Relevance. The state of Russia's agro-industrial complex determines the country's national security, as it provides the population with quality agricultural products and raw materials, which affects state sovereignty. According to a number of analysts, in commercial vegetable growing, about 80 % of sown areas are annually sown with imported varieties and hybrids, and this is a vulnerability in ensuring the industry's independence and the country's competitiveness. Strengthening technological sovereignty in the field of vegetable production is one of the priorities of the state agrarian policy, as well as the main focus of scientific organisations and private companies.

Results. Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Scientific Vegetable Center (FSBSI FSVC) is a major scientific center of the industry, which can compete with foreign companies with its breeding achievements. The article shows the leading position in the breeding of vegetable and melon crops FSBSI FSVC, which actively conducts research on private genetics, biotechnology, contributing to the acceleration of the breeding process; varieties and hybrids are created that combine consistently high productivity, early maturity, resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors, high quality products with an optimal content of biologically active substances to obtain potential raw materials and products of functional action; development of resource-saving, environmentally safe, high-precision technologies for cultivation of vegetable and melon crops, taking into account species and varietal characteristics, as well as scientific bases and practical recommendations for production of original seeds taking into account zonal specifics.

However, there are problems hindering the introduction of breeding achievements: the increased cost of registration of breeding achievements in the State Register of Selection Achievements of the Russian Federation of the Russian Federation, bureaucratic difficulties in their approbation, which arose for breeders after the adoption of the new law "On Seed Production". In order to solve the problems of seed production, the Ministries in charge of vegetable production have launched a sub-programme "Development of breeding and seed production of vegetable crops", which aims to increase the production of domestic competitive seeds and brings together the state, science and business.

Relevance. In connection with the development of industrial hydroponics in the country, the need arose to create targeted varieties and hybrids of F1 small radish for salad lines, which have special requirements. They should be productive, early ripening and shade-tolerant, with a rounded root shape and a small compact rosette of leaves, resistant to premature stem formation (stem formation). Root vegetables should be juicy, dense, without voids and bitterness, as well as with a high content of ascorbic acid and other biologically active substances and low accumulation of pollutants.

Methodology. The material for the study was selection samples of small radishes created in the laboratory of selection and seed production of table root crops of the Federal State Budgetary Institution " Federal Scientific Vegetable Center". The assessment of promising breeding material was carried out in the seedling department of the Richel greenhouse and in the production conditions of Moskovsky LLC according to the methods adopted by the Federal Scientific Center.

Results. Based on the assessment results, promising leveled material was identified, adapted to the conditions of salad lines, both in terms of a set of characteristics and in individual areas of selection: No. 81 with high yield and marketability, having large red root crops of a round-oval shape and a small leaf rosette, No. 83 – with large roots, small leaf rosette and resistance to flowering, No. 80 is a genetic source of high resistance to flowering (3.6%) combined with marketability and a small leaf rosette. Genetic sources of high dry matter content were identified – the Dutch hybrid F1 Gloritet, monosaccharides – sample No. 83, ascorbic acid – No. 76, 81, 82, 84, high content of vitamin "C" and monosaccharides in root vegetables – No. 76. In the production conditions of Moskovsky LLC, three promising samples small radishes stood out with a yield of more than 2200 g per 1 m2 and a marketability of 93.9-96.8%, distinguished by large rounded red root crops, a small rosette of leaves and a thin axial root.

Relevance. Innovations in modern greenhouse complexes necessitate the creation of new technological cucumber hybrids for them, an important component of which is their comprehensive assessment in production conditions.

Materials and methods. In 2023, experiments were conducted in the Krymsk (Krasnodar Territory) SC “Gavrish” with 9 new parthenocarpic hybrids of cucumber F1 smooth type in 2 repetitions of 10 plants each. Hybrids were grown in a winter greenhouse under light culture conditions in winter-spring and summer-autumn rotations. The technology of growing the crop is maintained in accordance with the requirements adopted in the V light zone. The assessment of economically valuable features was carried out according to generally accepted methods.

Results. The early and total yields, marketability of the grown hybrids in two crop rotations, the degree of their resistance to real powdery mildew and adaptability of cultivation in crop rotations have been established. A comparative assessment of the potential of new hybrids with the generally accepted F1 analogue of Meva in the region has been carried out.

