Purpose. To identify spring durum wheat accessions with high yield level and by yield components for their involvement in breeding programs as a source material. Methods. Field, statistical. Results. The results of the study of 65 collection samples of spring durum wheat of various ecological and geographical origin in terms of productivity in 2016–2018 are presented. The research results indicate that the samples of spring durum wheat had different yield level depending on the conditions of the year of cultivation. According to the calculations of the degree of yield stability parameters, the samples were found that ensure its level under fluctuations in weather conditions with regression coefficient close to one as follows ‘Omskiy izumrud’ (RUS), ‘Korona’, ‘Toma’, ‘Nauryz 6’ (KAZ), ‘Dura king’, ‘Candura’ (CAN), ‘Tera’, ‘Novatsiia’ (UKR), thus indicating their semi-intensive type. Collection samples of spring durum wheat that under optimal weather conditions are capable of producing significant yield increase are distinguished by wide ecological reaction. These are samples with regression coefficient more than one ‘MIP Raiduzhna’, ‘Hordeiforme 13-07’ (UKR), ‘Lan’, ‘Salaut’, ‘Ertol’ (KAZ), ‘Bezenchukskaya 205’, ‘Lilek’ (RUS). These samples can be characterized by their adaptive properties as intense ones, with a pronounced response to the environment. Over the years of the research, grain number per spike varied from 35.9 to 38.8 pcs. Year conditions in 2016 were the most favorable for plant growth and development, while index of conditions was 4.1, and the average grain number per spike was 41.4 pcs. Year conditions in 2017 and 2018 were less favorable for growth and development of durum spring wheat, and therefore there was a negative value of index of year conditions (lj = -5.1 and lj = 0.5, respectively) with less grain number per spike (32.2 and 38.2 pcs., respectively). According to the trait «1000 kernel weight», the samples were identified with regression coefficient close to one under fluctuations of weather conditions, i.e ‘Korona’, ‘Raya’ (KAZ), ‘Lilek’, ‘Bezenchukskaya 205’ (RUS), ‘MIP Raiduzhna’ (UKR). The grain weight per spike in the collection samples varied from 1.27 to 1.77 g. The stable samples ‘Ertol’, ‘Salaut’, ‘Damsinskaya yantarnaya’ (KAZ), ‘Lilek’ (RUS), ‘Novatsiia’ (UKR), ‘Duraking’, ‘Candura’ (CAN) promising in spring wheat breeding were identified and can be involved in hybridization. Conclusions. Stable and plastic samples were identified among collection material of spring durum wheat in terms of productivity for involvement in scientific programs as source material.

Purpose. To determine the content of biochemical compounds in fruits of M. domestica Borkh. varietal samples, select the most promising ones for use in further breeding, and recommend for use in various directions, given the biochemical complex of signs, taste and marketability of the fruit. Methods. We used generally accepted methods for determining the biochemical composition of fruits (soluble so­lids (SSR) according to GOST (State Standard System) 29030-91, total sugars according to GOST 8756-13.87; polyphenol composition according to the method of L. I. Vigorov (1968), vitamin C according to the method of A I. Ermakov (1972); tit­rated acids – according to GOST 25555.0-82). Results. Nine cultivars of apple trees were analyzed for the biochemical composition of fruits, namely the apple tree cultivar ‘Vydubytska Plakucha’ (‘V. p.’) and various hybrids created on its basis from the collection of the fruit plant acclimatization department of the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Gardens of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Selected forms are sources of 1–5 important biochemical characteristics (solids content, glucose, sugars, ascorbic acid, titratable acid) and promising for use in breeding. According to the dry matter content – the lowest rate was found in hybrid ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Symyrenko’ (16.68%), the highest in the hybrid – ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Oranzhevyi Coksa’ (22.87%), rates of ascorbic acid content varied within (6.0–12.25 mg%), total sugars (10.37–18.23), acids (0.74–1,67 respectively). The most interesting for introduction and breeding are hybrids with a high content of biochemical parameters, namely: ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Oranzhevyi Coksa’, ‘V. p.’ × ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘V. p.’ × ‘Parmen Zymovyi Zolotyi’. Conclusions. The content of the biochemical composition of the fruits, taste and marketability were characterized, and varietal samples of hybrids of the apple tree ‘Vydubytska Plakucha’ were distributed in the directions of use in order to improve the quality of life of the population. According to the biochemical indicators of the cluster analysis of the studied apple hybrids, close relationships were found between the three groups necessary in the future for breeding when selecting parental forms for an improved biochemical composition of the fruit (including hybrids ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Oranzhevyi Coksa’, ‘V. p.’ × ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘V. p.’ × ‘Parmen Zymovyi Zolotyi’, titrated acid hybrids ‘V. p.’ × ‘Starkrimson’, ‘V. p.’ × ‘Parmen Zymovyi Zolotyi’ and ‘V. p.’ × ‘Renet Symyrenko’, tannins hybrids ‘V. p.’ × ‘Slava Peremozhtsiam’ and ‘V. p.’ × ‘Starkrimson’); and to expand the assortment of apple trees according to the planned commercial signs. Hybrids of the apple-tree cultivar ‘Vydubytska Plakucha’, created in the NBG using old and valuable modern apple-tree cultivars, indicate the promise of producing high-yielding, large-fruited varieties with a high content of biologically active substances

