Relevance. Although there is notable success in breeding vegetable crops to obtain heterotic F1 hybrids, traditional selection methods have been gaining in popularity as a means of improving the economically important traits of local traditional varieties in Russia today. These varieties suffered the reduction in their valuable starting parameters (yield, the uniformity of marketable produce and biochemical composition) over the many years of reproduction. The Department of Potato Breeding and Horticulture (FSBSI “FSC of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A. K. Chaiki”) have been working on the creation of new squash variety-populations with large fruits using the variety-population Banannaya 42, bred by V. Ya. Smolei at the Far Eastern experimental station of the All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Plant Breeding in the 1940s, as the starting material. We carried out a multi-year research on the selection of promising families belonging to this variety to increase yield, improve the uniformity of fruits and the main biochemical parameters.   Results. The breeding work conducted on the families of variety-population 945 in 2011-2022 resulted in the improvement of some economically important traits (the uniformity of fruit shape, yield, and biochemical parameters) compared to the started form. The eleven years of research allowed us to achieve high uniformity of fruit shape in the selection of the ninth year (PIP 2) – 90.0-90.7 % (increased by 34.9-36.0 %). The yield increased from 28.4 t/ha to 38.2-45.3 t/ha or by 34.5-59.5 %. The following biochemical parameters were improved through selection: the content of dry mater from 8.5 to 12.9 % or by 51.8 % on average, the content of sugars from 6.1 to 9.1 or by 49.2 %, the content of carotene from 1.7 to 3.8 or by 123.5 %, and the content of vitamin C from 9.6 to 21.1 or by 119.8 %. We selected the families of the same type from variety-population 945 (variety-population Banata) with improved and uniform economically important traits for submission to the State variety testing. The yield was 38.2-45.3 t/ha, fruits were heart-shaped, skin was greyish green, pulp was orange, and the content of sugars was 9.0-13.2 %. Large-fruited variety population Banata was included in the State register of breeding achievements admitted to use in the Russian Federation in 2024.

Relevance. The selection for productivity and stability on different stages in the breeding process includes an assessment of the adaptive capacity and genotypes ecological stability. Therefore breeding for the resistance to abiotic environmental factors is closely connected with the adaptive breeding, which has received special attention in recent years.Methodology. The work was carried out at the “A.L. Mazlumov All-Russian Research Institute of Sugar Beet and Sugar” in 2011-2020. Male-sterile forms of sugar beet were crossed with fertile diploid multi-seeded pollinators (ARRISBS selections) by topcross method. The resulting hybrids were assessed for yield, sugar content and sugar collection according by standard methods used at the “A.L. Mazlumov ARRISBS”. It is carried out the annual work, including selection of the best and rejection of the worst options for the studied characteristics. An assessment was made of lines and hybrid combinations of sugar beet for the resistance to a complex of unfavorable natural and climatic factors based on the characteristics of yield, sugar content and seed productivity.Results. The results of improving selections over ten years show an increase in the weight of the root crop and the sugar content for the original single-seeded and multi-seeded materials. Single-seeded (MS-2113, MS-Perla) and multi-seeded (OP-15465, OP-15676, OP-15202) lines with high combining ability in terms of yield and sugar content of root crops were identified. An increase in the resulting parameter - sugar collection - was noted by 2020 (to 8,8-9,0 t/ha), illustrating the positive dynamics of the breeding process of sugar beet for plants of the first life year. An increase in the weight of 1000 seeds (to 13,4-13,9 g) and separate fruiting (to 98-99%) was shown during the breeding process for plants of the second life year.Conclusion. The studied hybrid combinations have a wide reaction rate to a complex of natural climatic factors: elevated temperatures in combination with high and low humidity.

