Relevance. The article analyzes the historical prerequisites and conditions that ensured the active formation and progressive development of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences as the country's leading scientific institution for vegetable growing. The conditions for the development of the Center include the presence of creatively strong scientific schools both during its formation and subsequent functioning. Scientific schools largely determine the development of methodology in the relevant field of breeding, the depth of fundamental research and the successful development of significant applied tasks. The historical aspect describes the formation and stages of activity of the scientific schools of the Vegetable Growing Center in various areas. The most significant scientific results of their activities and their contribution to ensuring the country's food security are shown. The conditions determining the creative activity of scientific schools and ensuring the continuity of generations of scientists are considered: the presence of an authoritative leader, the continuation of the teacher's research topics, the transfer of knowledge, skills and abilities of research work, methodological approaches, initial samples and common traditions of the team. The life span of scientific schools and the scale of their influence on the development of certain areas of science are adjusted and updated in accordance with the priorities and requirements of the time.
Results. The Center has several basic scientific schools, the founders of which at one time were the largest scientists in the field of breeding and seed production of vegetable, melon and flower crops, plant immunity and ecology, they continue to make a significant contribution to the development of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences and Agricultural Science in the country. In total, the Center has 9 scientific schools: for the breeding of legumes, cabbage, onions, nightshades, pumpkins, root crops, greens, spices, flavors and flowers; a school of phytopathology, immunity and plant protection and a school of ecological breeding. Scientific schools largely determine the development of methodology in the field of breeding, seed and vegetable growing, the level of fundamental research and the successful solution of significant applied problems.

Relevance. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world. With climate change, the development of heat-tolerant varieties has become a key research focus in tomato breeding. Heat tolerance is a phenomenon regulated by developmental stages, and its mechanism remains unknown. Tolerance at one stage of development may or may not be linked to tolerance at other stages. Studying the response of tomato genotypes and identifying key physiological traits associated with heat tolerance is highly relevant.
Methodology. The experimental design of this study was completely randomized. Thirty-eight tomato varieties were categorized based on fruit type: cherry (<50 g), medium (50–<100 g), and large (>100 g). Data collection and statistical analysis were conducted using widely accepted methods.
Results. The results showed that for effective selection of heat-stress-tolerant tomato varieties, it is essential to consider both the physiological responses of tomato plants to high temperatures and the genotypic specificity of each variety. Additionally, fruit size plays a role in productivity under elevated temperature conditions. A correlation was found between yield under control conditions and under high temperature conditions, indicating that varieties with high yield under control conditions may also perform well in terms of yield under high temperature conditions.

Relevance. Currently, Russia's own production of beetroot seeds is insufficient and satisfies the market by no more than 20%, which necessitates the expansion of commercial seed production in order to reduce dependence on imported seeds and increase self-sufficiency for the country's food security.
Results. The established point of view on the need to localize seed production in the most favorable regions of the Russian Federation in terms of soil and climatic conditions, as the most effective economic model, has one serious drawback - the limited ability to accommodate the number of crops and varieties due to the need to comply with seed production conditions to ensure the quality characteristics of the resulting seed reproduction material. As a result of an economic analysis of seed production technologies in the organization of various production processes used by agricultural producers in the south of Russia (seed production using seedless technology with a shortened calendar cycle), and methods possible for conducting in other regions of the Russian Federation (a two-year production cycle with the laying of queen cells for winter storage), it is shown that direct production costs per 1 kg seeds with the non-planting method of cultivation are 1.9 times lower than with the transplant method of production., this directly affects the cost of seed material. However, the identification of the positive and negative economic aspects of both methods, with consideration of various options for transplant technology, the possibility of integrating them into the production program of enterprises as a whole to achieve maximum financial results based on diversified business models opens up the possibility of expanding the seed production zone in regions with the possibility of only transplanting beetroot seeds.

Relevance. The history of cabbage breeding in the Federal Scientific Center of Vegetable Breeding is a long journey spanning 105 years. Cabbage still remains one of the important and significant vegetable crops in the Russian Federation. Heterotic hybrids are replacing varieties, which are characterized by stable yield, uniformity, excellent product quality, uniform ripening, and high marketability of products. The scientific activities of the laboratory of selection and seed production of cabbage crops are aimed at increasing the level of provision of the population with high-quality products and contribute to solving the country's food security.
The aim of the research is to conduct an analysis of the state and development of selection and seed production of cabbage crops in the Federal Scientific Center of Cabbage Breeding using literary sources, meetings with veteran cabbage breeders.
Results. The development of selection of cabbage crops in the Federal Scientific Center of Breeding was carried out in several stages: organization of production of purebred seeds and creation of new varieties of intensive cabbage for row crop rotation; development of a coherent system of description of varieties and methods of determining varietal characteristics; study of stages of organogenesis in cabbage; creation of interline heterotic hybrids and development of the method of heterotic selection of cabbage based on self-incompatible lines; development of energy-saving varietal technologies for the production of commercial products and seed production; development of adaptive seed production methods for various regions of Russia and selection of cabbage crops for product quality; creation of varieties and heterotic hybrids of white cabbage and other varieties that meet the demands of the consumer market. Throughout the entire period of development of cabbage crop selection, traditions and scientific school have been preserved, a series of varieties and heterotic hybrids of different varieties of cabbage have been created for the purpose of import substitution. 

