Purpose. Provide bioinformatic analysis and comparison of target regions of the acetolactate synthase (als) gene in several members of the Poaceae family and, on the basis of the obtained data, explore the possibility of creating a unified genetic construct for als gene editing using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Methods. The als gene sequences of various members of the Poaceae family were obtained from the NCBI: Nucleotide database. For comparison, a fragment of the imi-2 gene of wheat of the soft line ‘TealIMI11A’ was used in two regions of the 367–390 and 1729–1749 nucleotide sequences. The Sequence Viewer 3.37.0 tool was used to assess the presence of nucleotide substitutions in the working sequence of the imi-2 gene. The dendrogram was built using the “Blast Tree” tool from the NCBI: Blast: Nucleotide resource. Results. A comparative analysis of the nucleotide sequences of seven different species was carried out: soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), common wild oat (Avena fatua L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.), maize (Zea mays L.), aleppo grass (Sorghum halepense Pers.) and Tausch’s goatgrass (Aegilops tauschii Coss.). The dendrogram is based on the gene sequence als, showed that all studied genotypes can be divided into two blocks: the first block included maize and aleppo grass, and the second block, a separate branch includes Asian rice and common wild oat, barley, soft wheat and Tausch’s goatgrass. 367–390 nucleotide sequences of soft wheat showed the highest 100% homology to Asian rice, Tausch’s goatgrass and common wild oat. The lowest homo­logy was for maize and aleppo grass at 83.3%. Evaluation of the nucleotide sequence 1729–1749 showed no complete homology at the 100% level. It was the highest for barley and Tausch’s goatgrass – 95.2%, and the lowest for rice, maize and aleppo grass – 80.9% each. Conclusions. The analysis confirms a significant degree of homology of the als gene sequence for various species of the Poaceae family, which allows us to create a universal genetic vector. However, taking into account the high degree of sequence homology for species such as soft wheat, Tausch’s goatgrass, barley, Asian rice and common wild oat, it can be assumed that the corresponding genetic vector can be used with the greatest efficiency to alter the als gene of these genotypes.

