Relevance. In protected ground cucumber is one of the most profitable crops due to its high rate of maturity, shade tolerance, yield and possibility to get fresh fruits almost all year round. Vegetable producers prefer parthenocarpic hybrids of cucumber, as small-fruited lumpy cucumber hybrids of parthenocarpic type for universal use are in great demand among consumers. The advantages of parthenocarpic hybrids compared to bee-pollinated hybrids are higher early yield, ability to set fruit without pollination in any weather. Unfortunately, the main areas in the protected ground are occupied by foreign hybrids of parthenocarpic type, so the selection of domestic competitive parthenocarpic hybrids of cucumber for spring film greenhouses is currently quite relevant.

Materials and Methods. The experiment was laid in 2021-2023 in Odintsovsky district of Moscow region in the conditions of the ground spring film greenhouse of the type ‘Block’ on the basis of the head institution of FSBSI FSVC. To study parthenocarpy, the aligned selection material obtained earlier as a result of selections and four or more insuchtings (self-pollinations) was involved in the work. During 3 years, about 40 breeding lines of cucumber were evaluated annually for this trait. In 2023 we studied the inheritance of parthenocarpy trait by F1 hybrids on 27 hybrid combinations from crosses of 13 maternal and 15 paternal forms, evaluating the hp indicator ‘degree of dominance’.

Results. Rigid selection of cucumber breeding samples on the degree of parthenocarpy, during 3 years, allowed to improve this trait on average by 10.3-17.1%, depending on the year of research and genotypes of the studied samples. We selected 3 lines (L-132, L-135, L-161) of female flowering type, which differ not only by high degree of parthenocarpy, but also by stability of this trait manifestation over the years. The manifestation of parthenocarpy in F1 hybrids largely depended on the genotype of the initial forms used in hybridisation and varied from positive heterosis to negative dominance and even negative heterosis. In our experience, 45% of hybrid combinations showed positive heterosis effect on this trait, indicating the possibility of creating hybrid combinations with a higher level of parthenocarpy compared to the parental forms. Hybrid combinations with the highest heterosis effect on the parthenocarpy degree, compared to the parental forms, were identified. One of these combinations, according to the results of 2-year evaluation of the complex of economically useful traits transferred for testing to the State Commission of the Russian Federation for testing and protection of breeding achievements (FGBU GOSSORTKOMISSIA"), according to expert evaluation, in 2023 under the name F1 Dendi.

Relevance. Growing tomatoes in the Krasnodar Territory in the open ground is more expensive compared to other regions. One of the main reasons is the expensive system of protection against diseases that are widespread on tomatoes. The most dangerous diseases are late blight, alternariasis and fusariasis, during epiphytotic years, fruit yield losses can reach up to 90%. These diseases are caused by pathogenic fungi and oomycetes. The most effective way to combat them is to create highly tolerant hybrids. This is especially true for the south of Russia, where weather conditions are favorable for the development of diseases and the stress load on plants is maximum The purpose of the study. To create a tomato breeding material (Solánum lycopérsicum) of various uses based on lines with functional male sterility with genes of resistance to the most harmful diseases.

Materials and methods. Since 2018, the Department of Horticulture has begun work on introducing various target names of genetic material from donors with pathogen resistance genes: late blight, fusarium and alternariasis into the line with a statement on functional male sterility. The methods of classical breeding were used in the breeding work. At the first stage, the Ph-3, I-2 and Asc genes were identified, providing resistance to these diseases in the breeding material available in the department of horticulture of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "FNC Ris". In 2023, 188 inbred lines were analyzed for the presence and allelic location of resistance genes to the Murray and Thompson method.

Results. According to the results of the study, breeding material with genes of resistance to pathogens has been identified, the work on the evaluation of which will continue. Among the sterile lines, 4 samples (101- 2, 104-2, 106-1 and 107-2) have genes for resistance to late blight (Ph3), 2 samples (100-2 and 124-6) – to fusarium wilt (I-2) and 4 samples (91-1, 101-2, 105-1, 106-1) to alternariasis (Asc), among the lines-pollinators have genes of resistance to late blight in samples: 127-3, 129-4, 137-5, 140-1; to fusarium: 127-3, 99-5, 137-5; to alternariasis: 94-5, 92-3 and 95-2. 4 samples have a complex of resistance genes – FMS lines: 101- 2, 106-1 (Asc, Ph3); pollinator lines: 127-3 and 137-5 (I-2, Ph3). The highlighted lines differ in shape, weight and color of the fruits.