Relevance. Melons are an important component in the nutrition of the population of the Russian Federation, therefore, the urgent task of selection in our country is to update the existing range and achieve independence from foreign varieties and hybrids. At the Bykovskaya melon breeding experimental station, long-term work has been carried out in several areas of watermelon, melon and pumpkin breeding.
Material and Methodology. The materials for the research were varieties, heterotic hybrids and variety samples of watermelon, melon and pumpkin large-fruited and nutmeg. The research was carried out in dry conditions of the Volgograd Trans-Volga region, the characteristic features of which are dry hot summers, which allows to fully provide melons with thermal resources (the average sum of active temperatures during the vegetation period is more than 32000C). The soils of the Volga sandy ridge, where the Bykovskaya experimental station is located, are light chestnut with a low humus content of up to 1%.
Results. The station has created a number of varieties and hybrids of melons and gourds that can add variety to the existing range. All newly created selection achievements have high quality characteristics, the dry matter content of watermelon varieties is from 12.0 to 16.0%, melon varieties – 12.0-19.0%, table pumpkin varieties – 16-18%. Along with good quality of fruits, the range of shape and color of the fruit of watermelon and melon is diverse. A variety of watermelon of cylindrical shape with dark green fruit coloring has been created – Malakhit, a rounded shape with green coloring – Timosha. Breeding work has begun on watermelon for different colors of pulp, a sample G-632f with white pulp has been created. Among the melon varieties being created, there are also forms with a cylindrical fruit shape – variety sample 600f and an elongated-oval shape – variety sample 595. The promising Ballada variety is distinguished by its spherical fruit shape. Heterotic selection of watermelon is being developed based on a sterile maternal line. The prospective plans include obtaining initial forms for the selection of watermelon triploids. Selection work is being carried out on all three crops to ensure resistance to diseases: anthracnose and fusarium in watermelon, powdery mildew and fusarium in melon, and powdery mildew in pumpkin.

Relevance. Increasing the volume of potato processing is a priority in the national strategy of potato produc- tion. Over the last years, scientific institutions and private breeding companies achieved significant results in potato breeding. More than ninety varieties were created in the last five years. However, the number of suitable varieties for the production of potato products is still low and does not reach 10 %. The absence of specialized varieties could be explained by the difficulty of the combination of numerous desirable traits in one genotype. The research goal was to evaluate potato hybrid combinations of different origin for the occurrence frequency of forms with high suitability for processing in the conditions of Primoraky kray.
Materials and Methods. The research was conducted by the Department of Potato Breeding and Horticulture at FSBSI “FSC of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A.K. Chaiki”. Five hundred and eighty-nine potato genotypes were used as the research object. The genotypes had been obtained from seven hybrid combinations of parental forms with a different degree of suitability for processing. The specimens were grown in the nursery of the first tuber generation. The specimens were evaluated according to the guidelines on the evaluation of potato varieties for their suitability for processing and storage.
Results. The paper provides data on the evaluation of potato hybrid combinations for the inheritance of tuber morphological traits, the content of reduced sugars, and the quality of potato chips depending on the color of potato slices. It was established that the distribution of hybrids by tuber shape in the studied populations did not have a distinct pattern. Splitting of skin color in the combinations was observed when parental forms with red flesh were included in hybridization. Shallow depth of eyes characterized most of the studied populations. Yellow flesh dominated over white, creamy, and pale yellow ones. The highest number of hybrids with a minimum content of reduced sugars (below 0.25%) was noted in the population VR 808 × Karmen (83.9%). Highly suitable hybrids selected by the color of fried potato slices were found in all the combinations except for Innovator x Vympel. The highest occurrence frequency (14.5-19.5 %) of the forms with the golden color of fried potato slices (8-9 points) was noted in the combinations with highly suitable variety VR 808 and unsuitable varieties Karmen and Ibis. The domination coefficient was close to zero in the combinations Ibis × VR 808, VR 808 × Karmen, VR 808 × Briz, and Innovator × Mirazh. This demonstrated the distinct transitional character of inheritance and additive gene action. Hybrid depression was observed in the combinations VR 808 × Ricarda, ВР 808 × Vympel, and Innovator x Vympel. The domination coefficient ranged from -1.50 to -3.80. High positive correlation was discovered between the mean point score of the slice color in the progeny and the percentage of the highly suitable forms (r=0.881).
Conclusion. The evaluation of the hybrid combinations allowed us to select potato hybrids with the high qual- ity of potato chips depending on the color in the crossings like “highly suitable genotype х moderately suitable genotype” and “suitable genotype х unsuitable genotype”. The highest number of highly suitable forms was found in the combinations VR 808 × Karmen and Ibis × VR 808 (14.5-19.5%).

