Purpose. Providing a scientific rationale for the practical application of analysis of variance elements to determine the range of morphological and value for cultivation and use (VCU) characteristics of Romaine lettuce ‘Skarb’ variety. Results. The Romaine lettuce ‘Skarb’ variety was identified by the type of display of quantitative (QN) identification characteristics. VCU characteristics of the var. longifolia L. varieties were determined and statistically processed. The author focused on practical application of histogram and variation curve of phenotype morphological characteristics when performing the uniformity test. The correlation between quantitative characteristics of lettuce leaf and head was observed when plant productivity was developing. Romaine lettuce yield value was verified statistically. Thresholds were established for the indices under study, confidence intervals were defined over the years of study. Conclusions. The use of Lewis stability factor (S.F. = Xmax/Xmin) allowed to establish the stability of each characteristic display. Practical application of the histogram and variation curve for determining code of display of quantitative morphological characters and the range of VCU characteristics of the Romaine lettuce ‘Skarb’ variety was scientifically grounded.

Purpose. Providing a scientific rationale for the practical application of analysis of variance elements to determine the range of morphological and value for cultivation and use (VCU) characteristics of Romaine lettuce ‘Skarb’ variety. Results. The Romaine lettuce ‘Skarb’ variety was identified by the type of display of quantitative (QN) identification characteristics. VCU characteristics of the var. longifolia L. varieties were determined and statistically processed. The author focused on practical application of histogram and variation curve of phenotype morphological characteristics when performing the uniformity test. The correlation between quantitative characteristics of lettuce leaf and head was observed when plant productivity was developing. Romaine lettuce yield value was verified statistically. Thresholds were established for the indices under study, confidence intervals were defined over the years of study. Conclusions. The use of Lewis stability factor (S.F. = Xmax/Xmin) allowed to establish the stability of each characteristic display. Practical application of the histogram and variation curve for determining code of display of quantitative morphological characters and the range of VCU characteristics of the Romaine lettuce ‘Skarb’ variety was scientifically grounded.

Historical review was done concerning the formation and development of scientific research of the Experimental Station of Medicinal Plants over the period 1916–2016. The main stages of experimenting in the direction of “medicinal plant cultivation’’ in Ukraine were covered. Role and importance of the Experimental Station of Medicinal Plants in the scientific and methodological support of such scientific directions as breeding, seed production, cultivation technologies, pharmacognosy in medicinal plant cultivation were shown. For the needs of the branch, over 100 species of introduced medicinal plants were studied at the Station and agricultu­ral techniques of their growing were developed, in addition, more than 50 varieties of medicinal plants were crea­ted, a number of machines and devices for growing, harves­ting and initial treatment of raw materials and seeds of the most important medicinal plants was designed. Other scientific achievements of the Station were mentioned and promising areas of medicinal plant research in Ukraine were outlined.

Historical review was done concerning the formation and development of scientific research of the Experimental Station of Medicinal Plants over the period 1916–2016. The main stages of experimenting in the direction of “medicinal plant cultivation’’ in Ukraine were covered. Role and importance of the Experimental Station of Medicinal Plants in the scientific and methodological support of such scientific directions as breeding, seed production, cultivation technologies, pharmacognosy in medicinal plant cultivation were shown. For the needs of the branch, over 100 species of introduced medicinal plants were studied at the Station and agricultu­ral techniques of their growing were developed, in addition, more than 50 varieties of medicinal plants were crea­ted, a number of machines and devices for growing, harves­ting and initial treatment of raw materials and seeds of the most important medicinal plants was designed. Other scientific achievements of the Station were mentioned and promising areas of medicinal plant research in Ukraine were outlined.