Conclusions. The new parthenocarpic smooth-fruited cucumber hybrids of GC “Gavrish” F1 Metreng, Model 4560/19, Model 166/20 can act as an import substitution.

Relevance. Potatoes are one of the most popular agricultural crops in Russia. The unique chemical composition characterizes potatoes as a valuable food product in the diet of the population. One of the important factors for increasing and stable potato yields is the selection of the optimal assortment for each region of the Russian Federation. Therefore, the varieties most adapted to local growing conditions should be used in production. The world potato collection allows solving various issues of modern breeding, such as: early maturity, resistance of tubers to various diseases, seed quality, adaptation to climatic stresses, history and systematics. The study and evaluation of new potato breeding varieties makes it possible to identify promising source material for the creation of future varieties suitable for cultivation in the northern regions of the country.

The purpose of this study is to characterize the studied potato samples in extreme climate conditions.

Material and methodology. In 2013-2023, 543 potato samples from the World Collection of VIR were studied at the experimental field of the Polar Experimental Station VIR branch according to the main biological and economically valuable characteristics. For a comprehensive assessment of the varieties according to the main economic and biological characteristics, phenological observations were carried out, the harvest was taken into account during early and final harvesting, including the structure of the crop. Visual assessment of diseases was carried out in the field and during storage. Starch was determined in the laboratory. All basic accounting is performed according to the VIR methodology.

Results and discussion. Over the years, 15 potato varieties with the best characteristics of economically valuable traits have been identified. According to the results of the final harvest, 6 varieties had a stable harvest – Favorit, Meteor, Tekes, Severny, Gusar, Lingonberry. The yield of these varieties was 1034-1409 g/bush.

Relevance. Nowadays the popularity of Chamaenerion angustifolium as a medicinal plant and as a tea is growing noticeably. Fireweed is an eclogically plastic species, that does not require high soil fertility and is widespread in Russia. Medical and food industries use leafs as a row material of fireweed. Series of phytochemical studies of Chamaenerion raw material have shown that it contains a wide variety of pharmacologically significant compounds, that accumulate as a result of both primary and secondary metabolism. The most important groups, formed as a result of secondary metabolism, are polyphenols, including flavonoids, phenolic acids and ellagitannins (including enothein B). Concentration of these chemical compounds equals 15% and even hither of the raw material (leaf).

The aim. Identification of variability and relationships between the content of various groups of phenolic compounds in raw material of Chamaenerion angustifolium, depending on ecological conditions.

Methods. At the first stage of our work was used the cartographic method. Were studied specimens from 27 points, growing in ecologically different areas of the Moscow, Kaluga and Yaroslavl regions. Phenolic compounds were determined using a spectrophotometer: flavonoids in terms of rutin, tannins and the amount of phenolic compounds, using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent in terms of gallic acid.

Results. The content of polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids in raw material of fireweed, collected in different ecological and soil aspects, was measured. Measurement results were compared, using correlation analysis. As the result of content analysis, it was found that the content of polyphenols in the leaves ranged from 9 to 11%, the content of flavonoids fell within the chain range of 2.5-3.5%, tannin content – 5.0-6.5%. A close correlation was found between the content of phenolic compounds and tannins (R=0.972). It indicates, that the shikimate pathway is the main process of biosynthesis secondary metabolites in the Chamaenerion angustifolium plant. Also it means the leading role of local ecological conditions of the studied areas.

Relevance. LED sources of plant irradiation, surpassing the level of sodium light sources in terms of energy efficiency, are superior to them in terms of the possibility of optimizing spectral characteristics. Therefore, the issue of wider use of LED light sources when growing plants under light culture conditions is relevant. Possessing significantly greater efficiency compared to high-pressure sodium lamps, LEDs are of great interest to greenhouse growers. However, the successful application of these new light sources requires new approaches. And the main thing is that LED sources of plant irradiation cannot be widely used without changing the technology for growing vegetable crops in protected soil, without introducing new, specially created hybrids. And direct replacement of sodium light sources with LEDs does not make sense.

