Мета. Використати кластерний аналіз морфологічних ознак для спрощення ідентифікації сортів Brassica oleracea var. italica та сформувати групи схожих сортів для тесту на відмінність. Методи. У процесі роботи послуговувалися аналітичним, математичним і статистичним методами. Як вхідну інформацію для статистичного опрацювання отриманих результатів застосовували відомості про результати експертизи на відмінність, однорідність і стабільність (ВОС) із бази даних автоматизованої інформаційної системи Українського інституту експертизи сортів рослин. Моделювання кластерів здійснювали за допомогою статистичного пакета IBM SPSS Statistics «Statistical Package for the Social Sciences». Результати. За 32 ознаками для тесту на відмінність, однорідність і стабільність проведено морфологічний опис сортів капусти броколі. Морфологічні кодові формули останніх, складені з відповідних кодів прояву ідентифікаційних ознак вегетативних і генеративних органів рослин, слугували джерелом вихідних даних. Серед 41 сорту, описаного за 32 морфологічними характеристиками, вдалося виокремити лише дві групи подібних за ідентифікаційними ознаками сортів. Як параметри моделі застосовували два типи змінних: цільова ‒ ознака «головка: антоціанове забарвлення», фокусна – «головка: забарвлення». Повний перелік характеристик був таким: «рослина: за висотою (за збиральної стиглості)», «листок: положення (на початку формування головки)», «листкова пластинка: хвилястість краю», «листкова пластинка: пухирчастість», «черешок: за довжиною», «головка: забарвлення», «головка: антоціанове забарвлення», «головка: за щільністю», «квітка: забарвлення», «квітка: інтенсивність жовтого забарвлення», «чоловіча стерильність». Способом комп’ютерного моделювання було сформовано кластери з 17 подібних сортів капусти броколі та 9 контрольних об’єктів (сортів), ідентифікація яких передбачала 11 морфологічних ознак. Висновки. Для пошуку відмітних ознак у процесі тесту на відмінність сорти капусти броколі було згруповано в кластери за такими морфологічними характеристиками, як положення листка на початку формування головки; хвилястість краю листкової пластинки; пухирчастість листкової пластинки; довжина черешка; забарвлення головки; наявність антоціанового та інтенсивність жовтого забарвлення. | Purpose. To use cluster analysis of morphological cha­racters to simplify the identification of Brassica oleracea var. italica and form groups of similar varieties for the test of difference. Methods. Analytical, mathematical and statistical methods were used in the work. As input information for the statistical processing of the obtained results, information on the results of the examination for distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) from the database of the Automated Information System of the Ukrainian Institute for Plant Varieties Examination was used. Cluster modelling was carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics “Statistical Package for the Social Sciences”. Results. A morphological description of broccoli varieties was carried out on the basis of 32 characteristics for the examination of distinctness, uniformity and stability. The morphological code formulae of the latter, composed of the corresponding codes for the manifestation of identifying characteristics of vegetative and generative organs of plants, served as a source of initial data. Out of 41 varieties described by 32 morphological characteristics, only two groups were found to be similar in terms of the identifying characteristics of the varieties. Two types of variables were used as parameters of the model: target – characteristic “Head: anthocyanin colour”, focal – “Head: colour”. The full list of characteristics was as follows “plant: by height (at harvest maturity)”, “leaf: position (at beginning of head formation)”, “leaf blade: wavy edge”, “leaf blade: blistering”, “petiole: by length”, “head: colour”, “head: anthocyanin colour”, “head: by density”, “flower: colour”, “flower: intensity of yellow colour”, “male sterility”. Using computer modelling, clusters of 17 similar broccoli varieties and 9 control objects (varieties) were formed, the identification of which involved eleven morphological characteristics. Conclusions. In order to search for distinguishing characteristics in the process of testing the difference of cabbage varieties, broccoli was grouped into clusters according to such morphological characteristics as the position of the leaf at the beginning of the formation of the head; waviness of the edge of the leaf blade; blistering of the leaf plate; petiole length; head colour; presence of anthocyanin and intensity of yellow colour.

