Рurpose. To investigate inheritance of “plant height” trait in populations of the first (F1) and second (F2) generations of the soybean (Glucine max (L.) Merrill) and evaluate hybrid combinations in order to identify phenotypes with the highest level of heterosis for plant height. Methods. Laboratory test, mathematical and statistical analysis. Results. The inheritance of plant height in soybean was investigated. Hybrid combinations were assessed for the ability to select phenotypes with an optimal height. Different types of inheritance of this trait were found in populations of the second generation. The highest degree of heterosis for plant height was expressed by such soybean hybrids of the second generation as ‘АЕЕМ ’/‘Cherniatka’ (102.6%), next were ‘№ 427/‘Коrado’ (36,1%) and ‘Yelena’/‘Vizhion’ (32,0%). For the above trait, the ‘Legend’ variety in combinations with such varieties as ‘Staroukrainka’, ‘Korado’ and ‘Medeia’ expressed a heterosis amounting to 28.1%, 8.3%, 6.1% accordingly. Plant height was inherited mainly in terms of negative overdominance (34.2% combinations). There were 21.1% of combinations that had a negative semidominance. Conclusions. Among large majority of crossing combinations, forms were revealed that differed greatly for the plant height. The highest variability was observed in combinations such as ‘Legenda’/‘Korado’, ‘Ustia’/‘Vizjion’, ‘№894’/‘Vizjion’, ‘Ug-30’/‘Vizjion’, ‘Legenda’/‘Annushka’, ‘№441’/‘Gentleman’, ‘№441’/‘Vizjion’, ‘Yug-30’/‘Gentleman’, ‘Angelica’/‘Annushka’ and ‘Angelica’/‘Gentleman.

