Purpose. To determine the level of productivity of sunflower hybrids, their stability and plasticity for cultivation in the Left Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. The field experiment was performed in the conditions of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine in 2016–2018. The peculiarities of plant growth and development, formation of yield of hybrids ‘Ukrainskyi F1’ (k), ‘P64LL125’, ‘P63LE10’, ‘P64F50’, ‘P64F66’, ‘P63LL06’, ‘NK Konti’ (k), ‘NK Brio’, ‘P64LE99’, ‘Laskala’, ‘Kupava’. Yield plasticity was calculated and analyzed by the Ebergard – Russell method. Results. Over the years of research, the average yield of sunflower hybrids in the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine varied from 2.71 to 4.04 t/ha. The lowest yield was shown by the ‘Ukrainskyi F1’ hybrid – 2.42–3.05 t/ha, the highest ‘Laskala’ – 3.79–4.26 t/ha. It was determined that in the conditions of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe, there is no absolute predominance of medium-ripe hybrids in terms of yield. Conclusions. According to the results of the analysis of yield plasticity of sunflower hybrids, it was determined that the group of samples with high yield plasticity includes ‘Ukrainskyi F1’, ‘P64F50’, ‘P64F66’, ‘NK Konti’, ‘NK Brio’, ‘P64LE99’, ‘Lascala’ and ‘Kupava’. They respond to the improvement of the level of agricultural technology and provide the maximum yield only under the conditions of optimal factors. Hybrids ‘P64LL125’, ‘P63LE10’ and ‘P63LL06’ are more stable in response to changes in growing conditions without reductions in yield. As for the shares of the influence of the studied factors, the yield of the hybrid ‘Ukrainskyi F1’ was most influenced by the conditions of the year, ‘NK Brio’ – the sowing rate. For the ‘NK Ferti’ hybrid, the conditions of the year and the sowing rate are equally important.

Purpose. To study the features of the productivity formation of broccoli hybrids depending on the methods of application of “5 element” nanofertilizer in the conditions of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Field, laboratory, statistical. Results. With the introduction of “5 element” nanofertilizer, the head diameter of the ‘Batavia F1’ hybrid increased from 16.6 (var. 2) to 18.3 cm (var. 8), while in the control this indicator was 15.9 cm. The biggest head diameter in the hybrid ‘Orantes F1’ 18.9 and 18.7 cm was noted with foliar feeding with “5 element” nanofertilizer in the phase of 4–6 leaves + beginning of head formation + 10–12 days after the beginning of head formation and in the phase of the beginning of head formation + 10–12 days after the beginning of head formation. Accordingly, in the aforementioned variants, the head mass was 901 and 863 g, which is higher than the control (without treatment) by 166 and 128 g, or 22.3 and 17.4%.The highest yield of the ‘Batavia F1’ hybrid was obtained in 8 and 7 variants of the experiment – 33.5 and 31.9 t/ha, respectively, the yield increase was 5.2 and 3.6 t/ha, or 18.4 and 12.7%. In the hybrid ‘Orantes F1’ the highest yield (37.1 t/ha) was recorded when applying the “5 element” nanofertilizer in the 8th variant of the experiment, which is 6.6 t/ha higher than the control, or 21.6%. Compared to the ‘Batavia F1’ hybrid, the yield in this variant of the ‘Orantes F1’ hybrid was 3.6 t/ha, or 9.7%. The diameter and weight of the head, as well as the yield of the hybrid ‘Orantes F1’ were larger compared to the hybrid ‘Batavia F1’, due to its biological characteristics. A strong correlation (r = 0.97 and 0.96) was