Purpose. To conduct in vitro screening of different genotypes of winter triticale for resistance to salinity in the shoot apical meristem culture. Methods. Plant tissue culture in vitro, in vitro breeding, statistical analysis. Results. It was found that the increase of sodium chloride concentration from 0.6 to 1.5% resulted in inhibition of the callus culture growth in all genotypes that was indicative of the toxic effect of the stress factor. It turns out that 1.2% sodium chloride concentration allowed to differentiate triticale genotypes for salt tolerance. The line ‘38/1296’ appeared to be the most resistant to salinity stress because under breeding conditions calli of this genotype were characterized by higher morphogenetic potential, had the highest crude mass increase, and plants-regenerants were obtained only from explants of this line after cultivation on the medium containing 1.5% sodium chloride. The ‘ADM 11’ variety was the most sensitive to saline stress as mass necrosis and lack of regenerative ability in its calli were observed under breeding conditions. In the studied forms, genotypic dependence of morphogenesis processes in vitro culture was registered. From the induced calli, plants-regenerants were obtained, and their completion of growing, root development and transfer to in vivo conditions were optimized. Conclusions. Genotypic response to salinity stress in the culture of shoot apical meristems of winter triticale was expressed by various crude mass increase and different morphogenetic potential on exposure to a stress factor. The line ‘38/1296’ can be used as a valuable material for further breeding of winter triticale. The culture of shoot apical meristems is recommended to apply as a test system for screening of triticale genotypes for resistance to salinity stress

Рurpose. To investigate inheritance of “plant height” trait in populations of the first (F1) and second (F2) generations of the soybean (Glucine max (L.) Merrill) and evaluate hybrid combinations in order to identify phenotypes with the highest level of heterosis for plant height. Methods. Laboratory test, mathematical and statistical analysis. Results. The inheritance of plant height in soybean was investigated. Hybrid combinations were assessed for the ability to select phenotypes with an optimal height. Different types of inheritance of this trait were found in populations of the second generation. The highest degree of heterosis for plant height was expressed by such soybean hybrids of the second generation as ‘АЕЕМ ’/‘Cherniatka’ (102.6%), next were ‘№ 427/‘Коrado’ (36,1%) and ‘Yelena’/‘Vizhion’ (32,0%). For the above trait, the ‘Legend’ variety in combinations with such varieties as ‘Staroukrainka’, ‘Korado’ and ‘Medeia’ expressed a heterosis amounting to 28.1%, 8.3%, 6.1% accordingly. Plant height was inherited mainly in terms of negative overdominance (34.2% combinations). There were 21.1% of combinations that had a negative semidominance. Conclusions. Among large majority of crossing combinations, forms were revealed that differed greatly for the plant height. The highest variability was observed in combinations such as ‘Legenda’/‘Korado’, ‘Ustia’/‘Vizjion’, ‘№894’/‘Vizjion’, ‘Ug-30’/‘Vizjion’, ‘Legenda’/‘Annushka’, ‘№441’/‘Gentleman’, ‘№441’/‘Vizjion’, ‘Yug-30’/‘Gentleman’, ‘Angelica’/‘Annushka’ and ‘Angelica’/‘Gentleman.