Мета. Суперсолодка кукурудза містить ген, експресія якого зумовлює підвищення концентрації цукру. Ідентифіковано гени ендосперму, що регулюють підвищення вмісту цукру і зменшення вмісту крохмалю; найефективнішими з них були shrunken2 (sh2), brittle1 (bt), sugary1 (su1) і sugary enhancer1 (se). Рецесивна мутація shrunken2 (sh2) забезпечує високий уміст цукрів у зерні молочно-воскової стиглості порівняно з іншими мутантними формами, що безпосередньо впливає на смакові якості sh2-гібридів, обумовлює широке використання цієї мутації в селекційній роботі і має найбільший комерційний потенціал. Основним завданням селекції є створення нового покоління високопродуктивних гібридів, яке залежить від наявності високоякісного вихідного селекційного матеріалу. Тому метою роботи було оцінити лінії суперсолодкої кукурудзи за морфо-біологічними ознаками, виділити ліпші лінії-донори генетичних ознак, створити високопродуктивні гібриди кукурудзи.Методи. Морфо-біологічні ознаки досліджених ліній оцінювали за Класифікатором-довідником виду Zea mays L. Комплексний аналіз зразків за господарсько-цінними ознаками проводили згідно з Методичними рекомендаціями для польового та лабораторного вивчення генетичних ресурсів кукурудзи. Уміст редукувальних цукрів у зерні досліджених ліній і гібридів кукурудзи визначали за методом Бертрана.Результати. Досліджено морфо-біологічні ознаки суперсолодкої кукурудзи. Істотні відмінності між дослідженими лініями спостережено за тривалістю вегетаційного періоду, кількістю насінин в одному ряді й кількістю рядів зерен у качані. Виділено лінії-джерела господарсько-цінних ознак для практичної селекції. Проведено схрещування і отримано 50 гібридних комбінацій, серед яких виділено 16, які характеризувалися кращими показниками господарських ознак.Висновки. У результаті аналізу основних морфо-біологічних ознак у гібридних комбінаціях цукрової кукурудзи з мутантним геном sh2 виділено джерела селекційно-цінних ознак. За тривалістю вегетаційного періоду всі лінії було розділено на три групи: ранні – 8 ліній, середні – 6 і пізні – 8 ліній. Установлено, що перспективними донорами продуктивності качана були лінії SH-621, SH-234 і SH-936, висоти рослин – SH-234 і SH-936, кількості рядів зерен – SH-234 і SH-113, довжини качана – SH-318 і SH-936. За оцінкою морфо-біологічних ознак виділено ліпші лінії, які були схрещені, отримано низку гібридів. Найкращі з них – ‘Матір Драконів F1’, ‘Юрмала F1’ і ‘Ларус F1’ – передано на державну реєстрацію. | Purpose. Super sweet corn contains a gene that, being expressed leads to an increase in the concentration of sugar. Endosperm genes that regulate the increase in sugar content and decrease in starch content were identified; the most effective of them were shrunken2 (sh2), brittle1 (bt), sugary1 (su1) and sugary enhancer1 (se). The recessive mutation of shrunken2 (sh2) provides a high content of sugars in the grain of milk-wax ripeness compared to other mutant forms that directly affects the taste of sh2-hybrids causes widespread use of this mutation in breeding and has the greatest commercial potential. The main task of breeding is to create a new generation of high-yielding hybrids; it depends on the availability of high-quality source breeding material. Therefore, the aim of our work was the assessment of morpho-biological traits of the super sweet corn lines, selection of the best donor lines of genetic traits, creating of high-yielding corn hybrids.Methods. Morpho-biological traits of the studied lines were evaluated according to the Classifier – handbook of Zea mays L. Comprehensive analysis of samples on economically valuable traits was carried out in accordance with the Methodical recommendations for field and laboratory study of genetic resources of corn. The content of reducing sugars in the grain of the studied corn lines and hybrids was determined by Bertrand method.Results. A study of morpho-biological traits of super sweet corn was carried out. Significant differences between the studied lines were observed in the vegetation period duration, the number of grains in one row and the number of grain rows in the cob. The lines-sources of economically valuable features that can be used for practical selection were identified. Crossing was carried out and 50 hybrid combinations were obtained; among them 16 hybrids cha­racterized by the best levels of economic characteristics were selected.Conclusions. As a result of the analysis of the main morpho-biological traits in hybrid combinations of super sweet corn with the mutant sh2 gene, the sources of selection-valuable traits were identified. According to the vegetation period, all lines were divided into three groups: early – 8 lines, middle – 6 and late – 8 ones. It was determined that promising donors of cob productivity were SH-621, SH-234 and SH-936 lines; signs of plant height – SH-234 and SH-936, number of grain rows – SH-234 and SH-113, cob lengths – SH-318 and SH-936. According to the results of studies of morpho-biological traits, the best lines were identified. They were crossed with other lines of super sweet corn and hybrids were obtained. The three best of them, ‘Matir Drakoniv F1’, ‘Yurmala F1’ and ‘Larus F1’, were submitted for state registration.

Purpose. To create and study genotypes of the secondary triticale of the hexaploid level for their effective use in further breeding and plant growing. Methods. Field study, laboratory analyses, intraspecific hybridization with subsequent individual selection. Results. New genotypes of the secon­dary triticale of the hexaploid level have been created and characterized for economic characters and agroecological traits and properties. Series of short-stem winter triticale was represented by ‘Pshenychne’, ‘Chaian’ to be adapted to the conditions of both intensive and organic farming. They are characterized by high drought resistance and winter hardiness, resistance to lodging, grain shedding, grain germination in the spike and spike fragility as well as by immunity to fungal diseases providing a high level of yield and technological quality of grain. The following new constant forms of triticale as ‘ПС_1-12’, ‘ПС_2-12’, ‘ПС_3-12’, that have an average height of the stem and belong to the Polissia-Forest-Steppe and Forest-Steppe ecotypes, demonstrated high productivity and adaptability in organic farming, particularly in case of the use of biologized elements of agrotechnology. Conclusions. For the creation a new parent material during breeding of hexaploid triticale, the method of intraspecific hybridization is desirable with the use of parent material to be contrasting for eco-geographical origin and adapted local forms, followed by individual selection of genotypes with the desired characteristics and properties in cleavable hybrid populations. New genotypes of the secondary triticale have been created and characterized for breeding, genetic and agroecological traits and properties. In breeding practice, it is advisable to use a whole new approach of agroecological and genetic certification of genotypes for the effective solution of a number of theoretical and practical tasks facing modern ecological and adaptive breeding. New parent material of the secondary winter triticale and scientific support for its cultivation is proposed for further breeding and plant growing.

