The results of expeditional collections and first varietal study of local varieties of plum Izyum erik have been given in the article. The perspectives of the further use of the studied varieties for selection and testing in industrial conditions, in orchards and plots near the houses have been discussed.

Breeding of columnar type apple varieties has been carried out at VNIISPK since 1984. The possibility of grow-ing of columnar type apple varieties in the crown of winter hardy semi-dwarf rootstock 3-4-98 by S. N. Stepanov’s breeding is being studied in different density of planting in the orchard (3 x 1,0 m; 3 x 1,5; and 3 x 2,0 m). The inves tigation of winter hardiness, cropping power, fruit mar ketability and biochemical composition allowed releasing two varieties «Poesia» and «Priokskoye» for state trials.