Relevance. One of the most important tasks of agricultural production is to provide the population of the regions with vegetables at the expense of local production. Despite the social significance of the vegetable growing industry, its development in the Central Ciscaucasia at the present stage allows only half to meet the demand of the population. For the Chechen Republic, where the area of arable land is limited, the daikon (Raphanus sativus L. subsp. acanthiformis (Blanch.) Stankev.) Has a certain perspective, especially for cultivation in the summer-autumn period, after early harvesting of vegetables and field crops.Results. Under the conditions of the Chechen Republic, the maximum yield of root crops (29.0 t/ha) and marketability of 65% of the early maturing variety Sasha was obtained with a sowing time of 31.07 and a scheme of 35x10 cm. The highest yield of root crops of varieties Dubinushka, Dragon, Favorit was formed at a sowing time of 17.07 (58.1, 62.3 and 57.3 t/ha, respectively), and variety Moskovsky Bogatyr – at a sowing time of 3.07 (72.3 t/ha) at sowing scheme 70x10 cm.

Relevance. A mathematical model of the distribution of the leaf area of a cucumber plant has been developed. On this basis, it is possible to determine the area of the leaf surface of the plant without removing them from the plants. By measuring the minimum number of parameters: the length and width of the largest leaf and the number of leaves on the plant.Methods. We determined the area by two methods: using scales and by scanning the leaves in black-and-white image mode. We present here a step-by-step instruction on determining the area of the sheet in both cases: by weighing and by using graphic editor (program) for his scan file. The accuracy of determining the area is ± 2%.Results. We have developed and practically tested a system for mass determination of the area of cucumber leaves. It includes the development of a mathematical model of the distribution of leaf area by plants at the time of accounting. For practical use of the obtained formulas, it is enough to measure only three parameters on each plant: the number of leaves, the length and width of the largest typical leaf. A typicality criterion based on the ratio of the length and width of the sheet was proposed. The model coincides with the actual plant area with a typical distribution of ±5%. This allows two people to account for up to 500 plants in one working day. The proportion of plants with a typical leaf area distribution ranges from 90% at the beginning of the growing season to 80-85% at its end. This allows relatively accurate calculation of the total area in agrotechnical experiments at minimal cost. The leaves of the plant do not receive any impact and continue to grow at the same time.Conclusion. The developed method allows taking into account the area on the same plants repeatedly, at different phases of ontogenesis and in different periods of vegetation.

Timeliness. The prerequisites for the cultivation of bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) in industrial plantations have led to an increased demand for high quality planting material obtained by clonal micropropagation (in vitro). Studies have been carried out on the of ex vitro growing completion of cranberry plants using different mineral fertilizers and types of light under greenhouse conditions.Methods. Ex vitro plants of a selected form of cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) obtained using the clonal micropropagation technique were the objects of research. Experimental adapted cranberry plants were planted in 0.5 L containers in 'Veltorf' peat substrate with an acidity of at least pH 3.5-4.0, to which mineral fertilizers were added according to the variants: APAVIVA N15P15K15(S10) 0.08 and 0.16 g/L, Sulfoammophos N16P20(S12) 0.072 and 0.144 g/L, N12P52 0.1 and 0.2 g/L, control without fertilizer. The plants were placed under different types of light: under LED phytolamps (UnionPowerStar – 40W-T) with a photoperiod of 16 hours and under natural light (without the use of additional lighting) under greenhouse conditions.Results. It was found that during of the ex vitro growing completion of bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) plants in containers, the advantage of LED phytolamps was revealed, when using them in all experimental variants on the 42nd day of growing the morphometric indicators of plant development were almost 2 times higher than in plants grown under natural light. The type of mineral fertilizers and type light significantly influenced the total length of shoots (82.9±13.74- 107.4±35.95 cm vs. 58.6±20.92 cm in control) and leaf surface area (41.1±6.46-54.1±4.67 cm2 vs. 22.9±9.63 cm2 ). Conclusion. The results we obtained contributed to a better representation of the ex vitro growing conditions of bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) plants using different types of lighting (phyto-lighting with a 16-hour photoperiod and natural light – without adding additional light) and the selection of optimal doses of mineral nutrition. The best, under LED lighting, were N16P20(S12) at a concentration of 0.072 g/L and N15P15K15(S10) at a concentration of 0.16 g/L.

