Purpose. Determination of molecular genetic polymorphism of lettuce cultivars of Ukrainian breeding by EST-SSR markers. Methods. Molecular genetic analysis, statistical methods. Results. The results of molecular genetic polymorphism study of 7 lettuce cultivars by 7 EST-SSR markers are presented. As a result of the analysis by studied markers, 37 alleles were detected with an average 5.29 alleles per locus. The KSL-92 marker, which identified 7 alleles, proved to be the most polymorphic (PIC – Polymorphism Information Content 0.98). The lowest PIC value (0.57) was noted for the KSL-37 marker by which 3 alleles were identified. For assessing the genetic diversity of lettuce cultivars by EST-SSR markers, genetic distances between cultivars were determined based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient. It was determined that the most similar cultivars with genetic distances 0.17 were ‘Zorepad’ and ‘Malakhit’, ‘Malakhit’ and ‘Dublianskyi’, ‘Dublianskyi’ and ‘Smuhlianka’, ‘Krutianskyi’ and ‘Smuhlianka’. The most distant cultivar was ‘Skarb’ with a genetic distance 0.00 compared to other studied cultivars. According to the calculated genetic distances, the cultivars ‘Zorepad’ and ‘Malakhit’, ‘Malakhit’ and Dublianskyi’, which belong to the same variety Lactuca sativa L. var. secalina have a strong genetic similarity. The cultivars‘Skarb’ and ‘Pohonych’, which belong to the varieties Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia and Lactuca sativa L. var. angustana, respectively, were genetically distant, what was confirmed by genetic distances values. It was determined that the Shannon index within the lettuce variety by 7 EST-SSR markers is 0.61, between varieties – 0.96, the average value is 1.57. Conclusions. According to the results of studies of 7 lettuce cultivars, it was found that the highest polymorphism was determined by the KSL-92 marker, the minimum of alleles number (3 alleles) was identified by KSL-37 marker. Based on calculated genetic distances, it was noticed that lettuce cultivars, genetic distances between which are 0.17, were the most similar. The most distant cultivar based on 7 EST-SSR markers was ‘Skarb’ cultivar.

Purpose. To estimate the growth performance of poplar and willows clones on the 2nd vegetation year at short rotation plantation in the Kharkiv region, and to identify the most perspective clones for the establishing of bioenergy plantations. Methods. The growth characteristics of 2-year-old poplars (10 clones) and willows (3 clones) were analyzed on experimental plot established in 2014 due to common practice, with stem cuttings 20–25 cm long and 0.8–1.2 cm in diameter. During the analysis performed in October, diameter and height of the shoots were measured and the quantity of plants with 1, 2, and ≤ 3 shoots per plant was determined. Results. The investigations revealed significant interclonal variation in estimated growth parameters on the second vegetation year. The poplar clones ‘Huliver’, ‘Strilopodibna’, ‘Rohanska’, ‘Slava Ukrainy’ and willow clone ‘Pryberezhna’ demonstrated high growth rates. The shoot height of poplars ‘Rohanska’ and ‘Slava Ukrainy’ were 30% and 42% respectively, higher than average rates after two years of cultivation. The clones of poplars ‘Huliver’, ‘Strilopodibna’, and clone of willow ‘Pryberezhna’ had the largest diameters exceeded the average rates more than 20%. Poplars ‘Constanta’, ‘Lvivska’ and ‘Noctiurn’ demonstrated low growth. By the sprouting capacity the clones were divided into two groups: with a high level of sprouting capacity increasing significantly during the second growing season (‘Huliver’, ‘Rohanska’, ‘Druzhba’); and with low sprouting capacity within both vegetation seasons (‘Constanta’, ‘Noctiurn’ and ‘Lvivska’). In general, a comparison of the averaged growth parameters of poplars and willows revealed that the willows prevailed the poplars in height, but no significant differences in diameter and sprouting capacity were observed. Conclusions. The poplars ‘Huliver’, ‘Strilopo­dibna’, ‘Rohanska’, ‘Slava Ukrainy’ and the willow ‘Pryberezhna’ demonstrated high growth values, and poplar clones ‘Huliver’, ‘Rohanska’ and ‘Druzhba’ showed a high level of sprouting capacity. During the two growing seasons the clones of poplars ‘Constanta’, ‘Lvivska’ and ‘Noctiurn’ showed low growth rates and sprouting capacity. The results of experiments could be taken into account when establishing short-rotation plantations of bioenergy trees, in particular on plots without artificial irrigation.

