Purpose. To find out the ecological importance of winter triticale varieties in the formation of species diversity of agro-ecosystems. Methods. Field, laboratoryones and mathematical and statistical analysis. Results. The authors studied ecological importance of winter triticale varieties of forest-steppe and Polissia ecotopes as determinants of agrobiocenosis in the structural and functional organization of species diversity. It was found that less favourable ecological niche for pests-phytophags is such winter triticale varieties and lines as ‘Slavetne’, ‘AD 256’, ‘Chaian’, ‘DAU 5’, for epiphytoparasites – ‘Vivate Nosivske’, ‘Pshenychne’, ‘Slavetne polipshene’, ‘Slavetne’, ‘Yaguar’, respectively. It is determined that varieties and lines of winter triticale such as ‘AD 256’, ‘Vivate Nosivske’, ‘Pshenychne’, ‘Slavetne polipshene’, ‘Slavetne’ show high biological ability to compete with synanthropic vegetation and form distinct associations of segetal plants. Conclusions. It was found that agrophytocenoses of the studied varieties of winter triticale under the conditions of forest-steppe, Polissia-forest-steppe and Polissia ecotops determined in movements structural and functional organization of species diversity of agroecosystems.

Purpose. To find out the ecological importance of winter triticale varieties in the formation of species diversity of agro-ecosystems. Methods. Field, laboratoryones and mathematical and statistical analysis. Results. The authors studied ecological importance of winter triticale varieties of forest-steppe and Polissia ecotopes as determinants of agrobiocenosis in the structural and functional organization of species diversity. It was found that less favourable ecological niche for pests-phytophags is such winter triticale varieties and lines as ‘Slavetne’, ‘AD 256’, ‘Chaian’, ‘DAU 5’, for epiphytoparasites – ‘Vivate Nosivske’, ‘Pshenychne’, ‘Slavetne polipshene’, ‘Slavetne’, ‘Yaguar’, respectively. It is determined that varieties and lines of winter triticale such as ‘AD 256’, ‘Vivate Nosivske’, ‘Pshenychne’, ‘Slavetne polipshene’, ‘Slavetne’ show high biological ability to compete with synanthropic vegetation and form distinct associations of segetal plants. Conclusions. It was found that agrophytocenoses of the studied varieties of winter triticale under the conditions of forest-steppe, Polissia-forest-steppe and Polissia ecotops determined in movements structural and functional organization of species diversity of agroecosystems.

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

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

Purpose. Study of winter wheat varieties that were bred at the Institute of Irrigated Farming NAAS through ecological testing in Turkey. Test procedures both in Ukraine and Turkey meet the requirements of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Methods. Field, laboratory ones: structural analysis, quality analysis, statistical analysis. Results. The Exporter Unions Seed and Research Company (ITAS) during 2011–2013 tested winter wheat varie­ties bred at the Institute of Irrigates Farming (IIF) NAAS at four areas of the Central Plateau of Turkey comparing them with local varieties registered in this country. According to the results of these tests the Exporter Unions Seed and Research Company identified Kohana variety as candidate for the state registration in Turkey. Conclusions. The realisation of the innovative product in Ukraine and entitlement to use intellectual property due to licensing agreements is expected. The Institute of Irrigated Farming NAAS continues to create new varieties of winter wheat which can be transferred to other countries for testing for the purpose of introduction and further expansion.

Purpose. Study of winter wheat varieties that were bred at the Institute of Irrigated Farming NAAS through ecological testing in Turkey. Test procedures both in Ukraine and Turkey meet the requirements of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Methods. Field, laboratory ones: structural analysis, quality analysis, statistical analysis. Results. The Exporter Unions Seed and Research Company (ITAS) during 2011–2013 tested winter wheat varie­ties bred at the Institute of Irrigates Farming (IIF) NAAS at four areas of the Central Plateau of Turkey comparing them with local varieties registered in this country. According to the results of these tests the Exporter Unions Seed and Research Company identified Kohana variety as candidate for the state registration in Turkey. Conclusions. The realisation of the innovative product in Ukraine and entitlement to use intellectual property due to licensing agreements is expected. The Institute of Irrigated Farming NAAS continues to create new varieties of winter wheat which can be transferred to other countries for testing for the purpose of introduction and further expansion.

Purpose. To study the effect of growth regulators EpinTM and Emistym C on yield and quality of strawberry berries of five varieties (Fragaria ananassa (Weston) Duсhesne ex Rozier) with various ripening time. Methods. Field, laboratory, analytical and statistical ones. Results. It was found that there were no impact of growth regulators EpinTM and Emistym C on the speed of phenological phases of strawberry plants development. It was experimentally determined the impact of mentioned substances on the yield of most studied varieties. Laboratory analysis has confirmed the changes in biochemical composition of strawberries. Conclusions. The use of growth regulators EpinTM end Emistym C had a positive effect on fruit yield and quality of studied strawberry varieties. Spraying with these substances increased yields by 14–51% as compared with the control. Content of sugars, dry matter and vitamin C in berries of most of varieties was increasing. At the same time the level of acidity in case of spraying with growth regulators was significantly reducing.