Purpose. To create and study genotypes of the secondary triticale of the hexaploid level for their effective use in further breeding and plant growing. Methods. Field study, laboratory analyses, intraspecific hybridization with subsequent individual selection. Results. New genotypes of the secon­dary triticale of the hexaploid level have been created and characterized for economic characters and agroecological traits and properties. Series of short-stem winter triticale was represented by ‘Pshenychne’, ‘Chaian’ to be adapted to the conditions of both intensive and organic farming. They are characterized by high drought resistance and winter hardiness, resistance to lodging, grain shedding, grain germination in the spike and spike fragility as well as by immunity to fungal diseases providing a high level of yield and technological quality of grain. The following new constant forms of triticale as ‘ПС_1-12’, ‘ПС_2-12’, ‘ПС_3-12’, that have an average height of the stem and belong to the Polissia-Forest-Steppe and Forest-Steppe ecotypes, demonstrated high productivity and adaptability in organic farming, particularly in case of the use of biologized elements of agrotechnology. Conclusions. For the creation a new parent material during breeding of hexaploid triticale, the method of intraspecific hybridization is desirable with the use of parent material to be contrasting for eco-geographical origin and adapted local forms, followed by individual selection of genotypes with the desired characteristics and properties in cleavable hybrid populations. New genotypes of the secondary triticale have been created and characterized for breeding, genetic and agroecological traits and properties. In breeding practice, it is advisable to use a whole new approach of agroecological and genetic certification of genotypes for the effective solution of a number of theoretical and practical tasks facing modern ecological and adaptive breeding. New parent material of the secondary winter triticale and scientific support for its cultivation is proposed for further breeding and plant growing.

Purpose. To summarize results of studying consumptive qualities of different varieties of potato and define basic characteristics which allow to subsume them under specific economic categories. Methods. Field study, laboratory test, summarizing, analytical approach. Results. Potato varieties entered in the State register of plant varieties suitable to dissemination in Ukraine and new ones especially to be bred at the Institute of Potato Growing of NAAS were studied during the period of 2005–2016 for such basic economic characters as consumptive quality of tubers, content of starch, dry matters, protein, sugar, vitamins, carotenoids and mineral substances as well as aminoacids, color of flesh, suitability for industrial manufacturing of potato products and for purpose of technology. Attention was paid to the good prospects to use varie­ties with purple, blue and red potato tuber flesh with high antioxidant capacity. Potato varieties with above cha­racteristics and their complex combination were defined and described. The requirements of processing industry for potato as a raw material for manufacturing of potato food were given. Conclusions. The major criterion for consumptive qualities of a potato variety and correspondingly division for the commercial use is consumptive quality of tubers, especially content of essential nutrients and their favorable combination, improved taste and cooking quality, high antioxidant capacity, suitability for potato products manufacturing and use for purpose of technology. Potato varieties can be divided for economic purposes into edible, suitable for potato products manufacturing, technical and multipurpose ones.

