Cucumber is the one of the leading vegetable crops grown in the open and protected ground of the Russian Federation. However, in recent years the production area of this crop decreased because of a number of reasons, one of which is the loss of cucumber crops from diseases. The most economical and environmentally safe method of cucumber protection from diseases is the development and utilization of resistant varieties. By selection on artificial and natural infective zones in VNIISSOK a new variety of cucumber Vodopad and parthenocarpic hybrid F1 Krasotka have been developed.

The studies found that in the crosses of S. melongena with wild species, used as a male and female component, the interspecific hybrids have the traits of the generative organs of wild species: the shape and flower size, color, shape and fruit size.

MOVIR presented the main achievements in the field of theoretical and applied researches in the 50-year period of formation and development of the institute. The contribution of scientific staff in the maintenance, preservation and study of the collection of the world's plant genetic resources of N.I. Vavilov has been shown.

There was a scientific practical conference with scientific methodological commission in breeding and seed production of onion crops «Current trends in vegetable breeding and seed production. Traditions and perspectives» took place in August, 9 2012 according to III-d International Scientific Research Conference (August 08 - 09th 2012).

On the 12th October of 2012 Vyacheslav Alekseevich Ludilov is celebrating his 75-th Birthday and 55 years of his scientific and pedagogical activity. Professor Ludilov is one of the well-known scientists in field of breeding and vegetable growing. He is Honoured Science Worker of Russian Federation. V.A. Ludilov is head of the Department of seed studies and production of the All-Russian Research Institute of Vegetable Growing of RAAS.

The conveyor of production of canning green pea varieties of VNIISSOK breeding is represented.

On May 21 - 24, 2012 the 6th International Symposium on Edible Alliaceae was held at Japan (Fukuoka). The symposium was devoted to innovation in agriculture and food science for edible Alliaceae crops. The symposium provided a leading opportunity for scientists, growers and market players from around the world to discuss and share information on genetics and breeding, cultivation, quality control and so on in bulb onion, garlic, and bunching onion.

The black mold of several varieties of onion was found in our zone of cultivation. The causative agent was identified as Aspergillus niger Tieghem 1867. The degree of damage by this disease grades and depends on temperature optimal for growth and sporulation of fungi.

The technological procedure requirements for cultivation, mechanized harvest, storage and processing of cucumber are determined.

The possibility of application of radiography in production and study of vegetable seeds and its advantages (rapid test method, multipurpose application etc.) are described in the article