Purpose. To study the expression of gus and gfp genes in callus explants of amphidiploid spelt wheat (Triticum spelta L.) after Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. Methods. Winter spelt wheat of ‘Europa’ variety was chosen for transformation. Calli obtained from mature embryos were used as explants. Callus pre-cultivation was carried out on MS nutrient medium (Murashige–Skoog) supplemented with 2 mg/L 2.4-D (2.4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and 10 mg/L silver nitrate. For genetic transformation, Agrobacterium tumefaciens Conn., strain GV3101 and a genetic construct with reporter genes beta-glucuronidase (GUS) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) were used. Calli were transformed by inoculation with agrobacteria and vacuum infiltration. Then they were co-cultured on MS medium with 2 mg/L 2.4-D and 10 mg/L AgNO3, but without antibiotics. The expression of the gus gene was checked by histochemical and the gfp gene by visual analysis (fluorescence of the GFP protein in UV light). Gfp and gus gene expression levels were evaluated using ImajeJ software. The integration of the gfp and gus genes into the spelt genome was verified by PCR. Results. Genetic transformation of spelt callus explants by inoculation in a nutrient medium with agrobacteria and vacuum infiltration occurred at different frequencies. The level of expression of the gus gene during vacuum infiltration was 4.66 ± 0.74%, with inoculation – 4.00 ± 0.91%; and the gfp gene with vacuum infiltration – 3.66 ± 0.74%, with inoculation – 4.66 ± 1.39%. The level of expression of the gfp gene was higher when using inoculation with agrobacteria, and the gus gene was higher during vacuum infiltration. Using PCR analysis, the integration of the gfp and gus genes into the callus of spelt genome was confirmed. The length of the PCR product with primers for the gus gene was 240 bp, and 717 bp for the gfp gene. Conclusions. The use of vacuum infiltration and inoculation methods for spelt genetic transformation gave different results. The frequency of genetic transformation ranged from 3.66 to 4.66%. Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of amphidiploid spelt wheat allows us to study the expression of gus and gfp reporter genes using callus explants derived from mature embryos

Purpose. To determine the content of biochemical compounds in fruits of M. domestica Borkh. varietal samples, select the most promising ones for use in further breeding, and recommend for use in various directions, given the biochemical complex of signs, taste and marketability of the fruit. Methods. We used generally accepted methods for determining the biochemical composition of fruits (soluble so­lids (SSR) according to GOST (State Standard System) 29030-91, total sugars according to GOST 8756-13.87; polyphenol composition according to the method of L. I. Vigorov (1968), vitamin C according to the method of A I. Ermakov (1972); tit­rated acids – according to GOST 25555.0-82). Results. Nine cultivars of apple trees were analyzed for the biochemical composition of fruits, namely the apple tree cultivar ‘Vydubytska Plakucha’ (‘V. p.’) and various hybrids created on its basis from the collection of the fruit plant acclimatization department of the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Gardens of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Selected forms are sources of 1–5 important biochemical characteristics (solids content, glucose, sugars, ascorbic acid, titratable acid) and promising for use in breeding. According to the dry matter content – the lowest rate was found in hybrid ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Symyrenko’ (16.68%), the highest in the hybrid – ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Oranzhevyi Coksa’ (22.87%), rates of ascorbic acid content varied within (6.0–12.25 mg%), total sugars (10.37–18.23), acids (0.74–1,67 respectively). The most interesting for introduction and breeding are hybrids with a high content of biochemical parameters, namely: ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Oranzhevyi Coksa’, ‘V. p.’ × ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘V. p.’ × ‘Parmen Zymovyi Zolotyi’. Conclusions. The content of the biochemical composition of the fruits, taste and marketability were characterized, and varietal samples of hybrids of the apple tree ‘Vydubytska Plakucha’ were distributed in the directions of use in order to improve the quality of life of the population. According to the biochemical indicators of the cluster analysis of the studied apple hybrids, close relationships were found between the three groups necessary in the future for breeding when selecting parental forms for an improved biochemical composition of the fruit (including hybrids ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Oranzhevyi Coksa’, ‘V. p.’ × ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘V. p.’ × ‘Parmen Zymovyi Zolotyi’, titrated acid hybrids ‘V. p.’ × ‘Starkrimson’, ‘V. p.’ × ‘Parmen Zymovyi Zolotyi’ and ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Symyrenko’, tannins hybrids ‘V. p.’ × ‘Slava Peremozhtsiam’ and ‘V. p.’ × ‘Starkrimson’); and to expand the assortment of apple trees according to the planned commercial signs. Hybrids of the apple-tree cultivar ‘Vydubytska Plakucha’, created in the NBG using old and valuable modern apple-tree cultivars, indicate the promise of producing high-yielding, large-fruited varieties with a high content of biologically active substances

