Relevance. The Volgograd region has a number of factors necessary for the cultivation of melons and gourds. The development of new varieties and hybrids of watermelon should involve the development of varietal agricultural techniques that would allow realizing the genetic potential of the variety. Therefore, the development of new methods of cultivation technologies that allow obtaining guaranteed fruit yields without reducing the quality of table watermelon products in the dry-steppe Trans-Volga region is relevant and timely.Material and methodology. The object of research is a watermelon, cultivar Zemlyanin. New types of water-soluble fertilizers – B and Fe chelates, and the Vegetable Akvarin were studied, by using them for soaking seeds before sowing and processing plants during the growing season.Results. The use of chelates B and Fe in the technology of growing watermelon, as well as the Akvarin, is an effective method for obtaining guaranteed yields. The use of water-soluble fertilizers, with various methods of their use, provided an increase in the yield of watermelon by 1.6-8.3 t/ha, or by 6.9-35.9% in comparison with the control (option without treatments). The largest fruits were obtained in variants of chelate B and the Vegetable Akvarin (processing of plants) – 6.8 kg. Comparative analysis of the biochemical composition of the fruits showed that water-soluble chelated fertilizers do not have a negative effect on the accumulation of nitrates. Studies have revealed the positive effect of water-soluble micronutrient fertilizers on improving the quality of fruits, which was manifested in the growth of the content of vitamin C and sugars.

The article examines the results of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and the economy of the Russian Federation at the end of 2020. The quarantine measures introduced by the countries continue to negatively affect the economic situation in the world and the economies of individual countries. There is an acute shortage of seasonal workers in the agricultural sector of the countries of the world. The introduction of restrictions on the export of goods reduced the volume of imports. In Russia, the growth rate of imports from non-CIS countries has decreased. In January 2021, compared to January 2020, imports for food products and raw materials for their production decreased by 4.2%, and for vegetables – by 11.5%. According to the Federal Customs Service, the export of vegetables increased 3 times in terms of physical volumes and only 11% in terms of value. The growth in the physical volumes of export of products of the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation did not lead to a corresponding increase in revenue. The prices for vegetables imported into the country were 2.5-3.4 times higher than the prices for exported ones. Despite some difficulties, losses in this area due to the pandemic were minimal. The gross harvest of vegetables in the country as a whole amounted to 13.8 million tons, which is 1.7% below the level of 2019. At the same time, the gross harvest of vegetables in open ground decreased by 3.1%, vegetables in protected ground increased by 6.6%. Difficulties encountered in implementation. During the crisis period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for vegetables fell by 30%. Consumers, in an effort to improve their immunity, began to buy more environmentally friendly and healthy products, including vegetables. The demand for organic products has grown by 15-20%. To accelerate the economic recovery, it was necessary to take additional measures on the part of states to support producers and consumers, restore purchasing power and help businesses, expand access to credit resources, stimulate investment activity, and reduce the tax burden on businesses and the population. In Russia, financial support for the main measures of state policy in the field of the agro-industrial complex is carried out within the framework of the implementation of the State Program for the Development of Agriculture and the regulation of markets for agricultural products, raw materials and food.

Almost all species of Allium L. come from the main center of species diversity of Allium L., which extends from the Mediterranean basin to Central Asia and beyond. Allium species are rich sources of biologically active compounds such as flavonoids, organosulfur compounds and saponins with beneficial effects on human health. Allium's genetic resources in Russia are a potential source of genes for expanding the genetic base of crops. The purpose of the work was to collect information on the diversity of food Allium L., their natural habitat, information on the biochemical composition and biological activity, traditional methods of use in food by different peoples and the prospect of introducing them into the culture. The review focuses on the most characteristic facts and important modern scientific information about representatives of the Allium L. food industry, which may even acquire pharmacological significance in the future. The review included databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, SciFinder, WoS, RSCI, etc. Other online sources were used (Research Gate, National Center for Biotechnological Information (NCBI), Springer Nature Open Access, Wiley Online Library, etc.). The list of studied Allium species is presented according to the standards adopted in the International Plant Names Index (IPNI) or The Plant List. This study presents the natural habitat of edible onions, provides information on the biochemical composition and biological activity, traditional methods of food use by different peoples and the prospect of introducing them into the culture. For future activities in the field ofgenetic resources, serious efforts must be made to conserve Allium L., as part of the genus is at risk.