revealed between the yield and the diameter of the broccoli head in the ‘Batavia F1’ and ‘Orantes F1’ hybrids. The quality indicators of broccoli (dry matter, sum of sugars and vitamin C) in the ‘Orantes F1’ hybrid were higher compared to the ‘Batavia F1’ hybrid. A tendency towards a decrease in the concentration of nitrates in the heads of broccoli with an increase in the number of treatments with nanofertilizer “5 element” was revealed. The concentration of nitrates in the ‘Orantes F1’ hybrid was lower in all variants of the experiment in comparison with the ‘Batavia F1’ hybrid. The concentration of nitrates in the heads of broccoli in all variants of the experiment did not exceed TLV (400 mg/kg wet weight). Conclusions. With an increase in the number of foliar treatments with “5 element” nanofertilizer, the yield increased and the quality of broccoli hybrids improved. It was revealed that the yield of the ‘Orantes F1’ hybrid in all variants of the experiment was higher in comparison with the ‘Batavia F1’ hybrid. When applying nanofertilizer “5 element” in three stages – foliar feeding in the phase of 4–6 leaves + beginning of head formation + 10–12 days after the beginning of head formation – we got the highest yield of broccoli in the hybrid ‘Orantes F1’ – 37.1 t/ha, an increase over the control variant (without fertilizers) was 6.6 t/ha, or 21.6%. The ‘Batavia F1’ hybrid had a yield of 33.5 t/ha, an increase over the control variant – 5.2 t/ha, or 18.4%.

Purpose. Develop a simplified method for estimating the color of flour and pasta using Adobe Photo Shop® software. Methods. The research material was grain of varieties and selection lines of wheat species Triticum durum, T. dicoccum, T. timopheevii bred in the Рlant Production Institute nd. a. V. Ya. Yuryev and samples of the National Center for Genetic Resources of Plants of Ukraine, 2018–2020 harvest. Batch of flour and pieces of dough were scanned using EPSON Scanner 010 F. Color was evaluated using Adobe PhotoShop®. The level of carotenoids was determined by spectrophotometric method. Results. Visual assessments of flour and pasta color, presented by different researchers, differ significantly (up to 2–3 points on a 9-point scale). At the same time, the use of the developed method of express color evaluation of flour and pasta samples in Adobe PhotoShop® with the color evaluation system L*a*b*, used in modern reflectometers, allows to obtain data in numerical value and provides high accuracy. In the case of the developed me­thod, correlations were established between the content of carotenoids and the index b* of flour (r = 0.41 / ≤ 0.05) and pasta (r = 0.60 / p ≤ 0.001) and allowed to select the best in flour color selection lines 10-56, 10-65, 14-153, sample T. durum var. falcatomelanopus, in pasta color – lines 10-56, 10-65, 11-29, 12-3. Conclusions. The developed method provides high accuracy and can be used to evaluate the color of pasta and wheat flour, simplifies the evaluation of test samples, standardizes the parameters of agricultural products and avoids subjective judgment. The established weak correlation between the carotenoid content and the b* value of flour indicates the effect on the color of flour not only orange but also yellow and red pigments, and the ave­rage correlation between the carotenoid content and the b* value of pasta indicates the influence of the products of polyphenols oxidation reactions of wheat grain. The best in color flour and pasta lines were selected for breeding work to increase the content of carotenoid pigments in grain.