Purpose. Based on the study of consumer qualities of perspective potato hybrids (Solanum tuberosum L.) the ones with a high degree of differentiation depending on the biochemical composition of tubers and culinary-consumer type were identified. Methods. Field (phenology); laboratory (biochemical, technological); mathematical and statistical (linear correlation, regression). Results. Consumer qualities and patterns of their formation under the influence of the biochemical composition of tubers were studied. Excellent taste was determined in mid-early (‘203.703-3’, ‘205.781-9’), mid-season (‘205.786-72’, ‘205. 798-15’) hybrids. High cooking quality of the tubers was detected in early-season hybrids (‘99.523-15’, ‘205.791-3’, ‘205.785-25’, ‘205.792-205’). Soft crispy texture was detected in mid-early (‘205.776-25’, ‘99.546-3’) and mid-season (‘205.782-24’, ‘205.786-72’, ‘205.798-43’) hybrids. The mid-early hybrid '205.780-8' contained high levels of starch. In terms of resistance to browning, three early-season (‘99.517-39’, ‘203.703-2’, ‘205.785-25’) and two mid-season hybrids (‘205.781-9’, ‘205.788-3’) were selected. It is proved, that the taste development depended on the starch content (r=0,657), proportion of starch/protein (r=0,470) and sugars accumulation (r= -450). The positive dependence of the cooking quality of the tubers on their starchiness (r=0,945), proportion of starch and protein (r=0,900) was detected. The influence of proportion of starch/protein over the texture of the tubers (r=0,877) and starch content (r=0,868) was established. Mealiness depended on sugars (r= -0,494) and starch content (r=0,474), resistance to browning – on tyrosine content in protein (r=-0,873) and free tyrosine content (r= - 0,824). In terms of culinary and consumer type of food (table) potatoes, eight hybrids were rated as type B, five and five hybrids belonged to types A and C respectively, and three hybrids belonged to type D. Conclusions. The selected, as for the high level of culinary quality indicators, hybrids can be recommended as valuable output material for practical plant breeding. Determination of biological interrelation of potato culinary quality indicators and biochemical composition of their tubers allowed to develop mathematical simulations to predict taste and texture, and it practically relieved from boiling and subjective evaluation by organoleptic method of tasting results. Systematization of culinary and consumer type food (table) potatoes can be a subject matter in the course of state variety testing.

Purpose of this study was to develop the main components of a model of an adaptive information system for predicting crop productivity. Methods. To conduct research on the establishment of the basic structural elements of an adaptive information model for predicting the productivity of basic crops used the method of constructing dynamic models. Results. A detailed analysis of conceptual approaches to the construction of mathematical agricultural models is carried out and the main advantages and disadvantages of modern analogues are established. It is determined that the adaptive information model is based solely on the needs of the plant and actually on the need to provide these needs with available resources in order to obtain consistently high yields with high quality indicators. The hardware and software complex must have a feedback relationship between its basic structural elements, because it significantly improves the accuracy of predicting plant productivity. Data based on the operation of certain mechanisms or indicators of weather conditions and their forecasts are used for decision making, however, if they are substantially changed, decisions about individual technology elements are reviewed. The software should be related to the economic part and should take into account market conditions and forecast data when making recommendations. In the case of low purchase prices for products, we recommend that certain agrotechnical operations (say vegetation feeding) be applied or not, in the case of significant change in growing conditions - when the application of these agro-measures will be ineffective due to the negative effects of drought, etc. Conclusions. Adaptive information system for forecasting productivity in the technological process of growing crops is formed on the basis of a model consisting of three modules of characteristics – the resultant and two components. At each subsequent stage of implementation of the model, the resulting feature becomes component, with the maximum contribution to the resulting feature of the next module.