The aim of the research is to breed short climbing, early maturing, high-yielding varieties of squash in the natural and climatic zone of Uzbekistan.Methods. The samples of squash 0044SQ (Holland) and BT+KB-001 (Turkey) were taken from the gene pool of the Research Institute of Plant Industry (Uzbekistan) in 2012 for breeding work. In 2013, squash samples were studied in the nursery of the source material, where they were evaluated for biological and economically valuable traits. Individual selection of plants was carried out. In further breeding work (2014-2016 and 2018), the lines LZ-2513 and LH-1916 were distinguished.Results. The method of analytical breeding created short-climbing, early maturing, high-yielding of squash lines LZ-2513 and LH-1916. Line LZ-2513 has rounded fruits of light green color. The LH-1916 variety has elongated, dark green fruits. Competitive variety trials of new lines were conducted in 2019-2020. Unumdor variety zoned in the republic served as a standard. It was found that from sprouting to maturity of the fruit in the line LZ-2513 is 44 days, in the line LH-1916 – 45 days. High marketable yield was recorded for squash line LZ-2513 – 18.3 tons/ha (122% of the standard); in line LH-1916 marketable yield was 16.4 tons/ha (112.4% of the standard). This year we organized the primary seed production of squash lines LZ-2513 and LH-1916 for multiplication.Conclusion. Promising for cultivation in conditions of Uzbekistan squash line LZ-2513 Orbita (NAP 20200087) and line LH-1916 Viridi (NAP 20200088) were submitted to the Intellectual Property Agency under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan to be patented.

Relevance. The modern marrow seed market shows the prospect of creating F1 hybrids that have the maximum return on a high-quality crop. For their successful selection, parental forms with a complex of economically valuable traits and a high combinational ability are required. The most important role is played by the female zucchini maternal lines of flowering type, which allow for hybrid seed production with free pollination and obtain high quality F1 hybrid seeds.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out at of the Krymsk EBS VIR Branch (Russia, Krasnodar Region, Krymsk) in 2019-2021. Variety testing of lines and hybrids was carried out in the open field in the fields of selective crop rotation. The plot area was 5 m2, the experiment was repeated three times.Results. The general combinative ability of parental squash lines was studied, maternal forms with a positive GCA effect on early yield (F5 409-1, F5 409-2) and on total yield (F5 409-1) were identified. A preliminary variety testing of hybrid combinations was carried out in comparison with the standards F1 Belogor and F1 Pascal. The main economically valuable traits have been studied: early maturity, early and general yield, marketability, product attractiveness. F1 hybrids of zucchini were identified, obtained on the basis of maternal forms of the female type of flowering F5 409-1, F5 409-2 in terms of yield (early above 17,7 t/ha and total above 46,7 t/ha), and marketability, more than 83,2%.Conclusions. The high productivity of F1 zucchini hybrids obtained on the basis of maternal forms of the female flowering type F5 409-1, F5 409-2 proves the promising nature of their use in breeding. As a result of two years of study, a hybrid F1 (409-1×305) was isolated, with a complex of economically valuable traits: early yield 19,6 t/ha, total yield 52,6 t/ha, marketability 84,3%, attractive appearance of fruits.

The saving and investment pattern of different forms sample group was studied during 2014-16 and it was observed that large farm holders were able to save higher income than small farmers while lowest income group had negative savings. In respect of investment on different fixed assets, irrigation was on first priority, followed by purchase of milch animals, farms buildings and investment in land and its improvement. Investment on working capital amongst different cash inputs, hired human labourer accounted highest share (29.44 per cent), followed by manure & fertilizers (22.33 per cent), hired power tractor (16.96 per cent), irrigation (13.61 per cent) and seeds (13.50 per cent) to total cash inputs. Marginal farmers could not invest for nonfarm physical capital because of no savings with them. Small and large farmers groups invested in all the items in which it was highest in working capital (61.28 to 61.84 per cent), followed by investment in fixed capital (14.41 to 16.84 per cent), financial capital (12-14 per cent) and non-farm capital (7-12 per cent). The highest investment was made on working capital (69.02 per cent) by sample farmers. Current income was found to be the main source of finance in all income groups which accounted for 49.70 to 94.79 per cent share of the total investment followed by savings which shared for 40.10 to 49.12 per cent in total investment.

Relevance. To meet the needs of the population and commodity producers in the south of Russia in tomatoes, it is necessary to develop varieties and hybrids of various directions that have high productivity, increased fruit quality and resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases, that meet modern production technologies and market requirements, as well as have an acceptable price for seeds.Aim of study – creation of new maternal tomato lines with functional male sterility for open ground for various purposes (for fresh consumption, whole-fruit canning,), which will make it possible to create highly productive hybrids that meet the agro-climatic conditions of the south of Russia in the future.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in a breeding film greenhouse and in field conditions on the territory of the experimental plot of FSBSI "Federal Scientific Rice Centre" of the central soil-climatic zone of Krasnodar region. The object of research were mid-ripening tomato varieties included in the competitive testing, sterile tomato lines, new F1 hybrids based on FMS, collection and breeding material. The types of crosses used in the work: analyzing, saturating, top-crosses. To speed up the process of developing new sterile tomato lines in winter, artificial climate chambers were used.Results. As a result of the research, promising new functionally sterile lines of tomato were identified, differing in the length of the vegetation period, weight, color, fruit shape, biochemical parameters, with a number of useful economically valuable traits.