Methods. The studies were carried out in a modern greenhouse under controlled conditions of real light culture while growing a medium-fruited tomato F1 Bountis (DRS). The area of the registration plot was 326 m2. For phenological observations and crop recording, areas with the same number of plants were allocated in the center of the recording plot, leaving protective strips in one row of plants along the edges. The installed lighting power is 200 W/m². The light source was high-pressure sodium lamps DNaZ/Reflux 600W 400V with a ZhSP25 Reflux lamp with electronic ballasts, as well as a LED greenhouse lamp 680W 400V.

Results. When using a hybrid system, the total illumination in the PAR region is 40% higher compared to a sodium lighting system, and it would be expected that the yield of the tomato crop will change accordingly. In general, over the entire period of the experiment, the yield under hybrid lighting conditions was higher by only 3 kg/m² or 5.5% and amounted to 58.3 kg/m², and under the sodium system – 55.2 kg/m². At the same time, under the conditions of the hybrid lighting system, plant growth was slightly behind the control: the length of the main stem was by 15%, the number of established leaves and their average length by 3%, the number of formed inflorescences by 5%, and the thickness of the leaf blade by 20%.

Conclusion. An increase in light does not always lead to a similar increase in yield. Not just light is important for plants, it is important to correctly assess its productivity and spectral composition. The problem of assessing illumination taking into account the real interaction of light with the plant exists and must be solved.

Relevance. Fertigation is the application of fertilizers, in which nutrients are dissolved in water for irrigation. This method is relevant when growing eggplant in the Rostov region, allowing effective use of fertilizers, since nutrients enter directly into the roots of plants, which eliminates their loss to evaporation or weathering. During fertigation, there is no need to carry out separate procedures for fertilization and irrigation, operations are combined into one, which reduces time and costs. The Rostov region is characterized by variable climatic conditions, including drought and strong winds. Fertigation ensures uniform and constant nutrition of plants, allowing them to better adapt to weather conditions, and can help increase yields by optimizing plant growth and development conditions.

Material and methodology. In the conditions of the Rostov region, on ordinary heavy loamy chernozems, studies were conducted on the cultivation of eggplant on different backgrounds of the main application of mineral fertilizers in calculated doses before planting and using root fertilizing with complex fertilizers with trace elements with irrigation (fertigation), as well as leaf fertilizing with organomineral fertilizer Arksoil during the growing season.

Results. It was revealed that mineral fertilizers and top dressing accelerated the growth and development of plants, and in the best case, the increase in indicators was 2 times higher compared with the control, while the height of the main stem, the number of lateral shoots and the number of ovaries on the plant, as well as the average weight of the fruit, significantly increased, which ensured an increase in plant productivity. The combined use of basic fertilizer and complex soluble fertilizers in the drip irrigation system has significantly increased plant productivity and increased yields to 77.82 t/ha. The application of high doses of fertilizers in combination with fertigation with water-soluble fertilizers did not actually affect the quality of fruits. The content of dry matter and nitrates remained at an optimal level.

Relevance. The priority direction in vegetable growing is the scientifically justified use of types and doses of micronutrients that can increase the yield of watermelon fruits and improve their quality. Due to the large number of different types of fertilizers currently appearing on the market, it is necessary to choose the right ones and study them in optimal doses for growing high-quality melon products.

Material and methodology. Objects of research: watermelon varieties Meteor, Zemlyanin, Kholodok and preparations: iron chelate, zinc chelate, vegetable Aquarin. Options using these fertilizers for double foliar treatment of plants during the growing season have been studied. The research was carried out during 2019-2021 at the Bykovskaya melon breeding experimental station.

Results. During the study, a positive effect of the tested drugs on the quantitative and qualitative indicators of products was established. As a result of foliar treatments of plants in all variants, the yield exceeded the control variant (without treatments). A comparative analysis of biochemical data showed that the dry matter content was at a fairly high level. As a result of the use of zinc chelate in the Meteor and Kholodok cv., the dry matter content increased by 0.4%. A similar increase in the indicator was obtained when using the drug Aquarin vegetable on the Zemlyanin and Kholodok cv. The content of total sugar in the Meteor and Kholodok cv. was higher than the control (without treatments), and in the Zemlyanin cv. it was at the control level. The fructose content in the tested variants of all varieties exceeded the control. As a result of the use of water-soluble fertilizers for plant treatment, the content of ascorbic acid increased in the variants with treatment in the Meteor cv. – by 1-1.5 mg%, in the Zemlyanin cv. – by 0.8-1.1 mg%, in the Kholodok cv. – by 0 .1-0.7 mg% compared to control (without treatments). Nitrate levels in watermelon fruits of different ripening periods did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration (60 mg/kg).

