Relevance. Biologically active compounds are widely used at the modern vegetable production, and especially at the seed production. Influence of Micephyt preparation in the mixed with Etrel is evaluated at the first time. The goal of the study is evaluation the effect of Micephyt in the mixed of Etrel on the obtaining of hybrid seeds of the squash (Cucurbita pepo var. giramontia Duch.).Materials and methods. Studies were carried out at the experimental plot Transnistrian State University named T.G. Shevchenko (Tiraspol) during 2010-2012. The object of studies was maternal line F1 (166/5x98/5) of squash (analog of commercial hybrid F1 Lenutsa). Materials of study were preparations: Etrel (c= 0 and 300 ppm) and Micephyt in the mixed with Etrel (c= 10 and 100 ppm). There were 2 treatments of squash plants with these preparations: at the stage 2-3 leaves, and at the stage of 6-7 leaves.Results. Treatments maternal line of squash F1 with mixed preparation “Etrel-300 ppm + Micephyt-10 ppm” show the positive effect on the seed productivity of plants. We observed the significant increasing main components of seed productivity during three years of study. The mass of 1000 seed was increased on 10.1%; the quantity of seed fruits was increased on 9.0%; the quantity of fruits on the plant was increased on 11.8% and the seed productivity was increased on 33.0%. Seed yields of F1 squash were increased in 1.37 times on the standard (“Etrel-300 ppm”) after plant treatment with mixed preparation “Etrel-300 ppm + Micephyt-10 ppm”. High quality of seeds was maintained. The profitability of additional costs associated with the use of the preparation Micephit for the treatment of the maternal line 166/5 squash was 343%. So, the treatment of squash plants with mixed preparation “Etrel-300 ppm + Micephyt-10 ppm” is economic effective element the technology of F1 squash hybrid seed production.

Actuality. Industrial technologies of vegetable crops cultivation, including squash cultivation, a lot of attention is paid to the uniformity of seeds by morphometric traits as a condition allowing to use the precision technologies.The goal of the study is to determine specificities of measured polyvariance the seeds of Cucurbita pepo var. giramontia Duch. under changes of climate conditions in Transnistria.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out at the experimental plot of Pridnestrovian State University (Tiraspol) in 2005-2012. Objects of studies – 5 lines (166/5; 19/84; 98/5; 5Б; 48/20) of squash. Morphometric traits of seeds: mass, width, length, thickness were evaluated in the sample of 100 seeds. Mass of the seed was evaluated with help of torsion scales with exactness to 0,001 g. Width, length, thickness were mesuared with microscope MBS-10 with exactness to 0,1 mm. squash plants were treated with water solutions of the preperation Micefit in concentrations 10 and 100 mg/l in the phase of "2-3 true leaves" and "6-7 true leaves", standard is water treatment.Meteorological conditions (temperature, amount of precipitation) the year of seed reproduction were characterized by the data of Tiraspol Agrometeorological Station. Hydrothermal regime the growing of squash plants was characterized by the hydrothermal coefficient (CHT) of Selyaninov.Results. The nature of changes in temperature and precipitation over 7 years (2005-2012 periods) were reflected increased anomality of weather conditions in Transnistrian region. First of all, it concerns the quantity and the intensity of precipitation during the formation and maturation of squash seeds. Distribution decades of total precipitation and temperatures caused extremely uneven hydration: CHT variation ratio was 29.2-61.3%. Almost all periods of study were stressful for plants and led to the dimensional polyvariance of squash seeds. The variation of morphometric traits (coefficient of variation) is depended on changes in the hydrothermal regime of the growing season. It has a non-linear character and was genotypically caused. Applying the preparation Micefit had a significant effect on the manifestation of traits of squash seeds and its interaction with meteorological factors determined their modifying ability in the following order: mass (78,2%)→ length (56,6%)→ thickness (43,7%)→ width (40,4%).

Relevance. Increasing the resistance of vegetable plants to unfavorable growing conditions with the use of growth regulators that actively affect the seed quality, increase the survival rate of seedlings, stimulate the setting, formation and maturation of the crop is a significant reserve for increasing productivity with the already achieved level of intensification of their production.Material and methods. The effect of verbascosides obtained by exhaustive extraction with 60% aqueous ethyl alcohol from the aboveground part of Verbascum densiflorum Bertol. (Scrophulariaceae) was studied on the germination, growth, development and yield of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and white cabbage. Before sowing, the seeds were soaked in an aqueous solution of verbascosides for 15-20 minutes, followed by drying to flowability at the rate of 0.5-0.8 liters of solution per 1 kg of seeds.Results. It is shown, that possessing phytoregulatory activity and influencing the metabolic and synthetic reactions of plants, these compounds, applied exogenously, stimulate the seed germination energy and total germination of vegetable crops, provide simultaneous appearance of seedlings and optimal plant density, accelerate the growth dynamics of plants assimilation surface and fruit mass. Reducing the consequences of stresses arising in the process of plant growth and development, they thereby contribute to increasing plant resistance, productivity and improving the commercial quality of the products. The ability of these compounds to improve the production process of vegetable crops, depending on the type and variety of vegetables was established. Their highest stimulating effect was determined on cabbage variants, where the yield exceeded the control by 34.3%. The performed studies and obtained results allow to recommend the pre-sowing seed treatment with a 0.01% solution of biological active substances from Verbascum densiflorum Bertol. as an element in technology of growing vegetable.