Purpose. To study the economic and biological characteristics and to reveal the genetic potential of various hybrids of Chinese cabbage depending on the climatic zone of cultivation. Methods. In the experiment, hybrids of Chinese cabbage ‘Pioner F1’ (control), ‘Villi F1’, ‘Manoko F1’, ‘Orient Star F1’, ‘Vitimo F1’, ‘Sprinkin F1’, ‘Summer Highland F1’, ‘Suprin F1’, and ‘Richi F1’ were evaluated. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications with a single plot area of 21 m2. The container seedlings (40 days old) were planted in the middle of April according to the scheme 70 cm by 25 cm. Results. Having been planted at the same time, seed germination over the studied hybrids was not simultaneous. The first sprouted seeds (4 days after seeding) belonged to hybrids ‘Villi F1’, ‘Manoko F1’, ‘Orient Star F1’, and‘Summer Highland F1’. Seeds of the other hybrids started active germination on the 5–6 days after seeding. The highest yield of the cabbage heads was obtained from hybrids ‘Villi F1’ (31.7 t/ha) and ‘Sprinkin F1’ (28.7 t/ha), which was 10.0 and 7.0 t/ha more than in the control variant. The yield of ‘Summer Highland F1’ was 24.9 t/ha and ‘Suprin F1’ 24.6 t/ha. Under the conditions of unstable soil moisture, hybrids ‘Villi F1’and ‘Sprinkin F1’ appeared the most productive and ensured yield increase of 10.0 t/ha and 7.0 t/ha, respectively, compared to the control; and crop commercial quality was high. The highest percentage of dry matter (DM) content was in ‘Summer Highland F1’ (6.2%) followed by ‘Sprinkin F1’ (5.9%), which was 1.1% and 0.8% more than in the control. There was no significant difference between the values of the total sugars content over the variants. They ranged between 1.7 and 2.1%, which was similar to the control values. The content of nitrates in the cabbage heads of the studied Chinese cabbage hybrids was within the tolerance limit and amounted to 600 mg/kg (raw mass). Conclusions. Phenological observations of plant development and their biometric indices, depending on the varietal characteristics, indicate that under the conditions of unstable soil moisture, hybrids ‘Villi F1’ and ‘Sprinkin F1’ were more yielding and ensured yield increase of 10.0 t/ha and 7.0 t/ha, respectively, compared to the control. The crop commercial quality was high. The long growing season of ‘Richi F1’ (93 days) did not affect the crop quality and yield and demonstrated the lowest productivity compared to the control and the other experiment variants.