The VIR potato doublet collection maintained at the Polar Experimental Station, includes more than 300 intervarietal hybrids created by the branch’s employees. The work on obtaining and evaluating intervarietal hybrids was carried out in the conditions of the Murmansk region from 1985 to 1999. The source material was the doublet world potato collection VIR. We selected samples: 21/8516 and 15/881. Hybrid 21/8516 was obtained by crossing medium–early and early varieties (Isna × Khibinsky early); 15/881 – by crossing medium-late and early varieties (Krostar N × Khibinsky early). The authors of hybrids 21/8516 (conditional name “Severyanin” and 15/881 (conditional name “Katerina”) are: G.D. Melnichuk, E.M. Vasilyeva, S.V. Abakshina, From 2000 to the present, work is underway to maintain and reproduce these samples. The samples differ in early maturity and yield (46,0 t/ha – from the “Severyanin”; 37,8 t/ha – from “Katerina”), large tubers (tuber weight 98-100 g from the hybrid “Katerina”), good taste, resistance to stressful environmental conditions, environmental plasticity. They can be used in addition to those grown in the Murmansk region. Candidate hybrids are recommended for cultivation in the Murmansk Region in addition to existing varieties. Currently, work is underway to transfer these hybrids to state testing and to enter them into the register of potato varieties.

Relevance. Tomato is one of the most beloved and popular vegetables among Primorye residents. But in the monsoon climate, the Far Eastern Primorye has the most intense infectious background in Russia. The yield losses of tomato fruits from alternariosis annually amount to 30% or more. Losses from late blight on the background of epiphytotics in years with wet and cold summers, as observed in 2019, depending on the stability of the variety, can reach from 17 to 100%. Despite the fact that the development and use of biological means of control has recently been a priority, it is still too early to abandon chemical protection measures. High efficiency and versatility of the correctly selected scheme of application of fungicides, short processing time – all this gives a quick and reliable result in protecting tomato crops and reducing the harmfulness of the complex of diseases.Methodology. The research was carried out in 2019-2021 at the Primorsky Vegetable Experimental Station (PVES) – a branch of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center in the monsoon climate of the coastal zone of Primorsky Krai. We studied the effect of chemical preparations Signum, Orvego and their tank mixture with igum + Orvego on the development of diseases, yield indicators and the structure of the tomato crop varieties Odyssey, and Fitilek. Agrotechnics of cultivation are generally accepted in Primorsky Krai for tomato culture.Results. Testing of chemical fungicides in the conditions of Primorsky Krai showed that the development of alternariasis, starting with the appearance of the first signs of damage in the first half of the growing season, effectively restrains the fungicide Signum, contributing to the preservation of the working leaf surface. It is advisable to use the tank mixture With igum + Orvego starting from the first or second decade of August, when a complex of phytopathogens develops on the leaf surface. The introduction of these two fungicides into the tank mixture leads to an increase in the biological and economic effectiveness of protective measures in the fight against alternariasis and late blight of tomatoes, compared with the standard fungicide Acrobat MC. Joint Signum Processing+Orvego, by reducing the intensity of disease development and the share of the non-commodity part of the crop, has a beneficial effect on the mass of commercial fruit and contributes to a more complete realization of the productive potential of Odyssey and Fitilek varieties.

The comparative test of experimental F1 tomato hybrids was conducted under conditions of two different types of low-volume technology (MPVI "Fitopiramida", technology of growing in mats with drip irrigation) in 2021. The conducted researches have shown that duration of interphase periods, level of yield and fruit quality depend on cultivation technology. According to the data obtained, in conditions of MPVI "Fitopiramida" all studied F1 tomato hybrids enter fruiting faster and provide higher yield compared to the technology of growing in mats, but are inferior in average fruit weight, soluble dry matter content and taste qualities. As perspective F1 tomato hybrids for "Fitopiramida" technology hybrids Ga62(2) and Ga21, submitted for registration to Gossortcommission, were identified. On low-volume technology in mats hybrid Ga27a showed the best result. A strong correlation was found between estimates of the signs "average fruit weight" (r = 0,93) and "soluble dry matter content" (r = 0,81). It is possible to conduct preliminary selections in conditions of low-volume technology in mats according to these signs. For the most reliable assessment and accurate selection of the most perspective tomato hybrids for "Fitopiramida" technology their testing on hydroponic installations is required.