Relevance. The production of greenhouse vegetables and expansion of their range is one of the tasks provided for by the Doctrine of Food Security of the Russian Federation. At the same time, the high efficiency of growing sweet peppers in spring film greenhouses is associated with the use of a modern assortment of F₁ hybrids, which have a number of advantages over varieties. Based on this, in modern breeding of sweet peppers for greenhouse conditions, the key is the development of F₁ hybrid models that will meet specific growing conditions and also meet the requirements of producers and consumers. Pepper quality improvement is achieved through selection and creation of new breeding lines with high potential. At the same time, it is important not only to assess the economic value of the traits of these lines, but also to take into account their ability to exhibit a high heterotic effect in various combinations of crosses — that is, their combinational ability. This approach makes it possible to create hybrids with optimal yield characteristics, fruit quality and adaptation to greenhouse conditions, which helps to increase production efficiency and satisfy the market. Purpose of the research is to evaluate the total combining ability (TCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) and mutual effects of sweet pepper hybrids according to economically valuable traits.
Materials and Methods. The studies were conducted in 2023–2024 at the experimental site of FSBSI “Federal Scientific Rice Centre” in Krasnodar region. The objects of the study were 40 F₁ hybrid combinations obtained by crossing 5 lines with NCMS and 8 fertility restorers lines of sweet pepper according to the topcross scheme. The total combining ability (TCA) and specific combining ability (SCA), as well as economically valuable traits, were assessed. The TCA and SCA parameters were determined using the Savchenko method.
Results. Based on the results of studying F1 hybrids with a positive assessment of the TCA and SCA variance, the following lines were identified: by early yield – 3; total – 6; by average fruit weight – 2; pericarp thickness – 5; number of fruits per plant – 4. The most valuable lines in developing hybrids for spring film greenhouses were: msKch123, No. 21 and No. 113, which combined high effects of OCA for four traits. An analysis of hybrid combinations based on economically valuable characteristics revealed three combinations more consistent with the hybrid model for spring film greenhouses: msB1F x No. 21 (cone-shaped fruit) with an early yield of 3.3 kg/m² and a total of 6.4 kg/m² ; msB81 x No. 21 (cone-shaped fruit) with a high total yield of 7.1 kg/m² m2
; and mcKch23 x No. 16 (prismatic fruit shape) with a total yield of 7.6 kg/m² .

Relevance. Shelling varieties of vegetable peas are used in the processing industry for the production of canned green peas and frozen products. In small quantities, it is grown for fresh consumption, microgreens, pea drinks, and flour. The total need for seeds in the south of Russia is 4.3 thousand tons. The aim of the work was to create varieties of vegetable peas and organize their seed production to provide the canning industry in the south of the country with high-quality seeds and raw materials.
Objects and methods of research. The study and creation of varieties of vegetable peas at the Krymsk EBS VIR Branch (Krasnodar Region, Krymsk) is carried out using generally accepted methods. Studies are carried out on the biochemical composition of seeds, morphological, phenological and physiological characteristics of genotypes. Plant productivity, adaptability and ecological plasticity, the effectiveness of symbiotic interaction with rhizobacteria are assessed. Seed production of varieties is carried out in accordance with the law on seed production.
Results. 11 shelling varieties of vegetable peas with high productivity and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress factors have been created. The indicators of the varieties correspond to the main criteria of producers of "green peas" and frozen products. This set of varieties with different ripening periods with a single sowing can ensure a conveyor supply of raw materials to the processing lines of plants within 35-40 days, in the conditions of the south of Russia. A system of seed production and introduction of varieties into production has been developed. Every year, 2.0 thousand tons of seeds of elite varieties of VIR selection are grown in 12 seed farms of the Krasnodar Region. The seeds are sold to farms of various forms of ownership and areas of commercial production. Recommendations for specialists in growing vegetable peas in the Krasnodar Region have been developed and are regularly updated.