Purpose. Provide bioinformatic analysis and comparison of target regions of the acetolactate synthase (als) gene in several members of the Poaceae family and, on the basis of the obtained data, explore the possibility of creating a unified genetic construct for als gene editing using the CRISPR-Cas9 system.Methods. The als gene sequences of various members of the Poaceae family were obtained from the NCBI: Nucleotide database. For comparison, a fragment of the imi-2 gene of wheat of the soft line ‘TealIMI11A’ was used in two regions of the 367–390 and 1729–1749 nucleotide sequences. The Sequence Viewer 3.37.0 tool was used to assess the presence of nucleotide substitutions in the working sequence of the imi-2 gene. The dendrogram was built using the “Blast Tree” tool from the NCBI: Blast: Nucleotide resource. Results. A comparative analysis of the nucleotide sequences of seven different species was carried out: soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), common wild oat (Avena fatua L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.), maize (Zea mays L.), aleppo grass (Sorghum halepense Pers.) and Tausch’s goatgrass (Aegilops tauschii Coss.). The dendrogram is based on the gene sequence als, showed that all studied genotypes can be divided into two blocks: the first block included maize and aleppo grass, and the second block, a separate branch includes Asian rice and common wild oat, barley, soft wheat and Tausch’s goatgrass. 367–390 nucleotide sequences of soft wheat showed the highest 100% homology to Asian rice, Tausch’s goatgrass and common wild oat. The lowest homo­logy was for maize and aleppo grass at 83.3%. Evaluation of the nucleotide sequence 1729–1749 showed no complete homology at the 100% level. It was the highest for barley and Tausch’s goatgrass – 95.2%, and the lowest for rice, maize and aleppo grass – 80.9% each.Conclusions. The analysis confirms a significant degree of homology of the als gene sequence for various species of the Poaceae family, which allows us to create a universal genetic vector. However, taking into account the high degree of sequence homology for species such as soft wheat, Tausch’s goatgrass, barley, Asian rice and common wild oat, it can be assumed that the corresponding genetic vector can be used with the greatest efficiency to alter the als gene of these genotypes. | Цель. Провести биоинформатический анализ и сравнить целевые участки гена ацетолактат синтазы (als) у нескольких представителей семейства Злаковых и на основе полученных данных исследовать возможность создания унифицированной генетической конструкции для направленного изменения гена als с помощью системы CRISPR-Cas9.Методы. Сиквенсы гена als различных представителей семейства Злаковых были получены из базы данных NCBI: Nucleotide. Для сравнения был использован фрагмент гена imi-2 пшеницы мягкой линии ‘TealIMI11A’ в двух участках сиквенса 367–390 и 1729–1749 нуклеотидов. Для оценки наличия нуклеотидных замен в рабочих сиквенсах гена imi-2 использовали инструмент ‘Sequence Viewer 3.37.0’. Дендрограмму строили с использованием инструмента “Blast Tree” с ресурса NCBI: Blast: Nucleotide. Результаты. Был проведен сравнительный анализ нуклео­тидных последовательностей семи различных видов: пшеницы мягкой (Triticum aestivum L.), овсюга обыкновенного (Avena fatua L.), ячменя обыкновенного (Hordeum vulgare L.), риса посевного (Oryza sativa L.), кукурузы (Zea mays L.), сорго алепского (Sorghum halepense Pers.) и эгилопса Тауша (Aegilops tauschii Coss.). На основе сравнительного анализа сиквенса участков гена іmi-2 для 7-ми генотипов построили филогенетическое дерево, которое показало, что исследованные виды можно разделить на два блока. В первый блок вошли кукуруза и сорго алеппское, а ко второму блоку – рис посевной, овсюг обыкновенный, ячмень обыкновенный, пшеница мягкая и эгилопс Тауша. Определение степени гомологии между последовательностью 367–390 нуклеотида пшеницы мягкой и другими видами показала, что абсолютной была гомология с соответствующими последовательностями риса посевного, эгилопса Тауша и овсюга обыкновенного (100%). Наименьшим нуклеотидное родство оказалось для кукурузы и сорго алеппского – по 83,3%. На участке 1729–1749 нук­леотидов гена іmi-2 никакой из 6 сиквенсов не показал 100% гомологии с последовательностью пшеницы мягкой. Самой высокой она была для ячменя обыкновенного и эгилопса Тауша – 95,2%, а наименьшей для риса посевного, кукурузы и сорго алеппского – по 80,9%.Выводы. Проведенный анализ подтверждает значительную степень гомологии последовательности гена als для различных видов семейства Злаковых. Это позволяет допустить возможность создания универсальной генетической конструкции, с помощью которой можно осуществлять редактирование генома и получения растений, устойчивых к гербициду разных представителей этой семьи. Учитывая высокую степень гомологии последовательностей для таких видов как пшеница мягкая, эгилопс Тауша, ячмень обыкновенный, рис посевной и овсюг обыкновенный, можно предположить, что с наибольшей эффективностью соответствующая генетическая конструкция может быть использована для редактирования гена als именно этих генотипов. | Провести біоінформатичний аналіз та порівняти цільові ділянки гена ацетолактат синтази (als) у декількох представників родини Злакових і на основі отриманих даних дослідити можливість створення уніфікованої генетичної конструкції для направленого редагування гена als за допомогою системи CRISPR-Cas9. Методи. Сиквенси гена als різних представників родини Злакових було отримано з бази даних NCBI: Nucleotide. Для порівняння було використано фрагмент гена іmi-2 пшениці м’якої лінії ‘TealIMI11A’ у двох ділянках сиквенсу: 367–390 та 1729–1749 нук­леотидів. Для оцінювання наявності нуклеотидних замін в робочих сиквенсах гена іmi-2 використовували інструмент “SequenceViewer 3.37.0”. Дендрограму будували з використанням інструменту ‘BlastTree’ з ресурсу NCBI: Blast: Nucleotide. Результати. Було проаналізовано нуклеотидні послідовності сімох різних видів: пшениці м’якої (TriticumaestivumL.), вівсюга звичайного (AvenafatuaL.), ячменю звичайного (HordeumvulgareL.), рису посівного (OryzasativaL.), кукурудзи (ZeamaysL.), сорго алепського (SorghumhalepensePers.) та егілопса Тауша (AegilopstauschiiCoss.). На основі порівняльного аналізу сиквенсу ділянок гена іmi-2 для 7-ми генотипів було побудовано філогенетичне дерево, яке показало, що досліджені види можна поділити на два блоки. До одного з них увійшли кукурудза та сорго алепське, а до другого – рис посівний, вівсюг звичайний, ячмінь звичайний, пшениця м’яка та егілопс Тауша. Визначення ступеня гомології між послідовністю 367–390 нуклеотиду пшениці м’якої та іншими видами показало, що абсолютною була гомологія з відповідними послідовностями рису посівного, егілопса Тауша та вісюга звичайного (100%). Найменшою нуклеотидна спорідненість виявилась для кукурудзи та сорго алепського – 83,3%. У ділянці 1729–1749 нуклеотидів гена іmi-2 жоден з 6 сиквенсів не показав 100% гомології з послідовністю пшениці м’якої. Найвищою вона була до ячменю звичайного та егілопсу Тауша – 95,2%, а найменшою для рису посівного, кукурудзи та сорго алепського – по 80,9%. Висновки. Проведений аналіз підтверджує значний ступінь гомології послідовності гена als для різних видів родини Злакових. Це дозволяє зробити припущення про можливість створення універсальної генетичної конструкції, за допомогою якої можна редагувати геном та отримувати рослини, стійкі до гербіцидів різних представників цієї родини. Зважаючи на вищий ступінь гомології послідовностей для таких видів як пшениця м’яка, егілопс Тауша, ячмінь звичайний, рис посівний та вівсюг звичайний, можна припустити, що ефективнішою відповідна генетична конструкція буде для редагування гена als саме цих генотипів.