Relevance. Integrated methods of field analysis and PCR diagnostics of potato varieties allow us to evaluate genotypes suitable for breeding in the Western Siberia zone. The paper presents the results of the study carried out at the Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center in 2021- 2023. The purpose of the study is to conduct an integrated assessment using laboratory and field diagnostics to identify potato varieties with a set of economically useful traits.

Material and Methods. A collection of 23 potato samples was studied in the experiments. The cultivation technology is adopted for the zone. The predecessor is spring wheat. Observations and records were carried out in accordance with the "Methodological recommendations of the All-Russian Research Institute of Potato Growing", "Guidelines for specialized assessment of potato varieties" and the "Modern methods of pathogen diagnostics.". Statistical data processing was carried out according to the method of B.A. Dospekhov. Determination of starch content was carried out by specific gravity in combination with molecular diagnostics, including a primer for determining the starch content gene, and a polymerase chain reaction was also carried out using SSR markers that determine resistance to viruses X, Y, S, L and late blight.

Results. As a result of the combination of approaches, samples with a complex of features were isolated, namely, Khozayushka – yield – 24.3 t / ha, a complex of genes for resistance to viruses X / L / S, starch content – 18.6%, no wateriness, flouriness and high taste. Vecherniy Omsk – yield – 24.7 t/ha, presence of genes for resistance to late blight. Spectr – yield – 24.4 t/ha, complex of genes for resistance to X/L/S viruses, starch content – 17.3%. Sample 52-17 – yield – 23.6 t/ha, presence of genes for resistance to late blight, complex of genes for resistance to Y/L/S viruses. Gala – yield – 25.3 t/ha, presence of genes for resistance to late blight, no darkening of cooked pulp.

Purpose. To obtain and evaluate breeding forms of interspecific allium hybrids based on econom- ically useful characteristics and resistance to downy mildew to replenish the bioresource collection of the genus Allium L.

Material and Methods. The studies were carried out on plants of progeny I1-5 from BC1 interspecif- ic allium hybrids of crossing combinations F5 (A. cepa × A. vavilovii) and F5 (A. cepa × A. fistulosum). Morphological assessment was carried out according to the signs of the bulb. Plants in the field were grown using the technology of onion cultivation for this soil and climatic zone. The phytopathological assessment included identifying the nature of onion plants resistance to downy mildew.

Results. In a combination of crossing species of A. cepa × A. fistulosum and A. cepa × A. vavilovii, the plants formed bulbs weighing 54.4-100.0 g. The maximum bulb weight is more than 85.0 g in plants, I5BC1(F5(A. cepa × A. vavilovii)). Onion plants mainly showed splitting into yellow and red bulbs. Among the crossing combinations species of A. cepa × A. fistulosum and A. cepa × A. vavilovii, the red coloration of the bulb ranged from 44.0 to 97.0%. In the combination species of A. cepa × A. fistulosum, the broadly elliptical bulb shape prevailed (15-85%). In a combination species crossing of A. cepa × A. vavlovii, plants I3BC1(F5(A. cepa × A. vavilovii)) 95.0% formed elliptical bulbs, and 5.0% formed round bulbs. In plants of the crossing combination species A. cepa × A. fistulosum, the number of plants resistant to downy mildew varied in inbred generations from 42.0 to 49.0%. In combination with the crossing species of A. cepa × A. vavilovii, with an increase in the inbred generation from I1 to I5, the number of plants resistant to downy mildew increased from 50.0 to 74.0%. In the control, 90.0% of unstable plants were noted, as well as their death.

