Purpose. To study the influence of agriecological conditions of edaphic-climatic macro- and microzones on adap­tability and productivity of new soft winter wheat, identification and selection of complementary varieties for appropriate conditions. Methods. Field, laboratory, analytical and statistical ones. Results. Peculiarities of the formation of productivity of varieties and its stability cultivation on the condions of cultivation in edaphic-climatic zones, subzones and microzones, including favourable and unfavou­rable years were studied. For realizing the potential of their productivity, it is advisable to introduce a differentiated approach to their cultivation in agri-climatic zones, subzones, microzones according to the requirements of biological characteristics of varieties, their natural adaptive capacity, natural and ecological environment of these zones. Complementary varieties were identified and recommended for use in edaphic-climatic zones, subzones and microzones that demonstrated high plasticity, better adaptability to favourable agri-ecological factors and were more tolerant and resistant to adverse ones. Conclusions. According to the set of productivity and ecological plasticity indices, it is desirable to cultivate varieties Sotnytsya, Kalancha, Hurt, Tonatsiya, Dobrochyn, Gubernator Donu in the Steppe zone; Sotnytsya, Oriyka, Lira Odeska, Tatsitus and Fidelius – in the Forest-Steppe; Tatsitus, Fidelius, Sailor, Etela – in the Polissia.

Purpose. To study the influence of agriecological conditions of edaphic-climatic macro- and microzones on adap­tability and productivity of new soft winter wheat, identification and selection of complementary varieties for appropriate conditions. Methods. Field, laboratory, analytical and statistical ones. Results. Peculiarities of the formation of productivity of varieties and its stability cultivation on the condions of cultivation in edaphic-climatic zones, subzones and microzones, including favourable and unfavou­rable years were studied. For realizing the potential of their productivity, it is advisable to introduce a differentiated approach to their cultivation in agri-climatic zones, subzones, microzones according to the requirements of biological characteristics of varieties, their natural adaptive capacity, natural and ecological environment of these zones. Complementary varieties were identified and recommended for use in edaphic-climatic zones, subzones and microzones that demonstrated high plasticity, better adaptability to favourable agri-ecological factors and were more tolerant and resistant to adverse ones. Conclusions. According to the set of productivity and ecological plasticity indices, it is desirable to cultivate varieties Sotnytsya, Kalancha, Hurt, Tonatsiya, Dobrochyn, Gubernator Donu in the Steppe zone; Sotnytsya, Oriyka, Lira Odeska, Tatsitus and Fidelius – in the Forest-Steppe; Tatsitus, Fidelius, Sailor, Etela – in the Polissia.

Purpose. Conducting economic evaluations of late varie­ties of white cabbage of various sort types bred by Kyiv experimental station of the Institute of Vegetables and Melons NAAS of Ukraine (IVM). Methods. Field, laboratory, statistical. Results. Experimental studies included phenological observations of plants growth and development, biometric measurements of vegetative and edible parts of plants, determination of biochemical сomposition of heads, records of yield and storability of late varieties of white cabbage of such sort types as Amager and Langedijska winter. Varieties with the highest yield, best biochemical composition and excellent storability of cabbage heads during four and six month periods were identified. Conclusions. Among the cabbage samples of Amager sort types, late variety Vasylyna was characterized by the highest yields. Olga variety provided the significant increase in productivity. Violanta variety had the highest yield within the sort type Langedijska (Langendijker) winter. Knyagynіa variety far exceed indices of standard Langendijker detsema. Late varieties of the first sort type produced the highest yield, the second ones demonstrated better biochemical composition and excellent storability of cabbage heads during four and six month period.

Purpose. Conducting economic evaluations of late varie­ties of white cabbage of various sort types bred by Kyiv experimental station of the Institute of Vegetables and Melons NAAS of Ukraine (IVM). Methods. Field, laboratory, statistical. Results. Experimental studies included phenological observations of plants growth and development, biometric measurements of vegetative and edible parts of plants, determination of biochemical сomposition of heads, records of yield and storability of late varieties of white cabbage of such sort types as Amager and Langedijska winter. Varieties with the highest yield, best biochemical composition and excellent storability of cabbage heads during four and six month periods were identified. Conclusions. Among the cabbage samples of Amager sort types, late variety Vasylyna was characterized by the highest yields. Olga variety provided the significant increase in productivity. Violanta variety had the highest yield within the sort type Langedijska (Langendijker) winter. Knyagynіa variety far exceed indices of standard Langendijker detsema. Late varieties of the first sort type produced the highest yield, the second ones demonstrated better biochemical composition and excellent storability of cabbage heads during four and six month period.

