Purpose. Analysis of the process of hexaploid triticale breeding for winter hardiness by intraspecific hybridization method using systemic ecological tests under contrasting conditions. Methods. Dialectical investigation, field experiments, laboratory testing and statistical evaluation. Results. The results of breeding winter and alternate triticale varieties possessing a complex of valuable traits by the method of intraspecific hybridization of forms of different types of development using systemic ecological tests under contrasting conditions (Forest-Steppe – extremely arid Steppe) and at low temperatures were presented. During the years of research (1980–2005), 18 varieties were developed and transferred to the state testing, 17 of them were registered. Conclusions. Thus, the effective selection of highly productive genotypes with increased and high winter hardiness is possible from populations obtained by crossing hexaploid triticale of different types of development (winter triticale with spring and alternate ones) and contrasting level of frost and winter hardiness. During the period of 1980–2015, medium-tall and dwarf varieties of winter (‘Amfidyploid 256’, ‘Garne’, ‘Kharroza’, ‘Rarytet’, ‘Timofey’, etc.) and alternate (‘Nikanor’, ‘Yaroslava’, ‘Plastun Volynskyi’) triticales were developed. They are superior to the standard varieties of soft winter wheat for the critical temperature of freezing by -0.5...- 2.0 °C, characterized by increased (up to 9–12 t/ha) grain yield of various quality depending on the purpose of use.

Purpose. To develop a method of propagation, stimulation of rhizomes growth in vitro culture for the genus Miscanthus representatives and their adaptation in the open field without the use of greenhouse complexes for acclimatization and completion of growing. Methods. Biotechnological procedures, mathematical and statistical analyses. Results. Prescription of nutrient medium was developed for explants inoculation, sprouts propagation, rhizomes growth stimulation in vitro. Such sterile explants as seeds, buds to be removed from rhizomes, parts of stems with bud were placed on modified media with mineral portion by Murashige and Skoog (MS) that contained 0,5–1 dose of macroelements and one dose of microelements, vitamins (10 mg/l of thia­minum, 1,0 mg/l of pyridoxine, 1,0 mg/l of nicotinic acid and 1,0 mg/l of ascorbic acid) supplemented with amino acids (250 mg/l of glutamic acid, 3 mg/l of tyrosine, 3 mg/l of arginine, 2 mg/l of hydroxyproline), plant growth regulators [0,5–1,0 mg/l of GA (gibberelline acid), 0,2 mg/l of 6-BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine, 0,1 mg/l of NAA (α-naphtylacetic acid)] in different variations. After seed germination, buds emerging and sprouts formation 1–2 cm in height, for propagation purpose they were passivated on the medium of other composition that differed from previous one by the content and ratio of growth regulators, especially by a high concentration of cytokinins [6-BAP (0,4–0,5 mg/l), kinetin (0,5 mg/l), adenine (0,5 mg/k)] in different variations in presence of GA (0,2 mg/l). In order to stimulate rhizomes growth, microclones were transferred on media with other composition and ratio growth regulators (6-BAP (0,2–0,3 mg/l) + GA (0,5–1,0 mg/l) or 6-BAP (0,2–0,3 mg/l) + GA (0,5–1,0 mg/l) + NAA (0,1 mg/l), in other words, with a high content of gibberellins. After the formation of rhizomes 10–15 cm in length, miscanthus plants were planted out in the open ground. Stimulation of rhizomes initiation and elongation on appropriate nutrient media before Miscanthus giganteus, M. sacchariflorus and M. sinensis planting in vivo resulted in 100% adaptation and 100% survival of plants in the winter period without the use of greenhouse complexes. Conclusions. The method of miscanthus propagation in vit­ro and adaptation in the open ground was developed that included stimulation of rhizomes growth and favoured the increase of their length on media supplemented with gibbe­relline that guaranteed 100% preservation of microplants to be propagated from in vitro culture during adaptation in the open ground and acclimatization in winter.

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).

Analysis of oilseeds in Ukraine, including sunflower, soybean, winter and spring rape, mustard, linseed, sesame, spring false flax, safflower. Presented research-based elements of the technology of cultivation. Described seed of oilseeds. Named most promising varieties of these crops. Disclosed their productive and qualitative potential. The above varietal structure of oilseeds in the State Register of plant varieties suitable for dissemination in Ukraine for years. In order to ensure stable population of oil and food, which include oil, and for the implementation of programs related to soil fertility, scientifically grounded recommended area of oilseeds in Ukraine for 2013–2015 years, ha.

In the Mironivka Institute for wheat named by V.M. Remeslo UAAN new winter-hardy winter wheat variety material was obtained. The annual breeding was used for the selection df winter wheat forms from spring wheat varieties by the prevernalization, spring sowing and M2 at the beginning of optimal terms in autumn (the influence of low temperature on spring wheat seeds). On the basis of such material, winter-hardy wheat varieties were created, such as Myronivs’ka rannyostygla, Remeslivna, Vo- loshkova and such varieties as Bagira, Vdyachna and Svyankova were submitted to the State Service for Plant Variety Protection.

