Purpose. To study the protein content and other economically valuable traits in soybean varieties of various origin, to determine the stability and plasticity indicators of these traits, as well as to identify varieties that are promising for use in breeding programs. Methods. Field, laboratory, biochemical and statistical. Results. In total 22 soybean varieties of various origin in terms of yield, protein and oil content in seeds were investigated. High-yield and high-plasticity varieties are distinguished: ‘Muza’, ‘Mentor’, ‘Asuka’, ‘Valas’, ‘Kofu’, ‘Asuka’, ‘Cardif’, ‘Alligator’, ‘Vyshyvanka’, ‘Suziria’ and varieties of domestic breeding with stable yield ‘Siverka’, ‘Vilshanka’, ‘Ustia’, and also the ‘Lisbon’ variety. High protein content was noted in the variety ‘Opus’ – 45.0% in 2017. This variety on average for three years showed 43.63% of the protein in the seeds, and was second after the ‘Ustia’ variety (44.3%). The highest value of the regression coefficient b = 4.289 was observed in the ‘Lisbon’ varie­ty, which shows its high sensitivity to growing conditions with a fairly low average seed protein content of 38.60%, as well as the variety ‘Silesia’ b = 4.289 with an average protein value of 42,73%. Standard variety ‘Muza’ with a low protein content of 38.60% was quite stable in the expression of this characteristic – S2 = 0.222. A number of high-oil varieties were distinguished: ‘Valas’ – 22.77%, ‘Sigalia’ – 22.7%, ‘Alligator’, ‘Siverka’ – 22.53%, ‘Kofu’ – 22.13%, standard variety ‘Muza’ – 21.77%. Conclusions. In breeding programs aimed at increasing the protein content in seeds, the following varieties should be used: ‘Opus’ – as a carrier of the maximum value of the trait, as well as ‘Ustia’, ‘Asuka’, ‘Silesia’ and ‘Kasidi’ as combining high yield and high protein content. The weather conditions of the year in different ways influenced on the manifestation of the studied traits: in a favorable year for obtaining high yields, the protein content in the seeds decreased, the high protein content accumulated in a drier year, and the oil content in seeds changed insignificantly.

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. 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.

Purpose. The adaptation of regenerant plants to environmental conditions is the final stage of micropropagation. According to a number of authors, when in vitro plants are transferred to in vivo non-sterile conditions, a significant percentage of mortality is recorded. In a previous publication, the regenerative capacity of strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) in vitro tissues on MS culture medium (Murashige & Skoog, 1962) and a regenerants was obtained (Chornobrov O. Yu., 2019).The objective of the study is to develop an optimal protocol of acclimation of in vitro F. vesca plants to in vivo conditions.Methods. Biotechnological and statistical methods of research were applied. For the research ‘Ruiana’ and ‘Zhovte Dyvo’ cultivars were used with in vitro cultivation cycle of 30–35 days. Prepared plants were planted in 0.33 L plastic contai ners, one piece in a mixture of coconut substrate and perlite (3:1). Plants were kept under high relative humidity (85–90%) conditions for 3–5 days, 6–8 days and 10–14 days. The studies were carried out in the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory of SS of NULES of Ukraine “BFRS” during 2019–2020. Results. The duration of Fragaria vesca regenerant plants exposure in conditions of high relative humidity significantly affected adaptation efficiency. The proportion of ‘Ruiana’ and ‘Zhovte Dyvo’ plants adapted to the greenhouse conditions were 47.6 ± 2.5% and 60.0 ± 1.7%, respectively, when the plants were kept for 10–14 days. A significant efficiency of plant adaptation (more than 70%) was obtained under condition of preliminarily exposure the roots of the plants in an auxin solution for 25–30 minutes with daily application of 30% solution of glycerine as foliar spray. The plants adapted to the greenhouse conditions had pigmentation characteristic of the variety, without signs of chlorosis and vitrification.Conclusions. An optimal protocol for in vitro adaptation of F. vesca cultivars to in vivo conditions was developed and viable plants were obtained. Further research will be aimed at studying the growth and development of F. vesca regenerant plants in open ground. | Мета. Адаптація рослин-регенерантів до умов довкілля – заключний етап мікроклонального розмноження.За даними низки авторів, при перенесені рослин in vitro в нестерильні умови закритого ґрунту фіксують знач­ний відсоток відпаду. У попередній публікації досліджено регенераційну здатність тканин рослин суниці (Fragaria vesca L.) in vitro на живильному середовищі MS та одержано регенеранти (Чорнобров О. Ю., 2019). Мета дослід­ження – розроблення оптимального протоколу адапта­ції рослин-регенерантів сортів F. vesca до умов in vivo.Методи. Для досліджень використовували рослини суниці сортів ‘Руяна’ і ‘Жовте диво’ із циклом культивування in vitro 30–35 діб. Рослини висаджували в пластикові контейнери (об’єм – 0,33 л) по 1 шт. у суміш кокосового субстрату та перліту (3:1). Рослини витримували в умовах високої відносної вологості повітря (85–90%) упродовж 3–5 діб, 6–8 діб і 10–14 діб. Дослідження проводили в науково-дослідній лабораторії біотехнології рослин ВП НУБіП України «Боярська ЛДС» упродовж 2019–2020 рр.Результати. Тривалість витримування рослин-регенерантів F. vesca в умовах високої ВВП достовірно впливала на ефективність адаптації. За витримування упродовж 10–14 діб частка адаптованих до умов закритого ґрунту рослин становила для сорту ‘Руяна’ 47,6 ± 2,5% і 60,0 ± 1,7% для сорту ‘Жовте диво’. Значну приживлюваність рослин (понад 70%) одержано за умов попереднього витримування кореневої системи в розчині ауксинів упродовж 25–30 хв із щоденним обприскуванням листків 30%-м гліцерином. Адаптовані до умов закритого ґрунту регенеранти мали характерну для сорту пігментацію, без ознак хлорозу та вітрифікації.Висновки. Розроблено оптимальний протокол адаптації сортів F. vesca in vitro до умов in vivo та одержано життєздатні рослини. Подальші дослідження будуть спрямовані на вивчення росту й розвитку рослин-регенерантів F. vesca в умовах відкритого ґрунту