Purpose. To analyze the variety diversity of the Itoh peony group in the collection of the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden National Botanical Garden National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and determine its biological features in the new conditions of introduction. Methods. Introduction studies, phenological observations, morphometry, statistical processing of results. Results. The cultivars diversity of the Itoh peony group of the M. M. Hrysh­ko National Botanical Garden National Botanical Garden National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine collection was analyzed. The ornamental properties of the cultivars were described. Features of their growth and development under conditions of introduction were studied. It was revealed that the duration of vegetation of plants of Ito group varieties is 218–225 days. It was determined that plant growth begins on March 23 – April 2, flowering on May 19–28. The budding of plants was observed in the first decade of May and lasts 16–20 days. It was revealed that in the conditions of introduction ‘Morning Lilac’ and ‘Sonoma Apricot’ bloom first (May 19–20), ‘Viking Full Moon’, ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’, ‘Yellow Waterlily’ bloom later (May 28). The height of generative shoots of plants in flowe­ring phase ranged from 60 to90 cm. Plants go dormant in winter, having formed generative shoots that successfully winter. Reproduction of plants occurs both due to the buds that form on the lower part of the stem, and the buds that form on the rhizome. The shoot-forming ability and flowering productivity are 6.0±2.5 – 19.5±4.0 shoots and 4.5±1.5 – 16.0±3.0 generative shoots per plant, respectively. Cultivars ‘First Arrival’, ‘Sonoma Apricot’, ‘Hillary’, ‘Bartzella’, ‘Morning Lilac’, ‘Lollipop’, ‘Old Rose Dandy’ are highly productive. Conclusions. The collection of peonies of the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden National Botanical Garden National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine has been expanded by Itoh Group cultivars. The R. Anderson’s breeds of 1980–1990 are more fully represented. An analysis of the ornamental features of the varieties showed that the hybrids with a semi-double flower shape of a yellow color dominate the collection. Cultivars retain all their ornamental and economic characteristics under conditions of introduction. The Itoh group varieties of the collection can be material for developing technologies for their cultivation and propagation, can be a source of replenishment and expansion of regional botanical gardens collections, planting material for gardening and landscaping, and also perform an educational and cognitive function.

Purpose. Based on the study of consumer qualities of perspective potato hybrids (Solanum tuberosum L.) the ones with a high degree of differentiation depending on the biochemical composition of tubers and culinary-consumer type were identified. Methods. Field (phenology); laboratory (biochemical, technological); mathematical and statistical (linear correlation, regression). Results. Consumer qualities and patterns of their formation under the influence of the biochemical composition of tubers were studied. Excellent taste was determined in mid-early (‘203.703-3’, ‘205.781-9’), mid-season (‘205.786-72’, ‘205. 798-15’) hybrids. High cooking quality of the tubers was detected in early-season hybrids (‘99.523-15’, ‘205.791-3’, ‘205.785-25’, ‘205.792-205’). Soft crispy texture was detected in mid-early (‘205.776-25’, ‘99.546-3’) and mid-season (‘205.782-24’, ‘205.786-72’, ‘205.798-43’) hybrids. The mid-early hybrid '205.780-8' contained high levels of starch. In terms of resistance to browning, three early-season (‘99.517-39’, ‘203.703-2’, ‘205.785-25’) and two mid-season hybrids (‘205.781-9’, ‘205.788-3’) were selected.  It is proved, that the taste development depended on the starch content (r=0,657), proportion of starch/protein (r=0,470) and sugars accumulation (r= -450). The positive dependence of the cooking quality of the tubers on their starchiness (r=0,945), proportion of starch and protein (r=0,900) was detected. The influence of proportion of starch/protein over the texture of the tubers (r=0,877) and starch content (r=0,868) was established. Mealiness depended on sugars (r= -0,494) and starch content (r=0,474), resistance to browning – on tyrosine content in protein (r=-0,873) and free tyrosine content (r= - 0,824). In terms of culinary and consumer type of food (table) potatoes, eight hybrids were rated as type B, five and five hybrids belonged to types A and C respectively, and three hybrids belonged to type D. Conclusions. The selected, as for the high level of culinary quality indicators, hybrids can be recommended as valuable output material for practical plant breeding. Determination of biological interrelation of potato culinary quality indicators and biochemical composition of their tubers allowed to develop mathematical simulations to predict taste and texture, and it practically relieved from boiling and subjective evaluation by organoleptic method of tasting results. Systematization of culinary and consumer type food (table) potatoes can be a subject matter in the course of state variety testing.