Conclusion. The analysis of plants of interspecific allium hybrids from inbred progeny of I1-5 combinations of crosses species of A. cepa × A. vavilovii and A. cepa × A. fistulosum showed the pos- sibility of increasing onion biological resources due to interspecific hybridization, saturating crosses and inbreeding of breeding forms. A morphological assessment of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the onion plants obtained made it possible to identify promising breeding forms from the progeny of I3BC1(F5(A. cepa × A. fistulosum)) the weight of the bulb is about 100.0 g of elliptical and broadly elliptical shape. Based on a phytopathological assessment, recombinant Allium forms as a genetic source were isolated in the progeny of I5BC1(F5(A. cepa × A. vavilovii)) with 74.0% of plants resistant to downy mildew.

Relevance. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is an economically important vegetable crop grown all over the world. This is an annual, cold-resistant and early-ripening crop, cultivated both in protected and open ground. Therefore, there is a need for a wide diversity of varieties and hybrids adapted to specific conditions. The State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation contains 67 varieties and hybrids of spinach, of which 66% are foreign hybrid selection. The creation of domestic spinach hybrids is complicated by the lack of well-studied initial material: aligned genotypes of the gynoecic type, combining high yield, early maturity and rich biochemical composition.

Materials and Methods. Genetic diversity of crops – potential for breeding and active study in the light of modern knowledge and technologies. The spinach collection collected at the Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), which has a 90- year history, includes 744 samples and is the largest in the world. It is unique in the diversity and origin of its accessions.

Results. The collection contains high-yielding, early-ripening, late-blooming genotypes; lines with a predominance of the female type of flowering, polyploids are being created. Characteristic groups have been created based on plasticity and high content of valuable biochemicals. As a result of many years of comprehensive study of the spinach collection, the genotypes recommended for inclusion in breeding schemes were identified.

Conclusion. The diverse, well-studied gene pool of spinach preserved at the institute is capable of providing unlimited opportunities for breeding and meeting the needs of the country's population, enriching the diet with leafy crop rich in pigments, lutein and protein, with a high content of phenolic elements and antioxidant activity.

Relevance, Materials and Methods. The potato collection, represented by varieties from the Republic of Belarus in the amount of 40 samples, was studied in the Murmansk region. The study was conducted from 2000 to 2023, the duration of the study according to the samples ranged from 3 to 9 years. The study of potato samples was carried out according to the methodological guidelines for the maintenance and study of the world potato collection in Russia. The standards for the early ripening group were the Hibinskiy ranniy variety and the percentage of the average yield standard for the collection of early ripening varieties; the Imandra variety and the percentage of the average yield standard for the collection of mid-season varieties were chosen as the standard for the mid-season group; for the group of late-ripening varieties in the collection, the percentage of the average yield for the collection of late-ripening varieties was used as a standard, since there is no standard for lateripening ripening groups in the region.

Results. As a result of our study, we made the following conclusions: Phenology: Early shoots in the collection were noted not only in varieties of early ripening groups: Lazurit (k-11899), but also in varieties of medium-ripened Lasunok (k-11285), and the middle late (late maturing) groups: Vytok (k11897), Skarb (k-11904), Lan (k-12086). This indicates the wide adaptability and plasticity of these varieties. The stages of budding and flowering were standard. Early-maturing varieties were the first to enter the stage, then varieties with a longer maturation period. Economically valuable signs: The ability to accumulate an early harvest on the 60 day from planting in the group of early-ripening varieties, 4 varieties were distinguished: Archideуa (k-11921), Lazurit (k-11899), Neptun (k-12107), Yavar (k11907); 2 varieties in in the middle-ripening group: Granat (k-11652), Skarb (k-11904); 2 varieties in the middle-late (late) group: Garant (k-11923), Zdabytok (к-12085). As a result of the work carried out, the following varieties were identified: Granat (k-11652), Neptun (k-12107), Scarb (k-11904), Yavar (k11907) as donors of early maturity, productivity and large tuberosity. The variety Zdabytok (к-12085) in the conditions of the North showed the properties of early maturity, productivity, marketability and starchiness. The varieties Al’pinist (k-11920), Vytok (k-11897) can be recommended as donors of starchiness, as well as coarse tuberosity. The samples Sintez (k-11666), Mag (k-12238) stood out in terms of productivity and starchiness.

