Tanacetum balsamita L. is a perennial rhizomatous plant of the Asteraceae family. T. balsamita is cultivated as medicinal, aromatic plants and food plant. Extract of costmary exhibits hepatoprotective, antiseptic and anthelmintic properties. The herb of T. balsamita contains essential oils and phenolic compounds. This species included in the "Biocollection of medicinal and aromatic plants of open and protected ground", Botanical garden of the VILAR. The main aim was to study the composition of phenolic compounds in the leaves of T. balsamita with application of ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry. The object of the study was the leaves of T. balsamita. Samples were extracted with 1 ml of 80% aqueous acetone. An ultra-performance liquid chromatographic system with a photodiode detector and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used for analysis of phenolic compounds. The UV and MS data of phenolic compounds were used for their identification or tentative characterization with application of mass spectrometry databases and data published in the literature.Results. The results obtained showed the presence in the leaves of 17 phenolic compounds. Five compounds were identified as caffeoylquinic, feruloylquinic and three dicaffeolquinic acid isomers, and two compounds as ferulic acid hexoside isomers. The leaves of T. balsamita contained also five luteolin derivatives, two chrysoeriol derivatives, and spinacetin/axillarin. Four compounds were not identified.

Increase in green vegetables popularity in nutrition and medicine promotes investigations of new cultivar and hybrid biochemical parameters. Nutritional value and antioxidant status of three Rumex representatives: Rumex acetosa L. (Krupnolistny cv.), Rumex sanguineus L. (prospect genotype) and Rumex confertus Willd. were studied. Antioxidant defense parameters (total antioxidant activity, polyphenol and ascorbic acid content) decreased in accordance to: Rumex sanguineus L. > Rumes confertus Willd. > Rumex acetosa L. Thus the ascorbic acid content in bloody dock (R. sanguineus)  reached 129 mg/100 g which was 1.48 times higher than in Russian dock (R. confertus) and 3.17 times higher than in garden sorrel (R. acetosa). The total chlorophyll content was also the highest in bloody dock (17.74 mg/g d.w.) compared to 15.88 mg/g in R. confertus and 13.07 mg/g in R. acetosa leaves. The new R. sanguineus genotype was characterized by high decorative properties and demonstrated twice higher oxalic acid content compared to R. acetosa, Krupnolistny cv., and 1.5 times higher value than in R. confertus. High decorative and medicinal value of R. sanguineus was connected to a great extent with the intensive anthocyanin accumulation reaching 7.2% and high nitrate content. The results of the present study indicate high prospects of R. sanguineus genotype utilization in landscape design, food industry and medicine.

Relevance. The survival and reproductive rates of mini-tubers obtained from in vitro potato plantlets were observed to increase under greenhouse conditions. This increase was diagrammed based on the experimental data. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of various types of bio-soils on the multiplication factor of mini-potatoes in vitro at the stage of original seed production in protected ground conditions.Materials and methods. The research was conducted in FSBSI “Federal Scientific Center of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A.K. Chaiki” (Timiryazevsky settlement, Ussuriysk urban district, Primorsky kray) in 2021.In vitroplantlets of four potato varieties from different maturity groups were used as the research object: Meteor (early), Sante (medium early), Dachnyi (mid-season), and Smak (medium late). These potato varieties were admitted to use in the 12th (Far Eastern) region. The experiments were carried out in a 260 m2 greenhouse during spring and summer. Five variants of potting soil were studied. An agrochemical analysis of the soil mixtures was performed in the Laboratory of Agrochemical Analyses according to generally accepted methods. The reproductive rate of a variety was calculated from the number of survived plants in vials: the total reproductive rate and the reproductive rate of standard tubers (according to GOST 33996-2016). For this purpose, potato sizing squares and the visual method for the rejection of defective material were implemented.Results. Three out of five studied soil mixtures were determined to be effective for four potato varieties used in the experiments: a) 70% peat, 20% biocompost, and 10% vermiculite; b) 60% peat, 30% humus, and 10% sand; c) 60% peat, 20% humus, 10% humus from seaweeds, and 10% vermiculite.

Relevance. The main direction of breeding melon Bikovskaya cucurbits breeding experimental station – branch of the FSBSI FSVC is the creation of varieties with valuable economic characteristics, especially with resistance to bioand abiotic environmental factors. To meet the needs of commodity producers and the population, varieties are needed not only with high yields, but also attractive appearance, good taste qualities. Very important: the rich color of the bark background, the proportional shape of the fruit and the sweet juicy pulp.Materials and methods. The research was carried out in 2020–2022 at the Bikovskaya cucurbits breeding experimental station – branch of the FSBSI FSVC. The object of research is melon varieties created over the past five years. The Osen variety was used as a standard. The main method of selection work with melon is intervarietal hybridization followed by individual selection.Results. Melon varieties were evaluated according to valuable economic characteristics, 6 best varieties were identified in comparison with the standard. In terms of yield, 2 varieties were distinguished (16.3 t/ha and 17.3 t/ha); in terms of dry matter content, 2 varieties (19%); in terms of large-fruited 1 variety (6.0 kg); in terms of the bright color of the bark background, 1 sample (bright yellow).

