Features of development and reproduction of representatives of the Solanaceae family in the conditions of the Southern coast of the Crimea

Relevance. Taking into account the narrow range of vegetable plant species grown in Russia and the global trend of impoverishment of their biochemical composition, simultaneously with the globalization of crop production, it is necessary to search for plant species and forms that are characterized by a high content of functional food ingredients (FFI) in their composition, since a decrease in the consumption of important micro-and macroelements sharply increases the risk of dangerous diseases for humans.Objective. To study the features of growth and development of plants of the Solanaceae family in the collection of the Federal State Funded Institution of Science "NBG-NSC", characterized by a high content of biologically active substances and functional food ingredients (FFI), a short growing season and a neutral reaction to the length of the day.Materials and methods. Features of development, biomorphological indicators of plants were studied according to the method of introduction studies developed in the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens [4]. The antioxidant activity (AOA) was determined by the method [5] based on the redox reaction of substances of antioxidant action with potassium permanganate. The content of water-soluble minerals was determined using a TDS 3 conductometer on aqueous plant extracts. The content of phenolic compounds was determined by photometric method using the Folin-Chocalteu reagent [6]; ascorbic acid content - by iodometric titration [7], carotenoids content - by spectrophotometric method [8].Results. The revealed features of growth and development, biochemical composition of a new vegetable crop for the Russian Federation – nightshade caripense (tzimbalo) (Solanum caripense Dunal.), bladder herb (Physalis alkekengi L.), medicinal crops - nightshade laciniate (Solanum laciniatum Ait.), vitania hypnotic (synonyms winter cherry, Indian ginseng or physalis sunny-leaved) (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.), great morel (Atropa belladonna L.).Conclusions. The conducted research will allow expanding and replenishing the range of new crops with an increased content of biologically active substances and antioxidants.