Purpose. Provide bioinformatic analysis and comparison of target regions of the acetolactate synthase (als) gene in several members of the Poaceae family and, on the basis of the obtained data, explore the possibility of creating a unified genetic construct for als gene editing using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Methods. The als gene sequences of various members of the Poaceae family were obtained from the NCBI: Nucleotide database. For comparison, a fragment of the imi-2 gene of wheat of the soft line ‘TealIMI11A’ was used in two regions of the 367–390 and 1729–1749 nucleotide sequences. The Sequence Viewer 3.37.0 tool was used to assess the presence of nucleotide substitutions in the working sequence of the imi-2 gene. The dendrogram was built using the “Blast Tree” tool from the NCBI: Blast: Nucleotide resource. Results. A comparative analysis of the nucleotide sequences of seven different species was carried out: soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), common wild oat (Avena fatua L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.), maize (Zea mays L.), aleppo grass (Sorghum halepense Pers.) and Tausch’s goatgrass (Aegilops tauschii Coss.). The dendrogram is based on the gene sequence als, showed that all studied genotypes can be divided into two blocks: the first block included maize and aleppo grass, and the second block, a separate branch includes Asian rice and common wild oat, barley, soft wheat and Tausch’s goatgrass. 367–390 nucleotide sequences of soft wheat showed the highest 100% homology to Asian rice, Tausch’s goatgrass and common wild oat. The lowest homo­logy was for maize and aleppo grass at 83.3%. Evaluation of the nucleotide sequence 1729–1749 showed no complete homology at the 100% level. It was the highest for barley and Tausch’s goatgrass – 95.2%, and the lowest for rice, maize and aleppo grass – 80.9% each. Conclusions. The analysis confirms a significant degree of homology of the als gene sequence for various species of the Poaceae family, which allows us to create a universal genetic vector. However, taking into account the high degree of sequence homology for species such as soft wheat, Tausch’s goatgrass, barley, Asian rice and common wild oat, it can be assumed that the corresponding genetic vector can be used with the greatest efficiency to alter the als gene of these genotypes.

Purpose. Assessment and selection of self-pollinated S5 maize (Zea mays L.) families with high combining ability and wide adaptive capacity obtained on the basis of specially produced hybrids by crossing elite lines of various genetic plasms with the best main agronomic characters. Methods. Field studies, mathematico-statistical evaluation. Results. An amplitude of grain yield ranging from 5.96–10.96 t/ha (x = 8.44 t/ha) in 2013 to 2.67–7.59 t/ha (x = 5.08 t/ha) in 2014 was determined in the course of study of the testcrosses of self-pollinated S5 families. It was found that different response of genotypes of the studied testcrosses to the year conditions significantly affected the average yield level, which decreased in the stressful 2014 by 3.4 t/ha as compared to 2013. The results of the assessment based on the general and specific combining ability of new parent material of mixed germplasm were shown. A significant variability of the estimates of GCA (general combining ability) effects depending on the year conditions was observed in the course of study. A marked difference in the estimates of GCA effects based on the grain yield was revealed. They were persistently high in 19% of the best self-pollinated families in both years, 14% of the families had persistently low estimates of GCA effects, 67% changed their value depending on the genotype and year conditions. Conclusions. 17 best self-pollinated families with persistently high estimates of GCA, 6 families featuring high tolerance to drought and 4 families with persistently high variances of SCA were selected. The selected families will be used as a parent material in selection programs aimed to create new high performance hybrids.