Purpose. Development of scientific and applied foundations for the introduction, selection and use of plants of the species of the genus Physalis L. to ensure food security in Ukraine. Methods. Subject of study – plants of the genus Physalis. The study was conducted in 2014–2018. on the introduction plots of the department of cultural flora of the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden, NAS of Ukraine (NBG). The work used general scientific and special methods: field, introduction, biological and morphological; laboratory (chemical, biochemical), statistical (methods of analysis of variance and statistical estimation of average data using Microsoft Excel (2010). Results. The features of ontomorphogenesis were established, the biological and morphological parameters of plants of the species of the genus Physalis L. were investigated under conditions of introduction in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe Ukraine. It was found that the content of dry matter in plant fruits varied from 10 to 18.34%, sugars – from 39.34 to 67.97%, tannins – 1.57 to 3.35% and carotene – from 0.200 to 0.583%, ascorbic acid – from 123.91 to 284.95 mg/100 g, depending on the species, varietal and shape characteristics. Conclusions. It was found that the introduced plant species of the genus Physalis in conditions of culture have four age periods and 10 developmental states: seeds (se), sprouts (p), juvenile (j), immature (im), virginal (v), generative (g), subsenilny (ss) and senile (se). Ph. ixocarpa ‘Likhtaryk’ of the NBG selection was distinguished among the studied introduced species in terms of biological and morphological parameters and biochemical composition. The obtained data can be used for further research and determining the prospects for the introduction of these introduced species into a wide culture

Мета. Оцінити сорти гречки їстівної Fagopyrum esculentum Moench за морфологічними ознаками з використанням алгоритму найближчих сусідів за допомогою кластеризації сортів рослин та ідентифікувати групи схожих сортів. Методи. Аналітичний, математичний, статистичний. Як вхідну інформацію для статистичного оброблення було використано результатні дані експертизи на відмінність, однорідність та стабільність (ВОС) з бази даних автоматизованої інформаційної системи Українського інституту експертизи сортів рослин. Моделювання було проведено з використанням алгоритму найближчих сусідів, методом Machine Learning у середовищі статистичного пакета IBM SPSS Statistics «Statistical Package for the Social Sciences». У ролі параметрів моделі було використано такі типи змінних: цільова змінна – ознака «Рослина: тип росту», фокусна змінна – «Рослина: плоїдність», мітка спостережень – «Назва сор­ту». Перелік показників (features) складали такі ознаки: «Рослина: плоїдність», «Стебло: антоціанове забарвлення», «Суцвіття: антоціанове забарвлення бруньки», «Час початку цвітіння», «Рослина: тип росту», «Рослина: за висотою», «Квітка: забарвлення пелюсток», «Стебло: за довжиною», «Стебло: кількість вузлів», «Стебло: діаметр», «Час достигання», «Насінина: за довжиною», «Насінина: форма», «Насінина: забарвлення шкірки», «Насіння: маса 1000 шт.». До складу моделі було узято 25 сортів гречки їстівної вітчизняного та іноземного походження, які включені до Державного реєстру сортів рослин, придатних для поширення в Україні на 2020 рік. Результати. Унаслідок комп’ютерного моделювання було сформовано модель подібних сортів гречки їстівної за сімнадцятьма морфологічними ознаками, які відібрано із застосуванням частотного аналізу проявлення морфологічних ознак. Сформована модель містила 17 тренувальних об’єктів (сортів) та дев’ять контрольних об’єктів (сортів). Було ідентифіковано 22 групи подібних сортів гречки їстівної. Висновки. Сорти гречки їстівної F. esculentum було оцінено за морфологічними ознаками з використанням алгоритму найближчих сусідів за допомогою кластеризації подібних сортів рослин. Було ідентифіковано такі найподібніші групи сортів: перша – ‘Крупнозелена’, ‘Дикуль’, ‘Дев’ятка’ та ‘Ювілейна 100’; друга – ‘Рута’, ‘Мальва’, ‘Надійна’ та ‘Володар’; третя – ‘Ксенія’, ‘Сімка’, ‘Селяночка’ та ‘Мальва’.

