The morphometric parameters of the internal structure of seeds in seven representatives of the common chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm.) were studied. The variability of the linear dimensions of the seed, endosperm and embryo, the values of the indices IZ/E, IZ/S and IE/S are shown. The analysis of correlation connections between them is given. The studies were carried out at VNIIO, a branch of the FGBNU FSVC. Seeds of the variety Aromatny (standard) had a length of 7.12±0.146 mm. Significantly smaller seeds had two accessions, variety Ogorodnik (6.56±0.158 mm) and No. 21, which is 8.0 and 27.0% less than standard. Seeds of a significantly larger size, including No. 24 and No. 22, respectively, by 3.0-18.0% higher than control. The endosperm length of the standard was 5.20±0.121 mm. The smallest size of the endosperm was noted in sample No. 21, which is 7.1% less than the control. Three samples significantly exceeded the standard (by 7.5-16.5%) in terms of the length of the endosperm, including samples No. 20 and variety Ogorodnik. The length of the embryo in the Aromatny variety is 1.54±0.119 mm. Samples of variety Ogorodnik and No. 21 had an embryo significantly less than the standard by 14.3 and 10.4%. Significantly larger embryos were found in samples No. 24 and No. 22, which is 17.5-44.2% higher than control. The coefficient of variation (V, %) for the parameter seed length varied from 9.17% to 12.3%, for the endosperm length from 8.35% to 14.6%, and for the embryo from 20.1 to 34.8%. The IZ/S index varied from 0.195 to 0.266. The IE/C index varied from 0.707 to 0.930. A close relationship (0.675-0.863) was noted between the length of the seed and the length of the endosperm, with downward deviations to a value of 0.265 in sample No. 21 and Dietichesky variety. The presented information on the example of chervil seeds indicates a significant variability of morphometric parameters. The data obtained can be used for an in-depth characterization of seed quality, substantiation of priming technology.

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.