Purpose. To summarize results of studying consumptive qualities of different varieties of potato and define basic characteristics which allow to subsume them under specific economic categories. Methods. Field study, laboratory test, summarizing, analytical approach. Results. Potato varieties entered in the State register of plant varieties suitable to dissemination in Ukraine and new ones especially to be bred at the Institute of Potato Growing of NAAS were studied during the period of 2005–2016 for such basic economic characters as consumptive quality of tubers, content of starch, dry matters, protein, sugar, vitamins, carotenoids and mineral substances as well as aminoacids, color of flesh, suitability for industrial manufacturing of potato products and for purpose of technology. Attention was paid to the good prospects to use varie­ties with purple, blue and red potato tuber flesh with high antioxidant capacity. Potato varieties with above cha­racteristics and their complex combination were defined and described. The requirements of processing industry for potato as a raw material for manufacturing of potato food were given. Conclusions. The major criterion for consumptive qualities of a potato variety and correspondingly division for the commercial use is consumptive quality of tubers, especially content of essential nutrients and their favorable combination, improved taste and cooking quality, high antioxidant capacity, suitability for potato products manufacturing and use for purpose of technology. Potato varieties can be divided for economic purposes into edible, suitable for potato products manufacturing, technical and multipurpose ones.

Мета. Проаналізувати сортовий потенціал селекції, оптимізацію сортової структури виробництва та періодичність сортових змін тютюну Nicotiana tabacum L. у Республіці Болгарія. Результати. Ретроспективний аналіз селекції тютюну (Nicotiana tabacum L.) свідчить, що за період 1950–2010 рр. у Болгарії створено 158 сортів, серед яких 130 сортів з підвиду Східний (ssp. Orientalis), 28 сортів підвиду Американський (ssp. Americana), з яких 17 сортів типу Вірджинія і 11 сортів типу Берлі. На основі цього сортового потенціалу проведено відповідні сортозміни у виробничому секторі країни. За 50–60 років (1950–2010 рр.) здійснено 5–7 сортозмін вітчизняними сортами. Висока ефективність селекції тютюну з отриманням якісних сортів і порівняно часті сортозміни створюють сприятливі можливості для щорічного оптимального формування сортової структури виробництва залежно від вимог і попиту відповідного сировинного сегменту ринку та кон’юнктури ринку, що швидко змінюється. Висновки. Із загального сортового потенціалу селекції сортів тютюну підвиду Східний (130 сортів) за 13-річний період (1995, 2000–2011 рр.) увійшли до виробничого обороту 47,7% (62 сорти), приблизно 25% (24–30 сортів) формують основний обсяг Східного тютюну, який щорічно виробляють у Болгарії. Сортовий потенціал селекції великолистового тютюну у виробництві використано повністю – 17 сортів типу Вірджинія та 11 сортів типу Берлі. Тютюн є єдиною сільськогосподарською культурою в Болгарії, яка включає в структуру виробництва майже 100% сортів вітчизняної селекції.

Aspergillus flavus and its main secondary metabolite AFB1 pose a serious threat to several important crops worldwide. Recently, it has been reported that some PHD family transcription factors are involved in the morphogenesis and AFB1 biological synthesis in A. flavus, but the role of Cti6, a PHD domain containing protein in A. flavus, is totally unknown. The study was designed to reveal the biological function of Cti6 in the fungus by deletion of cti6, and its two domains (PHD and Atrophin-1) through homologous recombination, respectively. The results showed that Cti6 might up-regulate the mycelium growth, conidiation, sclerotia formation and AFB1 biological synthesis of A. flavus by its PHD domain, while Atrophin-1 also improved the conidiation of the fungus. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that Cti6 increased the conidiation of the fungus through AbaA and BrlA mediated conidiation pathway, triggered the formation of sclerotia by orthodox sclerotia formation pathway, and improved the production of AFB1 by orthodox AFB1 synthesis pathway. Crops models analysis showed that A. flavus Cti6 plays vital role in colonization and the production of AFB1 on the host grains mainly via PHD domain. Bioinformatics analysis showed Cti6 is conservative in Aspergillus spp., and mCherry mediated subcellular localization showed that most Cti6 accumulated in the nuclei, which reflected that Cti6 performed its important biological function in the nuclei in Aspergillus spp.. The results of the current study elucidate the roles of PHD domain containing proteins in the mechanism of the infection of crops by A. flavus, and provided a novel target for effectively controlling the contamination of Aspergillus spp. to crops.