Relevance. The creation of heterotic hybrids of watermelon is one of the modern breeding trends for solving the problem of providing the population of the Russian Federation with melon production. The process of creating heterosis hybrids can be accelerated by the assessment of the total combination ability (ОCS) of parental lines.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in the zone of the Volgograd Trans-Volga region at the Bykovskaya melon selection experimental station, in dry conditions in 2018 and 2019. The object of research was 9 paternal lines and 3 maternal lines of watermelon. The assessment of the general combining ability was carried out according to two indicators: yield and dry matter content.Results. In the course of the research, the obtained F1 watermelon hybrids were assessed for a set of economic characteristics in comparison with the standards: Zenit, Sinchevsky and Barkhan. Based on the results of the work, F1 hybrids were identified according to the length of the growing season, yield, and dry matter content. By selecting valuable genetic sources with a high GCS, it is possible to successfully conduct breeding to improve the economically valuable indicators of F1 watermelon hybrids. According to the results of studies on yield, both in 2018 and in 2019, heterotic hybrids were distinguished, obtained from crossing with the paternal lines Favorit, Stimul, Ikar, the average effect over two years ranged from 3.5-10.6 t/ha. Among the studied maternal lines, the line Chms-4 has a positive effect, the average effect was 1.2 t/ha. In terms of dry matter content, a positive effect was found in the paternal lines Stimul – 1.8%, Medunok – 1.6%, Favorit – 0.8%, and in the maternal line Chms – 41.8%Conclusions. Based on the results of the analysis of the combining ability in terms of yield and dry matter content, we identified two promising paternal lines for creating heterotic watermelon hybrids: Favorite, Stimul. Also, one maternal line Chms-4 was distinguished. When using these lines in heterotic breeding of watermelon, in most crossing combinations, heterosis will be manifested in one or two characters.

Relevance. Currently, there is a problem of satisfying the demand in the domestic market for fruit and berry products in accordance with current recommendations. One of the ways to intensify agricultural production is the use of resource-saving technologies, which include drip irrigation. The issues of regulating the water balance of the soil when growing planting material for fruit crops in modern conditions require experimental studies aimed at studying the biological characteristics of economically important plants and their reactions to the complex of external environmental factors.Methods. Field studies were conducted on the territory of the educational experimental farm of the Michurinsky Garden fruit growing laboratory of the Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. A two-factor experience in the study of different ranges of moisture for the formation of varietal plum seedlings grafted on plum tree stock was laid in the spring of 2018. The first factor included options for maintaining soil moisture in the range of: 1) 60-80% of the lowest moisture capacity; 2) 70-90% of the lowest moisture capacity; 3) 80-100% of the lowest moisture capacity; 4) control (without irrigation). Plum varieties “Mashenka” and “Utro” were the second factor.Results. Constructed humidification contours according to the years of research and experimental options showed that drip irrigation contributes to the optimum moisture concentration in the soil for seedlings. The most developed root system compared with the control was obtained on irrigated options with maintaining humidity in the range of 70-90 and 80-100% of the lowest moisture capacity. Here, the maximum values of the volume of the root system, the number of roots and the average root length are obtained. It was revealed that in the variants with irrigation, the root system of seedlings spreads in the upper layer (mainly 20-30 cm) and stretches along the line with droppers.

Relevance.Tomato hybrids of the "beef" type are a commodity group characterized by fruits whose mass exceeds 220-240 g. The fruits of this group are distinguished by an attractive aligned shape and color, large size and are in constant demand among consumers. In the assortment of supermarkets and markets, the share of "beef" tomatoes is 10-20% of the total volume. Methods.The results of studying the characteristics of tomato hybrids allowed us to identify the most valuable characteristics for selection in the selection of "beef" tomatoes. Traditionally, we select donor lines for the signs "fruit weight from 200 g and above", "high yield", "disease resistance". For hybrids of professional use, we also evaluate such characteristics as" fruit density", "high uniformity", "ability to form fruits with high uniformity and marketability throughout the growing season". For hybrids and varieties for the hobby market, the most important characteristics are "High taste qualities", "aroma", "high dry matter content". Results. As a result of selections based on these characteristics, such hybrids as Rumyani shar F1, Korallovy rif F1 (which are in demand not only in our country, but also in other countries), Katarina F1 were created.