Relevance. Multilevel pipe vegetation installations (MVTU) “Fitopiramida” are designed for hydroponic cultivation of different agricultural crops including tomatoes.Methods. To create F1 tomato hybrids for this technology the assessment of phenological stages passing of tomato lines on “Fitopiramida” MVTU was carried out. 19 breeding lines including 9 cherry tomato lines, 10 large-fruited tomato lines of indeterminate and determinate growth types were tested. These lines were used in various hybridization schemes to obtain F1 tomato heterotic hybrids for “Fitopiramida”.Results. According to the results of the conducted researches in conditions of low-volume technology “Fitopiramida” duration of periods “germination – beginning of flowering” ("G-BF") and “germination – beginning of ripening” ("G-BR") is significantly reduced. In cherry group lines “G-BR” period is shorter by 17.7 days at average, in large-fruited lines by 23-27.3 days at average depending on growth type. The difference in ripening time is more expressed in largefruited lines; border-grown Kb 183 line began ripening 35 days later. Shorter growing season makes it possible to carry out largest number of crop rotations per year to obtain maximum yield per area unit (in full year use greenhouses). Similar results were obtained in the tests of tomato varieties and F1 hybrids on “Fitopiramida” MWTU in 2019-2020 in terms of phenological stages passing acceleration and earlier fruiting of hydroponic grown tomatoes.

Relevance. One of the most important stages in the selection of agricultural crops for heterosis is the determination of the combinational ability, in particular, the evaluation of the SCS constants of lines of promising hybrid combinations. Purpose: on the basis of the best hybrid combinations, create promising cucumber hybrids for open and protected ground, for various purposes, characterized by a complex of economically useful features, including high fruit yield. Objective: to evaluate the effects of true, hypothetical, competitive heterosis of hybrids and SCA line constants in the studied F1 hybrid combinations.Materials and methods.The research work was carried out in the Pridnestrovian Research Institute of Agriculture in 2014-2018 in greenhouses (spring-summer and summer rotations) and in open ground when growing in a spread and on a trellis. Much attention was paid to the degree and nature of the manifestation of heterosis in F1 hybrids, which were evaluated by early and total yield, the yield of standard fruits, the yield of gherkins and greens. The degree of manifestation of true, hypothetical and competitive heterosis of hybrids is established and the SCA constants in the studied F1 combinations are evaluated. The standards were the F1 Zubrenok hybrids of selection the Pridnestrovian Research Institute of Agriculture and Ajax of the Dutch selection. As testers, JL-6 and L.96 were used. In the studies, selection methods were used-pair and return crosses – backcrosses), self-pollination (incucht), selection (individual, group and mass).Results.With positive effects, all three types of heterosis (true, hypothetical and competitive) were observed in the spring-summer and summer rotations of film greenhouses and open ground when grown in a spread and on a trellis for most economically valuable traits in hybrid combinations 43x57 (seven traits); 71/55x41/86; 65x52 (six); 65x41/86, 65x96, 95x68 (five). High SCA constants were observed in film greenhouses (spring-summer and summer rotations) and in open ground (in the spread and on the trellis) lines in combinations 71/55x41/86 (early, general and standard fruit yield; gherkins yield fractions of 5.1-7.0 and 7.1-9.0 cm (+1.0; +0.9; +10.6; +1.2), (+1.8; +4.9; +39.8; +2.6), (+2.0; +4.4; +36.8; +2.6), (+1.1; +1.5; +12.9; +2.3); 65x52 (gherkins yield fractions of 5.1-7.0 cm) (+12.2; +7.2; +12.5; +7.0); 43x57 (yield of gherkins of the fraction 5.1-7.0 cm) (+1.0; +2.0; +6.7; +2.0).

Relevance. F1 hybrids breeding programs of onion are based on the use of nuclear cytoplasmic male sterility (NCMS). Breeding and seed production based on NCMS suggest a development of a female sterile maternal line, a maintainer line and a paternal component. The development of an isogenic pair of sterile line – maintainer line is one of the most labor-, time-consuming and intellectually-intensive stages of a breeding program, the implementation of which becomes more complicated with an increase in the number of traits / genes for which selection is carried out.Methods and results. This paper presents a genetic scheme for the development of a Downy mildewresistant (pathogen P. destructor) maintainer line of onion using marker-assisted selection (MAS). F2 populations were obtained from the cross of the female maintainer inbred line, Bn1- (13) (genotype – cytN msms pdpd) and male inbred line resistant to Downy mildew, No. 136 (genotype – cytT MsMs PdPd). DNA marker DMR1 were used for Downy mildew resistance gene Pd, jnurf13 – for maintainer gene ms and marker system 5`cob: orfA501 – for N, S and T cytoplasms. It was shown that the MAS application allow to develop a stable Downy mildew resistant maintainer line cytN msms PdPd in two generations.