Relevance. The yield of watermelon fruits and seeds depends on many factors, one of which is the phytosanitary condition of the crops. Weather conditions during the growing season at the beginning of flowering contributed to the infection of plants with bacteriosis and Alternaria.

Methodology. The experiments were carried out in the central zone of the Krasnodar Territory in the department of vegetable and potato growing of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Federal Research Center of Rice" at the seed-growing site of the watermelon variety Nitsa. The work was carried out in accordance with generally accepted guidelines. Results were obtained on the use of fungicides Metabacterin and Plantare on seed crops of the Nitsa watermelon variety.

Results and discussion. Double treatment with drugs significantly limited the spread and damage of plants by bacteriosis and alternaria. The phytotoxicity of Plantarel for harmful pathogens was higher than that of Metabacterin, which was reflected in an increase in fruit yield – by 7.8 t/ha, fruit marketability – by 8% and seed yield – by 57 kg/ha more, in comparison with the control option. The effect of treating watermelon plants with Metabacterin on yield indicators is less significant in comparison with Plantarel but higher than in the control variant. 4.2 t/ha more fruits were collected, with a 5% higher yield of marketable fruits and a 5 kg/ha higher seed yield than from watermelon plants without protective measures. The use of drugs contributed to the preservation of a larger number of plants in the variants (compared to the control), and ensured a high accumulation of dry soluble substances in the fruit pulp. Bacteriological and mycological analyzes showed that there are no pathogenic microflora on seeds from fruits from plants treated with Plantarel and Metabacterin. Both drugs have a growth-stimulating effect. Soaking the seeds before sowing in a solution of preparations contributed to the emergence of vigorous shoots three days earlier than when soaking in water.

Relevance. The purpose of the research was to improve the elements of zonal agricultural technology for cultivating a new variety of sweet pepper Zarnitsa, to study the possibility of increasing productivity, reducing production costs during its seed production through the use of a non-seedling method of cultivation in irrigated conditions and the plant growth regulator Zircon, R.

Methodology. Experimental studies were carried out on the experimental field of All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Vegetable and Melon Growing (Astrakhan region) in 2022-2023. The establishment of the field experiment and the carrying out of records and observations in the experiment were carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods.

Results. It was found that with the seedless method of growing sweet pepper, the period from sowing to the start of fruit harvesting was 12 days shorter. Sweet pepper plants in the seedling method during the fruiting phase had advantages: in plant height by 9.3%, in the number of lateral shoots by 21.2%, in leaf weight by 7.0%, in average fruit weight by 6.1%. The highest yield, on average 31.6 t/ha, was obtained using the seedling method; when sowing seeds in the ground, it was 3.8% lower. Replacing the seedling method of cultivation with a non-seedling method contributed to a reduction in production costs by 74.7 thousand rub./ha, production costs by 1.9 thousand rub./t, production profitability by 1.2 times, due to savings in labor resources and working capital for growing and planting seedlings. Replacing the seedling method of cultivation with a non-seedling method helped reduce production costs by 74.7 thousand rub./ha, production costs by 1.9 thousand rubles/t, the profitability of production of sweet pepper products and seeds by 1.2 times, due to savings labor resources, working capital for growing, planting seedlings. A single treatment with the plant growth regulator Zircon, P (30 ml/ha) at the beginning of flowering contributed to a significant increase in plant biometric parameters: height by 12.2%, number of lateral shoots by 30.8%, leaf weight by 14.3%, yield by 2.4 t/ha (7.9%), compared to the control (30.4 t/ha), an increase in sugar content by 0.2%, vitamin C by 4 mg% and seed yield by 9 kg/ha (8.7%). The sowing qualities of sweet pepper seeds in all variants of the experiment met the standard requirements and were – 94-95% in terms of germination and – 92-94% in terms of germination energy. The highest level of profitability of 204.9% was obtained as a result of using a growth regulator; in the option without treatment it was lower by 14.4%.