Relevance. The aim of the work is to evaluate the sowing qualities of packaged seeds of cress salad varieties for phytotesting.
Methods. The studies were carried out at the Siberian Botanical Garden of the National Research Tomsk State University. Objects of the study: seeds of six cress varieties supplied by Russian commercial firms. A total of nine seeds samples of the 2021 harvest were studied. Laboratory experiments to evaluate the sowing qualities of cress seeds after 3 years of storage were laid in 2024. The percentage of germinated seeds and the accounting of morphological features were carried out according to generally accepted methods. Cress seeds Danskiy were used to evaluate the allelopathic activity of yellow sweet clover.
Results. Analysis of the results showed that the seeds of commercial cress samples differ significantly in sowing qualities. The differences are most clearly evident after 24 hours of germination. The samples with high sowing qualities of seeds (cultivar Danskiy, sample No. 2; cultivar Zabava, sample No. 5; cultivar Vesenniy sample No. 7) have the largest sprouts, the length of the roots of which can reach 35–42 mm, and the hypocotyl 34–35 mm. Preliminary assessments of the sowing qualities of commercial varietal seeds of cress showed that the differences between the seed samples can be significant: germination varies from 40,0 to 97,5%. Differences in the sowing qualities of the seeds of the samples affect the degree of development of cress sprouts. For a quick assessment of the quality of seeds, we recommend focusing on the initial stages of germination (the percentage of germinated seeds after 1 day).

Relevance. Vegetable crops of the pumpkin family (Cucurbitaceae) grown in the Russian Federation are high-value plant raw materials, with a rich biochemical (polysaccharides, bettacarotene, vitamins V₁, V₂, PP, C) and microelement (K, Mg, Fe) composition necessary for the devel- opment and maintenance of body tone.In confectionery products, there is a shortage of vegetable raw materials with a high food status, while the technological potential of its use in the confectionery industry for producing sugar confectionery products with high quality characteristics is not sufficiently disclosed. The authors conducted a scientific justification for the choice of pumpkin varieties Rossiyanka and Gribovskaya Zimnyaya for nutrification and improving the quality characteristics of confectionery products of a gelatinous consistency.
Material and method. The fruits of pumpkin varieties Gribovskaya Zimnyaya and Rossiyanka of har- vest 2024, grown in moderately continental agroclimatic conditions, were studied. Model samples of molded marmalade based on 40% ground fruit pulp and a control sample without pumpkin fruit pulp were made. Physicochemical, structural-mechanical, microbiological laboratory research methods were used in the work. Organoleptic characteristics of marmalade were evaluated according to GOST 6442-2014 "Marmalade. General specifications. " The number of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms was determined according to GOST 10444.15-94, the number of molds – according to GOST 10444.12-88. A group of macronutrients and biologically active unsaturated hydrocarbons, including carotenoids, was determined by electrophoretic separation (GOST 34414).
Results. The content of macronutrients in the pulp of pumpkin samples is determined as a raw material for making marmalade. The fruits of the pumpkin variety Rossiyanka in terms of macroelement composition significantly exceeded the Gribovskaya Zimnyaya: in terms of the content of K, Sa, Mg, Na - by 50.3-182%. The same superiority was preserved in the content of simple sugars: glucose and fructose. The water activity of the marmalade samples was 0.76-0.72, which predicted a decrease in the risk of microbiological damage to products during storage. The plastic strength of the samples was in the range of 2.8-3.3 kg/cm² , which provided them with high form stability and safety. The high organoleptic advantages of samples based on the Gribovskaya Zimnyaya variety sample are justified by the highest carotenoid content. The use of the studied pumpkin varieties as part of confectionery products will ensure high quality characteristics of domestic products and increase the competitiveness of products

Relevance. The use of growth-stimulating fertilizers in the cultivation of sweet peppers should primarily ensure the best nutrition conditions for plants throughout the growing season in accordance with their needs.
The methodology of scientific research was based on generally accepted methods of vegetable growing. The main purpose of this study was to improve the zonal technology of cultivating sweet peppers in the open ground using top dressing with Krepen, BP in various concentrations of 0.3 ml/300 ml of water and 1.5 ml/l of water, aimed at increasing the yield level during irrigation in the north of the Astrakhan region. Field experiments were conducted on a pilot irrigated land use site of the Caspian Agrarian Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the period from 2022 to 2024. The scientific novelty of the study consisted in the theoretical and practical justification of the use of leafy top dressing with the preparation Krepen, BP in the cultivation of vegetable crops aimed at the formation of highly productive marketable products.
Results. In the course of the research work, a comparative analysis of the various standards for the use of the drug Krepen, BP was carried out, highlighting the most promising option. Three-year studies have shown that the use of Krepen, BP after planting seedlings in the field gave a significant increase in yield relative to the control option.
Conclusions. According to the results of the analysis, on average for five collections, a variant with a consumption rate of 1.5 ml /l of water was identified for the sweet pepper hybrid Honey F₁, where the biological yield was 104.0 t /ha, commercial yield 101.0 t/ha, marketability 96.9%