Purpose. Evaluate the introduced samples of soft winter wheat from the international nursery Common Bunt-Resistant Nursery (CBUNT-RES) of different ecological and geographical origin in the southern part of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine according to a set of productivity indicators in order to define the most valuable samples and describe them. Methods. During 2016–2019 on the base of Ustymivka Experimental Station for Plant Production of the V. Ya. Yuriev Plant Production Institute of NAAS the authors studied, evaluated and described 75 new soft winter wheat samples of various eco-geographical origins by productivity traits. In the field and laboratory conditions, indicators of yield and productivi­ty were determined: 1000 grains weight, plant height and ear length, the number of spikelets and grains in the ear, weight of ear and grain and early-ripening. Results. Plant material with increased parameters of economic and biological characters was identified. During studies, it was found that ‘F08347G8’, ‘F00628G34-1’ (Romania), ‘91-142A61/KATIA1//GRISET-4’, ‘SAULESKU#44/TR810200//GRISET-4’, ‘ATTILA/BABAX//PASTOR/4/…’ (IU067591) (Turkey), ‘INTENSIVNAYA//PBW343*2/TUKURU’, ‘SANZAR-8/KKTS’ (Mexico) were the high-yielding varieties. The samples of soft winter wheat as ‘F08347G8’, ‘F00628G34-1’ (Romania), ‘INTENSIVNAYA//PBW343*2/…’ (IU067637) (Mexico), ‘ATAY/GALVEZ87/6/TAST/…’ (IU067587), ‘DE9/MERCAN-2’, ‘KRASNODAR/FRTL/6…’ (IU067595), ‘SAULESKU#44/TR810200//GRISET-4’, ‘GANSU-1/3/AUSGS50AT34/…’ (IU067598), ‘ORKINOS-1*2/3/AUS…’ (IU067608), ‘KAMBARA1/ZANDER-17’ , ‘TAM200/KAUZ/4/CHAM6//…’ (IU067612) (Turkey) contained a large grain weight (more than 5.0 g), plant productivity in these samples was rather high due to increased amount of grains and the thousand kernel weight. Conclusions. The introduced soft winter wheat samples of various eco-geographical origins were adapted to the Southern Forest-Steppe and can be recommended as a source material in breeding to increasing productive capacity.

The results of studies on the major agronomic traits of the best com hybrids of different maturity groups on their suitability to grow in south-western part of the forest- steppe. Use in production practice the proper Selection of hybrids of maize provides an opportunity not only to predict the volume of its production, but also significantly save energy at the post-harvest handling of grains of this crop.

The results of studies on the major agronomic traits of the best com hybrids of different maturity groups on their suitability to grow in south-western part of the forest- steppe. Use in production practice the proper Selection of hybrids of maize provides an opportunity not only to predict the volume of its production, but also significantly save energy at the post-harvest handling of grains of this crop.

The possibilities of utilizing testers different genetical structure are considered. The peculiarities of testers productivity formation are ascertained. The dynamics of influence inbreed lines, testers and one's interaction on hybrids productivity are investigated. The peculiarities of hybrids productivity formation depending on utilizing testers and one's combining are indicated.

The possibilities of utilizing testers different genetical structure are considered. The peculiarities of testers productivity formation are ascertained. The dynamics of influence inbreed lines, testers and one's interaction on hybrids productivity are investigated. The peculiarities of hybrids productivity formation depending on utilizing testers and one's combining are indicated.

In the Forest Steppe Zone of Ukraine studied 6 sorts and 3 hybrids of sweet com. According with results of research work the author came to the conclusion that sorts and hybrids distinguished some economic- important characteristics.

In the Forest Steppe Zone of Ukraine studied 6 sorts and 3 hybrids of sweet com. According with results of research work the author came to the conclusion that sorts and hybrids distinguished some economic- important characteristics.

