Relevance. The production of onions and its preservation for the year-round provision of the population is an important strategic task. In March-May, there is often a shortage of onions due to high storage losses and incorrect determination of the optimal timing of implementation.Methods. Studies on the effect of fertilizers and plant growth regulators on the preservation of onion hybrids were conducted in 2014-2017 at the ARRIVG-branch of the FSVC. We tested 3 hybrids of onions grown in an annual culture on 6 variants of plant nutrition backgrounds. Harvesting of onions (turnips) was carried out manually, followed by drying in a greenhouse and laying for storage in a vegetable storehouse at a temperature of -1...0°C and a humidity of 80-90%.Results and discussion. The optimal duration of storage of new hybrids and the terms of sale of products when stored in cooling conditions for onions. Data on the shelf life and implementation of onion hybrids, depending on the nutrition background, are presented. Mathematical descriptions of the dependences of the total losses of 3 modern hybrids on the duration of storage and the influence of fertilizers and growth regulators are obtained, which is of great practical importance for the agricultural and industrial complex. Conclusions. A positive effect on the preservation of onions of treatments of vegetative plants with solutions of potassium nitrate (10 kg/ha), Zircon (0.25 l/ha) and Tenso Cocktail (0.7 kg/ha) against the background of N90P90K90 was revealed. The maximum yield of marketable products after 7 months of storage at -1...0℃ and 80-90% humidity in Bennito F1 was on the N90P90K90 + KNO3+ Zircon + Tenso Cocktail variant-89,6%, losses from diseases 2,8%; Poisk 012 F1 on the variant with the use of Zircon against the background of N90P90K90-52,1%, losses from diseases 31,2%; Pervenec F1 on the N90P90K90 + KNO3 variant- 91,4%, losses from diseases 1,4%. Pervenec F1 was distinguished by the best preservation during three-and seven-month storage. In general, the use of micro-fertilizers and a growth regulator had a positive effect on the preservation of onions.

Only administrative measures are not able to ensure the priority of existence for great number of biological species. There should be contribution of each population, regions in many countries and each person. Responsibility for nature and concern for future generation are our common duty. The forgotten culture of tree onion has revived as it has been shown in Italy and the work for preservation of its biodiversity is in progress, already showing fruitful results. The interesting cuisine recipes with tree onion are also presented in the article.

The N.I. Vavilov’s contribution into national and world’s science including plant systematic, plant genetics and breeding, plant immunity and introduction was described in the article. His scientific elaborations on distribution of plant species and varieties on the earth and in regions and centers of origin of cultivated plants, where they intensively formed themselves were given in the article. The scientific significance and practical use of plant genetic resources and ways for their mobilization were regarded in the paper. The further development of Vavilov’s ideas is a tribute of gratitude to rich heritage having been preserved for descendants.