Purpose. To reveal the peculiarities of leaf area formation and a structure of lentils variety ‘Antonina’ yield depending on the elements of cultivation technology: ino culation with nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and the use of foliar growth stimulants. Methods. Field, laboratory. The experimental scheme included inoculation of seeds with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms (Ryzogumin), application of phosphate-solubili zing microorganisms (Polimixobacteryn and Biophosphoryn) into the row zone, and foliar feeding with a growth stimulator (Alga 600). Results. The results of studies of the leaf area formation peculiarities and the structure of lentils yield depending on the influence of cultivation technology elements are given in the article. It was found that the maximum indicators of the leaf area were formed by lentils in the flowering phase, which on average in the experiment was at the level of 37.5 thousand m2/ha, and in the control variant – only 32.0 thousand m2/ha. By inoculating the seeds with Rhyzogumin, applying phosphate-solubilizing biopreparation and foliar feeding, we obtained the maximum parameters of the leaf surface of lentil plants in the experiment. Thus, in the variant of inoculation with Rhyzogumin, application of Biophosphoryn and treatment with Alga 600 lentil plants formed a leaf area of 40.3 thousand m2/ha. However, due to the use of the phosphate-solubilizing biopreparation Polimixobacteryn and Alga 600 on the background of seeds inoculation with Rhyzogumin, the leaf area was formed at the level of 39.9 thousand m2/ha. Conclusions. When the seeds were treated with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms (Rhyzogumin) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Polimixobacteryn and Biophosphoryn), the yield of lentils increased significantly. Thus, in the experimental plots in the variants with Ryzogumin + Polimixobacteryn the yield was – 1.64 t/ha, and in the combination Ryzogumin + Polimixobacteryn + growth stimulator Alga 600 the yield of lentils was – 1.90 t/ha. Seed inoculation had a positive effect on plant height. The best results were obtained when the seeds were treated with Ryzogumin in combination with Biophosphorin and Polimixobacteryn – 44.5 and 44.1 cm, respectively.

Purpose. Evaluate the introduced samples of soft winter wheat from the international nursery Common Bunt-Resistant Nursery (CBUNT-RES) of different ecological and geographical origin in the southern part of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine according to a set of productivity indicators in order to define the most valuable samples and describe them. Methods. During 2016–2019 on the base of Ustymivka Experimental Station for Plant Production of the V. Ya. Yuriev Plant Production Institute of NAAS the authors studied, evaluated and described 75 new soft winter wheat samples of various eco-geographical origins by productivity traits. In the field and laboratory conditions, indicators of yield and productivi­ty were determined: 1000 grains weight, plant height and ear length, the number of spikelets and grains in the ear, weight of ear and grain and early-ripening. Results. Plant material with increased parameters of economic and biological characters was identified. During studies, it was found that ‘F08347G8’, ‘F00628G34-1’ (Romania), ‘91-142A61/KATIA1//GRISET-4’, ‘SAULESKU#44/TR810200//GRISET-4’, ‘ATTILA/BABAX//PASTOR/4/…’ (IU067591) (Turkey), ‘INTENSIVNAYA//PBW343*2/TUKURU’, ‘SANZAR-8/KKTS’ (Mexico) were the high-yielding varieties. The samples of soft winter wheat as ‘F08347G8’, ‘F00628G34-1’ (Romania), ‘INTENSIVNAYA//PBW343*2/…’ (IU067637) (Mexico), ‘ATAY/GALVEZ87/6/TAST/…’ (IU067587), ‘DE9/MERCAN-2’, ‘KRASNODAR/FRTL/6…’ (IU067595), ‘SAULESKU#44/TR810200//GRISET-4’, ‘GANSU-1/3/AUSGS50AT34/…’ (IU067598), ‘ORKINOS-1*2/3/AUS…’ (IU067608), ‘KAMBARA1/ZANDER-17’ , ‘TAM200/KAUZ/4/CHAM6//…’ (IU067612) (Turkey) contained a large grain weight (more than 5.0 g), plant productivity in these samples was rather high due to increased amount of grains and the thousand kernel weight. Conclusions. The introduced soft winter wheat samples of various eco-geographical origins were adapted to the Southern Forest-Steppe and can be recommended as a source material in breeding to increasing productive capacity.