Purpose. To analyze the divergence of early maturing source material of corn Zea mays L. in heterosis breeding for the genetic base formation at the State Institution the Institute of Grain Crops of the NAAS of Ukraine. Methods. Field (comprehensive assessment of morphobiological and economically valuable characteristics of the source material and maize hybrids) individual selection, cumulative and recurrent selection, backross and testcrosses bree­ding methods; laboratory; analysis and synthesis; statistical. Results. The results of research on the analysis of the divergence of early maturing corn source material in the conditions of the Steppe of Ukraine has become a developed harmonized working collection of corn breeding samples adapted to the stressful conditions of this region. The gradual cyclical improvement of the lines made it possible to form the core of the genetic diversity of FAO 150–290 early maturing specimens of the southern ecotype, which are competitive in heterosis breeding. The complexity of breeding for early maturity in the steppe conditions is due to the lack of material adapted to the stress factors of the South of Ukraine. The available early maturing lines of the world collection F2, F7, Ер1, Ма21, Ма23, Со125, Со255, См7, PLS61, S72, etc., were distinguished by high cold resistance, good starting plant development, intensive accumulation of dry matter during ripening, but not adapted to the deficiency of moisture in the soil and high summer temperatures. According to the results of the experiment, it was revealed that, in terms of breeding, lines of Lancaster plasma (DK427 and DK633) were the most plastic, due to which a number of new mid-early lines were obtained, for example DK2/427, DK267, DK266/417, DK633/266, DK296, etc., which were included in the registered hybrids. Formation of the genetic base of early maturing maize source material for heterosis breeding and systematization accor­ding to different breeding characteristics provided a balance of samples of alternative components, which will be further used to model heterosis hybrids in the early maturing group. Conclusions. The updated basic collection of lines is represented by the samples of plasma Iodent: DK744SVZM, DK216SVZM, DK4173SVZM, DK235zS, DK257zM, SV, DK365SVZM, DK777ZMSV, DK733-7zM,SV, DK315SVZM; Lancaster: DK296zS,VM, DK633/266zS,VM, DK2965ZSZM, DK2953 ZSZM, DK3023 ZSZM, DK236zS,ZM; Raid (SSS): DK232MV, DK2323MV, DK239MV; Mixed: DK253ZSZM, DK273MV, DK272zS, DK281SV, DK233zM,SV, DK959MV, DK9527 ZSZM, DK247MV, DK2442MV, which is the basis of the genetic diversity of early ripening corn samples included in the State register of plant varie­ties suitable for dissemination in Ukraine.

Мета. На основі всебічного дослідження особливостей росту, розвитку, плодоношення та якості плодів рослин спонтанних мутантів яблуні (Malus domestica Borkh.) сорту ‘Jonagold’ виділити такі, що відрізняються від вихідного сорту за силою росту дерев та переважають за врожайністю, товарними якостями, лежкістю плодів та економічною ефективністю виробництва останніх.                    Методи. Польовий, лабораторний, порівняння, узагальнення та математичної статистики. Результати. Подано результати вивчення особливостей росту та плодоношення 20 українських спонтанних клонів сорту ‘Jonagold’ в умовах Західного Лісостепу України. Встановлено, що рослини досліджуваних клонів за строками початку і тривалістю основних фенологічних фаз і вегетаційного періоду не відрізнялись від більшості поширених і добре адаптованих до умов Поділля сортів яблуні. Знімальна стиглість плодів у клонів наставала у другій‑третій декадах вересня, з різницею у сім діб. Дерева більшості клонів (ДП‑4, ДП‑5, ДП‑9, ДП‑10, ДП‑13, ДП‑14 і ДП‑17) були середньорослими. Урожайність п’яти-восьмирічних насаджень клонів становить 12,1–32,3 т/га, що забезпечує економічно ефективне культивування в умовах Поділля, рівень рентабельності виробництва становить 66–242%. Усі спонтанні мутанти формують плоди більші за середній розмір (крім ДП‑20, великі), красиві, ошатні, які, залежно від клону, різняться за інтенсивністю та характером покривного забарвлення. Клони ДП‑1, ДП‑3, ДП‑17, ДП‑18 і ДП‑19 відзначались найбільшим виходом яблук вищого та першого ґатунку і за цією властивістю значно перевищили контрольний сорт. Випробовувані клони поділено на три групи за строками достигання плодів: ранньозимові, зимові, пізньозимові. Висновки. Багаторічне оцінювання об’єктів дослідження дозволило встановити, що біологічні властивості рослин українських клонів сорту ‘Jonagold’ відповідають кліматичним умовам Західного Лісостепу України. За силою росту дерев більшість із них належать до групи середньорослих (ДП‑4, ДП‑5, ДП‑9, ДП‑10, ДП‑13, ДП‑14 і ДП‑17) і характеризуються мішаним типом плодоношення. Клони ДП‑1, ДП‑3, ДП‑17, ДП‑18 і ДП‑19 виділяються високим виходом плодів вищого та першого ґатунку. За основними показниками якості плодів кращими визнано клони ДП‑3, ДП‑8, ДП‑13, ДП‑14, ДП‑16, ДП‑17, ДП‑18 і ДП‑20; найвищу економічну ефективність виробництва яблук на Поділлі забезпечують клони ДП‑14, ДП‑17, ДП‑18 і ДП‑19. Останні рекомендовано для реєстрації у Державному реєстрі сортів рослин, як перспективні для впровадження у насадження з виробництва плодів універсального призначення у зоні Західного Лісостепу України.

