Relevance and methodology. Lychnis coronaria is a perennial herbaceous plant with high decorative properties, with prolonged flowering in the second or third year of vegetation. The pubescent leaves form beautiful rosettes. The plant is undemanding to the growing conditions. The research material was the varietal population of Lychnis coronaria. The study was carried out in the open ground of the Moscow region (2014- 2021) on experimental plots of the flower crops sector of the FSBSI FSVC.Results. The most aligned form according to decorative features was identified – LC 1-21 with high seed productivity of inflorescences, decorative and winter hardiness. A variety testing and preliminary reproduction of a promising cultivar of Lychnis coronaria was carried out. This variety was transferred to the FSBI "State Export Commission" in 2021 under the name “Malinovy Rassvet”. Such signs as "plant height", "bush diameter", "number of ornamental shoots", "flower diameter" had a low or average variation value, which characterizes this sample as the most aligned. Thus, the cv. “Malinovy Rassvet” of Lychnis coronaria is recommended for cultivation and use for decorative purposes. The leaves and the bright color of the flowers provide a contrast to the perennial borders and flower beds. It looks good both in single and group plantings, as well as in cutting. It is grown as a short-lived perennial. The main advantages of the variety are the color fastness of flowers when burned out in the sun, resistance to diseases and pests, high seed productivity.

Relevance. Abiotic stress, as heat, significantly affect plant and floral organs growth and development, fruit set, productivity, the quality, and survival of crops. Heat injury occurs when plants are exposed to these temperatures for a long period of time. Depending on the intensity and duration of exposure to the high temperatures, photosynthesis, respiration, membrane integrity, water relations and the hormone balance of the plants may affected.Material and methods. In this study used the commercial pepper cultivar “NW Bigarim” (HT37) released in South Korea and accessions “Kobra” (HT1) and “Samchukjaere” (HT7) selected as heat tolerant and susceptible, respectively. Total chlorophyll index and photosynthetic activities measured using a SPAD meter (Konica, Japan) and portable photosynthesis measurement system (LI-6400, LI-COR Bioscience, Lincoln, NE, USA), respectively.Results. To evaluate the positive effects of high temperature regime (40/28°C day/night, 14/10-h light/dark cycle) on the response of photosynthetic parameters in pepper plants with different heat susceptibility, we measured the total chlorophyll content (CHL) and photosynthetic activities such as photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance to H2O (Gs) and transpiration rate (Tr) in a heat-tolerant (HT1) and -susceptible cultivars (HT7) in comparison with released cultivar (HT37) at fruit development stage. Heat-tolerant cultivars showed higher and more stable index of the CHL, Pn, Gs and Tr than those in heat-sensitive cultivars for 14 days of heat treatment (HT) period. However, the initial index of Pn, Gs and Tr showed significant alteration among pepper plants regardless of thermotolerance rate before HT on day 0 and day 7 after recovery at normal treatment condition (NT) except for CHL, meaning that plants response to high temperature regime is different from that in normal condition. These results suggest that constant high rates of Pn, Gs and Tr as well as of CHL in heat stress condition periods confer to avoid from heat injury during reproductive growth stages.

Relevance. In terms of the richness of colors, shapes and sizes of inflorescences and relative unpretentiousness during cultivation, as well as the duration of flowering of a dahlia, the cultural has no equal. Basically, this flower crop is grown in the open field and used for landscaping areas. Dahlias, due to their decorative properties, are a promising crop for cutting. But the growth in the volume of industrial cultivation of cut dahlias has long been constrained by two negative factors - the low life expectancy of cut flowers, and the fact that not all varieties of cultivated dahlias are suitable for cultivation in greenhouses. Therefore, the search for varieties that meet the aforementioned properties is an especially urgent task.Material and methods. The material for the study was 10 varieties of Dahlia × cultorum Dutch selection. They belong to different groups of dahlias – spherical: Souvenir d'Eté, The Voice, Jowey Winnie; decorative – Orion, Café au Lait, Fleurel, Karma Choc and pompom dahlias: Little William, Cornel Bronze, Petra's Wedding, All tubers were planted in phytotron beds. Phenological observations of plants were carried out according to the Methodology of State Variety Testing of Ornamental Crops. During the growing season, the following indicators were determined: the onset of phenological phases of development, the dynamics of plant growth, the number and size of inflorescences, the length of the peduncle, the duration of flowering.Results. It was found that all the studied varieties of cultural dahlias have a high decorative effect and are suitable for growing for cutting in greenhouse conditions. Growing plants in a phytotron allows you to get a high-quality cut almost two months ahead of time, as well as have a longer and more abundant flowering. It was found that the Café au Lait cultivar is not entirely suitable for cut cultivation in greenhouses or requires the development of cultivation technology that is individual for this cultivar. It was found that the Fleurel variety surpasses other studied varieties in terms of decorativeness, inflorescence size, peduncle length, onset time and flowering duration. A significant disadvantage of the variety is its high growth and fragility of the peduncles. The most popular cut varieties were Fleurel, Petra's Wedding, Jowey Winnie and Little William. It was found that the studied varieties of cultural dahlias were distinguished not only by high decorativeness, but also by high durability in a vase from 5 to 7 days.