Purpose. Substantiating the selection of potato varieties for their ecological plasticity and stability to grow in Polissia. Methods. Field, laboratory, analitycal and statystical ones. Results. Impact of weather conditions during the growing season on the stability of potato varieties was estimated by indicators of yield, starch content and collection over the years by determining the average, standard deviation, minimum, maximum values and range of variation. ‘Memphis’, ‘Faluka’, ‘Arsenal’ and ‘Evolution’ were distinguished from the studied potato varieties by high genetic stability – their deviation from the average variance marked «minus» had values that were significantly less than zero. ‘Faktor’, ‘Flamenko’ and ‘Evora’ varieties are plastic (deviation is close to ±0), ‘Kolomba’, ‘Arizona’ and ‘Voliumiia’ ones – very plastic (deviation is most distant from zero). The studied varieties were distributed by homeostasis as follows: ‘Arizona’, ‘Colombo’, ‘Factor’ and ‘Memphis’ are the most valuable. Conclusions. ‘Evora’ potato variety can be considered intensive in terms of yield. ‘Evolution’ and ‘Flamenco’ varieties formed stable yields, during the years of study the difference between their maximum and minimum yields was the least – 8.2 and 9.3 tons per ha, respectively. Environmental assessment according to Eberhart and Russell indicates a high genetic stability of such potato varieties as ‘Arizona’, ‘Volyumiia’, ‘Kolombo’, ‘Evora’ and ‘Flamenko’. Conditions of Zhytomyr Oblast Plant Varieties Studying Centre are the most favorable among the studied regions to cultivate potato varieties.

Purpose. Substantiating the selection of potato varieties for their ecological plasticity and stability to grow in Polissia. Methods. Field, laboratory, analitycal and statystical ones. Results. Impact of weather conditions during the growing season on the stability of potato varieties was estimated by indicators of yield, starch content and collection over the years by determining the average, standard deviation, minimum, maximum values and range of variation. ‘Memphis’, ‘Faluka’, ‘Arsenal’ and ‘Evolution’ were distinguished from the studied potato varieties by high genetic stability – their deviation from the average variance marked «minus» had values that were significantly less than zero. ‘Faktor’, ‘Flamenko’ and ‘Evora’ varieties are plastic (deviation is close to ±0), ‘Kolomba’, ‘Arizona’ and ‘Voliumiia’ ones – very plastic (deviation is most distant from zero). The studied varieties were distributed by homeostasis as follows: ‘Arizona’, ‘Colombo’, ‘Factor’ and ‘Memphis’ are the most valuable. Conclusions. ‘Evora’ potato variety can be considered intensive in terms of yield. ‘Evolution’ and ‘Flamenco’ varieties formed stable yields, during the years of study the difference between their maximum and minimum yields was the least – 8.2 and 9.3 tons per ha, respectively. Environmental assessment according to Eberhart and Russell indicates a high genetic stability of such potato varieties as ‘Arizona’, ‘Volyumiia’, ‘Kolombo’, ‘Evora’ and ‘Flamenko’. Conditions of Zhytomyr Oblast Plant Varieties Studying Centre are the most favorable among the studied regions to cultivate potato varieties.

Purpose. Identifying new scab-resistant apple varieties with high biological potential by the set of agronomic characters and the ability to realize it effectively in various soil and climatic conditions. Methods. Field, laboratory, comparison, generalization, statistical ones. Results. The author presents the results of study of 17 scab-resistant non-irrigated apple varieties on a semi-dwarf rootstock as to their adaptability to biotic and abio­tic stressors as well as their economic productivity. The studied varieties appeared to be winter-hardy, frost- and heat-resistant, but medium drought-tolerant ones. They are characterized by weak and moderate susceptibility to powdery mildew, high resistance to fruit rot and very low amounts of brown spot, except for Gold Rush variety. Such 10 year old varieties as ‘Edera’, Florina’, ‘Amulet’ and ‘Perlyna Kyieva’ and 8 year old ‘Afrodita’, ‘Vitos’, ‘Orlovskoie Polesie’ and ‘Topaz’ formed the highest productivity during the years of study. Due to the pollen quality and high interfertility, ‘Revena’ and ‘Gold Rush’ varieties were identified as universal pollinators for winter scab-resistant apple varieties. Conclusions. Such ecologically resistant winter varieties as ‘Topaz’, ‘Freedom’, ‘Edera’ and autumnal ‘Remo’, ‘Afrodita’, ‘Vitos’, ‘Amulet’ were recognized as promising for new intensive non-irrigated plantations in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. They can be the basis of new gardens occupying 25–30% of the area where ecologically safe fruits for various target purposes will be grown supplying demands of the population and processing industry.