Methodological rationale is given (procedure - morphological description) for ‘plant’ as a quantitative characteristic - ‘plant: ratio of upper ear attachment height to plant height’ for maize hybrids (Zea mays L.), as well as parameters of grading for states of expression are set to facilitate the assessment at performing morphological description of maize hybrids

Methodological rationale is given (procedure - morphological description) for ‘plant’ as a quantitative characteristic - ‘plant: ratio of upper ear attachment height to plant height’ for maize hybrids (Zea mays L.), as well as parameters of grading for states of expression are set to facilitate the assessment at performing morphological description of maize hybrids

The results of evaluation and selection of breeding material of mixed germ-plasm corn for early ripeness among self-pollinated families S4 by the length of the «sprouting–flowering of 50% of ears» period are given. A signifi cant infl uence of weather conditions during the years of study on the length of this indicator was determined. Response of studied corn test-crosses on growing conditions are described. Self-pollinated families DK22282111, DK28211111, DK21511111, DK20192321, DK26143111 were singled out which had a high tolerance to growing conditions and stable «sprouting–flowering of 50% of ears» period.

The results of evaluation and selection of breeding material of mixed germ-plasm corn for early ripeness among self-pollinated families S4 by the length of the «sprouting–flowering of 50% of ears» period are given. A signifi cant infl uence of weather conditions during the years of study on the length of this indicator was determined. Response of studied corn test-crosses on growing conditions are described. Self-pollinated families DK22282111, DK28211111, DK21511111, DK20192321, DK26143111 were singled out which had a high tolerance to growing conditions and stable «sprouting–flowering of 50% of ears» period.

The article provides methodological ground (method of morphological description) for identification of qualitative, quantitative and pseudo-qualitative characteristics of maize hybrids (Zea mays L) disclosing methodological facets of practical appliance for histogram and variation curve of morphological characteristics of the phenotype by uniformity test and unveiling the link between quantitative characteristics of the ear and economically valuable indices of plant productivity. Target of the research has covered physiological and biochemical processes of plant productivity development into relevant phenological growth and development stages followed by relevant observations and records of vegetative and generative organs of maize. The field examination results obtained are processed with mathematical and statistical methods with the view of searching for margins (min and max) of confidence intervals and in order to verify reliability of the research results with the view of follow-up construction of histogram and variation curve.

Fungal fairy rings (FFR) are fascinating natural phenomena that have intrigued people and scientists for centuries. These patterns, often represented by circular distributions of altered vegetation, are found in grasslands and forest habitats. Fairy rings occur when fungi grow radially in the soil, raising from a central point, progressively degrading organic matter and thus affecting vegetation. The observation of such spatial patterns allows mycologists to conduct an in-depth analysis of the role of fungi in ecosystems. This review presents the current knowledge and scientific advancement of the studies of FFRs. An historical appraisal from the most representative pioneer studies until recent works is presented in different scientific fields, including microbiology, chemistry, botany and ecology. Based on a deep analysis of bibliographic data, we synopsised different aspects of FFRs: i) history of studies, ii) taxonomy, iii) ecology (environmental conditions and biogeography), iv) classification of vegetation patterns, v) spatial dynamics, vi) role as ecosystem engineer (impact on soil chemistry, plants and microbiota). In conclusion, beside still open research areas requiring further investigation, a schematic functional model of fungal fairy rings is proposed, in which on one hand the dynamics of the fungal mycelium is explained by self-DNA accumulation and the build-up of autotoxicity. On the other hand, the effects of fungi on plants are related to the intermingled and differently spatially distributed effects of hydrophobicity, phytotoxicity and phytostimulation.

The article explains the aim and objectives of parental components of maize hybrids identification in the course of soil varietal control. Scientific background has been provided to methodological aspects of comparative evaluation of morphological characteristics on control plots for the purpose of establishing authenticity of maize hybrids circulated at the market.

The article explains the aim and objectives of parental components of maize hybrids identification in the course of soil varietal control. Scientific background has been provided to methodological aspects of comparative evaluation of morphological characteristics on control plots for the purpose of establishing authenticity of maize hybrids circulated at the market.