The varieties and hybrids of cucumbers cultivated in the Astrakhan region are insufficiently productive and are largely affected by a number of diseases. The introduction of innovative developments into production, in particular, new varieties and hybrids of domestic selection, largely solves the problem of import substitution and food security. The goal is to use promising breeding lines and their offspring as genetic sources and donors when creating new varieties and hybrids for open field conditions in southern Russia.Methods. Experiments were carried out in the fields of Precaspian agrarian federal scientific center of the Russian academy of sciences, according to the methods used in the Astrakhan region. Within three years, 47 collection samples were tested.Results. The article presents the results of studying the 12 most promising ones, distinguished by a complex of valuable economic traits, in particular by yield, amicability of fruit setting, which are of interest for further breeding work. According to the results of the data obtained, we can say that the best were the lines: 13-88RZ, 13-101RZ, Gherkins, KRASTAVAC, Courage, Zina, they can be used to create new varieties and hybrids of cucumber as donors of a predominantly female type of flowering, harmonious yield.

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. The presented studies are aimed at obtaining new forms of tomato with a complex of genes for resistance to fungal diseases in combination with a standard type of bush and dark coloring of fruits based on marker-mediated selection.Methodology. The biological objects of the study are varieties and hybrid forms of tomato from the collection of the Michurinsky SAU. Molecular genetic analysis was performed using the following methods. DNA extraction was carried out from young leaves using a kit for isolation of NC Sample NC manufactured by Agrodiagnostika LLC according to the manufacturer's protocol. Fermentas production kits were used for PCR. Identification of the cladosporosis resistance gene was Cf-19 performed using the DNA marker R7. The presence of a fusarious wilting resistance gene was determined by a I-2/5 marker. The amplification results were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis.Results. During the research, a collection of varieties and hybrid forms of tomato of the Michurinsky GAU was analyzed in order to identify genes for resistance to cladosporiosis Cf-19 and fusarium wilt I-2. A total of 52 genotypes were analyzed. It was found that most samples (41 samples) are characterized by a heterozygous state of the Cf-19 gene. All indeterminant and semi-determinant forms had both alleles. Of the 23 determinant forms presented in the collection, 10 had only one allele corresponding to recessive homozygote. Among all analyzed tomato genotypes, no dominant homozygous forms were noted. The study of the collection revealed several alleles of the I-2 gene. In total, four fragments corresponding to various alleles were amplified. A total of 50 resistant genotypes have been identified in the collection. Two alleys of the I-2 gene (633/693 bp) were identified in 42 tomato samples. Four varieties are homozygous in one allele (633 bp), which determines resistance. Three varieties have a second resistance allele (566 bp). One genotype has only an allele defining susceptibility (693 bp). On the basis of molecular analysis, as well as an assessment of the type of bush and fetal color, initial forms were selected with subsequent hybridization. 67 hybrid tomato plants were obtained. Evaluation of the presence of resistance genes showed that most of the resulting hybrids are resistant to cladosporiosis and fuzariosis. This is due to the presence of dominant alleles of Cf-19 and I-2 genes in a heterozygous state. Among the resulting hybrids, plants with a bark type of bush were identified. A total of 13 such plants were obtained.Conclusion. Thus, the work carried out allowed to obtain hybrid forms of tomato combine the signs of resistance to two pathogens of fungal diseases and the stem type of the bush. These forms are planned to be used in further selection work.