Purpose. To analyze the divergence of early maturing source material of corn Zea mays L. in heterosis breeding for the genetic base formation at the State Institution the Institute of Grain Crops of the NAAS of Ukraine. Methods. Field (comprehensive assessment of morphobiological and economically valuable characteristics of the source material and maize hybrids) individual selection, cumulative and recurrent selection, backross and testcrosses bree­ding methods; laboratory; analysis and synthesis; statistical. Results. The results of research on the analysis of the divergence of early maturing corn source material in the conditions of the Steppe of Ukraine has become a developed harmonized working collection of corn breeding samples adapted to the stressful conditions of this region. The gradual cyclical improvement of the lines made it possible to form the core of the genetic diversity of FAO 150–290 early maturing specimens of the southern ecotype, which are competitive in heterosis breeding. The complexity of breeding for early maturity in the steppe conditions is due to the lack of material adapted to the stress factors of the South of Ukraine. The available early maturing lines of the world collection F2, F7, Ер1, Ма21, Ма23, Со125, Со255, См7, PLS61, S72, etc., were distinguished by high cold resistance, good starting plant development, intensive accumulation of dry matter during ripening, but not adapted to the deficiency of moisture in the soil and high summer temperatures. According to the results of the experiment, it was revealed that, in terms of breeding, lines of Lancaster plasma (DK427 and DK633) were the most plastic, due to which a number of new mid-early lines were obtained, for example DK2/427, DK267, DK266/417, DK633/266, DK296, etc., which were included in the registered hybrids. Formation of the genetic base of early maturing maize source material for heterosis breeding and systematization accor­ding to different breeding characteristics provided a balance of samples of alternative components, which will be further used to model heterosis hybrids in the early maturing group. Conclusions. The updated basic collection of lines is represented by the samples of plasma Iodent: DK744SVZM, DK216SVZM, DK4173SVZM, DK235zS, DK257zM, SV, DK365SVZM, DK777ZMSV, DK733-7zM,SV, DK315SVZM; Lancaster: DK296zS,VM, DK633/266zS,VM, DK2965ZSZM, DK2953 ZSZM, DK3023 ZSZM, DK236zS,ZM; Raid (SSS): DK232MV, DK2323MV, DK239MV; Mixed: DK253ZSZM, DK273MV, DK272zS, DK281SV, DK233zM,SV, DK959MV, DK9527 ZSZM, DK247MV, DK2442MV, which is the basis of the genetic diversity of early ripening corn samples included in the State register of plant varie­ties suitable for dissemination in Ukraine.

Purpose. Identifying the features of the seasonal growth rhythm, development of the plants, morphological and biological differences in monoecious introduced and domestic varieties of Cannabis sativa L. in the North-east region of Ukraine. Methods. The research was conducted from 2014 till 2019. The following research methods were employed: field (phenological observations, sampling for laboratory analysis), microscopic (study of the morphological structure of glandular and cystolithic hairs on vegetative and generative organs, determination of the size and density of hair formation), laboratory and analytical (determination of the content of cannabinoid substances by thin layer and gas-liquid chromatography), biomorphological me­thods (analysis of morphological characteristics of plants). Chemical analysis for the content of cannabinoid substan­ces was carried out in the laboratory of the breeding and seed production department of the Institute of Bast Crops of the NAAS of Ukraine (Glukhiv, 2014–2019). The content of neutral substances [cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)] and acids (CBDA, THCA) was determined by using a thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) methods. For the study, 11 monoecious varieties of C. sativa: ‘YuSO 1’, ‘YuSO 31’, ‘Hliana’, ‘Viktoriia’, ‘Hlesiia’, ‘Hlukhivskyi 46’, ‘Hlukhivski 51’, ‘Zoloto­niski 15’ and 3 introduced varieties: ‘Fedora 17’, ‘Felina 32’, ‘Futura 77’ (France) which differed among themselves in morphological, biological, genetic, ecological-geographical and economically valuable characteristics were selected. Results. Biological and morphological characteristics of modern monoecious varieties of C. sativa were investigated depending on the ecological and geographical zones of origin, conditions of the growing season and the stage of ontogenesis. The functional interdependence between the formation of specialized excretory structures and the content of cannabinoid substances in plants of different varieties of C. sa­tiva  was revealed. The following promising varieties of C. sativa in a ration of ((THC + CBN) ≤ CBD) point the possibility to use them as the source material for creating the medicinal varie­ties of plants with a high content of CBD. Conclusions. Nowadays C. sativa is the main source of phyto material for industrial production of natural CBD. In recent years, high-yielding varieties of C. sativa have been created, which, together with high commercially valuable traits, did not contain psychoactive THC and had an insignificant amount of CBD. The results of the research indicated the features of the seasonal growth rhythm, development of the plants and the morphological and biological features of modern monoecious introduced and domestic varieties of C. sativa in the North-east region of Ukraine. The low correlation between the content of cannabinoid substances and their acids in varieties, which are cha­racterized by the low content of cannabinoid compounds was established. According to the developed own classification (THC + KBN): CBD, varieties with a predominant CBD content ‘Hlukhivskyi 46’, ‘Zolotoniski 15’, ‘Hliana’ which are of significant medicinal value were identified.