Purpose. To elaborate winter wheat cultivation technologies based on balanced fertilizer system that combines application of mineral fertilizers and the increase of their efficiency by the use of preparations with microelements. Methods. Field and laboratory studies, mathematical and statistical analysis. Results. During 2011–2013, the effect of cultivation technologies on the formation of yield and quality of winter wheat varie­ty ‘Benefis’ (pea is a predecessor) was studied. In case of alternative technologies that provided adding only by-products of the predecessor, the yield of winter wheat was 3.73 t/ha when using integrated protection system, and it was increased to 4.22 t/ha with grain quality of the 4th–5th class of the group B when foliar dressing was applied. Resource saving technologies of cultivation with restricted use of fertilizers (Р45К45N30(II)+30(IV)) provided productivity at the level of 5.19–5.61 t/ha with grain quality of the 2nd–3rd class of the group A. Grain yield of 6.27 t/ha of the 2nd class quality was obtained by the use of intensive cultivation technology, which included application of mineral fertilizers (Р90К90N30(II)+60(IV)+30(VIII)) in addition to the use of predecessor’s by-products and foliar dressing. The highest yield of grain (6.71 t/ha) on average during all years of the study with the 1st class of the group A quality was provided by energy-intensive technology, which included application of P135K135N60(II)+75(IV)+45(VIII) with embedding of predecessor’s by-products into the soil and foliar dressing. Conclusions. It was established that in the northern part of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine the highest productivity of winter wheat was obtained in dark gray podzolic soils using the energy-intensive technology with application of P135K135N60(II)+75(IV)+45(VIII) against the background of predecessor’s by-products embedded into the soil in case of integrated plant protection, and foliar dres­sing. This technology ensured the yield of 6.71 t/ha with grain quality of the 1st class of the group A.

Мета. Установити прояв комплексу ознак сортів обліпихи крушиноподібної, використовуючи кластерний аналіз для групування ідентифікаційних морфологічних якісних і кількісних господарсько-цінних характеристик за проведення тесту на відмінність. Методи. Аналітичний (аналіз бази даних сортів), порівняльного оцінювання морфологічних і господарсько-цінних характеристик, математичний, статистичний [використання пакета SPSS (статистичного пакета для соціальних наук, англ. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)] інструментів Data Mining. Результати. Проведено частотний аналіз морфологічних ознак колекції сортів H. rhamnoides. Останні згруповано за допомогою ієрархічного агломеративного кластерного аналізу з використанням таких змінних, як життєва форма рослини, положення гілок і кількість колючок пагона. За результатами виокремлено шість кластерів. Також встановлено найліпші за господарсько-цінними показниками сорти обліпихи крушиноподібної в розрізі груп стиглості. Висновки. Використання кластерного аналізу для групування загальновідомих сортів колекції обліпихи крушиноподібної за морфологічними та господарстько-цінними характеристиками дає змогу оперативно та точно встановити код прояву ознак (QL – якісні, QN – кількісні, PQ – псевдоякісні) та їхню відмінність. За результатами порівняння встановлено, що найвищі показники врожайності мав сорт ‘Орендж Революшн’; вмісту вітаміну С ‒ ‘Дора’, каротину ‒ ‘Морквяна’, вітаміну Р ‒ ‘Татйана’, ‘Ласунка’, ‘Єва’ та ‘Марійа Брувеле’. | Purpose. To determine the manifestation of a complex of sea buckthorn (Hipporhae rhamnoides L.) varieties characteristics using cluster analysis for grouping of identifying morphological, qualitative and quantitative economic and valuable characteristics during the test of difference. Methods. Analytical (analysis of the variety database), comparative evaluation of morphological and economically valuable characteristics, mathematical, statistical [using the SPSS package (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)] Data Mining tools. Results. The frequency analysis of morphological characters of the collection of H. rhamnoides varieties was carried out. The latter were grouped by means of hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis using variables such as plant life form, branch position and number of shoot spines. Six clusters were identified from the results. The best sea buckthorn varieties in terms of economic value were also identified in terms of maturity groups. Conclusions. The use of cluster analysis to group known varieties of the sea buckthorn collection by morphological and economic characteristics allows to quickly and accurately establish the code of the characteristics (QL – qualitative, QN – quantitative, PQ – pseudo-qualitative) and their difference. According to the results of the comparison, the highest yields were found in the variety ‘Orange Revolution’; vitamin C content – ‘Dora’, carotene – ‘Morkviana’, vitamin P – ‘Tatiana’, ‘Lasunka’, ‘Eva’ and ‘Marija Bruvele’.