Purpose. Identifying new scab-resistant apple varieties with high biological potential by the set of agronomic characters and the ability to realize it effectively in various soil and climatic conditions. Methods. Field, laboratory, comparison, generalization, statistical ones. Results. The author presents the results of study of 17 scab-resistant non-irrigated apple varieties on a semi-dwarf rootstock as to their adaptability to biotic and abio­tic stressors as well as their economic productivity. The studied varieties appeared to be winter-hardy, frost- and heat-resistant, but medium drought-tolerant ones. They are characterized by weak and moderate susceptibility to powdery mildew, high resistance to fruit rot and very low amounts of brown spot, except for Gold Rush variety. Such 10 year old varieties as ‘Edera’, Florina’, ‘Amulet’ and ‘Perlyna Kyieva’ and 8 year old ‘Afrodita’, ‘Vitos’, ‘Orlovskoie Polesie’ and ‘Topaz’ formed the highest productivity during the years of study. Due to the pollen quality and high interfertility, ‘Revena’ and ‘Gold Rush’ varieties were identified as universal pollinators for winter scab-resistant apple varieties. Conclusions. Such ecologically resistant winter varieties as ‘Topaz’, ‘Freedom’, ‘Edera’ and autumnal ‘Remo’, ‘Afrodita’, ‘Vitos’, ‘Amulet’ were recognized as promising for new intensive non-irrigated plantations in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. They can be the basis of new gardens occupying 25–30% of the area where ecologically safe fruits for various target purposes will be grown supplying demands of the population and processing industry.

Purpose. Determining prospects of introducing Callistephus chinensis cultivars of foreign breeding for further cultivation under conditions of the Central Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field, laboratory, analytical and statistical ones. Results. Ten C. сhinensis cultivars of theGerman breeding were tested under conditions of the Central Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Biomorphological traits of the varieties of five sort types were identified, and their comparative analysis was conducted. Seasonal dynamics of growth and development of cultivars in the growing area was studied. Conclusions. Cultivars with short and mean duration phases of development can be grown under conditions of the Central Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine by direct sowing that does not affect their seed productivity and sowing quality of seeds. Seeds of late cultivars can reach complete maturity only in case of seedling use. C. chinensis cultivars of the German breeding have successfully passed the initial test for suitability to introduction into the studied area.

Purpose. Determining prospects of introducing Callistephus chinensis cultivars of foreign breeding for further cultivation under conditions of the Central Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field, laboratory, analytical and statistical ones. Results. Ten C. сhinensis cultivars of theGerman breeding were tested under conditions of the Central Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Biomorphological traits of the varieties of five sort types were identified, and their comparative analysis was conducted. Seasonal dynamics of growth and development of cultivars in the growing area was studied. Conclusions. Cultivars with short and mean duration phases of development can be grown under conditions of the Central Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine by direct sowing that does not affect their seed productivity and sowing quality of seeds. Seeds of late cultivars can reach complete maturity only in case of seedling use. C. chinensis cultivars of the German breeding have successfully passed the initial test for suitability to introduction into the studied area.

Purpose. Scientific substantiation of agrotechnological methods used for marketable production of lettuce varieties Lactuca sativa L. according to economic and bioenergy evaluation. Methods. Field, laboratory, analytical and statistical ones. Results. Economic assessment of elements of cultivation technology for all lettuce varieties was undertaken considering different sowing time (early spring, late spring, spring-and-summer period and before the winter season), growing techniques (direct sowing, seedling method – planting pots, seedling method – planting containers) and the use of organic fertilizer Dominanta. Calculation of economic efficiency indicators of marketable lettuce production was scientifically grounded, and bioenergetic evaluation of its growing was made. Economic feasibility of seedling method of growing as well as sowing time and delivery of marketable products to the consumer was confirmed. Conclusions. Technological elements of lettuce growing including loose-leaf, butterhead, romaine and stem subvarieties provided increase of marketable products by 13,38; 3,92; 2,07; 3,20 t/ha respectively. The level of profitability of lettuce production was within 83–141% (butterhead) 86–130% (loose-leaf), 185–214% (romaine), 131–137% (stem).