Relevance. Garlic is one of the most popular agricultural crops characterized by high nutritional value and unique chemical composition providing significant beneficial effect on human health.Methods. The review summarizes the most significant publications on garlic biochemical composition, utilization in medicine, human nutrition and agriculture for a period from 1988 to 2024 with the predominant utilization of Scopus and WoS publications.Results. The diversity of garlic processing products (fresh, dry powder, ‘Green' garlic, Laba garlic, garlic essential oil macerate, ethanolic extract (‘aged garlic extract' AGE) and black garlic) provides the diversity of biochemical composition and the direction of biological effect. The possibility to utilize both garlic bulbs, leaves, stems and peel in medicine and agriculture (for yield and stress resistance improvement) are the most important factors for successful waste free production and wide utilization of garlic.

Relevance. An increase in the spread of bacteriosis on beetroot in the conditions of the Moscow region carries an epidemiological danger, which actualizes research on the development of a method-ology for evaluating table beet plants for resistance to bacteriosis in the early stages of ontogenesis. The aim of the research. To identify the nature of the relationship between the reaction of sporophyte and microgametophyte to infection with Pseudomonas syringae pv. aptata (Psa) bacterium of beet-root varieties with different resistance of root crops to bacteriosis.Materials and methods. Objects of research: beetroot plants of the Marusya and Krasny Barhat varietal populations, collection strain Psa 1-21. Using phytopathological methods and methods of gamete breeding, plant resistance was assessed in various variants of infection of sporophyte and gametophyte with suspension and culture filtrate of Psa.Results. The average volume of the affected area of the Psa root crops of the Marusya variety was 3.5 times greater than that of the Krasny Barhat variety (Vp = 53 mm3), which is characterized by alignment and absence of susceptible forms (Vp >300 mm3). The Marusya variety has a wide intrapopulation polymorphism in the stability of root crops and leaves, where most genotypes showed medium or high susceptibility to the pathogen. Both varieties showed an increase of 10-30% relative to the control of pollen viability at high (CFU 12*108 cl/ml) and low (CFU 2.4*108 cl/ml) concentrations of the pathogen. The positive effect of Psaon the growth of pollen tubes was noted: in the Marusya variety, as the concentration increased, the stimulating effect increased, in the Krasny Barhat variety, it gradually decreased. When adding a 2.5-fold diluted Psa culture filtrate, the susceptible Marusya variety showed an increase in pollen viability (by 3%), and the resistant Krasny Barhat variety showed a 24% decrease relative to the control. According to the growth rate of the pollen tube, the 4:6 dilution was also differentiating, where the average length of the tubes of the susceptible variety exceeded the control by 10%, and in the stable variety it was 18% lower than the control variant.Conclusion. An inverse relationship was revealed between the resistance of sporophyte to Psa and changes in the functional parameters of the microgametophyte of beetroot varieties Marusya and Krasny Barhat under the influence of a phytopathogen. The results obtained indicate the prospects for the development of a methodology for the selection of bacteriosis-resistant genotypes of beetroot by the reaction of microgametophyte.

Relevance. Improving zonal agricultural technologies for the cultivation and seed production of vegetable crops is due to the need to increase agroeconomic and technological efficiency, production profitability and competitiveness of domestic products in a market economy and Western sanctions in order to ensure the country's food security and import substitution.Methodology. Improving the elements of zonal agricultural technology for cultivating the new variety of sweet pepper Zarnitsa to increase the productivity and quality of seeds and reduce the costs of its seed production in a seedless culture through the use of micro fertilizers (Ultramag Boron) and plant growth regulators (Zircon R) is the goal of the ongoing research.The objective of the research is to study and evaluate the agroeconomic efficiency of using the Ultramag Bor micro fertilizer and the Zircon, P plant growth regulator and their impact on the dynamics of plant growth and development, ripening time, yield and quality of sweet pepper seeds in the experiment.The practical significance of the research lies in the possibility of widespread use in the real sector of the economy of plant growth regulators and micro fertilizers in non-seedling seed production of sweet pepper to improve productivity, quality and economic indicators of its cultivation in irrigated agriculture in the south of Russia.Results. It was found that sweet pepper plants grown without seedlings using micro fertilizers and plant growth regulators during the fruiting phase had advantages over the control: in plant height by 6.1; 12.2 and 14.5%, the number of side shoots by 20; 36 and 40%, leaf weight by 5.9; 14.2 and 17.5%, average fetal weight by 3.8; 11.7 and 13.5%. The highest yield of sweet pepper in the experiment (33.6 t/ha), which exceeded the control by 3.2 t/ha (10.5%), and the highest content of vitamin C in the fruits (164 mg%), which is 8 mg% higher than in the control were noted in the variant with the combined use of micro fertilizer and plant growth regulator. Sweet pepper seeds in all experimental variants met the standard requirements (germination rate - 93-96%, germination energy - 93-95%). The highest level of profitability (109.3%) was observed in the variant with the combined use of micro fertilizer and plant growth regulator, exceeding the control by