Relevance. Plants use light not only as an energy source for photosynthesis, but also as an important regulator of their growth and development. The characteristics of light, such as intensity, spectral composition, duration of illumination, as well as the characteristics of the luminous flux, play a key role in the physiological processes of plants. Therefore, it is important to work out the lighting modes necessary for the growth of various plant species in order to control their metabolic processes.
Material and methodology. In the work, grafted seedlings of Kabeiri F₁ cucumber on the rootstock of a Lagenarium and potato seedlings obtained from botanical seeds of domestic and foreign varieties were simultaneously studied as objects of research: Gulliver, Luck, Vineta, Bellorosa, Riccarda, Indigo. The two crops were grown under light culture conditions with a day duration of 12.14 and 16 hours. LED lamps with blue (440-445 nm) and red (660-665 nm) spectra were used to illuminate the plants in the following ratios: 60/40, 50/50 and 40/60. The studies were carried out in three repetitions of 20 registered plants. The technology of growing plants in protected soil is generally accepted for the Volgograd region.
Results. When assessing the effect of bicolor illumination of a grafted cucumber, the R60B40 ratio turned out to be the most suitable, it contributed to the active development of the vegetative part, and an increase in the photoperiod to 14-16 hours prevented the extension of the internodes by 2.0 cm and the subsameral knee at the rootstock. The prevalence of the blue spectrum had a negative effect on the grafted seedlings: a decrease in growth activity, a reduction in the length of the internodes, and with a day length of 16 hours, the tip of the growth point. When assessing the development of the vegetative part of potato seedlings obtained from botanical seeds, it is possible to note a similar reaction of the tops as in the grafted Kabeiri F1 cucumber. However, when assessing the yield of mini tubers, it was the predominance of the blue spectrum that increased the yield percentage to 26.1% with a photoperiod of 16 hours.

Relevance. Radiation mutagenesis has shown its effectiveness in expanding the genetic diversity of breeding material for a number of crops. A number of radiobiological studies are required in order to use γ-radiation to increase the variability of quantitative traits of vegetable beans.
Objective. To study the yield-related morphometric parameters, symbiotic activity and pollen viability of vegetable beans after γ-irradiation of seeds (at doses of 25, 50 and 75 Gy) to develop a radiation mutagenesis protocol.
Materials and Methods. The objects of the study were two varieties of vegetable bean bred by Omsk State Agrarian University. The seeds were γ-irradiated (source – 60Co) at doses of 25, 50 and 75 Gy (dose rate 60 Gy/hour). M1 plants were grown in the field of the Educational and Experimental Farm of Omsk State Agrarian University. Non-irradiated M2 seeds of variety Marusya (obtained from plants irradiated at a dose of 50 Gy) were also sown in the field. Yield- associated morphometric parameters, symbiotic activity, and pollen viability were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric methods in R (ver. 4.3.3).
Results. Gamma irradiation of seeds of both studied varieties of vegetable beans adversely affected some yield-related morphometric parameters of M1 plants (number of seeds in a pod, number of seeds per plant and seed weight). Unlike the Marusya variety, irradiation of seeds of the Pamyati Ryzhkovoy variety adversely affected the rate of flowering, pod formation and technical maturity, regardless of the dose. In Marusya plants, after seed irradiation at a dose of 50 Gy, earlier flowering and pod formation were observed compared to the control, as well as more pronounced development of nodules. Male sterility was detected in plants in the 75 Gy irradiation group. Irradiation of seeds of both studied varieties led to an increase in the mass fraction of calcium and protein in green beans of the M1 generation. Unlike M1, statistically significantly higher plant height, number of pods and seeds per plant and seed weight per plant were detected in M2 plants of the Marusya variety.
Conclusion. Seed irradiation has a negative effect on the productivity parameters of plants in the M1 generation and a positive effect on M2. In field conditions, M2 plants of the Marusya variety showed better yields compared to the parent variety and will be used in further selection. The effect of γ-irradiation of vegetable bean seeds on the development of nodules has been shown for the first time. The most pronounced stimulating effect was noted for the dose of 50 Gy in the Marusya variety. For the radiation mutagenesis protocol of vegetable beans, a dose of 50 Gy is recommended.  

Relevance. In the «Strategy for the socio-economic development of the Republic of Dagestan for the period up to 2030», vegetable growing is a priority area for the development of the agro-industrial complex in order to ensure the country's food security. The Republic of Dagestan is one of the few subjects of the Russian Federation where the national standard for the consumption of vegetable products has been reached. Arbuz canteen is the most common crop among melons, but at the present stage, developments are required to improve the technology for cultivating canteen watermelon in rain-free conditions, ensuring stable yields with high fruit quality. The purpose of the studies was to determine the effectiveness of the use of growth stimulants and
methods of using micro-fertilizers in increasing the yield and quality of the fruits of table watermelon.
Materials and Methods. The object of research is a hybrid of the Dutch selection Karistan F₁ early ripening. Research was carried out in 2022-2024. in rain-free conditions on meadow soils of the Babayurt district of the Republic of Dagestan. Pre-sowing soaking of seeds with Zircon and Cytovite and treatment of plants with micro-fertilizers Reasil Forte and Vigor Forte were studied.
Results. It was established that pre-sowing seed treatment with Zircon together with Citovit and 2- fold treatment of plants (Vigor Forte+N₃₀P₃₀K₃₀) at the beginning of whip formation and before whip closing promotes germination and improves morphometric indices of seeds, lengthens vegetation period 5-7 days, provides yield at the level of 30 t/ha, while increasing the yield of standard products and profitability up to 138.8%.
Conclusions: Pre-sowing soaking of Karistan F₁ watermelon seeds with a mixture of Zircon + Cytovite (1 ml/l dose) leads to an increase in seed germination, and carrying out two leaf treatments of crops with a mixture of Vigor Forte + NPK leads to an increase in the growing season by 7 days, contributes to an increase in yield compared with the control by 6.4 tons/ha (by 26.2%), while increasing the profitability of production costs to 138.8%.

