Relevance. Currently, there is an acute problem of meeting the growing demand for berry and fruit products. One of the ways to intensify agricultural production in the field of horticulture and crop production is to increase the efficiency of environmental management through the use of resource-saving technologies. One of these technologies is drip irrigation, which improves the quality of crop production.Materials and methods. Field studies were carried out on the territory of the educational and experimental farm of the laboratory "Michurinsky Garden" of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. The experiment was established in the fall of 2018 and is a two-factor study of various levels of moisture on the growth and development of raspberry seedlings. The first factor included options for maintaining soil moisture in the range: 1) control (without irrigation); 2) not less than 60% of the lowest moisture capacity; 3) not less than 70% of the lowest moisture capacity; 4) not less than 80% of the lowest moisture capacity. The second factor was the raspberry varieties Solnyshko and Nagrada.Results. Constructed moisture contours according to the study options showed that drip irrigation contributes to the optimum moisture concentration in the soil for seedlings. The most developed root system in comparison with the control was obtained on irrigated variants with maintaining a moisture content of at least 70 and 80% of the lowest moisture capacity. Here, the maximum values of the volume of the root system, the number of roots, and the average length of the root were obtained. It was revealed that in variants with irrigation, the root system of seedlings spreads in the upper layer (mainly 5-15 cm).

The results are reflected, which confirm the effectiveness of foliar fertilizing with organic fertilizer Agrohelate for melon plants of early varieties Tamanskaya and Strelchanka. A single treatment of plants in the seed plots in the flowering phase and the beginning of the growth of the first ovary contributed to better pollination. More than half of the fruits with typical varietal characteristics were selected for seed extraction: Tamanskaya varieties – 51.4% and Strelchanka varieties – 51.0%. The mass of fruits in the Tamanskaya variety increased noticeably by 0.16...0.23 kg on average, in the Strelchanka variety – by 0.12...0.42 kg. The data on the increase in the content of dry soluble substances in the pulp of the fruits of the first two harvests of melon variety Strelchanka by 0.8 ... 1.6% are given. In the pulp of Tamanskaya melon fruits, there was a tendency to increase the content of dry soluble substances. Fertilizer Agrochelate had an impact on the seed productivity of melon varieties. In the fruits of the Tamanskaya variety, 122–145 more seeds were ripened, and the number of feeble and unripe seeds was 5.5–7.2% less than in the fruits of the control variant. The number of puny and unripened seeds in the fruits of Strelchanka melon variety was 10% less. In weight terms, on average, 2.6 g more seeds were isolated from each fruit of the Tamanskaya variety than in the variant without treatment. A noticeable increase in the yield of seeds in the variety Strelchanka was not observed. Application of foliar application with organic mineral fertilizer Agrochelate did not affect the mass of seeds. The indicators of sowing qualities of seeds were high in all variants of the experiment: germination energy – from 58.1 to 81.5% and germination - from 90.7 to 97.3%. The analysis of the obtained results substantiates the feasibility of applying top dressing with Agrochelate organic fertilizer.

Relevance. Cucumber is very popular and in demand in households of the population (personal subsidiary farms), as evidenced by the data on the acreage occupied under this crop in the territory of the Russian Federation (37.4 thousand hectares).Methodology. This article presents the results of evaluating the combinational ability of eight parthenocarpic inbreeding lines and testing thirteen new hybrid combinations obtained on the basis of the studied lines under the conditions of spring-summer turnover in a polycarbonate unheated greenhouse in the Moscow region in comparison with the hybrids F1 SV 4097 CV (Seminis, the Netherlands) and F1 Piligrim (Agrofirma Poisk LLC, Russia).The purpose of the scientific work is to develop productive and high-yielding heterotic cucumber hybrids with a complex of economically useful traits for cultivation in unheated greenhouses. Testing and introduction of competitive and technologically advanced hybrids into commercial vegetable production is one of the important stages of scientific research in the field of breeding. The research was carried out in ARRIVG – a branch of FSBSI “Federal Scientific Vegeculture Center” in the conditions of polycarbonate unheated ground greenhouses during 2020-2021 (Moscow region, Ramensky district).Results. As a result of evaluation of the combinational ability of parthenocarpic inbreeding lines, it was found that inbreeding lines L.21 (2.4 kg/m2 ), L.415 (0.8 kg/m2 ), L.993 (0.4 kg/m2 ), L.1010 (0.1 kg/m2 ) should be used during hybridization as a paternal component for obtaining early-ripening parthenocarpic cucumber hybrids. To develop more productive and high-yielding parthenocarpic cucumber hybrids, inbreeding lines L.21, L.415, L.1008 should be used. As a result of the research work, four hybrid combinations (L.993×L.415, L.1010×L.21, L.993×L.21, L.993×L.1008) were identified for high yield and productivity in protected soil conditions, which exceeded the standards of SV 4097 CV F1 and Piligrim F1.