Purpose. Morphological and organoleptic evaluation of oyster mushroom strains for selection of highly productive cultivars assortment with valuable consumer properties for winter and summer cultivation and suitability for sale in fresh or processed form were investigated. Methods. The scheme of the experiment included six strains of oyster mushrooms belonging to two species: Pleurotus ostreatus (5 strains: 2301, Z, 2316, 2456, 431) and P. pulmonarius (2314). Laboratory, laboratory-industrial and statistical methods are used. Results. The dynamics of agrochemical parameters of substrates obtained by the method of aerobic fermentation in the high layer proved their optimality according to the main criteria and compliance to regulatory documentation. The biological efficiency of the strains was in the range of 40–78.9%. The highest weight of clusters was found in the “summer” strain 431 (430.7 g). The highest weight of the fruiting body was determined for the strain 2301 (15.2 g), the lowest – for the 2456 (3.3 g). Conclusions. The values of biological efficiency of strains was determined. The highest average values for the first flush of fruiting had strains 2316 (78.9%) from the “winter” group (A) and 431 (78.4%) from the “summer” group (B). According to the results of statistical analysis, significant differences were revealed between the studied strains in the main morphological indicators of clusters. It was found that the mass of clusters of «winter» cultivars is much less dependent on the strain type (220.8–273.4 g) than that of «summer» cultivars (83.4–430.7 g). The index of the asymmetry coefficient of the cluster, which can be useful for calculating the required container sizes was proposed. It was determined that the morphological features of fruiting bodies had significant differences in all studied parameters. In particular, the A group strains differed in size and weight. It was proposed the index of weight loss of the crop coefficient, which shows the ratio between the cap and stipe of the fruiting body and make it possible to predict the amount of mushroom raw material that will be sold in the form of caps, and the amount of raw material that can be processed into minced mushroom, powder and others. The best coefficient was obtained for the fruiting bodies of strain 2314 (0.87), and the worst – for 2456 (0.59), which, accordingly, is not recommended for sale by individual fruiting bodies. It was found that the fruiting bodies of high-yielding strains 2316 and 431 had a number of organoleptic defects.

Purpose. To analyze the level of cross-resistance of obtained salt- and osmotolerant cell lines and plants regenerants of winter triticale to osmotic and salt stresses. Methods. Cultures of tissue and organs in vitro, in vitro breeding, biochemical, statistical analysis. Results. It was established that the stability of cross-resistance trait display to saline and osmotic stresses in obtained cell lines of winter triticale was rather high – from 50 to 76% of calli have survived to the end of the sixth passage. It has been shown that despite the presence of sublethal concentrations of the stress-factor (mannitol/sodium chloride) in selective medium, stable cell lines of the triticale actively continued to grow and accumulate biomass. It was found that in the line ‘38/1296’ cell lines 5L/sl and 5L/os respectively were the most resistant to osmotic and salt stresses, and lines 1C/s1 and 1C/os respectively in the ‘Obrii’ variety, since they had the highest percent of living calli and biomass increment under the selective conditions and their plant regenerant – the highest level of survival after the impact of the abiotic stressors complex. The salt-resistant cell lines of both genotypes of winter triticale as compared to the control were also characterized by significantly higher free proline content under the selective factors impact. The results obtained may indicate that the cell lines and triticale plant regenerants have a genetically determined trait of resistance to stress factors. Conclusions. Verification of traits of resistance to abiotic stressors has shown a significantly high level of cross-tolerance of the obtained cell lines of both triticale genotypes for saline and osmotic stresses. Resistance to saline and osmotic stresses of cells separated in vitro was preserved in induced plants and at the organism level has increased tolerance to abiotic environmental factors. It is shown that due to the general non-specific mechanisms of resistance, the capacity of the callus cultures of triticale to resist to one abiotic stressor can lead to increased tolerance for another one.

