selection in open ground conditions. Tomatoes were grown using conventional technology in open ground conditions.

   Material and methodology. The research was carried out on the basis of the Tersko-Sulak subprovince of the Federal Agricultural Research Center of the Republic of Dagestan of the Kizlyar district. The soil of the experimental site is alluvial-meadow, medium-saline, medium loamy in mechanical composition. Agricultural technology is generally accepted in the Republic of Dagestan for tomato culture. The objects of research were tomatoes of the Voskhod VNIISSOKa variety, Relict R, Humate+7.

   Results. The use of humic preparations accelerated the duration of the interphase period of germination-maturation, the difference in variants ranged from 6 to 11 days. The yield of tomatoes has shown that the use of biostimulants of growth gives a significant increase. Relict P turned out to be the most effective – the increase was 4.1 t/ha. The effectiveness of Humate+7 also exceeded the control yield and amounted to 2.3 t/ha, respectively. The use of the biopreparation stimulated the accumulation of dry substances in tomato fruits from 5.9 % in the control to 6.4-6.9 % in the experimental versions, the sugar content increased by 0.2 %. The studied preparations had a positive effect on the yield and quality indicators of tomatoes. According to the research results, it is recommended to use the Relict R – liquid humic preparation on tomato to increase yields and quality indicators in the conditions of the south of the country.

   Previously, surface soil acidity was amended by the application of lime, gypsum, and acidic soil-tolerant crop species. However, their effectiveness in subsurface soil acidity reduction is limited.

   Thus, this review paper aimed to screen the tree species that easily overcome such problems.

   Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, African journals online, and Google search engine databases were used. A total of 60 acidic soil-tolerant tree species were identified. Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia crassicarpa, Arbutus unedo L., Casuarina junghuhniana, and Erythrina abyssinica were among the extremely acidic soil-tolerant tree species. Whereas Acacia cincinnata, Acacia mangium, Pinus patula, Albizia saman, Citrus x paradisi, and Cassia reticulata were belongs to some of the strong acidic soil tolerant tree species. Generally, the species' acidic tolerance capacity and planting site compatibility should be considered for the success of amendment works. Scaling out these species and large-scale plantations should be done in addition to estimating their relative percent of acidic soil amendment roles. Producing stable food in line with reclaiming acidic soil is achieved through the integration of stress tolerant fruit trees. Research on large-scale plantations, domestication, skilling up and comparative evaluation of their levels of acidic soil amendment capacity should be performed in the future.

   Relevance. The garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier) is a widespread berry crop distinguished by its fast vegetative growth, early bearing age, and high yield and plasticity. Today everbearing (remontant) strawberry varieties gain in popularity due to their long fruiting period, and high yield and berry quality. Annually new foreign varieties appear on the Russian market. For this reason, it is important to study foreign garden strawberry varieties of different ecological and geographical origin and identify those of them that are adaptable to agro-climatic conditions of a given region.

   The research goal was to determine the biochemical and customer qualities of the garden strawberry varieties introduced in Primorsky kray and to select varieties with economically important traits for further breeding and production.

   Research methods. The research was carried out in the nursery of primary variety testing at FSBSI “FSC of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A.K. Chaiki”. The following garden strawberry varieties of foreign breeding origin were used as the research object: Сabrillo (USA), Albion (USA), Florentina (Netherlands), Murano (Italy), and Bravura (Netherlands). The studied varieties were day-neutral and everbearing. Variety Elizaveta 2 was used as the control (Russian breeding origin; admitted to use in all regions of the Russian Federation). The following parameters were evaluated: total yield, average berry weight, maximum berry weight, berry size, the yield of marketable berries, and the content of dry matter, reduced sugars, and vitamin C. The accumulation of anthocyanins in berries was determined by a rapid assessment using a color scale. Records were made and scientific observations were conducted according to “Program and methods of variety testing of fruit, berry, and nut crops” (1999).

   Results. Based on the results of the research on the economically important traits of the everbearing day-neutral strawberry varieties introduced in Primorsky kray, the following varieties were selected: Cabrillo for yield (263.3 g/plant, control – 82.8 g/plant), Murano for the yield of marketable berries (81.3 %), and Bravura (15.5 g) and Florentina (15.2 g) for berry size. The highest content of dry matter was accumulated in berries of variety Аlbion (9.87%). The highest content of reduced sugars was found in varieties Cabrillo (7.16%), Florentina (7.09 %), and Аlbion (7.09 %); of vitamin C – in Florentina (60.30 mg/100 g), and of anthocyanins – in Murano (50 mg/100 g). Murano was established to be the most promising variety under the conditions of Primorky kray for the complex of its traits.

   The article presents the results of many years of research on the study of the genetic fund of grapes concentrated in the ampelographic collection of the Dagestan selection experimental station for viticulture and vegetable growing. Selection and variety study of grapes play a major role in the accelerated promotion to the market and the introduction into industrial production of promising varieties for various uses, which is very important in our time. A comprehensive study of 104 varieties and hybrid forms of grapes of intraspecific and interspecific origin was carried out. The purpose of the study is an agrobiological assessment of promising varieties and hybrid forms of grapes of interspecific and intraspecific origin for various uses.

   Methods. The research was carried out at the ampelographic collection of the Dagestan selection experimental station for viticulture and vegetable growing, located in Derbent.

   The object of research was 104 varieties and hybrid forms of grapes of domestic and foreign selection. Of these, 30 table varieties, 70 technical varieties and 4 universal varieties. The zoned varieties Karaburnu (table) and Muscat white (technical) were used as a standard. The research was carried out according to the following methods: “Study of grape varieties” and “Agrotechnical research on the creation of intensive grape plantings on an industrial basis”.