The tomato culture is the leader in terms of cultivation area and production volume among food products of plant origin. Fruits contain a variety of minerals, sugars, fats, vitamins.The goal of the study and study of economic characteristics: yield, marketability, average weight of fruits, weight of 1000 pieces. seeds and seed productivity of tomato varieties of two varieties, created by Astrakhan breeders and the use of the results obtained in planning seed production and the development of sale and purchase prices for varietal seeds to provide large farms, summer residents and owners of private farms with domestic seeds for the purpose of import substitution and suitable for various uses.Methods. The experiments were carried out in the fields of Precaspian agrarian federal scientific center of the Russian academy of sciences according to well-known methods. Studied 9 salad and 7 for mechanized harvesting varieties of tomato.Results. The article presents the results of studying the economic qualities and seed productivity of tomato varieties of two types, differing in shape, size, weight, fruit color and directions of use. The first group includes large-fruited salad varieties with non-cracking fruits, which are well stored and transported in brown maturity with an average fruit weight of 100-200 g or more. The second group – with plumshaped and elongated fruits, the average weight of which is 75-100 g, very dense, characterized by suitability for long-term transportation, and in terms of strength they are not inferior to foreign varieties and hybrids. The shape and weight of fruits of varieties of both groups are different, the yield and marketability of varieties is quite high, but the weight of 1000 seeds and seed productivity does not depend on these indicators, but is individual for each variety.

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. The south of Russia occupies about 45% of the country's vegetable area and produces annually more than 5.7 million tons of vegetables or 48.9% of gross vegetable harvest in the country. The analysis of the state of open-ground vegetable growing in the south of Russia is given, taking into account the dynamics of acreage, yield, and gross harvest. The article presents a forecast of the development of openground vegetable growing in the south of Russia in the medium term, taking into account the organizational and legal changes in the industry.Materials and results. The purpose of the research. Analysis of the state of open-ground vegetable growing in the south of Russia and identification of factors hindering the further development of the industry. The role of innovations introduced into production, variety exchange and variety renewal in increasing the gross yield of vegetables are shown. The reasons of the shortfall in productivity in 10 of 15 subjects of districts below the level of the average district values are given. The article highlights the reasoned judgments about the need to enlarge vegetable farms, expand the range of vegetable crops grown, as well as the need for a widespread transition to organic vegetable growing. The paper uses the official materials of the Federal State Statistics Service (FSSS), reports of agricultural departments of the subjects of two districts, the analysis of which was carried out by the author and comments on them were made.

Relevance and methods. We studied the influence of LED lighting of different spectral composition on the content of photosynthetic pigments in tomato leaves to identify the most optimal lighting option suitable for obtaining high-quality seedlings under controlled conditions. We used LED lamps in which the ratio of the photon flux density (PFD) of the orange-red band (607–694 nm) to the PFD of the blue band (400–495 nm) varied from 1 to 20. In this case, the proportion of the PFD in the range 580-607 nm ( yellow) ranged from 13 to 22%, and the fraction of photons in the range 495–580 nm (green) ranged from 18 to 38%. The research was carried out with two varieties of Belarusian tomato varieties, which differed in a number of morphobiological characteristics.Results. It was found that the use of LED lighting of different spectral composition had mainly an inhibitory effect on the biosynthesis of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the leaf tissue of plants. The decrease in the amount of pigments, in comparison with the control variant, reached 47-57%. It was revealed that under all studied lighting options, with the exception of conditions where the spectral ratio R / B ("red/blue") was 0.8, the value of the total inhibitory effect in the Cherry Coral variety was 1.2-1.7 times lower than that of the Zorka variety, which indicated a significantly lower susceptibility of the pigment fund of the former to LED lighting. The smallest inhibitory effect of the latter on the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments in both tomato varieties was established at a photon flux of 69.1 μmol/s, while the greatest, exceeding it by 3.0-3.1 times in the Zorka variety and 4.5-5.3 times for the Cherry Coral variety with a photon flux of 73.9 μmol/s.