Relevance. New for Russia vegetable crops (vigna, kiwano, bitter melon and wax gourd), expanding their range and winning the attention of consumers, gradually increase their importance in the plant growing industry of the country. The study of the biochemical value of not only the fruits of these crops, but also previously non-traditional for food parts of the phytomass (leaves, wax on fruits) can not only more fully substantiate their consumer qualities, but also increase the efficiency of production and increase the coverage of food preferences of consumers of such products. The aim of the study is to consider from a nutritional value position the possibility of non-traditional use in Siberia of new for Russia vegetable crops as functional food.

Materials and Methods. Seven varieties of vigna, kiwano, bitter melon and wax gourd from the "Collection of living plants in open and closed ground" UNU No. USU 440534 of the Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS were used. The plants were grown in an unheated film greenhouse (54°49'33" N 83°06'34" E) in soil based on high-moor peat from seeds reproduced earlier in the same conditions. Standard methods for analyzing the content of ascorbic acid and pectins were used. The content of macro- and microelements in fruits (mesocarp and exocarp) was determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis using synchrotron radiation (XRF SR) and other standard methods.

Results. In the exocarp of kiwano fruits, a significant, 2-10 times higher accumulation of Ca (18,246 μg/g) was noted, compared to other studied crops. A high content of Fe was found in the mesocarp and, especially, in the wax of wax gourd fruits − 141.6 and 473.2 μg/g, respectively. The amount of ascorbic acid in the leaves was 1.9-2.6 times higher than the same indicator in the fruits. The highest content of ascorbic acid was noted in the leaves of vigna accessions: Zinder − 98.35 mg% and cv. Yunnanskaya − 91.18 mg%.

Novel coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), the unexpected pandemic that been caused severe fright worldwide. It has presented the world with one of the most difficult global public health crises and the arrival of COVID-19 has kept the whole world on their toes. The spread of COVID19 has become a health emergency and attention has been raised worldwide to design prevention and management strategy. Although several clinical trials are ongoing, no approved medications from Food and Drug Administration are available at a time, after while some preventative vaccines have been developed, manufactured and deployed depending on variant of COVID-19. As situation warrants for the exploration of a successful antiviral, there should be a search for the remedies in nature medicine. Medicinal plants and their metabolites have long been used as a treatment option for various life-threatening diseases with minimal side effects. Thus this review aims to summarize previous outcomes concerning the role of medicinal plants in treating several life-threatening diseases for the potential medicinal plants used in the case of COVID-19 treatment. Some of these includes Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.), Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.), Garlic (Allium sativum L.), and Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.). These are important traditional herbal medicines to cure many complicated health ailments. However, further extensive researches and trials are suggested to discover the role of medicinal plants for management of the pandemic. Moreover, the use of potential medicinal plants for specific variant of COVID-19 and others life-threatening diseases has to be investigated.

Production and utilization of Allium cepa is the basis of nutritional value and the human health maintainance. The review discusses the main onion biologically active compounds, determining the biological activity of this vegetable, peculiarities of antioxidant and carbohydrate distribution between inner and outer scales, changes in the content and distribution of biologically active compounds and chemical elements in conditions of various abiotic stresses: high temperature, drought, flooding and heavy metal loading. Factors affecting onion pungency and natural antioxidant distribution are included. Special attention is payed to sulphur derivative alkenyl cysteine sulphoxides, and polyphenols and flavonoids, sterols, fructoolygosaccharides, organic acids, amino acids, and minerals. Onion selection on tolerance to the unfavorable environmental factors is discussed. The presented data may be the basis for the direct production of Allium cepa with high yield and valuable nutritional characteristics.

Relevance. Potatoes are not only the most useful food product, both in its raw form and in its processed products, but they are also valuable technical raw materials, and therefore there is a need to increase the shelf life of tubers and preserve their quality for further processing into various types of potato products: dry, fried, frozen, canned.

Methods. Analytical studies were carried out in the soil and climatic conditions of the Moscow region in the laboratories of plant protection, storage and processing of potatoes on the basis of the Russian Potato Research Centre (RPRC) in accordance with officially approved methods. The processing of commercial tubers was carried out in storage using a special temperature misting agent Based on the results of the studies conducted, the purpose of which was to identify the most effective inhibitor drug that effectively reduces potato losses during storage and ensures the required quality of tubers intended for industrial processing, it became possible to save most of the products obtained at the production sites and, if necessary, supply to places of sale, which significantly reduces losses.