Purpose. To define the level of impact of such factors as rate, time and methods of sowing on seed productivity and certified seeds, and the individual response of winter wheat varieties to these factors if used the ecological system of seed farming, that would allow to form and obtain genetically determined potential of variety productivity. Methods. Weight measurement for determining seed yield; statistical, variance and regression analysis for identifying the reliabi­lity of the experiment results. Results. During the research period, weather conditions were greatly differed both by temperature regime and precipitation, but stability of grain and seeds yield on an annual basis was the main requirement to varieties. During the study of «grain productivity» value and quantitative indices of winter wheat yield structure, the results from 684 plots were obtained which were grouped and analyzed for impact factors for complete certainty, and NIR0,05 was calculated. Conclusions. Thus, in case of shifting sowing time from optimum to later period, efficiency of water use by plants was decreasing to a greater extent during years with insufficient precipitation. The shift of sowing time to later period providing optimal seeding rate and row seeding method did not reduce yield. The yield of winter wheat varieties to be studied when sowing in usual manner with seeding rate of 5,5 million seeds/ha in the period from September 15 and October 5 was the highest. Varieties ‘Slavna’ and ‘Chorniava’ provided the highest grain productivity for seeding rate of 5,5 million seeds/ha and using row seeding method, with slight impact of sowing time factor. Grain yield of studied varieties showed negative response during the experiment when seeding rate decreased up to 2,5–3,0 million seeds/ha. ‘Astarta’ varie­ty provided the highest productivity for certified seeds yield as compared to the control (from 1,59 to 3,38 t/ha). The variant of the experiment when sowing on October, 5 in usual manner with seeding rate of 5,5 million seeds/ha showed the highest productivity of 7,02 t/ha (+3,38 t/ha, or +92,9%). Shifting of sowing time for October, 5 resulted in a significant decrease in yields of certified seeds as compared to sowing time on September 15 and 25. Seed yield of studied varieties when sowing on October, 5 was higher than in case of sowing on September, 25. The highest percentage of certified seeds output in the studied varieties was observed for a seeding rate of 2,5–3,0 million seeds/ha. For seeding rate of 5,5 million seeds/ha for varieties with seeding time between September 15 and 25, the difference in grain yield was negligible. The winter wheat variety ‘Astarta’ provided the highest yield of seeds during the research years – 9,36 t/ha, the standard variety ‘Bogdan’ – the lowest one in the best variant of 5,55 t/ha.

Purpose. To define the level of impact of such factors as rate, time and methods of sowing on seed productivity and certified seeds, and the individual response of winter wheat varieties to these factors if used the ecological system of seed farming, that would allow to form and obtain genetically determined potential of variety productivity. Methods. Weight measurement for determining seed yield; statistical, variance and regression analysis for identifying the reliabi­lity of the experiment results. Results. During the research period, weather conditions were greatly differed both by temperature regime and precipitation, but stability of grain and seeds yield on an annual basis was the main requirement to varieties. During the study of «grain productivity» value and quantitative indices of winter wheat yield structure, the results from 684 plots were obtained which were grouped and analyzed for impact factors for complete certainty, and NIR0,05 was calculated. Conclusions. Thus, in case of shifting sowing time from optimum to later period, efficiency of water use by plants was decreasing to a greater extent during years with insufficient precipitation. The shift of sowing time to later period providing optimal seeding rate and row seeding method did not reduce yield. The yield of winter wheat varieties to be studied when sowing in usual manner with seeding rate of 5,5 million seeds/ha in the period from September 15 and October 5 was the highest. Varieties ‘Slavna’ and ‘Chorniava’ provided the highest grain productivity for seeding rate of 5,5 million seeds/ha and using row seeding method, with slight impact of sowing time factor. Grain yield of studied varieties showed negative response during the experiment when seeding rate decreased up to 2,5–3,0 million seeds/ha. ‘Astarta’ varie­ty provided the highest productivity for certified seeds yield as compared to the control (from 1,59 to 3,38 t/ha). The variant of the experiment when sowing on October, 5 in usual manner with seeding rate of 5,5 million seeds/ha showed the highest productivity of 7,02 t/ha (+3,38 t/ha, or +92,9%). Shifting of sowing time for October, 5 resulted in a significant decrease in yields of certified seeds as compared to sowing time on September 15 and 25. Seed yield of studied varieties when sowing on October, 5 was higher than in case of sowing on September, 25. The highest percentage of certified seeds output in the studied varieties was observed for a seeding rate of 2,5–3,0 million seeds/ha. For seeding rate of 5,5 million seeds/ha for varieties with seeding time between September 15 and 25, the difference in grain yield was negligible. The winter wheat variety ‘Astarta’ provided the highest yield of seeds during the research years – 9,36 t/ha, the standard variety ‘Bogdan’ – the lowest one in the best variant of 5,55 t/ha.