Relevance. Exotic plants have valuable phytotherapeutic and decorative properties for creating phytocompositions to improve the psycho-emotional state, saturate the air with phytoncides and suppress pathogenic microflora. Among them, representatives of the Lamiaceae family are popular, many of which are able to successfully develop in dim lighting. The aim of the study is primary introduction studies of plants of two morphotypes of sacred basil in the conditions of the VILAR greenhouse complex.
Materials and Methods. The objects of the study were two morphotypes of sacred basil - Rama tulsi (with green leaves) and Krishna tulsi (with leaves and stems having anthocyanin coloration). Vegetation experiments were carried out in greenhouses of the greenhouse complex of the Botanical Garden. Phenological observations of plants in the experiment were carried out according to the methods adopted for medicinal plants. In the work, a digital luxmeter (illumination meter) TEKHMETR DL1, an electronic hygrometer for determining the level of soil moisture and a hygrometer-weather station room thermometer for measuring humidity and temperature ULBI H1 were used. Preparation of preparations and anatomical analysis were carried out according to the methods for light microscopy.
Results. An earlier transition to the generative period of ontogenesis was noted in plants of the Rama Tulsi morphotype: the beginning of budding at the end of the third decade of May, mass budding – in the first ten days of June. Mass flowering was observed in mid-June, and the beginning of seed maturation – in the first ten days of August. The period from emergence to the end of fruiting was 220 ± 11 days. In plants of the Krishna tulsi morphotype, the main phenological phases began 20-25 days later. Flowering continued until the end of September, while seed maturation began at the end of the third decade of August and lasted until the beginning of November. The period from emergence to the end of fruiting was 250 ± 15 days. A brief biometric characteristic of their development in dynamics, from emergence to fruiting, is given. Plants of the Krishna Tulsi morphotypes are characterized by more intensive growth, and the Rama Tulsi morphotypes plants have significantly larger leaves. The seed productivity of plants and seed germination of up to 57% was determined. New information on the microstructure of the leaf plate epidermis was obtained, which will allow us to expand the biological and morphological characteristics of these tropical plants in protected soil conditions.

Relevance. Agriculture is one of the drivers of the development of the Russian economy. The importance of vegetable growing is due to the fact that the provision of rational standards for the consumption of vegetables that meet modern requirements for a healthy and balanced diet depends entirely on this industry. High dependence on weather conditions, many crops that differ significantly in biological and economic characteristics and the perishable nature of grown products significantly complicate production processes and marketing conditions. In this regard the purpose of the scientific the purpose of the scientific work is to analyze the current state of the vegetable growing industry in the Central Black Earth Region (CBER – Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk, Tambov regions) and identify development prospects for improving the development of food supply.
Methodology. The following methods are used in the article: analytical and statistical, theoret- ical generalizations, economic and statistical. The information base of the conducted research was the scientific works of domestic scientists and specialists on the development of the vegetable market, problems of state support for the agri-food market, as well as statistical and analytical data from Rosstat, the NGO National Union of Fruit and Vegetable Producers and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation.
Results. During 2019-2023, in Russia as a whole and in the Central Development Center in particular, there was a tendency to reduce the sown area occupied by vegetables, this also applies to the production of these crops. However, everything is positive in terms of yield, since its growth was observed during the studied period. The calculations indicate that a high level of self-sufficiency is recorded in the CHR regions, which indicates that the growth rate of vegetable production outweighs consumption. We should note the Li-Petsky region, where its level exceeded 200%, amounting to 212.4% in 2023. And the lowest indicator is observed in the Kursk region, amounting to slightly more than 100% (106.5%). As for the degree of saturation, it is worth noting the negative shade. No CHR area reached the 100% milestone. Despite the increase in production by regions, it is still not enough to ensure the recommended national consumption rate (140 kg per person per year). It is also worth noting that the industry of vegetable growing is supported by the state in the form of: subsidies for the production of vegetables; subsidies for agricultural technology work, subsidies, compensation for the cost of certification of agricultural products.

