Relevance. The soil and climatic conditions of the Lower Trans-Volga region are considered favorable for melon growing and make it possible to obtain high-quality products. The purpose of the research was to create new competitive varieties and hybrids of melon and pumpkin.Materials and methods. The object of the research is new varieties of melon and butternut pumpkin created at the Bykovskaya melon breeding experimental station. Melon cultivar Osen and pumpkin cv. Zhemchuzhina were used as standards. The methods of creation are intervarietal hybridization, individual and mass selection. During the growing season, appropriate observations and counts were carried out.Results. As a result of many years of breeding work at the Bykovskaya cucurbits selection experimental station, a melon cultivar 251 and a pumpkin cultivar 509 have been created. both producers and consumers. Therefore, the obtained varieties were evaluated for taste, yield, resistance to biological and abiofactors of the environment, dry matter content, fruit size, fruit and pulp color. During the comparative assessment of the accessions, it was determined that the new varieties of melon and pumpkin exceed the standards in terms of the main economically valuable traits. The average yield during the study, in the melon cultivar 251, exceeded the standard by 47.8%. In the pumpkin cultivar, the average yield for three years of research exceeded the standard by 69.6%. In terms of taste, the new melon variety was at the level of the standard, the cv. Osen. A variety of butternut pumpkin exceeded the standard in all quality indicators. The susceptibility to powdery mildew in the melon cultivar varied depending on the year of research. The melon sample showed resistance to anthracnose higher than the standard by 16.4 and 18.6%, over the years of study. In the pumpkin cultivar, resistance to powdery mildew and anthracnose was higher than the standard, on average by 34.9% to powdery mildew and by 28.6% to anthracnose. Thus, new varieties of melon and pumpkin meet the modern requirements of the industrial melon industry, are resistant to environmental stress factors, common diseases, and have economically valuable traits.

Relevance. When growing cucumbers in a greenhouse not equipped with additional lighting, especially in winter, there is a shortage of solar energy. To obtain high yields of cucumber at this time, it is necessary to select the most resistant to low light hybrids. The selection of genotypes resistant to this trait is a very important stage in the selection of cucumber for winter-spring turnover.The purpose of the study: search for an easy-to-use method for early diagnosis of cucumber resistance to insufficient illumination.Methods. The research was carried out at the variety testing site in the Gavrish Breeding Center (Krymsk city) of the Scientific Research Institute of Vegetable Crop Breeding, in winter-spring turnover conditions, in greenhouses not equipped with artificial lighting. Seedlings were planted in a permanent place in the greenhouse during the period of the lowest arrival of solar radiation in the year on December 21. The measurement of the height of the main stem was carried out on 31 days after planting the plants in a permanent place.Results. Measuring the height of the main stem before fruiting showed a significant variation of this trait in different cucumber hybrids. Further study of the correlation of the height of the main stem and yield revealed their high dependence. This fact suggests that a fairly simple measurable parameter has been found for evaluating different cucumber genotypes on the basis of resistance to low light. Regression analysis made it possible to divide the variability of the studied genotypes by yield into a dependent part of the height of the main stem and an additional one, which makes up to 30% of the yield increase. Further analysis of the high-yielding group has a high breeding value.

Relevance. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill is one of the most important protein- oilseed crops in world arable farming. An acute shortage of both food and feed protein is felt in many world’s countries. In this regard, the expansion of soybean seed production is relevant and is dictated by the need for import substitution of both food and feed soybean products.Materials and methods. In the research we studied the influence of two ecologically different cultivation zones: Priobskaya and Prialtaiskaya on the formation of plants density and seed yield of soybean. Three varieties Altom, Gratsia and Pripyat were taken as the objects of the research.Results. On average, over the years of research in full seedlings stage from 60 germinating seeds per square meter (600 thousand pieces/ha), in our experiment, about 56 plants were obtained per 1 m2 or 560 thousand plants per 1 hectare. This means that, on average, 93% of sown seeds give seedlings in field conditions. For harvesting after exposure of soybean crops to numerous biotic and abiotic factors, on average, there are about 52 plants per 1 m² or 520 thousand plants per 1 hectare, that is, 88% of the sown germinating seeds are saved for harvesting and give a yield. The maximum influence on the variability of plant density is exerted by vegetation conditions (years) – 37%. On average, over the years of the study, the maximum yield under Topchikha conditions was obtained in 2019 – 1.9 t/ha – in a year that was distinguished by not hot weather with sufficient rainfall during the growing season. Varieties Gratsia and Pripyat in Smolenskoye conditions significantly exceeded the standard in terms of yield in 2018 and 2020. On average, over the years of research, the Gratsia variety showed itself as more stable with Cv=11.3% in Topchikha conditions and Cv=9.8% in Smolenskoye conditions.