Relevance. Salvia officinalis L. is an important essential oilseed crop with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Providing the pharmaceutical industry with raw materials of Salvia in full is possible due to the expansion of production areas and the availability of the maximum amount of highquality seed material of new promising varieties.

Methods. In 2019-2022 in the conditions of the North Caucasus branch of VILAR on a new variety of Salvia Fioletovy aromat II year of vegetation by staging small-scale experiments were conducted to study the systematic application of organomineral fertilizer – EcoFus and growth regulators of different mechanism of action – Zircon, Epin-extra, retardant Hardy to increase seed productivity and seed quality. The area of the experimental plots was 12 m². Treatment with EcoFus was carried out at the beginning of regrowth, and with bioregulators – during the budding phase. The consumption of the working solution is 300 l/ha. Control variants of medicinal crops were treated with water.

Results. Application of EcoFus in the phase of regrowth contributed to the activation of the intensity of photosynthesis and increase in the accumulation of plastic substances, which allowed plants to enter the generative phase earlier, the budding phase came 2-3 days earlier than in the control. Subsequent treatment of budding plants with growth regulators led to earlier and more friendly flowering, the time of seed ripening was reduced by 3-4 days. The highest efficiency was observed in the variants of joint application of EcoFus with Zircon or Hardy, where the number of inflorescences on plants increased, seed setting and seed productivity increased by 37-42%, seed quality also improved – weight of 1000 seeds increased by 9-10% and germination by 6-7%.

Relevanse. The article presents information about actively spreading potential pests of agricultural crops in the Central region of the Russian Federation – slugs and snails – invertebrates belonging to the genus of gastropods. The harmfulness of these pests is manifested in a decrease in the size of the crop, a decrease in its quality, loss of marketability and fruit keeping. The most seriously affected in this regard are the planting of cabbage, lettuce, peas, turnips, potatoes and cucumbers. Snails and slugs can serve as a source of infectious diseases, various fungal spores, bacteria and parasitic helminths are often carried with the mucus produced by their bodies, which often pose a threat to the health of people and pets.

Methods. Visual surveys were carried out to determine the number of pests in the field and in the adjacent territory in the conditions of the Moscow region (Lyubertsy city district). The studies were conducted in accordance with officially approved methods. Data on the species composition of pests are analyzed. The possibility of active harmful activity and potential threat of gastropods in a changing climate and their adaptation in the conditions of the Central region of the Russian Federation is considered.

Results. According to the results of the conducted research, it was found that in vegetable gardens and private farms, grape snail and arable slug are most often found, in potato plantings – field (arable slug). Recommendations on slug and snail control in the private sector and farms are given.

Relevanse. Rhizosphere associative bacteria, multiplying on root secretions, provide the plant with the entire complex of necessary nutrients from the soil and help increase productivity.

The purpose of the research was to identify the feasibility and effectiveness of using bacterial preparations, optimizing the rates and timing of their application when cultivating onions as an annual crop on alluvial meadow soils of the Non-Chernozem Zone.

Materials and Methods. Field experiments were carried out on the experimental field of VNIIO on an area of 1000 m² in 2021-2023. We used drugs provided by the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Microbiology" (St. Petersburg): BisolbiPlant BIS88 (Bacillus pumilis strain); N40 – Experimental strain (Paenibacillus xylanexedens) – bacillary nitrogen fixer; V514 – Experimental strain (Bacillus megaterium) – bacillary stimulator of mobilization of soil phosphates and phosphorus from mineral fertilizers. The following tasks were solved by year: 2021 – Integrated use of biological products at application rates, l/ha: 0.0; 10.0; 20.0; 40.0; 2022 – Application of biological products in the following options: Control, Control + BIS88 (1+1) l/ha, Control + BIS88 (1+1) l/ha + N40 (1+1) l/ha + V514 (1+1) l/ha; 2023 – Options: BIS88 (0.5+0.5) l/ha + N40 (0.5+0.5) l/ha + V514 (0.5+0.5) l/ha at different base levels spring fertilization: N160P160K160; N110P110K110; N60P60K60.

