April 12 is Cosmonautics Day, International Day of Human Space Flight. This is a memorable date dedicated to the flight of the first cosmonaut of the planet, Yuri Alekseevich Gagarin, who became a symbol of the earthlings' dream come true. The All-Russian Research Institute of Vegetable Breeding and Seed Production (Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Scientific Vegetable Center (FSBSI FSVC)), like a number of other academic institutions, from the beginning of space exploration, got involved in the work to solve the problem of developing food for astronauts and continues research to this day. In the embodiment of the ideas of K.E. Tsiolkovsky and S.P. Korolev on the creation of space greenhouses received a number of significant achievements in the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Institute of Biochemical Physics N.M. Emanuel, SSC RF IBMP RAS and others. Varieties of vegetable crops have been created, tested and recommended for weightlessness conditions: radish, Chinese cabbage, dill, lettuce and other rapidly maturing plants. The variety of Chinese Vesnyanka cabbage has successfully passed biotechnical tests on the ground model of the Phytocycle-SD space conveyor greenhouse, during which good production and biochemical parameters were obtained. Russian scientists are conducting research on developing a technology for cultivating various vegetable plants under space flight conditions – in closed ecosystems (synergotrons), which can serve as the basis of life support systems during space flights, at space stations or in space habitats, where some conditions specific for ISS. Studies have been carried out to study tomato plants grown from seeds that have been under space flight conditions for a long time. As a result of the study, a statistically significant increase in the levels of ascorbic acid, polyphenols and carotenoids, the total antioxidant activity of tomato fruits compared to plants grown from control seeds (ground control) was found.

At the Primorskaya vegetable experimental station – branch of the Federal state budgetary scientific institution «Federal scientific vegetable center», selection and introduction into production of a new legume crop for Russia – adzuki cowpea. The varieties Asia (for universal cultivation) and Far East (for horticultural vegetable growing) were created and included in the State Register of the Russian Federation. Promising specimens have been created, which, in terms of their biological and economic indicators, are not inferior to the varieties Asia and Far East. Primary seed production of new varieties is underway and their introduction into farms and garden vegetable growing. The grain yield of cowpea-adzuki universal samples ranged from 3.15 t/ha (Asia variety, standard) to 2.77 t/ha (sample POOS 31-15). The highest grain productivity was observed in the standard (Asia - 22.5 g/plant) and in sample POOS 44-15 (20.8 g/plant). The Asia variety and the promising sample POOS 31-15 (20.2 pieces/plant) produce the most beans per plant. It was noted that the Dalnevostochnaya variety has the greatest resistance to cracking of beans during their ripening (7.2 points). Samples for universal cultivation have above average resistance to bean cracking (5.8-6.5 points). The plant height of promising samples is quite favorable for combine harvesting: 64 (POOS 31-15) – 71 (POOS 39-15) cm. Due to the fact that the flowering of cowpea-adzuki is extended, the ripening of beans is rarely 100%. For promising samples, this indicator is high and amounts to 95.5% (POOS 44-15) - 99.8% (POOS 31-15), which fully complies with the ATT requirements (more than 90%). The creation of varieties of a new vegetable crop for Russia will improve the economics of agricultural production in the difficult climatic conditions of the Far Eastern Federal District.

Over the years, breeders around the world have made significant changes to the architecture of plants of vegetable pea varieties. The changes made were aimed at increasing, first of all, the yield. New varieties should have an optimal combination of plant height, the number of productive nodes and increased resistance to lodging. Having achieved certain results, breeders find ways to improve the culture, further improving its economically valuable features. The article highlights the priority directions in the selection of vegetable peas in the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «Federal Scientific Vegetable Center»(FSBSI FSVC), which are directly related to modern market requirements, and considers the specific factors encountered in breeding work, in the production sector and seed practice. Within the framework of import substitution and the achievement of food security of the country, the scientists of the center are intensively working to create new generation varieties: highly productive (by increasing the number of beans at the node and the number of seeds in the bean), suitable for mechanized harvesting (by obtaining appropriate morphotypes with increased stem strength or modified leaf shape) and with high quality indicators of green peas. There is also a constant selection for resistance to abiotic and biotic environmental factors that have been changing in recent years, both in the country and around the world. The article presents the main achievements obtained thanks to the experience and knowledge of the leading breeders of the center, specialists in seed production and production, as well as specialists in the field of plant immunity. Thus, selectively valuable forms with high productivity (up to 30 beans and more than 150 seeds per plant) were obtained, a variety with high resistance to lodging due to the strength of the stem was obtained. Work is underway to create varieties with high quality green peas and resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Relevance and research material. Flax is a perennial herbaceous plant with a high decorative value, with a long flowering, blooms in the first year of vegetation. The plant is undemanding to the growing conditions. As a result of multiple selection selections from a foreign variety, the long-term flax variety No. L-22 "Blues" recommended for use for decorative purposes was derived. 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.Results. The study was carried out in the open ground of the Moscow Region (2015-2022) on experimental plots of the flower crops sector of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center. The most aligned form according to decorative features is L–22 with high seed productivity of inflorescences, decorative and winter hardiness. Variety testing and preliminary propagation of a promising long-term flax variety was carried out. Signs such as "plant height"