Purpose. To develop an algorithm of creation of new highly productive clonal varieties of Salicaceae family representatives with improved agronomic characters that can be used at energy plantations Methods. Field investigations, laboratory analysis, analytical approach, selection method. Results. Flow chart of selection process with representatives of Salicaceae family included the following stages: the Ist stage – creation of primary families (F0); the IInd stage – creation of the second families, or branches; the 222rd stage – interfamily (individually-familial) selection; IVth stage – familial-group selection; the Vth stage – clonal selection (selection of ramets). Conclusions. Breeding process with the use of complex of advanced methods of selection (individual, familial, group and clonal ones) allows to get model populations with high-frequency of valuable alleles and genotypes and with the high level of genetic variety. Due to a negative multi-stage individual intrafamilial and interfamily selection, cleaning of artificial populations from undesirable forms takes place without the substantial decrease of genetic variety level.

Purpose. To develop an algorithm of creation of new highly productive clonal varieties of Salicaceae family representatives with improved agronomic characters that can be used at energy plantations Methods. Field investigations, laboratory analysis, analytical approach, selection method. Results. Flow chart of selection process with representatives of Salicaceae family included the following stages: the Ist stage – creation of primary families (F0); the IInd stage – creation of the second families, or branches; the 222rd stage – interfamily (individually-familial) selection; IVth stage – familial-group selection; the Vth stage – clonal selection (selection of ramets). Conclusions. Breeding process with the use of complex of advanced methods of selection (individual, familial, group and clonal ones) allows to get model populations with high-frequency of valuable alleles and genotypes and with the high level of genetic variety. Due to a negative multi-stage individual intrafamilial and interfamily selection, cleaning of artificial populations from undesirable forms takes place without the substantial decrease of genetic variety level.

Purpose. To estimate genetic resources collection of soft winter wheat plants (new collection accessions) of Ustymivka Experimental Station for Plant Production and select initial material for breeding of adaptive, productive and qualitative soft winter wheat varieties. Methods. Field experiment, laboratory testing. Results. The authors pre- sented results of study of over 1000 samples of gene pool of soft winter wheat from 25 countries during 2001–2005 in Ustymivka Experimental Station for Plant Production of Plant Production Institute nd. a. V. Ya. Yuriev, NAAS of Ukraine for a complex of economic traits. More than 400 new sources with high adaptive properties were selected that combine traits of high productivity and high quality of grain, early ripening, resistance to biotic and abiotic fac- tors (the assessment of samples for 16 valuable traits is given). The selected material comes from various agro-cli- matic zones, including zones of unsustainable agriculture. Conclusions. Recommended sources of traits that have breeding value will allow to enrich high-quality assortment of wheat and considerably accelerate breeding process du- ring development of new soft winter wheat varieties.