Selenium (Se) and iodine (I) are essential elements for humans, and their deficiency is widespread throughout the world. In order to obtain a functional nutritional product with an increased content of these trace elements in the vegetative experiment, foliar biofortification of two chervil varieties with selenium (sodium selenate 10 mg/l) and iodine (potassium iodide 100 mg/l) was carried out without and against the background of the use of silicon-containing fertilizers Siliplant (3 ml/l). The combined and separate application of selenate, iodide and Siliplant increased plants’ biomass. Siliplant utilization increased the accumulation of iodine by 1.7-1.9 times, and selenium supply – by 2.2-3.1 times. A significant increase in ascorbic acid content was provided by the combined supplementation of iodine and selenium (1.25-1.27 times), iodine and silicon (1.46-1.87 times) and joint application of selenium, iodine, and silicon (1.31-1.73 times), while an increase in total antioxidant activity (1.3-1.4 times) was observed for (Se+I) and (Se+I+Si) treatments. High varietal differences in the responsiveness of plants to the selected treatments were manifested, particularly an increase of polyphenols accumulation under separate and joint treatments of chervil with iodine and selenium by 1.26 times in the cultivar 21-20, and the absence of a significant effect in the cultivar 24-20. Taking into account the adequate consumption levels (ACL) of iodine and selenium, 50 g of the resulting functional product can provide up to 79% of iodine ACL and up to 40% in selenium ACL.

Relevance. The creation of varieties and hybrids with environmental sustainability is a priority in crop breeding. Many issues related to biology and ecology of a number of spice plants remain understudied. The study of the biological and ecological characteristics of common dill in order to create straight varieties with high yields in the phase of industrial ripeness in our conditions has not been carried out. The aim of the research was to evaluate the parameters of adaptive capacity and ecological stability in collection samples of common dill in terms of yield.Materials and methods. The research was carried out in the experimental field of the Department of Fruit and Vegetable Growing of the Belarusian State Agricultural Academy, Gorki, Mogilev region over a period of 2012–2014 and 2019–2021. The objects were breeding samples of common dill. Field and laboratory experiments were carried out using generally accepted methods and guidelines. The meteorological conditions during the years of the research differed both in terms of temperature indicators and the amount of precipitation, which contributed to an objective assessment of the varieties under study according to a complex of economically useful traits.Results. The article presents the results of the study of common dill breeding samples obtained in different years of research. In the first set (2012-2014) there were 40 sample plants, in the second set (2019-2020) – 26 pieces. In the course of assessing the parameters of adaptive capacity and ecological stability, the diversity among the samples of common dill was revealed according to the main parameters. The difference in terms of yield between sets of genotypes and test conditions over the years indicates the relationship between the genotype and the environment. Based on the results of studying the common dill collection, the parent material for breeding for a consistently high yield was selected. The regularity of maintaining the stability of the trait "yield" with a repeated set of genotypes in different years of research has been established.