Purpose. To establish the optimal seeding time and depth of ‘Dniprovskyi 39’ and ‘Vinets’ sorghum varieties, to prove their effect on the crop photosynthetic capacity in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Field, laboratory, comparative, analytical, generalizing, mathematical and statistical. Results. It was proved that the best results of crop photosynthetic capacity of sorghum were obtained by sowing in the first decade of May (the second sowing period) at a seeding depth of 4–6 cm. Accordingly, the leaf surface area in these variants reached its maximum during the “panicle-blooming” period and equated 36.13–38.81 thousand m2/ha for the ‘Dniprovskyi 39’ variety and 34.23–36.91 thousand m2/ha for the ‘Vinets’ variety. By sowing seeds in the third decade of April (the first sowing period) at the seedining depth values described above the leaf surface area of the varieties was slightly smaller and amounted to 29.56–31.20 thousand m2/ha for the ‘Dniprovskyi 39’ variety and 27.76–29.40 thousand m2/ha for the ‘Vinets’ variety. By sowing seeds in the second decade of May (the third sowing period), the leaf surface area was 30.68–32.92 thousand m2/ha for the ‘Dniprovskyi 39’ variety and 29.08–31.32 thousand m2/ha for the ‘Vinets’ variety. The highest photosynthetic potential was obtained for sorghum plants in the second sowing period at the seeding depth of 4–6 cm and was 1.27 and 1.34 million m2/ha for the ‘Dniprovskyi 39’ variety and 1.16 and 1.22 million m2/ha for the variety ‘Vinets’. In the first sowing period, this indicator was slightly lower and amounted to 1.18 and 1.23 million m2/ha for the ‘Dniprovskyi 39’ variety and 0.98 and 1.02 million m2/ha for the ‘Vinets’ variety respectively. In the third sowing period, it was the smallest one and equated 1.09 and 1.13 million m2/ha for the ‘Dniprovskyi 39’ variety, and 0.88 and 0.93 million m2/ha for the ‘Vinets’ variety at the optimal seeding depth. The photosynthetic potential was lower at the seeding depth of 2 and 8 cm, which is explained by the different soil and climatic parameters during a certain period of sorghum plant vegetation. The highest value of the photosynthetic capacity net indicator was obtained by sowing seeds at the optimal time and the optimal seeding depth and it equated 3.84–4.02 g/m2 per day for the ‘Dniprovskyi 39’ variety and 3.79 – 3.98 g/m2 per day for the ‘Vinets’ variety. Conclusions. It has been established that the sorghum plants had better vegetation and formed photosynthetic capacity by sowing seeds in the first decade of May at the planting depth of 4–6 cm, which we recommend for growing this crop in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.

Purpose. To determine the content of biochemical compounds in fruits of M. domestica Borkh. varietal samples, select the most promising ones for use in further breeding, and recommend for use in various directions, given the biochemical complex of signs, taste and marketability of the fruit. Methods. We used generally accepted methods for determining the biochemical composition of fruits (soluble so­lids (SSR) according to GOST (State Standard System) 29030-91, total sugars according to GOST 8756-13.87; polyphenol composition according to the method of L. I. Vigorov (1968), vitamin C according to the method of A I. Ermakov (1972); tit­rated acids – according to GOST 25555.0-82). Results. Nine cultivars of apple trees were analyzed for the biochemical composition of fruits, namely the apple tree cultivar ‘Vydubytska Plakucha’ (‘V. p.’) and various hybrids created on its basis from the collection of the fruit plant acclimatization department of the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Gardens of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Selected forms are sources of 1–5 important biochemical characteristics (solids content, glucose, sugars, ascorbic acid, titratable acid) and promising for use in breeding. According to the dry matter content – the lowest rate was found in hybrid ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Symyrenko’ (16.68%), the highest in the hybrid – ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Oranzhevyi Coksa’ (22.87%), rates of ascorbic acid content varied within (6.0–12.25 mg%), total sugars (10.37–18.23), acids (0.74–1,67 respectively). The most interesting for introduction and breeding are hybrids with a high content of biochemical parameters, namely: ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Oranzhevyi Coksa’, ‘V. p.’ × ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘V. p.’ × ‘Parmen Zymovyi Zolotyi’. Conclusions. The content of the biochemical composition of the fruits, taste and marketability were characterized, and varietal samples of hybrids of the apple tree ‘Vydubytska Plakucha’ were distributed in the directions of use in order to improve the quality of life of the population. According to the biochemical indicators of the cluster analysis of the studied apple hybrids, close relationships were found between the three groups necessary in the future for breeding when selecting parental forms for an improved biochemical composition of the fruit (including hybrids ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Oranzhevyi Coksa’, ‘V. p.’ × ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘V. p.’ × ‘Parmen Zymovyi Zolotyi’, titrated acid hybrids ‘V. p.’ × ‘Starkrimson’, ‘V. p.’ × ‘Parmen Zymovyi Zolotyi’ and ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Symyrenko’, tannins hybrids ‘V. p.’ × ‘Slava Peremozhtsiam’ and ‘V. p.’ × ‘Starkrimson’); and to expand the assortment of apple trees according to the planned commercial signs. Hybrids of the apple-tree cultivar ‘Vydubytska Plakucha’, created in the NBG using old and valuable modern apple-tree cultivars, indicate the promise of producing high-yielding, large-fruited varieties with a high content of biologically active substances