Relevance. Mid-season hybrids of white cabbage satisfy consumer demand in the most unfavorable summer period for the crop. In the conditions of Kuban, the formation and mass ripening of heads of mid-season assortment falls on an unfavorable period for cabbage cultivation (July-August), which is often accompanied by high temperatures and a long absence of precipitation. Therefore, it is relevant to create an assortment that retains its quality for a relatively long time and when overripe on the root. The limited heat-resistant assortment of this group determines the strategy for creating hybrids with high yield and commercial qualities that meet the production needs of the southern region.
Purpose of the study – to identify promising hybrid combinations of mid-season white cabbage that are most adapted to long periods of standing in the field during the summer period.
Materials and methods. In 2023-2024, studies were conducted at the breeding site of the vegetable growing department to study the adaptability of 20 mid-ripening white cabbage hybrids to stressful abiotic and biotic factors during harvesting at the mass technical maturity and during overmature standing 2 weeks after ripening. Weather conditions during the period of head formation (July) varied in air humidity, namely, 2024 was dry, 2023 was relatively humid. High temperatures and high temperatures combined with humidity had an ambiguous effect on the growth and formation of the crop, on the one hand, and on the spread of pests and diseases (tobacco thrips, fungal and bacterial diseases), on the other hand.
Results. In 2023, thrips damage on hybrids during the first harvest did not exceed 7.7 leaves, during the second – 8.6 leaves, in 2024 – 13.6 and 16.6 leaves, respectively. As a result, in 2023, the total yield during the first harvest was 38.2-83.3 t/ha, with marketability of 81.9-95%, during overmature standing – 49.5-68.7 t/ha with marketability of 72.5-92.5%. In the 2024 conditions, which were more extreme for the head’s formation, the yield was lower and the losses in marketability of the products, both during
the first harvest and during overmature standing, were more noticeable, namely, the marketability of the crop was 58.3-81.1% and 50.6-76%, respectively. The reaction of genotypes to environmental conditions was ambiguous. In the first and second years, hybrids stood out, both in terms of yield, marketability, and the ability to maintain a marketable harvest during overmature standing in the field. Thus, in 2023, the hybrid (Vst1x Yas25p2-1) F₁ had high indicators of overall yield, marketability of heads and preservation of the yield during overmature standing. In 2024, against the general background and against the background of the standard, two hybrids stood out according to the studied characteristics: (Vst2xTen4272p-1s) F₁ and (Tsr213sxLeo13-11) F₁. The medium-yielding hybrid (Vst1xBr129-6p) F₁ showed stability over the years.

Relevance. Modern megacities increasingly utilize container floral landscaping as a versatile tool for urban landscape design. However, under container cultivation, flowering plants are exposed to heightened stress factors that diminish their aesthetic qualities and shorten the effective lifespan of compositions. Consequently, the development of adaptive agrotechnical methods to fully realize the decorative potential of plants in urban environments is of paramount importance.
Objective. This study evaluates the efficacy of growth regulators and fertilizers in enhancing the ornamental traits of two popular annual species – French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) and wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens-cultorum Hort.) – under street pot conditions. 
Methods. The study subjects were annual flowering plants: French marigold cv. Petit Harmony and wax begonia cv. Senator Red F₁. Investigated factors included growth regulators (Buton, Domotsvet, Zircon, Epin-Extra), fertilizers (Siliplant, Tsitovit, EcoFus), and their combinations. Regular foliar treatments with the aforementioned preparations were applied from seedling transplantation into containers. At peak flowering, two key morphometric ornamental parameters were assessed: the number of flowers (inflorescences) per plant and flower (inflorescence) diameter.
Results. Regular foliar treatments of seedlings post-transplantation with growth regulators (Buton 0,1%, Domotsvet 0,02%, Zircon 0,01%, Epin-Extra 0,02%) and fertilizers (Siliplant 0,3%, Tsitovit, EcoFus 0,5%), as well as tank mixtures of Zircon with EcoFus and Siliplant, significantly improved ornamental metrics-flower count and diameter. For French marigold, the highest efficacy was observed with Zircon+EcoFus (286% increase in inflorescences) and Domotsvet (26,9% larger flower diameter vs. control). Wax begonia responded best to Siliplant, with a stable 50% increase in flower count across weather conditions, while Zircon maximized flower size (43,5% vs. control). Notably, Siliplant demonstrated high adaptogenic activity for both species under stress. These findings support the use of these preparations to enhance ornamental value in urban greening. 