Purpose. To study the effect of growth regulators EpinTM and Emistym C on yield and quality of strawberry berries of five varieties (Fragaria ananassa (Weston) Duсhesne ex Rozier) with various ripening time. Methods. Field, laboratory, analytical and statistical ones. Results. It was found that there were no impact of growth regulators EpinTM and Emistym C on the speed of phenological phases of strawberry plants development. It was experimentally determined the impact of mentioned substances on the yield of most studied varieties. Laboratory analysis has confirmed the changes in biochemical composition of strawberries. Conclusions. The use of growth regulators EpinTM end Emistym C had a positive effect on fruit yield and quality of studied strawberry varieties. Spraying with these substances increased yields by 14–51% as compared with the control. Content of sugars, dry matter and vitamin C in berries of most of varieties was increasing. At the same time the level of acidity in case of spraying with growth regulators was significantly reducing.

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

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

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

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

Purpose. To conduct comparative analysis of agro-meteo­rological elements dynamics over the past 35 years and the date and duration of main phenophases of plants of apple varieties to be common for Kyiv Oblast. Methods. Field, comparative, statistical ones, generalization. Results. It was established that Kyiv Oblast has experienced the steady rising of average annual temperature (by 0,6 °С), increase of yearly precipitation (by 20 mm), considerable growth of heat supply level (by 261 °С) in the vegetation period that contributes to the changes in starting date and duration of main phenophases. Conclusions. A significant increase of the sum of active and effective temperatures accumulated for the last 35-year period in Kyiv Oblast at climatological date of occurrence of certain phenophases in the development of apple trees, led to an earlier date of flowering (by 4–5 days). At the same time it did not influence the duration of this phase, but contributed to the reduction of interphase period «the end of flowering–picking maturity of fruits» by 5–12 days.

There discussed directions of use for the valuable groats crop, namely Rice, growth rates of its production in Ukraine, options and necessity of creation new verities by breeders, that favors not just the improved nutrition of people, but improves their health, too. And also a full description is provided for new varieties of soybean listed in the Sate Register of Plant Varieties Suitable for Dissemination in Ukraine.

Purpose. Determination of optimum dozes of foliar fee­ding for each cultivar that will provide the highest output of standard rootstocks. Methods. Field, analytical and statistical ones. Results. The author presents the results of study of the hazelnut plant foliar feeding in the mother plantation for vegetative propagation with applying different carba­mide concentration combined with 0.1% potassium sulfate (1.50.4 m) in case of horizontal method of growing. Biometric indices of hazelnut layers were analyzed; the influence of each factor on their height and diameter was determined. The rootstocks output per 1 linear meter for each cultivar as well as optimum foliar feeding doze was defined (0.5% carbamide with 0.1% potassium sulfate). Conclusions. The highest output of standard rootstocks in the mother plantation for horizontal vegetative propagation was achieved when applying the foliar feeding with 0.5% carbamide combined with 0.1% potassium sulfate, particularly (thousand rootstocks per 1 ha) for the cultivars: ‘Sviatkovyi’ – 66.7, ‘Dolynskyi’ – 62.1 and ‘Darunok Yunnatam’ – 50.7. For ‘Koronchatyi’ cultivar, the use of 3% carbamide was the most efficient.

Purpose. Determination of optimum dozes of foliar fee­ding for each cultivar that will provide the highest output of standard rootstocks. Methods. Field, analytical and statistical ones. Results. The author presents the results of study of the hazelnut plant foliar feeding in the mother plantation for vegetative propagation with applying different carba­mide concentration combined with 0.1% potassium sulfate (1.50.4 m) in case of horizontal method of growing. Biometric indices of hazelnut layers were analyzed; the influence of each factor on their height and diameter was determined. The rootstocks output per 1 linear meter for each cultivar as well as optimum foliar feeding doze was defined (0.5% carbamide with 0.1% potassium sulfate). Conclusions. The highest output of standard rootstocks in the mother plantation for horizontal vegetative propagation was achieved when applying the foliar feeding with 0.5% carbamide combined with 0.1% potassium sulfate, particularly (thousand rootstocks per 1 ha) for the cultivars: ‘Sviatkovyi’ – 66.7, ‘Dolynskyi’ – 62.1 and ‘Darunok Yunnatam’ – 50.7. For ‘Koronchatyi’ cultivar, the use of 3% carbamide was the most efficient.

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

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