Purpose. To determine the efficiency of growing soybean varieties ‘Ustia’, ‘Cordoba’, ‘Estafeta’ depending on the influence of microfertilizers and growth regulators. Methods. Field, laboratory. Results. The article presents the results of studying the efficiency of growing different varieties of soybeans. It was found that in the cultivar ‘Ustia’ the best values of assimilation of photosynthetically active radiation were obtained for the applications of Yara Vita Mono Molitrak in the budding phase (0.25 l/ha) with growth regulator Radostym, and Yara Vita Mono Molitrak in the budding phase (0.25 l/ha) + in the flowering phase (0.25 l/ha) with two studied growth regulators. Similar patterns of the utilization rate of photosynthetic radiation were obtained for the ‘Cordoba’ and ‘Estafeta’ varieties. According to the indicators of the energy balance, the complex use of micronutrient fertilizers and growth regulators in any case pays off with an increase in the yield, which means it is energetically expedient. The maximum coefficients of energy efficiency in the ‘Ustia’, ‘Cordoba’ and ‘Estafeta’ varieties were obtained with the introduction of micronutrient fertilizers Yara Vita Mono Molitrak in the budding phase (0.25 l/ha) + in the flowering phase (0.25 l/ha) and growth regulators Biosyl and Radostym. However, the use of growth regulators separately does not always provide an economic return on investment. In particular, in the variant without Yara Vita Mono Molitrak microfertilizer, the ‘Cordoba’ variety received 28 873 UAH/ha of net profit, while the introduction of growth regulators did not pay off, since there was no significant increase in the yield, and with the use of growth regulators Biosyl and Radostym net profit was within 28824–29179 UAH/ha. In general, the use of micronutrient fertilizer Yara Vita Mono Molitrak with growth regulators Radostim and Biosyl ensu­red guaranteed yield increase. Conclusions. When gro­wing ‘Ustia’, ‘Cordoba’ and ‘Estafeta’ varieties from an energy point of view, it is better to use Yara Vita Mono Molitrak microfertilizer in the budding phase (0.25 l/ha) with the growth regulator Radostym. Under these conditions, the obtained energy efficiency ratio was 3.24; 3.41 and 3.45, and the profit was 31503, 34072 and 34649 UAH/ha, respectively

Purpose. To evaluate Tartary buckwheat variety ‘Kalyna’ according to morphological, productive and quality indicators in the conditions of the Research Center “State Agra­rian and Engineering University in Podilia”. Methods. The studies were carried out in the field crop rotation of the Research Center “Podillia” of the State Agrarian and Engi­neering University in Podilia (SAEU) in 2015–2020. The soil cover of the experimental field is represented mainly by low-humus, weakly leached soils. Experiment setting, material evaluation, analysis of plants, yield and grain quality were carried out in accordance with the generally accepted methods of state variety testing. An assessment of the Tartary buckwheat variety ‘Kalyna’ was carried out in comparison with the common buckwheat variety ‘Victoriia’. Results. The growing season duration of Tartary buckwheat variety ‘Kalyna’ was 87 days (38 days vegetative and 49 days gene­rative). In the studied variety, a larger number of the 1st order branches up to 5.5 pcs was observed. The number of leaves on the plant was 22–28 pcs./plants. In the studied variety, more than 50% of the grains were located on the main stem and the first order branches, while in common buckwheat this indicator was only 30%. Productivity was 2,28 t/ha, the number of grains in inflorescences was 4,4 grains, in common buckwheat – 0,72 t/ha, and 2.2 grains/inflorescence, respectively. The thousand kernel weight in Tartary buckwheat variety ‘Kalyna’ is 10.2 g less than in common buckwheat variety ‘Victoriia’ and is 17.4 g, with hulls – 19.5%, which is 3.2% less then in common buckwheat variety.Assessment of Tartary buckwheat variety ‘Kalyna’ for resistance to the effects of bio- and abiotic factors indicates that it was at the level of common buckwheat variety ‘Victoriia’.In terms of resistance to abiotic factors, ‘Kalyna’ variety is characterized by high resistance to spontaneous fallof grain (5 scores) and has simultaneous grain ripening (5 scores). Conclusions.The morphological and economic-biological indicators of Tartary buckwheat variety ‘Kalyna’ are significantly higher than the common buckwheat varie­ty ‘Victoriia’. It is recommended to grow Tartary buckwheat variety ‘Kalyna’ as a valuable cereal crop in the Western Forest-Steppe zone.