Relevance. Irrigation of agricultural crops plays a key role not only in increasing the yield of these crops, but also in preserving it, especially under stressful temperature conditions. One of the effective methods of water conservation during irrigation is drip irrigation. Drip irrigation technology allows you to accurately dose water, taking into account the needs of specific crops and maintaining an optimal level of soil moisture. It is important to note that this technology helps save water and reduce the risk of soil overmoistening. In addition to drip irrigation, there is also aerosol irrigation. This irrigation technology allows more efficient use of water resources and provides optimal conditions for the ground air layer for the growth and development of plants under stressful temperature conditions.Methods. The objectives of the study are to study the technologies and technical means of irrigation of a young cherry orchard to maintain optimal modes through the use of drip irrigation with aerosol irrigation in the Central part of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. During the research, two factors were analyzed: studying the impact of various irrigation methods and moistening volumes on the formation of trees of the Gostinets and Zhukovskaya varieties of sweet cherry.Results. The field experiment is conducted on the territory of «Kolomenskaya Yagoda» LLC in the Moscow Region. The conducted studies have shown that the selected irrigation method using a combined irrigation system on sod-podzolic soils in the central part of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia for growing a young cherry orchard of the Gostinets and Zhukovskaya cherry varieties meets the criteria of environmental safety and economic efficiency.Conclusion. From the point of view of profitability, it is most effective to grow a young cherry orchard by maintaining humidity in the root zone of the soil within 80-100% of the lowest moisture capacity and relative humidity of the ground air layer in the range of 55-70%.

Introduction. The relevance of the work is due to the need to find ways to preserve the nutrient composition of vitamins and other necessary raw materials to create finished food products that can diversify the diet of astronauts, taking into account their habitat.   Goal – Comparison of methods for dehydrating plant materials and creating finished food products with a certain degree of dehydration, recommended for feeding astronauts. These methods were used to produce so-called “frips” from fresh fruits and berries; this is a type of snack that is also widely used and developed in modern industry.   Objects and methods of research. The objects of the study were several types of fruits and berries of various varieties (minimum 2) during dehydration by several types of drying.   Results. Dehydration using the LTVD (low temperature vacuum drying) method makes it possible to obtain finished products with a given final moisture content, and the product can be made from multi-component raw materials. The duration of the dehydration process using the LTVD method compared to the VFD (vacuum freeze drying) method is reduced by approximately 10-20 % depending on the product, while due to the absence of preliminary freezing, the specific energy costs for drying a food object can presumably be reduced by 15-25 %. Quality indicators of the finished dry product The product dried using the presented methods is comparable, the content of vitamins and microelements is at almost the same level, therefore, when choosing the type of drying, we can recommend the LTVD method as less energy-consuming. The yield of marketable products in the production of frips ranges from 15.0 to 19.5 % by weight of the initial raw materials, which meets the requirements for economic efficiency of production.