Purpose. Defining marker-trait associations of microsatellite markers with specific regions of the genome that control important agronomical traits in the investigated varieties originated in the Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center of Seed and Cultivar Investigations and entered into the State register of plant varieties suitable for dissemination in Ukraine during different years. Methods. Molecular genetic methods (extraction of genomic DNA, polymerase chain reactions (PCR), electrophoresis of amplification products in polyacrylamide gel), field methods (phenological observations of heading date and analysis of plant height, visual assessment of the colour and length of wheat ear and awns), statistical methods (evaluation of trait means by descriptive statistic instruments of EXCEL package, ANOVA method performed by GLM instrument from AGROBASE 21 package). Results. During four gro­wing years (2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14), 47 bread winter wheat varieties were phenotypically measured and analyzed with 17 microsatellite loci. 35 marker-trait associations (MTA) for heading date, 39 for plant height, 33 for awn size, 20 for ear colour and 8 for ear size were found to be stable and significant during two–four different gro­wing years. Conclusions. Microsatellite markers that showed substantial and stable during different growing years associations with agronomical traits can be useful and suitable for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in Ukrainian wheat breeding programs.

Purpose. Defining marker-trait associations of microsatellite markers with specific regions of the genome that control important agronomical traits in the investigated varieties originated in the Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center of Seed and Cultivar Investigations and entered into the State register of plant varieties suitable for dissemination in Ukraine during different years. Methods. Molecular genetic methods (extraction of genomic DNA, polymerase chain reactions (PCR), electrophoresis of amplification products in polyacrylamide gel), field methods (phenological observations of heading date and analysis of plant height, visual assessment of the colour and length of wheat ear and awns), statistical methods (evaluation of trait means by descriptive statistic instruments of EXCEL package, ANOVA method performed by GLM instrument from AGROBASE 21 package). Results. During four gro­wing years (2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14), 47 bread winter wheat varieties were phenotypically measured and analyzed with 17 microsatellite loci. 35 marker-trait associations (MTA) for heading date, 39 for plant height, 33 for awn size, 20 for ear colour and 8 for ear size were found to be stable and significant during two–four different gro­wing years. Conclusions. Microsatellite markers that showed substantial and stable during different growing years associations with agronomical traits can be useful and suitable for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in Ukrainian wheat breeding programs.

Purpose. To evaluate pea plants productivity and determine the degree of correlation among the main agronomic characters in pea varieties. Methods. Structural and statistical analysis. Results. Evaluation of pea samples in terms of indices of plant productivity elements level based on correlation analysis and single-factor indices appliance provided insight into the ratio of one trait share per unit of another one. It was defined that some correlations among the elements of productivity was not only moderate and weak, but they also changed their sign that could be the evidence of growth conditions influence on structural relationships bet­ween some traits and, consequently, redistribution of their contributions to the formation of variety productivity. Positive and very close relationship of many traits was revealed, particularly between plant height and the height of the plant up to the first bean, the number of nodes and the number of sterile nodes (r = 0,95–0,97). Methodological aspects of the variety model creation were considered, that may be useful not only in pea breeding but also for improving the techno­logy of its cultivation. Conclusions. Correlation relationships were established between the number of beans and the number of fruiting nodes and the number of carpophores containing 2 beans (r = 0,86–0,88), seed mass and plant mass (r = 0,81), the number of seeds per plant and plant mass and seed mass per plant (r = 0,78–0,81), the number of certified seeds and the number of seeds per plant (r = 0,84), the average number of beans per fertile node and the number of carpophores containing 2 beans (r = 0,74) that makes it possible to use them in assessing the productivity of plants.

Purpose. To evaluate pea plants productivity and determine the degree of correlation among the main agronomic characters in pea varieties. Methods. Structural and statistical analysis. Results. Evaluation of pea samples in terms of indices of plant productivity elements level based on correlation analysis and single-factor indices appliance provided insight into the ratio of one trait share per unit of another one. It was defined that some correlations among the elements of productivity was not only moderate and weak, but they also changed their sign that could be the evidence of growth conditions influence on structural relationships bet­ween some traits and, consequently, redistribution of their contributions to the formation of variety productivity. Positive and very close relationship of many traits was revealed, particularly between plant height and the height of the plant up to the first bean, the number of nodes and the number of sterile nodes (r = 0,95–0,97). Methodological aspects of the variety model creation were considered, that may be useful not only in pea breeding but also for improving the techno­logy of its cultivation. Conclusions. Correlation relationships were established between the number of beans and the number of fruiting nodes and the number of carpophores containing 2 beans (r = 0,86–0,88), seed mass and plant mass (r = 0,81), the number of seeds per plant and plant mass and seed mass per plant (r = 0,78–0,81), the number of certified seeds and the number of seeds per plant (r = 0,84), the average number of beans per fertile node and the number of carpophores containing 2 beans (r = 0,74) that makes it possible to use them in assessing the productivity of plants.