Relevance. Common thyme or garden thyme Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae L.) is the medicinal and aromatic plant containing essential oil which is the source of thymol and other phenol derivatives. This species is characterized by significant morphological and chemical polymorphism. Thymus vulgaris L. has numerous varieties and subspecies which are complicates for the identification of raw materials and makes its quality unstable. The study of intraspecific variability, not only by phenotype but also by biochemical parameters, is an urgent task in the search for varieties and samples of Thýmus vulgáris L. that are promising for the medical industry.Materials and methods. The research material was obtained from botanical institutions and firms in Russia, the Czech Republic and Germany and introduced on the experimental field of Vegetable Growing Department of The Russian State Agricultural University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. Studies were conducted from 2014 to 2019. Sowing the seeds was carried out in the 3rd decade of March in cassettes in a winter greenhouse. Seedlings planted in the field at the end of MayField experiments were laid at the «Vegetable Experimental Station named V.I. Edelstein » in accordance with generally accepted methods of field experiments. A comprehensive comparative assessment of the studied samples was carried out according to a number of criteria, in accordance with the recommendations of the State Register of Selection Achievements and the matrix of the morphological description of plants of the Lamiaceae family developed at the Leibniz-Institut for Pflanzengenetik und Kulturpflanzenforschung (IPK, Germany). Harvesting of raw materials and crop yield was carried out in the phase of mass flowering. Laboratory studies were carried out in the laboratories of the Vegetable Growing Department, Department of Botany, Selection and Seed Production of Garden Plants, Russian State Autonomous University – Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K.A. Timiryazev. The quantitative determination of essential oil was carried out according to the GF RF XIV. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel.Results. The possibility of growing samples of Thymus vulgaris L. of different geographical origin under the conditions of introduction in the Moscow region is shown. A comparative study of the main morphological characteristics of plant samples of Thymus vulgaris L. revealed significant variability in the form of inflorescence, leaf index, the presence or absence of pubescence, anthocyanin staining, torsion of the leaf, color of corollas and leaves, plant height, yield, quantitative content of essential oil and flavonoids. At the same time, the height of the plants was relatively stable every year and between varieties. According to a set of indicators, the most productive and stable samples was “Di Roma”, which is characterized by a high yield of aerial mass (104 g / plant), a consistently high content of essential oil (1.04-1.8%) with a predominant thymol component (39-80%), high flavonoid content (1,47-2,26%). Varieties "Medoc" and "Deutsche Winter", which at a lower yield are characterized by a high content of essential oil and flavonoids.

Relevance. Root chicory is a valuable economic crop. However, its attractiveness for the producer is reduced due to the high labor intensity of cultivation and a high proportion of manual labor, primarily when harvesting root crops. Modern agricultural production is in urgent need of new varieties of root chicory that combine high yields and the necessary chemical and technological qualities, having the form of a root crop suitable for mechanized harvesting and adapted to cultivation in the soil and climatic conditions of the non-Chernozem zone of Russia. The purpose of this work is to test varieties of root chicory in a collection nursery in the Yaroslavl region.Material and methods. The research was conducted at the the Yaroslavl region. The material for research was three varieties of Dutch selection Wixor RS, Rexor RS, Luxor. The experience is based on the "Guidelines for the study and maintenance of the world's collection of root crops", recommended by VIR. Vavilov.Results. Investigated varieties in the soil and climatic conditions of the non-black earth zone of Russia were distinguished by a short root crop (up to 25 cm long) with a large diameter (up to 9 cm). We recommend them as donors in the selection of root chicory for suitability for mechanized harvesting. From long-term observations, it follows that the varieties Wixor RS, Rexor RS and Luxor are early-maturing. The length of their vegetative period does not exceed 125 days. This group of varieties is the most valuable when breeding for early maturity. Based on the analysis of the results of economic-biological and environmental studies of Dutch varieties of root chicory, it was found that they have high average values of certain economic-valuable characteristics and stability of their manifestation over the years.

Relevance. As a source of juicy feed for livestock, fodder beet plays a leading role among fodder root crops. It plays an important role to solve the problem of improving domestic feed production, since the production of fodder beet is the most balanced in terms of carbohydrate and protein complex. A large number of feed units from the area of sowing in a complex with a high yield, a balanced mineral complex and the possibility of long-term storage makes the crop in demand for the livestock complex in Russia. The VIR fodder beet collection has a rich gene pool and, given the lack of varieties and hybrids in the State Register of the Russian Federation, is a source of raw material for domestic breeding.The purposeof the study is to identify the potential of the collection of fodder beet in the most important areas of modern crop selection. Materials and methods. The experiment involved a representative sample of 190 accessions that were grown in the vegetable crop rotation of the Research and Production Base of Pushkin Laboratories of the VIR from 2015 to 2019. Description and biochemical studies were carried out according to the VIR Guidelines. Results. The characteristics of fodder beet cultivars with signs of high yield, productivity, resistance to abiotic and biotic factors, suitability for mechanized harvesting and storability were given. There was a manifestation of axenium resistance of the culture to cercosporosis due to morphophysiological characteristics of the leaf apparatus of plants. Conclusions.The VIR fodder beet collection has a wide variety and well-studied gene pool, which is the potential to create the modern varieties and hybrids of crops with a complex of economically valuable characteristics, which are necessary for their high-tech production.