Relevance. For the production of pharmaceutical products from raw materials of Echinacea purpurea L., it is necessary to have a sufficient amount of high-quality seeds when planting production areas with high yields of aboveground mass.Methods. On Echinacea purpurea of the second year of vegetation in order to increase herbage yield and seed productivity, tests of organomineral fertilizer EcoFus (1.5 l/ha) with microfertilizers (Siliplant (0.5 l/ha) or Cytovit (1.0 l/ha). As a standard, we used double foliar feeding with Siliplant (0.5 l/ha). The above-ground mass was mowed in the third ten days of August. On seed plantations we tested: in the early growth phase EcoFus (1.5 l/ha), in the stemming phase – growth regulators Epin-extra (0.06 l/ha), Agat-25K (0.04 l/ha) and their tank mixtures. Seed collection was carried out in mid-September.Results. Double spraying with complex – EcoFus with microfertilizers, promoted activation of growth processes, and it resulted in 22-26% increase of above-ground mass yield, 5-7% increase of phenylpropanoids in it, their collection per hectare increased within 28-35%. A more effective complex was revealed: EcoFus (1.5 l/ha) with Siliplant (0.5 l/ha), which allowed to increase yield and collection of active substances by 26 and 35% in comparison with the control, and in comparison with the reference (Siliplant 0.5 l/ha) – by 11 and 15%, respectively. In order to increase seed productivity of Echinacea purpurea, spraying with EcoFus at the beginning of vegetation of plants and EcoFus complex with bioregulators Agat and Epin-extra in the phase of stemming was applied. Foliar fertilization with these tank mixtures resulted in earlier flowering of plants (by 2-4 days), increased the number of inflorescences by 9-10%, inflorescences with seeds by 14-15% and seed weight of one inflorescence by 12- 14%. Activation of generative processes of Echinacea purpurea had a positive effect on seed yield and their quality: yield increased by 21-25%, weight of 1000 pieces by 7-8% and their germination by 2-3%.

Relevanse. The article presents information about actively spreading potential pests of agricultural crops in the Central region of the Russian Federation – slugs and snails – invertebrates belonging to the genus of gastropods. The harmfulness of these pests is manifested in a decrease in the size of the crop, a decrease in its quality, loss of marketability and fruit keeping. The most seriously affected in this regard are the planting of cabbage, lettuce, peas, turnips, potatoes and cucumbers. Snails and slugs can serve as a source of infectious diseases, various fungal spores, bacteria and parasitic helminths are often carried with the mucus produced by their bodies, which often pose a threat to the health of people and pets.Methods. Visual surveys were carried out to determine the number of pests in the field and in the adjacent territory in the conditions of the Moscow region (Lyubertsy city district). The studies were conducted in accordance with officially approved methods. Data on the species composition of pests are analyzed. The possibility of active harmful activity and potential threat of gastropods in a changing climate and their adaptation in the conditions of the Central region of the Russian Federation is considered.Results. According to the results of the conducted research, it was found that in vegetable gardens and private farms, grape snail and arable slug are most often found, in potato plantings – field (arable slug). Recommendations on slug and snail control in the private sector and farms are given.

Relevance. Due to climate change on the planet, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain high yields of melons and melons in rain-fed conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to develop modern methods of growing them. Accordingly, the use of new water-soluble fertilizers for the cultivation of melon in hot climates is a relevant work at the moment.Material and methodology. Objects of research: medium-ripening melon variety GP 599f and watersoluble fertilizers Lignohumate, Energen Extra, Zinc Sulfate. We have carefully studied options using these fertilizers for double foliar treatment of plants during the growing season.Results. As a result of studying new types of water-soluble fertilizers on increasing the vegetative mass of plants, yield and biochemical parameters of the variety sample, a positive effect was revealed. As a result of a comparative analysis of data on plant development after double treatment with the studied preparations, an increase in canes in all variants was noted in relation to the control by 4.3-18.7%. When calculating the yield in all studied options, an increase in these indicators was noted in relation to the option without treatments. After treating the plants with new types of fertilizers, the yield was 13.4-15.9 t/ha. The average fetal weight varied from 1.7 kg. up to 1.8 kg with maximum values in the Lignohumate and Energen Extra options. An analysis of the comparison of the biochemical composition of fruits showed that new types of fertilizers did not affect the taste and purity of the products. The dry matter content was noted to be 0.8-1% higher than the control variant. Nitrate levels in fruits did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration (90 mg/kg) and amounted to 24-28 mg/kg.