Мета. Визначити оптимальні строки відбору експлантів, підібрати стерилізуючі агенти та режими стерилізації, а також поживне середовище для введення в культуру in vitro нових перспективних сортів вишні (Prunus cerasus L.) та черешні (Prunus avium L.). Методи. У процесі роботи застосовано методику клонального мікророзмноження рослин і статистичні обробки експериментальних даних. Результати. Встановлено оптимальний строк відбору експлантів, тривалість експозиції при стерилізації, оптимальний склад поживного середовища на першому етапі мікроклонального розмноження. Для визначення оптимального режиму стерилізації та стерилізуючого препарату використовували 0,1% розчин хлориду ртуті та 3% розчин препарату «Лізоформін 3000» з експозицією стерилізації 5, 6 та 7 хвилин. Найбільший вихід стерильних експлантів як для вишні сорту ‘Ксенія’, так і для черешні сорту ‘Василиса прекрасна’ отримали при експозиції стерилізації 7 хв для обох стерилізуючих агентів. При використанні 0,1% розчину хлориду ртуті цей показник був вищий, ніж при стерилізації 3% розчином препарату «Лізоформін 3000» – 71 і 99% відповідно. Висновки. На ефективність стерилізації та  введення в культуру in vitro експлантів вишні ‘Ксенія’ і черешні ‘Василиса прекрасна’ впливали тривалість стерилізації, час відбору експлантів, фітосанітарний стан маточної рослини, склад поживного середовища. 0,1% розчин хлориду ртуті при експозиції 7 хв був найефективнішим при отриманні асептичної культури з експлантів, вилучених з донорних рослин у стані спокою при пророщуванні бруньок у контрольованих умовах. Використання препарату «Лізоформін 3000» в концентрації 3% впродовж 6–7 хв при стерилізації експлантів досліджуваних культур сприяло їхній кращій приживлюваності на середовищі. Оптимальним за складом поживним середовищем для культивування експлантів вишні ‘Ксенія’ було середовище з додаванням соку алое, а для черешні ‘Василиса прекрасна’ – MS + флороглюцинол. Найвищу ефективність стерилізації (99% у сорту ‘Василиса прекрасна’ та 71% у сорту ‘Ксенія’) отримали за використання 0,1% HgCl2  в експозиції 7 хв. При використанні препарату «Лізоформін 3000» за такої ж експозиції стерилізації цей показник становив 83 та 52% відповідно до культури. Виходячи з цього можна рекомендувати використовувати препарат «Лізоформін 3000» у 3% концентрації з експозицією 7 хв для стерилізації кісточкових культур

Purpose. To reveal features of formation of productivity of modern sugar beet hybrids of domestic selection. Methods. Field, laboratory. Results. Studies show that the lowest yields of sugar beets were obtained in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Moreover, the conditions of the unstable humidification zone of the Right-Bank part of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine were mainly characterized by unstable precipitation, a decrease in their amount, as well as increased average daily air temperatures. Therefore, the selection of high-yielding hybrids of sugar beets to obtain a high level of productivity is relevant. As evidenced by the data comparing the yield of sugar beet root crops on the test site, they significantly exceeded the average indicators for Kiev region by 10.7–20.0 t/ha, and only in arid 2016 the difference was minimal – 4.6 t/ha. The high stability of the trait “sugar content in root crops” is inherent not only in hybrids with low parameters of its manifestation, but is largely determined by the genetic characteristics of the hybrid. Three