Мета. Оцінити сорти гречки їстівної Fagopyrum esculentum Moench за морфологічними ознаками з використанням алгоритму найближчих сусідів за допомогою кластеризації сортів рослин та ідентифікувати групи схожих сортів. Методи. Аналітичний, математичний, статистичний. Як вхідну інформацію для статистичного оброблення було використано результатні дані експертизи на відмінність, однорідність та стабільність (ВОС) з бази даних автоматизованої інформаційної системи Українського інституту експертизи сортів рослин. Моделювання було проведено з використанням алгоритму найближчих сусідів, методом Machine Learning у середовищі статистичного пакета IBM SPSS Statistics «Statistical Package for the Social Sciences». У ролі параметрів моделі було використано такі типи змінних: цільова змінна – ознака «Рослина: тип росту», фокусна змінна – «Рослина: плоїдність», мітка спостережень – «Назва сор­ту». Перелік показників (features) складали такі ознаки: «Рослина: плоїдність», «Стебло: антоціанове забарвлення», «Суцвіття: антоціанове забарвлення бруньки», «Час початку цвітіння», «Рослина: тип росту», «Рослина: за висотою», «Квітка: забарвлення пелюсток», «Стебло: за довжиною», «Стебло: кількість вузлів», «Стебло: діаметр», «Час достигання», «Насінина: за довжиною», «Насінина: форма», «Насінина: забарвлення шкірки», «Насіння: маса 1000 шт.». До складу моделі було узято 25 сортів гречки їстівної вітчизняного та іноземного походження, які включені до Державного реєстру сортів рослин, придатних для поширення в Україні на 2020 рік. Результати. Унаслідок комп’ютерного моделювання було сформовано модель подібних сортів гречки їстівної за сімнадцятьма морфологічними ознаками, які відібрано із застосуванням частотного аналізу проявлення морфологічних ознак. Сформована модель містила 17 тренувальних об’єктів (сортів) та дев’ять контрольних об’єктів (сортів). Було ідентифіковано 22 групи подібних сортів гречки їстівної. Висновки. Сорти гречки їстівної F. esculentum було оцінено за морфологічними ознаками з використанням алгоритму найближчих сусідів за допомогою кластеризації подібних сортів рослин. Було ідентифіковано такі найподібніші групи сортів: перша – ‘Крупнозелена’, ‘Дикуль’, ‘Дев’ятка’ та ‘Ювілейна 100’; друга – ‘Рута’, ‘Мальва’, ‘Надійна’ та ‘Володар’; третя – ‘Ксенія’, ‘Сімка’, ‘Селяночка’ та ‘Мальва’.

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.

Purpose. This study was aimed to determine some biochemical parameters and productivity of the gene fund of Silphium L. genus in the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine. Methods. Plant raw material investigated at the flowering stage (17 genotypes) and the end of vegetation (20 genotypes) of Silphium spp. 3 species and 4 cultivars studied for the content of nutrients at the flowering. Determination of dry matter, ash, calcium, nitrogenfree extractives conducted according to Hrytsaienko et al. (2003), phosphorus, protein – according to Pochinok (1976), sugars – according to Krishchenko (1983), cellulose – according to Zheng et al. (2018), lipids – according to Zamowski, Suzuki (2004). It was used productivity parameters: yield of above-ground mass, the yield of dry mass, energetic value, yield of energy. Data analyzed statistically. Results. Investigation of nutrients content showed that content of dry matter was in the range of 18.90–29.3%, protein – in the range of 8.88–23.56%, cellulose – 15.10–36.14%, ash – 8.13–12.19%, lipids – 1.83–3.97%; yield of above-ground mass – 45.0–139.0 t/ha, the yield of dry matter – 10.31–36.92 t/ha, energy value – 3933–4249 cal/g, and yield of energy – 43.81–149.27 Gcal/ha. A study of genotypes at the flowering and end of vegetation identified that the content of dry matter for all samples was in a range of 18.38–67.49%, sugars – 2.78–19.0%, ash – 3.93–11.20%, calcium – 1.68–5.99%, phosphorus – 0.14–1.21%, energy value – 3153.36– 3770.28 cal/g. Conclusions. Plant raw material of genotypes of Silphium L. spp. is a valuable source of nutrients. The content of ash, its components, energetic value, and parameters of productivity depending on genotype and stage of growth. The results allow recommending selected Silphium genotypes as perspective energetic crops in Ukraine as well as other countries.

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 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.