Purpose. To develop and improve adaptive technologies of winter wheat cultivation which provide high productivity and quality of grain. Methods. Field and laboratory stu­dies, mathematical and statistical analysis. Results. During 2011–2015, the impact of cultivation technologies on the formation of grain quality and yield of winter wheat varie­ty ‘Stolychna’ (with pea as predecessor) was studied. When using alternative technologies with only predecessor by-products application, the yield of winter wheat with integ­rated crop protection system was 4,56 t/ha, with minimal protection – 4.25 t/ha with grain quality of the 5th class of B group. Resource saving cultivation technologies with limi­ted application of fertilizers (Р45К45N30(II)+30(IV)) provided productivity at the level of 4,87–5,50 t/ha with grain qua­lity of the 2nd–3rd class of A group. Grain yield of 6.01 t/ha with indicators of the 2nd–3rd class of quality was obtained with the use of intensive cultivation technology with application of mineral fertilizers (Р90К90N30(II)+60(IV)+30(VIII)) on the background of applying predecessor’s by-products and integra­ted crop protection. The highest yield of grain (6.22 t/ha) with indicators of the 2nd class of A group quality on average for the research period was provided by energy-intensive technology, that requires the application of mineral fertilize­rs (P135K135N60(II)+75(IV)+45(VIII)) and incorporation of predecessor’s by-products in the soil, and integrated plant protection. Conclusion. It was found that in the northern part of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine, the highest productivity of winter wheat was obtained in dark grey podzolic soils when using the energy-intensive technology with application of P135K135N60(II)+75(IV)+45(VIII) on the background of predecessor’s by-products and integrated crop protection. This technology ensured the grain yield of 6.22 t/ha of the 2nd class of A group quality.

Purpose. To develop and improve adaptive technologies of winter wheat cultivation which provide high productivity and quality of grain. Methods. Field and laboratory stu­dies, mathematical and statistical analysis. Results. During 2011–2015, the impact of cultivation technologies on the formation of grain quality and yield of winter wheat varie­ty ‘Stolychna’ (with pea as predecessor) was studied. When using alternative technologies with only predecessor by-products application, the yield of winter wheat with integ­rated crop protection system was 4,56 t/ha, with minimal protection – 4.25 t/ha with grain quality of the 5th class of B group. Resource saving cultivation technologies with limi­ted application of fertilizers (Р45К45N30(II)+30(IV)) provided productivity at the level of 4,87–5,50 t/ha with grain qua­lity of the 2nd–3rd class of A group. Grain yield of 6.01 t/ha with indicators of the 2nd–3rd class of quality was obtained with the use of intensive cultivation technology with application of mineral fertilizers (Р90К90N30(II)+60(IV)+30(VIII)) on the background of applying predecessor’s by-products and integra­ted crop protection. The highest yield of grain (6.22 t/ha) with indicators of the 2nd class of A group quality on average for the research period was provided by energy-intensive technology, that requires the application of mineral fertilize­rs (P135K135N60(II)+75(IV)+45(VIII)) and incorporation of predecessor’s by-products in the soil, and integrated plant protection. Conclusion. It was found that in the northern part of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine, the highest productivity of winter wheat was obtained in dark grey podzolic soils when using the energy-intensive technology with application of P135K135N60(II)+75(IV)+45(VIII) on the background of predecessor’s by-products and integrated crop protection. This technology ensured the grain yield of 6.22 t/ha of the 2nd class of A group quality.