Purpose. To investigate special aspects of accumulation of inorganic elements including heavy metals in seeds of white and black mustard to be grown for obtaining drugs. Methods. Field experiments, microwave digestion, ICP-MS and statistical analysis. Results. The content of inorganic elements including heavy metals was determined in the seeds of white and black mustard grown in Kiev Oblast. It was revealed that during the growing season plants of white mustard were able to accumulate such elements as aluminum, barium, strontium, zinc in seeds in concentrations that exceed their content in black mustard seeds, while compounds of calcium, cesium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium in a greater degree were accumulated in black mustard seeds. Conclusions. As legal and regulatory documents for important chemical elements don’t contain the maximum permissible limits of their content in medicinal plants, it would make sense to launch a comprehensive research with the involvement of specia­lists of relevant profiles in order to establish such a gradation. Plants of white and black mustard in Kiev Oblast have accumulated high levels of such metals as Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Sr, Zn that exceed the known limits of accumulation, indicating a partial contamination of soils in the region. Consequently, these plants can be used for phytoremediation of soils. Considering the fact that in the pharmaceutical practice refined mustard seed oil is used, revealed alterations of metal accumulation in seeds will not affect the quality of the final drugs. According to the research results, white and black mustard is promising for cultivation in Kiev Oblast with a view to obtain raw material that can be processed into drugs.

Purpose. To study the influence of fractional composition of seed material on productive properties of spring rape seeds of the ‘Magnat’ variety and ‘MVM’ (‘Gladiator’) variety sample. Methods. Field investigations, laboratory tests, statistical analysis. Results. During 2013–2014, the influence of sown seeds of different size fractions (up to 2,5 g; 2,6–3,5 g; 3,6 g and more) on the indices of productivity of spring rape varie­ties was studied. It was found that over the years of study field germination of sown fractions of seeds in ‘Magnat’ variety averaged 83.5%, in ‘MSM’ variety sample – 86.7%. During the periods of seedling emergence and harvesting, the density of spring rape crops varied depending on relevant fraction of sown seeds. In the ‘Magnat’ variety, photosynthetic potential of crops ranged from 1.1 to 1.3 million m2/ha, in ‘MSM’ variety sample – from 1.2 to 1.6 million m2/ha. Depending on the seed fractions applied, ‘Magnat’ variety crops during the gro­wing season accumulated organic biomass from 2.05 to 2.36 g/m2 per day, ‘MSM’ sample variety – from 1.83 to 2.10 g/m2 per day. Conclusions. It was established that different fractions of spring rape seeds sown in the Northern Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine affected the indices of germinating energy and laboratory germination, crop density formation, leaf surface area and intensity of photosynthesis process (crop photosynthetic potential, net photosynthesis performance). The highest indices of productivity and yield in the ‘Magnat’ variety was ensured by large-seeded fraction (3,6 g and more), in the ‘MVM’ (‘Gladia­tor’) sample variety – by small-seeded fraction (up to 2,5 g).

Purpose. Study of winter wheat varieties that were bred at the Institute of Irrigated Farming NAAS through ecological testing in Turkey. Test procedures both in Ukraine and Turkey meet the requirements of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Methods. Field, laboratory ones: structural analysis, quality analysis, statistical analysis. Results. The Exporter Unions Seed and Research Company (ITAS) during 2011–2013 tested winter wheat varie­ties bred at the Institute of Irrigates Farming (IIF) NAAS at four areas of the Central Plateau of Turkey comparing them with local varieties registered in this country. According to the results of these tests the Exporter Unions Seed and Research Company identified Kohana variety as candidate for the state registration in Turkey. Conclusions. The realisation of the innovative product in Ukraine and entitlement to use intellectual property due to licensing agreements is expected. The Institute of Irrigated Farming NAAS continues to create new varieties of winter wheat which can be transferred to other countries for testing for the purpose of introduction and further expansion.