Relevance. For a more complete realization of the biological potential inherent in the culture and directly in each variety, in the agrotechnology used, separate elements are used that contribute to more effective plant development. This should include the use of biological preparations that are not only able to stimulate and regulate the growth and development of plants, but are also safe for the environment. In this regard, the research results presented in this paper are relevant and timely.Materials and methods. In our study, we studied the effect of pre-sowing treatment of spring wheat seeds and its (processing) aftereffect on grain quality indicators and seed sowing properties. The early-ripening variety of spring soft wheat Iren was taken as an object of research. The subject of the study is biological preparations, their effect and aftereffect during pre–sowing seed treatment on the formation of grain and the quality of the seed material of the crop.Results. Studies have revealed differences in the intensity of the effect of presowing seed treatment with biological preparations and the aftereffect of treatment on the quality indicators of spring wheat grain. The aftereffect of the drugs increased the protein content in the grain. The maximum protein content in the experiment was obtained in variant 2 (the preparation was obtained by the method of VAG based on pine needles (HS 22)) – 17.0%.The gluten content in the grain in variants of experiments 2 and 3 was formed above 32%, which corresponds to the 1st class. The maximum gluten content in the grain was obtained in variant 2 (HS 22) – 41.8% in experiment 3 (aftereffect). The vitreous content of the grain in all variants of experiments 2 and 3 is higher than 60%, which makes it possible to classify the grain to the 1st class. A higher level of grain nature was obtained on variants with the aftereffect of drugs. Grain on the variants of experiment 3: control, 3 (LP 4), 8 (Cytohumate), 9 (Lignohumate) with grain in kind above 750 g should be attributed to the 1st class.

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. One of the priority areas of research at Heterosis Selection LLC is the creation of varieties and the development of regional agricultural technology for growing seed material of flower crops. The article represents the results of the study of intravarietal variability according to 7 structural features of marigolds (Tagetes patula L.) cv. Elena Prekrasnaya under the conditions of the Southern Urals. To develop a methodology of seed production of marigolds in the conditions of the Southern Urals, it is necessary to study a complex of morphological features and identify those that more fully contribute to the preservation and maintenance of the variety.Results. As a result of the study of intravarietal variability, it was found that the most stable traits of the variety of marigolds cv. Elena Prekrasnaya are the height of the plant, the diameter of the inflorescence, and the number of seeds in the inflorescence. Efficient selection when obtaining original seeds of marigolds cv. Elena Prekrasnaya will be when focusing on the signs of plant height and inflorescence diameter. In order to obtain high-quality seeds in the industrial seed production of marigold in the conditions of the Southern Urals, it should be kept in mind that in the period from August 20 to September 1, half of the potential seed yield ripens – 49.4%. The greatest uniformity of seed ripening (37.3% of the total yield) was noted on September 1. The harvesting of inflorescences during this period provided the production of seeds with high sowing qualities.

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. 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.

The work is devoted to the study of statistical parameters of the linear dimensions of the seed, endosperm and embryo, variability, correlations, and the manifestation of these traits in hybrid combinations. Morphometric parameters largely determine the quality of seeds. The presence of an underdeveloped embryo determines the duration of the period of heterotrophic development of the seedling, affects germination, energy, longevity, seed response to changes in germination conditions, and, ultimately, increases the interphase period from sowing to germination. The article shows the high variability of these parameters in numerous representatives of vegetable crops - representatives of the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family, analyzes the causes that cause them, and predicts the potential use of this variability in breeding programs. The object of research was the seeds of various varieties of carrots, parsley, parsnips, celery, dill. Measurement of the length of the seed and endosperm was carried out using a caliper. The length of the embryo was determined using a microscope and a video eyepiece at ×40 magnification using the Scope Photo program. The experiment was repeated four times, in each repetition at least 20 seeds. The values of the coefficient of variation in the length of the endosperm and seed varied from 9 to 19%, depending on the species and cultivar characteristics. The variability of the embryo reached 18-28%. between the size of the embryo on the one hand and the length of the endosperm (0.208-0.369) and seed (0.213-0.376) on the other, weak correlations were noted, indicating the independent inheritance of these parameters. The hereditary conditionality of the variability of the embryo, endosperm and seed of carrots (50.8-86.5%) and parsnips (49.6-58.9%) is shown, which characterizes the real possibility of their breeding improvement. In the process of studying distant hybrids of carrots (the parental forms of which differed sharply in morphometric parameters of seeds), it was found that F1 hybrids for these traits predominantly showed positive overdominance (38.1%) and dominance (16.7%). According to the complex of relative parameters (indices), negative overdominance (23.8%) and dominance (4.8%) were more often noted. The results of many years of research indicate that the morphometric parameters (length of the seed, endosperm, embryo) and their ratios (indices) of seeds, like any other biological traits, are genetically determined and depend on species and cultivar characteristics. A comparison of wild-growing and varietal samples of carrots indicates that in the process of cultivation, the size of the embryo underwent significant upward changes, even in the absence of targeted selection. Therefore, when applying artificial selection in this direction, one can expect more significant results.