Purpose. To estimate genetic resources collection of soft winter wheat plants (new collection accessions) of Ustymivka Experimental Station for Plant Production and select initial material for breeding of adaptive, productive and qualitative soft winter wheat varieties. Methods. Field experiment, laboratory testing. Results. The authors pre- sented results of study of over 1000 samples of gene pool of soft winter wheat from 25 countries during 2001–2005 in Ustymivka Experimental Station for Plant Production of Plant Production Institute nd. a. V. Ya. Yuriev, NAAS of Ukraine for a complex of economic traits. More than 400 new sources with high adaptive properties were selected that combine traits of high productivity and high quality of grain, early ripening, resistance to biotic and abiotic fac- tors (the assessment of samples for 16 valuable traits is given). The selected material comes from various agro-cli- matic zones, including zones of unsustainable agriculture. Conclusions. Recommended sources of traits that have breeding value will allow to enrich high-quality assortment of wheat and considerably accelerate breeding process du- ring development of new soft winter wheat varieties.

Purpose. To study the influence of fractional composition of seed material on productive properties of spring rape seeds of the ‘Magnat’ variety and ‘MVM’ (‘Gladiator’) variety sample. Methods. Field investigations, laboratory tests, statistical analysis. Results. During 2013–2014, the influence of sown seeds of different size fractions (up to 2,5 g; 2,6–3,5 g; 3,6 g and more) on the indices of productivity of spring rape varie­ties was studied. It was found that over the years of study field germination of sown fractions of seeds in ‘Magnat’ variety averaged 83.5%, in ‘MSM’ variety sample – 86.7%. During the periods of seedling emergence and harvesting, the density of spring rape crops varied depending on relevant fraction of sown seeds. In the ‘Magnat’ variety, photosynthetic potential of crops ranged from 1.1 to 1.3 million m2/ha, in ‘MSM’ variety sample – from 1.2 to 1.6 million m2/ha. Depending on the seed fractions applied, ‘Magnat’ variety crops during the gro­wing season accumulated organic biomass from 2.05 to 2.36 g/m2 per day, ‘MSM’ sample variety – from 1.83 to 2.10 g/m2 per day. Conclusions. It was established that different fractions of spring rape seeds sown in the Northern Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine affected the indices of germinating energy and laboratory germination, crop density formation, leaf surface area and intensity of photosynthesis process (crop photosynthetic potential, net photosynthesis performance). The highest indices of productivity and yield in the ‘Magnat’ variety was ensured by large-seeded fraction (3,6 g and more), in the ‘MVM’ (‘Gladia­tor’) sample variety – by small-seeded fraction (up to 2,5 g).

Purpose. To study the influence of fractional composition of seed material on productive properties of spring rape seeds of the ‘Magnat’ variety and ‘MVM’ (‘Gladiator’) variety sample. Methods. Field investigations, laboratory tests, statistical analysis. Results. During 2013–2014, the influence of sown seeds of different size fractions (up to 2,5 g; 2,6–3,5 g; 3,6 g and more) on the indices of productivity of spring rape varie­ties was studied. It was found that over the years of study field germination of sown fractions of seeds in ‘Magnat’ variety averaged 83.5%, in ‘MSM’ variety sample – 86.7%. During the periods of seedling emergence and harvesting, the density of spring rape crops varied depending on relevant fraction of sown seeds. In the ‘Magnat’ variety, photosynthetic potential of crops ranged from 1.1 to 1.3 million m2/ha, in ‘MSM’ variety sample – from 1.2 to 1.6 million m2/ha. Depending on the seed fractions applied, ‘Magnat’ variety crops during the gro­wing season accumulated organic biomass from 2.05 to 2.36 g/m2 per day, ‘MSM’ sample variety – from 1.83 to 2.10 g/m2 per day. Conclusions. It was established that different fractions of spring rape seeds sown in the Northern Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine affected the indices of germinating energy and laboratory germination, crop density formation, leaf surface area and intensity of photosynthesis process (crop photosynthetic potential, net photosynthesis performance). The highest indices of productivity and yield in the ‘Magnat’ variety was ensured by large-seeded fraction (3,6 g and more), in the ‘MVM’ (‘Gladia­tor’) sample variety – by small-seeded fraction (up to 2,5 g).

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.