   Results. The article presents the results of assessing the indicators of fruiting and fruitfulness of varieties and hybrid forms of grapes of interspecific and intraspecific origin. According to the indicators of fruiting (K1) and fruitfulness (K2) among table varieties and hybrid forms, the following are distinguished: SV-23-657, SV-12-304, Dekabrsky, Ialoveni sustainable, V-95-1, XI-36-6/100 of which K1 ranged from 0.94 to 1.33 and K2 from 1.17 to 1.51. Among the technical varieties and hybrid forms based on these indicators, the following were distinguished: Bianca, Viorica, Gift of Magaracha, Yubileiny Magaracha, Pervenets Magaracha, in which K1 ranged from 1.17-1.50 and K2 from 1.34-1.60. For most varieties and hybrid forms, the fruiting coefficient (K1) varies from 0.67 to 1.30, and the fruiting coefficient (K2) ranges from 1.03 to 1.42. In universal varieties, the fruiting coefficient (K1) ranges from 0.70-1.02 and the fruiting coefficient ranges from 0.96-1.31. According to the yield of table varieties, interspecific hybrids are distinguished: Dekabrsky, SV-12-304, SV-20-365, SV-23-657, XI-36-6/100 in which the yield per bush varies from 11.2 to 19.5 kg/bush. Among the technical varieties in terms of yield per bush, the following stand out: TSKHA-3-2, Pierrel, Bianka, SV-20-473, Strogoziya, Podarok Magaracha, SV-12-375, for which the yield per bush was 12.4-22.2 kg.

   Conclusion. The introduction of selected varieties and hybrids into production will ensure an increase in crop yields and will contribute to import substitution and ensure the country's food security. Individual varieties will be used as sources of valuable traits in breeding work.

   Relevance. To improve the quality of life and expand the taste preferences of the population of Belarus, it is necessary to expand the range of vegetable crops with high yields, marketability and product quality, adapted to the natural and climatic conditions of the republic. In this regard, improving technological methods for cultivating such a crop as zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) is of scientific and practical importance.

   Materials and Methods. The research was carried out on the territory of a private farm in the village of Chukhny, Smorgon district. Field and laboratory studies were carried out using generally accepted methods and guidelines.

   Results. Substantiated the feasibility of cultivating green manure crops in combination with the local application of thermoammonia-disinfected compost when growing zucchini in seedlings on sod-podzolic light loamy soils in the natural climatic conditions of Belarus. The developed technological methods ensure the reproduction of soil fertility, increased yield, and production of high quality products without the use of mineral fertilizers. When using green manure and disinfected compost, the nitrate content in zucchini cv. Bonus, grown without mineral fertilizers, was in the range of 280-320 mg/kg. To reproduce the fertility of soddy-podzolic light loamy soils when growing zucchini in the natural climatic conditions of Belarus, it is advisable to use oats, oilseed radish and peas as green manure fertilizers. This technological technique increases the content of organic matter in the soil by 0.8-1.3 %. Together with green manure, adding thermo-ammonia-disinfected compost into a hole when planting zucchini seedlings ensures an increase in organic matter content by 1.2-1.5 % in the compost localization zone. During the decomposition of organic matter of green manure crops and disinfected compost applied locally, nutrients are released in quantities sufficient to form a high yield of zucchini with a nitrate content below the maximum permissible concentration. Thus, when grown on soddy-podzolic light loamy soils in the natural climatic conditions of Belarus, the proposed technological methods make it possible to obtain high-quality products and significantly increase the yield of zucchini due to green manure in combination with the local application of disinfected compost without the use of mineral fertilizers.

   Relevance. Today special attention is paid to potato anthocyanins as components of functional food. Increasing interest is generated by research on the use of anthocyanins for the benefit of animals and people in addition to their significant role in the life of plants.

   The research goal was to identify the quantitative and qualitative composition of anthocyanins in the tubers of valuable potato hybrids of Primorsky selection.

   Five promising potato hybrids (Solanum tuberosum L.) belonging to different groups of maturity and involved in the comparative variety testing by FSBSI “FSC of Agricultural Biotechnology named after A. K. Chaiki” were used as the research object.

   The research was carried out under the conditions of field and laboratory experiments in Primorsky kray, Russia, in 2018-2023. The anthocyanins were divided by the method of high-performance liquid chromatography. The anthocyanins were identified by the method of second-order mass spectrometry.

   Results. The research evaluated the potato hybrids for the content of anthocyanins in the tissues of the tubers – skin and flesh. The following specimens were determined to have a high content of anthocyanins both in the skin and flesh: Pri-15-12-14 (petunidin-3-arabinoside: 310.0 and 91.1 mg/kg; cyanidin-3-glucoside: 149.8 and 39.8 mg/kg) and Pri-14-52-2 (petunidin-3-arabinoside: 360.0 and 143.0 mg/kg; cyanidin-3-glucoside: 80.4 and 81.2 mg/kg). The selected specimens were characterized by purple and blue-purple skin. Genotypes Pri-14-52-2 and Pri-15-12-14 had tuber flesh with purple pigmentation. Hybrids Pri-15-12-14 and Pri-14-52-2 had the highest total content of anthocyanins in the flesh – 130.9 and 224.2 mg/kg, respectively. The conducted research identified eight different anthocyanins in the tubers of the studied potato specimens: delphinidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-ramnosil-5-glucoside, petunidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-ramnosil-5-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, and petunidin-3-arabinoside. The tubers with pink and red skin were determined to contain pelargonidin-3-glucoside. Petunidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside colored tuber skin purple. The selected group of specimens might be recommended for use as functional food and in goal-oriented breeding.