Purpose. Develop a simplified method for estimating the color of flour and pasta using Adobe Photo Shop® software. Methods. The research material was grain of varieties and selection lines of wheat species Triticum durum, T. dicoccum, T. timopheevii bred in the Рlant Production Institute nd. a. V. Ya. Yuryev and samples of the National Center for Genetic Resources of Plants of Ukraine, 2018–2020 harvest. Batch of flour and pieces of dough were scanned using EPSON Scanner 010 F. Color was evaluated using Adobe PhotoShop®. The level of carotenoids was determined by spectrophotometric method. Results. Visual assessments of flour and pasta color, presented by different researchers, differ significantly (up to 2–3 points on a 9-point scale). At the same time, the use of the developed method of express color evaluation of flour and pasta samples in Adobe PhotoShop® with the color evaluation system L*a*b*, used in modern reflectometers, allows to obtain data in numerical value and provides high accuracy. In the case of the developed me­thod, correlations were established between the content of carotenoids and the index b* of flour (r = 0.41 / ≤ 0.05) and pasta (r = 0.60 / p ≤ 0.001) and allowed to select the best in flour color selection lines 10-56, 10-65, 14-153, sample T. durum var. falcatomelanopus, in pasta color – lines 10-56, 10-65, 11-29, 12-3. Conclusions. The developed method provides high accuracy and can be used to evaluate the color of pasta and wheat flour, simplifies the evaluation of test samples, standardizes the parameters of agricultural products and avoids subjective judgment. The established weak correlation between the carotenoid content and the b* value of flour indicates the effect on the color of flour not only orange but also yellow and red pigments, and the ave­rage correlation between the carotenoid content and the b* value of pasta indicates the influence of the products of polyphenols oxidation reactions of wheat grain. The best in color flour and pasta lines were selected for breeding work to increase the content of carotenoid pigments in grain.

Purpose. To reveal the peculiarities of leaf area formation and a structure of lentils variety ‘Antonina’ yield depending on the elements of cultivation technology: ino culation with nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and the use of foliar growth stimulants. Methods. Field, laboratory. The experimental scheme included inoculation of seeds with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms (Ryzogumin), application of phosphate-solubili zing microorganisms (Polimixobacteryn and Biophosphoryn) into the row zone, and foliar feeding with a growth stimulator (Alga 600). Results. The results of studies of the leaf area formation peculiarities and the structure of lentils yield depending on the influence of cultivation technology elements are given in the article. It was found that the maximum indicators of the leaf area were formed by lentils in the flowering phase, which on average in the experiment was at the level of 37.5 thousand m2/ha, and in the control variant – only 32.0 thousand m2/ha. By inoculating the seeds with Rhyzogumin, applying phosphate-solubilizing biopreparation and foliar feeding, we obtained the maximum parameters of the leaf surface of lentil plants in the experiment. Thus, in the variant of inoculation with Rhyzogumin, application of Biophosphoryn and treatment with Alga 600 lentil plants formed a leaf area of 40.3 thousand m2/ha. However, due to the use of the phosphate-solubilizing biopreparation Polimixobacteryn and Alga 600 on the background of seeds inoculation with Rhyzogumin, the leaf area was formed at the level of 39.9 thousand m2/ha. Conclusions. When the seeds were treated with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms (Rhyzogumin) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Polimixobacteryn and Biophosphoryn), the yield of lentils increased significantly. Thus, in the experimental plots in the variants with Ryzogumin + Polimixobacteryn the yield was – 1.64 t/ha, and in the combination Ryzogumin + Polimixobacteryn + growth stimulator Alga 600 the yield of lentils was – 1.90 t/ha. Seed inoculation had a positive effect on plant height. The best results were obtained when the seeds were treated with Ryzogumin in combination with Biophosphorin and Polimixobacteryn – 44.5 and 44.1 cm, respectively.