Purpose. Morphological and organoleptic evaluation of oyster mushroom strains for selection of highly productive cultivars assortment with valuable consumer properties for winter and summer cultivation and suitability for sale in fresh or processed form were investigated. Methods. The scheme of the experiment included six strains of oyster mushrooms belonging to two species: Pleurotus ostreatus (5 strains: 2301, Z, 2316, 2456, 431) and P. pulmonarius (2314). Laboratory, laboratory-industrial and statistical methods are used. Results. The dynamics of agrochemical parameters of substrates obtained by the method of aerobic fermentation in the high layer proved their optimality according to the main criteria and compliance to regulatory documentation. The biological efficiency of the strains was in the range of 40–78.9%. The highest weight of clusters was found in the “summer” strain 431 (430.7 g). The highest weight of the fruiting body was determined for the strain 2301 (15.2 g), the lowest – for the 2456 (3.3 g). Conclusions. The values of biological efficiency of strains was determined. The highest average values for the first flush of fruiting had strains 2316 (78.9%) from the “winter” group (A) and 431 (78.4%) from the “summer” group (B). According to the results of statistical analysis, significant differences were revealed between the studied strains in the main morphological indicators of clusters. It was found that the mass of clusters of «winter» cultivars is much less dependent on the strain type (220.8–273.4 g) than that of «summer» cultivars (83.4–430.7 g). The index of the asymmetry coefficient of the cluster, which can be useful for calculating the required container sizes was proposed. It was determined that the morphological features of fruiting bodies had significant differences in all studied parameters. In particular, the A group strains differed in size and weight. It was proposed the index of weight loss of the crop coefficient, which shows the ratio between the cap and stipe of the fruiting body and make it possible to predict the amount of mushroom raw material that will be sold in the form of caps, and the amount of raw material that can be processed into minced mushroom, powder and others. The best coefficient was obtained for the fruiting bodies of strain 2314 (0.87), and the worst – for 2456 (0.59), which, accordingly, is not recommended for sale by individual fruiting bodies. It was found that the fruiting bodies of high-yielding strains 2316 and 431 had a number of organoleptic defects.

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.

Purpose. To reveal the scientific bases of forming the conveyor production of commercial products of lettuce, Lactuca sativa L., varieties in the conditions of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Field research was conducted during 2015–2017 at the research field of the Department of Horticulture and Vegetable Growing of the Lviv National Agrarian University in accordance with the Methodology on Experimental Techniques in Vegetable and Melon Growing (2001) and Methods of Expertise of lettuce, Lactuca sativa L., varieties. Results. It is revealed that the soil and climatic conditions of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine contri­bute to the optimal growth and development of all lettuce varieties of the corresponding types, as evidenced by the structure of conveyor receipt of fresh commodity products to the consumer (first decade of April – first decade of November). The shortest growing season was provided by lettuce varieties var. secalina ‘Zorepad, ‘Malakhit, ‘Dublianskyi’, which have the shortest period from seedlings to technical ripeness (21–42 days). Therefore, varieties of this variation occupy the lar­gest share in the conveyor production of commercial products, which, with early spring sowing in open ground (April 14–20), comes to the consumer in the first decade of May. Winter sowing (21.11) ensured the receipt of fresh produce in the first decade of April. Commercial products by mass of edible organs, shape of the rosette of leaves (heads, stems), color, consistency and taste qualities corresponds to the technical requirements for Lactuca sativa L. Conclusions. The selection of varieties of lettuce for the conveyor production of commercial products should be carried out taking into account the variety of the corresponding type, ripeness group, and timing of sowing. The receipt of fresh lettuce to the consumer is directly dependent on the timing of seeds sowing (early spring, late spring, summer-autumn and winter).

Purpose. To evaluate results of old garden roses varieties introduction based on the analysis of their decorative pro­perties and economic characters. Methods. Field study, comparative analysis, generalization. Results. The collection of roses at M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden (the city of Kyiv) was analyzed. A comparison was drawn between their gene pool and the world collection of roses. After collection screening, 22 old varieties were found at M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden and described. Their decorative pro­perties, economic characters and winter hardiness were eva­luated, the final result ranged from 81 to 100 points. Evalua­tion of winter hardiness that was based on the records of shoot damage degree in the field during the winter showed that in Kyiv conditions 13 cultivars were exceptionally resistant to frost, the other 9 appeared to be frost-sensitive. Conclusions. As follows from the analysis of decorative va­lues, economic characters and winter hardiness, 12 varieties of old roses such as ‘Cardinal de Richelieu’, ‘Commandant Beaurepaire’, ‘La Reine’, ‘Louise de Odier’, ‘Madame Plantier’, ‘Maiden’s Blush’, ‘Marie Baumann’, ‘Mousseuse Rouge’, ‘Persian Yellow’, ‘Poppius’, ‘Reine des Violettes’, ‘Versicolor’ were found to be perfectly suitable for landscaping.

Purpose. Improvement of a range of strawberry varie­ties based on comprehensive study and introduction of new Ukrainian and West European cultivars. Methods. Cultivars and elite forms were studied using the methods of primary variety studying and state variety testing at three-year strawberry plantations of the Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (the city of Kyiv) and its variety testing stations. Results. It was found that more frequent spring and summer droughts as well as black frosts in winter adversely affected the strawberry productivity. The best varieties were selected among new ones for the complex of traits, they included ‘Elegance’ from the Great Britain, ‘Gercules’ from Ukraine (both are dessert grapes), ‘Elsanta’ from Holland (for universal use), ‘Alba’ from Italia (as raw material). The highly adaptive and productive ‘Istochnik’ and ‘Festyvalna romashka’ varieties (as raw material) are recommended for the north regions. Conclusions. In the context of profound climatic change, high-profitable cultivation of mid-ripening varieties and a strawberry as such in the Northern Forest-Steppe zone is expedient under controlled conditions – in high film tunnels, in hot-houses and under perennial irrigation that already has become the European tendency.