We have studied the locally released early-season melon varieties (cv. Anush), cucumber (cv. Maneh), and marrow squash (cv. Anna) under the conditions of Ararat valley to assess the influence of meteorological conditions on the development rates and productivity of the summer and spring-planted vegetable plants. Research has been conducted on the experimental field of the Scientific Center of Vegetable, Melon and Industrial Crops (2011-2013). Depending on the seeding time (spring or summer), the tested varieties varied in the durations of germination, blooming and fruit formation periods as well as in  the plant resistance to low and high temperatures in spring and summer, respectively. It was found that, the summer-planted cucurbits crops have significantly shorter plant development phenological phases and prolonged fruit-bearing periods as compared to the spring-planted plants. It was proved for cucumber and marrow squash crops. The yields of the spring-planted melon, cucumber and marrow squash crops were 30,5; 24,8 and 42,5 t/ha, respectively, while the yields of the summer-planted crops were lower (39,9; 7,8 and 8,6%).

24-26 September 2014 in the Republic of Bulgaria the International scientific and practical conference entitled «Plant Physiology and Genetics – Achievements and Challenges» was hold. The forum discussed the biotechnology and genetic approaches for environmental and sustainable agriculture; genetic resources and biodiversity; efficient use of plant nutrition and symbiotic interaction; regulation of plant growth and development; photosynthesis under stress conditions.

Adaptive properties and selection value of vegetable pea collection based on «seed weight per plant» have been studied. The genotypes with high total and specific adaptive capacity, relative stability, and breeding value for multiple purposes have been revealed.

The experimental data on the content of water-soluble antioxidants, accumulation of vitamin C, and dry matter in plants of Monarda fistulosa L. and Monarda citriodora L. of the Lamiaceae family are presented in the article. As a result of comparative assessment the promising early ripening genotype №2 with high content of vitamin C was selected.

The results of the air separator tests on the beet seeds are given.

The new varieties of cauliflower; white and red head cabbages were developed in GNU VSTISP RAAS. The varieties  were included in the State register of breeding achievements  to 01.01.2013. The patents  were received. New varieties have high yield; stable high quality and resistance  to biotic and abiotic stress factors.

The peculiarities of accumulation and sustainability of the betacyanins's pigment of antioxidant Amaranthin in the inflorescences of different species of amaranth have been discussed. The method of extraction of the betacyanins's staining pigment from inflorescences of amaranth (cv. Valentina) has been proposed. The optimal storage conditions of the betacyanins's staining pigment have been found.

A comparative evaluation of 20 hot pepper varieties according to pungency determination by organoleptic, spectrophotometric methods, and HPLC has been done. The capsaicin concentrations were in the range 1.0-7.15 mg/g d.w., pungency value - (17440-153120) SHU. A direct correlation between organoleptic analysis and capsaicin content determined spectrophotometrically and using HPLC was determined. Spectrophotometric method was shown to give elevated values of capsaicin concentration especially in samples with low pungency, that was related to lack of chromatographic separation of capsaicin extract.

The results of estimation of the collection varieties of daikon for the agronomical valuable traits are represented. The varieties Dubinushka, Miyasige, and Agata with early ripening, high yield, and resistance to boltering were selected.

The article presents the methods and results of the competitive breeding of promising high-quality varieties of vegetable green pea for canning, as well as the main achievements of FGBNU VNIISSOK.