Results. It is not advisable to apply the studied bacterial preparations at a total rate of more than 10.0 l/ha during the cultivation of onions due to plant disease with bacteriosis. The use of the BisolbiPlant drug at a rate of (0.5+0.5) l/ha helps to increase the yield of onions with harvest quality comparable to the control. Biological products applied in combination with irrigation water during the growing season: BIS88 (0.5+0.5) l/ha; N40 (0.5+0.5) l/ha; V514 (0.5+0.5) l/ha, provide an increase in yield (13.4%) with harvest quality comparable to the control in the case of a low (N60P60K60) level of basic spring fertilizer application with subsequent fertilizing during the growing season Ca40N30 + N40K40 + N40K40. At the rates of the main spring application of fertilizers N110P110K110 and N160P160K160, complex application of preparations does not ensure an increase in the yield and its quality.

Relevanse. An important condition for the effectiveness of gardening is the systematic replacement of old plantings with new ones. The supply of planting material to the industry is important. Imported planting material does not always meet quality requirements and is not always adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of the region in which fruit and berry plantings are planted. Despite the spread of low-volume irrigation, for the regions of the Central Non-Black Earth Region (Central NonChernozem region) of Russia, only a few studies have been carried out to study drip irrigation regimes for fruit and berry nurseries, therefore, issues related to the development of rational irrigation regimes are of particular relevance.

Methods. Field research was carried out on the territory of the educational and experimental farm of the Michurinsky Garden fruit growing laboratory of the Russian State Agrarian University Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy from 2011 to 2022. Field experiments on growing one-year-old, twoyear-old and three-year-old seedlings were carried out in triplicate according to the following options: 1) control (without irrigation), 2) maintaining the moisture content of the root layer in the range of 60-80 %, 3) 70-90% and 4) 80-100% of the lowest moisture capacity. The obtained experimental data were processed using regression analysis methods.

Results. The resulting mathematical and statistical models make it possible to calculate the bioclimatic coefficients of plum, cherry, raspberry, pear and apple seedlings depending on pre-irrigation soil moisture and the sum of average daily temperatures for the conditions of the Central NonChernozem Zone of Russia. All the fruit and berry crops under consideration are characterized by a general pattern that, depending on the sum of average daily temperatures, bioclimatic coefficients change according to a parabolic dependence, and have minimum values at the beginning of the growing season, reach maximum values during the period of intensive growth of seedlings and gradually decrease towards the end of the growing season.

Relevanse. To reduce the negative impact of drought on the production process of agrocenoses of field crops, the entire complex of agrotechnical and reclamation measures should be used to ensure increased drought resistance of crops in the structure of crop rotations for various purposes.

The purpose of our research was to study the dynamics of the growth of the raw mass of root crops and the collection of dry matter by the periods of growth and development of fodder and semi-sugar beet at different moisture levels of the root layer of the soil.

Material and methodology. The research was carried out in a specially built arid zone, which is a 3x20 m plot, isolated from soil moisture to a depth of 1.5 m by a clay castle along the periphery and a dense reinforced polyethylene film between the variants. The arid area was divided into four plots, each with an area of 15 m2 (3x5 m), in which a different level of moisture supply was maintained throughout the growing season. The variety of fodder beet Eckendorf yellow and semi–sugar beet – Semi-sugar pink variety were used as the object of research.

Results. It has been established that at all values of humidity, the maximum accumulation of the raw mass of root crops in both varieties was noted in the second period of growth and development of plants, which lasts an average of 60 days and lasts from the beginning of closing of crops in rows to the beginning of opening in row spacing. Among the studied irrigation regimes, the option should be recognized as optimal, where during the growing season the relative humidity of the root layer at a depth of 1 m is maintained at the level of 70-75% of the WPV. With such moisture, the yield of root crops for fodder beet is 855 centners/ha, for semi-sugar beet – 679 centners/ha, and the collection of dry matter – 120.54 and 156.33 centners/ha, respectively. With a further increase in humidity to 75-80% of the FPV, the increase in yield and collection of dry matter per 1 ha of crops for both beet varieties is within the statistical error of the experiment, however, the cost of irrigation water for the formation of 1 q of dry matter increases by an average of 2.2 times, which negatively affects the cost of grown products. It has been proven that the optimal regime of soil moisture is provided by the irrigation scheme according to the periods of growth and development of plants 1 3 1; irrigation rate – 400 m³/ha, irrigation rate – 2000 m³/ha.