In agriculture, the use of microbiological fertilizers is becoming more and more widespread. The presence of microorganisms in them allows improving soil fertility, increasing the productivity of crops, while ensuring the cultivation of environmentally friendly products. There is a wide variety of microbiological fertilizers, so determining the type of preparation for garden strawberries when grown in the conditions of the Udmurt Republic is relevant. The purpose of the research: a comparative assessment of the effect of various types of microbiological fertilizers on the productivity of garden strawberries.Materials and Methods. Studies on the effect of microbiological fertilizers on the yield and its structure of garden strawberries were carried out on the territory of Vostochny LLC, Zavyalovsky District, Udmurt Republic. In 2016, 2018 studies were carried out on the feeding of garden strawberries of the Darenka vari- ety of the first and third years of fruiting with microbiological fertilizers on soddy-medium-podzolic medium-loamy soil. The scheme of the experiment included the following options: Water (control), Baikal EM 1, Emix, Humat EM. The total area of the plot is 2,9 m2. The accounting area of the plot is 1,8 m2. Placement of variants by a systematic method, in six-fold repetition.Results. Harvesting was carried out in five terms. Studies have proven the positive effect of the studied microbiological fertilizers on plant productivity. The highest yield of berries was 833,6 g/m2, which was obtained using Baikal EM 1. The largest berry was obtained in 2016, also when treated with Baikal EM 1, and amounted to 145 g. lo to increase the number of berries from the bush. So, in 2016 their number was 45,2; in 2018 – 42,0 pieces.

The aim of the study was to determine the growth, development and yield of sweet corn varieties and hybrids as vegetables during the soil-climatic conditions of Karakalpakstan.Methods. The 8 cultivars and 8 hybrids studied were evaluated for growth, development and yield in Karakalpakstan in 2017-2019. Selection work was carried out on varieties and hybrids. Varieties and hybrids with a positive result based on the selection results were recommended for use in subsequent experiments.Results. After sowing the seeds of the studied 8 varieties and 8 hybrids of vegetable (sweet) corn, the duration of the germination period was 7-9 days. Relatively early germination between cultivars and hybrids Zamin, Can. Pedro 2 Inta, Berys varieties, relatively late germination was recorded in 9 days in SPV 1022, Leonard's Early, Honey Bontam F1, Spirit F1, Megaton F1, Baron F1, Soyan F1, Hybrid F1. It has been established that the period from germination to the stage of leaf formation (7 leaves) is 13-16 days, the period from the stage of leaf formation (7 leaves)to the panicle formation is 23-33 days, the period from the panicle formation to flowering is 4-6 days, the period from flowering to the cob formation is 9-15 days. In the studied varieties and hybrids, the period from the cob formation to milky ripeness was 13-18 days, from milky ripeness to waxy ripeness lasted up to 4-8 days.The study of the duration of the development phases of varieties and hybrids showed that the growth period from germination to milky-wax ripeness is 75-85 days. Early yield was observed in hybrids Baron F1, Sweet star F1, Spirit F1, Soyan F1, vegetation period 73-77 days, relatively early yield was observed in varieties and hybrids Zamin, Sentinel F1, SPV 1022, Osnova 209, Hybrid F1, Can Pedro 2 Inta, Clx3349ys clause, growing season 79-81 days.The selection of varieties and hybrids most appropriate to the soil and climatic conditions of Karakalpakstan was carried out and recommended for cultivation by farmers and dekhkan farms.

Relevance. Among green and spice crops, dill occupies a special place in the human diet. The crop is widespread and is represented by varieties for various purposes. At present, dill varieties are subject to requirements for morphological (upright form of a bush, large leaf, etc.), phenological characteristics, high productivity of green mass and seeds, and quality. The biochemical composition is one of the main indicators of the quality of dill. Dill contains up to 90% moisture, however, even in that small amount of dry matter found in dill, there are many biologically impor- tant compounds that are necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. Therefore, when creating varieties, these indicators should be taken into account. For this, it is necessary to study and evaluate the parent material and identify promising forms for further breeding work in order to create varieties that have a complex of valuable characteristics. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the collection material of common dill according to a complex of breeding and valuable traits.Materials and Methods. The studies were carried out in the experimental field of the Horticulture Department of the Belarusian State Agricultural Academy in 2019–2020 on soddy-podzolic medium loamy soil. The experiments were performed in compliance with the agrotechnical require- ments for plant care throughout the entire observation period. The objects of research were breeding samples (26) of dill, selected at the Horticulture Department as a result of individual selection from the collection of varieties: Dukat, Sevastopol, Grenadier, Local Bulgarian, Mamut, Uzory, Salut, Almaz, Local Chinese, Alligator, Reshelie, Max, Dalniy, Rzheutsky, a local Krasnodar variety, Hoarfrost.Results. The article presents the results of a study of 26 breeding samples of common dill in 2019–2020. In the course of evaluating the collection material of common dill, highly productive samples were identified at different ripening periods. Differences in the content of dry matter, vitamin C, carotene, low accumulation of nitrates were revealed in the biochemical composition of common dill samples. According to the complex of traits valuable for breeding, samples were selected that can be used in further breeding work to create new varieties characterized by early maturity, high yield and product quality, as well as those having a longer term for the onset of the phase of industrial ripeness and a long period of shelf life.