Relevance. Potato varieties Eurasia and Onezhskiy were developed as a result of cooperation between the Murmansk State Agricultural Experiment Station – branch of the VIR and the Leningrad Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture "Belogorka" and were included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2014 (Onezhsky) and in 2017 (Eurasia). To determine the prospects for cultivation in the Kola North, the varieties were tested in the conditions of the Murmansk region.Materials and methods. The research was carried out on the experimental field of the Murmansk State Agricultural Experiment Station – branch of the VIR in 2018-2020. Potato varieties Eurasia and Onezhskiy were obtained from the Leningrad Research Institute of Agriculture "Belogorka". The plot in the experiment included 4 rows of 15 tubers in each row. The planting pattern is 70x35 cm. Repetition – four times. The location of the plots is systematic with the plots being shifted along tiers. Early maturity was assessed using one test coping on the 70th day after planting. The Elizabeth variety was used as a standard. The results were processed using the method of analysis of variance according to Dospekhov.Results. The research results showed that the Onezhsky variety is distinguished by high starchiness, non-darkening flesh and good taste, is resistant to pathogens: Synchytrium endobioticum (Schilbersky) Percival, Streptomyces scabies (Thaxter), Globodera rostochiensis (Wollenweber) Behrens, relatively resistant to Phytophthora infestans (Mont . De Bary), is weakly affected by Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV). The Onezhsky variety, on average, over three years of research exceeded the standard sample in terms of yield and plant productivity. The Eurasia variety has high starchy content, good taste, culinary type B, is resistant to pathogens: Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), Globodera rostochiensis (Wollenweber) Behrens, Synchytrium endobioticum (Schilbersky) Percival, moderately susceptible to Phytophthora infestans (Mont. De Bary). The Eurasia variety also exceeded the standard sample in terms of yield and plant productivity. Thus, the Onezhsky and Eurasia potato varieties are recommended for cultivation in the Kola North.

Relevance. The effectiveness of seed soaking before sowing in a solution of preparations of the epibrassinolide group for the protection and preservation of seedlings of gourds from temperature stresses, increasing the yield of fruits and seeds was studied.Methodology. The objects of research were preparations Epin Extra, Epin Plus, EcoFus, Ferovit, Zircon and Siliplant, which allow to overcome the effects of temperature stresses, increase immunity, and have a stimulating effect on seed germination and plant growth of vegetable crops.Results. In the course of the studies, it was found that preparations of the epibrassinolide group contribute to a significant preservation of seedlings of gourds with prolonged exposure to low temperatures. Soaking watermelon seeds of the Tersky early variety before sowing in a solution of drugs from the epibrassinolide group ensured the safety of seedlings from 24.2 to 35.3%, while in the control variant, the death of plants was 100%. Epin Extra had the greatest anti-stress effect on watermelon. Preparations on melon showed less efficiency in protecting seedlings, 21.1-27.3% of plants survived. The maximum number of seedlings remained when using Epin Plus. It should be noted that soaking seeds in solutions of preparations of the epibrassinolide group, to protect seedlings of gourds from damage by low temperatures, is an effective technological operation that makes it possible to smooth out the impact of the stress factor.

This review presents an analysis of the literature, which indicates the popularity of breeding methods in the fight against oomycete and fungal diseases of tomato: late blight (pathogen − Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary), fusarium wilt (pathogen − Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Sacc.) Snyder and Hansen), early blight or alternariosis (pathogens − representatives of the genus Alternaria), cladosporiosis (pathogen−Cladosporium fulvum Cook.). Theoretical and practical achievements, the latest developments in genetics, molecular biology, plant physiology, microbiology are considered. Special attention is paid to modern information about the diversity of tomato pathogens, their morphological, genetic, physiological features, including racial composition; the presence of pathogen resistance genes in the gene pool of the culture under study, their mapping and the possibility of introduction into the genome from other sources; about the developed markers of target genes and loci of quantitative traits; the degree of associations between a molecular marker and a target gene; about the features of inheritance of the studied trait, as well as the possibility of pyramiding R-genes and QTL in one genotype. To accelerate and improve the efficiency of tomato breeding for resistance to pathogens, these issues are of great importance. Their study will strengthen the integration of modern biotechnology with the traditional breeding process, which is carried out by classical methods.

Relevance and methodology. In order to determine the effect of increasing the proportion of far red light (different ratio of red and far red light) in the total spectrum of polychrome irradiation on the growth rates of sugar beet plants of the Smena hybrid, they were grown for 82 days under LED lighting under controlled climate conditions in a Synergotron digital device of the ISR 2.01 model with a twofold increase in the proportion of far red light compared to control.Results. An increase in the proportion of far red light led to an increase in the specific weight of leaves with a smaller area of leaves in the initial period of plant growth, higher values of the quantum yield of photosynthesis, the rate of electron transport, and a decrease in energy losses mainly to heat. The biometric indicators of plants changed depending on the period of ontogeny. In the initial period, the biomass of the aerial part prevailed, in the subsequent period, the biomass of root crops. In the experimental variant, the accumulation of biomass in the aerial parts of plants in the initial period of the experiment turned out to be less than in the control, and only at the end of the experiment was an excess of the total biomass in the experimental variant by 12.2%. There was an increase in the accumulation of root biomass compared to the control by 38.7%. The predominant part of the aboveground biomass of sugar beet was made up of leaf blades, the proportion of petioles was much less and practically did not depend on the composition of the light. At the end of the growing period, the dry matter content in root crops increased by 2.44% compared to the control, sugar content – by 0.65%. The data obtained can be used in the development of technology for artificial lighting of sugar beets when grown in closed agrobiotechnosystems in order to increase the yield and sugar content of root crops.