Relevance. The use of irrigation is one of the directions of intensification of fruit growing. Drip irrigation is considered one of the promising methods of irrigation, which provides the creation of the most favorable conditions for the growth and development of plants, makes it possible to supply irrigation water directly to their roots and allows the use of automation tools in the irrigation process. The results of ongoing scientific research show that changes in the water-physical and agrochemical properties of soils can be observed on irrigated lands. For the Central Region of the Non-Chernozem Zone of Russia, studies on the influence of drip irrigation on soil properties are fragmentary.Methods. Field studies were conducted on the territory of the educational experimental farm of the Michurinsky Garden fruit growing laboratory of the Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. A two-factor experience in the study of different ranges of moisture for the formation of varietal plum seedlings grafted on plum tree stock was laid in the spring of 2018. Before setting up the experiment, organic fertilizers were introduced in the form of horse manure with sawdust in the amount of 100 t/ha. Soil moisture was controlled using tensiometers, calibrated based on the data of the thermostat-weight method. Irrigation rates were set in such a way as to increase the moisture content by 20% of the lowest moisture capacity. The identification of the main agrochemical and water-physical properties of the soil in the experimental plot was carried out according to generally accepted methods and techniques.Results. The data obtained on the characteristics of the water-physical and agrochemical properties of sod-podzolic soil make it possible to reasonably design the irrigation regime, reclamation and agrotechnical measures. The results of the study show that the local irrigation of soils with sparing irrigation rates with the application has led to certain changes in some soil parameters. However, the obtained research results suggest that in quantitative terms, these changes are not yet significant.

Relevance. The study of the collection is one of the main sources of replenishing the source material for the breeding process. The presence of the necessary genetic traits can speed up the breeding process. Therefore, at the Bykovskaya melon breeding experimental station, the genetic diversity of melon plants is assessed and promising samples are selected for use in breeding.Materials and methods. The object of research was samples of table watermelon with an unconventional color of the pulp. The aim of the work is to study and isolate the source material of watermelon for use in the breeding process to create new varieties and hybrids of melon crops. In the course of the study, 12 varieties of table watermelon were identified from 33 varieties of the collection nursery, which are sources of economically valuable traits. The selection was carried out according to the yield, the rate of entry into fruiting, taste, color of the pulp.Results. In the course of the research, the obtained samples of table watermelon with an unconventional color of the pulp were evaluated according to a set of economic characteristics in comparison with the standards: Zenith and Sinchevsky. The analysis of the tested samples made it possible to identify 12 samples by economically valuable traits: 3 samples by early maturity and taste: White sugar lump, White wonder, Golden revenge F1; 7 samples with a high dry matter content, in terms of yield and large fruit: Moon and stars yellowflesh, Sweet Siberian, Orangeglo, Daisy, Clay county yellow meat, Mountain sweet yellow, Tendergold; 2 samples for color and pulp consistency: Early moon beane Bakerlneek, Tenderweet orange. The selected samples meet the modern requirements of the industrial melon growing industry, resistant to stress factors of the environment, good taste and consumer properties.Findings. The obtained experimental data will be used to create a genetic collection of watermelon according to the traits that determine the economic value of the gene pool for further use in the breeding process.

Relevance. The demand for medicinal raw materials of Calendula officinalis L. is determined by the high content of pharmacologically significant compounds. Comparison of the most common ornamental cultivars of Calendula officinalis L.) in terms of yield and content of biologically active substances in the raw material helps to identify the most promising cultivars in terms of a set of indicators.Materials and methods.The decorative cultivars Apricot, Art Shads, Fiesta Gitana, Kabluna golden-yellow, Orange King, Orange Balls, Yellow Gitana and Golden Balls, characterized by large inflorescences and terry, were used as prototypes. The cultivar Kalta, widely used for the production of medicinal raw materials, was chosen as a control. The experiments were laid on the experimental plots of the Fruit Growing Laboratory of the Russian State Agricultural University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. Productivity was determined as the total weight of inflorescences harvested during the entire season per unit area. The amount of flavonoids was determined by spectrophotometry. The amount of polysaccharides was determined according to the modified Draywood method. The lutein content was determined by HPLC.Results.To obtain inflorescences we can recommend to use the variety Orange King, which, with a satisfactory yield (0.363 kg/m2), was characterized by a high content of flavonoids (1.2%) and satisfactory (35.9%) extractives and corresponds to the quality of raw materials required by GF XIV. In addition, this variety was characterized by an increased content of polysaccharides (20.3%). The Varieties Apricot and Yellow Gitana were characterized by high productivity (562±49 and 507±41 g/m2, respectively). Their raw materials can be used by production of herbal teas, where the content of flavonoids is not regulated. As sources of lutein, one should pay attention to the ligulate flowers of the varieties Apricot, Fiesta Gitana, Golden balls. In the variety Kabluna, with the maximum lutein content, the proportion of reed flowers in the inflorescence was only 38%. In varieties with large inflorescences, the content of lutein in reed flowers was higher (R=0.685). Large non-double inflorescences will be most productive in this indicator.