Relevance. To increase the consumption of tomato and its diversity on the market, it is important to create new varieties that have economically valuable characteristics and are in demand among consumers. The aim of the research was to create a new determinant early-ripening variety of lettuce tomato, plastic, consistently productive, large-fruited, with dense pulp and high taste, tolerant to diseases.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out at the collection site of the Crimean OSS of the VIR branch (Krasnodar Region, Krymsk). The Agata Plus cultivar was obtained by crossing parental forms with subsequent multiple selections against a natural infectious background. As a mother, we used a salad variety of the Russian selection Agata – early maturing, undersized, with an average yield and fruits with good taste and average weight. The paternal form was a hybrid of the Dutch selection F1 Eploz, characterized by early maturity, medium height, medium leafiness, largefruited, dense pulp, consistently high yield and excellent taste of the fruit. The Agata tomato variety included in the State Register of the Russian Federation was taken as a standard.Results. Evaluation of breeding lines for a complex of biological, morphometric, economically valuable traits using individual and mass selections made it possible to obtain the best early ripening form of salad designation, marked by large fruit size, consistently high yield and good taste. In 2017, this form, called Agata Plus, was submitted to the State Variety Test, and since 2020 this variety has been approved for use.

Relevance. Modern vegetable production in greenhouses is based on high tech-advantageous, such as vertical hydroponic technology. Increasing of vertical hydroponic market is conditioned with ensuring the food security of states in conditions instability of food deliveries due to violations of traditional logistic connections. The program of vertical tomato hydroponics was developed and used in practice at the FSBSI FSVC in 2010-2020. Productivity potential of Brassica rapa L. subsp. nipposinica cultivated at vertical hydroponic installation have been studied in connection with the spread of consumption of fresh greens and “yellow-green” vegetables.The goal of the study was: the productivity characteristics and analysis of biochemical composition Brassica rapa L. subsp. nipposinica cultivated at the five-circle vertical hydroponic installation with help of natural immunomodulators.Materials and methods. Materials of study: seeds and leaves (rosette of leaves) from 2 varieties of Brassica rapa L. subsp. nipposinica – Japanese variety Salad Mizuna and new variety Salut Jubileiu (originated from FSBSI FSVC); immune modulators – flavonoid glycoside linarozide and steroid glycosides moldstim and trigonellozide.Methods. Seed treatment with 0,005%-water solutions of immune modulators; cultivation plants Brassica rapa L. subsp. nipposinica at the five-circle vertical hydroponic construction; analytical methods: determination of dry meter; determination the sum of antioxidants in leaves of Brassica rapa L. subsp. nipposinica; biometry; statistical methods: one-factorial dispersion analysis and two-factorial dispersion analysis.Results. Possibility of Brassica rapa L. subsp. nipposinica plants cultivation at multi circle hydroponic installations was established by authors. Seed treatment with water solutions of immune modulators wasn’t influence on seedlings appearing (the quality of seeds was very high -99-100%). Height of plant (of rosette) the variety Mizuna was increased as the reaction on the seed treatment, but the weight of plants wasn’t change. Salut Jubileiu variety reacted with increasing the common weight of plants. Number of leaves was increased. The content of dry matter in leaves didn’t change, but the sum content of antioxidants is rise significantly after seed treatment of immune modulators. The conclusion has been made: applying of immune modulators from glycosides class could to increase the productivity, vitamin value and safety cultivation of Brassica rapa L. subsp. nipposinica plants at multi circle hydroponics installation.