Purpose. To study the morphological features and determine the biometric indices of leaves of English roses. Methods. Field, morphological, descriptive, biometric. Morphological descriptions were carried out in accordance with the Atlas of morphological features of rose varieties (Rosa L.) (2009) and the Illustrated Guide to Flowering Plant Morphology (2004). Results. The morphological features of the leaves of English rose varieties were determined. Quantitative (length of complex leaf, number of leaf plates, area of leaflet, total leaf area) and qualitative (leaflet shape, leaflet edge shape, leaflet base shape, leaflet tip) were studied. Varieties of English roses that have maximum and minimum values for these indicators were highlighted. Conclusions. The morphological features were revealed and the biometric indicators of the leaves of English roses from the collection of the State Dendrological Park “Alexandria” NAS of Ukraine were determined. The amplitude of variability of morphological characters of the studied varieties was determined. Peculiarities of the morphological structure and biometric parameters of leaves of English rose varieties can be diagnostic signs for determining varieties within the boundaries of the species. Plants with increased photosynthetic productivity of the leaf apparatus, which is characteristic of the ‘James Galway’ and ‘A Shropshire Lad’ varieties, have an advantage in landscaping.

Purpose. To analyze the variety diversity of the Itoh peony group in the collection of the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden National Botanical Garden National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and determine its biological features in the new conditions of introduction. Methods. Introduction studies, phenological observations, morphometry, statistical processing of results. Results. The cultivars diversity of the Itoh peony group of the M. M. Hrysh­ko National Botanical Garden National Botanical Garden National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine collection was analyzed. The ornamental properties of the cultivars were described. Features of their growth and development under conditions of introduction were studied. It was revealed that the duration of vegetation of plants of Ito group varieties is 218–225 days. It was determined that plant growth begins on March 23 – April 2, flowering on May 19–28. The budding of plants was observed in the first decade of May and lasts 16–20 days. It was revealed that in the conditions of introduction ‘Morning Lilac’ and ‘Sonoma Apricot’ bloom first (May 19–20), ‘Viking Full Moon’, ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’, ‘Yellow Waterlily’ bloom later (May 28). The height of generative shoots of plants in flowe­ring phase ranged from 60 to90 cm. Plants go dormant in winter, having formed generative shoots that successfully winter. Reproduction of plants occurs both due to the buds that form on the lower part of the stem, and the buds that form on the rhizome. The shoot-forming ability and flowering productivity are 6.0±2.5 – 19.5±4.0 shoots and 4.5±1.5 – 16.0±3.0 generative shoots per plant, respectively. Cultivars ‘First Arrival’, ‘Sonoma Apricot’, ‘Hillary’, ‘Bartzella’, ‘Morning Lilac’, ‘Lollipop’, ‘Old Rose Dandy’ are highly productive. Conclusions. The collection of peonies of the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden National Botanical Garden National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine has been expanded by Itoh Group cultivars. The R. Anderson’s breeds of 1980–1990 are more fully represented. An analysis of the ornamental features of the varieties showed that the hybrids with a semi-double flower shape of a yellow color dominate the collection. Cultivars retain all their ornamental and economic characteristics under conditions of introduction. The Itoh group varieties of the collection can be material for developing technologies for their cultivation and propagation, can be a source of replenishment and expansion of regional botanical gardens collections, planting material for gardening and landscaping, and also perform an educational and cognitive function.