Relevance. It is possible to significantly increase the multiplication factor of varieties of winter garlic by growing from air bulbs (bulbs). For successful culture using air bulbs, it is very important to correctly determine the most productive fraction for each variety and calibrate it for sowing.Material and methodology. In our collection, there are more than 70 samples of winter garlic collected from different regions of Russia and two CIS countries. The air bulbs were calibrated using a set of round sieves with apertures of 3, 5, 7, 10 mm.Results. On average, the samples of the collection have a high percentage of ripening of air bulbs - 75- 83%. The number of underdeveloped flowers on average for samples of different origins varies slightly – 37-48 pcs. in the inflorescence. The mass of inflorescence on average in specimens of local origin (Sverdlovsk region) is 4.2 g, of different origin (Ukraine, Uzbekistan, 5 regions of Russia) – 4.9 g, of southern origin (Dagestan) – 5.6 g. In specimens of local origin air bulbs of medium (5-7 mm) and small fraction (3-5 mm), different origin – large (7-10 mm) and medium fraction, southern origin – large, medium and small fraction. For reproduction by air bulbs, samples 9/5-1. 9/5-2 of local origin were allocated (Sverdlovsk region); 9/4 (Ukraine), 8/15, 10/5, 10/10 (Moscow), 9/3-1, 9/3-2 and grade Shadeyka (Perm); sample-5, 10/11, 10/13 (Dagestan).

Relevance. Currently, there is an increased interest in medicinal plants and preparations from natural herbal raw materials. This is due to the fact that biologically active substances of plants are more easily included in vital processes and do not cause side effects in humans. They can be products of primary (vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, proteins) and secondary biosynthesis (alkaloids, glycosides, tannins). Plants always contain a complex of biologically active substances, but one or several have a therapeutic and prophylactic effect. They are classified as active ingredients and are used in the production of medicines. Some of the promising medicinal plants are species from the genus Dioscorea, for example, Dioscorea alata L., containing a complex of biologically active substances. The aim of this work is to study the effect of humidity and the level of mineral nutrition in the root environment on the accumulation of biologically active compounds in the tubers of the dioscorea winged plant, adapted to in vivo conditions on an ion-exchange substrate of various chemical composition and agrophysical properties.Results. It has been shown that Dioscorea alata L. plants are able to accumulate the greatest amount of starch, dry matter, ascorbic acid, and flavonoids in an ion-exchange substrate modified with 1 g/l of the coarse hydrogel fraction. The data obtained can be used for practical purposes.

Relevance. The purpose of the research was to produce a new medium-ripe, high-yielding variety of vegetable peas with the usual type of leaf to expand the variety in the now used conveyor variety selection of the Krymsk EBS VIR Branch.Materials and methods. The experience was laid on the fields of the Krymsk EBS VIR Branch (Russia, Krasnodar Region, Krymsk) in 2019-2020. Varieties and strain were evaluated in a competitive variety testing. Sowing was carried out with a selection seeder SKS-6-10. The plot area was 10 m2 , the experiment was repeated four times. In the phase of technical ripeness, the sheaves were selected for description and the yield was taken into account. The conservation of green peas was done at the Tech Evaluation Lab.Results. Competitive variety testing in the mid-ripeness group was held by two strains 2014/7 and 344/16. The strain 2014/17 for green pea yields surpassed the standard "Parus" and G-344/16 in both years of study. Fresh and processed green peas were rated by the Tasting Commission at 5.0 and 4.8 points, respectively. High yield is achieved due to the paired beans on the peduncle and a large number of grains in the bean, up to 10 pieces. The grain in technical ripeness has a dark green color and the linear dimensions are 9.0x8.1 mm. In biological maturity, the seeds are intensely green, angular-compressed with a mass of 1000 pieces. 188-225 g.Conclusion. The results of field and laboratory analyses carried out on the complex of economicvaluable characteristics made it possible to distinguish the strain 2014/7, which in 2020 was transferred to the State Variety Testing under the name "Patriot". It is recommended as a supplement to the existing set of vegetable pea varieties of the Krymsk EBS VIR Branch in the mid-ripe group.

Relevance. In Siberia, sweet pepper is grown both in the open and in the protected ground. For a short Siberian summer, it is important to have varieties adapted to the local bioclimatic potential: early ripening, for obtaining valuable products in the middle of summer, and the possibility of conducting seed production. The priority direction is the creation of varieties that are resistant to abiotic and biotic environmental factors, with high yield, product quality, and high vitamin C content.Materials and methods. The research was carried out in film unheated greenhouses and in the open ground at the West Siberian Vegetable Experimental Station-a branch of the Federal Research Center for Vegetable Growing. The material for research was collected, selected samples, varieties of pepper.Results and discussion. Breeding work on the culture of sweet pepper at the West Siberian Vegetable Experimental Station was started in the late 60s of the last century, active work – in the early 90s. The conditions of the sharply continental climate, with its mild frost-free period, require the creation of varieties capable of obtaining a commercial pepper crop, despite the negative impact of biofactors. The use of precocious varieties gives a guaranteed harvest by avoiding early autumn frosts. Breeding for precocity is one of the main directions of Siberian breeding. Over the years of selection, models of future varieties were created, more than 20 varieties of sweet pepper of various varietal types were created. The varieties obtained at the station all belong to the early-maturing group, with a period from germination to the first fruit harvest-98-116 days, a height of 40-80 cm during the fruiting period, compact, suitable for growing without a garter to the trellis. As a result of a comprehensive assessment of the initial breeding material, donors of economically valuable traits were selected, the inclusion of which in the breeding process contributed to the creation of a number of precocious pepper varieties of various variety types. The created varieties have a high biological potential in terms of adaptability, productivity, and biochemical parameters. Suitable for growing in various production sectors.