Relevance. One of the most common diseases of potatoes and other nightshade family species is late blight caused by a pathogenic oomycete of the Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary. At least 100 species of phytophthora have been described in nature, affecting a wide range of plant species. The phytophthora population is heterogeneous and is represented by races, as well as different types of mating. This leads to a rapid adaptation of the pathogen and the emergence of new, more aggressive, and resistant races. Phytophthora is a parasite, the damage from which cannot be avoided within the organic farming framework. Therefore, it is particularly important to know the pathogenesis and racial composition of phytophthora in each individual region of Solanaceae cultivation.Research methodology. Differentiation and collection of material from the natural population were carried out using potato varieties with known R-genes in the genome. Isolation and introduction into the culture were carried out from leaves with the dampening chambers method, followed by cultivation on nutrient media. The pathogen was identified by microscopic analysis. Culture filtrates were obtained on the liquid nutritious medium, followed by liquid filtration and autoclaving. Phytotoxic activity was determined by the effect on the seedlings of the nightshade, grass, and pea families by the standard method. Molecular genetic analysis of the isolates was carried out by ISSR analysis; the primer, amplification mixture, and temperature profile of the reaction were selected according to the literature data; the calculation of genetic characteristics was carried out using POPGENE software packages.Results. Samples of seven Phytophthora infestans isolates were collected and introduced into culture. As a result of in vitro cultivation, morphological differences were revealed, expressed in the structure and color of the mycelium, the shape of the colonies, the nature of sporulation, the color of the reverse, and the medium under the colonies. The genetic differences of the natural phytophthora material introduced into the culture, collected from potato varieties with single resistance genes (R1, R3, R4), were revealed. Differences in the phytotoxic activity of the studied isolates' cultural filtrates were revealed. The isolated isolates demonstrate differentiation at the phenotypic, genetic and physiological levels, which allows us to speak about their belonging to races.

Relevance. The south of Russia occupies about 45% of the country's vegetable area and produces annually more than 5.7 million tons of vegetables or 48.9% of gross vegetable harvest in the country. The analysis of the state of open-ground vegetable growing in the south of Russia is given, taking into account the dynamics of acreage, yield, and gross harvest. The article presents a forecast of the development of openground vegetable growing in the south of Russia in the medium term, taking into account the organizational and legal changes in the industry.Materials and results. The purpose of the research. Analysis of the state of open-ground vegetable growing in the south of Russia and identification of factors hindering the further development of the industry. The role of innovations introduced into production, variety exchange and variety renewal in increasing the gross yield of vegetables are shown. The reasons of the shortfall in productivity in 10 of 15 subjects of districts below the level of the average district values are given. The article highlights the reasoned judgments about the need to enlarge vegetable farms, expand the range of vegetable crops grown, as well as the need for a widespread transition to organic vegetable growing. The paper uses the official materials of the Federal State Statistics Service (FSSS), reports of agricultural departments of the subjects of two districts, the analysis of which was carried out by the author and comments on them were made.

Relevance. Production of functional food with high levels of antioxidant status and selenium is essential for human protection against viral and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer.Methods. Evaluation of the efficiency in foliar sodium selenate biofortification (25. 50 and 75 mg Se/L) was achieved on three chervil genotypes.Results. Intervarietal differences in biofortification level was demonstrated: from 15.5 to 31.1 for 25 mg Se/L dose; from 36.9 to 64.6 for 50 mg Se/L dose; and from 72.9 to 130 for 75 mg Se/L dose. At the chosen doses, selenium supply did not affect significantly the yield, antioxidant properties and photosynthetic content of chervil. Total antioxidant activity was in the range from 30 to 42 mg GAE/g d.w., phenolics content from 9 to 13 mg GAE/g d.w, flavonoids from 5 to 12 mg-eq quercetin/g d.w., ascorbic acid from 33 to 66 mg/100 g fresh w. High levels of carotene were a typical feature of Se fortified and non-fortified chervil. A direct correlation was recorded between phenolics content and total antioxidant activity (r=+0.954, P<0.01), and between water soluble compounds and nitrates accumulation (r=+0.920, P<0.01). Biofortification with selenium did not affect significantly the mineral content of plants. Consumption of 100 g of fresh chervil leaves, fortified with selenium, provides from 50 to 75% of the adequate selenium consumption level and from 16 to 20% of potassium. Taking into account that both selenium and potassium normalize heart activity, the new functional food product may be recommended for prophylactics and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and for the human selenium status optimization.

Relevance. Providing the population with functional, environmentally friendly and high-quality food is an urgent scientific and state problem. With prolonged use of contaminated products, the risk of various diseases increases. Therefore, the human diet should consist of functional, environmentally friendly products. The main goal of this research work was the production of high-quality jam from environmentally friendly raw materials of plant origin.Methods. For the preparation of the jam, the fruits of the Sosnovsky zucchini variety and the Lada melon of the technical and biological degree of maturity were used. The technological process of making jam took place in accordance with the technological requirements for this type of product. The content of biochemical parameters: dry matter, the amount of sugars, pectin and nitrates) were determined in fresh and finished (after the fermentation period) products.Results. Jam with a melon aroma was obtained with a glucose content of 4.5-6.73%, fructose - 4.66-7.17% with an accumulation of nitrates in the range of 127.1 mg / kg (fruits of biological maturity) and 131.6 mg / kg (fruits of technical maturity), which is 3.0-3.1 times lower than the maximum permissible concentration. The tasting committee rated the jam made from fruits of technical maturity at 4.3 points, and biological at 4.8 points. Thus, summarizing the results of our research, we can conclude that the jam made from zucchini fruits with the addition of melon is a functional, high-vitamin, environmentally friendly food product with high taste.