Results. The results of the effectiveness of processing potato tubers of the Pennant, Grand and Luck varieties stored with the germination inhibitor Chlorprofam, which significantly reduced the natural loss of weight, technical waste, absolute rot and sprouts during long-term storage at 8-9 °C by a total of 4.0%; 7.1% and 4.8%, respectively, and was due to complete inhibition of germination of tubers stored. The research revealed a tendency to decrease the content of reducing sugars in tubers by the end of the storage period (in two of the three studied varieties, the decrease was 0.18%). The use of the Chlorprofam germination inhibitor made it possible to obtain crispy potatoes and French fries of higher quality.

Relevance. In winter, the most useful vegetable for humans is the leaves of onions. As a green crop, onion is characterized by high yield, early maturity, and possesses the necessary bioactive phytochemicals – vitamins, organic acids, minerals for the healthy benefit. The purpose of our research was to assess the quality of leaves of onion and shallot cultivars of onion breeding FSBSI FSVC in winter-spring season.

Material and Methods. The material for the study were onion cultivars Zolotnichok, Chornyy Prints, Myachkovsky 300, Rosario, Sputnik and shallot cultivar Cascade. Planting for greens was carried out in a glazed winter greenhouse in February in seedling boxes with peat soil "bridge" method. For planting onions of 22,1-40,0 mm fraction were used. Biochemical parameters were analyzed: dry matter content, total content of water-soluble antioxidants and antioxidants in alcohol extract, polyphenols and photosynthetic pigments in the leaves of onions and shallot.

Results. Qualitative analysis of products for the content of dry matter, monosaccharides, sum of water-soluble antioxidants, ascorbic acid showed that the maximum content of biochemical substances was observed in shallot. The content of polyphenols and sum of antioxidants in the alcoholic extract, as well as the amount of photosynthetic pigments differed and depended on the sample.

Relevance. The article substantiates the need and expediency of taking into account elements of biologization and ecologization of individual elements of potato cultivation technology in the field experience of the Center for Precision Agriculture. Since the experiment was conducted in a large metropolis, an important component of the technological process is the use of mustard as an organic fertilizer for green manure, embedded under potatoes.

Methodology. The research was conducted within the framework of grain-row crop rotation of the field experiment of the Center for Precision Agriculture of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. The work presents data on the potato crop. Potatoes were grown using two technologies (traditional and precision), two soil treatments (moldboard and minimum) and two variants of fertilizers for the preceding winter wheat (without additional fertilizing and with two additional fertilizing during the growing season). The potato yield was determined by the direct combining method, mustard for green manure by weighing the above-ground mass from the accounting area, plant deviation on the ridge and area loss by the calculation method.

Results. The best result in terms of potato yield was obtained in the case of its cultivation using precision technology with the use of a moldboard reversible plough, better quality of green manure mustard, with the use of two additional fertilizing during the vegetation period of the preceding winter wheat. The method of moving agricultural machinery on autopilot showed itself quite well both in conditions of minimum and moldboard tillage; the method of moving on a marker showed the worst result in the same conditions, leading to a loss of area on a 100-hectare field of almost 1 ha. In addition to reducing the efficiency of using the useful area of the fields, deviations during the passage of units using a marker led to a shift in rows relative to the ridges, which also significantly reduced the yield and marketability of potatoes.

Conclusion. The highest potato yield was obtained with precision technology using moldboard tillage in the variant of double fertilization of preceding winter wheat. The same variants showed an excess of the aboveground mass of green manure mustard. The use of the autopilot showed high accuracy of plant placement in a row and reduced losses of useful area in variants with minimum and moldboard tillage.

Relevance. Deforestation is a major environmental challenge that has persisted over time and worsened in recent years. It is a primary concern for developing countries, including Ethiopia, due to its negative effects, such as biodiversity loss and increased greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the key drivers of deforestation and community perceptions of its impact in the Shabe Sombo district, Jimma zone, southwest Ethiopia.