Purpose. Scientific substantiation of agrotechnological methods used for marketable production of lettuce varieties Lactuca sativa L. according to economic and bioenergy evaluation. Methods. Field, laboratory, analytical and statistical ones. Results. Economic assessment of elements of cultivation technology for all lettuce varieties was undertaken considering different sowing time (early spring, late spring, spring-and-summer period and before the winter season), growing techniques (direct sowing, seedling method – planting pots, seedling method – planting containers) and the use of organic fertilizer Dominanta. Calculation of economic efficiency indicators of marketable lettuce production was scientifically grounded, and bioenergetic evaluation of its growing was made. Economic feasibility of seedling method of growing as well as sowing time and delivery of marketable products to the consumer was confirmed. Conclusions. Technological elements of lettuce growing including loose-leaf, butterhead, romaine and stem subvarieties provided increase of marketable products by 13,38; 3,92; 2,07; 3,20 t/ha respectively. The level of profitability of lettuce production was within 83–141% (butterhead) 86–130% (loose-leaf), 185–214% (romaine), 131–137% (stem).

Purpose. Determination of peculiarities of anatomical and morphological characters of stevia plants to accelerate the identification of tetraploid forms. Methods. Field, laboratory and analysis-of-variance methods. Results. It was established that larger leaf area index (19–38%), fewer stomata per unit area (by 39–48%), larger diameter of pollen grains (by 42–92%) is a characteristic feature of anatomical and morphological characters of stevia tetraploid forms as compared to diploid ones. Conclusions. The parameters of leaf plate, the size of stomata and diameter of pollen grains are auxiliary selection criteria (rapid test). For tetraploid forms of stevia, leaf area index (the ratio of leaf blade length to width), size of stomata and diameter of pollen grains is truly larger as compared to diploid forms. Chromosomes number determination based on cytological analysis is the major and the most accurate criterion for selection of tetraploid forms, that seems advisable to use it at later stages of selection.

The article deals with agronomic characters of sugar beet MS hybrids developed on the basis of parental components with resistance to Fusarium rots during vegetation period, which were found in studies with the ecological variety test of Be- taintercross. Possibility of combining high productivity and disease resistance in one genotype was confirmed as matter of principle.

Purpose. Revealing of adaptive properties of plant varieties of red beet Bordeaux Kharkivskyi and Aktion based on the study of plant growth regulators for marketable production in the Steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field, laboratory ones, variance analysis. Results. The influence of plant growth regulators (Lignogumat, Betastimulin) on earliness and productivity of such red beet varieties as Bordeaux Kharkivskyi and Aktion was established. Conclusions. Plant growth regulators (Betastimulin, Lignogumat) stimulated seed sprouting of red beet Bordeaux Kharkivskyi and Aktion varieties, activated vegetative plant growth increa­sing marketable yield. Application of Betastimulin (0.2%) for red beet Kharkivskyi Bordeaux and Aktion varieties provides the highest number of marketable beetroots, thus forming marketable yield of 44.7 and 54.9 t/ha respectively with the average beetroot weight of 328–519 g.

Purpose. Revealing of adaptive properties of plant varieties of red beet Bordeaux Kharkivskyi and Aktion based on the study of plant growth regulators for marketable production in the Steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field, laboratory ones, variance analysis. Results. The influence of plant growth regulators (Lignogumat, Betastimulin) on earliness and productivity of such red beet varieties as Bordeaux Kharkivskyi and Aktion was established. Conclusions. Plant growth regulators (Betastimulin, Lignogumat) stimulated seed sprouting of red beet Bordeaux Kharkivskyi and Aktion varieties, activated vegetative plant growth increa­sing marketable yield. Application of Betastimulin (0.2%) for red beet Kharkivskyi Bordeaux and Aktion varieties provides the highest number of marketable beetroots, thus forming marketable yield of 44.7 and 54.9 t/ha respectively with the average beetroot weight of 328–519 g.