Relevance. Shallot is the universal culture in terms of its economically valuable indicators. Breeders in the south of Western Siberia carry out a lot of research work with the aim of creating varieties for Siberian conditions. Long-term studies have made it possible to select promising samples, and exceeding in their indicators the value of signs of released varieties.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in field and laboratory conditions on the basis of the West Siberian Vegetable Experimental Station in the Priobskaya zone of the Altai Territory in 2016-2020. Research objects: samples of the nursery of competitive variety testing. Three appreciable forms No. 37, No. 39 and No. 48 passed competitive variety testing and, according to the results of the research, were transferred to the State Variety Testing.Results. Sample No. 39 showed marketable yield, which exceeded this indicator of the standard variety by 23.7% and amounted to 23.2 t/ha. The average weight of the sample No. 39 marketable bulbs was 29.0 g, for the standard variety it was 23.4 g. The content of vitamin C in the bulbs and leaves of the new sample exceeded these indicators of the standard variety by 0.3% and 0.53%, respectively. In 2018, sample No. 37 was transferred to the State Variety Testing. This sample belongs to the early maturing group. The bulbs yield of the new sample during all the years of testing significantly exceeded the yield of the standard variety and amounted to 20.3 t/ha (2016- 2018). Sample No. 48 was submitted to the State Variety Testing in 2020. The excess in bulbs yield of this sample was (2019-2020): 13,3%, leaves – 18,8%. In 2019, the Sharm variety was zoned and entered into the State Register of Breeding Achievements, in 2020 – the Chance variety. Sample No. 48 with the proposed name Pharaon has been undergoing the State Variety Testing since 2021.

Relevance. High voltage electric power transmission lines (HVEPTL) cover a fairly large area of agricultural land all over the world. Investigations of electromagnetic field effect on growth and development of plants are held in various countries. The reaction of individual plant species and even varieties to the electromagnetic field manifests itself in different ways. The network of HVEPTL is growing steadily in our region as well. Nevertheless, information about the effect of the electromagnetic field on bean plants is rather scares. The aim of the present work was to evaluate HVEPTL effect on the growth and development of vegetable beans, depending on the intensity of the electromagnetic field.Material and Methods. The work was achieved on green beans Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Sakfit, Pagoda, MBZ 556, Arishka cvs) grown in conditions of different electromagnetic field values under HVEPTL. Biometrical parameters, plant productivity, yield, dry matter, photosynthetic pigments content, ascorbic acid, total antioxidant activity and total phenolics were determined.Results. In the ranges of electric field values from (5-10) to (400-440) B/m and magnetic field from 0 to 0.53 μT a beneficial effect of electromagnetic field on accumulation of leaves photosynthetic pigments (15-65% increase of chlorophyll а and 6-52% increase of chlorophyll b), polyphenol content (increase up to 17%), antioxidant activity (1-15% increase), and dry matter content (2,5-11% increase) and beans ascorbic acid levels (12-28% increase) were registered. Accordingy, increased plants growth, development and productivity were demonstrated. Peculiarities of beans plants grown under HVEPTL included decrease leaves carotene levels at electric field level of 60-100 B/m (70 m form HVEPTL), and lack of correlation between chlorophyll and carotene in leaves and total antioxidant activity and phenolics content at the stage of technical ripening.

Relevance. The most important element of the operational regime of irrigation is the correct (timely) appointment and timing of irrigation, taking into account the biological characteristics of crops, weather conditions and the mechanical composition of the soil.Methods. In this work, the results of the calculation of the irrigation regime of the hay-pasture grass mixture for the growing season april-october 2016-2018 were presented, on the basis of which the values of the water consumption of the crop, the average values of bioclimatic and biothermal coefficients in relation to sod-podzolic loamy soils in the northeastern zones of the Republic of Belarus. The calculations were carried out by the water balance method, as well as by the method of maximum daily air temperatures.Results. As a result of calculating bioclimatic and biothermal coefficients and values of water consumption for the growing seasons. It was found that their highest values in all years of research were recorded in the variant with a pre-irrigation humidity level of 80% of the lowest moisture capacity, while their lowest values were observed in the variant with natural humidification. At the same time, as a result of calculations, it was established that the highest values of bioclimatic coefficients corresponding to the variant 80% of HB took the following values: 0.88; 0.72 and 0.66, the smallest are 0.71; 0.64 and 0.50, and the largest values of the biothermal coefficients were: 0.13; 0.15 and 0.15, the smallest are 0.09; 0.13 and 0.10, respectively, for the growing seasons. The largest values of water consumption, calculated by the water balance method, corresponding to the option 80% of the HB took the following values: 423.0; 462.0 and 440.0 mm, the smallest in this case were: 334.0; 404.0; and 331.0 mm, and the highest values of water consumption, calculated by the method of maximum daily temperatures were: 439.4; 420.0 and 432.2, while the smallest were equal: 318.7, 396.4 and 325.7 mm, respectively, for the growing seasons.