The results of the selection work of the Primorsky vegetable experimental station, work in the field of seed production of vegetable crops are presented, the characteristics of the negative processes occurring in the arable soils of the region and their removal by the developed ridgeridge technology of cultivation by technical means with a wide base are given. A comparative characteristic of the former and the wide-row version in terms of energy consumption and fuel consumption is givenAuthors´ Contribution: All authors contributed to the planning and setting up the experiment, aswell as in the analysis of experimental data and writing of the article.Based on the results of the selection work of the Primorsky Vegetable Experimental Station for the period 1993-2023, the station bred and released 56 varieties and hybrids of 19 main vegetable crops. The experience of the Primorsky branch of the Federal scientific vegetable center allows organizing production at a modern level, taking into account the rich experience of other regions of Russia. In conditions of monsoon climate and soils of heavy granulometric composition, with a general lack of heat, their fertility is negatively affected by a large number of external factors. To grow vegetables, a set of measures is needed for serious drainage and irrigation reclamation (creation of polder systems with the laying of systematic plastic drainage) against the backdrop of ridge-ridge cultivation technology, fine irrigation system). The developed wide-cut technology and a set of machines make it possible to introduce a resource-saving technology that saves energy costs and fuel.

The article presents a literature review on fasciation in pumpkin crops. In almost all pumpkin crops, you can find such a phenomenon as fasciation. However, it is more common in cucumbers and pumpkins than in melons and watermelons. Fasciation (or crystallization) is a change that can occur in the morphology of plant organs and usually includes expansion of the apical meristem of the shoot, flattening of the stem and changes in the arrangement of leaves. In pumpkin crops, the fasciated organs are often whips, flowers and fruits. A number of authors divide fasciations into inherited and non-inherited. The first are caused by internal reasons. The second is the effect of external factors, such as insect damage, injury, weather conditions. According to literature data, fasciation is caused by 1-2 recessive genes with incomplete manifestation and variable expression, which depends on a number of factors, including environmental conditions. The opp gene may have a pleiotropic effect on fasciation and leaf arrangement. In Federal Scientific Vegetable Center in spring film greenhouses, among the selection and collection samples of cucumber, fasciated plants ranged from 0 to 1.9%, depending on the genotype of the studied samples and the year of research (growing conditions). According to literature data, fasciation is more often observed in short-fruited, but it can also be detected in long-fruited forms of cucumber. Fused fruits are more likely to appear on cucumber hybrids with a large number of ovaries in the node. It should be noted, that highly fasciated plants are usually less productive, and most fasciated fruits are often classified as non-standard and rejected. Regular culling by breeders of fasciated samples and plants, within individual samples, will allow to create varieties less prone to fasciation. And compliance with the recommended varietal agrotechnics, improvement of the ecological situation will help to significantly reduce the number of fasciated plants and fruits and improve the marketability of products.

Relevance. The value of table beetroot as an indispensable vegetable crop in a rational human diet is beyond doubt. It is possible to fill the shortage of production of this crop in the Russian Federation by increasing yields, which is facilitated by a number of factors. It is believed that the yield depends more on the variety, but the role of the medium in identifying varietal characteristics is also of great importance. In this regard, the varieties and hybrids recommended for production, along with high potential productivity, should be characterized by a wide range of adaptive properties (environmental resistance) to the stressful effects of environmental conditions. One of the effective methods to determine the adaptability of varieties to the conditions of a particular region is their simultaneous assessment in a number of geographically remote locations, which allows expanding the range of their use.Materials and methods. Research work on the environmental testing of six varieties of beetroot was carried out in 2020 according to generally accepted methods on the basis of the branches of the FSBSI Federal Scientific Vegetable Center. As a standard, the Bordo 237 variety was used - recommended for cultivation in all regions of the Russian Federation. Ecological assessment of the environment as a background for selection and assessment of the adaptive ability of varieties was carried out according to the methodology of A.V. Kilchevsky and L.V. Khotyleva.Results. According to the totality of all parameters, the most adaptive for cultivation in different regions of the Russian Federation, according to the combination of yield and marketability, it is possible to recommend the varieties of beetroot Karina and Bordo 237; according to the mass of commercial root crops - Karina and Gazpadynya. The varieties characterized by the greatest responsiveness to the improvement of growing conditions were: Lyubava, Gaspadynya, Dobrynya. The most informative background for identifying the potential productivity of varieties is the environment on the Biryuchekutsk station, on the ecological stability of the complex of signs – the Voronezh station. The most typical environments for growing beets on the grounds of "yield" and "marketability" are the conditions of Biryuchekutsk station, by weight of commercial root crop – Voronezh station.