Relevance. Chinese cabbage Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt is one of the most valuable vegetable crops of the cruciferous family Brassicaceae Burnett. The sphere of use for food purposes is quite large: it is consumed fresh, boiled, stewed, and salted. In terms of nutritional and medicinal properties it is not inferior to other brassicas crops, but even surpasses them. The main problems in its cultivation are diseases caused by fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens. Black rot (caus. agent Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Pammel) Dowson) currently poses a serious threat. Under favorable conditions, the disease can lead to complete plant death and serious economic losses. In the conditions of greening of agriculture, the key method of protection is the creation of resistant cultivars and hybrids, which makes it relevant to search for resistance donors. The aim of the study: to identify sources of resistance in the Chinese cabbage collection of VIR using artificial infection with a set of races of black rot.
Methods. Artificial infection with four races of black rot of 50 accessions of Chinese cabbage belonging to 16 cultivar types was carried out in the NPB «Pushkin and Pavlovsk laboratories of VIR» (St. Petersburg) in 2024-2025 according to the method of A. N. Ignatov. Each accession was grown in three replications 6 plant in replication and infected.
Results. Three accessions of Chinese cabbage with complex high resistance to 4 races of black rot were identified. Cultivar types with high resistance and the geographical distribution of the degree of infection by each race were established.
Conclusion. The determined accessions of Chinese cabbage can be involved in the breeding process aimed at creating cultivars and hybrids with complex resistance to black rot.

Relevance and Methodology. The selection of resistant varieties makes it possible to significantly reduce the additional costs of protective measures and significantly improve the ecological situation of the natural environment. Every year, employees of the Department of Agrotechnology of the Federal State Budgetary Budgetary Institution "A.G.Lorkh Potato Plant Center" (I soil and climatic zone, Moscow Region, Lyubertsy, Kraskovo village) conduct special studies aimed at identifying the best promising potato varieties of domestic breeding for resistance to the most common and harmful pathogens.
Results. The article presents the results of studying 58 potato varieties, including 56 varieties of domestic and 2 varieties of foreign breeding (for comparison). The studies were conducted in accordance with officially approved methods. According to the data obtained during visual records of diseases on potato plants for 2022-2024, varieties with relative resistance to the complex of diseases were identified: Evpatiy, Intelligentsia, Dogoda, Zyryanets, Typhoon, Shah and Orlan (up to 2.8% of affected plants with rhizoctoniosis, up to 2.0% by leaf twisting, up to 0.2% by mottled mosaic and up to 2.8% wrinkled and striped mosaic). The average indicators of the results of autumn tuberous analyses on the prevalence of major diseases in 2022-2024 indicate that potato tubers had lesions with dry rot, rhizoctoniosis, and scab. During three years of research, tubers of the Yevpatiy variety were not affected by dry rot. In 22 varieties, the spread of the disease was minimal (0.3-2.1%). In the remaining varieties, the incidence of tubers ranged from 2.2% to 13.1% (Bashkir variety). The average indicators of the results of autumn tuberous analyses on the prevalence of major diseases in 2022-2024 indicate that potato tubers had lesions with dry rot, rhizoctoniosis, and scab. During three years of research, tubers of the Yevpatiy variety were not affected by dry rot. In 22 varieties, the spread of the disease was minimal (0.3-2.1%). In the remaining varieties, the incidence of tubers ranged from 2.2% to 13.1% (Bashkirskiy).
Conclusions. The data presented in the article, based on three years of research on 56 domestic potato varieties and two foreign varieties, provide a basis for their use in potato production in organizations of various forms of ownership, taking into account the susceptibility of each of these varieties to the most common potato phytopathogens.

Relevance. Purpose – to study of high-yielding tomato varieties and hybrids during drip irrigation in open ground conditions.
Methods. The research was conducted in the Belogorsk region of Crimea. The experimental plots were maintained under an irrigation regime of 80% of the lowest moisture capacity in a calculated layer of 0.4 m.
Results. To obtain early production varieties and hybrids with a short period from planting seedlings to the first harvest are needed. Of the tomatoes studied, these were Rosie Heath F₁ and Cherfield F₁. Higher rates of plants linear growth were observed in the Babai variety. In the Volgogradskiy 5/95 tomatoes, these values were 3.6-9.2% lower in all measurements. The best leaf surface area indicators were noted in the Pink Plum F₁, Cherfield F₁ hybrids – 16.5, 15.8 and 16.1 thousand m²/ha, than in the later Babai and Volgogradskiy 5/95 varieties – 14.7 and 14.5 thousand m²/ha, respectively. Higher biological yield was obtained from mid-season tomatoes Babai (135.0 t/ha), Volgogradsky 5/95 (130.2 t/ha). Analysis of experimental data allowed us to establish the relationship between the yield value and the duration of the harvesting period and the leaf surface area with high approximation coefficients. The values of total water consumption by variants differed by only 1-1.5%. Other characteristics of water consumption had regular interrelations: for example, "average daily water consumption - duration of vegetation" with a high approximation coefficient. A close relationship was also established between the coefficients of water consumption and water capacity with the yield value.
Conclusions. The conducted studies made it possible to identify the varieties (Babai and Volgogradsky 5/95) and hybrids (Pink Plum F₁, Cherfield F₁) that were most responsive to drip irrigation, which had higher rates of linear growth, leaf surface area and plant weight, which allowed them to form a higher yield.