Purpose. Studying variety samples of winter triticale of various ecological and geographical origin for revealing polymorphism of the culture for its susceptibility to pathogenic complex of Fusarium head blight and defining high-yielding and resistant to diseases varieties that later can be put into the production and breeding process. Methods. Field experiments, statistical evaluation. Results. It was defined that the development of Fusarium head blight in different variety samples of winter triticale depends on the hydrothermal conditions and genotype of the host-plant. Resistance of varieties and hybrids to the disease was partial, and no immune samples were found among the analyzed ones. The following varieties proved to be tolerant to Fusarium head blight: ‘Granat’, ‘Zorro’, ‘Obrii Myronivskyi’. The positive correlation between the development of Fusarium head blight and root rot of winter triticale was found. It was determined that in the pathogenic complex of Fusarium head blight the amount of the following pathogens is increasing: Fusarium sporotrichioides, F. аvenaceum and F. poae. Conclusions. The leading varieties that combine high yields and resistance to Fusarium head blight are as follows: ‘Obrii Myronivskyi’, ‘ADM 8’, ‘Yuvileine Volynske’, ‘Yukon’, ‘Zorro’, ‘Tsekad 90’, ‘Zerniatko’, ‘Legion’ and ‘Rarytet’. These varieties should be involved in the selection process to breed the hybrids with the augmented resistance to the disease and high yields.

Purpose. Studying variety samples of winter triticale of various ecological and geographical origin for revealing polymorphism of the culture for its susceptibility to pathogenic complex of Fusarium head blight and defining high-yielding and resistant to diseases varieties that later can be put into the production and breeding process. Methods. Field experiments, statistical evaluation. Results. It was defined that the development of Fusarium head blight in different variety samples of winter triticale depends on the hydrothermal conditions and genotype of the host-plant. Resistance of varieties and hybrids to the disease was partial, and no immune samples were found among the analyzed ones. The following varieties proved to be tolerant to Fusarium head blight: ‘Granat’, ‘Zorro’, ‘Obrii Myronivskyi’. The positive correlation between the development of Fusarium head blight and root rot of winter triticale was found. It was determined that in the pathogenic complex of Fusarium head blight the amount of the following pathogens is increasing: Fusarium sporotrichioides, F. аvenaceum and F. poae. Conclusions. The leading varieties that combine high yields and resistance to Fusarium head blight are as follows: ‘Obrii Myronivskyi’, ‘ADM 8’, ‘Yuvileine Volynske’, ‘Yukon’, ‘Zorro’, ‘Tsekad 90’, ‘Zerniatko’, ‘Legion’ and ‘Rarytet’. These varieties should be involved in the selection process to breed the hybrids with the augmented resistance to the disease and high yields.

Purpose. To enrich and improve the range of table grape varieties of Ukraine. Methods. Breeding, hybridological, mathematic, visual ones. Results. Modern Ukrainian gene pool of table grape varieties has been created on the base of the best introduced and homegrown cultivars and selections. New genotypes that are creating at the National Scientific Centre “Institute of Viticulture and Wine-Making named after V. Ye. Tairov” under the breeding program “Resistense plus Quality” are the basis of current and future regional assortments for the south and central areas of the steppe zone of Ukraine. The complexity of the origine explains the genetically determined high-level manifestation of commercially valuable characters. New varieties and selections are ecologically safe for humans and the environment, as the level of their resistance to the group of fungal main diseases is not less than 6.5 points according to the 9-point scale, therefore they do not require a large pesticide load. New promising table varieties demonstrate a stable yield and high marketability of grapes – 5–10 kg per plant with the marketability nearly 80–87% during the last five years. In addition, dense flesh of grapes is a guarantee of high transportability. The variety of table genotypes taste, shape and berries ripening from very early to very late embodied in the innovative and highly profitable development “Conveyor of table grapes”. Depending on the ecological and geographical conditions, the conveyor can include a diffe­rent quantity of varieties, but to in order increase the efficiency and profitability it is necessary to have a few groups (from 2 to 4 varietes) of different ripening. The approximate ratio (%) of varieties of different ripening time is recommended: very early – 22%, early – 22%, average – 17%, mid-late – 17%, and late – 22%. Conclusions. The variation of shape, flavour and color of new promising genotypes of table grapes makes them very popular on the market and may satisfy the most demanding consumer. The stability of the adaptive and technological traits makes the new table varieties very attractive for the producers of grape products.