Purpose. The adaptation of regenerant plants to environmental conditions is the final stage of micropropagation. According to a number of authors, when in vitro plants are transferred to in vivo non-sterile conditions, a significant percentage of mortality is recorded. In a previous publication, the regenerative capacity of strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) in vitro tissues on MS culture medium (Murashige & Skoog, 1962) and a regenerants was obtained (Chornobrov O. Yu., 2019). The objective of the study is to develop an optimal protocol of acclimation of in vitro F. vesca plants to in vivo conditions. Methods. Biotechnological and statistical methods of research were applied. For the research ‘Ruiana’ and ‘Zhovte Dyvo’ cultivars were used with in vitro cultivation cycle of 30–35 days. Prepared plants were planted in 0.33 L plastic contai ners, one piece in a mixture of coconut substrate and perlite (3:1). Plants were kept under high relative humidity (85–90%) conditions for 3–5 days, 6–8 days and 10–14 days. The studies were carried out in the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory of SS of NULES of Ukraine “BFRS” during 2019–2020. Results. The duration of Fragaria vesca regenerant plants exposure in conditions of high relative humidity significantly affected adaptation efficiency. The proportion of ‘Ruiana’ and ‘Zhovte Dyvo’ plants adapted to the greenhouse conditions were 47.6 ± 2.5% and 60.0 ± 1.7%, respectively, when the plants were kept for 10–14 days. A significant efficiency of plant adaptation (more than 70%) was obtained under condition of preliminarily exposure the roots of the plants in an auxin solution for 25–30 minutes with daily application of 30% solution of glycerine as foliar spray. The plants adapted to the greenhouse conditions had pigmentation characteristic of the variety, without signs of chlorosis and vitrification. Conclusions. An optimal protocol for in vitro adaptation of F. vesca cultivars to in vivo conditions was developed and viable plants were obtained. Further research will be aimed at studying the growth and development of F. vesca regenerant plants in open ground.