clusters were identified based on the reaction of hybrids to growing conditions. The first cluster included triploid hybrids: ‘Zluka’, ‘Oleksandriia, ‘Olzhych’, ‘Kvarta’ and ‘Konstanta’, the second one – the triploid hybrid ‘BTs ChS 57’ and diploid ‘Vesto’, the third cluster - the triploid hybrid ‘Sofiia’ and diploid ‘Ukrainskyi ChS 72’. Conclusions. Proper selection of high-yielding hybrids resistant to adverse growing conditions in the zone of unstable moisture of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine is extremely important, because the biological characteristics of hybrids affect 45% of the amount of sugar harvest, but the growing season by 33% and the interaction of factors was 17%. It was found that despite the difficult weather conditions, the highest yields were formed by hybrids: ‘Anichka’ – 70.1 t/ha, ‘Ramzes’ – 70.5 t/ha, ‘Romul’ – 73.0 t/ha and ‘BTs ChS 57’ – 73.4 t/ha. But the maximum sugar content in root crops was in hybrids: ‘Ukrainskyi ChS 72’ – 17.3%, ‘Zluka’ – 17.3% and ‘Sofiia’ – 17.7%. Accordingly, the maximum sugar harvest was provided by hybrids: ‘BTs ChS 57’ – 12.1 t/ha and ‘Romul’ – 12.2 t/ha.

Purpose. To study the expression of gus and gfp genes in callus explants of amphidiploid spelt wheat (Triticum spelta L.) after Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. Methods. Winter spelt wheat of ‘Europa’ variety was chosen for transformation. Calli obtained from mature embryos were used as explants. Callus pre-cultivation was carried out on MS nutrient medium (Murashige–Skoog) supplemented with 2 mg/L 2.4-D (2.4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and 10 mg/L silver nitrate. For genetic transformation, Agrobacterium tumefaciens Conn., strain GV3101 and a genetic construct with reporter genes beta-glucuronidase (GUS) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) were used. Calli were transformed by inoculation with agrobacteria and vacuum infiltration. Then they were co-cultured on MS medium with 2 mg/L 2.4-D and 10 mg/L AgNO3, but without antibiotics. The expression of the gus gene was checked by histochemical and the gfp gene by visual analysis (fluorescence of the GFP protein in UV light). Gfp and gus gene expression levels were evaluated using ImajeJ software. The integration of the gfp and gus genes into the spelt genome was verified by PCR. Results. Genetic transformation of spelt callus explants by inoculation in a nutrient medium with agrobacteria and vacuum infiltration occurred at different frequencies. The level of expression of the gus gene during vacuum infiltration was 4.66 ± 0.74%, with inoculation – 4.00 ± 0.91%; and the gfp gene with vacuum infiltration – 3.66 ± 0.74%, with inoculation – 4.66 ± 1.39%. The level of expression of the gfp gene was higher when using inoculation with agrobacteria, and the gus gene was higher during vacuum infiltration. Using PCR analysis, the integration of the gfp and gus genes into the callus of spelt genome was confirmed. The length of the PCR product with primers for the gus gene was 240 bp, and 717 bp for the gfp gene. Conclusions. The use of vacuum infiltration and inoculation methods for spelt genetic transformation gave different results. The frequency of genetic transformation ranged from 3.66 to 4.66%. Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of amphidiploid spelt wheat allows us to study the expression of gus and gfp reporter genes using callus explants derived from mature embryos