The article presents the results of the selection work of the laboratory of breeding and seed production of table root crops of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center for the culture of Chinese radish (loba). From the collection material (a total of 23 samples were studied), a promising material was selected under the number No. 600 for a complex of economically valuable features. The purpose of the research is to create a variety of Chinese radish – loba for open and protected ground. Based on this goal, the objectives of the research included: to evaluate a promising variety of loba in a nursery of competitive variety testing in open and protected ground conditions, to assess alignment according to the main morphobiological parameters, as well as to assess the safety and resistance to diseases during storage.Results. As a result of repeated individual and family selection in the direction of productivity, resistance to premature stem formation and diseases of vegetation and storage, as well as improvement of taste qualities, a new variety of Chinese radish Serdtse Podmoskovya was bred. The new variety belongs to the pink-red rounded varietal type. The root crop is flat-rounded, large in size. The flesh is white, juicy, with a slightly spicy taste. The variety is medium-ripened, the growing season is 65-75 days, suitable for use in early summer, autumn and winter, resistant to longterm storage (95-96% preservation) and low light. The yield of the variety in protected ground is 2.7 kg/m2, marketability – 88.7%, root crop weight – 533 g; dry matter content – 6.26%, sugars – 2.56%, ascorbic acid – 19.36 mg%. The variety on this background was distinguished by the absence of flowering and diseased plants. The yield in the open ground was 31.2 t/ha (3.12 kg/m2), marketability – 81.2%, root crop weight – 281 g. The variety under these conditions was characterized by a higher content of dry matter –11.0%, sugars – 3.2% and ascorbic acid – 20.13 mg%; a small percentage of flowering (9.4%) and affected plants (6.3%) was noted. For this variety, a technology has been developed for obtaining original and elite seeds according to a one-year development cycle in the conditions of the Central region ща Russia.

Medicinal plants and preparations thereof are widely used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. The demand of the pharmaceutical industry for herbal medicinal raw materials is met by culturing these plants. Pharmaceutical factories can be fully supplied with medicinal raw materials both by expanding the area and by increasing the yield of cultivated crops, which is achieved by using high-quality seeds of promising varieties in the required amount. In recent years, in the conditions of the Western Ciscaucasia in the medicinal crop rotation of the North Caucasus branch of VILAR, studies have been conducted to study the possibility of increasing the seed productivity of Echinacea purpurea L., Сhamomilla recutita L., Plantago major L. and Salvia officinalis L., which occupy an important place in the modern range of medicines used in official and traditional medicine. To this end, experiments were laid on the complex test of humic fertilizers (Lignogumat, Normat L) with growth regulators (Zircon, Agat, Gibbersib) and chelated micro-fertilizers (Siliplant and Cytovit)As a result of the studies carried out on echinacea, an increase in the yield of seeds and an improvement in their quality was established on the Lignogumat + Agate variant (by 31%), and on sage and chamomile – Lignogumat + Zircon (by 28% and 39%, respectively), the weight of 1000 seeds exceeded the control by 8-15%. Non-root feeding of echinacea and plantain with Lignogumat and Normat L with silicon-containing microfertilization Siliplant ensured increase of seed productivity by 14-16%, mass of 100 seeds increased by 8-10%. Thus, by using complexes of humic preparations with growth regulators and silicon-containing microfertilization Siliplant as effective means of regulating the growth and development of medicinal cultures, activating flowering and seed formation processes, it is possible to ensure high yield and the best quality of the resulting seed material.

Relevance. In the vegetable market, cucumber is in stable demand. It also occupies one of the leading places in the structure of sown areas after root crops, cabbage, and tomato. In addition to high yields, modern varieties (hybrids) of cucumber, are characterized by good marketability of green cukes and transportability. The stable demand for green cukes among the population, as well as their high economically valuable characteristics, ensure constant interest in this crop both at large and small farms, which supply a significant part of the market with the fresh produce in spring and summer. Local peasant farms grow cabbages, root vegetables, onions, and watermelons, but very few of those cultivate cucumbers. Those are mainly grown in spring greenhouses. This imbalance is explained by the lack of cucumber varieties and hybrids adapted to local conditions.The purpose of this study is the assessment of a collection of parthenocarpic F1 cucumber hybrids and identification of highly productive varieties suitable for growing in polycarbonate greenhouses suitable in the spring-summer rotation in the south of the Amur Region. The object of the study were 11 F1 cucumber hybrids of domestic and foreign selection.Results. According to the results of studying the collection of parthenocarpic hybrids of cucumber grown in spring/summer polycarbonate greenhouses in the south of the Amur Region, marketable green cukes are formed on day 44-54 after germination. The hybrids Amur F1, Artist F1, Director F1, Componist RZ F1, Bjorn F1, Gunnar F1, and Cedric F1 are characterized by high productive facility. They have formed 9.0–13.0 kg/m2 of marketable green cukes. According to the test panel score, the hybrids Bettina F1, Pasalimo F1, and Gunnar F1, have the best gustatory quality (4,8-5,0 points).