Purpose. To reveal features of formation of productivity of modern sugar beet hybrids of domestic selection. Methods. Field, laboratory. Results. Studies show that the lowest yields of sugar beets were obtained in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Moreover, the conditions of the unstable humidification zone of the Right-Bank part of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine were mainly characterized by unstable precipitation, a decrease in their amount, as well as increased average daily air temperatures. Therefore, the selection of high-yielding hybrids of sugar beets to obtain a high level of productivity is relevant. As evidenced by the data comparing the yield of sugar beet root crops on the test site, they significantly exceeded the average indicators for Kiev region by 10.7–20.0 t/ha, and only in arid 2016 the difference was minimal – 4.6 t/ha. The high stability of the trait “sugar content in root crops” is inherent not only in hybrids with low parameters of its manifestation, but is largely determined by the genetic characteristics of the hybrid. Three clusters were identified based on the reaction of hybrids to growing conditions. The first cluster included triploid hybrids: ‘Zluka’, ‘Oleksandriia, ‘Olzhych’, ‘Kvarta’ and ‘Konstanta’, the second one – the triploid hybrid ‘BTs ChS 57’ and diploid ‘Vesto’, the third cluster - the triploid hybrid ‘Sofiia’ and diploid ‘Ukrainskyi ChS 72’. Conclusions. Proper selection of high-yielding hybrids resistant to adverse growing conditions in the zone of unstable moisture of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine is extremely important, because the biological characteristics of hybrids affect 45% of the amount of sugar harvest, but the growing season by 33% and the interaction of factors was 17%. It was found that despite the difficult weather conditions, the highest yields were formed by hybrids: ‘Anichka’ – 70.1 t/ha, ‘Ramzes’ – 70.5 t/ha, ‘Romul’ – 73.0 t/ha and ‘BTs ChS 57’ – 73.4 t/ha. But the maximum sugar content in root crops was in hybrids: ‘Ukrainskyi ChS 72’ – 17.3%, ‘Zluka’ – 17.3% and ‘Sofiia’ – 17.7%. Accordingly, the maximum sugar harvest was provided by hybrids: ‘BTs ChS 57’ – 12.1 t/ha and ‘Romul’ – 12.2 t/ha.

Purpose. Determine the effect of plant densities and the use of Organic-balance biological preparation on growth, development of photosynthetic potential and seed yield of maize lines, parental components of perspective hybrids (‘Arabat’, ‘Skadovskyi’, ‘Kakhovskyi’, ‘Azov’, ‘Chonhar’, ‘Hileia’ etc.) under conditions of drip irrigation. Methods. Field, morphometric, statistical. Results. In the flowering phase, the maximum differences in the area of the assimilation surface were observed between the maize lines and between variants using different plant densities and Organic-balance biological preparation. The largest indicator of the area of the assimilation surface was at the mid-late line DK445 for a standing density of 70 thousand plants/ha and the use of organic preparation Organic balance – 0.489 m2/plant. Organic-balance biological preparation had a positive effect on the dynamics of the area of the assimilation surface of the lines, had provide an increase of 0.04 m2/plant or 9.5% over individual phases of development compared to untreated control. The maximum value of the net productivity of photosynthesis – 6.78 g/m2 per day, was obtained from the FAO 420 line at a density of 70 thousand plant/ha, in the FAO 350 line was less by 4.3% with a maximum at a density of 80 thousand. plants/ha. For the FAO 290 line, the optimal plant density was 90,000 plants/ha. It was found that the genotype of the line with a share of influence of 81.2 and 85.2%, respectively, is predominantly influenced by the plant leaf area and the net productivity of photosynthesis. The influence of the organic preparation Organic-balance on these indicators was less and amounted to 13.3 and 12.3% respectively. The least influence on photosynthetic parameters was carried out by the density of phytocoenoses (the proportion of influence of 5.5 and 2.5%). Genotype with 82.2% share had the greatest influence on the seed yield of the lineage-parental components of maize hybrids. Part of the impact of the organic preparation Organic balance was 4.0%, plant density – 5.3%. The maximum seed yield of the FAO 290 line was obtained at a density of 90 thousand. growth./ha and organic drug treatment Organic-balance and amounted to 5.15 t/ha. The FAO 350 line showed the highest yield at a stand density of 80,000. growth/ha and treatment with organic drug Organic-balance – 5.46 t/ha. FAO 420, the highest seed yield, formed at a stand density of 80,000 plants/ha – 6.58 t/ha and treatment with organic drug Organic balance – 7.08 t/ha. Organic Balance treatment increased the seed yield by an average of 8.1%. Conclusions. Photosynthetic indicators of maize lines mainly depend on the genotype. Phytocenosis density and treatment with biopreparation have a much smaller effect. Under irrigation, the maximum seed yield was formed by the FAO 420 parent line of 7.08 t/ha. The results obtained indicate that in order to plan the production of seed material of maize lines, which are the parent components of hybrids, their genotypic features, the response to the density of phytocenoses and biological preparation with growth-stimulating action must be taken into account.