Relevance. The development of the reclamation complex in the Kaliningrad region is one of the key tasks in achieving food security and improving the well-being of the region. In recent years, this issue has been highly relevant due to a number of geopolitical events. An important role in the agriculture of the region is played by the municipal district "Slavsky urban district" located mostly on polder lands with high potential fertility. A number of reasons led to the fact that the main part of drainage reclamation systems was deployed on this territory, which, if properly operated, are capable of leveling almost all the consequences of climatic phenomena that are difficult for agriculture. Despite the importance of this issue, the technical state and development of the amelioration complex have recently been given active attention.Purpose of work. Consider current trends and prospects for the development of the irrigation and drainage complex of the Slavsky region.Material and methods. To achieve this goal, stock materials of the Kaliningradmeliovodkhoz Administration and information from the Unified Information System in the field of procurement were analyzed.Results and conclusions. It can be concluded from the work that the technical condition of the reclamation systems is still unsatisfactory. The positive trends in land reclamation issues have increased significantly at the moment, which has increased the prospects for changing the situation for the better. Ideally, an increase in today's subsidies by 2-2.5 times is required, with the transition to the following investment ratio: 70% - for network operation, and 30% - for network reconstruction. It is also necessary to implement a number of socio-political decisions.

Relevance. The Volgograd region has a number of factors necessary for the cultivation of melons and gourds. The development of new varieties and hybrids of watermelon should involve the development of varietal agricultural techniques that would allow realizing the genetic potential of the variety. Therefore, the development of new methods of cultivation technologies that allow obtaining guaranteed fruit yields without reducing the quality of table watermelon products in the dry-steppe Trans-Volga region is relevant and timely.Material and methodology. The object of research is a watermelon, cultivar Zemlyanin. New types of water-soluble fertilizers – B and Fe chelates, and the Vegetable Akvarin were studied, by using them for soaking seeds before sowing and processing plants during the growing season.Results. The use of chelates B and Fe in the technology of growing watermelon, as well as the Akvarin, is an effective method for obtaining guaranteed yields. The use of water-soluble fertilizers, with various methods of their use, provided an increase in the yield of watermelon by 1.6-8.3 t/ha, or by 6.9-35.9% in comparison with the control (option without treatments). The largest fruits were obtained in variants of chelate B and the Vegetable Akvarin (processing of plants) – 6.8 kg. Comparative analysis of the biochemical composition of the fruits showed that water-soluble chelated fertilizers do not have a negative effect on the accumulation of nitrates. Studies have revealed the positive effect of water-soluble micronutrient fertilizers on improving the quality of fruits, which was manifested in the growth of the content of vitamin C and sugars.

The article examines the results of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and the economy of the Russian Federation at the end of 2020. The quarantine measures introduced by the countries continue to negatively affect the economic situation in the world and the economies of individual countries. There is an acute shortage of seasonal workers in the agricultural sector of the countries of the world. The introduction of restrictions on the export of goods reduced the volume of imports. In Russia, the growth rate of imports from non-CIS countries has decreased. In January 2021, compared to January 2020, imports for food products and raw materials for their production decreased by 4.2%, and for vegetables – by 11.5%. According to the Federal Customs Service, the export of vegetables increased 3 times in terms of physical volumes and only 11% in terms of value. The growth in the physical volumes of export of products of the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation did not lead to a corresponding increase in revenue. The prices for vegetables imported into the country were 2.5-3.4 times higher than the prices for exported ones. Despite some difficulties, losses in this area due to the pandemic were minimal. The gross harvest of vegetables in the country as a whole amounted to 13.8 million tons, which is 1.7% below the level of 2019. At the same time, the gross harvest of vegetables in open ground decreased by 3.1%, vegetables in protected ground increased by 6.6%. Difficulties encountered in implementation. During the crisis period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for vegetables fell by 30%. Consumers, in an effort to improve their immunity, began to buy more environmentally friendly and healthy products, including vegetables. The demand for organic products has grown by 15-20%. To accelerate the economic recovery, it was necessary to take additional measures on the part of states to support producers and consumers, restore purchasing power and help businesses, expand access to credit resources, stimulate investment activity, and reduce the tax burden on businesses and the population. In Russia, financial support for the main measures of state policy in the field of the agro-industrial complex is carried out within the framework of the implementation of the State Program for the Development of Agriculture and the regulation of markets for agricultural products, raw materials and food.