Relevanse. A significant influence on the processes of growth, plant development and accumulation of tubers of potato varieties is a scientifically based and rational planting density, which allows the fullest use of the factors of light, air and mineral nutrition available in the field. The establishment of optimal planting density for new zoned potato varieties should be considered in close connection with other agricultural practices, as well as taking into account the purpose of growing products in specific soil and climatic conditions.

Methodology. The research was conducted in 2018–2020 at the experimental base "Korenevo" of the Russian Potato Research Centre (Moscow region). The aim of research was to determine the optimal planting density for the new potato varieties of domestic selection: Gulliver (early), Azart (medium early) and Grand (medium ripe). Three planting densities were studied – 44 thousand tubers/ha (control); 50 and 56 thousand tubers/ha. Planting was carried out on May 4-6 with local application of mineral fertilizers at a dose of N90P90K135 two strings per ridge.

Results. It was revealed that with the increase of planting density by 6 and 12 thousand tubers per 1 ha, the height of plants raised by 2-4 cm, depending on the variety on average over 3 years. The weight of the tops and the assimilation surface area of leaves increased, respectively, by 1.0-4.4 t/ha and 1.1-3.4 thousand m²/ha. The number of stems and tubers decreased, respectively, by 0.2-0.7 and 0.6-1.0 per bush. Increase of harvest due to higher plant density for the cultivar Gulliver was 2,2 and 3,1 t/ha, or up to 7,3%; for the Azart variety 2,8 and 3,3 t/ha, or up to 8,7%; for Grand variety 1,9-2,6 t/ha, or up to 7,8%, compared to control variant.

Relevance. Forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and providing habitats, oxygen, and carbon sinks. However, deforestation resulting from mining, logging, infrastructure development, climate change, and agriculture is leading to their depletion.

This paper aims to investigate the underlying factors driving deforestation and their socioeconomic and ecological consequences.

Results and Discussion. Deforestation has resulted in the loss of 10 million hectares of global forest cover annually, with direct drivers including fires, logging, and converting forests to agricultural land. Indirect drivers encompass political elections, military conflicts, population density, and corruption. Economic growth, road expansion, and politics have exacerbated the pressure on forests, resulting in biodiversity loss. Deforestation is predicted to continue at a rate of 10 million hectares annually until 2025. To mitigate this issue, measures such as reducing emissions from deforestation, promoting sustainable forest management, and enhancing protected area management can be implemented. Furthermore, legal action should be pursued to address the issue of deforestation.

Originality/Value: Farmers must use sprinkler irrigation and avoid surface irrigation because it harms the soil and increases its salinity, also represents a waste of water resources.

Research limitations: Limited availability of sufficient numbers of sprinkler irrigation devices in Iraq, their high prices, and the lack of experience of farmers to use them.

The Purpose of the research is to evaluate the effect of the appropriate irrigation method and the amount of fertilizer specified for urea fertilizer that achieves the best growth for the plant and increase its productivity while avoiding a negative impact on soil properties.

Research Method: Two types of irrigation: spraying and flooding, and four mineral fertilization treatments (0. 50.100. 150) kg.ha-1 were used in the work to study the apparent characteristics of wheat and the amount of productivity, using statistical analysis (Gen Stat) and simple correlation coefficient to find strength of association between variables. The experiment was carried out in 2023 at Al-Khatib Farm, located in Al-Numaniyah District, it is bordered to the south by Wasit Governorate, 50 km away, and to the north by Baghdad Governorate,160 km away (Iraq).

Results and Discussion. Sprinkler irrigation showed significant differences with the surface irrigation in the length of the spike, number of seed per spike,1000 seed weight, number of spikes per square meter, grain yield kg .ha-1 and the harvest index, while the plant height was not significant. The study also showed that the correlation coefficient between the apparent characteristics of the plants was stronger in the case of using sprinkler irrigation compared to the surface irrigation.