Purpose. Determine the effect of plant densities and the use of Organic-balance biological preparation on growth, development of photosynthetic potential and seed yield of maize lines, parental components of perspective hybrids (‘Arabat’, ‘Skadovskyi’, ‘Kakhovskyi’, ‘Azov’, ‘Chonhar’, ‘Hileia’ etc.) under conditions of drip irrigation. Methods. Field, morphometric, statistical. Results. In the flowering phase, the maximum differences in the area of the assimilation surface were observed between the maize lines and between variants using different plant densities and Organic-balance biological preparation. The largest indicator of the area of the assimilation surface was at the mid-late line DK445 for a standing density of 70 thousand plants/ha and the use of organic preparation Organic balance – 0.489 m2/plant. Organic-balance biological preparation had a positive effect on the dynamics of the area of the assimilation surface of the lines, had provide an increase of 0.04 m2/plant or 9.5% over individual phases of development compared to untreated control. The maximum value of the net productivity of photosynthesis – 6.78 g/m2 per day, was obtained from the FAO 420 line at a density of 70 thousand plant/ha, in the FAO 350 line was less by 4.3% with a maximum at a density of 80 thousand. plants/ha. For the FAO 290 line, the optimal plant density was 90,000 plants/ha. It was found that the genotype of the line with a share of influence of 81.2 and 85.2%, respectively, is predominantly influenced by the plant leaf area and the net productivity of photosynthesis. The influence of the organic preparation Organic-balance on these indicators was less and amounted to 13.3 and 12.3% respectively. The least influence on photosynthetic parameters was carried out by the density of phytocoenoses (the proportion of influence of 5.5 and 2.5%). Genotype with 82.2% share had the greatest influence on the seed yield of the lineage-parental components of maize hybrids. Part of the impact of the organic preparation Organic balance was 4.0%, plant density – 5.3%. The maximum seed yield of the FAO 290 line was obtained at a density of 90 thousand. growth./ha and organic drug treatment Organic-balance and amounted to 5.15 t/ha. The FAO 350 line showed the highest yield at a stand density of 80,000. growth/ha and treatment with organic drug Organic-balance – 5.46 t/ha. FAO 420, the highest seed yield, formed at a stand density of 80,000 plants/ha – 6.58 t/ha and treatment with organic drug Organic balance – 7.08 t/ha. Organic Balance treatment increased the seed yield by an average of 8.1%. Conclusions. Photosynthetic indicators of maize lines mainly depend on the genotype. Phytocenosis density and treatment with biopreparation have a much smaller effect. Under irrigation, the maximum seed yield was formed by the FAO 420 parent line of 7.08 t/ha. The results obtained indicate that in order to plan the production of seed material of maize lines, which are the parent components of hybrids, their genotypic features, the response to the density of phytocenoses and biological preparation with growth-stimulating action must be taken into account.

Purpose. To determine the features of the leaf surface area formation and the dynamics of growth of the vege­tative mass of various sainfoin species depending on the influence of mineral fertilizers and inoculation. Methods. Field, laboratory, statistical. Results. In the course of experimental studies, the morphological features of plants in the process of growth and development of various sainfoin species were studied. As our studies showed, all sainfoin species had different plant densities, which accordingly affected the leaf surface area. In the budding phase, the leaf surface area of plants of the first year in continuous cultivation ranged from 17.01 to 24.3 thousand m2/ha on average over three years; in particular, from 18.06 to 24.3 – for common sainfoin; 17.6–20.5 – for transcaucasus sainfoin and 17.1–20.3 thousand m2/ha – for sand sainfoin. The maximum leaf surface area of the plants of the first year of cultivation, regardless of its species, was observed during flowering with the application of complete mineral fertilizer (N45P60K90). In areas without fertilizer this figure was much lower. In the experiments, an increase in the leaf surface on all three studied species and sainfoin varieties from the first to the third year of their cultivation was clearly observed. According to the results of gross productivity for 2 mowings, it was found that common sainfoin forms the maximum increase of top with complete mineral fertilizer and seed inoculation – 43.03 t/ha. Conclusions. The productivity of sainfoin crops depended mostly on the application of complete fertilizer at a dose of N45P60K90 + inoculation of seeds. To a much lesser extent, the species of sainfoin and the cutting height of the first mowing of the grass stand affected its productivity. It was revealed that the greatest dynamics of vegetative mass growth was observed in common sainfoin, and the smallest was recorded in sand sainfoin.