Assessment of samples of common dill (Anethum graveolens L.) by a complex of valuable characteristics

Relevance. Among green and spice crops, dill occupies a special place in the human diet. The crop is widespread and is represented by varieties for various purposes. At present, dill varieties are subject to requirements for morphological (upright form of a bush, large leaf, etc.), phenological characteristics, high productivity of green mass and seeds, and quality. The biochemical composition is one of the main indicators of the quality of dill. Dill contains up to 90% moisture, however, even in that small amount of dry matter found in dill, there are many biologically impor- tant compounds that are necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. Therefore, when creating varieties, these indicators should be taken into account. For this, it is necessary to study and evaluate the parent material and identify promising forms for further breeding work in order to create varieties that have a complex of valuable characteristics. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the collection material of common dill according to a complex of breeding and valuable traits.Materials and Methods. The studies were carried out in the experimental field of the Horticulture Department of the Belarusian State Agricultural Academy in 2019–2020 on soddy-podzolic medium loamy soil. The experiments were performed in compliance with the agrotechnical require- ments for plant care throughout the entire observation period. The objects of research were breeding samples (26) of dill, selected at the Horticulture Department as a result of individual selection from the collection of varieties: Dukat, Sevastopol, Grenadier, Local Bulgarian, Mamut, Uzory, Salut, Almaz, Local Chinese, Alligator, Reshelie, Max, Dalniy, Rzheutsky, a local Krasnodar variety, Hoarfrost.Results. The article presents the results of a study of 26 breeding samples of common dill in 2019–2020. In the course of evaluating the collection material of common dill, highly productive samples were identified at different ripening periods. Differences in the content of dry matter, vitamin C, carotene, low accumulation of nitrates were revealed in the biochemical composition of common dill samples. According to the complex of traits valuable for breeding, samples were selected that can be used in further breeding work to create new varieties characterized by early maturity, high yield and product quality, as well as those having a longer term for the onset of the phase of industrial ripeness and a long period of shelf life.