Purpose. To study the effect of different sowing periods, seed sowing rates onto morphological and crop capacity indicators of oilseeds flax of Ukrainian varieties: ‘Orfei’, ‘Svito­zir’ and ‘Vodohrai’. Methods. The research was conducted in 2018–2019 in the branch of Ukrainian institute of plant varieties expertise in Khmelnytsky oblast state centre of plant varieties expertise, village Trebukhivtsi, Letychiv region, Khmelnytsky oblast. The following factors are studied: sowing period (15, 20, 25 April); seed sowing rates in million items per hectare (4, 6, 8); varieties of oilseed flax from The Institute of oilseed plants of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Ukraine: ‘Orfei’, ‘Svitozir’ and ‘Vodo­hrai’. Embedding experiments, material estimation, plants, harvest and seeds analysis are done in accordance with the “The method for the qualification examination of plant varieties for suitability for distribution in Ukraine”. Results. The credible difference between the variants according to the rate of sowing the seed and the terms of so­wing was defined. The estimation of the oilseed flax varieties according to the morphological and harvesting indicators was done. The variety of oilseed flaxseed ‘Svitlozar’ demonstrated higher harvest rate and morphological indicators in a so­wing period of 20–25 April and the sowing rate 6 and 8 million seed per1 hectare. It was also revealed, that regardless of a variety, the sowing rate of 6 million seeds per one hec­tare is the best of all. A better number of capsules, the seeds in the capsules and the weight of the seeds in the plant was formed by the variety ‘Svitlozir’ compared to the varieties ‘Orfei’ and ‘Vodohrai’. With early sowing period, the smal­-lest values of morphological and yield indices were observed in the varieties of flaxseed, irrespective of the variety and norms of seeding. Conclusions. For more full realization of the genetic potential of the varieties of oilseed flax according to the morphological and harvest indicators in the conditions of Western Forest-Steppe the sawing rate must be 8 million seeds per one hectare, and the sawing period of 20–25 April. The variety ‘Svitlozir’ is characterized by its higher crop capacity and morphological indicators

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 analyse the world experience and current trends in protection of new apples varieties and plant breeders’ rights. Results. It takes up to 20 years to developed a new variety of apple trees from crossing, in addition to considerable material resources; another 5–10 years are spent on its introduction into a broad culture. After the licensing agreement, the cultivar owner receives royalties for each tree sold, but such a scheme presents risks for both cultivar owners and apple producers. Most of the time allotted for the protection of the variety may be exhausted before it becomes popular with consumers. To overcome the negative traits inherent in “open cultivars”, new marketing mechanisms using “managed” or club cultivars are used. The cultivar owner obtains a USPP or PBR in a producing country. He usually also registers one or more trademarks in each of countries where fruit will be sold. Licensing agreements for tree propagation and fruit production are usually licensed to one or a few producers or marketers in a production territory along with rights to use a trademark for sales in one or more countries. In return, the cultivar owner receives an exclusivity payment, a royalty from each apple tree propagated, and a proportion of the fruit sale. The producer agrees to milestones for orchard establishment and fruit production and maintenance of quality standards. The advantage for growers is the ability to raise prices by limi­ting supply and the benefits of promoting apples in the market. Retailers are generally interested in registered varieties due to the higher selling prices and the potential for exclusivity of branded varieties. Due to the large volume of supply of many varieties, manufacturers consider new club varieties necessary for maintaining profitability. It is projected that in the near future the share of club varieties may increase from the current 5% to 15–20%. Conclusions. The licensing of the trademark provides a marketer to build a brand that can contribute to a lengthy and indefinite exclusivity period of the cultivar with proper management of intellectual property and apple production and quality. Income on the use of trademark in fruit sales can have sustained and potentially larger to cultivar owner. Only apples of certain quality standards are sold under brand names at higher prices, increasing profitability and providing a more stable annual income for the producer. The efficiency of the brand system means that in the future, new apple varieties will be launched exclusively under their own brand, and the introduction of new varieties will bring greater benefits to producers and consumers.