Purpose. To enrich and improve the range of table grape varieties of Ukraine. Methods. Breeding, hybridological, mathematic, visual ones. Results. Modern Ukrainian gene pool of table grape varieties has been created on the base of the best introduced and homegrown cultivars and selections. New genotypes that are creating at the National Scientific Centre “Institute of Viticulture and Wine-Making named after V. Ye. Tairov” under the breeding program “Resistense plus Quality” are the basis of current and future regional assortments for the south and central areas of the steppe zone of Ukraine. The complexity of the origine explains the genetically determined high-level manifestation of commercially valuable characters. New varieties and selections are ecologically safe for humans and the environment, as the level of their resistance to the group of fungal main diseases is not less than 6.5 points according to the 9-point scale, therefore they do not require a large pesticide load. New promising table varieties demonstrate a stable yield and high marketability of grapes – 5–10 kg per plant with the marketability nearly 80–87% during the last five years. In addition, dense flesh of grapes is a guarantee of high transportability. The variety of table genotypes taste, shape and berries ripening from very early to very late embodied in the innovative and highly profitable development “Conveyor of table grapes”. Depending on the ecological and geographical conditions, the conveyor can include a diffe­rent quantity of varieties, but to in order increase the efficiency and profitability it is necessary to have a few groups (from 2 to 4 varietes) of different ripening. The approximate ratio (%) of varieties of different ripening time is recommended: very early – 22%, early – 22%, average – 17%, mid-late – 17%, and late – 22%. Conclusions. The variation of shape, flavour and color of new promising genotypes of table grapes makes them very popular on the market and may satisfy the most demanding consumer. The stability of the adaptive and technological traits makes the new table varieties very attractive for the producers of grape products.

Purpose. To study biological peculiarities of softwood cuttings of three species of ornamental garden plants of the Hydrangeaceae family introduced under the conditions of a botanical nursery of Uman National University of Horticulture, and the prospects of planting material use in landscaping. Methods. Field study, laboratory test, statistical and mathematical analysis. Results. Bioecological and ornamental peculiarities of grafters of investigated species and their preservation for supplying the store of initial plant graft material were studied. The dependence of regeneration ability of softwood cuttings of investigated varieties on preplant treatment by a biologically active substance (KANO), type of a shoot, time of grafting, etc was analyzed. Substantially intensive rooting of basal drafts with three nods and less intensive rooting of apical drafts was observed during the whole period of rooting. Conclusions. The treatment of softwood cuttings with a biologically active substance at the concentration of 10–15 mg/l in the aqueous solution stimulates root formation and activates growth of own root plants. Investigated plant species of Hydrangeaсeae family are promising for landscaping on urbanized areas of various functional use.

Purpose. To study biological peculiarities of softwood cuttings of three species of ornamental garden plants of the Hydrangeaceae family introduced under the conditions of a botanical nursery of Uman National University of Horticulture, and the prospects of planting material use in landscaping. Methods. Field study, laboratory test, statistical and mathematical analysis. Results. Bioecological and ornamental peculiarities of grafters of investigated species and their preservation for supplying the store of initial plant graft material were studied. The dependence of regeneration ability of softwood cuttings of investigated varieties on preplant treatment by a biologically active substance (KANO), type of a shoot, time of grafting, etc was analyzed. Substantially intensive rooting of basal drafts with three nods and less intensive rooting of apical drafts was observed during the whole period of rooting. Conclusions. The treatment of softwood cuttings with a biologically active substance at the concentration of 10–15 mg/l in the aqueous solution stimulates root formation and activates growth of own root plants. Investigated plant species of Hydrangeaсeae family are promising for landscaping on urbanized areas of various functional use.