Data Collection. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires from 187 household heads selected simple random sampling. Additionally, interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with purposively selected individuals.

Study Areas. Four kebeles; Atiro Gefare, Mirgano Baso, Yanga Dogoma, and Sombo Daru were purposively selected from the Shabe Sombo district.

Data Analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. Quantitative analysis was performed using SPSS to evaluate questionnaire responses, while qualitative content analysis was used to interpret interview and FGD data. The findings were expressed through descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, tables, and charts.

Results. The study identified several direct causes of deforestation, including agricultural expansion, fuelwood collection, settlement expansion, grazing land expansion, and logging. Indirect causes included economic factors, policy and institutional factors, social factors, and population growth. As a result of data analysis we suggest that It is necessary to inform the population about the consequences of deforestation. In addition, this will solve many problems: the loss of variety of plants, subsequently restore forestry, control illegal cutting and use alternative energy sources in nearby settlements.

Relevance. The Republic of Tajikistan is a mountainous country, 93% of whose territory is occupied by mountain ecosystems. The vertical zonation where it is possible to grow crops extends at altitudes from 350 to 4000 m above sea level. Taking into account the growing population of the republic, scientists are faced with the task of finding and implementing innovative ways and methods of obtaining the maximum volume of necessary products and biological mass per unit area while maintaining and increasing the fertility and quality of land and soil resources. Among the agricultural crops that could in the future provide high biological mass with an energy component per unit area of agricultural land include the Jerusalem artichoke plant (Helianthus tuberosus L.).

Material and Methods. In various agro-ecological conditions of Tajikistan, collection material of Jerusalem artichoke (more than 25 varieties) was studied in order to determine its production potential and further introduction in various ecological zones of the republic. Jerusalem artichoke plantings were carried out in the Southern (Vaseisky, Vakhsh and Muminabad districts, located respectively at an altitude of 460, 600 and 1200 m above sea level), Central (Dushanbe, Kanask zone, at an altitude of 840 and 2560 m, respectively) and Eastern (Rasht and Lyakhsh areas located respectively at an altitude of 1800 and 2000 above sea level) in Tajikistan. In the conditions of Tajikistan, the soils mainly belong to the following types: light gray soils, typical gray soils and mountain carbonate soils.

Results. It has been established that the productivity of Jerusalem artichoke varieties varies significantly depending on vertical zonation and this is mainly due to the influence of air temperature. The yield of Jerusalem artichoke largely depends on the altitude above sea level and the sum of effective temperatures. The yield of Jerusalem artichoke tubers in various agro-ecological growing conditions ranges from 10 to 63 t/ha, and the total biological mass from 30.8 to 175.7 t/ha. A relatively high yield in our experiments was obtained in the conditions of the south of Tajikistan (at an altitude of 460 m above sea level). Here, the yield of Jerusalem artichoke tubers was 63 t/ha, and the total biological mass was 175.7 t/ha.

Conclusion. In the conditions of Tajikistan at altitudes from 460 m to 2560 m above sea level, the average yield of the total biomass of Jerusalem artichoke is 91.8 t/ha, which can be an important bioresource for supporting the forage base in livestock farming, as well as a food product (tubers) for the population. By widely cultivating Jerusalem artichoke on various types of soil, it is possible to significantly increase the economic return of land resources in the Republic of Tajikistan.

Purpose: to analyze the prospects of using the drip irrigation method for carrot growing and the scientific justification for its improvement.

Discussion. Carrots are a vegetable crop necessary for a healthy human diet. Irrigation is an important aspect of the agricultural sector, which affects the yield of vegetable crops, including carrots. In modern conditions of water scarcity, the volume of irrigation water is significantly reduced, which requires the use of water-saving irrigation methods, one of which is drip irrigation. The article presents an overview of the research works of domestic and foreign scientists on the use of drip irrigation in carrot cultivation.

Conclusions. The study of drip irrigation technology is an urgent and promising direction in the development of agricultural industry in our country, especially in the south of Russia in conditions of arid climate and water scarcity. Thus, the use of drip irrigation is very effective in growing carrots, when the quantity and quality of the resulting crop directly depend on soil preparation, timely watering and application of mineral fertilizers.